It's the end of August. Everyone in the castle are busy about the carnival coming up in mid September. The whole kingdom is filled with merriment and delight. And here, I am sitting inside the cove wondering what I should do this carnival. But my thoughts slip away and my attention falls into the waterfall. I should leave this place for good. Already, I'm warned not to hover around here again. Okay, no more living in the past. Sensing my tension, Jake look into my eyes with sympathy. I hate sympathies. They make me feel pathetic.

'Let's head back,' I told him.

'Sure,' he told me, 'I have told Rim and others. The sun will set soon.' I knew they wanted to go back soon. They were waiting for me the whole time. They are trapped in my sorrows. This make me worthless to lead them. I don't know why I am still alive.

I see people laughing and living their life at their best. My people. Seeing us coming, a child wave his little hand towards us. I smile back at him. Anna blew him a kiss. Jake told me, 'I heard that Hardin will be visiting this year.' Hardin is the kingdom neighbouring us in the west. They haven't joined the carnival since the last war. They were heavily affected and also angry at Vaslenia, my kingdom. We failed to keep our words. That's their version of story. Also that was 70 years ago. Invitations were sent every year to attend the carnival but they were turned down.

'I'm surprised,' I replied, 'Finally, they learn that forgive and forget mantra of theirs.' Jake laughed at that.

Finally, we reach the castle. I left Kenji at the stable. I'm storming towards my bedroom. But on my way, I saw a lady talking with General Ralder. And I stop dead.