Rayman gently placed the fishing lines into the boat, “Hand that over.” he said, reaching for the wooden box full of bait and hooks.

“Here.” Daniel grunted as he set down their lunch and handed it to his father.

“It’s perfect weather for fishing.” Rayman sighed.

Rayman glanced to the sky, the sun was peeking over the edges and the air was musty and fog lightly covered the slow-moving river. Birds chirped and flew overhead and he caught a glimpse of a herd of deer racing down the riverbank on the other side. He made a mental note to send several hunting parties to this area later.

“What will we do about the money?” Daniel asked out of the blue.

“Hm? What money?”

“I’ve heard rumors and I overheard you and mother.” Daniel admitted. “Jebbin is spending most of the kingdom's money on food and livestock. Will you and Jebbin apply taxes to the people?”

“I’m afraid that isn’t my specialty, son.” Rayman frowned, slightly bothered by his son eavesdropping on him and Shay. “Jebbin knows what he is doing.”

Inwardly, Rayman wondered the same. Torstein was still investigating him but had found nothing as of yet. Their doubts and suspicions were faltering quickly.

“It would be ludicrous to tax the citizens now.” Rayman continued. “The people are already living off of mere scraps. If Jebbin and I were to tax them now, I have no doubt we would have a revolt on our hands. And that’s the last thing we need. Especially when unity and trust are crucial for us to regain our strength.”

“How long do we plan to stay in Qutreth, father? I know we can’t just march back into Vulkira but…” Danial paused, thinking long and hard. “I want to go home. I want to fight for my country. The Vog have stripped us bare and left us to suffer.”

“I know, son.” Rayman huffed. “I want to fight too but… if it came to a fight. I fear we would lose dearly.”

Daniel moved to the boat and placed the large basket that would hold the fish into the boat. Rayman pushed on one side and they left the bank and rowed their way to the center. Once there, Daniel threw the small anchor into the water and their boat slowly drifted before stopping.

The water lapped at their boat as Rayman handed his son a fishing line. They quickly tied the hooks and placed their bait at the ends. Daniel cast his to one side and Rayman the other. Several minutes of peaceful silence greeted them as they stared blankly at their lines slowly drifting down the river.

“What was it like?” Daniel asked. “Seeing them. Were you scared?”

“Terrified.” Rayman admitted. “I’d never been more scared in my life, son. The Vog are not helpless creatures. We cannot simply fight them. We have to be smart if we want to get our homes back.”

“Is that why Erik left? What you said to the people. Is he really coming back with answers?” Daniel asked, doubt riddled in his voice.

“I trust Erik implicitly. I have to trust he is doing what’s best for us.” Rayman said confidently. “Erik is not perfect, but he is a true and honest man. I know he would give his life for his kingdom in an instant.”

“I believe in him too.” Daniel lifted his head to cast his line again. “He made sure we were safe when you were in Vori.”

“I know.” Rayman frowned. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you and your sister.”

“I’m not trying to guilt you father.” Daniel quickly said. “I only meant that Erik saw to it that we were protected. Mother saw what he was going through on our journey to Nolvis. He needed guidance. I saw the weight he bore. For us. For Vulkira. It couldn’t have been easy for him to flee our home.”

“Our king has been through a lot, son.” Rayman said. “He is strong. He will not let us down.”

“I hope so. I hope he is alright.” Daniel shifted, resting his back on Rayman. “I miss him.”

To Daniel, Erik was like an older brother. Rayman often forgot that.

“Me too.” He whispered while saying a prayer to Hashem for his safety.