“The appropriate punishment for a traitor is death.”

There were a few mumbled whispers from the crowd, but that only lasted a mere second. Then, the room exploded into shouts of agreement. The venom and vitriol from before intensified at the drop of a hat as emotions boiled over.

I had genuinely believed with Aunt Illyssia stepping into the conversation it would have moved to a more…constructive approach, but that hope was dashed. Parhen had let the fumes of anger leak since this started, and when Aunt Illyssia tried to control it, he lit the match.

Eventually, all the shouting got tuned out for me. It was like I had dipped my head underwater. I looked over at Dad, half expecting him to get angry, but he just had a bitter expression on his face. His stoic expression had evaporated.

I wonder what he is feeling right now. Betrayed? Or perhaps he believes that he deserves this? I’m not sure. Regardless…

I finally understood why things felt somewhat odd to me. It was relatively simple when I thought about why I felt left out. It was because these people couldn’t say anything to me.

As things stood, I had no stake in the Shadow Clan. There was no way for them to punish me, even if they wanted to. The royal family protected me, and Parhen was very aware that I was close to the king. I was also deeply involved with Bowen and many other War Gods, as well as being dubbed the savior of the continent and the kingdom, by extension. If they were to threaten me the same way they were threatening Dad, it would invite not only the royal family’s wrath but the wrath of the kingdom.

There was also another thing nagging me. It was that Dad is…well, was the former chief of the clan, which meant that I was eligible to be the next chief. Of course, anyone with enough strength to challenge me could come forth, but in the end, my power was directly connected with slaying a Dragon as well as having serious outside connections. As far as anyone was concerned, I was just that strong with a backing to match.

If Aunt Illyssia was right about what happened when Dad disappeared, it meant that my presence being ignored was simple. I was a direct threat to the peace and succession that the Shadow Clan had worked to achieve for thirty years. If I were to come into the spotlight and try and take over the clan, another internal strife would be ignited.

But…if they could discredit Dad…frame him as a criminal and get him to admit to his crimes, that would get rid of me without even looking at me.

Also, it was clear as day what their agenda was. I had a sneaking suspicion that people had planned this out beforehand. Or at least some had, and the others were simply being swept up in the storm. This wasn’t some confession or anything like that. This was a witch trial. Despite Aunt Illyssia’s attempt, my dad’s fate had been sealed the moment he walked into this tent.

Well, that’s what everyone is probably thinking. Like I would ever—

Dad suddenly stood from his seat. The room quieted from his sudden movements, and even a few people gulped around. Dad scanned the room with apathetic eyes.

“Fine. So be it. I’ll take my rights and request for ritual honor combat. I’ll challenge any who wish to send me to the shadows,” Dad said, his voice frigid enough to make even me flinch.

I chuckled softly to myself, and Dad glared at me. I just shook my head. “And last time I checked, I remember you telling me that violence wasn’t always the answer.”

Dad’s eyes went wide, and I just smirked. I stood up from my chair and glared forward at my grandfather and uncle. Well, I no longer considered them to be family. The moment they decided to support and go through with this sort of treatment directed at my father, they lost all respect in my eyes.

It was a shame. Aunt Illyssia, Sededa, and Uncle Janos were good people. I’m sure there are many good people in this clan. That woman who carried her child as she thanked me. Varnir and his family. They were just… regular people that were a part of something bigger than themselves.

It was regrettable, but they would have to be left behind. My family. My father. They were far more important to me than any of them. And I wouldn’t let them even scratch Dad.

“There seems to be some kind of mistake here,” I said aloud.

I intentionally left my sentence open, waiting for someone to respond. Naturally, Parhen was the first to take the bait.

“There’s no mistake, Kaladin. These are the rules of the clan. Your father must abide by them. Just because he has been gone for a measly thirty years does not mean he is exempt.”

I sighed and looked up at the tent. The moment when my Dad said he would choose our family over the Shadow Clan really brightened my mood. But honestly, since I’ve arrived here, I’ve been barely suppressing my fury. I wanted to lash out. I even wanted to kill some of these people for the things they said.

But I held my tongue. I held it for Dad to see if he could handle this alone.

“No, you just don’t seem to understand the situation you are in,” I said. I barely even recognized my own voice.

Parhen twitched and seemed to shrink back. I knew my bloodlust was leaking from me, but I didn’t bother suppressing it. If anything, I fed it more.

“Alanis Shadowstorm is missing or dead, and only Alanis Shadowheart is here.”

