The front gate swung open and the men started to file out, the horses increasing in pace as they left the estate. Jin's horse followed the masses forward, their hands locked together until his was torn from hers. Saera stood helplessly in the wake of his departure, watching his back retreat in the distance. Last to leave the courtyard was Akira, massive on a black destrier. He reined in his horse, stopping at her side. The anguish was apparent on Saera's face as she looked to him. Akira's face twisted, and he opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again. He spurred his horse forward abruptly, the animal taking off with haste to catch up to the group.
Saera watched them go until they were lost in the distance, Akira's back the last thing she could see. The gates were cranked closed in front of her, falling shut with a loud bang.
