462. Days of Nightval III

462. Days of Nightval III

Adam watched the children play from his bench. A group of Iyrmen children had come up to the triplets, before the leader stopped them, approaching the triplets alone. After a moment of apprehension, and a nod from their father, the triplets went to play with the Iyrmen children, who were chatting happily about their stories.

“They are growing well,” Tonagek said, sitting beside Adam. He wore a breastplate, and carried at his side a longsword.

“Yeah,” Adam said. He fell silent for a moment, recalling Tonagek’s story. “Thank you again.”

Tonagek bowed his head, remaining silent for a long while. There was so much he wanted to speak with Adam about, but he wasn’t sure where to begin. “I am glad they are safe.”

“Yeah. Thank you again, again.”

“Is there a need for thanks between us?” Tonagek asked. “My sister has adopted you into the Rot family. We are no strangers.”

“I’m not the kind whose stingy with his gratitude,” Adam replied, smiling slightly. “If I was, then I wouldn’t deserve to be their father.”

“It will be difficult to raise them. They are Half Dragons, and part Elf. They will have the needs of Dragons, and they will be targeted because of it.”

“Yeah.”

“There is no need to raise them alone,” Tonagek said, quietly. “Sister will take good care of them, so you must not allow the world to press on you. There will be times when you will be unable to take care of them, and you should not be afraid to ask for support.”

“It’s a good thing I’m shameless,” Adam replied, smiling wider.

“Are you?”

“I’m not afraid to ask for the support of my Aunt and the others.”

“That is not true.”

Adam raised his brow to the Iyrman beside him. “What do you mean?”

Tonagek sighed, thinking past to his childhood. “It is difficult to hide one’s thoughts from my sister. She can read your face as though you were a story within the Iyr.”

“Is that why Jurot can see the relations between people?” Adam asked.

“He certainly is sister’s child.”

“He is Jurot, son of Surot.”

Tonagek bowed his head, though he knew that would soon change. “Did you enjoy the festival?”

“Yeah, I did. The Iyr’s festivals are always so great, what with all the entertainment and the food.” Adam chuckled quietly as his thought. “This festival was the first I didn’t work even once, I think.”

“I have heard that you are addicted to work.”

“Something like that.”

Adam sat up straighter, trying to remember who Bavin was. ‘Oh, right, the grandson, Lavin’s brother.’ “Yeah, Bovin.”

“Jarot was popular, but everyone in the Iyr knew that Bovin was better. He was one of the very few who won his title with a near unanimous vote.”

“Really? What was it?”

“Nine to one.”

Adam whistled, causing his children to squirm for a moment. He nuzzled against them to calm them down. “That’s a landslide if I’ve ever heard of one.”

“Losing his arm did very little to weaken him, but losing his son crippled him. I did not understand why, for he was still someone who possessed great strength. If he wished, he could have continued to do more. He could have taken the title of Family Elder, and pushed for more from the Rot family. No Iyrman would have been surprised if the Rot family would have taken at least one spot as a Great Elder.”

Adam smiled, about to joke, before realising what Tonagek was trying to say. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Tonagek nodded his head slowly. “I can understand now. I understand why Jarot did not take his place as the Family Elder. I understand why he remained with Churot, trapped by his memories.”

“You’re the Gek Family Head, aren’t you?” Adam asked.

“I am.”

“Are you planning on dropping that title?” Adam asked.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Danagek is even bigger than Gurot,” Tonagek said. “My nephew may be large, but you should come and see my son.”

“Your son is bigger than Gurot?” Adam let out a scoff. “That’s a big boy.”

“He is. He is big, and he will become a great warrior. He is built for it. Perhaps he will become a Great Elder?”

“Gurot is quite a big boy, and he’ll become a great, strong warrior, but did you know about his older brother?”

“Turot?” Tonagek asked.

“Yes.”

“What of him?”

“He’s going to become Elder Peace.”

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Just another sad dad chapter.