Chapter 2

"If you know the form of the guardian spirit of garuda. It means you also know about The Garuda Clan."

Barnard doesn't answer. He stands up and enters the room. After that, he exits and brings a box.

"fifteen years ago, a married couple came to my home. They were seriously injured. At that time, the wife was pregnant and was going to give birth. My wife and I helped her give birth. With the remaining power, the wife tried to give birth so that her child was safe. After giving birth, she died due to a great loss of blood. The husband was very sad to see the death of his wife. But he was also happy that his son was safe."

"After burying his wife, he stayed here a few days to heal the injury."

"He told me if there had been a massacre of his clan. He and his wife were able to escape. However, many other clan members died in the tragedy. The anger was evident in the man."

"After a few days, The man left here. He entrusted his son to my wife and me. Since then, we took care of the son until he grew up. That son is you, Thomas."

"Me?" Thomas Shocks.

"that's impossible. Didn't my Dad and Mom die because beasts attacked them in the mountain forest? You told me about it earlier."

"I'm sorry, Thomas. Your father told me to keep your mother's death a secret. He wished you to grow normally without hatred and revenge. Only now, when you're fifteen, I can tell you the truth. You are now able to determine the right action for your father."

Thomas still doesn't believe what Barnard said. Thomas has not been able to digest because of the information given suddenly.

"This is unbelievable, Dad."

"Are there any relics by Thomas's parents? Maybe that can strengthen the evidence." Edward asks.

"Besides your mother's notebook you've been reading, your father left an emblem. He wished you to look for him and all the remaining garuda clan members when you are grown." Barnard takes the Garuda emblem from the box.

Edward is surprised. "Garuda emblem? This's amazing. No more mistakes. This belongs to Jawara of The Garuda Clan."

(Jawara is the highest title of a fighter. This title can be achieved after killing other Jawara.)

"If so, why dad left me?" Thomas asks.

"I've tried to stop him. However, a sense of revenge had enveloped his heart. His wife and family died. That's what made your father unable to hold his anger anymore." Barnard explains.

"Why is behind the house there is dad's grave beside mom's grave?"

“Your father deliberately made his own grave because his chances of surviving are so minor an opportunity.” Barnard says.

“What? Why did Dad say that? what will Dad have done at that time?" Thomas is further confused by the painful information he has suddenly received.

"Don't be prejudiced for your Dad. I will help explain what happened to The Garuda clan." Edward tries to give additional explanations to Thomas.

"Garuda clan is the most powerful clan. The garuda guardian spirit has dominated for generations. However, a shocking incident occurred fifteen years ago. The Garuda Clan was suddenly reported to have been destroyed, and all clan members had been massacred. Since then, there has not been news about The Garuda Clan. After that, it was declared extinct by the Domino Kingdom. Domino Kingdom regretted the incident. The kingdom felt that it had lost its most valuable asset. The Domino Kingdom stated that assassins attacked The Garuda Clan to take revenge. However, no one knew what happened because there were no witnesses, and it happened in one night." Edward explains according to what he knows.

"The Domino Kingdom destroyed The Garuda Clan." Barnard Says.

"What?" Edward is shocked by Barnard's statement. "Are you sure?"

Barnard nods. "In the past, I also heard the statement of condolence from the Domino Kingdom about the destruction of The Garuda Clan. This news was talked about by sellers from the Domino Kingdom who were trading across kingdoms. I know it was a conspiracy made by the Domino Kingdom. I know all the true stories from Thomas's father."

"I'm sorry. It's not that I don't believe your statement. But it's hard to believe that the Domino Kingdom was the real culprit in the destruction of The Garuda Clan. First, The Garuda Clan is the most valuable asset for the security of The Domino Kingdom. Second, the Domino Kingdom is a kingdom known for loving peace." Edward says. Now, he is the one shocked.

"From the outside, Domino Kingdom is indeed a peaceful kingdom. However, we don't know what people inside the palace think."

"Do you know why The Domino Kingdom destroyed The Garuda Clan?" Edward couldn't sit down comfortably because he was so curious.

"Sadly, I don't know that. Thomas's father did not tell that part. I didn't ask for more details because the man is grieving deeply. Therefore, this is your duty, Thomas. You have to look for the truth about The Garuda Clan massacre, restore The Garuda Clan and give back the honour of your parents." Barnard explains the goals that Thomas has to achieve.

Thomas is still silent. His mind was confused.

Edward understands the confusion that Thomas is experiencing. "This information is indeed very shocking. What's more, the information is painful news. However, this painful reality cannot be changed. What you can do is find the truth."

"How do I find the truth? While I don't know anything." Thomas asks. His face was down.

"I give you an offer. Come with me to town. I will teach you to control the garuda guardian spirit. You have to hone your talent. I will also help you find information about Garuda Clan. I also want to know what happened. If The Domino Kingdom's involvement was true, they must be up to something. It could jeopardize the stability of the continent's nations." Edward says.

"I can't leave my Dad alone....."

"No. Thomas." Barnard interrupts Thomas's conversation. "You have to leave here. Restore The Garuda Clan and give your parents honour is a duty you have to do."

"But, what about Daddy here?"'

Barnard smiles, seeing Thomas worrying about him. "You don't worry about me, Thomas. I'm not alone here. Many villagers will always be with me. I'm the head of this village. So, here is my duty. But, your duty isn't here, Thomas. You have to go with Master Edward. I will always pray for you."

Thomas nods. He is slightly relieved after confirming Barnard would be fine living alone in the village, and he agrees.

"Before leaving, I want to pray at mother's grave."

Thomas, Barnard and Edward go to the grave behind the house. Thomas sits down and prays beside his mother's grave.

Edward feels strange. There are three graves in that place.