Chapter 33

Before sunrise arrives, Toren had already hidden himself underneath their house to keep away from his abusive father. Airen also woke up early to cook their breakfast using the limited ingredients they only have.

She would check Toren once in a while to monitor his safety and comfort.

She would bring down lots of food stocks to keep him fed throughout his hiding time.

When the other two men had woken up, they ate before finally going out for the morning routine.

While Muren went with the other villagers for their assigned labors, Coen wandered around the block to search for his brother.

He decided to act upon his intuition and ended up staying inside their house.

Their lovely mother went to the public market for her small business.

As if moving according to what fate had strung him up to do, Coen unhesitatingly went to the pantry and removed the thick fabric carpet.

He did not expect to actually find a trapdoor, but when he saw one, he immediately knew how to open it. Toren thought that it was probably just his mother which made him quite unsuspecting.

However, when the brothers had met eye contacts, they were both evidently shocked by each other's presence.

"How did you know I was here?" Toren asked, worryingly. "Did mother tell you?"

"No, she is currently at the public market," Coen answered. "I did not expect to find you here either. It was as if I just naturally knew that you were here. I could not explain it myself."

"Were you perhaps watching me?"

"I cannot possibly do that, but I do felt strange seeing you even when you had disappeared."

Despite the confusion, they had slowly treaded the situation with careful questions and finally arrived at an understanding.

They were happy seeing each other after a few weeks of grueling training and abuse. Coen was aware of what had been happening, so he took the chance to ask his little brother to tell him honestly if he was truly to betray the country.

Naturally, Toren answered according to what his brother wanted to hear.

He does not intend to betray.

He vowed absolute and indisputable loyalty like how he should be.

They concluded then that their father was probably too swayed because of the prophecy that might actually turned out to be false. Convincing themselves that even shamans or clairvoyance also make their share of mistakes, the brothers stayed with each other in an affectionate conversation.

"Are you eating well here?" Coen asked.

"Yes. Mother made sure to bring me foods so I would not starve."

"That is good, then. Make sure to eat on time, so I could feel that we are still sharing a meal with you. It is better to let you stay here because your father might still hurt you. Do understand him, though. It only shows how much he loves freedom."

"Worry not. I am quite aware of my father's passion towards patriotism. I actually do admire him a lot."

"It is good to hear that you are still doing well despite the horrible treatment. I will make sure to keep you entertained from time to time whenever I visit. Tell me if there is something you want."

Toren expressed his desire to try painting.

They had a friend at the park who would do paintings and sketches alone and Toren felt quite entranced to it.

He did not want to tell them to their parents before because he was afraid to ask for such luxuries.

Coen kept that in mind and soon went out quietly.