The next day dawned bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky. Avtandil prepared himself and readied gear for his journey. Then he called Shermadin and gave him a letter tied with gold and sealed with wax. This would be read to the armies when they realized their general was gone. Until then, it would be kept away.
When the Knight came out, he looked across the men formed into lines outside the gates. Their presence moved him, and he saluted them before speaking.
“Your duty and service warm my heart. Today I will inspect the fields alone and return when I am finished. I need none as a companion, and Shermadin will remain in command until I am back.”
His men dispersed, and after the last of them left, he clasped hands with his friend and rode away from the wall and into the frontier. For three days and nights, he went on, his horse galloping over the plains like a wave racing towards a distant shore. Soon he would be farther from Arabia than he had ever gone, but his thoughts did not rest on the road ahead. He could not stop thinking of Tinatin, who kept his heart. She was what he desired most, despite every step forward taking him away from her.
On the evening of the third day, his soldiers began searching for him. Those with swift horses scoured the area surrounding the fortress, while others took to the walls. But though they ran and shouted for the lion who was their Lord, none found any trace of his passing.
When Shermadin learned of this, he assembled the courtiers, nobles, and soldiers. Then, he brought out the letter and read it to them. The words were as follows:
“My vassals, instructors, and those among you who are my pupils, you are all faithful, trusty, and tried. Each of you has been attentive to me like shadows, and now I ask you to listen. For I, Avtandil, the earth beneath your feet, write this with my own hand.”
“A matter requires me to depart alone and journey to a far country. I will travel for some years, trusting my bread and meat to bow and hand. I ask only to return and find the realm unshaken by our foe.”
“In my stead, Shermadin is appointed as your lord. You know how he has grown with me, as a brother and as a son. Thus, I command you, obey him as though he were me. Let him sound the trumpet and do all as I have done before. Until he learns of my life or death, may he shine upon you like the sun.”
Though the words of their Lord left the men heart-pierced, they did not question his appointment of their new leader. Instead, each man paid homage and swore obedience. Although everyone would miss Avtandil, none wished him home safely more than Shermadin. Sadly, their wishes could no more become horses than beggars could ride them. Now, only the passing of time would tell which path Fate chose.