Rayman turned the wooden handle sideways and entered his home. Daniel was out but Shay and Alexi were still home and he heard a burst of welcoming laughter in the main room. Peeking around the corner he watched as his wife played with his adorable daughter.

Shay was tickling her every time she tried to take a bite of her food. Alexi would squeal and giggle in glee but never managed to get a mouthful of soup. Continued teasing caused the warm liquid to slop onto the ground, making a mess.

Both Alexi and Shay froze for a moment, then burst into laughter again. “Look what you did?” Shay pretended to scold.

“No.” Alexi threw her spoon on the table and pouted. “You wou-den stop tic-ling me.” she huffed.

Alexi was six years old, still at the age where sarcasm went straight over her head and Shay had taken it a bit too far. Rayman couldn’t help but laugh aloud as well as he saw the look on his daughter’s face. Alexi thought her mother was serious in accusing her.

“It’s alright, dear.” He chuckled while setting a loaf of bread down on the table. “Mommy was just teasing you.”

“Daddy!” Alexi squealed again, seeing him and attempting to jump out of her chair.

“Ah-Ah.” Shay pursed her lips and stared Alexi down. “Finish your food, dear. Daddy and mommy need to talk.”

“Ow-kay.” Alexi frowned.

Rayman gave Alexi a sloppy wet kiss on the forehead and she immediately scrunched up her face and wiped it away.

“What did he want?” Shay asked, kissing his cheek.

“I brought the bread you asked for.” He gestured to the table and avoided the question.

He led her to the front room and kissed her in return.

“Does it have something to do with Vori?” Shay looked worried. “Rumors are spreading quickly. Is it true?”

“Don’t worry, dear.” Rayman smiled comfortingly. “They’re just that… rumors. Erik asked me to visit the village is all. Nothing to be alarmed over.”

“By telling me not to worry, you have done just that.” Shay poked his chest. “Tell me.”

Rayman sighed then sat down and patted his knee for her to sit. She did so, slowly, looking at him intently.

“Erik wants me to go to Vori and… check out the mine. He thinks the villagers have, by chance, found an Ancient ruin.” Rayman started. “The problem is… we suspect the Vog are in the caves. So, I’m taking some men with me to drive them out.”

“Rayman.” Shay almost glared. “The Vog are dangerous.”

“Since when?” he shrugged. “The Vog are harmless. Have you ever heard of an attack? No?” he paused for effect. “That’s because they keep away from humans. They don’t bother with us.”

“But what if-” she began.

“It won’t.” Rayman touched her lips gently. “Erik is confident they will leave without using force. It’ll be fine. Trust me.”

“Alright.” Shay bit her lip. “When will you be getting back?”

“I can’t be for certain.” He tilted his head. “Two weeks. Maybe three.”

“Did you talk to Erik about the girl?” Shay steered the conversation to a safer topic. “I spoke to her this morning. She’s still very eager to meet him. She’s a lovely girl. So pretty, and hardworking.”

“I did.” Rayman raised an eyebrow.

“And?” Shay looked at him with anticipation. “Did he agree to have dinner with us?”

“He did.” he shrugged again. “I thought he wouldn’t but… he agreed.”

“That’s wonderful.” Shay smiled happily. “I know he’ll like her.”

“Something’s…” he paused. “I worry for him.”

“Why?” Shay cocked her head. “What’s wrong?”

“He’s been through so much. I know he needs a good woman in his life but…” Rayman paused again. “I’m not sure if he’s ready for something like this. He’s wounded. Only Hashem knows how much he's been through. Perhaps this is the very thing he needs but…” he trailed off.

“You’re worried. I understand.” Shay placed a hand on his chest. “But don’t. Erik is a man. He can make his own decisions. We just… need to give him a nudge in the right direction.”

“More like a shove.” Rayman chuckled.

They both laughed at that. Inwardly, Rayman worried deeply for the king. Ruling a country at such a young age must have been soul-crushing. Granted he had had help from many people but mostly strangers. When his sister, Cara, had left to marry Xerath, he was alone.

At the beginning of Erik’s princedom, Elderman Jebbin had taken temporary control of Vulkira during his adolescence. After three years of being Regent of Vulkira, Jebbin relinquished his crown and placed Erik on the throne.

At the age of fifteen, he took up his father’s crown and governed the land far more proficiently and fairly than his predecessors had. The shift of power had been granted to a boy, which didn’t sit well with many lords. However, Erik swiftly reduced all doubts of his competence and ableness with the help of Rayman and a few others.

Rayman was well-liked and popular with the common citizen. He was a family man and a trusted soldier. With his sister’s support from Xer and her husband’s endorsement, few opposed Erik’s claim. Jebbin, still being one of his supports even after stepping down.

King Erik had spent the next ten years enhancing friendships and trade deals. He boosted the kingdom's wealth, even to the poorest citizens. Giving the common people an opportunity to crawl out from under the boots of the previous lords who squandered their leadership roles and used their power to all but enslave the masses. The lords had used their vast coffers and power to cripple the people through debt and labor. This was one thing Erik found most difficult to forgive his father for and Rayman didn’t blame him for it. Letting so much corruption grow rampant had nearly destroyed Vulkira and Erik was left to pick up the pieces.

Granted, Jebbin had done much to alleviate the process but even he hadn’t been able to turn the tide of loathing and mockery coming from the lords.

Most loved Erik for the change he brought. Others didn’t. But he didn’t let that stop him. He truly cared for his people, and in return, their undying loyalty to him was solidified. Vulkira trusted their king and the citizens respected and favored him, he would not betray that trust as his father and mother had. Erik was a symbol of hope.

“When do you have to leave?” Shay broke him from his thoughts.

“In the morning.” Rayman sighed. “But don’t worry, my love. I will come back as soon as I can and have that dinner. Erik will be pleased. And Vori will be back to normal. You’ll see.”

Shay, still sitting on his lap, kissed him tenderly on the lips. “Daniel will be upset you are leaving. Make sure you talk to him first.”

“I will.” Rayman brushed her cheek. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” Shay smiled. “Erik needs you. Our king needs you. Don’t apologize for that.”

“Mommy!” Alexi shouted from the other room. “I’m aw done. Can I go pway now?”

Shay got to her feet and left Rayman to himself. Their words drowned out as he sunk back into his thoughts.

“May Hashem guide us in our travels.” He gave a silent prayer.