Parhen blinked and narrowed his eyes. “Are you trying to undermine us, Kaladin? This silly game won’t work here. We are in Shadow Clan territory. And I ful—”

“Oh, but it will,” I interrupted him. “You aren’t persecuting Alanis Shadowstorm, but my father, Alanis Shadowheart. It appears that I need to remind you that the Shadowheart family is a noble family in Luminar. If you plan on levying charges of any kind against my family, you will have to proceed through the proper channels. That is the law of this land. Your little territory means nothing to me.”

It was a shot in the dark, but I was willing to take it. Even if it knocked them over for a while, it was better than nothing. It’s not like I actually knew Luminar’s laws.

Parhen gritted his teeth and glared at me, but I ignored him. Instead, I walked over to the edge and stared into the group of people. I glared at a particular man. He wasn’t big nor seemed particularly noteworthy. He didn’t exude any fantastical aura of a hardened warrior like some of the other Dark Elves. No, he appeared to be a simple Dark Elf.

But what he had done that caught my attention was saying some notably…unkind things about my father.

His green eyes averted from me as he looked around at those kneeling near him, but I maintained my stare. Finally, his neck slowly turned to me as the realization that I was staring at him set in.

“I wonder if you could go through with half of the things you said,” I voiced aloud, not necessarily speaking to the man but to the entire group. “Are you prepared to fight for your lives? I’m curious if you would survive even a second with His Majesty and the Royal Guards. Or perhaps you would like to try your luck with a mage? I heard that Headmaster Taurus was quite a dominant force during the war.”

The man and those around him shrunk away from my gaze, unable to meet my eyes. When I looked away from him, I heard him gasp for air, and I swore he even sniffled a few times.

But now that I had spoken up, my intent was clear. If these fools wanted my father, they would have to go through more than just me.

I faced the front of the room, my eyes meeting the Chiefs. “Let me be clear. I don’t care about the Shadow Clan. I will cede and relinquish any rights to be Chief that I may have. I don’t even care if you exile me from this place forever. And I’m more than comfortable with taking my father with me. And I’m sure he feels the same way.”

I looked over at Aunt Illyssia and regretted it instantly. Tears filled her eyes as she clenched her fists and jaw. Those weren’t tears of sadness. She looked furious.

And it made sense. She told me that I was family. No matter what happened, I would have a place here. And she swore that she wouldn’t let these people turn me into a monster.

Yet here I am. I was blanketing the entire room in my bloodlust, speaking in a cold, emotionless voice. The same one I used in the past.

But when I looked at the person standing next to me, any worries I had melted away. Dad was just looking at me with kind eyes and a fond smile. It was at that moment that I realized I had made the right choice.

“Is this true, Alanis? Does this boy speak for you now?” a deep voice rumbled.

Dad’s head slowly turned toward his father. “This boy has a name. You should use it respectfully,” Dad said evenly. “But that’s right. I wholeheartedly agree with everything he said.”

Chief Shadowstorm sat back in his pillow and rested his chin on the palm of his hand. “If that’s how you want to do things, then fine. You vastly underestimate the power we wield now. Did you really think serving this kingdom loyally for over three hundred years wouldn’t give us some form of authority in these matt—”

There was a loud commotion as the entrance to the tent was flung open. A tall Dark Elf woman elegantly strolled in with her back straight and her chin high. Her long silver hair nearly touched the floor, and her smokey gray eyes pierced the room. Her face was covered in silver tattoos, much like Sededa.

And as if at odds with the style of this place, the dazzling bright silver dress that covered her arms and body seemed to clash with the darkness of the room. Purple and black gems were sewn into the neckline, and a large pendant made of Mythril bounced across her chest with every step.

The pendant had a fist-sized purple dungeon core at its center that seemed to glow in the low light. Her dress was long enough that it trailed across the ground, and behind was Sededa and a boy holding up the ends of it. The woman exuded an aura of a queen, and the entire room fell into silence once more.

“No way, Zydrae?” Dad muttered quietly to himself.

Zydrae? That was apparently the name of Sededa’s mother. I suppose I see the resemblance.

Zydrae gave Dad and me a passing glance and walked right past us. “And you would use that authority now? It’s been thirty years. Have you not learned your lesson, Chief Shadowstorm?” she asked, her voice pointed and even.

Chief Shadowstorm snorted and raised his head as he glared down at the woman. “What is there to learn when I’ve made no mistakes?”

