Chapter 11

Entering their village, Hybreed walks to his father's home to see him, whose health has been declining for the last two hundred years and enters their house before kneeling at his bedside.

Kargan: Stand, for a king doesn't kneel.

Hybreed: I am not king, father. Not yet.

Kargan: Soon, you will be. My only son. How much you have grown, matured into a fierce yet kindhearted soul. I've watched you grow ever since you were born, and I couldn't be any prouder of you.

Hybreed: What must I do, father?

Kargan: You know what you must do, my son. You know what it takes to be a king, otherwise I would not have chosen you.

Hybreed: What if I get lost along the way?

Kargan: When I was about your age, maybe a few years younger, my father was a king before me. He always took me to a hill called Huntsman Hill. It was so picturesque and serene. You could see the stars in the sky stretch for miles and the only source of light was from the moon. There, he would tell me that all the stars represented the souls of all the kings that have passed on and watch over those who reign. When I leave this mortal world and I join all the kings in paradise, if you ever feel frightened, go to that place and look to the stars. They will guide your way, son. Do you understand what I am saying to you?

Hybreed: Yes, father. I understand.

Kargan wipes the tears from Hybreed's face.

Kargan: There is nothing more you could have done, and I see you as a great king.

Hybreed: I will make sure the world knows who I am, even if I have to slay our enemies.

Kargan: A wise king must never seek out war, but must always be ready for one.

Hybreed: If that time comes, I will lead us to a glorious victory.

Kargan: I have no doubt in you, my son. Now, I must rest. Tomorrow is another day.

Hybreed bows to his father and then departs as Kargan turns out the lamp to sleep. As he steps out, he sees his mother there and doesn't say a word, but cries into her shoulder as she holds him close. They both know that Kargan has passed on as members of the village all surround them and kneel to pay respect to their lost king. A funeral is held for Kargan two days later and his body is buried in Righrean. After the funeral and burial, Hybreed walks to the Hunstman Hill, where he falls to his knees and looks up at the night sky. He sees all the stars his father spoke of and then sees the brightest star among them all twinkle and remembers what his father told him. He closes his eyes for a moment only to reopen them to see the same star. He feels comfort knowing that Kargan is Home and watching over him and the tribe.