... You are special, yet flawed. You do not have another purpose after this, for your end comes with the closing curtain in this spectacle.

Dozens have come before you, but now they have all gone and passed. The torch has been given to you, the very last. You carry the greatest power of all inside you, but it is not without sacrifices.

You will have to make many of that, sacrifices. At times, you will have no choice. That is the heavy burden that you must carry.

You are not aware of this yet, but in due time, it will all become clear. You will realize that even in this tumultuous age, that very curtain has yet to rise.

Where you are to be taken, you will grow. If you do, then you will be a step further to fulfilling this destiny of yours. Fall, and it will not only be you whom falls.

Will you forfeit your mind to the madness that awaits? Will you accept the invitation of the very enemy of the one who created you, just for the sole purpose of running away from fear itself? I do eagerly await what path you walk.

Alrifer, a kingdom close to a barren wasteland and borders to the demon realm. The vast expanse of land that it occupied was on a boundless plain, mountains were few and to the north towards Ylithia.

It was not as it was back then, a strong pillar of expansion and order. They were once feared by many, beginning from a small town and expanding into an empire that overshadowed everything else near it. The royal family of Luvierre ruled with pride and strength, and in time, it became a respected empire despite the turbulent change in power.

It became ever so chaotic as the succession by steel, conspiracy, and blood happened. But now, they ruled with an iron fist.

"Who would have thought that our search would bring us here. A rather large coincidence, don't you think?"

Gino took a sip from his cup where a clear mist rose.

"Are you sure that you can sense her here? You might be mistaken."

Daphne argued, feeling unnerved ever since we entered Alrifer.

We followed Aster for directions, bringing us here. Months passed since we first traveled from Ylithia to this small village tavern close to the borders. But I wondered myself why a demon would choose to travel into the human's territory instead of taking too long, but safe, way around to get to their own lands.

"I'm sure that she must be here, or somewhere here. I can't be wrong. I can still feel her presence."

"But there haven’t even been any signs yet. If a demon that was as strong as you said be present here, then there should be clear signs of that."

"Now, now. Let's not spoil the mood. Eat, drink, then rest. Let us enjoy the season of winter while we are here. It's not every time that we get to go back home," Gino quelled the two.

I felt a calming warmth as I took a sip from a drink that was brewed with herbs and leaves that gave off a fresh and sweet taste. Looking around me, there were not much tenants. The lighting was ample, but nothing was notable about the wooden built tavern.

I stared at them, the people whom I have started traveling with again.

Daphne held Erica and fed her bread, the place's acclaimed tea, and other sweet looking pastries that were the specialty of this small tavern, or as the proprietor told us what it was called, a cafe. I expected a rowdy atmosphere, but it was calm and soothing. Peaceful enough to think without worry.

Now that I think of it, the two of them had started growing very much attached to each other. Though at first, Erica was opposed to it, she started warming up to Daphne. And soon enough they were smiling together, laughing together. She had eased the child of her past tragedy, something I don't think I could have done. But I was glad that she felt better than before.

I told Daphne of what happened when I found her, which she sympathized about. But to my surprise, she would never look at Erica with a face of pity or of sympathy. She would always smile at her just like they were siblings. I think if one were to look at it from an outsider's perspective, then one could possibly assume that they are siblings. Daphne was very much warmed up to the idea when I asked her that.

But in truth, I had no intentions of bringing her along with us for the entire journey, including my own. It was dangerous, too dangerous for a child to be traveling with us. But I have no one to turn to, so it will have to wait until I figure out just how I should handle this.

"Spacing out again? What are you thinking about?" asked Aster, whom noticed my darting eyes and attention floating in the air.

"Ah, it's nothing. I was just thinking of what we need when we go back on the road again."

"Always thinking of something so meticulous. Well, I can't argue that it's important, but you have to enjoy these quiet times, you know? But I can't say that's a reasonable request coming from the one who was leading you all," he laughed at himself.

