Because this time, he would not let anything happen to his family and the villagers, he would protect them all. No matter the cost.
Suddenly, he remembered something. Gently, he sneaked out of the room and entered a small hut right outside their wooden house. Inside, it was filled with wooden trinkets and sculptures. Of course, there were the hateful statues of the Dragons as well.
Ignoring all of that, he found a certain dull-looking pendant on the top shelf. Opening the lid, Kale found a picture carved into the wood with a sharp, tiny knife—something that spoke volumes about the artisan who was talented enough to create such a unique memoir.
It was a tiny image of their family, drawn onto the wooden locket by his father, an extremely talented carpenter and aspiring sculptor.
He gently placed it inside his loose pockets and went outside for a breath of fresh air. And, unexpectedly, a few of the village's elders were in the middle of the field, burning wood to create a beautiful bonfire as they chatted with each other.
They were talking pure nonsense, and often about the Dragons, this and that. But that scene only warmed his heart; these old people who prayed to the dragons day and night all their lives from birth. Threw away their beliefs just for his sake.
Ultimately, they had to pay the price of that blasphemy alongside him. He did not approach the fire, interrupting their conversations; he was simply content with watching from afar. His resolution became even stronger.
His enmity against the Dragons was his to bear and his alone. He would not let his people die as a consequence of that, which is why he would have to sever every connection with the people related to him. To live a life of solitude until he was strong enough.
Strong enough to battle against the very rulers of this world.
***
The next day,
Kale stood at the edge of Dagan, at the very first light of dawn that graced his face, and he felt a sense of deja vu, as everyone looked at him with unshakable hope. Their belief in his talent was as heavy as the tallest mountains.
Their eyes contained nothing but love and adoration, the same as always, but this time, Kale saw it more clearly than ever. Their smiling faces were etched into his heart; it took all of his willpower not to shed a tear for the people who meant everything to him. The ones he could come to, at his absolute worst, and even then.
They would have his back. He vowed never to forget this favor—these people.
If one day, he grew strong enough, he would do everything possible for them.
The old ones began their chant,
"May the Dragons bless you."
"You are the blessed child of Dagan."
"You are the one blessed by the Dragons."
"You are the chosen one of nature."
"May you, Kale Ardentis, prevail…on your path."
"And shine brighter than anyone else."
He did not mind it and accepted their blessing, knowing it was poison.
His mother came forward, giving him a loving hug, and whispered, "Come back safely, my son."
He could only reluctantly nod, knowing he was not coming back, and if he could not find a way to circumvent the curse, he may never see this woman ever again.
Iria chimed in, "Brotha, you will teach me magic too00…."
To her broken speech, he let out a sad laugh, knowing he would not be able to hear it for the longest time.
His father placed his warm hands on top of his head, and the man said with a smile, "Take care of yourself, son, don't worry about us. And come back stronger, because I know you can."
Kale could only grit his teeth, his throat went dry, a trickle of tears escaped his eyes, and he nodded, knowing he might not be able to keep those words.
Without further ado, he left the place, alongside the twins; he wanted to look back once more. He wanted to look back so badly, but he did not. Otherwise, his resolution would be shaken.
Kale's head hung low as the shaking carriage, being pulled by a beast, continued on its way. He stated aloud, to the twins, his tone solemn, "Josh, Jared, can I ask for a favor?"
The expression of the two twins abruptly changed; they were secretly sulking over the fact that the villagers didn't give them nearly as much attention or love as they did for Kale.
They looked at each other. This was the first time Kale had spoken to them in such a tone and said something like this. Jared asked, hesitating, "What?"
Kale spoke, looking up in his eyes, "Can you promise to take care of the villagers and protect Dagan no matter the cost. Make sure that my family is ok?"
The other twin frowned, "What the hell are you talking about?"
Kale's tone became even more solemn as he cut off Josh, "Promise me…."
Jared, looking at Kale's completely serious eyes, thought about the favor he had just asked. He nodded, "Okay, I promise…."
Then Kale's gaze went towards the perplexed Josh, the same look on his face, prompting Josh to say the same words.
Josh showed a displeased look as a response to that, "Is that something you even need to ask? Or do you think we would not do so?"
Kale sighed, "I know. But even so, give me your word."
Josh grumbled, but he could relent, "Fine, I promise as well. But you'd better be honest about why you're even saying that."
Kale showed a wistful look to his query, "I have a vague feeling that I might not awaken a proper talent. You two might have to carry the hope of the elders."
But at that comment, both twins laughed aloud; to them, it was the biggest joke. Kale also smiled. Hours passed, and the two fell asleep, tired of laughing too much and constantly mocking Kale for his stupid thoughts.
From their perspective, Kale was the one born with talent for almost everything. So, it was already a forgone conclusion that he would have a ridiculous level of talent.
***
"Get up, you brats, how long are you going to sleep in my carriage??"
The two brothers woke up from a groggy sleep, hearing the loud noise of the carriage driver. Wiping the drool from their faces, they looked around, but did not see Kale. Josh asked, "Mister, where is Kale?"
The man put a hand in his pocket and brought out a folded leaf. He handed it over to Josh and said, "He went away a few minutes ago. The punk told me to give this to you two. He also paid me in full. Now, hurry up and get off…"
The brothers were shocked and kicked out of the carriage. Jared snatched the folded leaf from his brother's hand. As expected, there were things written on it. He read its contents, and his expression instantly fell...
"I'm sorry to say it like this. But I never liked our village, ever since I was little. It felt like a cage to me,"
"So, I will be going away. I will go to the cities and awaken there,"
"Don't search for me. Don't bother trying,"
"I'm not coming back. Please convince the villagers as well."
"And my parents,"
"Tell them that I'm sorry and thankful for everything."