Father and Son

"Child, this way. His Majesty the Emperor is waiting for you."

Luther's hair had gone gray. He had spent the first half of his life on battlefields and suffered lasting injuries, but he had enjoyed wealth and luxury in the latter half, slowly recovering his health.

Now nearly sixty, he walked with powerful strides. He climbed more than a hundred steps without effort, and after ascending to the lofty palace, he was not even out of breath.

He led a knight clad head to toe in armor toward the interior of the palace.

The knight stood ramrod straight and walked with steady steps behind Luther. As he looked toward the grand hall they were about to enter, its splendor dazzling despite being only a side hall, an air of opulence rushed...