Was it risky? Certainly. Was it worth it? Without a doubt. He’d seen it, how all of this would unfold. He needed to be selfish. If all of this was for the good of the people he cared most for, then he needed it, one last time.

He came up the steps of the little cottage, the horse he’d stolen tied up down the pathway. He lifted his fist and didn’t hesitate to rap on the door. The scouts would be on his tail no doubt. He had time. His vibrant eyes had an undertone of malice in them, not toward this place but the world. They glinted in the light that flooded out as the door opened.

“Hello…” He murmured breathlessly, sweat clinging to his forehead from the warm evening air.