Rocious shrugged and walked away, “Three on one, standards must be slipping,” he inquired over his shoulder.
It took more than a few minutes for Falcon to recover. In fact, it took most of the day. After breakfast he was supposed to train with Rocious, but instead he lay in bed all day. Between Rocious creating sparks or explosions every few seconds and Floriana constantly checking on him, he did not actually get any rest.
“Can you stop doing that?” asked Falcon.
“No,” said Rocious.
“It’s annoying,” said Falcon.
“Yup,” agreed Rocious.
“You don’t have to stay with me, I feel alright,” said Falcon.
“If I go downstairs I’ll have to talk to Connelly,” said Rocious as he stopped pacing and took a seat next to the fireplace.
“What’s so bad about that? He’s seems like a nice guy, kind of boring but nice,” asked Falcon.
“Lets just say we have different views on,” Rocious scratched his chin, “everything.”
“You mean he doesn’t drink,” said Falcon.
“That’s something,” said Rocious leaning the chair back on two legs.
“What’s another?” asked Falcon.
“Fuck, I don’t know. Why are you asking me all this?” asked Rocious.
“Octavia said you two were close. I was curious,” answered Falcon.
“Well, we aren’t anymore. Besides I’ll have to suffer his questions all evening. That’s more than long enough,” said Rocious.
“I’d rather talk to Connelly all evening than be on the auctioning block,” said Falcon.
“Sounds like you’re nervous,” said Rocious.
“Whatever, go talk to Connelly,” said Falcon.
Octavia entered the room followed by Floriana who was carrying a stack of clothing.
“Praetorian Connelly tells me you may not be able to attend tonight’s party. Is this true?” asked Octavia.
“He’s fine,” said Rocious as he flicked more sparks at the fireplace.
Octavia kicked one of the legs of Rocious’s chair but he caught himself on the wall.
“I’m fine, no need to worry,” said Falcon.
“Good, you’re wearing this. Flor, make sure it’s perfect,” said Octavia handing Falcon a pile of clothes.
“What’s this?” asked Falcon.
“Your clothes for tonight, now put them on,” said Octavia as Floriana pulled him into the closet to change. “Master Lockland, since I’d rather not hear you complain about wearing formal robes all evening I had some made for you too,” said Octavia.
Falcon let Floriana help him get out of his plain clothes. She had been uncharacteristically quiet all day and he thought it would only upset her if he resisted. Besides, he secretly enjoyed the attention. But then he noticed the cloak Octavia brought for him. Instead of being black, it was grey.
“I can’t wear that. Do you still have the old one?” asked Falcon.
“Lady Octavia’s instructions were clear. You should wear the grey one,” said Floriana.
“You’ll have to trust me on this. Get the black one,” said Falcon.
Floriana helped with his shirt, it was a simple white with a high neck, “I like the new one. The blue lining brings out your eyes,” said Floriana.
“I’m not trying to impress anyone, I just want tonight to be over,” said Falcon as he slipped the shirt over his head and let Floriana help with the buttons.
“Don’t worry about tonight, I’ll be waiting for you after the party,” said Floriana.
Falcon looked up at her face suddenly, “Oh? You’re not still upset?”
“No. Lady Octavia gave me some new clothes, but you’ll have to wait to see,” said Floriana.
“New clothes? And you’re not mad at me?” asked Falcon.
“Nope, but you need to focus on the party. Be yourself,” said Floriana.
Falcon hid his surprise because if she was happy there was no need to spoil it. He stood patiently as she started nitpicking over every little detail of his outfit, “That’s the only person I know how to be.”
Rocious got up to take the outfit Floriana left on the bed. It was fairly similar to the white double-breasted shirt and simple grey pants he normally wore, cut slimmer and the lining was red but mostly the same. His cloak however was totally different. The one he typically wore was grey with a red lining. This one was a pristine white with a dark red lining and trim.
Rocious took one look and tossed them back on the bed, “I’m not wearing this,”
“Why not?” asked Octavia.
“It’s white,” said Rocious taking his seat again.
“That is not an excuse. Now get dressed,” said Octavia as she turned to leave.
“You don’t understand what—”
“I am well aware of the meaning,” snapped Octavia as she turned back and stared at Rocious.
Rocious leaned back in his chair again, “Then you understand why I won’t wear it,”
“I do not. White means you have trained other pathos, which you have,” said Octavia.
“It means I was able to help teach a pathos how to walk the path between our worlds. To teach them how to pull energy from the divine into our world, but I haven’t,” said Rocious.
Octavia put her hands on her hips, “I spoke with Praetorian Connelly and he says you have. He even offered to arrange the test for Falcon,”
“That COCKSUCKER! I’m going to kill him,” screamed Rocious as he jumped up and marched for the door.
Octavia stepped in front of him but he easily moved her aside, “Sit down Frederick!” she yelled.
“Falcon was just telling me I should talk to Connelly. I think he was right,” said Rocious on his way out the door.
Octavia rushed out of the room after him.
