The Champion grins back at him with an expression that mirrors Will's: unimaginably ancient, and somehow eternally young at the same time.

"Thank you," he says in the Speech, inclining his head to Will. "You've done us a great deal of service too, you know. Never think it's not remembered."

He turns back to address the group. "I'm sorry there's no time for proper introductions, but I didn't bring much more energy to spend on staying, and I've got family to visit before I leave."

He bows to the assembled crowd, wings of pale fire sweeping back gracefully. "But - well done, all of you."

Light flares up again in blinding beauty, just for an instant, and when it clears he's gone.