Heyna's Tale - Epilogue
Consequences
The Quetzalcoatl rewarded Heyna as no Erda had ever been rewarded in Paititi. She was made an honorary Cuāuhocēlōt warrior. She was allowed to design her own arbor and live there with Xico. She was given a municipal stipend which made her wealthy compared to other Erda. She was also offered an Erda servant, which she refused.
Mrs. Plesh conferred with her, in an unofficial capacity. Alvertos consulted her on diplomacy even though it was not her strong suit. He asked her to write an article about Huehuesh’s sacrifice in the court of the Dreki king. Erda and Quetz scientists sought to interview her about the ocean life she had seen from the under sea boat. Architects wanted to talk about the Ryujin underwater cities and the Gryph cities of stone. Janizaree debriefed her about the shuuikan and other military matters.
Erda, in particular, sought her out. She had done what no Erda had ever done in modern times. Some called her Heyna Dragon-slayer, but she discouraged it. She was not a killer. Some called her Heyna War-bringer, but she was not that either. Many Quetz called her upstart and were jealous of her close ties to the Plesh family. Many Erda thought she was too famous for the daughter of servants.
Heyna decided she would help where she could. She enjoyed sharing knowledge with the scientists and builders. She was not interested in being famous or liked. She decided it was none of her business what other people thought of her, and made it a rule never to listen when people fawned over her. She liked her head the size it was.
She knew what she was, and it was what she wanted to be. She was an artist and a builder, a friend and a very, very lucky Erda.
Beetah was right, the world was the world and it went on changing. The Dreki allied with the Ryujin and threatened anyone who supported the insult Heyna had delivered to the dragons. The Quetz and the Erda were afraid, but were determined to defy the dragon alliance. The Gryphon were not afraid and were preparing. Beoford was protected by the Gryph. The Misty Isle had a terrifying defensive capability.
The world was the world, and the world was preparing for war. Whatever horrors the war brought, Heyna would meet them as she had before. With her friends by her side.
With Xico by her side.