56. Auslin

Chapter 56

Auslin

A uslin walked into a dark stone room with a roaring fire and black leather chairs. There were animal pelts on the floor of creatures Auslin had never seen before. The shifter monarch was also missing.

Tatsuki entered from a side room. "Thank you for joining us tonight, Vanra."

Auslin bowed. "I appreciate the invitation, Father."

He gestured for them to sit by the welcoming fire. "You seem puzzled."

"I thought I came to the same place as last time, but this is drastically different." Auslin sunk into the comfortable chair.

"One of the many useful things about living in a castle enchanted with magic is the ability to change rooms in an instant to meet any need. We thought tonight was perhaps too cold for you to join us on the veranda."

"Thank you for your consideration. I'm sorry for the trouble."

Tatsuki waved it away. "It is of no consequence. Fortunately for you, the weather will become warmer within the next week."

The reminder of his impending trip put a damper on the human's good mood. "Ah."

"This journey will be an excellent opportunity for you to put your training to use," Tatsuki said. "You have worked hard over these past months. We are proud of you."

Auslin blushed at the praise. "Thanks. I'll continue to do my best. It's been amazing working with Uncle Jaega, Fersen, and Kitaro."

"As a reward for your dedication, we have a gift for you." Tatsuki summoned a short sword with his magic, then passed it to Auslin.

The black scabbard was decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay in purple-black wood. Sapphires and amethysts adorned the hilt and guard. Auslin pulled the blade out, which was etched in bright blue-and-purple patterns that reminded him of shifter markings. He slid it back into its holster.

It was the most beautiful sword he had ever seen. "This isn't a weapon. It's a work of art!"

Tatsuki chuckled. "It is indeed fine craftsmanship, but it is also fully functional and powerful. "

"But this is too much!" It probably cost more money than Auslin could spend in ten lifetimes. "It's stunning, but I'm not worth?—"

Tatsuki interrupted his protests. "We commissioned a sword that is worthy of your considerable and unique powers. It is a Divine weapon we had enchanted to channel your powers to maximum effect. You can slay any enemy without fear using this sword."

"You had this made for me?" Auslin traced over the scabbard's intricate inlay. He couldn't believe Tatsuki had given him such a generous gift.

"We would not send you on such a long journey without the best weapon possible. A normal sword would not do for a member of our clan with powers as immense as yours."

"But this is surely too much!" Auslin had lived a simple life as a mage, so he was unaccustomed to such finery. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."

"That is why it is perfect for you. Kizoshi saw to it personally, then entrusted it to Fersen to perfect the enchantments."

It meant so much to Auslin that they had gone to such lengths for him. "Then I will accept it with the deepest gratitude." He bowed his head. "Your continued generosity knows no bounds."

"You are clan," Tatsuki reminded Auslin. "Nothing is too good for you."

Auslin got a little choked up. "Sorry, it's been such a long time since I've had a family. It's only been me and my brother. This kind of thing…I never could have imagined being so lucky." Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. "I'm not ready to leave this."

"We understand your reluctance to go. For what it is worth, we are not happy to see you leave." Tatsuki's admission stunned Auslin. "You will still have a home here upon your return."

But for how long? Auslin worried. He feared his return to his time would come too soon. Auslin cleared his throat as he fought against his emotions. "For which I am most grateful."

"We have enjoyed your stay with us." Tatsuki's fierce gaze softened as he looked at the human. "Understand that we are in no hurry to see you leave. If Satsuma says fate brought you here permanently, it would be pleasing news."

It reassured Auslin's greatest fears. "Thank you. For this, for letting me stay here, for everything."

"You are most welcome. We will speak again upon your return. There will be much to talk about."

"I'm already looking forward to it." Auslin hoped it would be permanent.

"Kitaro and Jaega will train you on your new short sword before your departure. Should you have questions about the weapon they cannot answer, Fersen can explain it to you."

"Thank you again." Auslin could never say it enough for all that Tatsuki had done for him over the past months of his stay at the castle.

"We wish you a pleasant evening and safe travels in the future."

Auslin stood up and bowed low once more. "You have my sincerest gratitude for everything. I'll take my leave now. I hope you have a great rest of the night."

With those words, Auslin hurried back to his room, sword in hand.

When he returned, Kitaro looked up from his desk. "Welcome back." He walked over to join Auslin in the sitting area.

"Sorry I was gone so long." Auslin sat down on the couch by the crackling fireplace. "I went to visit Kisano, then had a talk with Kizoshi. Your father requested a visit while I was with her."

Kitaro sat down next to Auslin. "And where did you pick up such a magnificent weapon?"

Auslin passed it over to him. "It was a gift from your father. Kizoshi arranged for it to be made in the Divine Realm, then Fersen enchanted it."

"Kizoshi arranged it?" The information seemed to surprise Kitaro.

"She did, although she didn't tell me about it when we met earlier. He said you and Uncle Jaega would train me with it."

Kitaro pulled the blade out to admire the beautiful craftsmanship. "It truly is a remarkable gift. "

"I told him it was too much, but he insisted I deserved it because I'm clan."

The shifter prince sheathed the sword. "It is indeed a weapon that is worthy of your incredible powers."

Auslin flushed at the praise. "It's still too much. The cost of that must be astronomical."

Kitaro gave the sword back. "Nothing is too good for you."

"That's what Father said."

"Trust me, if Kizoshi willingly involved herself, you are worth it," Kitaro assured him. "My sister only does things that are worth her time—and she has a very high opinion of her own worth."

Auslin shook his head. "I don't know what I've done to give her such a good opinion of me. We just met!"

"I gave up trying to understand her a long time ago," Kitaro said with a laugh. "Being an enigma is too much a part of her character."

"I'm relieved she likes me. After seeing how she treats those she hates, I never want to get on her bad side."

"I do not believe you are in any danger of that. Since it is late, we shall start training with it tomorrow."

It was a relief that they didn't have to train immediately. "Sounds good to me. Although, it feels so wrong to use such a beautiful work of art to fight."

"I am hoping it will not come to that. However, should a situation arise, you know you will always be protected."

Auslin set the sword aside, then repositioned himself to sit on Kitaro's lap. "I have you. Of course I'll be safe." He leaned in for a passionate kiss.