CHAPTER 13: EXISTENTIAL DOUBT

It has been nights of anguish in the castle, alone, in his room, DWYER remembers that boatman, shudders with fear, he knows that he is already an old man, his youth got out of hand.

He has held an honorable office, he knows that it has been one of his best contributions in his life, to follow the standards of the kingdom.

However, he was happy being a simple explorer, a mere vigilante.

He used to go out every night that did not stand guard, to the taverns in the human villages, he had many affairs, of which, he had children, however, he never married any.

Sometimes he walks endlessly around the room.

Still, I had a happy family.

His life was simple.

In the castle, he led a good life, nothing lacked... and at the same time, everything lost... his freedom was conditioned as he should not stray far from the castle.

He felt trapped, if... that's the word... immersed in a lake of mixed emotions, between duty and his own desires. It's sad to realize that, he's already an old man, he doesn't have much left to live.

He's terrified of death... never felt that way before until, he saw it, that boatman.

So close to the... Waiting.

And he doesn't want to die.

His life is good in the kingdom, he has exceptional friends, but... his anguish does not yield.

He's 64 now.

He's afraid of dying.

Every night is an agony... it's just the moment when, when the doors close, she's back alone with herself.

Giving the same idea around in his head.

He won't let him sleep.

One of the young sons of the king, of the second litter, RYU, at just 105 years old... he stands out for always being very curious, he likes to see interesting things coming to the labs, that's how it's been for years.

These days he has been denied entry and this has increased his desire to know what they are hiding.

The only information they give him is that they have something very dangerous in the lab.

But, nothing is forever, over the days he has collected information, spied on some investigators and council members, talking about the existence of a human of the new world.

He also knows he's in the lab.

The question is why is he isolated?

RYU approaches some of the researchers to ask about it.

He is surprised by their resounding refusal to tell him anything about this subject, knowing himself discovered by the young man, they put more severe restrictions on him, before vetoing him of the entire wing of the castle so that he can keep him away from them, mention that it is a subject that is forbidden to the citizens of the kingdom, including the young RYU.

That information can only be given to you by your father, King DRAKO.

They just don't recommend asking anyone again, except their father.

But, RYU is a little stubborn and runs in search of his father.

He wants to know more and be able to see the human of the new world.

King DRAKO is in the throne room in a meeting with two councillors.

Seeing young RYU arrive, everyone is silent, they wake up at the end of the meeting.

Seeing that the council members left, RYU approaches his father.

RYU explains to his father that it is several days since he has visited the lab and has been denied access, DRAKO looks at his son who is somewhat restless.

The king puts a hand on the young man and guides him to the window.

They're both on the rock-shaped balcony.

He asks her if she likes the kingdom.

Excited RYU quickly replies yes.

His father gives a smile and tells his son that he is very grateful.

This surprises young RYU.

The king explains that his answer has a very important meaning, because it reflects the feeling of many in the kingdom.

At least as far as he knows.

A kingdom in which he has wished that everyone could live peacefully.

RYU knows, he's seen it in the various species, they live in peace.

His father explains that there are things in the new world that... young RYU looks to his father, who loses his sight on the horizon... the king continues: he calls his son by name, asks him to always follow the rules of the kingdom.

Always see for the helpless and respect all lives.

Only then will the kingdom have a future.

And part of that is also respecting the king's decision. He must move away from the lab indefinitely.

RYU protests.

He interrogates his father about what they brought from the new world, he's heard he's a human.

His father looks at him with annoyance.

He asks where did you get the information about the human girl?

Young RYU smiles, she's a human child.

The king realizes his recklessness, this has further fueled RYU's curiosity.

Ask your son to leave.

Then RYU arms himself with courage, asks his father When can he see the human girl, his father is a little surprised at his son's audacity and lack of judgment.

DRAKO, you tell him in all seriousness that you don't.

Reiterating the voice, he reaffirms that it is forbidden.

Young RYU, I've never seen his father so serious and worried before.

The thorn of curiosity catches him, but he knows he won't accomplish anything by insisting on his father.

Nor has he ever seen his father this angry before, in some other circumstances he would have given in, no doubt, this is really serious.

He walks away from the throne room, his father turns his back on him.

He goes out into the hallway and gets lost in his ideas as he heads to his room.

If there's anything with that girl in any way, he must know, maybe the humans of the new world are cursed.

The more he thinks about this, the more curiosity he gets.

END OF CHAPTER 13