Kaladin Shadowheart’s POV

After I met with Queen Maxwell, time seemed to flow at a steady pace for what felt like the first time in years. Early winter was nothing but a blur, and the white snow was already falling over Vinovia, the capital of Luminar.

The purple trees of Forward University were blanketed with a thin layer of white. Snow piled up at the base of the trees, and a cool wind rustled the leaves. It was cold enough that I even had to start wearing some protective layers. The intense snow storms that blanketed the east were nearly upon us, but there was still some time to enjoy light snowfall thanks to the city's wards.

There was also no significant threat looming over me. I wasn’t worried about my identity becoming public knowledge anymore. The gnawing uncertainty of my family was no longer eating away at my soul. I was safe. My family was safe. My friends were safe.

I’ve been more relaxed these last few months than I have in years. Just spending time with my family and friends. I’ve missed this greatly.

However, there was still plenty that had to be done. Sylvia and I both talked it over amongst ourselves for a few days and decided that jumping straight into a business that neither of us knew how to run was an awful idea. I mean, I learned how to manage soldiers on a battlefield but… thousands of children and gold and an entire company of civilians? Trying to take the helm of that would only lead to our downfall or the downfall of the foundation.

The two of us also had other obligations. We had Mila and school, two things we both decided on taking care of. In addition, running a company that massive would eat away hours upon hours of our time, something neither of us genuinely wanted right now. So, we decided to take a slow approach. Instead of uprooting our lives to get this foundation going, we are going to leave it to the experts for now.

We will maintain our “positions of power” and be more like figureheads than actual executives at the foundation. The queen did say that this was probably for the best and that the two of us would still be able to make important decisions, but the essential day-to-day of the Dragonheart Foundation would be run by the team that Bowen and Queen Maxwell put together on our behalf.

This would go on for as long as we needed until Sylvia and I felt comfortable taking over. Of course, we weren’t going to sit on our thumbs forever. We would take our time and slowly integrate ourselves into the business side of things. And I already knew the first person I planned on hiring.

And this was only part of what’s been going on recently…

“You were faster than I anticipated,” Lin said as she wiped a bead of sweat off her cheek. She wasn’t even out of breath.

“I’ve been training in this forest for a long time now. I would be embarrassed if I couldn’t make it here at a decent time,” I said, looking over at the small group of people that had beat me here.

Lin followed my eyes and nodded. “Well, your mom and dad are hardly people to compare ourselves to. And…is King Maxwell really going to be coming here whenever we are here?”

I sighed. “It was the price I had to pay for Cerila’s training. Besides, it might be good for everyone to see just how strong he really is. We might learn a thing or two from him.”

“Making compromises for the people you care about. Some things never change,” Lin said fondly.

“I don’t know about that. I’m not sure the others would have considered me to be very kind back then,” I added.

Lin shrugged. “You’d be surprised what everyone said behind your back.”

“Oh? Would I? And what exactly did they say?” I asked playfully.

“You are being hard on yourself for no reason. More people liked you than you think, Com—Kal—mander…” Lin muttered.

“Kalmander? Am I a lizard now?” I asked with a smile.

Lin scoffed at me and crossed her arms across her chest. “Maybe in another life, you would be Dragon Slayer,” she said with a bit of sass.

I just chuckled and looked toward the sound of incoming footsteps. “Are you really going to participate in the tournament?” I asked Lin.

“Don’t know. Unlike you, we all have to qualify for the damn thing. My family is split on the decision as well,” Lin said with a shrug.

“What? Your parents don’t want their little princess to get hurt?”

Lin looked at me with a hint of annoyance as she smirked at me. “That’s rich, coming from a momma’s boy like you. Last time I checked, you were the one weeping like a newborn in front of the class.”

“That…doesn’t count…”

Lin chuckled to herself. “It sure does. And no, that’s not why. If anything, you are one of the few people who know precisely why some don’t want me to participate.”

