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"You know what rests upon finding her," the imposing elderly man stated. "Everything as we know it will be forever altered."

"Surely you exaggerate. So what if another dominion rises to power? Maybe it's time for change, " Kebrick bluntly said.

Jamek paled and looked aghast as he quickly lowered himself into the chair by the fire. "Kebrick, you don't know what you're saying! You don't fully know the ramifications!"

"Then why don't you tell me father!! Since I could walk all I've done is attend lessons to prepare me to be a warrior, a scholar, a magician, and a leader. No one else carried such a responsibility! Not even you! And the other chosen by the council was hidden away in another dimension when her mother took her and ran! Now I have to also play the role of hunter? I'd rather face this alone than track down that deserter."

Jamek let out a hefty sigh and the strong looking older man seemed to fall into himself a bit. His shoulders drooping as if bearing a great weight. "Alas, my son, you can't. I'm sure Lilris escaped with her daughter because she couldn't bear to have her go through the trial. It breaks my heart knowing you must. Please don't do it alone when you can have an ally to help you. Even untrained, she contains great power. She can help you survive. I just want you to survive!" With a burst of emotion, Jamek started sobbing and Kebrick could only stand there in shock. He had never seen his regal father shed a tear. Not even when his perfect soulmate, Kebrick's mother, had died.

Dread filled Kebrick's heart. If his father was so scared of The Trial, then maybe those terrified whisperings around the castle had some truth to them. "Okay dad. I'll try to find her. For you, and for our people. I hope your faith in her abilities are not misplaced."

Jamek motioned his son over to him and threw his arms around him, holding him close. Fear gripped Kebrick as his dad hugged him with all his might.