Zydrae scoffed at his words and shook her head like a disappointed mother. “Failure is the only word that could possibly describe this situation. Perhaps all these years are finally weighing down on you, Chief Shadowstorm, but it’s clear to see that you failed Alanis.”

Chief Shadowstorm narrowed his angered eyes. “Failed him? Have you gone mad?” he asked, his voice layered with the undertone of threats.

Zydrae remained unperturbed and met his heated gaze and harsh words without even flinching. If Chief Shadowstorm was a blazing fireball, then this Zydrae woman was a frigid blizzard.

“My senses are still sharp, but I appreciate your concern, Chief Shadwstorm,” she said with a dismissive wave. “However, I don’t need any senses, nor does anyone here present to be able to judge your shortcomings. To put it simply, you failed as a father.”

Wow…this woman must hold some kind of authority in the clan. I’ve never heard of her, so I have no idea what kind of position she has…but she is clearly a part of this shaman class. Or perhaps she is just suicidal? Yet no one is voicing any complaints. Most of the people sitting around us can’t even look up at her.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Chief Shadowstorm flinched at that. It was evident he was angry and frustrated this entire time, but it only showed in his eyes. His overall body posture was relaxed, but now it was rigid. Finally, he slowly closed his fists and tilted his chin up.

“You’ve gone too far, High Priestess. It’s one thing to criticize my actions as chief, but my private life is another,” Chief Shadowstorm growled. “Are your past feelings for him clouding your mind?”

Zydrae snorted. “Hardly, but your past feelings seem to be clouding yours. And when your private life directly influences the path of the clan, I have every right to speak my mind, as does anyone else with the strength to do so.”

Zydrae turned around and gazed at the many faces in the room. She looked into my eyes for some time, but I couldn’t get a bead on what she was feeling. Her face was a well-honed mask. It reminded me of Queen Maxwell.

“To speak in a way for everyone to understand…” she muttered. “It’s relatively simple. You trained Alanis his entire life. You taught him that honor, duty, and glory were all he ever needed. And like a well-trained pet, he believed you. He carried out all of your orders without ever questioning them. You told him to charge, and he charged. You told him to take the head of an enemy commander, and he took the head. He duly served you until the brutal end.”

I looked over at Dad to get a gist of his thoughts, but it was written on his face. One of his eyebrows was arched up, and he had an exasperated look on his face. He looked more annoyed than anything, but he remained silent.

Maybe being referred to as a pet isn’t the best analogy she could have used…

“But when the end came, the well-trained pet clearly had a realization. He realized that life has far more fascinating things than honor, duty, and glory. That dying a dog’s death on a miserable battlefield wasn’t the only way to live. That being a slave to his father had little meaning when compared to raising a son and having a family. Even if that family’s origins are…dubious at best, on the other hand, perhaps that just goes to strengthen my point even more.”

Zydrae licked her silver-painted lips and looked over her shoulder and into Dad’s eyes. “I heard that Alanis Shadowstorm had died, and I believed that to be the truth. I don’t recognize this man.” Zydrae slowly turned her head back to the front. “Do you?”

Chief Shadowstorm sank back into his pillow and closed his eyes, his barely supressed fury evident. “Does this mean you will oppose any decision, High Priestess?”

“Naturally,” Zydrae cut back instantly.

Chief Shadowstorm waved his hand, and immediately the low murmurings began to spring up. His orange eyes looked over at us. “Just remember your actions always have consequences,” he said coldly before standing up and disappearing into the shadows.

Parhen looked absolutely lost at what just happened with his vacant stare. While Aunt Illyssia had a pleasant smile on her face now despite her red puffy eyes.

Somebody cleared their throat, and I met her silver eyes when I faced forward. “What are you doing just standing there? Let’s not wait around in this sweaty place.”

Without either of us getting a chance to respond, we were swept in the blizzard that was Zydrae Silvershadow. We followed her out of the tent without so much as a word between us, but when the refreshing crisp winter air tickled my skin with the night sky above us, I finally felt as if we had avoided a major crisis.

I never imagined things would have gone to such lengths…maybe bringing Sylvia and perhaps even Bowen would have been a good idea…

“Thank you, Zydrae,” Dad said, his voice a bit awkward, but the relief was there.

Zydrae turned around a bit awkwardly. “Please don’t mention it and think nothing of it. It’s the least I could do.”

Dad chuckled awkwardly and scratched his head. “I thought you didn’t want to see me. The shamans and priests told me you were busy.”

