Grandpa Eldric started to stand, dusting off his robes to lead us back, but I reached out, stopping him.
"Grandpa..." My voice was small against the mountain wind. "Not that I can—or even want to—take back what I said... but what is your honest perspective on my dream? On building my own kingdom?"
He paused, looking out over the horizon where the Empire met the sky. "What you wish for is indeed impossible to imagine, Young Lady," he said, his voice grave but not unkind. "But as you once told Master Borin, you never intended to build something that was already 'possible.' I believe... you might just pull it off."
I felt a surge of warmth in my chest and smiled. "Then, do you support me? Do you support my dream?"
"I have told you before, Young Lady," he replied, meeting my eyes with a steady gaze. "I will always be there when you need my help."
