The moment Adam left the office the heavy charged atmosphere in the room seemed to lighten. A profound sense of bewilderment remained. The Emperor David watched the door close behind the boy.
His expression was a complex mixture of frustration relief and a dawning reluctant admiration. He then turned to look at his old friend the Principal Logan.
Logan in turn looked at the Emperor. A faint knowing smile was playing on his lips.
"I thought," he began his voice laced with a gentle teasing irony "that you would not give in so easily my old friend. This is the first time in many long years that I have ever seen you bend David."
The Emperor let out a long weary sigh. He walked back to the plush sofa. He sank into its soft cushions.
The weight of his entire empire seemed to be settling upon his shoulders once more. He looked at Logan his expression now one of profound bone-deep exhaustion.
