Capital Region Legion, Grey Earth, and Sky Family

Sunlight spilled down, and outside Oto City, clamor filled the air. Seven thousand men of the Imperial Guard Legion broke camp and headed south, their platinum-white cloth-covered armor gleaming across the open fields. Heavy bronze cannons were mounted onto gun carriages and dragged forward by the laborers accompanying the army.

The Black Wolf's banner flew high, and five hundred personal guards held a tight watch. Accompanied by the Captain of Warriors, Xolotl climbed a small hill. Many tall Cordia trees grew on the hill, along with dahlias in full bloom. And amid the tall trees and riot of flowers, a solitary grave stood quietly. A wordless stone stele rose above it, with only an abstract rose carved at its center.

The king stood where he was, silently gazing at the lone grave. He did not go closer, nor did he speak. He merely watched a hummingbird dance lightly between the flowers and the grave. Only when the sun tilted slightly and the shadows of the trees covered the mound did the hummingbird peck gently at the abstract rose, as if giving one final kiss, then beat its wings and in a flash flew toward the distant sky.

The king smiled gently, turned around, and buried everything deep in his heart. His heart grew harder still, making up for its final shortcoming, and setting down its last softness. Only after the sacrificial rite of life could there be a true king.

"Let's go!"

"As you command, His Highness."

The two walked quietly down the hill. Around them, the personal guards' bronze armor clanged as they encircled them. Only when they reached the foot of the hill did the king speak calmly.

"When did the envoy to the Capital Region Legion set out?"

"Your Majesty, he set out last night. He should