Chapter 14 : The Path of Reclamation
Rudravaan exhaled slowly, eyes still fixed on the night sky.
"Whoever sits on that throne… I don't care," he said, voice low but burning with intent. "But I'll make them understand one thing—even hell is kinder than crossing blades with me."
He lifted the bottle, drained the last drop, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Morvyn watched him, worry tightening his expression.
"I know you're angry," he said quietly. "But… just be careful."
Morning arrived quietly. Rudravaan and Fenlor packed their things, preparing to leave. As they walked toward the exit, Morvyn called out, "Hey… did you take your rusted katana—the one sealed in its old sheath?"
Rudravaan glanced over his shoulder, his expression calm.
"I don't think anyone is strong enough for me to use that katana."
With those words, he turned away and left the shelter with everything he needed.
After Rudravaan was gone, Fenlor asked, "Morvyn… what is that sword?"
Morvyn let out a long sigh. "It's better if you don't know."
Fenlor hesitated. "Then… can I at least see the katana you're talking about?"
Morvyn rubbed his forehead but eventually nodded. "Fine. But don't touch anything."
He led Fenlor into another room stacked with wooden boxes and supplies. They walked deeper until Morvyn suddenly raised a hand for Fenlor to stop. Fenlor stepped to the side to see what Morvyn was looking at—
and froze.
A katana rested alone on a stand, sealed in its old sheath… yet it emitted a chilling, murderous aura strong enough to make the air feel heavy.
"This is the katana you wanted to see," Morvyn said quietly.
Fenlor stared at it, stunned. "How… how can a sword release such killing intent without its wielder?"
Morvyn didn't answer directly. His voice dropped. "Didn't I tell you? Some things are better left unknown."
He guided Fenlor back the way they came, leaving the oppressive aura behind as they exited the shelter.
The people were gathered around Rudravaan, speaking with him as he prepared to leave. Fenlor and Morvyn approached from the side. Rudravaan noticed them and gently told his people that he needed to go.
He turned to Fenlor.
"Did you pack everything you need?"
Fenlor nodded. "Yeah. I already spoke with Henry and told him we're traveling—but not for long. Did you talk to him?"
Rudravaan shook his head. "No. I plan to. Wait here—I'll go speak with him."
He turned to the others nearby. "Has anyone seen Henry?"
A few pointed toward the children's area. "He's playing with the kids, Emperor."
Rudravaan followed their direction and soon spotted Henry laughing and playing with the children. When the kids noticed Rudravaan, they ran to him with bright smiles. Henry turned, confused for a moment, then saw Rudravaan approaching.
"Go on, kids—play somewhere else for now," Rudravaan said with a smile. The children hurried away, leaving him and Henry alone.
Rudravaan stepped closer. "We're going to travel now. Fenlor should've told you—"
Henry raised a hand. "He did. And before you say no—take me with you. Fenlor said it's dangerous and refused to tell me where you're going. So I asked around." He folded his arms. "Everyone told me. I want to see your kingdom."
Rudravaan rubbed his forehead. "It's a long trip."
"I don't care," Henry insisted. "You're the one who told me all those stories about your homeland. I want to see it for myself. Please take me with you."
Rudravaan sighed and relented. "Fine. But only if you promise not to wander off. Stay close to me the whole time. Understand?"
Henry grinned widely. "Of course!"
Together, they returned to Fenlor and Morvyn.
Morvyn's eyes widened. "Hey—why is he with you?"
Rudravaan replied calmly, "He's coming with us."
Morvyn almost exploded. "Are you insane?! What if something happens to him?!"
Henry quickly stepped forward. "I already promised! I'll stay close to them."
Morvyn stared at Rudravaan, clearly unconvinced.
Rudravaan just smirked. "And besides—who would dare touch him when I'm here?"
Morvyn crouched down to Henry's level. "Listen. No matter what happens, stay close to him. Don't run off. Okay?"
Henry nodded firmly.
With that settled, they finished their preparations. Just as they were about to leave, Rudravaan suddenly stopped and turned back.
He shouted toward Morvyn, "Hey! Keep the people safe! I'll return—and reclaim our land!"
Morvyn straightened sharply. "Yes, Emperor!"
Both men shared a determined smile.
And then, with Fenlor and Henry at his side, Rudravaan stepped forward.
Their journey to reclaim the lost kingdom had begun.
As they walked, Fenlor broke the silence.
"Hey… how far is this kingdom you keep talking about?"
Rudravaan answered casually, without slowing his steps.
"Not too far. But if we walked without resting at all… it would still take months."
Henry nearly stumbled. "Huh?! Are you joking?"
Rudravaan glanced at him with a small smirk.
"Relax. If we continue in this direction, we'll reach an old carriage road. We can use that to travel much faster toward the kingdom."
Henry let out a long sigh of relief. "You scared me for a second."
Fenlor looked ahead, adjusting the straps of his pack. "So first we find the carriage road… then straight to the kingdom?"
"Yeah," Rudravaan replied. "Once we reach that road, the real journey begins."