Merlin gazed into Tedros’ eyes.
“My king,” he whispered.
The room was quiet, the four youths kneeled over the wizard.
Merlin looked at them all. “The End of Ends . . . the stories told . . . What wondrous souls you are.”
He let go of Tedros, fading deeper into purple velvet.
“Please, M,” said the king. “Stay a little longer.”
Merlin breathed out a smile. “Don’t you see . . .” He closed his eyes, on to new shores. “The work is done.”