“I swear if you cause a scene tonight, I will stab you myself!” screamed Octavia.
“You are causing a scene right now!! And the worst part is you are too fucking stupid to realize it!” yelled Rocious.
“No, I am looking out for Falcon’s future. You are the one who’s too simple minded to see the bigger picture,” said Octavia through her teeth.
“The fuck you’re looking out for his future. What you are doing is deciding his future for him. If you were really looking out for him, you’d let him spend his life with that servant girl,” said Rocious.
Octavia took a step back and looked down without giving a reply. Rocious turned to march off again, but stopped when he realized he did not know where he was going.
“Is that what you told him?” asked Octavia.
“What?” asked Rocious still looking down the hallway.
“Is that what you told Falcon?” asked Octavia louder.
“To marry that girl? No. But it’s true, he’s been in love with her for years,” said Rocious.
“Not that, I made plans for Floriana years ago. Did you tell him that I’m deciding his future?” asked Octavia.
“No, but it’s true,” answered Rocious.
“I’m sorry you feel that way but the truth is I’m giving him options,” said Octavia.
“What does this cloak have to do with his options?” asked Rocious.
“Because for some reason people look up to you as a hero. This cloak reminds everyone that you are his teacher and that is important,” said Octavia.
“They shouldn’t need a reminder,” said Rocious.
“When people look at him they see the kid who lost everything. I want them to also see past that, so we need to show them who he has become,” said Octavia.
“The problem is that it tells everyone he’s ready to be tested, but he isn’t. When he fails we are going to be in a whole shit storm of problems,” said Rocious.
“He might fail today, but there is no reason he has to be ready today,” said Octavia.
“What are you trying to say?” asked Rocious.
“It’s your responsibility to choose by whom and when he’s tested. Yo
u can choose tomorrow, or in a year from tomorrow. Announcing to the world that he is ready today doesn’t mean he needs to prove it today,” said Octavia.
Rocious knew Connelly was trying to play him, but he did not realize until that moment that Octavia was playing Connelly.
“Connelly won’t let that happen, but what if he’s not ready in a year?” asked Rocious.
“There’s nothing he can do about it, and I’m sure my husband will find a way to deal with Connelly if need be,” said Octavia.
Rocious snatched the cloak and poked Octavia in the chest, “Damn it I hate these mind games you all play. Give me the cloak, I’ll play along, but if this fucks up, it’s on you.”
Octavia walked away satisfied, “Thank you, make sure Falcon understands,” she instructed.
“I’ll talk to him, but don’t expect me to lie,” said Rocious.
“Don’t worry Frederick, you’re a terrible liar,” said Octavia as she left to prepare herself.
“You know mom is going to kill you,” said Drake.
“She won’t know. Besides she’s all bark, and no bite,” said Fafnir.
“You clearly didn’t hear her an hour ago,” said Falcon as he walked up to join the two princes, and wait on the staircase of the castle’s main receiving hall. They were supposed to officially greet guests as they arrived.
“What happened?” asked Drake as he fixed Fafnir’s shirt.
“I’m wearing this for starters,” said Falcon as he fanned out his grey cloak. “I’m not sure what else she said to Master Lockland, but I’d be careful about pissing her off tonight.”
Fafnir swatted his brother away and pulled out his flask, “I’m her baby boy, she’s never pissed at me.”
“Congratulations Falcon, when were you going to make the announcement?” asked Drake.
Falcon blinked, “Announce? I didn’t know I was supposed to. I found out about it an hour ago.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll figure out a time to announce it tonight if Master Lockland has not planned something formal,” said Drake.
“Ha ha, I guarantee he did not plan anything. I don’t think you should announce anything. I don’t know what I need to do for the test, but I don’t think I am ready,” said Falcon.
“I’m sure Master Lockland will explain it when he makes the announcement,” said Drake.
“Maybe, but it doesn’t feel right to me,” said Falcon.
Fafnir nudged Falcon’s shoulder and offered his flask. “Try a little of this, and it will feel more than all right.”
Falcon put his hand up, “Keep that shit away from me.”
“It’s a party,” said Fafnir through a mouthful of liquor. “You two need to learn how to have fun.”
“I’ll have plenty of fun watching you make a fool of yourself,” said Drake.
“Meh, at least I’ll be a fool who can dance,” said Fafnir.
Drake laughed, “You haven’t seen yourself dance,”
“He’s right, looks more like a pile of jelly wiggling around than a dance,” said Falcon straightening his clothes.
“Sorry brother, we can’t all be twinkle toes like you,” said Fafnir.
“Ha ha, I forgot about twinkle toes,” laughed Drake.
Falcon bumped Fafnir with his shoulder, “Do I need to remind you who the better fighter is?”
Fafnir pushed him back, “Maybe I should remind you that your dance partner isn’t trying to hurt you.”
Falcon looked back out toward the arriving guests and straightened his shirt, “Wait until you meet Count Grey’s daughters.”
“No need to wait. Here come our guests,” said Drake.
“Wow, I didn’t realize so many people were coming,” said Fafnir drinking more of his bottle.
