CHAPTER 6: THE SAILS OF RETURN
Part 1: A Heartbreaking Decision
Ten years of isolation had forged Kaelen into a strong, brilliant ten-year-old youth. However, Tristan and Nalin knew they could not keep their son hidden from the world forever. He needed to see other people, to learn, and to live among the tribes of his heritage.
"Brother Leon, we must return to the mainland," Tristan said quietly one evening by the fire. "The Castile Empire may have forgotten us, but Kaelen cannot spend his entire youth on this desolate island."
Leon sat in silence, his rough fingers tracing the ancient carvings on the "Dragon's Fang" resting across his knees:
"You must go. I am a wanted man, hunted by both the empire and the tribes. If I return, this blade will only bring ruin down upon Kaelen. I will stay here, with the Fang."
"But Father!" Kaelen cried, throwing his arms around the giant’s neck. "I won't leave you! I don't care about the mainland!"
Leon hugged the boy tightly, his voice thick with emotion:
"My brave Kaelen, listen to me. You are our hope. When you return to the mainland, you must never, under any circumstances, reveal where I am or where the Dragon's Fang is hidden. Can you swear this to me?"
"I swear it!" Kaelen sobbed, wiping his tears. "I swear by the Sun God to protect your secret with my life!"
Part 2: Sailing into the Unknown
For the next month, Tristan and Kaelen worked tirelessly, felling cold-resistant southern trees and binding them together with the thick hides of sea lions to construct a massive, sturdy raft. They fashioned a heavy sail from tanned seal skins.
On the day of departure, a light snow began to fall. Leon stood on the highest black cliff, his colossal figure silhouetted against the white glaciers and the red glow of the volcano.
"Tristan! Nalin! Protect the boy!" Leon’s roar echoed across the water.
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"Farewell, brother! We will return for you!" Tristan shouted back as the wind caught the hide sail, pushing the raft away from the shore.
Kaelen stood at the stern, waving frantically until the giant silhouette of his blind father, and the island of ice and fire itself, vanished into the thick southern mists.
