There was silence in the dining room.
"You know what you're saying, Agarth?" said Yade, staring into Norm's eyes.
"I do," Agarth replied in a deep voice. "But as a friend, there are things I must ask you..."
"Come with me."
Yade stood up from the dining table. Agarth followed, and they both moved toward a private room.
The door creaked open.
Yade prepared two seats—one for himself and one for Norm. They sat, and the conversation began.
"So now you're saying... after 2,000 years, a successor has finally arrived?" Yade said, passing Norm a cup of Erjin—a warm tea brewed from Erlin leaves.
"Yes," said Agarth, "the successor of the black sword."
"You know the stories of Norm, don't you, Agarth?" Yade asked.
"I know most of them," Agarth answered.
"Well, most of them are lies. Would you believe me if I told you… Norm didn't die of old age? He was killed—by his regrets, by his choices. And ultimately… by the curse of the blade," Yade said, his voice dark.
Agarth sat in stunned silence, then asked, "How do you know the truth?"
"It's part of the Thom's heritage," Yade explained. "Norm fought alongside the Thoms, brought peace… all because he wanted freedom. But the blade—it opposed him. It twisted him into a murderer, a psychopath. Even in old age, his power was enough to wipe out entire armies."
Yade looked down, his voice heavy.
"The blade took everything from him… his wife, his parents. Only one child survived. That child had children of his own before dying of illness."
"He had a wife… and a child?" Agarth asked, surprised.
"Yes, but even with them… he never let go of the blade. And slowly, it devoured him. Its curse sank into his bones, even as it gave him power."
"So what are you trying to say?" Agarth asked.
"In simple words—the blade demands death in exchange for power."
Yade leaned forward.
"What I'm trying to say is—save your son, before it's too late."
"…It already is," said Agarth softly.
"What?!" Yade exclaimed.
"The future is already known," Agarth said.
"What are you saying, Agarth?!"
"Aron told me not to search for the sword. He said… he would find it himself," Agarth said in a low voice.
Yade was stunned. "What does that mean? Tell me!"
"I saw Aron—from the future," Agarth said gravely. "He told me what happens. The kingdom... destroyed. Burned. Darkness covered everything."
Yade's breath became heavy. Sweat ran down his face.
The rain began to pour outside, and a thunderstorm shook the trees.
"He told me we would all die," Agarth continued. "You. Me. Everyone."
Yade could barely think. "Then why did you come here…?"
"Because he told me to be ready for what's coming."
"Be prepared? For what?!" Yade demanded.
"Death. Fight it to your last breath. And don't look back at your regrets."
"Regrets…?" Yade whispered, trembling.
"Aron told me—prepare for war. A war we cannot avoid."
Thunder roared as chaos raged outside. Inside, Yade and Agarth sat frozen, drowning in the weight of the truth.
"So, Agarth…" Yade asked in a deep voice. "Did Aron say anything about the blade?"
"Yes. He held it. But I sensed dark power—yet Aron remained in control."
"Then… the blade has found its true successor," Yade said.
"But how is Aron here—from the future?" Agarth asked.
"It's hard to say," Yade murmured. "But it's all tied to the blade… its new powers awaken only in the hands of a true warrior."
He looked sharply at Agarth.
"If Aron is the true successor, then the Flame will rise again. Life will return—outside the lands of the Thoms, beyond the reach of the dark army. But that also means destruction, annihilation… the fall of nations… including the Thoms themselves."
Yade paused.
"Even if the future successor exists… we live in the present. We must wait for what's coming—and endure it."
He looked to Agarth.
"You've raised your sons well, both as a father and as a leader. You shouldn't be afraid. This world is cruel, yes… but even after learning of your death, I don't fear mine. Because a true warrior never does."
Agarth looked down.
"What should I do, Yade? What's still waiting for me?"
"Live your life," Yade said gently. "Whether it's long or short, be with your family. If you are with them… you'll find peace."
"…But maybe you can still stop it," Yade added.
"Stop who?" Agarth asked.
"Your son. Maybe… just maybe… you can rewrite his future."
"I don't think I can," Agarth replied, voice steady. "Because I love my family. For them, I would bring this world to the brink of death. I am Norm—of the bloodline. Great power and honor flow through me."
The rain began to fade. The thunder softened. And at last… the sun broke through the clouds, bathing the world in warm, golden light.
"It's time for me to go," said Agarth. "This was a good talk, my friend."
Their hands met in a strong clasp, then they embraced. A goodbye between warriors… and brothers.
Yade walked Agarth to the horse stables. Agarth mounted his steed, his soldiers ready beside him.
"Goodbye, Yade."
The gates opened, and they rode off, horses thundering beneath them.
Yade watched them disappear down the road.
"Maybe that's what the future really is…" he whispered.
The End