My eyes fluttered open as I looked up at the ceiling. I felt the small ball of warmth off to my side, and with a few quick and gentle maneuvers, Mila was snoring and sleeping peacefully under the blankets again. It was a typical morning, something I had gotten used to a long time ago, but what was off was that there was a second ball of warmth missing. For some reason, Sylvia had decided not to come to my room, which was more rare now than not.

Did she just fall asleep in her room? Yeah, that must be the case. I guess she does have a fight today.

I went through my morning routine and quickly and quietly got ready while not waking Mila. It was still far too early for most people to be up and about, but the villa was abuzz with life as servants and maids went about their morning duties. After all, a servant’s day started before everyone else’s and ended after everyone's. Not that I agreed with that. It was just how things were.

“Good morning, Kal,” my father’s voice greeted me from behind in the hallway.

“Good morning, Dad,” I said in return as I turned to face him.

But for some reason, my father had an awkward look about him. He scratched the back of his head and looked, for some reason, confused. I raised an eyebrow at him, and he just chuckled.

“It’s Padraic. He requested four more candles from the maids. He must have stayed up all night again. Would you mind going to his room and talking with him for a bit?” Dad requested.

Four whole candles? He hasn’t slept in two days…what is this guy doing?

“Sure, I’ll see what’s going on,” I said with a nod.

And with that, I went to Padraic’s room to find the door slightly ajar. I peeked inside, and the early morning light lit up the room. It wasn’t messy, nor was there any funny noises or smells coming from him. It was just a very tired-looking Padraic sitting in a chair, hunched over, looking at a particular sword lying on his bed.

“Does missing out on sleep open the secrets to blacksmithing?” I asked.

“Sleep is for the weak,” Padraic grumbled.

“Oh, how things have changed,” I reminisced. “I remember when sleep was the only thing that mattered, and those who woke up early were freaks.”

“Yeah, well, getting old sucks, you know that?” Padraic said with a sigh.

“It hasn’t been too bad,” I said with a smile.

Padraic rolled his eyes and let his head droop to the side. “So, Sylvia lent you her sword. Have you found anything interesting?” I asked.

“No, just more damn questions than what I started with,” he spat as he picked up the blade and brought it up above his head.

Padraic’s eyes drifted over to me, and he said, “I mean, this design isn’t anything new. It's not widely used as it’s basically a sword spear made to puncture through armor. But the fact I’ve seen that girl slice things in half despite there being no edge…just how strong is she, Kaladin?”

Hah…

“Monstrously so. If she and King Maxwell were to have a contest of strength and Sylvia used all her might…I’m not sure who would come out as the victor,” I said honestly.

“You mean to tell me that she is even stronger than she has been letting on? That girl is physically stronger than that muscle-bound freak of a man?” Padraic said in shock.

I shrugged in response. Truth be told, I had no idea if Sylvia had the physical strength to beat King Maxwell. But I could also say that she wouldn’t lose outright. That in of itself was just how powerful Sylvia was.

“Well, whatever, that’s the least of my worries,” Padraic said with a sigh. “Tell me, have you ever seen Sylvia clean her weapon?”

“From time to time. I’d say I clean my weapons at least twice as much as her, though,” I told him.

Padraic shook his head, set the sword back on the bed, and looked over to me, “Have you ever seen her sharpen the point?”

“No, I can’t say that I have.”

Padraic took out a thick piece of rope that looked to have been destroyed and mangled in multiple sections. He brought it to the tip of the sword and, with a moderate amount of force, put it against the tip of the blade. The thick piece of rope was cut perfectly, barely fraying the rope at all.

“This sharpness is as monstrous as her strength. What bothers me the most is that it remains this sharp…always,” he said as he pointed to the corner of his room.

In a pile were sections of the rope that had the same perfect cuts in them. Padraic ran his finger across the silvery white estoc. “Just in case you are wondering, that’s not supposed to happen. It should have dulled at some point, yet it’s always in perfect condition. And it’s not just the tip. The entire sword is void of any imperfections. If Sylvia has been using this sword for years and only maintains it once in a while…there should be more signs of use.”

“So you are saying there is some kind of magic going on here?” I questioned.

Padraic snorted. “Magic? I have no idea. I’ve never heard of anything, let alone magic, that can repair something to its most pristine condition. Even dungeon items break if not maintained properly, and those go beyond the bounds of common knowledge.”

“So Sylvia’s sword is…” I trailed off.

Padraic shook his head. “It’s not a dungeon item. There’s no way it is. Somebody definitely forged this weapon with their own hands. I just don’t know how.”

“I don’t know what material this thing is made of. I’ve never seen these red lines before on a weapon. It feels like metal, but it’s weird, and I have no idea how someone would have put that on a sword, as it’s not decorative. It’s almost like this sword was suddenly willed into existence. I’ve only seen one other sword like this.”

“Hubris…”

Padraic nodded with a sigh. “Yeah, that damn sword. This estoc does the same thing that Hubris does, and it seems to have been made in a similar way. And if your story in the dungeon is correct, then both of them have strange powers beyond our understanding. Whatever people back in the day were doing to make these things, it’s a lost art. I can’t make sense of it otherwise. Talgan, or the Holy Kingdom…whoever it was, they were beyond reason.”

