Leaving Peace

"Lie, your father has requested your presence."

"Mother, what does father want?"

"Like I would know, ask your father when you talk to him."

"Yes mother."

I followed behind my mother as we walked past the maids and arrived at my father's office. I would notice an ugly look from some of the staff sometimes when they saw my mother. At first I had no idea why but after realizing my mother wasn't Chinese I knew why. My mother looked European and was beautiful which was bound to draw the envy from others. I of course didn't bring this up as I knew my father and mother probably already knew of such things happening within the castle.

Arriving at the office my mother stopped and looked at me. I knew what she meant by this look so I went into his office alone. The office was usually off limits but seeing as my father is allowing me to enter he probably has something important to talk about.

I opened the doors and entered the room. It was a small narrow room with books on both walls. At the end of the narrow room sat my father behind a desk. My father had short black hair with a bulky build. His eyes were as black as his hair and he always had a solemn look on his face.

"Son, sit down"

He pointed to the chair in front of him and I quickly sat down.

"How has your training been going?"

"Good father, I have trained each cardinal point to an advanced proficiency and I have perfected the moves of Dragon's Existence. I just need to train my killing intent and learn more basic spear arts to incorporate into the technique."

"Good, you're a fast learner. Listen, since your 10th birthday was a few months ago it's about time you see a battlefield. You understand right?"

"I understand father and i'm willing to go with you but what about mother. You know as well as I that once we leave here there is no one to protect her from the maids discrimination."

"Don't worry son. Your mother can take care of herself."

"But.."

"No buts… Your mother will be fine."

I wanted to argue but seeing the look on his face. I decided to go along with him as his face had no hint or worry about his wife, as if he knew no one could touch her.

"Since you understand I will have the maids prepare for our journey. We head out tomorrow morning. Don't tell your mother until we're about to leave since she'll definitely try to steal you and run away. You understand."

"Yes, Father."

"Then you're dismissed."

Walking out of the office I saw my mother with a nervous look on her face.

"Lie, what did you and your father talk about?"

"Nothing mother, he just wanted to know how my training was going."

I saw her face calm a little but there was still some nervousness present.

"Well that's good son. It's time for bed now, hurry off or you're banned from training for a month."

"Yes, mother."

I followed her directions and went to bed. It was hard lying to her but I understood that if I told her the truth she may have tried to drug everyone in the mansion and run away with me. I shut my eyes while thinking about my future. I knew that the next few years were going to be hectic but I was excited. I loved being home with my mother but there's no feeling like the one you get on a battlefield.

—--

I woke up early the next day due to my father wanting to get an early start. I really knew he just wanted to try and slip past my mother. His plan almost worked but my mother must have known something was going on as she ran up to me crying and grabbed me in a hug. She held me close for a few minutes until she finally let me go and glared daggers at my father then returned her stare to me.

"You must make sure you return safely, promise me."

"Yes mother of course I'll return."

"Here, I made this for you. It's a luck charm that will keep you safe."

My mother handed me a necklace with an ornament that looked like a totem pole. It was strange but I still chose to accept it as I was afraid my mother would drag me back to the house if I didn't.

"Mother, don't worry, I'll return safely."

"You better."

I stepped into the carriage and we finally began to make our way towards the battlefield. Mother took it better than expected but she is smarter than most so she probably knew something was up since yesterday.

My father and I rode in the carriage for two weeks before arriving near a battlefield. Of course during which we bond over hunting and complaining about the bumpy road. It was like my father was two people, one the caring father and two the unrelenting general. Once we arrived on the battleground my father immediately returned to the unrelenting general.

I followed behind him as he commanded people around on the way to his tent. Not once did he reveal weakness, not even with his son right behind him.Once we arrived at his tent he told me to go get changed while he handled preparations and so I did. After changing, I walked out of the tent wearing a metal armor chest plate and pants made of hardened leather. In short my armor looked ordinary unlike my fathers dark black full body armor. I sat next to the tent watching as people walked by .Looking at the soldiers I realized the difference between a soldier and cannon fodder. The soldiers wore armor like mine while the cannon fodder had normal civilian clothes on. I watched as many began to freak out. I watched as they broke down crying, begging to not go.

I knew the world was cruel and I myself am also but that doesn't mean I can't feel pity for others.

"Son, are you ready?"

I turned behind me to see my father coming from the tent wearing his all black armor.

"Yes father."