Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

50  The Fourth

Although something like that had happened before, Rain didn't like the idea that his Father didn't send a single piece of news in one month. Over the course of the next weeks, he tried to think of ways to contact him, but that didn't work. At the same time, Rain could feel some people following him when he left the inn that they were using and keeping an eye on his mother and sisters.

"It seems someone is planning to make a move regarding us soon…" Rain thought.

Tristan was only two days away… it wasn't like before; Roan should have sent a letter or two by now. Unless he couldn't… someone was stopping him. At the same time, it was weird that none of those three asked for the conditions of their parents.

In a few weeks, Rain will have enough money to buy a horse… while riding one was too much for him, his mother probably could ride and then check things with Roan, but that was too dangerous… it seemed that trouble and Rain would walk side by side now and forever.

"Maybe we all should go together and meet him and then escape to somewhere else… with my earth magic, I should be able to build a stone house anywhere, and little by little we can get or make the other things," Rain thought.

Rain wanted to avoid the problems and the political upheaval after the war since they couldn't do much without the Lonard family head. However, they still had some political value thanks to their name and blood.

Rain could seek refuge in a neutral territory or a region that was not directly affected by the war. Finding a safe haven where political tensions are relatively low can provide him with a temporary respite from the turmoil.

Rain and his family might choose to adopt a new identity and blend into a different community. This could involve changing his name, appearance, and background to avoid being recognized or targeted by factions involved in the political upheaval.

There might be underground networks or resistance movements that offer support and assistance to individuals seeking to escape political turmoil. Rain could try to establish contacts within these networks to gain guidance and resources for a safe escape.

If the political upheaval extends beyond national borders, Rain could consider seeking asylum in a foreign country. This would involve navigating immigration processes and demonstrating a well-founded fear of persecution or danger if he were to return to his home country.

"All those options seemed troublesome… I guess I will have to talk with Mother," Rain thought. "We need to prepare for all possible outcomes."

After another day of hard work in the blacksmith shop, Rain truly was looking forward to his bed. Still, he didn't even have the chance to relax once he arrived at the inn since he noticed some troublesome things. The place was filled with people, and a lot of them were looking at him with eyes of suspicion.

When Rain arrived in their room, he decided to talk with his mother about the situation until he saw her unconscious on the ground while holding a letter.

"Shit, shit! What now?" Rain thought while looking around and then saw Dana and Kei sleeping on the bed.

Rain checked his mother, but he didn't find any signs of wounds. It didn't seem like she had been poisoned either, so he moved her to the bed and then decided to read the letter.

My Dearest Family,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to share some updates and thoughts with you in these difficult times. Firstly, I regret to inform you that I have received news of my parents' passing. It saddens me deeply, and I know it must be hard for all of us to accept their loss.

As the war continues, we face countless challenges and uncertainties. It is a trying period for everyone involved. I must admit that I do not know what the future holds, and the outcome of this conflict is far from certain. It is a harsh reality that weighs heavily on my mind.

In light of these circumstances, I suggest that you seek refuge with Leiah's parents. Their home provides a safe haven, away from the dangers of the war. I understand the difficulties of being separated, but I believe it is the best course of action to ensure your safety.

If fate allows, and I manage to survive this turmoil, I will make my way to join you there. Our reunion would be a moment of both joy and sadness as we mourn the losses we have endured and celebrate being together again.

Please take care of yourselves and find solace in the support of Leiah's family. Remember, we are bound by love and will remain connected, even in the face of adversity. Keep hope alive in your hearts, and remember that brighter days will come.

You are always in my thoughts, and I pray for your well-being and safety. Stay strong, my dear family, and know that we will weather this storm together.

With love,

[Roan]

"... He didn't confident in his survival, but it doesn't mean that it is set in stone," Rain thought. "Dad knows that we are in danger by staying here, so we should move. I want to rescue him even if by force if I have to, but I don't think that he will run from the battlefield… he knows that we can't lose any more land, and he swore that he would fight to the death to defend the kingdom."

Rain looked at his mother, and he could imagine what she felt when she read the letter… Roan probably used some not ordinary methods to make the letter reach them after such a long time. It was a sign that he didn't have many hopes, to begin with.

Still, the problems were just starting… Rain realized that his mother's belly was bigger than he recalled… she was pregnant yet again.