With Aster in human lands, it was a given that we had to conceal his identity. So, we had him change his clothes and uniform with something that could cover him up and something that won't give him away. He wore a dark short-sleeved coat that had a hood underneath, and something not too thick, but not too thin that would stave off the cold. That one was the same for all of us.

-Hey, did you hear about the sudden edict at the capital?

-Yeah. It's crazy! Why should the soldiers abandon the western front to fight a war with Ylithia? The greatest danger off all are the demons. Just what is the King thinking?

-It has been a long while since the last war fought by the two kingdoms. There's no telling what can happen next. As far as I know, my grandfather told me that it had always been a stalemate. But this time, the King's putting every soldier in the kingdom to use, leaving only a few to guard the Ludieve wall.

-Seems like they're enlisting a lot of people too. I think the villages are next.

-Just what is happening? I don’t think I’m ready for this. I mean, demons? I’m already scared thinking of just facing one.

-Ha! Don't be a wimp. You should be proud of serving this kingdom! If an enlistment ever comes to this village, I'll go reluctantly. Plus, there's a bit of gold in it too, isn't that enough motivation for you?

I listened to the men's conversation as it drew me in. I was interested at what was happening since it might have something to do with what we are here for. But it was only a vague thought.

I stood up from me seat and approached the men drinking by themselves. One was a carefree adult with a cleanly shaved head, while the other was a nervous looking man with beard.

"Excuse me, but would you mind telling me what you were talking about earlier? I couldn't help but feel interested in it."

The bald man raised an eyebrow at me.

"Not from these parts, are we? Where you from? The north Ylithian, eastern, west, or southern?"

I didn't know any other place other than Ylithia, but with what I had heard earlier, this man seemed to be quite a fervent believer in this kingdom. If I were to say that I was from Ylithia, then there might be a commotion here.

"From the west. I'm currently travelling with my companions over there, so I was hoping that you could tell me about what was happening to this kingdom."

"The West huh? I wonder why you'd leave that place with what's happening in this continent. That's the safest kingdom right now, I'll have to admit. It’s full of beauties too, if you know what I mean,” he shrugged and winked, pertaining to something strange on the lands to the west that I had absolutely no idea about. "But soon, it’ll pale against Alrifer when it gets back on its feet!"

He exclaimed it loudly, laughing heartily.

"Alright, I'll tell you. Alrifer's mustering up some people to go and attack those damned fools up at the north. I don't know what they're thinking, but it's just the thing to get us people of Alrifer fired up to fight the demons."

"Why do you think the king wanted to wage war on them?"

"Didn't I already tell you? -"

"No, I wanted to hear your thoughts."

"Hmm, that so? Well, I think it's because of the bad history between the two. I know that people've been saying things like 'Alrifer has gone weak after king Halycn's death' but that's a bunch of crap! I say it's gotten stronger under a new ruler. The last one was weak and pathetic, always talking about peace and some idiotic thing- "

Just then, a loud thud could be heard from behind me. It took everyone's attention to our table where Daphne and the others sat. No one knew who that sound came from, so they went on with their usual business.

"Where was I? Oh, yeah. With the new king in command, he'll be able to finally win against Ylithia and end this damned history of stalemates. News is that Hark, one of the kingdom's strongest generals, just died to an attack from some demons a month ago. That man had a good reputation, but with him gone, taking Ylithia would be easy."

"But! Isn't it even more devastating if the demons invade us? Haven't you thought about that? And a war?! There already is a war, and it's right through those walls! Everyone just wants to keep killing each other rather than working together!""

The nervous man spoke in a small uproar.

"You don't believe enough in this kingdom to know what capability it has. It'll come out on top no matter what! Hahaha!"

He kept spouting nonsense and praising this kingdom, never running out of things to say. It was especially hard to find the time to cut him off, but eventually I did after a few more minutes, returning to our table.

Gino was the first to speak and break the eerie silence enveloping our table. Erica looked petrified, looking at me for help, but I nervously shook my head and moved my lips to say 'I'm sorry, but I don't think I can do anything about this'.

