68. Auslin

Chapter 68

Auslin

T hey had only been back long enough to change out of their traveling clothes before a servant appeared to summon Auslin to meet with Tatsuki. Kitaro had specifically been ordered not to attend, which worried Auslin.

The door slid open in silent permission to enter the room. Auslin walked over to the veranda where Tatsuki was waiting for him. He bowed to the monarch. "It is good to see you again, Father. I hope you are well."

"Welcome back, Vanra." Tatsuki gestured toward an earthen stoneware tea set. "Help yourself."

Auslin helped himself to a cup of hot tea that warmed his hands. "Thank you. It's good to be back." He waited for it to cool to where he could drink it without burning himself. "It feels like we've been gone forever. "

"You made good time." Tatsuki took a sip. "How was your journey?"

Auslin took a drink. "It was almost without incident."

Tatsuki arched an eyebrow. "Almost?"

"A group of snake shifters ambushed us in Arenvale on our way to Satsuma's." Auslin rubbed his side, where there was no remaining evidence of their attack.

"Those insolent fools!" Tatsuki bellowed.

Auslin flinched at the feeling of Tatsuki's oppressive anger pulsating in his aura. "There were no survivors."

"How dare they have the audacity to attack you both!" Tatsuki continued seething. "Clearly, they need to be taught another lesson about their place in this realm."

Not wanting to confess that he was injured in the battle and get Kitaro in trouble, Auslin tried to shift the focus. "We also encountered one of Nasume's cousins in Reflorna, but he left after a few insults were exchanged on both sides."

"That whole family is a stain upon this realm," Tatsuki snarled.

Auslin couldn't hide his amusement. "I can't say that I disagree."

"That is because you have good sense." Tatsuki poured more tea for himself.

"I also might have pushed Fenalo into a river," Auslin admitted with a grin .

Tatsuki's laughter was booming. "Oh, we would have paid a great deal to see that spluttering pup angry that a human had bested him. Good for you, Vanra. We are proud."

"I know it wasn't becoming behavior of someone who is a member of your clan, but he deserved it."

Tatsuki continued chuckling. "We fully support you putting those awful wolf shifters in their place. We only wish we could be rid of them forever." Tatsuki sipped his tea. "How was Satsuma?"

"She was nothing like I expected." Auslin rotated the cup in his hands. "Kitaro passed along your regards to her. She was most complimentary of you, Father."

"She is indeed a wise woman."

Auslin could momentarily enjoy Tatsuki's good humor until he remembered the reality of what she had told him. "Perhaps a bit too wise for me as a mere mortal to understand. Most of what she said was in confounding riddles. I can't quite figure out her meaning."

"Do not feel badly. Her wisdom is not easily grasped."

"She mentioned the Day of Ascension," Auslin said. "Does that mean anything to you?"

Tatsuki took a moment to reflect. "No, we cannot say that we have ever heard of such a thing. In what context did she mention it? "

"In relation to me returning to my time. She said it is a date not yet written that could be any time."

"That does not help narrow things down in the least." Tatsuki ruefully shook his head. "We wish we had some insights for you on the matter, but we do not understand her meaning. Perhaps Kizoshi might."

"Satsuma told me to keep living my life and fate would reclaim me when it was ready." Auslin owed it to the shifter monarch to be completely open and honest about what had transpired. "It could be now or when I'm an old man. I have no way of knowing."

"Then you will continue to live out your days here at the castle with our clan, however long that might be," Tatsuki said. "Your place will always be here, Vanra."

Auslin fought back tears of relief. "That means more to me than I could ever hope to express, Father. You will forever have my gratitude for your boundless generosity."

"It is natural for clan to take care of their own."

Auslin got a warm feeling every time Tatsuki acknowledged him as clan. "That as it may be, I am still thankful." Auslin looked out over the beautiful garden. "How have you been, Father?"

Auslin was startled when his question caused Tatsuki to roar with laughter. He looked at Tatsuki questioningly, not understanding the source of the shifter's amusement.

Tatsuki reined in his mirth. "You do not know how long it has been since someone has asked us that question."

"Really?" It didn't make sense to Auslin. "Isn't that rude?"

"People find us too intimidating," Tatsuki said. "They fear wasting our time with such small talk, so they do not engage in it with me."

Auslin's cheek grew pink. "Sorry, I didn't mean to?—"

Tatsuki held up his hand to stop the human. "We are not objecting. Your question touched us because you genuinely seem to care about the answer."

"Of course I do!" Auslin insisted. "I can't even imagine how stressful it is being the king of Valzerna."

"Your empathy is appreciated. We have been well, albeit a bit bored. However, that will soon cease to be the case."

"Oh?"

Tatsuki nodded. "Plans are afoot. Soon, the fun will begin."

"I'm glad to hear it." Auslin suspected that Tatsuki's idea of fun would probably involve a great deal of bloodshed.

He chuckled in a dark way that all but confirmed Auslin's suspicions. "Do not mind such talk. You surely must be tired after such a long journey. Go rest. We will talk further once you are recovered."

Auslin bowed. "As always, your consideration is most appreciated, Father. "

"You may tell Kitaro we will speak with him tomorrow. We are sure he would also benefit from some rest. You both have done well. We are proud of you for surviving such an arduous journey."

Auslin bowed again. "Thank you again, Father. I shall take my leave now. I wish you a pleasant rest of the evening."

Tatsuki tilted his head in acknowledgment before looking back out over the gardens as Auslin left to return to his room.