“Does this mean you are giving up?” I asked.

Padraic slowly looked at me. His eyes were tired with heavy bags under them. But the fire in them could not be mistaken.

“Of course not. Just because I don’t understand it now doesn’t mean I can’t one day. It might take me a hundred years, but I can’t look my father in the face and call myself a Dwarven smith if I don’t try. I’ve only just begun, Kaladin. I’m not a master of anything yet, but I will be one day,” Padraic said resolutely.

I smiled at his confidence. Padraic was taking on a daunting task. I had long since given up on deciphering the truth behind Sylvia’s sword. We tried many times to get it to react the same way it had for me in the dungeon, but to no avail. And, of course, Sylvia had no idea where to even start with her weapon. It was a gift from a man who was said to be as strong as a Dragon Emperor, after all.

“Give this back to her for me. I’ll have to look at it another day,” Padraic said with a yawn.

“Will do. Try to get some rest, please,” I said, taking the sword in hand.

“I’ll do my best.”

I left Padraic alone and decided to visit Sylvia while I was at it. I was curious as to why she didn’t come to my room last night, and it was a good excuse to return her sword. Since she had a match today as well, it was probably best if she woke up a bit early as well.

I walked down the halls and passed the maids, who greeted me courteously. But when I reached Sylvia’s room, there was someone I did not expect to see.

“Captain Fairchild? Why are you here?” I questioned.

The tall man let out a tired yawn as he looked over at me with sleepy eyes. It was obvious he hadn’t slept a wink last night, either. But why he was here and in front of Sylvia’s room, I had no idea.

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“Good morning, Sir Shadowheart, and I am standing guard as Her Majesty is still inside,” he explained.

Wait, the queen is in Sylvia’s room? Did she really come last night?

“May I go inside?” I asked.

Captain Fairchild deflated somewhat as he looked to the door. “I…this is a difficult request. But I never received any orders to bar entry to the room, and you are a respected and trusted individual. And Miss Sylvia is your partner…”

“If I try to walk in, will you stop me?” I asked with a tilted head.

Captain Fairchild shook his head and, with a weak voice, mumbled, “No…”

“Thank you, Captain,” I said with a smile as I quietly opened the door and went inside.

The room was dark, with the windows mostly drawn, only allowing a little bit of light. Sylvia’s bed was a pile of sheets, and she was nowhere to be seen. But I could hear her breathing as well as the steady breathing of another.

I carefully and quietly walked over and peered over the sheets. Sylvia was covered by none other than the queen, who was sleeping peacefully. Sylvia’s hopeless crimson eyes stared up at me.

“Rough night?” I whispered.

“She just… fell asleep on me,” Sylvia mumbled.

“You could have woken her up, you know?” I suggested.

Sylvia let her head roll to the side as she let out a small sigh, “But her back was causing her so much pain, and she was so stressed out…I felt bad for her.”

Was it really that bad?

“Besides, I learned a lot,” Sylvia said quietly with a smile.

“Learned a lot? About what?”

“Babies.”

…

“Babies…good to know. I’ll be leaving your sword on your desk. If you want, I’ll be outside training.”

—

“Do you think people find all of this odd?” Lin questioned as I dropped the bar onto the platform.

“What? Making all of this equipment out of earth magic every day? And I’m sure the groundskeepers aren’t the happiest, but I do make sure to leave things as undisturbed as possible after I leave,” I said as I wiped the sweat off my brow.

“I feel like more people should be asking questions about all of this, but everyone just pretends it’s normal.”

I shrugged. “Those who have already bought into this type of workout are amongst the elites in Luminar. I suppose you could say it’s the perks of being powerful and famous.”

“That’s true,” Lin said thoughtfully. “I haven’t mentioned it, but I’ll be leaving Flumare today.”

“Mmm? Why’s that? The tournament isn’t coming to a close just yet,” I said.

“Work. We may have found a lead on another Vampire box. I have to investigate personally,” Lin said quietly.

“Should I be wishing you luck?” I said with a smirk.

Lin rolled her eyes but smiled slightly. “No, it would be better if the rumor was unfounded and there was no starved bloodsucker tied up and mutilated in a metal box somewhere unbeknownst to us... ah, look who it is.”

“Daddy! Rosemary is leaving!” Mila shouted as she sprinted toward us.

“Oh? And where is she going exactly?” I questioned as I caught her mid-stride and hefted her up.

Mila let out a giggle and tried to squirm free, but there was no escaping my grip. “Home! She’s going home!”

I looked at Lin, and she nodded in silence. That meant something was happening at Forward University that required Bowen’s immediate attention. He wouldn’t leave otherwise, as the tournament was nearing the apex.

“I see, that is most unfortunate. At least Dallin and Cordelia will still be here, so you can play with them,” I said with a smile.

Mila let out a little pout. “But I don’t want Rosemary to leave…”

“It’s okay, as it’s only for a short time. I’m sure you will see each other very soon,” Lin said softly.

