Chapter 33

"Hello. I think you're busy. I can come back later." He coughed as the king was deep into the words little.

The king had recovered himself raising his head and said "Oh, here you are. Come here, my son. I'm sorry that I didn't get you're here. Come and sit near me."

Taeyan walked towards him, had a glance at that vague stone tablet, and said, "Is that a stone tablet?"

"Yes, it is. These were confiscated when the wizards have gotten exiled. They're encoded. Do you want to take a look?" the King said.

Taeyan was curious. So, he said, "Of course, if it doesn't matter."

"Have a look at it. Can you get anything from it?" The king said.

Taeyan looked at it carefully and said "It's written the blue moon? I thought it might be more notes on it. It's more like a secret box!"

"Yes, but what does it mean? What does that crescent moon want to say? Does it mean that it would open at a special time?" The king said.

Taeyan thought a little and said, "I don't think so because they might need it anytime. Here is some blue ink on the bottom. Did you pour that?"

"That dot was always there," Taeyan asked to take a little blue ink. The king passed the blue ink and asked, "What is it for?"

Taeyan poured the blue ink on the circle top up on that tablet then whispered the blue moon. Suddenly a dark blue light spread out and the tablet got unlocked. A sidewall fell. King smiled with deep satisfaction and said, "The second tablet got opened out of your help. That's why you always follow the signs and pay attention to things that no one does. Well done."

Taeyan smiled and said, "Who unlocked the first one?"

The king looked at him and answered, "Your brother."

They looked inside the tablet and found a map, but why should they hide it there?

"It's a map! They got themselves into so much trouble to hide a map! How strange it is! They could hide it or burn it somehow." Taeyan said.

"But it's not the map of Farya's lands", the king said.

"This is the map of our land, but why is it marked? Surely it's totally related to their filthy activities or it's even their sanctuary."

The King was looking at the map when he smiled and said, "I thought that here is your land."

Taeyan apologized, "I'm sorry. I meant the human's world. I still make this mistake."

"No need to apologize. It's not a mistake. Don't blame yourself for something that belongs to you. You're part of both worlds."

Taeyan nodded, he was relieved that his father could understand his feelings about the human's world. He said anxiously, "I don't have a good sense about this map."

"Me, neither. Anyway, you cleared what I wanted, but there's something else I want you to know."

Taeyan nodded and waited for him to talk.

"We didn't spend much time with each other for a while and I'm sorry about that. As you know, most of the things don't run well these days and I'm responsible for handling those issues, but you need to know that I care about you and there's no difference between you and your brother for me. I'm equally proud of both of you. Please, don't be mad at your brother, losing your mother was hard on both of you. He acts tough on you to help you learn more and to be able to protect yourself better. He loves you so much, but in his own way."

He was right about what Suran felt and loved him more than anybody else. They both had a rough childhood with a slight difference. Suran had difficulty sharing and showing his feelings trying to reveal that in other ways. He cared so much about everyone, but inherently he was hoping to have someone taking care of him. His inner child was still alive, but exhausted and unable to show himself. While every young boy in his age loved to spend time with girls or share some love, he was thinking about his responsibilities.

"Thanks for being upfront with me. I can understand this." Taeyan said frankly.

He said that honestly and from the bottom of his heart. He was really glad that his father was trying to resolve misunderstandings existing between them. Taeyan loved his brother either ever since he had met him. He loved him even through his strict teaching, practices and would do anything for him.

"It's great to hear that. Thanks for your understanding." eagerly said.

Taeyan added, "Can I ask for a favor?"

"Of course. Anything you want."

"Can you let us participate in the tournament?" Taeyan asked.

"I would accept anything except that. It would be great if you asked about my permission before going to that jungle." King rigorously said.

"I'm sorry for that, but I've lived among humans before. I can be a great help." Taeyan replied.

The king thought for a moment then added, "I have an offer for you."

"Anything.", jumped forth.

"You need to go to the magician Forest and find their secret sanctuary." The King said.

Taeyan surprised didn't expect that from him and eagerly said, "You have our word. We'll pull it off."

"But, you have only two hours, not more." The King emphasized.

Taeyan agreed, "Deal. It's better than nothing."

His father liked his courage and continued, "Be by the gates tomorrow night. You'd better get yourselves well-prepared."

Taeyan thanked his father joyfully and got out of his library. He entered his room, hugged Goofy tightly, and said, "Listen goofy we're one step nearer to our goal. It's time to move for a great cause."

The king was sure about their intelligence and believed that they could find the sanctuary, but worrying about sending some teenagers right to the danger was irresistible. He was not worried about Suran because he was taught strictly. Therefore, he left everything to God's hands. King Sayan was a thoroughly responsible father. Although he couldn't protect his son from the severe emotional damage he had from his mother's death, he has tried to support Suran's dreams for a long time, but he couldn't stop him from going after his destiny.