"Not the most discreet of people, but you can't really persuade them to be someone else that they can't be. Still, what you did gave us a bit of insight on the matter. It seems that there hasn't been much change except for the upcoming war."

"That man. Unforgivable. I can't let him run his mouth about him like that. I will make him regret those words of his. Without those treaties of peace, then the kingdom would have been long under ruin. No one understood that the man saved a falling kingdom from being left behind by history. And what’s more, that damned uncle of mine is destroying this kingdom by doing that!"

Daphne fumed with a terrifying glare, but Gino was the only one to stop her. He placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head sideways.

"Don't worry too much about those little things. Deep inside, you should know well if he was indeed a great man or not. Don't let yourself be persuaded otherwise if you firmly believe in that, understand? We can’t quite control how things go, but soon enough we will have a chance presented to us."

She simply nodded her head and stayed silent. Aster looked perplexed as he didn't understand what she was upset about.

Just then, a nose peeked out from under the coat that I purposely covered him under. He sniffed out the scent of food and was looking at me eagerly with his tongue out. It was a given that animals weren't allowed inside the establishment, more so if it were a wolf, even a cub.

"Shh, you can't get out yet, just a bit more."

I covered him and snuck a handful of bread under the cover. I felt the tingly sensation of his tongue as he wolfed down the meal. I had established it that he would be coming along. There was no way that I could have parted with him so easily.

But, Aster had done me the liberty of choosing a name, one that everyone seemed to agree on. He said that it had the meaning of loyalty in their language.

"Is Von hungry?"

He asked, noticing me fumbling with something under the table.

"He is, but I can't quite argue about that. The smell of the food around here lures one in."

"Well, we don't need to spend much time here anyway, plus we need to get a move on soon enough. Is everyone alright to move out again? I'm all set to set out right away," said Aster, standing up, stretching his body.

Everyone else agreed on it, so we once again left for the cold barren road.

"Geoffrey, my dear, look at you! So dashing and dignified! I knew I had made a good choice by selecting this cape, oh it will suit you very well with your upstanding demeanor. You're doing this house a proud thing, young man. Now, don't let me keep you from your practices. Go along now, don't be late. I wish I could take you out to eat, but I've heard about the rumors. You're starting to get busy as well. So maybe another time."

"Thank you for understanding, Grandmother. I shall cherish this gift of yours. Now, if you'll excuse me."

"But wait, before that. Have you seen your father? That son of mine has not even come back to see me yet. He is too engrossed with his work. I wonder if he ever gives you enough attention. You are his son, after all. Aren't you bothered by that?"

"Not at all. What he is doing is not just for our benefit, but for the other's as well. Him not being here is understandable."

She made a rather bitter face, probably remembering the story of my life before I came here, before I moved away from my past. I knew that she would be too silent to say anything at this point, so it's better to simply calm her and let things move naturally.

I placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, grandmother. It's fine. I'm fine. You having visited me here is enough for me. I'm happy that you did."

I gave her a smile. My intentions were genuine. She, despite being wealthy and quite the big spender with her fortune, is a caring grandmother who more than often looks after me with an excessive authority, always saying that she wants the best for me, just to make up for all the things we had missed as a family.

She smiled back, but wryly. This wasn't the first time. It's not so easy to forget that, more so if you care for the person.

I left the receiving hall and went into my room to change into something less constricting. Fancy clothes adorned with gold finishes and expensive threads were a common luxury that I was given for my exploits. Though I had never turned down a gift, I received the gifts with grace. But, you know what? I'll keep this cape. It was a white and gold long cape with a gold chain to hold it in place. It was a semi-plain design with the kingdom's small icon on it. It feels quite appealing to the eye.

But speaking for the rest, I never had use for most of them since I only needed the bare necessities. So I would give most of what I had to those that truly needed it. It may sound hypocritical, but I've known what poverty feels like.

