Seeing as they were all in agreement, the group decided to head back. After all, it was late… And tomorrow Kazius had something to take care of now.
Still, any feeling of uneasiness did not fade at all. After all, while the main concerns he had were now addressed… Now he had a new concern. The fact that Damon was able spy on them without his shadows saying a word was still something that worried him. Would they no longer warn him in the future? Did saying Seselis’ name do something he can’t reverse?
The Shadows looked out for him, seemed to want what was best for him… But… With how they behaved… Kazius realized that perhaps they were more loyal to his father rather than him. It was perhaps a fact he would have to make peace with.
‘As long as I follow Azanor’s advice… Things should be fine… I am nowhere near desperate enough to try to use power that is not mine… I guess I just need to just use my powers like I have been… But make sure I keep the distinction between me… And them…’
It was almost like he could hear a hiss of disapproval at the thought from The Shadows. They seemed to almost know what he was thinking.
‘You can try to deny it, but you are us and we are you.’ Kazius heard the distinct voice say.
Kazius frowned at this. He did not want to admit it, but he knew it was right. Still, Azanor could have not spelled out what was at stake any clearer. Kazius needed to be careful… He decided to avoid the temptation of responding to the voice.
Kazius would continue to think to himself as he waited for Azanor and Damon to go ahead. He did not want them to all go back together… If anyone spotted them meeting in a group like this after coming from such a secluded place… They would surely have questions.
Once enough time passed, he would also head back, staring at his own shadow while deep in thought.
Once he returned, he almost passed out. He was exhausted from the day. There had been too much happening… But had things in his life ever been calm since he stopped being a Holy Knight?
The next day came. Damon had gotten a lot less sleep due to their discussion, so he looked noticeably tired during breakfast.
“Good morning.” Kazius said as he went to join the table. Eve was up with Azanor, seeming as cheery as ever.
“Morning!” Eve chirped giddily. The Elf woman truly looked like she did not have a single care in the world.
“Good morning.” Azanor stated per usual, not changing his behavior or showing any sign of last night.
Other than Damon’s fatigue, there was really no sign of their chat.
“Good morning…” Damon stated with a yawn while serving breakfast.
As he yawned, Alice came in.
“Good morning. Looks like someone partied too hard yesterday.” Alice stated only to add her concern.
“Yeah… I stayed up late.” Damon admitted in a slightly sheepish manner. Kazius knew he probably felt guilty about keeping Alice out of the loop, but he was grateful that Damon kept their secret.
“I think today we can just relax and focus on just things for Vargstam… I had a realization last night, but Vargstam doesn’t have a proper school. I want to change that.” Kazius admitted.
At his statement though, Alice practically beamed. Kazius felt guilty, the expression of joy and admiration at the idea showed she thought his intentions were pure.
“That would be incredible! I was actually thinking something similar! It would be great for the children here to get a proper education! Vargstam will be a much better place for it!” Alice exclaimed, actually showing more excitement than Eve for once.
She had dedicated so long to try and improve herself to be a good ruler… Thinking about how to make the lives of the people of Ratier better… So, projects like this likely reminded her of her former goal. She was a smart and caring soul who sadly never got to put any of what she learned to the benefit of the country she wanted.
Still, Kazius was glad he met her… She was unreplaceable when it came to bringing ideas into reality. Things between them had changed a lot from when they met. At first, she did not even show him her face, but now she gave him the most amazing of smiles. Since she was growing out her hair, the longer it grew, the more her appearance reminded him of when he saw her back at the parade… Except much more comfortable and confident.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Kazius was so deep in denial about his feelings for Alice that he failed to put together why all such things came into his head while he lied to her… But he understood one thing, his heart ached.
“I thought you would like the idea, we can even have Caleb do the teaching. I think he is the most qualified… But I can discuss the details during the meeting later. You need to eat.” Kazius reminded her, motioning to the food. He did not want her to get too excited and forget to eat.
He did his best to push down his guilt and go forward. He would tell her everything… Eventually… Or so he told himself.
Alice pouted a little.
“You can’t blame me… You know I am always happy to help make our home better.” Alice admitted with a slightly flustered expression, seeing Vargstam as their home.
Then again, it very much was. Even when they headed out in the future, whether sooner or later to gather more allies… This would be their home. Where Kazius intended to make the capital of his future kingdom… But he was getting ahead of himself with such thoughts.
“I know. I am excited too. Now come on, we should eat.” Kazius assured.
With that, the group would enjoy breakfast together before heading over to the conference room where Egil was already waiting.
