Chapter 2 Nasir’s arrival 28/07/908

  Yonas’ hand hesitated on the door handle, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. His breath caught in his throat as he pulled the door open, the creak of the wood sounding louder than usual. Light flooded into the small home, and a tall shadow filled the doorway.

  “Hello, Yonas,” a deep, warm voice greeted him. Yonas had to crane his neck to take in the figure before him. Standing at an easy six foot three, Nasir filled the frame with his relaxed, yet solid presence. His scruffy brown hair and warm brown eyes held a soft amusement, as if he found joy in every moment. A simple grey long-sleeved shirt, worn but sturdy, and brown trousers with various bits of equipment strapped to his legs, gave him the appearance of a well-travelled adventurer. At his side hung a standard sword, unadorned but well-maintained, a testament to practical use rather than show.

  Nasir’s lips curled into a smile as he met Yonas’ eyes. “You’ve grown. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

  Yonas managed a nod, his voice caught somewhere between his chest and his mouth. “Uncle Nasir...”

  The rest of his family stepped forward, his mother brushing past him to wrap Nasir in a quick, firm hug. “It’s good to see you, Nasir.”

  “You too, sis,” Nasir replied, his voice light but genuine. He clasped his brother-in-law’s hand, exchanging a silent nod of respect.

  “Come in, come in,” Yonas’ father urged, stepping aside to let Nasir into the warmth of their home.

  The room seemed smaller with Nasir inside, his presence filling the space. He dropped his sack by the door, the light clatter of metal and tools hinting at the life he led away from their quiet town. Despite his size, he moved with an ease that suggested a practiced readiness, a strength beneath his relaxed demeanour.

  The family settled around the kitchen table, the small home drawing them close. Yonas took a seat beside Liem, who fidgeted slightly, his eyes darting between the adults. His wooden horse, a comfort, was clutched tightly in his small hands.

  “So,” Nasir began, folding his arms on the table, “I hear there’s been quite the announcement.”

  Yonas’ parents shared a glance, a silent exchange before his mother spoke. “Yes. The announcement, the invasion... it’s a lot to take in. We’re still processing it.”

  “Understandable.” Nasir’s expression softened. “You’re not alone. I think the entire kingdom is reeling. I got the message too. It’s not every day that a higher being decides to play with our lives.”

  Yonas shifted in his seat, his fingers tracing the grain of the wood. The air felt heavy, but Nasir’s presence helped, a calm in the storm of uncertainty.

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  His father cleared his throat. “We wanted to ask if you could take Yonas with you. With his aptitude and... well, the invasion on the horizon, he needs to learn to defend himself.”

  Nasir’s gaze moved to Yonas, not with scrutiny but with a quiet assessment. “Is that what you want, Yonas?”

  Yonas hesitated, his mind swirling with dreams and doubts. “I want to become the greatest elemental swordsman,” he said, his voice firmer than he expected. “I know it won’t be easy, but... I believe I can do it.”

  The room fell into a stillness. His parents wore masks of calm, but Yonas could see the flicker of emotion beneath—hope, fear, love. Liem’s eyes widened, a mix of admiration and confusion.

  A soft chuckle escaped Nasir’s lips. “Well, that’s quite the goal. It’s good to believe in yourself, Yonas. That’s the first step.”

  Yonas swallowed, his heart thudding. He had expected doubt, maybe gentle reassurances, but not the warm acceptance in Nasir’s tone.

  “What about the dangers?” Yonas’ mother asked, her voice steady but edged with worry. “We heard about the new monster... the goblin.”

  Nasir waved a hand lightly. “The goblin is nothing to worry about. Based on reports, it’s about twenty times weaker than me. I’ve dealt with worse things on a bad day. We’ll handle it. I’ll make sure Yonas is safe.”

  A small voice broke into the conversation. “Will you protect him?” Liem’s question hung in the air, his fingers still curled around the wooden horse.

  Nasir turned to him, his expression softening. “Of course. I’ll keep him safe, Liem. You have my word.”

  Liem nodded, a serious look on his young face. Yonas felt a swell of warmth, a tether to his family that he hadn’t realized he needed.

  “Then it’s settled,” his father said, his tone a mix of relief and resignation. “Yonas, go finish packing. Nasir, we’ll talk more while he gets ready.”

  Yonas rose, the weight of the moment pressing on him. As he moved to the stairs, he felt Liem’s small hand on his. “Will you come back?”

  “Of course,” Yonas knelt down, meeting his brother’s eyes. “I’ll come back stronger. I promise.”

  Liem hesitated, then thrust the wooden horse into Yonas’ hands. “Take this. It’ll keep you safe.”

  Yonas’ throat tightened, and he pulled Liem into a quick hug. “Thank you. I’ll take good care of it.”

  He hurried up to his room, his heart a strange mix of lightness and lead. He added the small wooden horse to his pack, its worn surface a promise he intended to keep.

  Downstairs, the low murmur of adult voices continued. He couldn’t make out the words, but he caught the tone—questions, plans, reassurances. His parents needed to hear that he would be alright, that this was the right choice.

  When he descended again, his pack slung over his shoulder, Nasir stood by the door, his easy demeanour a comfort against the uncertainty ahead.

  “Ready?” Nasir asked, his tone both light and serious.

  Yonas nodded. “Yeah. I’m ready.”

  The family gathered at the door, a cluster of hugs and whispered words. His mother’s hand lingered on his cheek, his father’s grip on his shoulder, Liem’s small fingers brushing against his own.

  As Yonas and Nasir stepped outside, the world seemed both vast and close. The road ahead stretched out, filled with promise and peril. Yonas took a breath, his fingers brushing the scarf tucked into his sack, the wooden horse nestled against it.

  With a final wave, they set off, the door closing behind them. Each step forward was a step into the unknown, but with Nasir beside him, Yonas felt a quiet strength begin to bloom within.