Amaro watched his younger sister packing up her various clothes, alchemy kits, and books, “Are you sure you’re going to be able to take that all with you on your journey?”

“Of course, if it’s burdensome, I can just summon a wood elemental to carry it for me.”

“Right. Are you sure you want to go off on your own?”

“I won’t be on my own, I’ve plans to go with Anitus and Rorik.”

“Anitus I understand- somewhat- but I didn’t think you were familiar Rorik.”

“I am familiar with his reputation, and Anitus trusts him as a rival. Besides, I need someone strong and reliable while I’m out in the Altix.”

“I see. Is this because I’m adventuring with Kaara?”

“Where would you get an idea like that my dear brother? You can journey with whomever you like just as I can.”

“I know that, but you wouldn’t want to join our party because of Kaara, am I wrong?”

Sancta sighed, drumming her fingers across her luggage, “It’s one reason. The other is that I refuse to hold you back.”

“Hold me back? What are you talking about?”

“Kaara is stronger than me, I’ve come to terms with that. She’s got a lot going for her, and it’s easy to see why you fell for her.”

Amaro blushed, “Jeeze, so it was that obvious huh?”

“As obvious as a starving mutt drooling over fresh meat.”

“There is also the possibility that you choose not to become a huntress.” Amaro said, trying to change the subject.

“You know as well as I do that we do not have a choice to turn back now. We’re Xirxus. Perhaps lesser houses have the luxury of being cowards, but we do not. Any weakness we show means war and bloodshed. It means assassins, kidnappers, and traitors. I will become a huntress of the Altix.”

“At least you’re going with Anitus. And by my measure, Rorik is an honorable fellow.”

“Don’t get too sad, brother. It’s not as if we cannot meet over the course of these next two years. I’m not angry at you or anything.”

“Then who are you mad at?”

“Myself, more than anything. Raktus died, and I was nowhere to be found. Had I the strength to venture out on my own and not rely on the strength of Tadios and Arik, perhaps I would have reunited with all of you. Perhaps I could have been there to save him.”

“You should not blame yourself for what happened. None of us could have stopped it.”

“And yet I still wonder if I could have, no matter how many times I tell myself what you’ve just told me. No matter how many times I tell myself that wondering ‘what if’ won’t bring him back.” She turned to him, tears in the corner of her eyes. She fought them back, “You’ve found your resolve after last night, and so have I. Take good care of Tulos while you travel. He’s the most annoying of us all, but he’s got a good heart.”

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

“Take care of Anitus. He’s the biggest jackass among us. Don’t let him hurt other people too much.”

Sancta laughed to herself, “I know that all too well. Though, I'm glad he’s still alive, even if he gets on my nerves.”

Amaro hugged her, “Get strong without me, sis.”

“Stop trying to make me cry, you jerk!”

“I’m not! I promise,” He laughed.

“Then why are you laughing? Don’t make fun of me!”

“Has it really been so long since I’ve hugged you? I think you’ve forgotten how to handle it.”

Sancta clicked her tongue, “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

“Take care, Sancta. Let’s find a time to meet up again soon.”

She nodded, “Got it.”

Amaro let go, leaving the tent. On his way to find Kaara again, he bumped into his father.

“Just who I was looking for.” he said.

“What do you want?” Amaro said, glaring.

“Quite the cold greeting, though I can understand it. I hated my father after the ceremony too. I presume you’re going to be pursuing the Tibur's mark?”

“Do I have a choice? It’s war if we’re weak, right?”

Kadmus smirked, “You certainly do have a choice, though I suppose you would be disowned if you retreated now.”

Amaro grit his teeth, looking away. His father put a hand on his head, “I’m glad you’re alive.”

“Yeah? You didn’t sound so glad about it earlier. Raktus is dead and you don’t care at all.”

Kadmus’s hand left his head, “I don’t have the luxury to show that I care. Nor do I have the luxury to show that I’m relieved you and your siblings are still breathing. That is the reality of things. One day you will understand, just as I had to.”

“As if you understand anything.”

“I’ve lost seven siblings to this ritual alone. Far more if you consider the rest of our clan. They died so that we could live on and carry their memory. Remember that.”

“Is that all you came to tell me?”

“No. I’ve heard rumors that you’ve developed quite well these past few weeks. Seeing how you faired in the ceremony, I think it’s only natural to see you and your siblings have awakened your true potential.”

“Ux right?”

Kadmus raised an eyebrow, a slight grin showing his fangs, “And where did you hear that word?”

“Deka taught me about it. I’m only wondering why you’ve kept it from me and my siblings for so long. And why you could not just find a better way to awaken it within us.”

“What do you think the trials to exit our estate are meant to prepare you for? Dealing with peasants?” He laughed dryly, “There is more to Ux than merely awakening it. It is the bonds you share with others, and the potential you hold. Even though Raktus was the weakest among you, the power he granted you shows his potential was staggering.”

“Don’t talk about my brother like that!” Amaro growled, “Don’t talk about him like he was fodder.”

“Ah yes, you’re still at that age.”

“Why didn’t you teach me and everyone else about Ux? If we knew about it we would have been a lot stronger!”

“We did teach it to you, only that we taught you to use it instinctively. Knowing what it is and its principles is hardly something a child can fully comprehend.”

“But Deka knew about it.”

“Clearly Deka is a lot more mature than you as well. Either way, whether or not the emperor decided his son was worthy of the knowledge matters little to me. I certainly considered teaching the fundamental principles to you and your siblings, but after the disgrace at my coronation you showed me you were not ready for it.”

“Clearly I was, and I am!”

“And clearly knowing about it did not change any outcomes.”

“Because we did not have time! Even if you wanted to punish me, you could have taught it to everyone else.”

“And they would have taught it to you. Unfortunately, the emperor and his prized son have once again undermined me.” Kadmus shrugged, “I’m not here to argue.”

“Then what are you here for?”

“I am here to offer my support.”

“Your support? You can keep it.”

“You’ll want to hear me out. Unless you’d like to stunt your growth again.”

Amaro felt those words hit him like a bag of bricks, “Fine, what is it?”