I am the only son of General Leonar Merevas of Ylithia. I was born the son of a noble and a maid that worked under him. I was strictly trained to be like one. As I grew and obeyed to the best of my abilities, I was able to fulfill what I had been ordered to do, and thus my father became slightly proud of me.

But before most of that, I was born and raised on a small village as the son of a farmer. My mother was the only one who took care of me during that time. Needless to say that I would ask her where my father was. She would answer with a faint smile that I swore was forced... "Somewhere safe, and far away."

I never understood why back then, but it soon became clear. You see, my mother wasn't the only loved one that my father had. She was the second. He would always say that she was the only one that he loved with a dramatic and pained expression on his face. But the problem was that my father's first lover found out about their tryst one night and swore vengeance against my mother for she stole her fiancé away from her.

She sent assassins to silence her for good, but the first attempt ended in failure.

What happened on that night were as my father and mother told me their sides of the story.

None of them knew the plan for vengeance, but when night came, the assassin entered the study where she was cleaning, and my father happened to walk in by coincidence.

He was harmed trying to fight the assassin, but the man escaped into the night after being wounded, never to be seen or heard from. He showed me the cuts on his arms and the stab wound on the lower left side of his stomach.

That night, my mother became traumatized since the very next day my father became terribly ill, as if he was on death's door. But soon enough, after she had taken care of him with every ounce of her efforts, he recovered enough to be able to walk by himself. He promised that he would protect her no matter what. He even called off the wedding with his wealthy fiancé and chose my mother to be with.

But my mother never recovered from that, it seems. She soon realized what was happening when she overheard my father's first wife about the plans to get her killed, so she took the decision to leave since he would only get hurt because of the promise he had made to her. She left, bearing me inside her.

Years passed and I was born. We weren't what one might call rich, but my mother and I worked hard to put food on the table, no matter what. She was a saint to me.

"What do we do now? The plants are all withered."

"Don't worry, Geoffrey. This is just another challenge given to us by the creator. If we persevere, then we will be rewarded!" she showed her boisterous energy with a bright smile, cheering me up by making fun of all the little things that was supposed to bother us.

No matter the hardships, even when she was suffering from a fever or an aching feeling on her body, she took care of me as best as she could and never abandoned me even when we had not a single coin in our pockets.

"Mom! Are you alright? What's wrong? Why do you look so pale?!"

"Ah, don't worry about me, Geoffrey. I'm just a bit lightheaded, you see. I'll be fine.

"I'll buy some medicine, please, give me some money! I can run to the other village and buy some medicine there!" I spoke erratically, panicking since this was the first time I had seen her like this. Weak and pale, not an ounce of energy inside her. She was bedridden for days.

She shook her head and smiled. Deep inside, I knew what that meant. But I didn't dare say it since it'll only worry her even more.

"..." Instead, I did what I could, embraced her and started plowing the fields and planting seeds to grow and harvest for the next season. I ignored the blisters I would get and the pain aching my bones as long as it meant that my mother would get better.

There were times when some people carrying plows and sharp gardening tools wearing tattered clothes and mischievous faces would come to our doorstep demanding money from us in exchange for protection.

"It'll just be five gold pieces a week, nothing more, nothing less. Not that bad of a deal, don't you think?"

"I'm sorry, but we don't have the money to pay you. We can make do on our own," my mother said, closing the door on the man.

But as the door began to close, he placed a foot into the small gap and pushed the door open, brandishing his plow with a rusty metal sickle attached on the tip.

"Oh, come now. Don't be like that. The braves ones are usually the first to die. You don't know what kind of people there are outside these places. All kinds of sly bastards on the run."

"Like I said, I don't have anything to give you, and we don't need the protection!" she tried pushing them away, but her strength simply didn't pay off.

The man took her wrist and tightly held on to her. I felt a surge of anger and adrenaline rush to my head, but I just couldn't move. I was scared, too scared to come out of the corner I hid behind.

"I don't think you understood us the first time, lady! I'll make it really simple for you to understand. Give me all your money, otherwise you'll have to pay us to protect you from us, if you catch what I'm saying," his eyes looked at her. Though she was old, she still carried a youthful body. It surely tempted him as his disgusting tongue licked his lips.

