The Sword and Heir of Shadows

Chapter 4: Among the Stars.

As they set off on their leisurely walk to the meadows, the boys, Kael and William, were really excited. Their dad, Hector, was guiding their horse by holding the reins. The sun was getting lower in the sky, and it made long shadows on the ground.

The horse they had, Ustas, was beautiful, with shiny brown fur. It walked quietly, not making much noise on the familiar path which was part of his everyday life. The boys were sitting on the horse's back and used their little hands to pat its side.

"Hey, Justas," the older boy said with a big smile, "Why does your fur shine like this?" Kael's eyes were glowing with awe and curiosity as he was caressing Ustas's fur and at the same time William was copying his elder brother's actions and running his hands through the mane of the Horse, "Wow..Justas, you also have long hair" said William surprised as he seemed to learn a new thing at his age.

Ustas, with his wise eyes, gave a soft neigh, like a friendly yes to the kids talking to him. The animal tilted his head a little back as he brought his tongue out, he tried licking the little one who sat closer, but he failed in his attempt.

So the younger boy leaned in closer as he figured out Horse's attempt to lick, In return he earned a big lick from the Ustas. William asked, "Did you have a nice time in the town ?" concerned about his friend's health as the horse looked paled.

Then Ustas neighed again and nodded its head as if saying it did enjoy the town. Ustas was happy enough to have such a bond with these little buddies of him. All the hard work he had been doing alongside their father paid off when he saw these two small packets caring for him.

Hector laughed at the boys talking to the horse. It was clear that they all cared a lot about each other. As they continued down the path, the horse's calm steps and the boy's laughter made a lovely, peaceful scene. The meadows were up ahead, looking really pretty in the warm, golden light of the setting sun. Birds flying to their home, Every single thing felt calm and happy as they were all sharing a special moment together.

The golden sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow over the village, the two boys stood beside their father, their eyes fixed on the breathtaking sunset. The evening breeze ruffled their hair, and the meadow around them was bathed in soft, orange light. Birds chirped their evening songs, and fireflies began to twinkle in the gathering night.

With a sense of quiet reverence, the boys turned to their father, their faces illuminated by the fading sunlight. Their father, a loving presence, knelt down beside them, his eyes reflecting the same hues as the setting sun as he kept looking at the disappearing orb with pain in his eyes as if he was missing the presence of someone.

"D..Daddy," the older boy stuttered, his voice tinged with hesitation, "where is Mama now? Is she up there in the stars?"

The younger boy nodded in agreement, his eyes dull with sadness, he looked down. "Yes, Daddy, tell me about Mama too." William's eyes were now glistening with tears as he looked back up "Even big Bruder met her, I have never seen her" Sobbing he continued, "....Why never she come to meet me" Then his sobbing turned into crying and big tears started falling out of his innocent eyes. Kael, who was sitting behind William on horseback, had started weeping too, he felt his younger brother's sadness, and it was not just that he missed his mother too and so he gathered his shirt in his little ball of fist and brought it to his eyes, the fabric absorbing the tears before the ooze out.

Their father, Hector, smiled tenderly at his two little boys, his gaze shifting to the darkening sky, where the first stars were beginning to appear. "Your Mama," he began, his voice soft and filled with love, "she's up there among the stars now. She watches over us every night."

The boys looked up at the heavens, their teary eyes searching for a glimpse of their mother's spirit among the twinkling constellations. "Is.... she..... happy, Daddy?" the younger one asked between his sobs, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Hector nodded, his heart heavy with both love and loss. "Yes, my loves, she's happier than she ever was. She's a part of the night sky, and she blesses us with her light and love."

Tears glistened in their eyes as they continued to gaze at the stars. "Mama," the older boy, Kael, whispered, his voice quivering with emotion, "we miss you so much."

Hector pulled the boys down from horseback, and with a tender smile, Hector placed a hand on each of their shoulders, drawing them closer. "I know, my darlings. But remember, she's always with us, in our hearts and in the beauty of the world around us."

As the first stars emerged in the darkening sky, the boys were holding each other in an embrace, while they shouted their love to the heavens, their voices filled with unwavering faith. "Mama, be fine! We'll be good, and we will make you proud!"

"Yes, Mama...We will make you feel proud" said William fisting his hand up in the sky, towards the star.

"MAMA!.. Williyum copied me, again" complained Kael, furrowing his eyebrows and looking down with his cute angry face at his brother, who was a half foot shorter than him.

"I did not mama", William denied shaking his head from side to side as his eyes again started to pool with tears.

"There there...Kids, it's time to head home" Hector interrupted the little banter "Kael does not trouble your brother like this" Hector warned Kael with a gentle voice as he has never shouted at his kids, But he might now when William added "Daddy, Kael pranked Mrs Elmsworth today" Pointing his hand at his brother who was sending hints at William with big eyes not to tell their father or he'll scold him, But William was as spoiled as Kael.

Hector was shocked but not surprised as he was used to these complaints from villagers about his kids,

"Kael.." Hector looked at his son and held his both little hands in one big hand which made Kael look at his father although he was avoiding making eye contact with his father,

"Kael, look at me, Will you?" Hector spoke and his eyes searched for his child's, softly he continued to speak "Daddy is not angry"

As soon as the word fell on Kael's ear he looked up and saw his father looking at him, Little boy was still afraid and he stuttered while he asked "You are not?".

"Yes, I am not, but promise me you would not do such a prank on anyone again, Okay?"

Kael looked at William, who was busy fiddling his fingers like he had done something wrong and was guilty. "Yes, I Promise I would not", said Kael and nodded at his father.

"Well, then let's get home, It is night already", Hector stood patting his bottom to get rid of the dirt and told his kids while picking them up and making them sit again on Ustas's back.

"Let's go Ustas" Hector ordered the horse, pulling his rein a little as the Horse went ahead.

"yayyyy...!!!" the boys also cheered up.

Their words echoed through the tranquil evening, a testament to the enduring bond between mother and son, and the promise of a bright future filled with love and determination. As they spoke, they began to walk together into the meadows, where the soft grass brushed against their legs, and the scent of wildflowers filled the air. The world around them seemed to embrace their love and hope.