On the night of a full moon, in a castle filled with riches and beauty beyond compare, the stars shine bright, for, a masquerade is taking place for some important reason or another. Not that any of this matters to Nightingale, for he is dancing with the love of his life. He may not have known it at the time but this would be a memory he will never forget. As for his lover, he wants this moment to last forever, because he knows what will happen when the song ends, and he can't let it come to pass.
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As the horses rush across the dirt road on their way to the coastal town of Marbella. The carriage that they pull holds The Duke, Alexander, and Nightingale all sitting on the dark-colored plush seats. After a few moments of silence, The Duke asks in an curious voice, "When you mentioned Maria, you never spoke of a father figure. Has it just been you and Maria for all this time?"
Nightingale responds in a weary voice, "My mother, or as you say my kidnapper, would always tell me that my father died when I was just a babe."
The Duke replies with, "And you never asked for more information?"
Nightingale says, "Like you are doing right now, oh believe me I did. But I always got the same answer every time, so after a few months, I just quit asking."
The Duke says, "Now what about the..."
Alexander interrupts with, "Dad, that is enough. Don't overpressure the young heir."
The Duke responds with, "Ok, ok, I know when I am outmatched."
Nightingale gives Alexander a small but noticeable nod in thanks.
After an hour of antagonizing silence, they had reached Marbella. It was a small town full of middle-class fishers and shipbuilders. The town was quiet enough for the travelers, so with no time to lose. They bid farewell to Harry, and in the span of a few minutes with the loss of some gold coins. The group has made it onto a ship and have secured safe passage across the Sea of Neviance.
A few hours have passed and night has fallen on the ship. The Duke has told the boys to stay in their respective cabins, just for their safety and his peace of mind. However, Alexander has other plans which would involve him, Nightingale, and the stars. When the night was at its peak, Alexander nocked on Nightingales door. After a few minutes of Nightingale waking up, he opens the door and says in a groggily tone, "Why are you waking me up?"
Alexander responds with, "Come on, I have something to show you."
With that, Alexander took Nightingale's hand and he ran to the the deck of the ship. Nightingale was now fully awake as the cool winds of the sea caressed his exposed skin. Now, with Nightingale awake and the air filling with suspense. Alexander begins to show Nightingale the night sky. Alexander starts with, "Nightingale, whenever I feel alone or scared, I look to the stars and think of how happy they must be."
He continues with, "For they shine brighter with each passing minute"
Nightingale looks up to the sky, and in some way, whether that by by fate or just a coincidence. He understands what Alexander is saying, and maybe, just maybe. He feels a little less puzzled about this new world that he will be joining. As for Alexander, when he looks at the way Nightingale stares at the sky, he knows that he has already found his world.
After a few days time across the Sea of Neviance, with the rest of the trip being mostly uneventful. Nightingale, Alexander, and The Duke are able to make it to the Port of Apathia. A place of wonders, where some even say that time itself stood still, for its creation. Aside from the tales, the group walks into the city, waiting for their carriage to arrive.
Not noticing the hooded figure watching from the sidelines, the group sees the carriage and with no time to lose. They board it, with the hopes of finally being able to understand the truth. As the carriage rides away, the hooded figure watches with purposeful intent and knows what card to play next.
With that; what revelations and secrets await our group, and who is this mysterious figure? Only the fate knows, and fate ... doesn't speak.