"But I think we can work on an agreement."

That time, I rushed out and tackled the man's leg.

The surprise allowed my mother to be free of the man's grasp. But that was all that I could do.

"What the hell! Who is this damn kid?! I'll teach you to mess with me!"

He took me by the scruff of my neck and started beating at me with his fists, his companions laughing and kicking at my sides. It hurt, but as long as they didn't harm a hair on her, it was well worth the trouble.

I was saved once the local men from the village passed by and saw the commotion. The men were chased away and were never seen from again. I was happy for that. Despite the swollen face and the crippled body that I couldn't move without feeling pain, I felt relieved that she was safe. I never even cared that I lacked the strength to help her more. I felt her arms around me as she gave me a warm embrace. One that I simply wouldn't be able to forget. If that was what it took, then it was worth it.

But it was strange. She cried and cried, saying that I was a fool for having done something as rash as that. I didn't understand until I was old enough. She had this sad expression on her face whenever she would look at my messed-up face.

But because of that, I remembered the fond times when she would tell me stories of great heroes and people, and it would always interest and inspire me. 'I wanted to be just like them', I remember that saying back then. She would say, 'I know you can do it, you're my son after all. I love you, Geoffrey'. And she spoke those words with pride. There I dreamt of myself being a hero and protecting her, making her happy. I wanted to see her smile again.

"They say that their light was the most beautiful thing in the world. Whenever they would fight the demons in a great battle, they possessed a mark where the light was said to be the strongest. I remember my grandfather telling me the great stories of how they would save cities, towns, and eventually come to defeat the demon king. I listened to his every word, and I found myself lost in thought often thinking about them."

"Tell me more!"

"Alright, alright, calm down now. I will tell you as much as you want to hear."

The story my mother told me that I was fascinated with the most and admired better than the rest was about the Thaliseans. She spoke with such admiration towards them. Though they were born from the light, they were just like us. They had the strength to defend those they cared for and the ability to come out on top when the situation became bleak. I always imagined myself in their shoes.

She gave me her necklace with the symbol of a feather. She spoke of it as the one thing that bound her and my father together. But think of this as something that can give you strength in your hardest of times. Take hold of it and never let it go. 'It has my strength in it', she said jokingly. "Please cherish this as something to remember me by. Please don't harbor any hatred towards your father. I brought this upon us, so I will understand if you come to hate me. But remember this, I will always love you and your father, no matter what."

I just never realized that those were the last words she was ever going to say to me. That dream became short-lived.

When morning came, it was silent. But I would usually hear the sound of her humming in the kitchen, preparing something to eat. This time was different.

I assumed that she was simply out in the garden, but I quickly looked and saw no trace of her outside. I began panicking. It was until I saw her sleeping soundly on her bed, not making a sound.

At first, I was relieved to see her, but those memories haunted me every single morning that I woke up till this day. I would then remember that I don't have her here anymore, then return to my usual self.

She was buried behind the house, under the shade of a tree she loved to stay under whenever she was finished with the garden. There we would sit and sometimes I would sleep on her lap. I never realized that, the happier memories you had to keep, the stronger the backlash of pain you had to feel when it finally came to an end.

Many more months passed, and I was alone. There was nothing really, nothing special about that at all. Still, I worked hard to keep myself alive. I knew nothing about the outside world, or who my father was, and where he was, but I tried to forget all that.

There even came a time when those men that harassed my mother and I, came back for vengeance. It was petty, but who would want a reputation to say that they were tackled by a kid.

"Just here to pay a little visit. Remember us, kid?"

I was beaten senseless and unable to move. That was at the height of winter. I don't remember how many days and nights I was unable to move nor eat. My wounds and bruises became numb, many of my bones were broken, and I was sure that I was going to succumb to the cold and die. But, I knew they would take every valuable that they would see, so I clutched the necklace tightly and never let it go. Though it was foolish, I thought that it would be something like a heraldic mark for the Thaliseans. I thought it would grant me the power to beat them up, but nothing happened. I was kept awake with trying to make sure that it never left my clutches. It was all that mattered to me.

