His clothing was ripped where he'd been wounded him, but the skin was healed. In his hand, he held the very sword that had been impaling him moments before.
She ran to him, crying-she could finally cry again!-and she grabbed him in an embrace.
"Where are the other children, Matisse," he said urgently.
"I took care of them, Father," she whispered. "Everyone has a job, and that's mine. I take care of the children."
"Interesting," Raoden said. "And, what did happen to the children?" Raoden asked.
"I led them to the library," Ashe said. "Galladon and Karata were gone by then-we must have missed them as they ran back to New Elantris. But, I hid the children inside, and stayed with them to keep them calm. I was so worried about what was happening inside the city, but those poor things. . . ."
"I understand," Raoden said. "And Matisse. . .Dashe's little daughter. I had no idea what she'd gone through." Raoden smiled. He'd gifted Dashe with two Seons-ones whose masters had died, and who had found themselves without anyone to serve once they recovered their wits when Elantris was restored-in thanks for his services for New Elantris. Dashe had given one to his daughter.
"Which Seon did she end up with?" Raoden asked. "Ati?"
"Actually, no," Ashe said. "I believe it was Aeo."
"Equally appropriate," Raoden said, smiling and standing as the door opened. His wife, Queen Sarene, entered, pregnant belly first.
"I agree," Ashe said, hovering over to Sarene.
Aeo. It meant bravery.
THE END