Could he do that? He knew what he wanted of the world now: Zendi risen from the ruin Drakonius had made of it, to shine as a place of beauty, culture, cooperation. A symbol of peace. Home of a new academy where Readers and Adepts would study together.
'You will have to make it for. yourself, Lenardo,' said Aradia.
He wanted to do it-as much for Aradia as for himself. 'I will. I came here on a negative errand, Aradia-to stop something. But when I return, it will be to start something. We've already started it, you and Wulfston and Lilith and I. And Nerius.'
She nodded, tears shining in her eyes. 'Not an ending, but a beginning. Make your plans, my lord. And when I call for your services-'
'You will find me ready to help, my lady.' He bowed formally, and watched her leave his room, not looking back. For the moment, she had taught him all she could. Now, as he had left the shelter of the academy to discover a new world beyond the borders of the empire, he must leave Castle Nerius to make a new life for himself and for his people. All people. He didn't know how he would do it, but he knew the chance was his. The door stood open, leaving up to Lenardo the direction he would go from here.
