Renald rose too, his heavy hand landing on Xavier's shoulder. "You've earned their respect in a single morning. That's no small thing."
Xavier smirked. "Respect is earned with sweat, not words. Your men understand that. So do I."
Renald grinned, teeth flashing. "Then next time, I'll expect you in full armor. I want to see how much sweat you can spill."
Xavier laughed, the sound low and sharp. "Careful, Captain. You might find I enjoy that challenge."
The yard erupted in laughter again, the men's spirits high.
As Xavier turned to leave, the sun glinted off his profile, and more than one guard thought to himself that this was no ordinary man. Not just Seraphina's bodyguard. Not just a warrior.
Something more.
And they would follow him, should the day ever come when he asked it of them.
"I will," Xavier said simply. "That's why I'm here."
Then he walked out of the place...