“Good morning, Chief. May Vind’s Wind carry us through yet another great day… I still cannot get over how Vargstam has been blessed with 3 people who have made it to the peak of Mount Cyklon.” Egil greeted with a satisfied smile.
Kazius had to hold back a grimace at the greeting. He knew Egil meant well, but it only reminded Kazius about how dangerous Egil was to his plans if he ever learned the truth. He did not hesitate to show his approval of Kazius, but it was clear it was only because he believed Kazius to be approved by her.
“Yes… The future of Vargstam is bright. At least I hope I can do that… I actually told everyone about a plan I have to help with that. The people of the Tribe tend to lean towards having plenty of children… I think we should think about their future.” Kazius admitted with a smile, putting on quite the kind smile to hide any bit of nervousness or hint of his true intentions. It honestly unnerved Kazius how naturally doing such a thing came to him.
“Their future?” Egil asked curiously, his expression brightening with interest.
“He wants to open a school. That way the children can learn to read, write, do math, and other things. Like when Zelphar thought you all… Except in a more organized way.” Alice explained eagerly.
“There has to be games!” Eve chirped eagerly. She usually did not contribute too much to meetings, but it seemed she was interested in the idea too.
“Those too. I think learning should be fun… Not forced and overly strict.” Alice admitted, after all, learning in Ratier had been quite miserable.
Honestly, that was something Kazius agreed with. He intended to make the school better than Ratier’s in that way… Sure there would be propaganda sneaked in… But he did genuinely want the kids to learn in a proper way that did not make them miserable… So, he wasn’t as bad as High Priest Jordan… Or so he told himself.
“I also want The Common Language taught in the schools as well. Because of that, I believe Caleb is the best person for the job.” Kazius admitted.
“Buahaha! I think so too! Caleb would make a great teacher! If I spent more time learning from him, I probably could read and write too! I don’t want others to have the same problem as me.” Damon admitted. He knew of the plan, but his words about his struggles with becoming literate were genuine.
“I think that is a good idea.” Azanor agreed simply. He kept his words short… Likely not wanting to lie, but also wanted to show his approval for the plan.
Egil perked up, seeming happy with the idea as well.
“I think that is a great idea… If everyone is already in agreement, I will do my best to organize some carpenters and craftsmen to make a building for this… School, as you called it. I will help you the best I can, Chief.” Egil agreed, beaming with pride at the idea of a future for Vargstam with such a place.
“In that case, we just have to wait till Caleb wakes up and fill him in.” Kazius stated contently.
Caleb was sometimes not present at the council meetings. He did help, but Caleb was not a morning person. He tended to sleep in… And while he was making an effort to not be a shut-in, he was still a work in progress. Becoming a teacher would also help the shy brother put himself out there… But Kazius was certain he would surely protest at the idea at first.
Honestly, Kazius was pretty satisfied with the whole situation. Things were going smoothly… And after resting today, they could go back to mountain climbing with Damon… And now that he knew what he was and where he came from, for the most part… There should be no more surprises.
Kazius resisted the urge to let out a sigh of relief, but before he could even so much as relax his shoulders, he began to hear it…
‘Danger… Approaching…’
Kazius had tried to not talk to his shadows, but the fact they said that out of nowhere was worrying.
The choir of voices had never used the word danger either before.
‘Danger? What is approaching?’ Kazius thought to himself, unable to help but try and ask them.
‘Danger… Too many…’
‘Too many? Too many what!?’ Kazius questioned back in alarm, currently wishing he could speak more properly with The Shadows. Sure, Kazius was just warned about such things, but this was concerning… And he figured maybe if he just used his own power, it was fine to talk to them a little…
Besides, he was always talking to them and they never answered anyway.
‘Frost Giants… An army of them are coming…’ The distinct voice added.
Kazius froze, remembering what he had been told about the Frost Giants that lived nearby… They had been too creeped out by the mountains in the area… So, they stayed away… What changed? Were they really coming here? But the shadows never lied…
‘FROST GIANTS!? WHAT- WHY!?’ At this, Kazius could no longer hide the concern on his face.
‘Familiar… Someone familiar…’ The choir of voices added.
‘Familiar? What do you mean?!’
“Kazius… Are you alright? You suddenly look really worried…” Alice decided to ask, her voice returning him to reality. He realized everyone was staring at him.
It was then he heard the distinct voice speak up again.
‘The sister has returned.’
‘The sister? What… ’ Kazius thought to himself only to then freeze in realization. He could not hide the murderous look on his face. His expression alarmed Alice and just about everyone else in the room.
“Luna…”