Chapter 10: The Shadow of Exile

Celina, Arthur's sister, was sleeping calmly in her baby cot. Suddenly, her peaceful face changed, and she began to cry.

"Oh, honey, can you check her diaper?" Iliyana called from the kitchen.

"Yes, sure," Marqus sighed, getting up to attend to Celina.

"Come on, honey, this is too much. I need to change it every ten minutes," Marqus grumbled while changing Celina's diaper. As he did, his hand got dirty. "Oh, shit! My hand got dirty again," he muttered, cleaning his hands with a napkin.

Suddenly, Marqus sensed a powerful aura behind him. He realized it was Iliyana, and she looked angry. "Honey, what did I say about watching your language around little Celina? What if she picks up your bad habits?" Iliyana's tone shifted from sarcastically peaceful to angry.

Marqus made a comically frightened face as he looked at Iliyana, trying to hide his fear.

While this wholesome and tender scene was unfolding, Arthur entered the room, catching both their attention. Seeing his parents together, Arthur rushed towards them, but they seemed to drift farther and farther away. Suddenly, the background around them turned black. Arthur stopped running as the images of his mom and dad vanished.

In fear, he screamed, "No, you can't leave me alone!"

With a start, Arthur woke up from his bed, heart pounding.

"So it was just a dream? Mom, Dad, Celina, why did you leave me?" Arthur cried out, tears streaming down his face.

"It seems you are finally awake," came a calm voice. It was Sage Samarth.

"Sage Samarth? Is it really you? Why are you here?" Arthur asked, still sobbing.

"Look, kid, I know this is hard. Losing your family at the mere age of 12 is a lot to take in," Sage Samarth said gently. "But remember, you are alive so that you can protect others in danger. You are alive because the gods willed it so. I have an offer for you." He extended his hand towards Arthur and said, "Would you like to be my first student?"

Arthur wiped away his tears and said, "I appreciate you offering me this honor." He paused, then continued, "I will join you. Please, make me your disciple, Sage Samarth."

Samarth smiled warmly and replied, "Sure, I will. From now on, you shall call me Guru."

"Okay, Guru Samarth," Arthur responded.

{Note: guru is a term which used to represent a teacher in india}

Guru Samarth stood up and said, "Be ready. We will depart this evening. Until then, say your goodbyes to your friends. I will meet with the king in the meantime."

After Guru Samarth left the room, Arthur walked to the terrace. Upon entering, he saw Casia standing near the edge.

"Are you mad?" Arthur said as he approached her, gently moving her aside.

Casia said nothing, confirming Arthur's worries.

Arthur took a deep breath, calmed himself, and said, "I love you."

Casia blushed with embarrassment. "What? What are you saying? I mean, I like you and love you, but this is so sudden for me."

"I've always loved you," Arthur said, interrupting her. Casia stopped and calmed herself.

"It's not like I didn't notice your crush on me. I'm not that oblivious. I was just really confused about how to respond, that's all."

"So, are you leaving because of me?" Casia asked.

"Kind of, yes. I love you, and I don't want to lose you like I lost my family. To protect what I love, I need to become stronger—stronger than anyone."

"Well, I won't stop you, since I know the pain of losing someone so precious to you. But can you at least tell me how long it will be before you come back?"

"I'm not sure. I'll be gone for a while, but I promise you, I'll marry you once I return," Arthur said.

He then got down on one knee and asked, "So, will you marry me when I come back?" reaching for her hand.

Casia gladly gave her hand to Arthur, smiling through joyful tears.

The scene shifts to the king's room. A knock sounded at the door.

"May I come in?" said a calm and gentle voice.

"Yes," the king answered.

Guru Samarth entered the room. The king greeted him, and they sat down for a cup of tea.

"So, I will be expelled, huh?" Guru Samarth said, cutting through their laughter from their chitchat.

"So, you've already heard about it," the king replied, his face turning sad.

"Don't worry about it. It was the nobles' idea; you couldn't have done anything anyway," Samarth said.

"I am really sorry I couldn't do anything," the king said, his voice heavy with pain.

"It's okay. I've been trying to tell you this for a while, but this exile makes it easier. I was thinking of settling down in the Himalayan mountains to meditate for the rest of my life. And I've taken on a disciple."

"It's Arthur, right?" the king said.

"Yes, that boy has some talent. He will be the greatest asset to your country, so take good care of him after he finishes his training."

The king agreed, and they continued to reminisce about their past.

In the evening, Arthur and Guru Samarth prepared to leave the country. They stood at the main gate to bid farewell. Casia and August were there, but the king couldn't come due to political pressures. As they set off for the Himalayan mountains, Casia spoke up, "Arthur, remember our promise. I will wait for you forever. So come back safely." Hearing these words, Prince August became confused and flustered, while Arthur responded with a gentle smile.

To be continued...