A life without her was horrid. They granted me the slow death of succumbing to the cold, hungry, weak, and alone. There was no warmth for me. What was strange was that I never shed a single tear. I don't remember a time in my life that I had done that.

Nearly a week had passed, and somewhat of a miracle had happened.

My eyes were closed since I didn't have the strength to even open them anymore. I heard the door open weakly, and along with it were the footsteps of a single man, and the voice of many others with him.

"My lord! There, on the ground, a child!" one exclaimed with shock. That was most likely me.

The footsteps rushed over to me, then I felt the warm touch of another person. That person took me in their arms and carried me.

"Goodness! This is terrible. The child looks to be on the verge of death! He's pale and so thin! What in the heavens happened here?! Everything is ransacked, "

"Hush, Phineas, let the child rest peacefully... He's so light. I don't think he has eaten anything."

"Terrible... Just terrible. How could anyone do this? But are you sure that this is the child you are looking for? I mean, can we even trust those villagers that gave us the information."

I felt his hand trying to unclench my fist. I tried to tighten my hand, but I couldn't. It was taken from me, and not even a yell to stop could come from my mouth.

"No doubt, this is my son."

He then embraced me. I felt his body shiver as he sobbed quietly.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that you had to go through this. I'll be sure to give you a better life."

Before we left, I managed to open my eyes slightly to see that he had brought me to the tree where under its shade was the grave of my mother.

He knelt gently and murmured words that I couldn't hear, looking sternly at the mound of dirt. Then, we left. I never felt so relieved to sleep my entire life. I was not able to take up until two days after.

I was then raised by my father as strictly as he could, but it was in moderation. He would not yell nor force anything upon me. I took everything he sent my way and accomplished it to the best of my abilities.

We are on good terms, but not on one where we could express our feelings in the open. When we would encounter each other at times, there would be a lack of expression from both of us. That much didn't matter. I never knew if he felt bad about what had happened to my mother and I, but he never spoke about it. He said that it would be better if it had been forgotten, and that if I want to honor her and grow up, I should continue living as normally as I possibly could.

I couldn't accept those words at all. Forget and move on? Are you joking? Why would I do that? You don't even feel the same pain that I do, so how can you understand? That was simply impossible for me to do.

We had never spoken without formalities. Sometimes I wonder if I could try and persuade him to sit down and reconcile, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I wanted to know and feel how it was truly like to have a father, but there's a weight holding me down. I can't do it unless I get rid of that weight.

I grew up with these experiences and grew along with them. I kept that promise I made to my mother. To become just like a Thalisean, a hero. But at this point, reality struck me early. I knew my limits, and knew just how far I would get. Therefore, a knight was the closest thing that I could aspire to be.

During my continuous growth, I continued to excel, thus it brought me an ample amount of fame that placed me in the attention of many.

Where I stand today, I still keep these memories close by, never forgetting. I even still have the same necklace on me at all times. It's the only thing keeping us together.

It had been quite a while since the festival, but, with the intention of keeping the spirits of the people high, the intention had failed. Lavis was attacked, the honorable Sir Hark passed away, and there are rumors circulating that Alrifer to the south will be exploiting our weakness there. What the kingdom plans to counter that remains to be seen or heard.

However, military affairs have been rampant as of late. Soldiers could be seen marching, and some of the royal guards were training people who looked like recruits. Some regiments could be seen leaving the capital as well, some led by the generals heading towards their territories, while some, I assume, are for keeping the country side safe from demonic invaders similar to the tragedy that befell Sir Hark.

Every abled body was being utilized because of the recent unprecedented loses that shook the kingdom. With that mistake, the rest of the continent saw this as an opportunity to break through the small crack in the kingdom's defenses.

That is just how much a single general is worth. Each one is significant to a great extent, that when one goes down, there will be a heavy test for the predecessor to fill that general's shoes.

