Thalos folded the note and placed it in his pocket. It was given to him the last time he saw Demas. It had been nearly two months since then, and now both swords requested by the prince were finished. Orion had his, but Demas' was collecting dust on the shelf. It was wrapped in cloth to keep the dust from touching the sword itself. A specially made sheath lay next to it.
"I hope that kid knows what he's doing." The old man sighed.
Demas sat cross legged in the darkness. He was meditating. He had spent the last month in a cave in the abandoned territory. He did not train. He had begun to remember the sounds of that fateful day. He knew that he killed those soldiers. If he was to get any stronger, he might do worse things the next time he fought. He would meditate until a solution presented itself.
He felt the power coming at him. He knew it was more soldiers. But the power was too weak to be more than one. Surely his father wouldn't be stupid enough to send one soldier. He opened his eyes. He stared at the tunnel before him. Footsteps echoed softly through the cave. The familiar glow of a general's helmet could be seen coming down the tunnel.
"So, he was stupid enough to send one." Demas said calmly.
"Not stupid, smart." A familiar voice called back.
"He thinks I won't kill you, but he makes a lot of mistakes."
"I got the sword. Thanks."
"You're welcome, now leave."
"I'm not here to fight."
"Oh?"
"Your father has come up with an offer."
"What kind of offer?"
"He will stop hunting you and Lira. In return, you and only you, must leave the planet. You can not take her with you."
"How do I know she'll be safe?"
"A law will be passed: In anything concerning her, I outrank the king. I will not let anything happen to her."
"I assume I will be given a ship."
"With provisions to last you a year, a training room, and a healing chamber."
"I believe I can agree with that."
"You can't come back."
"It will be better for her if I do this."
"I thought you might say that."
"My son, we have had our disagreements, but I will always be your father."
"And I your son."
The entire city had come to see the prince off. A story was fabricated: The prince was going to infiltrate a ruthless army in order to find weaknesses. He was not expected to return, but it was his choice. Only a handful of people knew the truth. Lira stood in the crowd, tears in her eyes. Orion shook his friend's hand.
"Have a safe journey." He said solemnly.
"Take care of her."
"I will."
"If you ever feel the urge to talk to me, I'll be on Mordoron." The prince whispered to his friend.
The message was short, but clear. Orion knew his friend wanted Lira to come to Mordoron as soon as it was safe. The king, however, did not understand the message. At least he didn't show it.