I suppose. An active assassin can’t show their hand in a public forum like a tournament, especially with a country that is starting to look more and more like a potential enemy showing up.

“I get it,” I said with a nod.

Lin let out a deep breath.“And what about them? Do you think they are going to make the cut? I’ve heard there are some decent fighters in the lower classes. The margins between the first and second classes aren’t all that big. A lot of the time, it’s decided by grades. That’s why the headmaster makes everyone participate in matches to secure a ticket to the tournament.”

“It makes sense. And well…if they are going to get their golden ticket, it depends purely on them and how badly they want it. After all, most of them came to me for training. I can’t fight for them.”

Lin gave me a side eye and smirked. “Always the same…you’ve always been really good at training people. Especially after you show off a little, it’s almost like people are attracted to you or something.”

“Maybe. You aren’t the first person that’s said something like that to me,” I said with a shrug.

Our conversation ended abruptly as Varnir was the first to make it through. His pink eyes looked into mine, and he let out a long groan. “How—how are you not even tired—you bastard—the snow…gah, it’s so cold,” he said between breaths.

“You’ll get used to it. The snow makes the ground a bit more treacherous, so you must work more on your footing and core strength. All part of the training,” I said with a smile.

“Part—part this training up your ass…this…was supposed to be a warmup? And why are you looking so smug, Lin?” Varnir huffed.

“I don’t know,” Lin said with a wink.

Lin was, of course, in good shape because of her family. The following person to arrive was none other than Princess Arene. She gave me one meek look and slumped down next to a tree, not before she gave herself a bit of padding using her crystal magic. Unlike Varnir, she has been preoccupied with…well, life. So she is a bit out of shape. But unlike Varnir…

Ren never complains.

“This is serious training, Varnir. You’ve been doing this for over a month now. Are you—”

“Yes! I’m eating, sleeping, and crapping properly, Mom, so don’t even ask!” Varnir said as he arrived at his full height. “Can’t we just start lifting heavy things or practice with our spears? Your dad is going to give us another lesson today, right?”

“That’s the plan. We are just waiting on…ah, there she is. Rough time?” I asked.

I’ve been going off and on with both my parents. My mom kept her promise and has been teaching me what she knows about lightning magic. Honestly, it’s an entirely different approach to what I knew, and so far, it’s been somewhat challenging to grasp. Not to mention that if I mess up, the repercussions can leave me wounded, which has already happened twice.

Who would have thought that sending lightning magic through your body was dangerous?

Regardless, despite Varnir’s griping, he wasn’t that out of shape anymore. He was just a big man and wasn’t entirely used to running long distances in rugged terrain without mana. It was much the same with Ren as well. I’m sure in due time, they will excel as usual. However….

Tsarra fell to her knees, and unlike the other two, she was not built for this. Her short red hair was matted down to her head, and she was drenched in sweat despite the cold weather. She couldn’t even answer my question as she tried to suck air into her lungs with tired wheezes.

Tsarra is a mage through and through. Unfortunately, her mana enhancement is abysmal, and her stamina and physical strength aren’t much better.

I reached into my storage ring and pulled out a fresh towel for everyone. “Clean yourselves up. No need to get sick out here because you're wet.”

“And I thought I was having a bad time,” Varnir said with a sad smile as he slipped his arms out of his jacket and wiped them down. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

Tsarra got up and looked like she was about to answer Varnir’s question, but she just nodded her head. Tsarra inhaled deeply, wiping her face with the towel. “Yes…I have to…so please don’t ask me again,” she said weakly, almost like she was pleading with him.

Varnir looked over to me for confirmation, but I just shrugged. Tsarra came to me and asked if I could help her train. She seemed dead set on doing this, and I warned her that it would undoubtedly be a daunting task, but it didn’t seem to discourage her one bit.

Ren slowly got up from the tree and looked around. “No Sylvia today?”

“Today is her turn to watch Mila and Dallin,” I answered simply.

“You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you why Cerila and Padraic don’t come out more often?” Varnir asked, finally regaining his breath.

