Shades of Grey
Chapter 36: The Road Ahead

ESTHEN— MAY 1843

The next morning, despite the odd breakfast with the queen, Forma and I found a royal procession waiting for us in the Entrance Hall. The queen stood at the base of the stairs surrounded by every man and woman who worked in the castle, and they all began clapping furiously for us the moment we came into view. I looked at Forma, who gave me a shrug of equal surprise.

We both walked slowly down the stairs, smiling graciously to each person that thanked us for bringing their queen back safely. At the end of the stairs, Anesthia stood, dressed in an extravagant headdress and matching gold robe, smiling graciously at us.

“Grey and Forma, I am indebted to you. I owe you my life and if there is anything you should need in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Anesthia put her arm on my shoulder and walked me to the front doors of the palace as two dinosaur guardsmen opened them. Outside, the now healthy citizenry had gathered, cheering and singing as Forma and I descended the palace steps.

“So much for staying humble,” Forma whispered in my ear. I laughed as a band began playing and confetti was fired into the air. Anesthia smiled at the people and then turned to me.

“Grey Echo, you shall be treated as such anytime you choose to return to our city. As tangible proof of such an honour, I shall award you with ten thousand Francs for your brave actions.”

Anesthia took a large, jangling pouch from an attending maid and dropped it into my arms. I stumbled under the weight and smiled in gratitude to the queen and the crowd. Anesthia laughed and embraced me.

“Thank you so very much! This will help us greatly!” I cried to her over the boisterous ovations of the crowd.

“I certainly hope so,” she grinned, following it with a motion to the crowd to part, allowing Forma and I to make our departure. I looked back at Forma, who wore a mischievous grin on her face — she had no intention of making an ordinary exit and when faced with such a rousingly grateful valediction, neither did I.

Forma walked in front of me and I jumped onto her back just as she swiftly changed into a great Darklight Dragon, flying high into the air and over the excited crowd, who seemed to appreciate Forma’s brand of theatrics.