"And you," Kai addressed the mutineers, his voice completely devoid of anger.
"You are safe now, and you will never again have to fight for your right to simply exist. The Vanguard protected your souls today just as much as they protected those prisoners, because they ensured that you did not carry the stain of murder into your new home. Follow Grand Marshal Zara's cavalry to the Sanctuary Ward, and rest."
Junior Engineer Ryn wiped a heavy mixture of soot and tears from his exhausted face, dropping the steel wrench onto the polished pale Sylfen wood floor with a loud, final clatter. He looked at Kai, and then he turned to look at Elian, a profound, completely humbled gratitude shining in his tired eyes as he offered the young Vanguard initiate a slow, deeply respectful bow.
