That night, just after the evening had fallen,the ride of Arkara,Syeira and the carriage of Lady Eiwa finally reached the Kuno Mansion gates. They were met with a heartwarming homecoming by Chief Daevos and Lord Kaora. At dinner, there was no mention of the ambush; before reaching the gates, Arkara had secretly ordered his archer guard to take the surviving prisoner to a hidden prison to avoid raising the suspicions of his father or the guest Siharki.
Later, Arkara stood alone in the mansion gardens, gazing at his sword, when a voice spoke from the shadows.
Lord Kaora: "It seems my former sword serves you well. Perhaps?" (He spoke with a tone of pride.)
Arkara (bowing as he stood): "My Lord Kaora! Forgive me, I did not hear you coming."
Lord Kaora: "Aha... it is fine, Arkara. Syeira told me about the ambush at Misaz Road. It seems you are far more than just a warrior; the Siharki blood serves you well."
Kaora took the sword from Arkara's hand. He raised it, and suddenly his gold-blue aura surged, turning into a reddish-gold glow. He swung it toward the sky, demonstrating his power as a blast of energy soared gently through the air before he handed the weapon back to his nephew.
Arkara (gripping the sword humbly): "My Lord, is it true that you forged this sword yourself, and that it fought many battles as your companion? Why did you give it to me as a gift-something so memorable from the time before you became a Siharki?"
Lord Kaora: "My legacy will be found by those who are not just worth wielding a blade, but worth swinging it. Keep in mind, a weapon serves its master's soul through magic, but also through the soul's will to fight. That is the difference between us and those who are not gifted with magic. Yes, this sword is valuable to me; I forged it through fire and my own soul. It is like a soulmate. When I sent it here through Syeira ten years ago, I believed that as it served me, it would serve you. Today is the proof of that." (He tapped Arkara's back with praise.)
Arkara (bowing in respect): "My Lord, I will try my best! But... there is something I must show you."
Arkara reached into his cloak and produced the dagger he had recovered, still wrapped in old cloth. He uncovered it for the Lord to see.
Lord Kaora (his face showing a hint of covered shock): "Is this-!? It cannot be! This is the Dagger of Barqaz!" He stared at the symbol carved into the handle.
Arkara: "My Lord, do you know where this dagger is from and to whom it belongs?"
Lord Kaora: "This dagger belongs to a place named Barqaz, a place where steel is forged from the breath of ice and fire. It is the work of a clan in the most eastern part of Northia." (In his mind, Kaora immediately suspected Lord Ruqaz, the Siharki of Northia, as Barqaz was in his region.)
Arkara: "Northia? Do you think this means Lord Ruqaz is involved, My Lord?"
Lord Kaora (thinking deeply): "...No. I do not think so. I do not think Lord Ruqaz is involved... but I feel this is only the beginning. Did anyone else see this?"
Arkara: "No, My Lord. I have not told anyone yet."
Lord Kaora: "Good." He placed a hand on Arkara's shoulder, his tone becoming serious and deep. "Arkara, may I ask you a favor... or rather, a vow?"
Arkara: "Of course. What is it, My Lord?"
Lord Kaora: "If anything happens after this, promise me that you will protect my Syeira?"
Arkara: "As you wish, My Lord!"
Lord Kaora: "I mean... take her as your wife, Arkara." His hand tightened slightly on Arkara's shoulder, his voice filled with hope. "I have no son. I look at you as my own, but that does not make you my son. Please, do not refuse my hope to see you as my son-in-law. I feel for you as if you were my own blood."
Arkara (stunned): "I... I... I will think about it, My Lord. But pardon me-what about Lady Syeira? Does she know of this? She might already have someone else in her heart..."
Lord Kaora: "Hmm... I hope you will give me an answer to this proposal before I ride to Gapura Highland City. I will ask Syeira about this myself. I will wait for your answer, Arkara, and whatever you decide, I will accept it with an open heart."
Arkara (nodding with a bow): "Sure, My Lord. Thank you for your graceful trust in me."
Suddenly, Lord Kaora hugged Arkara like a son. "Actually, I am very proud of you. And I should thank you for protecting my Syeira at Misaz Road. She told me everything."
He let go and stood looking out at the view of Minas Kuno Town. Silence fell between them as the moonlight revealed the beauty of the town and the Gulf of Senronia stretching toward the open sky. From a window above, Syeira watched them and smiled, happy to see her father and Arkara finally sharing a moment together after so long.
Arkara remained startled, the weight of his uncle's proposal heavy in his mind. Meanwhile, Lord Kaora's mind was filled with worry; the dagger now in his possession might be the answer to questions that had yet to be asked-and the peace they were viewing would soon be shaken.
To be continued...