Chapter 11: Breakfast
Amrit swung his legs off the bed and stood up, feeling the cool wooden floor beneath his feet as he processed all this information. It was a lot to take in, but he knew he had to focus on his current situation. As he stepped out of his room, the cool breeze brushed against his skin, bringing a sense of clarity to his thoughts. The world around him seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for him to make a choice that would shape his destiny. With each step he took, he felt the weight of responsibility growing heavier. His clan, the Rijal clan, was a formidable presence in the small city of Lunaris. With elders specializing in various professions such as Alchemy, Array mastery, and Weapon refining, they had built a solid foundation over the past four centuries.
Amrit made his way to the dining hall where his family usually gathered for breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed tea filled the air. His father, a stoic man, sat at the head of the table poring over scrolls. "Good morning, Amrit," his father greeted without looking up, his voice deep and resonant. It was clear that he was engrossed in whatever knowledge the scrolls held, a common sight in their household. Amrit's mother bustled around the kitchen area, setting plates and pouring tea with practiced efficiency. Her warm smile greeted him as she motioned for him to take a seat at the table. "Good morning, Amrit," she said, her voice melodic and comforting. "Eat up before your food gets cold." Amrit took his seat at the table, the weight of his newfound inheritance still heavy on his mind. His parents seemed unaware of the turmoil raging within him as they carried on with their morning routine. He glanced at the scrolls his father was engrossed in, wondering what they were about.
As he picked at his breakfast, his mind kept drifting back to the legends he had heard and the sealed memories that were slowly resurfacing. As he absentmindedly ate the breakfast his father looked up at him and asked “Amrit, everything alright?” Amrit snapped back to the present, meeting his father's concerned gaze. He forced a smile, attempting to push aside the weight of his thoughts. "Yes, father. Everything is fine," he replied, though his voice carried a hint of distraction. His father studied him for a moment, as if sensing something amiss, but eventually nodded and returned his attention to the scrolls. Amrit's mother watched him with a knowing look, her gentle eyes filled with unspoken understanding. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder before going about her tasks. The familiar sounds of the morning routine enveloped him - the clinking of utensils, the soft murmurs of conversation, and the crackling of the fireplace.
He was torn inside about how to tell his parents about the inheritance. Should he tell everything or just some parts or maybe tell nothing at all. Even if he tells nothing, sooner or later his parents and clan members will find out about his unusual strength. But even if he tells them some parts it will drastically change the fate of their clan for better or worse. Even those powerful Asura could become traitors, who is to say there will be no traitors in his clan after all they are only human. But Amrit knew he couldn't keep the truth hidden from his parents for long he needed some release. The weight of secrets threatened to suffocate him, and he realized that he needed their guidance now more than ever. Pushing aside his doubts and fears, he took a deep breath and cleared his throat, drawing the attention of his parents once more. "Father," he began, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest. "There's something I need to tell you." His father set down the scrolls, giving his full attention. “Can we talk after breakfast in Clan Hall?”
His mother paused in her tasks, her expression filled with concern but she didn’t say anything. Amrit's father regarded him with a solemn gaze, the calmness etched deep into his face. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded gravely. "Of course, Amrit. We will speak in the Clan Hall after breakfast." His response was measured, giving away nothing of what he might be feeling inside. Amrit felt a mix of relief and anxiety, relieved he could tell some parts of his inheritance to his father and anxiety as he knew today would be the day their Clan’s trajectory of fate will be changed. The weight on his shoulders seemed to lift slightly. The rest of breakfast passed in relative silence.
After breakfast, Amrit followed his father to the Clan Hall, the solemnity of the room amplifying the weight of the conversation that was about to take place. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting the history of their clan, battles won and lost, and the faces of ancestors who had shaped their legacy. Amrit's father settled into his customary seat at the head of the table, his gaze steady as he regarded his son. "Alright we can now talk" his father's voice resonated in the hall, filling the space with authority and warmth. Amrit took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to reveal. But he had to be cautious so he asked “Father, can we have the isolation formation activated, I don’t want this to get out.” His father's brow furrowed slightly at the request, but he nodded in agreement. With a wave of his hand, intricate symbols began to glow around the room, weaving together in a complex pattern that hummed with power. The isolation formation was activated, ensuring that their conversation would remain private and hidden from prying ears.
Amrit took another deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he spoke. “Before I explain can I ask how it went yesterday? What conclusion did the clan elders came to after I left? Was there any inclination that those two family were behind it? Were the assassin’s identified?” he finished his queries in one breath.