IT TOOK LUCA A FEW SECONDS TO GET ADJUSTED to the light of consciousness once he opened his eyes, and after he had become aware of his surroundings, he sprung up from the floor, realizing he was in his father’s room. He looked to the corner night table and saw Elba sitting down. On the table were Luca’s mask and vest, and Elba seemed to have been using some tools to give them a good scrub and rinse.
“Morning, my prince,” Elba said after giving Luca some time to regain his awareness.
“What?” Luca said. “How did I get here? What happened?”
“So full of questions this morning,” Elba said.
“What are you doing with my mask?” Luca said, still drowsy.
“I’m polishing your things, making sure they’re at least somewhat presentable, though most of the stains won’t come off so easily,” Elba replied as she kept scrubbing.
“Presentable for what?”
“You’ve been invited to the Banquet of Blades,” Elba said. She put the items down and reached her hand out to give Luca a letter. Luca stood up, dusted himself off, and grabbed it from her hand. “A Massangah brought it by this morning,” Elba continued. “It’s from Siel. It’s an invitation. You’re to go as soon as possible.”
“But I’m an exile,” Luca pointed out. “Exiles don’t go to the banquet.”
“Well, they do now,” Elba said as she approached Luca, handing him his vest and mask. “Put your things on. Come, now, quickly. Don’t keep the Alta waiting.”
“But, what happened to me? I was being chased by Lady Malasorta, and…then I saw a star. How did I get back to the palace?”
“I think you know how,” Elba said, “and please whisper. Your father’s sleeping.”
“Was it the Umbrador?” Luca said while he put on his vest and mask. He saw his sword wrapped up on top of the night desk. He sighed in relief.
“Yes, you still have the sword,” Elba said. “It was still on you when you were carried over here. I myself was asleep when you came home. Don’t you remember anything about last night?”
“I remember being chased by the beastly lady and then hearing something. I saw a bright light, and it turned…human. Well, not human but in human form, and it was encased in armor.”
“Armor?” Elba said. “My, what a gallant guardian.”
“So you believe me?” Luca said. “You believe in them, in the elder stars?”
“Well, of course,” Elba said. “I see them every night; I just have to tilt my head up and they’re there.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Luca said scowled.
“I know what you meant, my prince,” Elba said, patting him on the shoulder. “When you grow older, young master, you’ll get to a certain point when you know certain beliefs need no more questioning, and believing in them is like believing in trees and rivers. I know what you speak of, but that’s something we’ll have to discuss later, seeing that you’re late for the banquet. Now, go and enjoy yourself with your friends, and make sure to consult with Siel about the sword. We leave for good once you return.”
Luca grabbed the blade and placed it on his back. “When my father wakes, please tell him I’ll be back soon. I’ll explain everything that happened.”
“Will do, my young prince,” Elba said as she watched him sneak out of the room.