Zydrae seemed to change at that moment. Her calm and relaxed persona began to melt as she nervously fiddled with the pendant. “Ah, that’s not the case at all…I just wasn’t ready…we weren’t expecting you today. We were told the summons would be sent tomorrow…I’m sorry, I shouldn't have taken their word.”

“It’s fine. You came at the right time and backed up Kaladin.” Dad smiled fondly as he looked at the pendant. “I see you haven’t gotten rid of that.”

Zydrae’s ears turned light pink. “And why would I? It’s…a very nice gift. I’ll have you know it’s a family heirloom now,” she said meekly.

“Oh? I think it has to pass through more than one generation to be considered an heirloom…” Dad said thoughtfully.

Zydrae let out a meek gasp and lightly pushed my father’s shoulder. “You…where did your manners go?! How could you tease me so much… whatever happened to you?!” she shouted, her face matching her ears.

What the…what happened to the powerful woman from a few moments ago?

Dad just laughed. “Some things just change, you know.” Dad nudged me with his elbow. “Kaladin, this is Zydrae, a long-time friend and companion of mine. Zydrae, this is my first son, Kaladin.”

The early look of indifference she gave me was no longer there. Zydrae looked at me with mixed emotions, and she wasn’t able to hide her bitter smile. But regardless, she gave me a slight bow. “It’s an honor to meet the Dragon Slayer in person. My only regret was not being able to meet you sooner.”

It was a very polite and formal greeting. It seemed to be at odds with her expression, but instead of making things awkward, I just decided to take it at face value. After all, without this woman’s help, things might have taken a turn for the worse.

“Don’t worry about it. Thank you for the help, High Priestess. I never expected them to be so…adamant.”

Zydrae nodded. “Yes, it was unusual. Perhaps with your appearance here tonight, they felt the need to push things along, fearing they wouldn’t get a second chance if they let Alanis slip through their grubby fingers. Either way, they failed. I won’t let them harass you or your father again,” she said firmly.

“Well, thanks for that, Zydrae. I’d like to stay around and catch up, but I’m afraid I won’t be welcome here anymore, and staying here any longer may lead to problems,” Dad said.

Zydrae nodded again, and a look of sadness washed over her. “Indeed…”

Dad shook his head and chucked. “That doesn’t mean you have to be a stranger to me, Zydrae. Alanis Shadowstorm might be dead, but Alanis Shadowheart is still around. You know where to find me.”

A smile tugged on Zydrae’s lips. “Are you…asking to see me again?”

Dad crossed his arms across her chest. “Of course. I’ll be staying in Luminar for the foreseeable future. And I have another son as well. I can’t exactly forget about him when the time comes for his ceremony, now can I?”

Zydrae smiled bitterly. “That is true…” She let out a deep sigh and strained her posture. Her mask returned in the blink of an eye. “Have a good night, gentlemen. Please return home safely,” she said with another slight bow.

Dad waved to her goodbye and motioned with his head. “Shall we?”

“Yeah, let’s get out of here,” I grumbled.

We walked for some time in silence. Dad seemed tired yet relieved at what happened. I would have thought that leaving behind his clan would have hurt him more, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Perhaps it’s because there are a select few who still hold him in high regard that he can smile like this. That it wasn’t a complete loss.

At least, that’s what I think.

“Do you have any regrets?” I asked.

Dad took a deep breath and waited a few moments before answering. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t have some. I never expected that they would turn on me so easily and act so feral. They didn’t even want to hear my side of things. They didn’t even care. It was like they had my fate set in stone regardless of what I went through,” Dad grumbled bitterly.

Then he turned to me with a wide smile. “But my goal was met. Protecting you, your mom, Cerila, and Dallin is all that matters in the end. If they want to throw away all that I did for them… then let them. I spent those years looking for you because I loved you more than myself. The time I spent here…I’d trade it all to be with you guys for longer. So as long as you three are happy, then I’m happy.”

I rubbed my face because it hurt from smiling so much. Dad just laughed at me, and we kept walking, but I had another question. “That woman, Zydrae, who is she?”

“Ah, it seems that she became the High Priestess,” Dad rubbed his chin and rolled his head. “She is essentially the second in command of the Shadow Clan. The Silvershadow family is said to be one of the founding families of the clan, and the High Shaman or Priestess holds a big chunk of power around here. After all, all ceremonies, rituals, and basically anything social is handled by the Silvershadow family.”

“I see…and what about her? What was Zydrae to you?”

Dad stopped in his tracks and looked at me. He blinked a few times and scratched the back of his head. “Ah…well…uh…mmm…what’s the best way to put this…” he mumbled.

