The Varangians worked feverishly, pressing the water from his lungs, shaking him gently. At last, the emperor coughed — a hoarse, desperate sound — and spat out the final mouthful of seawater. His eyelids fluttered open, vision still blurred. Through the haze, he saw Giovanni's face.
"Ah… my brother," he murmured weakly, reaching out his trembling hand. "I saw Father… Mother… and Sister. I tried to reach them, but I failed. The only one I could touch… was you."
Giovanni's tears fell freely as he clasped his brother's hand.
The young emperor closed his eyes again, breathing deeply. Colour slowly returned to his cheeks, life seeping back into his body.
The emperor — Leo — had been brought back from the brink.
The emperor was reborn.
For the first time in the emperor's life, he feels that he is just seconds away from death.
