[Epilogue - 15 Years Later]
“Anna! Why aren’t you dressed yet?” Mika shouted impatiently as he dashed into her room.
“But I don’t wanna go!” a pair of mischievous scarlet eyes peered out over a leather-bound tomb. “Can’t I just read by myself at home?”
“NO! And didn’t I ask Maurice to help you with your lacing… oh god…” Mika’s gaze fell upon a naked toddler boy sitting in a pool of clothes, sullenly sucking his thumb. “Now you know you’re not allowed to turn your big brother into a baby!” he hollered as he flicked his wrist, restoring Maurice back into a swarthy young man.
“You only said that I wasn’t allowed to turn him into a squealing piglet again.” she replied defiantly.
Mika’s mineral blue eyes narrowed as he gave Anna a stern, flinty gaze.
“Oh… alright!” she slammed the book shut. “I just don’t get why it’s such a big deal.”
There was a loud knock on the front door, and Mika dashed over to open it. “Well, well. Just look at you! All decked out in your fancy Archmage robes.” the richly bearded wizard outside grinned from ear to ear.
“Ander! I didn’t expect you’ll make the trip. Is Zoanna with you?”
“Nah, she’s at home watching our 3 boys. They’re driving us nuts! Frankly, this was a convenient excuse for a little break.” His eyes twinkled. “Where’s Luka?”
“He’s out campaigning in the western badlands. Both Audrey and Lyra are commanding the expeditionary force, but it’s been taking way longer than expected. No way he could make it back on time.”
A shrill clarion call rang out. Mika hurriedly looked up at the sky above the city gates. A shiny dot was approaching and growing larger by the minute. “Master! Where have you been? The other guild leaders have already assembled…” a flustered young apprentice scrambled forward, beckoning at him urgently.
Mika immediately grabbed Anna’s hand and raced towards the city plaza, with Ander & Maurice trailing close behind. Weaving thru the thronging crowds, they darted under redbrick arches and gabled balconies shrouded with flags bearing the Arlorian royal crest. Finally, they arrived at the ornate stone doors of the wizard’s guild along the side of the shell-shaped plaza, just as a shimmering golden dragon landed outside the city gates. The rider slid off its back, and the dragon shapeshifted into a willowy raven-haired lady wrapped in a golden cloak.
Mika watched with anticipation as the roar of the cheering crowds grew louder and louder, until finally a knot of ogres, clanking noisily in their ceremonial armor, burst into the plaza. Right behind them strode Amber, trying her best to appear calm and composed, and beside her on a noble white stallion sat Tobi, beaming regally and waving at the sea of people. Her eyes met Mika’s briefly, and she gave him a little smile.
“I can’t see! I can’t see!” Anna shrieked until Maurice grudgingly hoisted her up onto his shoulders.
Tobi dismounted and made her way up the wooden dais in the middle of the plaza. Gentle gusts of wind flapped at her satin robes and crimson surcoat as she took her oaths and accepted the royal orb and scepter. Just as the high priestess placed a delicate coronet upon her head, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, illuminating her face with a radiant glow.
“She’s so… beautiful!” Anna gasped as she turned to her dad. “Would I ever be like her?”
“Yes, my dear. Some day.” Mika gave her a warm smile amid the euphoric cheers, a riot of streamers and confetti, and the booming of cannons from the city towers.