“Dad was running the whole city,” Jasper countered, his eyes downcast on a non-descript patch of grass by his feet. 

“Yes he was, but it took him a great deal of work and growing up really fast to get there. You had a better head on your shoulders when you were sixteen than Keirian did.” Kade paused for a minute and looked around the grounds. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

Jasper spared a small chuckle at his dad’s comment. He recalled comments made over the years by his grandparents about how impressed they were at the man Keirian had grown into. Though Jasper had never asked or been told the full story of his father’s past, he knew there must have been a lesson worth learning. 

“If you feel like you need to go on this quest to find some sort of worthiness as Lumen’s next in line–” Kade began, but Jasper’s fiercely set jaw stopped him. 

“That’s not what it’s about at all!” Jasper exclaimed, his hands curling in on themselves.

“Did your dad and I not let you experience the world enough? Do you feel like we kept you from seeing what else is out there?” 

“Me wanting to do this isn’t on you and Dad or the way you raised me. It’s not like I haven’t had freedom to travel or explore, if I really wanted to.” 

“Then what is it, Jasper? Help me understand why you’re so determined to become a knight.”

“I can’t!” Jasper found himself shouting from a frustration he had not expected to boil over. Kade reached out and placed a hand on Jasper’s shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze, but stayed silent. Jasper’s shoulders slouched as he sighed. 

“I can’t, dad. I don’t know how to explain it. I just know this is what I have to do. And I know that’s so vague and childish, but it’s how I feel.” 

“You’re the furthest thing from childish.” Kade pulled Jasper in for a hug, and Jasper found himself curling in against his father’s chest. 

“You always take such great care of us. If what the prophecy says is true, I have to do what I can to protect us and our home. I don’t know how, but something inside has been screaming at me for the past year that this is the only way to do that.”

Kade held his son close and rubbed his back in a way that reminded them both of how he would soothe a young Jasper. 

“The prophecy has been around for centuries, son. I wouldn’t put much stock into it. Scholars have been interpreting and re-interpreting what it could mean forever. Don’t you think it’s a little incredible to think it would apply to the upcoming blood moon? After all these years?”

“Even if it isn’t true,” Jasper said, taking a deep breath as he lifted his head to meet his father’s concerned eyes. “I can’t take the chance.” 

Kade gave a small nod in acceptance. Nothing he could ask would provide an explanation that would make his son’s impending departure easier.

Kade released Jasper from his embrace and looked up at the sky. The moon and stars shone brightly, reminding Kade of the reason he wanted to speak with Jasper outside. Jasper followed his father’s gaze and smiled softly at the familiar flecks of light that shone above them.

“Your dad keeps reminding me of how skilled you are with reading the night sky. I know that will guide you home.” Kade pulled his gaze from the sky and smiled at Jasper, a small tear forming in the corner of his eye.

Jasper met his father’s gaze and rolled his eyes playfully. 

“You act like I’m going to be gone forever. I’ll be home in a few nights. And I charted the sky for my quest, so I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“I’m your father,” Kade chuckled lightly. “I’ll always worry about you. Now, let’s get back inside. You should sleep as much as you can tonight.” 

Jasper nodded, and Kade gestured for Jasper to walk in front of him back toward their home.

A good night’s sleep would be good for both of them.