The Unseen Adventure

Chapter five: Web of lies

"I don't care what you have to say, you're not leaving this forest!" Fela's voice was laced with anger, his words hanging in the air like a challenge.

"Father, please, try to hear me out," Damian pleaded, taking a cautious step forward.

But Fela's expression only darkened. "Why would you even think of doing something so reckless without my approval?"

Damian swallowed hard, knowing he had to choose his words carefully. "Because I knew you wouldn't allow it," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

The argument had been brewing since Damian's goodbye to Kael, his mind racing with ways to explain his decision to his father. But Fela had beaten him home, pacing in the living room like a caged lion. When Damian entered, Fela's gaze locked onto him, his eyes hollow and unyielding.

The silence was oppressive, until Fela finally spoke, his voice low and menacing. "Of course, I wouldn't allow it. It's dangerous, and you know it!"

"By tomorrow morning, I want you to go to Old Thom's house and apologize for volunteering yourself," Fela said, his voice firm but worried.

"Father, I can't..." Damian trailed off, knowing his father's expression wouldn't soften.

"You can't or you won't?" Fela cut in, his eyes narrowing.

Damian took a deep breath. "The village is in danger, and we need outside help. I'm willing to venture there if it means saving our home."

Fela's face twisted in concern. "As for seeking outside help, you don't have to be the one to go. There are others in Brindlemark more capable than you, Damian. You're still just a child; you won't survive."

Damian's eyes flashed with determination. "I won't survive? Father, you've trained me my whole life. I'm as competent, if not more so, than the best hunters and sword fighters in this village."

Fela's expression faltered, unable to deny the truth. Damian's words struck a chord, and for a moment, Fela's resolve wavered.

"I don't care," Fela said finally, turning his back on Damian. "You still won't go."

Damian's voice cracked with emotion. "Father, please... this has always been my dream - to leave here and explore the outside world. I want to be like you, to visit the places you've seen."

With a surge of desperation, Damian knelt down and grasped his father's feet. Fela was taken aback, his eyes welling up with tears as he lifted his son back up.

Fela wiped away his tears with the back of his hand, his voice filled with emotion. "A man who cries is a man who feels, and a man who feels is a man who loves." He gazed at Damian with newfound respect. "I guess you're no longer the little boy I thought you were."

Fela retreated to his room, returning with a dusty scabbard adorned with intricate designs. "This was mine," he said, handing it to Damian. "Pull it out."

As Damian obeyed, the sword slid out with a soft whoosh, its polished blade glinting in the light. The sword seemed to radiate an otherworldly glow, as if infused with a inner light.

"Father, what is this?" Damian asked, awestruck.

Fela's eyes misted over. "That's my old sword, Resolve. It will serve you well when all seems lost. Keep it close on your journey, my son."

Damian grasped the sword, feeling its weight and balance. The unfamiliar hilt fit surprisingly well in his hand.

"Wait, Father... does that mean you're letting me go?" Damian asked, hope rising in his chest.