Every month, Zerenia feels the weight of his duty as the guardian of the demon gate increasing. Writing reports to the Bajalekat kingdom is a routine that takes him into darkness and danger. Currently, his report holds the story of a Minotaur attack that claimed the lives of 52 warriors, 20 of whom were from the Baratana kingdom. Zerenia hesitates as he places the report into the eagle-shaped pouch, ready to be sent to the awaiting kingdom.
"Please deliver this letter to the Bajalekat kingdom," he requests from the eagle, which gracefully soars into the evening sky.
Yet, Zerenia's concerns aren't limited to his work. Seeing Rozer return home with a weary expression raises suspicions of a heavy burden on his son's heart. Unanswered questions swirl in Rozer's mind, and only one word, "Father," manages to escape his lips.
"What's wrong, Rozer?" Zerenia inquires.
With a bowed head, Rozer chooses not to open up. Zerenia gently lifts Rozer's chin, attempting to make him face the inevitable.
"When I look into your eyes, I see your soul. Is there something you want to talk about regarding the future?"
Rozer nods, confirming the uncertainty lingering within him. Zerenia guides him inside the house, seeking a more private space to discuss the burden that seems to weigh heavily on Rozer.
Seated in the living room, Zerenia calls for Tania, requesting her presence to support their son who struggles with an undisclosed mental burden. A tense atmosphere envelops the room. "Dear, come here, our child wants to ask something important."
Tania, who was preparing dinner, stops her activities.
"Yes," she responds and comes to sit beside Zerenia, facing Rozer.
"What's going on with you two that you're so tense? Has Rozer become a mischievous child?" Tania inquires.
"That's not true, Mother," Rozer states.
Zerenia laughs, "No, currently there's unrest in Rozer's heart. Let's hear him out." he says.
Rozer remains silent for a moment, processing his thoughts. He doesn't know where to start.
"No need to keep secrets; as parents, we'll guide you," Tania assures.
Gripping his sword tightly at his side,then looking at his parents who had opened their hearts to listen, Rozer finally reveals a series of dreams that have been haunting him.
Zerenia and Tania are surprised by Rozer's words; they don't know what to say.
After contemplating for a while, Zerenia decides to take a step further. With intense focus, he gathers magical energy in his palms, creating a blue aura that fills the room. From this energy, a magical force emerges, and with gentleness, Zerenia summons a book.
The book, a vibrant red, floats gently out of a bookshelf in the room. Flying gracefully, the book arrives in Zerenia's palm, giving the impression that it is no ordinary book.
The red book turns out to be a dream book, a compilation of in-depth studies on the meaning and messages behind every human dream. Carefully, Zerenia opens the pages of the book, seeking answers to Rozer's mysterious story.
With seriousness, Zerenia matches each word and experience of Rozer with the contents of the dream book. Every page read brings new insights, and finally, Zerenia gives a startling conclusion, "Dreams are a sign given by God to us. And the dream you've told is a sign for you, to meet a king... Or to become a king."
This statement, delivered with seriousness, adds a new and unexpected dimension to the family conversation. The room that was once filled with worry and uncertainty is now filled with deeper meaning.
Rozer falls silent, absorbing his father's words. Tania stands, approaches Rozer, and hugs him from behind, gently stroking his head. "Don't worry, it may or may not happen." Tania reassures.
However, Zerenia firmly states his conviction, "No, it will happen, sooner or later. One of those signs will come true." Zerenia says.
"Dear..." Tania tries to calm the situation.
"It's okay, Mother. I just need to find those answers. That's why, Father, allow me to go to the city to study at the academy."
Tania tried to evaluate Rozer's sudden decision, "Why suddenly?"
"I want to learn more than just magic and martial arts."
Tania, worried, challenged the education provided by her husband, "Don't you teach our child more than that, dear?"
"Of course, I teach him some things, but not comprehensively." Zerenia answered
Staring coldly at her husband's face, she then asks Rozer, "Can you calculate the result of 14x16, Rozer?"
"Um... 30?" Rozer answers uncertainly.
"Oh dear... Honey!" Tania exclaims while giving her husband a cold stare.
"Alright, I understand... I'll allow it. It's also a good step to introduce him to the outside world. But on one condition... don't regret your choice." Zerenia states.
"Thank you, Father." Rozer says.
***
As the night deepens, Zerenia in the silence of their home, the dim light of a lamp illuminating the room. Zerenia is still awake, writing a letter. Tania brings two cups of tea and places them on the table in front of Zerenia, then sits beside him.
"Thank you," Zerenia says.
Tania gazes at Zerenia, "Darling... Do you think Rozer's dreams are related to the Bajalekat kingdom or our family?" she asks, trying to understand the recent events.
"I don't think so; he wasn't too specific when explaining. It could be another kingdom. No wonder, for 11 years he's only lived in this forest."
Tania expresses her fear, "I'm afraid he'll go far away from us, very far beyond our reach."
Zerenia puts the pen down,
Understanding Tania's reference to an ancient prophecy, he then caresses his wife's head, "We can't control his destiny, but we can guide him and provide him with enough wisdoms. Perhaps, this is the first step for him to find himself beyond this forest?"
Tania tightly holds Zerenia's hand, "I just hope he can be a useful child for this kingdom and bring happiness to our family."
They both fall silent for a moment, letting their words soak into the room. In the end, Zerenia resumes writing his letter,
"May God grant your prayers." Zerenia says with a smile.
Tania reflects for a moment, then says, "We have to believe in his destiny, even though it might be difficult for us as parents."
In the tranquility of the night, they share their thoughts and hopes, ready to face any changes that will come with courage and love as a family.