“Cerila is…busy. She is training with my grandfather, and Padraic is, well…he’s doing his own thing. He will join us every other day or so,” I answered.

“Yo! Good morning everyone! Are we—hey, don’t all sigh at me like that! This is fun! We are here to have fun!” King Maxwell exclaimed.

“I can try and poison him in his sleep or something,” Lin muttered softly, just barely audible for me to pick it up.

I scoffed. “Good luck with that. You might just end up making him stronger.”

I turned my attention to the newcomer I heard and was surprised to see him. It was still early in the morning, just barely past dawn, so I imagined he would still be getting ready for the day. He looked over everyone until his eyes fell on my parents.

“I need to speak with both of you,” Bowen said.

My dad rolled his shoulder. “Ah, but we were just about to start.”

Bowen’s attitude was grim. He was in headmaster mode. “It won’t take but a moment. We have something to discuss.”

“Is something the matter?” my mom asked.

“That depends on your husband’s answer. I’m just the messenger, so please don’t stab me,” Bowen said with a wry smile.

A look of understanding dawned on my father’s face, only for it to turn grim as well. “I see. Let’s go somewhere else.” The three started walking together when my dad turned back and gave me a nod.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what the nod meant. I suppose I’ll just have to find out later.

—

“So your dad didn’t return. Did something bad happen?” Varnir asked me as we walked out of the man-made forest.

“Your dad looked upset when he realized what the Headmaster was talking about,” Lin added.

“Yeah, is… everything alright?” Tsarra mumbled.

Ren gave me a look that practically begged me to answer the question that was burning in everyone’s mind, but I honestly didn’t know. There was nothing to go on as I thought Bowen had concluded business with my family a long time ago. But, after the… training incident, my parents were given a choice.

Well, I called it a choice, but it’s more like a gift with little to no downsides. Bowen would allow my family to stay in the mansion, free of charge, with food and the usual maid service included, as long as they repaired and maintained the garden without the assistance of the groundskeepers. Naturally, they agreed as they had nowhere else to go, and admittedly we felt bad for ruining his yard.

Sure my parents had enough money to buy a new house, but this was as good a choice as any. And it meant they wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find a home in the winter nor have to pay for food. They also wouldn’t be able to start fixing the yard till spring anyway, so it was just an all-around good thing for them. Bowen was a good man. He’s done a lot for my family.

I hope there comes a day when I can truly repay him for all he’s done for me.

“I have no idea,” I admitted. “But if I had to guess…The Shadow Clan must finally be making their move. Have you heard anything, Varnir?”

Varnir sunk into deep thought for a moment. “Well…it’s been a while since I’ve returned to camp. My parents mentioned a bit of activity last month, especially after word got out that your father was alive. But something drastic like making a move? I don’t think I know anything more than that.”

“D—d—does that mean some—something bad is going to happen?” Tsarra stuttered out.

“It’s doubtful something bad would happen. Kaladin’s reputation is protecting his father now, and my parents are making sure they don’t do anything rash. And even if they tried levying desertion on his father, it would never hold. Brax doesn’t exist anymore,” Ren added quickly.

“That’s the first thing you’ve said all morning, and it sounded so smart, Ren,” Varnir said with a smile.

Ren’s face turned slightly pink. “I was just saying it how it was…”

“Well, you are only half right, Ren,” Lin added.

Ren gave her a confused look, but I had to agree. “It’s true that there wouldn’t be any legal problems for my dad, but that doesn’t mean the Shadow Clan can’t try and punish him internally.”

“Y—you think—they would do that?” Tsarra questioned.

“I don’t think they would. I know they would. Whatever their plan, they finally decided on a course of action. Now we just have to see where it goes,” I said with a shrug.

Ren stopped and looked surprised. “Wait? Are you going to get involved, Kaladin?”

Varnir snorted. “Is that even a question you have to ask? You sounded so smart earlier.”

“Shut up…” Ren whined. Her concerned face was still looking at me.