“Exactly as Aunt Lin said. When is Rosemary leaving?” I asked.

“Very soon…she was getting ready to leave now,” Mila answered half-heartedly.

Something must be brewing, indeed.

“Then, we should go and see her off.”

—

“I feel bad for leaving so abruptly,” Bowen said with a sigh from the inside of his carriage.

“I don’t believe there is anything to worry about, Dear. I’m sure the students understand you are a busy man,” Mrs. Taurus said with a warm smile.

“Indeed. You should attend to your business,” I said in agreement.

Bowen smiled softly and nodded. “Yes, well, thank you. And good luck to you, Kaladin. And Mila, have no fear. You’ll see Rosemary again before you even know it.”

The two girls were talking amongst each other on the side, but Mila stepped back so Rosemary could get into the carriage. “I know,” Mila said with a wave. “Bye, Uncle Bowen, bye Rosemary.”

“Bye, Mila,” Rosemary said with a wave.

Now that our goodbyes had been exchanged, the door to the carriage was shut, and the coach driver set off for the long journey back to the capital. It seemed everyone was parting ways admirably, well, everyone besides one…

“Wahhh! Wahhh!” the baby cried.

“Oh my…Johnathan really does love his father, doesn’t he?” Mts. Taurus cooed. “Kaladin, would you mind? Your abilities would be greatly appreciated.”

I chuckled and accepted the small bundle that so happened to have held a child in it. It was an odd thing to think about. That something so tiny would one day grow up and be a person. As soon as little Johnathan reached me, his crying stopped, and within a few seconds, his whining was replaced with the rhythmic breathing of slumber.

I handed Johnathan back to his mother as Mrs. Taurus said, “You truly are magical, Kaladin. It would have taken me a long time to soothe him. But I can’t bother you anymore as it appears that you have visitors.”

Over at the gate were two familiar people being stopped by the guards. There were a few loud exchanges, but once Adria waved to me, I walked over and allowed them in. There was a smaller flower garden off to the side that we could sit and talk in as I did not know why they had come.

“Ahh…thank you for helping us, Kaladin. I thought that guard wasn’t going to let us in,” Adria said with a pout.

I chuckled and said, “I believe he was just doing his job. You got lucky that I just happened to have been out and about this morning.”

As we arrived at a bench that would hold the three of us, we all took awkward and quiet seats as Mila ran around the garden for a bit. For some time, no one said anything. But it was Tristian who broke the silence.

“Is that your daughter?” Tristian asked.

“It is.”

Tristian’s dark eyes drifted off as she watched Mila play around. “I see…she’s adorable.”

“Thank you.”

Tristian shuffled nervously, and a look of pain and regret washed over her as she narrowed her eyes. “If I were to have killed you, that little girl would have been alone…without a father.”

“Her birth father never existed for her, and she lost her birth mother as well. It’s one of the many reasons why I didn’t let you kill me. I can’t let her be alone in this cruel world again,” I said quietly.

The silence dragged on after that as Tristian stared at the ground. Adria shifted nervously from Tristian’s side and bumped her with her shoulder. “Tris, you need to say something else…” Adria whispered loudly.

Tristian, or Tris, I suppose, stood up and went to her knees. “Thank you for not killing me, Kaladin, even though you had every right to.”

“Yes! Thank you so much for not killing Tris, Kaladin!” Adria said, quickly joining her on a knee.

“Stand up, you two. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be bowing before me like this, even if we are in private,” I said a bit nervously.

It’s a good thing this place is secluded and hidden behind plants and such…

“Besides, if the three of us continue to apologize, we will be here for a very long time and get nowhere. I told you both before, but I made my decision. And now we will live with the consequences of it. As long as you want to, that is,” I told both of them.

“Yes…that is true,” Adria said meekly.

Tris looked up at me and gazed directly into my eyes. The pure hatred that was there the day before was gone like a fire that had been dashed. If anything, she just seemed tired, very tired.

“I feel like I should be angry that you aren’t apologizing, but then again, I understand that’s just how things are…” Tris said with a sigh.

“It’s true that I did what I had to do, and I don’t regret that part. And even though it may not seem like it…none of it was personal, ever,” I told them honestly.

The two of them exchanged glances between each other, and they both stood up slowly. Adria got closer to me and looked down at me with a sad look and asked, “Kaladin, if I were to have freed you back then…when we were kids…would things have ended differently between us?”

“Most likely. But that’s all guesswork, right?” I said with a shrug. “Maybe in another life, things could have been different,” I said as I looked over at Tris.

Tris averted her eyes in a meek way, and I stood up and stretched my arms above my head. “Now then, the three of us probably shouldn’t be talking in private like this, mm? But I suppose if you feel bad, then when you have the chance, please take over Sandervile’s government for me,” I said jokingly.

Adria shoved me playfully and gasped as she wailed, “Kali!! You can’t say those types of things out loud! And you said it didn’t matter how people saw us now!”

That is true…haha. Guess it’s too late for that.

“Oops…” I mumbled.

“Thank you again, Kaladin…” Tris mumbled from beside me.

“Don’t mention it.”