The End of the Dream

The world of dreams was collapsing layer by layer, but Brando knew there was still one final stretch to go. He put away his things, dismissed the experience notification, and looked up to see a long corridor appear ahead.

The deep passage seemed to extend forward through a circular space, while flickering fragments of the past drifted through the surrounding mist.

He knew this was no longer Viscount Cadell's dream, but a dream that truly belonged to him.

Self-redemption was often the opportunity hidden in the deepest recesses of the human heart.

Brando slowly moved forward. He passed through darkness, then light came from all directions and streamed over him. At last, he saw a door. It was immersed in darkness and silence, its surface patterned with a bronze key and a silver crescent moon. This memory was as fresh as if it had happened yesterday. Brando did not stop. He walked forward and pushed the door open.

The heavy wooden door creaked open.

Beyond it lay the heart of the royal palace.

Golden Vine Palace, Hall of the Ancestors—

A dim shaft of light descended from the dome. The hall was utterly silent, and the throne stood at the very center of the palace. A silver crown rested upon the scarlet throne. It had a delicate elven design, with the mountains of the south and the clouds of the north depicted upon it. Many people had worn that crown in Brando's memories, for it had once been the symbol of Eluin.

An unknown craftsman had forged the crown. Former Lord Eck had worn it when he was crowned king at Greywind Fortress. Over the long years that followed, dozens of kings had successively possessed this honor, but every one of them had eventually turned to dust.

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