“It’s okay. I’m just as involved, after all. Besides, I would never leave my father to handle this alone. And we don’t want my mother or Dallin to get involved either,” I said.

“Are they…going to try and hurt Dallin?” Tsarra asked.

Speaking like a worried aunt. Not that I could say that out loud. She might just shut down in embarrassment. Mom and Tsarra have been getting along these last few weeks, but to what degree, I don’t know.

“That won’t be happening,” I said as I stopped the group. “Why don’t you all go along without me? I’ll see everyone tomorrow, okay?”

The group finally noticed that my father was standing at the gate to the forest, and he wasn’t alone either. My mom and Bowen were gone and in their stead was a man I had only met briefly, my uncle.

His long black hair rested on his armored shoulders. His pitch-black armor gleamed in the early morning light and seemed to absorb the rays. At least he wasn’t openly wielding his weapon, but his stance spoke how he felt despite his placid expression. His smokey gray eyes watched us approach. Well, they were solely fixated on me for a time.

As Ren passed, he went into a deep bow, and she nodded in greetings. Lin and Tsarra also received similar treatment, but as Tsarra greeted him, Lin just kept walking as if she couldn’t be bothered.

Sigh…are you trying to make my life harder, Lin, by pissing him off? Just one look at Parhen’s face says it all. He’s not happy.

“How was your training? I’m sorry I couldn’t join you,” my dad said to Varnir.

“Ah…it was fine. Kaladin is a good teacher, so I don’t have any problems following along…Sir…” Varnir said nervously.

My dad just smiled at Varnir despite not liking to be called sir. “That’s good. I mean, he did learn from the best,” Dad said playfully.

Varnir chuckled nervously. The tense atmosphere was too much even for him. “Yeah…anyways…I uh… goodbye, Sirs...Kaladin, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Varnir gave an awkward salute to my uncle and father and briskly walked away to catch up with the others while waving at me.

Now that everyone was gone, I turned to Dad. “Where is Mom?”

“I sent her home,” Dad said, his tone serious.

I see. Sent her home, huh? He typically doesn’t talk like this. Things must be serious.

I heard the whistling of air, and all three of us looked into the sky only to all roll to the side in a hurry. Armor rattled, and I forced mana into my legs, barely just dodging the impact crater. A monster had arrived.

“What’s wrong! Why is everyone in such a bad mood?! I can just feel the tension in the air, and it got me pumped!” King Maxwell yelled. I stood to my feet and glared at the king, only for him to slap me on the back. “Right, Kaladin?! The pump! You know what I’m saying, right?!”

“Ah…yes…your—” The words caught in my throat as a burst of bloodlust hit me. The king glared at me, and I just nodded. “Yes, Bishop, I understand…”

Uncle Parhen took a knee directly in front of the king. “Your Majesty, I apologize. I’m on official business with my clan today.”

King Maxwell looked around and picked Parhen off the ground with a single hand. “Okay? Should I care?” the king asked, sounding confused.

“A…no sir…I’m just informing you,” Parhen said weakly.

“Okay? What does this business have to do with this dreary mood? Are you about to go into battle?” King Maxwell asked, still holding Parhen by the shoulder.

Uncle Parhen looked at his shoulder nervously and immediately regained his composure. “No, Your Majesty, it’s nothing like that.”

“Then what is it like?” King Maxwell pressured.

“It’s personal…Your Majesty,” Parhen said finally.

“Personal, huh? Well, you did interrupt my training today…mmmm… extra training for you on the weekend, Parhen,” the king said with a smile.

Parhen’s face morphed into a blank expression. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he said dryly.

The king waved us goodbye but not before turning his head slightly and winking at me. Was that…did he do all of this on purpose?

He…come to think of it, this isn’t the first time he’s done something like that, huh?

“Shall we be going?” my dad asked.

Parhen glared in return. “Don’t talk to me so casually. You are to show up at sundown today. Don’t even think about running away this time.”

Dad’s face was impassive. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”