The noisy grounds gradually fell quiet.
Anyone could see that Annan had placed even greater hopes on the Living Academy. Its students were puzzled, but they were beginning to understand.
Annan didn't explain. Some things were better learned through experience than through a thousand explanations.
"Of course, years from now, some of you may return to the school as its new gardeners."
Annan looked out at the young faces, bright as sunflowers.
"That is the advice I leave you for the future. Free City is ours, but one day it will be yours. What you become, it will become."
The ceremony continued. Next, the contestants took the stage to perform.
Annan stepped down and turned to the professors sitting together.
"How was it?"
He hadn't prepared a speech. There was no need. He had come to remind Free City's future not to forget what had brought them here.
And he hadn't lied to them, except about one thing: that the city would one day be theirs.
Given his circumstances... outliving everyone present wouldn't be a problem. Mr. Swaro might be the one exception.
A professor from the Warrior Academy said in a booming voice, "Very successful. Those youngsters will probably be raring to get to work."
"Mr. Swaro, I'm planning to give Dade a position at the Living Academy."
"That Druid? Fine."
His prejudices aside, Swaro did acknowledge Annan's abilities.
But the thought that Annan had tricked him into coming here in much the same way darkened Swaro's expression.
Huh. Why does Swaro look so sour even when he says something nice?
Annan considered himself a busy man, so he left after the graduation ceremony.
Once the graduates had attended the ceremony and collected their badges from the professors, they went home in high spirits.
The remaining students returned to