"I hope I was a good king," he admits. "I suppose history will weigh my faults and victories as it does any other. But rebuilding Cair Paravel was a dream of mine, and I was glad to see it completed within my lifetime."

He smiles down at her, then coaxes her to start walking with him again. "It's my hope Rilian and his sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters will have long and happy lives there, now."