章 19: Farewell to Family

It was early morning when Zell and Rose appeared at their mansion. The entire place was crawling with guards. The Duke and Duchess sent out numerous search parties looking for their lost children when they did not return home that night. They heard rumors from the townsfolk that Zell had injured Rose and whisked her away in the middle of the night.

"Sir, I see them!" One of the guards yelled. He rushed over to the two's location. "Let the Duke and Duchess know." He added. When he got to them, he knelt to be more at their level. "Are you both okay? Your clothing is covered in blood."

"We are fine." Rose said. "Thank you for asking. Please take us to our parents."

"They will be here shortly." The guard replied. "Tell me are any of the rumors true?"

"What, that I would hurt my sister?" Zell questioned.

"We do not wish to discuss that." Rose cut him off. "We only wish to speak with our parents."

It did not take long for their parents to come outside to greet them. Elenore rushed over and gave them both a hug. "My babies!" She cried. "I was so worried!"

Kelbor remained stoic. "I suppose you both have a story to tell. Come inside let us hear it." He then dismissed the guards and the four of them retreated into the mansion. They found themselves to the study and all sat down on the furniture. "So, would either of you like to explain what happened last night? Why did you not make it home? Why is the entire kingdom outraged that Zell attacked Rose?"

"Brother never attacked me." Rose said.

"Oh, then what happened?" Kelbor asked.

"Tell them big brother, that's what you came here to do." Rose said while nudging her brother.

"Alright, Alright." Zell said. "We were walking home from school, and we were attacked by a man claiming to be some Red Dragon God or something. He said his name was Xelrend or something I don't really remember."

"The God of the Red Dragons was here?" Kelbor asked. "If that were true you would both be dead! He is a catastrophic class nonhuman."

"It's true, father." Rose said. "I attacked him first thinking I could defend big brother. However, he ended my assault before it even began. He pierced my shoulder and taunted big brother."

"I then lost control." Zell said. "I was filled with a fury like I have never felt before. My power that I have kept hidden from you both for so long. I used it and I ended that dragon's life for touching my sister."

"Ended his life?" Kelbor sunk back into his chair.

"It's true I saw it!" Rose said. "Big brother punched him so hard his whole torso became dust!"

"So now you know my secret." Zell said. "The one I have been keeping from you."

"I knew you were stronger than you let on." Kelbor said. "But this…"

The two children continued to tell their parents everything that had transpired. Zell told them about the many trails he faced at school, the beast people, and the quest that he had been tasked with. Rose told them of her promise to help and of the kindness of the beast folk.

"This is a lot to take in." Kelbor said. "Son, if you think this is what you have to do, then whatever I can do to assist you I will."

"As for that father." Rose said. "I have a plan. We use the events of last night to expel Zell from the kingdom. That will endure the public around me and guarantee me to be queen one day. Baring uncle has any children."

"That's giving him up to the world though." Elenore said. "I don't want my baby to have to go through that. He should be here with his mother! Think of another way."

"No mom," Zell replied. "This really is the best route. This will grant me the freedom to move outside of the city. I am going to be with the nonhumans trying to build a relationship with them. If they think I am an exile they are more likely to trust me."

"I don't like it!" Elenore said. "Why don't we just bring your uncle into this? I am sure he can help. He loves peace."

"No!" Rose said. "We need a new leader for the beast folk to ever trust the humans. They are not going to ally themselves with someone who allowed slavery and genocide."

"Why couldn't I just have normal children?" Elenore sighed. "No ten- and five-year-old should have so much put on them. They should be playing with their friends and enjoying life."

"Can't be helped." Kelbor said. "Though I am always surprised by their vocabulary coming from such tiny people. Their stats are indeed higher than most adults."

"You will visit, won't you?" Elenore said. "You have to promise me you will visit!"

"I will be exiled mom." Zell said.

"So!" Elenore said. "The guards told us you teleported in. Just teleport to your room when you want to see us and then teleport back to where you were. It is simple. If you are very hungry or just need a safe place to sleep, visit us."

"You will always be welcome son." Kelbor said. He walked over to one of the bookshelves that lined the room and pushed several books aside revealing a safe. "I have some gold saved up for emergencies, I want you to take it with you." He then got a large pouch of gold out of his safe and handed it to Zell.

"Thank you." Zell said. "I promise I will visit you and I am sorry that I lied to you for so many years."

"I knew you would tell us eventually, son." Kelbor said. "Although I did not know it would be on the day you left us."

"I still don't like this." Elenore said. "Are you sure the world will be destroyed? Can't we just stay a family a little bit longer?" She was beginning to cry.

"I promise I will be back." Zell said. Thinking it would be better to just rip off the bandage, he teleported away.

Elenore broke down and fell onto the floor crying. "My baby!"

Rose grinned wickedly and walked to the door. "Come father let us lay down my path to become queen."