I didn’t respond, but Dad kept sneaking looks at me from time to time. “Mmm…well, let’s just say in another life, she probably would have been your mother.”

Huh…

“Does Mom know?” I asked carefully.

Dad whistled and patted me on the shoulder while looking up at the sky. “It’s getting awfully late, don’t you think? And man, this snow is cold…why don’t we just return home?”

Oh, no…

“You are going to die, huh?”

Dad’s whole body jerked as he slowly took his arm off me. He chuckled nervously. “I won’t unless you say something.”

Ah, he’s so screwed.

I was about to pressure him some more when I felt a gaze pierce into my back. I flicked around and scanned the dark alleyways, but there wasn’t a single soul. Even with my enhanced night vision, I couldn’t see anyone…but Soul Sight was different. I just smiled.

So… she was close by. I was half expecting her to step in—

Boom.

A large explosion went off just in front of us as dust and snow kicked up. But once the dust settled, I was left with wide eyes staring at the large man with his thick muscular arms crossed over his equally large chest.

He’s gotten even more monstrous because of me…what have I done? What have I unleashed onto the world? But this must have been her move…to think she would have mobilized a King.

“Ah, man! Come on! Don’t tell me it’s all been handled, Kaladin!” King Maxwell shouted into the night.

“Sorry to disappoint, Bishop?” I groaned.

King Maxwell shook his head and clicked his tongue. He dropped into a boxer stance and jabbed forward a few times. Even his practice jabs were blindingly quick.

“And here I was, ready to give that old man a one two! Argh! I was ready to burst in through the tent and say something epic that would have never been forgotten!” Bishop whined.

The clanking of armor and the sounds of footfalls slowly came to a halt as a robed man jogged up to us. His deep brown eyes had bags under them, and he looked utterly finished with the situation. To top it all off, his usual long, lush hair was a disheveled rat’s nest, as if he had just woken up.

“What are you even doing…just running away like that…what’s…the point of bringing us…” Bowen groaned in between breaths.

I peeked around Bowen and saw an entire squad of Praetorian Guards. Even with their masked faces, I could see them rolling their eyes and shaking their heads in exasperation.

“You both came…for us?” Dad asked.

King Maxwell chuckled and patted my dad on the shoulder with a thunderous clap. Even my dad flinched like he was being nailed into the soil by an oversized hammer. “Without a doubt, my friend! I’d never let them even so much as lay a hand on my brother and son-in-law! Ahaha!”

Dad blinked a few times. “Brother and son-in-law?” he muttered.

King Maxwell smiled coyly and winked at me. “Oops? Too soon?” he chuckled loudly.

This guy…I’ve made him too powerful. He’s getting full of himself. I’ll have to apologize to the world at this point. Or, at the very least, his daughters…

“I’m going home,” Bowen groaned. “Good to see both of you are safe.”

Bowen waved his goodbye and took his leave. Even the Praetorian Guards followed him home.

“And here I was looking forward to a good fight,” King Maxwell lamented.

—

Dad and I made sure we were quiet as we opened the door, but we stopped right away. A pair of crimson eyes were looking at us. The entire entryway was still lit up. Dallin and Cerila were both snoring on the couch together, with Mom in the middle, and Sylvia was sitting in a chair with a snoring Mila in her arms.

Sylvia stood up and looked us up and down. “You two look worn down,” she commented in a whisper.

“It was a long night…” Dad said with a tired smile.

I looked at Mila and raised my eyebrows at what she was wearing. “What is that? I’ve never seen that outfit before…what’s the point of adding more ears? She already has some…”

Mila was wearing a light blue hoodie that looked incredibly soft. Yet on the top of the hood were long floppy ears. They almost looked like rabbit ears or something.

Sylvia giggled quietly. “It was your mother’s idea. Apparently, it’s an animal from Tel’an’duth. But even so, doesn’t she look adorable?”

Well, yeah, she looked adorable in anything.

“Why aren’t you guys in bed?” Dad asked.

“Well, Mila wanted to wait for her daddy, and naturally, that led to everyone waiting for their dads. Things just sort of happened that way, I guess.”

Mila stired in Sylvia’s arms and let out a massive yawn that left tears in her eyes. Her eyes fluttered half open, and she licked her lips loudly and extended her hands toward me.

I just chuckled and accepted the handoff. Mila let out another yawn and snuggled into my chest and arms. And with that, she was already back to snoring.

It’s good to be home.