It was almost dawn; Tamina had labored for hours.
Ragaleon had been sleepless; for some reason, he felt restless. To comfort himself, he ordered a jar filled with wine, with a cup beside it.
He sat on a bench in the corridor, drinking cup after cup of wine. He was nearly drunk when a maid walked up to him.
“The child has been born.” She announced it, but not with the excitement he had expected. Shouldn't the halls of the castle be in a state of reveling and celebration? Why was everywhere silent?
Ragaleon sobered up; rising to his feet, he began to make his way to Tamina's chamber.
The chamber held its breath as Tamina gathered the baby against her chest, her tears mingling with the sweat on her cheeks.
She rocked him gently, whispering words that only a mother’s lips could shape.
S
