Lutz Banner

**Aileen POV**



My face paled and my hands trembled under the soft cloth. The raven looked back at me through the watchful eyes I've known since childhood. My mind felt fogged over while I wrestled between logic and reason. Lutz was not a small kingdom. This could belong to any prideful citizen.

With all Father's victories, the people happily displayed the kingdoms flag. Still, hope blossomed inside of me. I had been thinking about home a lot this past few weeks. Then there was my dream memory with Sir Kalum just a few days ago. Was Kalum really here? Was that the reason behind my additional spacey head recently?

Father found a way to return me home? Of course of anyone could that stubborn King would! My Father always achieves what he sets his mind to. It's one of the things I admire about him so much.

A soft breeze flew through the park. I closed my hand around the small banner before it could run away. I cocked my head to the side towards my brother. "The DSS does not find out about this banner. We can report the body, the fact there were at least two people possibly three here, and that they may have come from a different dimension. That's it." I held up the cloth again. "This is mine. It's from Lutz."

Travis gave a half nod. He took his phone out to call squad leader Tom. They had a conversation about the body being picked up. My focus returned to the raven and tree. I had an idea of what I could do with my new found treasure. I would need to talk to Mrs. Hemmer tomorrow. She was amazing with crafts. I was sure she would he thrilled to help me with something so personal. She really did look at me like her own daughter. There was never any doubt in that.

I stood up and brushed the dirt off my pants. Someone from Lutz had run after a fight. The dead man could be from my country, but I was guessing he was an enemy of Father's. If the other man was Sir Kalum why else would he kill that man. At least the clean slices on the dead man's body made more sense now. As far as I knew Kalum was undefeated. Even Father, who was gifted in the use of several types of weapons, could not won against him.

The fact of possibly seeing Kalum's victim was odd for me. I had seen him training squires before and had seen how quick his hands were. But there was something different about seeing the aftermath of one of his battles. I knew he'd killed many men before. To me, Kalum was always nice and gentle. I could not visualize him cutting a living person down. There was still a childish part of me that kept the safe sweet memories of him.

I strode back to the bridge without waiting for Trevor. If Kalum was truly here, he would most likely be in armor. He would not blend in with the locals at all. Kalum was never never smartest at making last second decisions. He would rather his sword lead the way. Something that would not work in this dimension at all.

He would be confused about this strange place. I could see him cross himself several times in my head. He would want God to protect him from the evil magic that brought him here. Chances were Kalum would not take notice to something like his odd appearance. He would stick oit in a crowd.

If someone from the city saw him, they may think he was a cosplayer or with the fair! Right now would be a convenient time to be dressed up like a knight. The medieval fair was going on. Someone there might even have taken notice to him!

One idea after another bubbled up in my mind as I continued to walk. Close behind me Trevor had caught up, lost in his own thought train. I'm not the only in a daze here!

I could tell Trevor wanted to ask me questions. He was just meticulously thinking them through first. My main wonder was whether or not to drag Trevor with me to the fair or not.

If Kalum was lost there, I should go right? Maybe I would save him from people staring at the strange man in full armor. He would talk strangely to them too. At the fair though, they would just think he's a very committed medieval actor.

We made our way back by what seemed like double the time to the car. Trevor raced over to open my car door for me like true gentleman. He was barely restraining from asking his questions. He knew I was thinking of home once again. This banner I clutched tightly was proof enough.



The past two days have taken a huge toll on my mental state. First my dream of the day mother died. Next Kaibec may have a way home. Now I was convinced Father had sent Sir Kalum here in search of me. Did all my thinkings of home get sparked by the gate opening up here? That would explain my lack of concentration of late. My past was catching up, my subconscious knew before the rest of me did.

Trevor would be making his own conclusions. His lips narrowed in unspoken worry. My brother had made no secret he wanted me to stay. The man even treated me to a meal hoping to sway me. I knew Trevor only normally paid when he wanted under someone's clothes. I guess I should feel honored.

I finally broke our silence. "Thank you for taking me to the banner."

"Truthfully, I thought about creating a wave to drown it away." He refused to look at me as he started the car. "Make sure that damn cloth was far away before we met back up."

"So why give it to me then? Surely you knew this would make me more determined to get home. " my fingertips traced the raven. Once as a child Father had told me a story about our flag and what it symbolized to him.

"Because I love you. I couldn't keep a secret like this from you. Of you found put it would destroy what little trust you have left." He flicked my forehead before heading out on the road. "I'll always be your family no matter what you decide."

My lips felt chapped. Words were having troubles forming. I blinked a few times wanting to banish any liquid. I took several deep breaths. I may not be able to tell him about Shiuku or Devon; but I wanted to trust him with a piece of me. I wanted to finally tell someone about where my strength comes from.

I asked him, "do you want to know what the tree and raven mean to me? Father created a story to make me feel safe again after I was lost. After everything caught up with me, leaving me a broken shell."

Trevor swallowed, "you sure? You don't usually talk about well... anything emotional."

"I can trust you right? No matter what?"

He nodded. I could see the tension in his muscles.

Goosebumps ran up my arms preparing to speak the tale I had never told.

"I'm here for you sis, take your time." He gave me a reassuring smile.

I closed my eyes, calming myself once more. I could do this. Alright here goes well everything. The day that took and gave me who I am. The day of my lowest and strongest moment.