Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

Chapter 29 - My Stepfamily

Nolan come close to Riftan still no believing his father words. How this tall knight would be his brother. Since Nolan has memories, his father had always talked about his stepson. Saying they could no move from this place since he had to wait from him. Nolan's mother never complained about this and they live a decent life in the small cottage. Sometimes Nolan believed that his father had imagine having a stepson or probably this stepson had died long ago and his father was going to died waiting for him. At the same time, it was inconceivable that this knight was relate to his father to the point that he could call him brother. He got close to Riftan

"Are you actually my bother?"

"Brother... stepbrother... whatever you want to call me is fine. You can call me Riftan if you prefer"

Riftan words came dry and still in shock within a day he was able to talk to the Duke's daughter and get back to a family that he believe did not longer existed. He boy face bright at Riftan's words.

"Brother are you a knight? Or why do you carry a sword?"

"I am a knight that is the reason I carry a sword"

Riftan try to hide his red face at his now little brother words who saw him like he has just met the king. He did not know what else he could say and a huge knot start to grow in his throat, but the boy smile just got bigger after Riftan response.

"Father my brother is a knight!!!! Can you believe it? Will he come and live with us? He is you stepson after all father. We should live together!!!"

"Nolan! don't talk nonsense! How a noble knight like him will live with us. He has important things to do. We can hopefully see him more often."

A faint smile came in Novant face seeing his young son impress by his new big brother, and the surprise and pride to know that his stepson was a knight. His chest suddenly become big with all the pride of knowing Riftan was not longer a simple peasant. Also, Nolan was a little take a aback by his son words of Riftan leaving together as a family. The thought of Riftan getting offend by Nolan's words trouble his mind

"Where are you staying? You are staying in the Duchy? Or you are just passing by and going somewhere else? If you mind sharing"

"I am staying in the Croix Castle with the rest of the Remdragon. We will stay there until the end of this month"

Riftan face become red as a tomato wen he was saying these words. He did not want his stepfather to think he was bragging about status since he had never dream of coming back to this land and stayed at Croix Castle. Nolan face become even brighter and Novan's face become even more full of pride. Riftan felt like he had accomplished something in the eyes of these people that it was not able to explain it.

"This is incredible. My stepson is part of the Remdragon Knight and he is staying at the Croix Castle. We will not bother you with your time. Someone has important as you must be very busy, but this old man would appreciate if you came back and say your goodbyes property before you depart"

"Father why are you not inviting my bother to spend supper with us. I want him to tell me about his adventure! I am sure he would not mind!"

"Nolan, I am sure your bother has very important things to do and we can not take his time to our leisure, but we can make sure to have something tasty to offer him next time he come."

Riftan look the disappoint in the little boy face and did want to do more that you just goodbye there and come back later.

"Nolan, it would be my pleasure to tell you everything about my adventures. Just not today, but I assure you we will spend more time together. Once you become of age, you can always start to accompany with my adventures"

"Really brother?!!! I can go with you? Father, you heard my brother!"

"Riftan, how Nolan will e able to join you? He is just a peasant boy with not real way to become your assistant"

"I never said he will be my assistant. He can become a knight himself if he go thought training and do the right things, I will make sure he become a Remdragon knight.

Riftan words left his lips before he could think what he was saying. He had just promised an 8-year-old to be able to become a knight. Suddenly he has family and some to protect and guide.

Novan's face was fluster with confusion as if Riftan had just told him that Nolan would grow a tail and a pair of wings. He had so many questions. Did this mean that Riftan would take Nolan with him or he would come back from his in a couple years? Would this be possible? Riftan notice his stepfather confusion face and kept talking without thinking of what he was promising.

"After a month I will go back to my state. Anatol is not a luxurious state, and the road may not be pleasant, but I can assure a nice house and protection for you and your family. You can keep the money that I gave you and make accommodations. I can come back in 2 seasons with some of my men. We will make sure you and your family have a safe trip. Nolan can start his training once he gets to Anatol"

Novan could not believe what his stepson had just said. His life and his whole family life was about to changed. The Lord of Anatol was his stepson, and his little son would start training to become a knight with in 2 seasons. His eyes were full with tears again while his son eyes were sparking with a hope he had never felt before. Riftan heart was happy to a point that he believe it would came out of his chest.

"What do you think? Would like to come with me to my state. I have nothing luxurious to offer, but I quite life with less work and more opportunities. Your wife can stop working and you can finally get some rest"

"I wouldn't dare to stop working, but knowing you will be there, it will make my heart content. We shall depart with you in 2 seasons. I will keep the money to make sure to buy the supplies we need to travel. Once you are here I will gave you back the rest of the money"

"Don't buy horses or a carriage. I will make sure to get those. I will come back to say my goodbyes in a fortnight, and I will be back in 2 seasons. It will be easier to travel as the weather grow colder. Monsters hibernate during that time, so it will be safer to travel. Buy thick clothes and good shoes."

"Brother did you said Monsters?"

Nolan's eyes suddenly become full of fear like he had just think of something horrendous

"Don't worry. Your big brother is a very skillful swordsman. You had nothing to worry about it.

Riftan proud smile came without thinking. They agreed to Riftan Plans. He would be back in a fortnight to say his goodbyes and he would prepare a nice house close to Calypse Castle for them to live say and comfortable.

Riftan turned around and swiftly walked towards the castle. Strangely, his chest felt full and his mind was full of thoughts of his newfound family. Suddenly a sound came from the trees and a familiar smell hit his nose, but before his brain was able to process the shocking information a small frame woman clashed to his stiff body. Before his eyes were able to recognize her, his brain and heart yell "Maximillian!!!" 

Writer Note:

Thank you for keep reading!!! I apologize for how long it took to write this one. I will try my best to post more often! I really want to try my best to post once a week! 

Also... Yes!!! Duke Croix is about to lose the only leverage that he has again Riftan!!! 8)