A piece of flint

After breakfast, the men Mr. Mazir sent to Endo's family came back with good news. The family was alright and they said that they will come to see Endo. Mr. Mazir nodded and Endo was elated to finally see his own family after so many months.

"At least we heard a piece of good news today," Vira commented and he was genuinely happy for Endo. He could only hope that his family in the capital was doing alright. The unrest in the capital had been suppressed and not as severe as what was happening there at Westdenn.

"By the way Dreigh, I've noticed that the sword I gave you before you left for the military institute is not with you," Levhon crossed his hands and gave Dreigh a raised eyebrow.

Dreigh had on a rare awkward expression on his face and looked at Mr. Mazir. "I left it to Mr. Mazir. I can't take that sword with me and besides I'm not used to using a sword."

Levhon shook his head and sighed in defeat. If his son had that sword then he can defend himself at least decently but he actually did not take it with him. He could not understand his son's aversion to using any weapon. Weapons can be used for self-defense and is not only used for killing someone but his son still refused to use any. He trained his son to use a sword by letting him practice with a wooden sword but when it comes to an actual sword, he will not even attempt to draw it from its scabbard.

"Can I have the sword?" Levhon directed his gaze at Mr. Mazir and he only shrugged his shoulders.

"Your son was the one who said that he can't take such a precious item to the military institute," he kneeled down and opened a secret compartment and pull out the sword. A silver scabbard covered with vines, leaves and inlaid with gemstones was held on Mr. Mazir's hand. It was the first time for Dreigh to see the scabbard, he only saw the sword and was satisfied with what he saw.

"Wow that sword looks cool," Endo sucked in a breath when he saw Mr. Mazir laid the sword on the table. He was more amazed the moment he saw the sword hidden inside its shell.

"Yes, this sword was found in the Kingdom of Ceald, they are known for their craftsmanship and how lightweight their weapons are. This kingdom is mostly known for their thin, flexible, and sharp swords and this sword contains those characteristics. Even though I don't know who made this sword, I can say that it is made by a master." Mr. Mazir explained, the first time he saw this sword, he did not let it go and bought it at a reasonable price. He then gave this to Levhon.

Dreigh's father picked up the sword and extended it to his son. "I want you to have this sword and this time I will have you use it. I know that you can protect yourself with your affinity but what happens if you ran out of energy to generate your affinity? What will you use then to fight? This sword is made for that purpose." Levhon was stern and his demeanor does not accept any arguments. Dreigh reluctantly accepted the sword and attached it to his side.

----

General Emrys was having a head ache at dealing with what had happened. Officials have been pestering him to pass judgment and immediately arrest the criminal that was behind the massacre. They were also pushing for him to put restraint or ban among the remnants for they fear that these remnants might suddenly rampage.

"What will we do now General?" one of his aids asked the general who was currently frowning.

"They are demanding too much. If I give in to their demands, the remnants will certainly not accept any of these decisions and if I remain silent these government officials will certainly make a fuss blow this matter out of proportion once again." General Emrys answered with exhaustion on his voice. This matter was very difficult to solve. He feels that whatever decision he will make will result into something worst.

He had been dealing with these people ever since the news about the killing that the remnants caused at the military institute. He was everyday pressured into not giving the remnants any preferential treatment because they are monsters or criminals or murderers or anything that the officials could come up to. It was tiring to always here their complaints and rants about how remnants are not supposed to be on Westdenn.

General Emrys, massaged his head and looked at the ceiling of his study lost in thought. He knew that a time will come where he needed to favor the people of Westdenn because the influence of the officials is not to be underestimated. If this matter reaches the Supreme Commander, whatever he decides must be implemented without questions.

----

"We can still make contact with General Emrys, maybe we can think together for a solution," Levhon suggested at the news that the officials are on a move.

They just receive news that the officials have mobilized their men to arrest all the suspects on their list. General Emrys remained silent for an unknown reason.

���We can try but we will try to approach him first and gauge his thoughts regarding this matter," Mr. Mazir agreed. They talked more about this plan and came to the decision that Mr. Mazir and Levhon will talk to the general personally. If they feel that they can have the general's confidence they can consider telling him about Dreigh and the others. If he would lean towards the other side, they will not ask him for any assistance.

A knock broke the serious atmosphere around the group and Everleigh with a tray of drinks entered together with one of their benefactor's men, behind them was an older gentleman together with a young gentleman.

Endo's eyes widened at the sight of the man and he immediately stood up to hug the man with similar features to him. He was moved to tears at the feel of his father. He also gave his brother a smile.

"Why don't you go to your room first Endo and talk there without any disturbances," Mr. Mazir gestured that they can leave. They don't want to ruin the family's reunion. They can always talk later, at this time family is more important than anything.

Endo nodded and he left with his father and brother leaving the other people on the room. The young man led his family to the room he used the night before and also served them some food that had mysteriously appeared inside his room.

"Endo, how have you been? Are you alright?" his father anxiously looked at him from head to toe to check if he was really alright. He wanted to make sure that his son was truly and fully alright.

"Yes I'm fine. I am more worried about our family, are you all doing fine?" Endo asked with creased forehead. His father was in poor health and their family was not like the others who have backers or who have merchants as their friends.

His father smiled, his son was really responsible for even thinking about them even though he should be more worried about himself. "We are doing alright. You don't have to worry so much."

"Father is right, you should be worrying about yourself right now," a soft voice admonished him. Endo looked at his younger brother and gave him a sheepish smile. Even though they don't have the same mother, this brother of his was very responsible and had been taking care of them. After he left for the military, he was at ease because he had this brother to take care of the family.

"I'm not that worried about myself because there are people who are willing to help us that's why I am more worried about you," he smiled awkwardly and scratched his head.

His father nodded, "I could see that they were good people even though I did not talk with them personally, to come and approach us even though they might be discovered was something I can appreciate."

"Yes, they are good people." He nodded with proudness in his eyes.

"What are you going to do now?" his brother asked.

"We just finished talking about how we are going to talk with General Emrys and see if we can work with him to control the current situation," Endo did not hide anything from them. He talked about their journey and what they had experienced along their way to Westdenn.

Although the father and son did not understand everything that he had talked about, they still intently listened to him and responded to him enthusiastically. They were eager to prolong the conversation and the time they had together, this was a precious time for them.