IN THE GRAVE

He sprinkled it on the floor and the portal appeared again. We’re finally going back to Trandoz. I said to myself as I watch my father’s back slowly disappearing into the portal. Dad… I called out in my mind before I finally stepped into the portal. Dad…

It was already midnight when we returned. Dad and Gilderoy were still inside the tent. An oil lamp was the only source of light inside the tent. I could hear loud footsteps outside the tent. I knew they were the Gyards staying alert and scouting the village.

“Give me the remaining dust Gilderoy,” dad said.

Gilderoy held out the pouch from his pocket and gave it to dad. “Whatever you’re planning for this portal dust, I know it’s for Trandoz’s sake,” he responded.

“I’m worried Gilderoy so we need to save this.”

I stared at him in the eyes. I always knew dad as someone who had answers and positive insights about everything but it was way too different that time. I saw fear in his eyes.

“We just need to be strong Farrell.”

Dad just nodded. He took a deep breath before he walked towards the tent’s window and stared at the sky.

“What are you thinking Farrell?” Gilderoy asked as he followed Farrell.

Dad turned his head to face Gilderoy. “If only Trandoz can be peaceful as the midnight sky Gilderoy. We all know that the only thing that can stop everything is Cedrick,” dad said.

“I cannot take Cedrick’s life Farrell,” Gilderoy replied. “If giants have a heart like elves, maybe we could but we can’t. Cedrick is my grandchild and he’s the living memory of my daughter Gia.”

Dad sighed. “I know and I couldn’t do such thing as well. I promised Gia I wouldn’t do anything that would take Cedrick’s life. After all, the gelves are just victim of the elves’ evil plan of destroying giants and conquering full power over Trandoz,” he said.

“If only Mystica and his fairy warriors weren’t defeated,” Gilderoy hopelessly whispered.

Dad nodded. “I never saw her and her army of fairies but I know she’s a great ruler. Too bad Englum deceived her.”

There was sudden silence between them. I walked nearer to them when dad broke the silence again. “I have a favor to ask Gilderoy,” he turned to face Gilderoy.