A new day started in the city aquanus. It was a day of unprecedented importance. The delicate council meeting was going to happen today in the afternoon in the city hall. The most influential figures would be attending the meeting and deciding the course of action for the upcoming winter. It was still morning yet the estate of Ivan tepish dracule was the more lively it has ever been. Ivan was overseeing the people of his estate from his second-floor balcony. The people had excitement as well as concern on their faces. Everyone was lively in the morning. It was a big day for the very small number of high humans that lived in the estate.

“Everyone is excited,” Ivan said in a monotonous voice looking at the people from the balcony.

His remark and his voice were filled with sadness. It felt like a heavy burden on his shoulders. Hans noticed this and was standing aside from him on the balcony. Looking at the view of the estate with him.

“It’s a monumental day sir. You were invited to the delicate council meeting as a representative of our race. It’s something we all take seriously. The discrimination that has been going on for years on our people. You now have the power to address this with the city council. You can become our voice to oppose this hatred others have” Hans said

“I don’t believe that. This treatment is because they felt threatened by our might. We are a few but we are considered one of the strongest races in terms of physical ability. I’m just concerned this is just a ploy to strip even more of our freedom. The recent events have stirred far too much attention. They are only tolerating us because we are a great asset as a military force that is defending the west borders in winter and the upcoming dark months” Ivan excliamed

That remark made Hans very upset. He was the one who had a major part in this ordeal. he had played a part in being a catalyst for this problem.

Ivan continued to say what was on his mind

“It’s been 3 years in this city. So many depend on me. I just can’t meet their expectations. Many instances happened where hatred drove the city people to hurt our kind or even kill us. We cannot defend ourselves. We cannot raise our voices. The law is biased in favor of anyone but us. I feel helpless. I can’t help my people.” Ivan said with sadness that crept into his voice ever so often.

The wind blew past them. Their hair was blowing in the wind. Hans put his hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him. In his mind, he thought it was an absurd statement to make

"Ivan, You have been a man of principle and headstrong in action. You did not show your emotional weakness to anyone. Not even your family. You had to become a strong symbol for our people. A beacon of hope for others to believe in and try to survive. We had to journey across so many regions to get into this city. Everyone who followed you leaving their destroyed homes behind is thankful for being strong and steadfast. To become a leader, you had to make the hardest choices when desperation was eating us alive. We survived because of you and reached this city years ago. My friend you have done far too much for us." hans thought

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“Ivan, stop pushing yourself too much. You have done so much for everyone here. We can only shamefully thank you for being an anchor for us to depend upon. Now is the time to stand on our feet. All the high humans living in this estate and near it are indebted to you. You don’t need to feel pressured by anything. We will someday change the perception of the people living here someday. Just depend on us as we have depended on you in the desperate times, my friend”

Hearing Hans remark. Ivan's worries had subdued a little.

He looked at his hand and then at the people from the balcony. Some of them noticed Ivan and waved their hands just as a greeting. In that instance, Ivan had a small smile.

"I will not fail them, Fiona. Just like I promised" Ivan thought reminiscing on the promise he made.

Remembering his deceased wife. His son Ray popped into his mind.

“How is rayhein doing Hans? Is he awake now?”

With a sad expression, Hans replied gesturing with his head left and right.

“No sir. It’s been 1 month he is still unconscious. ”

He hated to ask every time. It reminded him that he did not save Ray in time. Ivan did not hate Ray. He just wanted his son to become strong even if he was born without magic. In a world that was far too cruel. Ivan wanted ray to have a strong spirit. He could not spoil him with love and affection. It would make him weak and rely on others. What would happen if he died now? What would Ray do? That’s why he treated both Ray and avan with indifference.

Ivan still asked for Ray well being.

“What did the doctors say.?”

“He is still recovering. The damage he sustained was far too much to heal in a week. As you know magic interferes with healing. His rib cage was broken. His right hand and one foot were broken. His torso and back had deep flesh wounds. His left hand was burned very badly. He also seems like he was poisoned with dark taint. It might be curable, unlike Lily’s condition. Why did you not stop him from leaving? What were you thinking?”

Hans has had this question for a while. Why did Ivan let his children be in such danger?

“Hans, I can’t protect them for all their life. You know how our people are on the borders. What happens to them? It’s no different. Ray is hurt but survived. We are not accepted in other fields of work. People don’t like us. They don’t want to trade with us. Business is out of the question. Let’s be honest we are not well-versed in anything but combat. It will take time to diversify ourselves to do less dangerous work to make a living. It’s just the sad pitiful reality of our past self-obsessed race”

Ivan was leaving the balcony as the mood had become sour as he remembered his young days in the imperium. Before leaving he said one thing to Hans

“Both of them will face dangers in the future. I will protect Lilly. She is just unfortunate with sickness. Avan and rayhein have to stand up for themselves. I will be the ladder to support them but they have to make the climb to the top”

Hans although did not like his way of thinking. For once he agreed.

[I need to teach my son Allister thoroughly. Inform him of what are the threats. His stupid arrogance endangered both himself and Ray. I should beat those lessons in him so he won’t make that mistake ever again]

Meanwhile, In the huge training barricades of the estate, a person was training with dummies swinging his sword to refine his swordsmanship. Allister was practicing his arts when suddenly a chill ran down his spine.

"I felt chills. What was that?" Allister thought

At that moment he stopped everything for a second.