Realm of Light (56 page)

In the fullness of
time, the Empress Elandra bore unto Caelan a son, sturdy and well formed, with
red hair and blue eyes. They named him Jarel after a legendary warrior from
antiquity. Elandra was to bear two more children, a boy and a girl, for her
beloved husband.

Throughout his
life, Caelan walked among men as a living legend. His defeat of Beloth was
never forgotten. Tales of it echoed down through the ages, passed from father
to son, and each year ceremonies reenacting the battle were held, to keep it clear
in memory. Caelan the Light Bringer proved himself a worthy emperor who kept
his promises, enforced justice, and stamped out corruption. When he rode at the
head of his armies, no enemy of the empire would stand and fight.

Elandra, beloved
empress, worked tirelessly to revise the laws of the land. Through her efforts,
women were allowed to own property and to be educated. Her grace and fiery
courage never deserted her, even until the end of her days.

Thus did the
empire prosper within the realm of light.