Chapter 272 - Three Leaves: Rocky Road III (2/2)

”Ah, the crown prince of Enna. A p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you,” said Sunstar as he gave a light bow. ”I must thank you again for lending Enna's army in this march, and even more so that you lead it personally.”

”I would not leave the Moon Reaver anywhere else other than my side. Least of all with my father who already has given away the army to you,” said Zal.

”I assure you, good prince, your city's contribution is for the greater good,” said Sunstar. ”And it is only with the duchess's infinite generosity that she did not seize the Moon Reaver when Enna so graciously chose to fold itself into the duchy. I trust you will appreciate that kindness.”

”Oh? Is that how it is? We folded ourselves into the crown you serve?” Zal's hand lied lightly around the handle of the Moon Reaver. ”Amusing. I was but a boy when it happened, but I do hold myself to have a sharp memory. Was it not you that broke into our sacred temple of the moon to demand our allegiance?”

”I merely asked,” said Sunstar as he maintained his wide smile and light tone, not taking Zal even the slightest bit seriously. ”And your father was wise enough to accept. I am sure that wisdom has passed on to you.”

Rudaba put her hand on Zal's shoulder and shook her head, stopping Zal from continuing this confrontation.

”I am not here for you, prince,” said Sunstar. ”If that is what you are curious about. My business is only with Triple Threat. You should return to camp and find some rest. The march tomorrow will be hard, and we may yet need your excellent swordsmanship.”

”Fine,” said Zal after a moment looking into Sunstar's unbreaking smile. He whirled around on his heel, taking Rudaba by her arm and left.

”Yer here for us?” said Azhar.

Sunstar did not look at Azhar. ”More specifically, I am here for Jeanne.” He nodded to Sylvie. ”I acknowledge your words. I am under orders to preserve my strength and conceal my presence. But what father would not come running to the aid of his daughter when he senses her in danger?”

”Funny ya didn't say that the past twenty years she was alone,” said Azhar.

Sunstar ignored Azhar's words and spoke to Jeanne. ”Come, my daughter, it is past time that we discuss our relation and reveal it to the duchy. I understand if you do not wish to join the Ascendant Order, but at the very least, you should not hide in the shadows any longer.

You are the daughter of the greatest hero known among man, and you should shine as bright as your blood decrees you to.”

”Azhar spoke to you,” said Sylvie. She felt irked that the hero could ignore Azhar as if he did not even exist, but she did not let that bleed into her tone. She tried to be calm, though she had to admit it was difficult. ”And he raised right points. Will you not answer him?”

”Circ.u.mstances,” said Sunstar simply. ”But matters of family should be discussed only between myself and Jeanne.”

”Yeah?” Azhar snorted. ”We are her family, ya halfwit. Had her back since we were kids. Got more right than you to be callin' her family, that's for sure.”

”Hinterlander,” said Sunstar as he finally pointed a gaze to Azhar. The hero smiled, but something about his stare felt dangerous. But only for a single moment before he continued with light tone. ”I must thank you and Sylvie here for taking care of Jeanne for so long. It is my greatest shame to have been unable to be with her, but I can explain all to her. I only ask for time alone.”

”Stop it, you two,” said Jeanne as she came forwards, stepping ahead of Sylvie.

”Ya sure?” said Azhar, frowning. ”Don't gotta deal with this if ya don't want to.”

”He's right,” said Sylvie.

”I know, and thank you,” said Jeanne with a smile. ”But I know what I want to say.”

”Ah,” said Sunstar. ”I can see that you have begun to accept your heritage. Whence shall we meet for a much-needed talk? It need not be today, either. Perhaps the morrow when you are more rested?”

Jeanne shook her head once. Sylvie saw as Jeanne stared right at Sunstar with resolution flashing in the blues of her eyes. ”No, I only have a question: why did you abandon my mother?”

”Your mother?” Sunstar paused. ”Is another topic we may discuss in time.”

”No, I want an answer now,” said Jeanne. She looked back to Sylvie and Azhar. ”And I want my brother and sister here with me to hear it.”

”It is…a matter of the crown,” said Sunstar. ”I cannot discuss it with you lest in private.”

”Then that will be the end of it,” said Jeanne as she stepped past Sunstar, bidding Sylvie and Azhar to come with her.

The hero did not move, and, as Sylvie noted with a slight shiver as she too walked past him, did not stop smiling.

”You are yet conflicted. I understand,” said Sunstar. He began to fly, hovering upwards. He looked down at Sylvie and Azhar, and for the slightest of moments, Sylvie's eyes – sharp as they were – felt like they captured a little break in the smile, some tiny, infinitesimal twitch that felt truly off putting, like seeing a crack in a porcelain doll revealing only darkness.

”I will give you more time, but know my daughter that should you d.e.s.i.r.e answers, I will always be present for you,” said Sunstar as he floated into the sky, slowly at first, and then at explosive speeds once he reached high enough, his form streaking in the night sky like a shooting star.