When War Calls(7)

‘Where are you going?’ Jaden asked, almost as if he were now an interrogator.

Tyral seemed oblivious to the sudden change in Jaden’s tone.

‘Away for a few days, maybe weeks,’ he said.

‘For what?’

Tyral lowered his head and pressed against his right brow with two fingers on his left hand, a gesture understood only by the Daiyus family.

‘Business,’ he said.

Jaden bowed his head a little in acknowledgement of the gesture. Whatever Tyral had in mind, Jaden knew now it was of the utmost secrecy, and no further questions could be asked. If Jaden were to learn more, the information would have to be volunteered by Tyral.

‘Be careful,’ said Jaden.

‘I will. But I can assure you everything is going well. Kobin is handling everything.’

‘Why do you travel with him?’

Tyral chuckled. ‘Still you maintain your distrust after all he has done for us?’

Jaden nodded.

‘My son, he is the one man I would have to negotiate these matters for us. If it were anyone else, you would no doubt be recruited into an army and be sent to fight in the wars, so be thankful for his help. And besides, despite our differences, we have been friends practically since birth. Call it a sacred bond, if you will, but I will call him my companion on the road until the end, no matter what.’

Jaden lowered his gaze in another gesture of the family. It meant that he was not satisfied with the given answer, but Tyral also knew that once Jaden’s mind was made up, there was little he could say to change it.

‘Why do you have to leave now?’ asked Jaden. ‘You’ll miss the game.’

His father’s smile faded. ‘I’m sorry. I know I promised I would be there, but,’ he began coughing between his words, ‘this—can’t wait—I must leave—at once.’

‘Your illness is getting worse,’ said Jaden.

‘No. No, it’s fine. It will pass.’

‘You don’t have to act proud, Father, we all have weaknesses. You taught me that.’

‘So I did,’ said Tyral, coughing loudly once more to the side. ‘This is just a minor sickness I picked up on the road ... nothing of significance.’

‘Can you wait for a few days?’ asked Jaden. ‘You could watch the first two or three rounds.’

‘No, I’m afraid not. When I get back, I will make a promise not to miss a single game you play. However, until we are safe, I cannot rest.’

‘Are we really in that much danger?’

Tyral nodded. ‘The wars approach us. The World Protection Alliance is having difficulty with the United Resistance in these parts. Kobin is doing what he can to keep us immune from any battles. Without these negotiations, I fear we would all be going to war.’

‘I understand.’

‘I know,’ said Tyral. ‘As for the game, I am sure you will astound me as always. You have all my abilities and more. Just remember; if you lose, you will be hated by those who don’t know you, and understood by those who do. Pay no mind to the hate. Those who sympathise are your friends, stay with them. In my eyes, you have already achieved far more than I had ever hoped, and for that, I will always be proud of you.’

‘Thank you, Father.’

‘Be well, Jaden, I will see you upon my return.’

With a bow to one another, Jaden watched as his father made his best effort to not look injured as he walked away. Jaden felt tears surface, realising the pain Tyral was putting himself through, simply so that Jaden wouldn’t have to see any weakness in the man who was meant to be invincible for him. Jaden felt the deepest respect he had ever held for his father then, and knew one day he would aspire to be just like him, facing up to the world regardless of the dangers it threw at him. He would remain strong as a protector of the weak in the presence of enemies, and be the kindest, most gentle man in Callibra in the company of friends.

Lowering his gaze in the family gesture, Jaden spoke softly, ‘Goodbye, Father.’





Chapter Three





One chases victory to the end, enduring loss only when the journey is forgotten.





January 9, 997 R.E.





Jaden grabbed unconsciously at a long shoot of grass, pulling at it until it released, then began twirling it around in his fingers. He was sitting cross-legged on an elevated flat of land in the southeast corner of the valley, staring aimlessly out over a few houses toward where the mountains dropped away and became hills in the west. It was one of his favourite places to sit when he wanted a few quiet moments to think. The sharp cliffs behind him gave an edge of greatness to his thoughts, while the waterfall to his left drowned out any sound from the village. It created an illusion of being alone, secluding him from everyone else, even though he could see people moving about below.