'Knock, knock'

"Master Geoffrey, may I ask for a bit of your time? There is something that requires your attention."

"I shall be out in a moment, Phineas, thank you."

Yes, the name. He was the same man that came with my father to get me. He is just a bit older now, in his sixties, sporting a white mustache with a monocle. He was thin and lanky, but dependable enough that my father entrusts his life to him at times. He would come through without anyone noticing.

"I'm here now. What do you require me for?"

"Ah yes, well, I have a letter here for you from the king. It has the royal crest on it. But don't worry, I have yet to check the contents."

Not a lot of these are given. When one is sent, it is either of grave circumstances, or an important letter concerning the kingdom. These letters with the crest of the king are not to be undermined. It was my first time seeing one in personal.

"Then if you shall excuse me, young master, I shall be taking my leave- "

"Wait. If you're not otherwise occupied, I'd like you to stay here and listen to this."

His eyes widened in shock.

"But young master! This is an important letter from the king! It is for your eyes only. A commoner such as I cannot possibly bear to look or listen to such a critical piece of information, even if I am a servant of this house."

"You're like a friend to me already, Phineas. Come now, bringing out the formalities when it suits you? I know I trust you enough now to have you sit with me on this. You shall be my witness. I know not what is to come from this anyway, so it'll help to have someone to turn to with experience in life."

"Experience in life, you say? Well, I may be old, but if you say that you can trust me, then I won't disappoint you, young master."

He bowed and showed a straight, stern face.

"Well then, let us see what it holds for us, shall we?"

To the young man of house Merevas.

In these turbulent times, we all look for those that can stand with us and extend their hands to those that have fallen to the ground. In light of your previous exceptional feats, I have recognized that you have the capacity to stand with us for the kingdom's sake. This is of my own discretion, and is by no means known to anyone else. I have faith in my decision that you will be able to achieve many great things, but before all that, the question would be... are you willing to raise a banner for the kingdom's sake no matter what?

If you are, then come to the palace hall by yourself. I shall give you a day to think it over. If you are not there by the allotted time, then this letter shall be treated as void, and you are to burn it immediately.

It is not only your father who has to carry his own banner for you can carry it with him. Though you are his son, you are your own person, ergo that you have your own destiny. Leonar has yet to know of this, but he will surely oppose by my predictions. I am not forcing you to make your decision at once, but merely to think through it. He, with good intentions, would restrict you to the dangers of the outside world. But with that, your talent is hidden and uncultivated. Such a shame, but as a father myself, I can understand not wanting your child to be brought to harm. But if you can show him that you can accomplish something great, then he would surely change his mind. I have written this to you personally because I know you have the ability to do so.

-Gareth

"M-My goodness! I can't quite believe my ears. The king is requesting of your talents, young master! What a wondrous thing to have been a spectator to. What shall you do, young master? Will you comply with the king's wishes?"

"Give me some time, Phineas. I'll think it over. This is sudden, but I think I will have my answer by tomorrow."

"Well, I shall keep this secret from the master and with me to the grave!"

"Don't sign your will yet, Phineas. I don't know how my father can possibly get by without your help."

"Oh, you flatter me, you master. But thank you. I don't understand my you place so much trust in this old man, but I am grateful for it."

"I should be thanking you. You took care of me in those two days that I was asleep when my father was away. You could even say that I'm alive because of you."

"But the master has a great amount of gratitude in that as well! After all, he found you in a remote place where no one could have been found at all. I will tell you this, your father had stressed over you and the missus so much that he stayed at home for the duration of your disappearance. He used every inch of power in his reach, while being discreet of course, to try and search for you. he even- no, forgive me, I am a bit close to overstepping my boundaries."

"It's alright, Phineas. Thank you for telling me this. Now, if you'll allow me, I shall now go refine my abilities even more. If someone of high status is expecting this much from me, then it is just proper that I live up to their expectations."

"Very well, young master. Please do tell me if this old man can be of any assistance to you."