The next few days were hectic. The castle came to life and shook off a layer of dust and cobwebs. And with them, dirty rugs, curtains and tapestries. The laundress worked. The cooks stirred in the kitchen. The space was filled with the smell of baking and floral soap, which had been brewed since morning.

The dragons settled in the barracks in a disciplined manner. Battered in the last battle, my brother's warriors were sent with honors to the villages. What, by the way, they were immensely happy.

Warehouses filled with provisions brought by the dragons. The men were carrying wooden boxes with vegetables, fruits and smoked meat. Local kids...