“I didn’t know there were that many nobles,” said Falcon.
Drake took one last scan of everyone’s attire and snatched Fafnir’s flask.
“If you don’t remember someone, wait for me. If you can’t wait on me, a silent greeting is better than insulting someone,” said Drake.
“Got it,” said Fafnir pulling out a second flask and taking a swig.
“He’ll never remember everyone if there’s always an out,” said Falcon, even though he too was not sure if he would recognize everyone.
Fafnir turned toward the carriages, “Thank you Drake. Ignore this poser’s lies.”
“I’m the only one here who knows everyone, and tonight is about making alliances not insults,” said Drake resolute.
Falcon nodded, “Alright, follow your lead.”
Over the next hour the three welcomed the realm’s nobility, most of them minor nobles who were not familiar with the protocol. Drake politely directed them to the main hall. Until Fafnir decided to hug Baron Leonide’s teenage wife, Mara.
“Brother, would you mind escorting the Baron and his wife inside?” asked Drake to dismiss his drunken brother from causing any more trouble.
Falcon walked with Fafnir to the door, “Introduce them to Lady Octavia. She would like to congratulate them on their newborn,” added Falcon.
“Of course bro. Right this way Leo,” said Fafnir grabbing Leo by the arm.
Falcon walked back to Drake once they were out of earshot, “Good idea,” said Falcon.
“Nice divert,” said Drake.
“Just truth, she knit some gift for them,” said Falcon.
“Lord Werval, welcome,” said Drake.
Falcon gave a genuine smile, “Nice to see you again.”
Werval gave a deep bow but held onto his wife’s hand, “Your Highness. Count Reed, you should come by for dinner soon,” said Werval.
“That I should. Remind me later, and enjoy the party,” said Falcon walking Werval and his wife to the door.
“I shall,” said Werval with a nod.
When Werval was completely inside Drake turned to Falcon, “Be careful around him.”
Falcon wrinkled his forehead, “Werval? He’s harmless, just a lonely old man.”
Drake looked ahead seriously, “A man does not become that wealthy by being harmless.”
They both stopped speaking as the next noble approached. The man was well dressed and accompanied by his wife and a boy of about fifteen years old, presumably his son. When they were within ear shot Falcon waited for Drake to make the initial introduction, but he said nothing. Falcon glanced at Drake and waited a few seconds longer. When they got close enough that it was becoming rude to stay silent, Falcon spoke up.
“Welcome Duke Eikard, I’m glad you could make it,” said Falcon with a slight bow.
“Thank you, Count Reed, Prince Drake,” said Eikard.
“Duke Eikard, nice to finally meet you. Thank you for bringing your family. Enjoy the party,” said Drake.
“I’m sure we will,” said Eikard.
Eikard gave a slight bow to Drake, then shook Falcon’s hand and led his family inside.
“What was that about?” asked Falcon.
“I didn’t know who he was, he did not send notice he was coming. I’m surprised you recognized him,” said Drake.
“I don’t know how, I was still young the last time he came to visit my dad,” said Falcon.
“At least we can join the party soon,” said Drake.
“Eh, don’t remind me,” said Falcon.
Falcon stood in the hallway waiting for Drake before they joined the party. While he waited he let his emotions shift out of control drawing magic slowly at first, then faster and faster. He did not try to fight the magic for control. The magic clung to every emotion intensifying it, turning his apprehension into anxiety, his excitement into exhilaration. When Drake’s footsteps reached his ears he fought for control. It took him a while to beat back the exhilaration, but inevitably he claimed his reward.
When he opened his eyes Drake was leaning against the wall patiently waiting, “Did you win?”
“Of course,” answered Falcon.
“Why do you do that when you’re nervous?” asked Drake
.
Falcon started walking toward the hall then looked at Drake when he did not move, “How did you know what I was doing?”
Drake smiled, “I asked first.”
“I don’t do it when I’m nervous, I do it when I feel like things are out of control. It reminds me that no matter how difficult life is, I can fight back, I can win,” answered Falcon.
“When we were twelve, I noticed it. My dad said it’s the same thing Master Lockland does at court when some lord pisses him off.” Drake pushed off the wall, “Let’s go.”
“Let’s go,” agreed Falcon.
The two entered the hall together, and were immediately swarmed by people. Falcon moved to let them talk to Drake until he grabbed his forearm. For the first time all evening Falcon realized Drake’s poise was slipping. Falcon may have been able to control his anxiety, but Drake was still in the fight and he needed a helping hand.
Falcon squeezed Drake’s hand and he let go, “Next time don’t wait so long to ask me about it,” said Falcon.
“Deal,” said Drake.
Falcon and Drake slowly navigated their way through the crowd of nobles. Fending off their barrage of conversations, questions, and of course, introductions. When one of them stumbled over a question or recent event they were supposed to know, the other swooped in to reply or divert the conversation. Falcon knew most of it was a silly competition for their attention, but he played along. Eventually they made it across the room and took their seats with Dominick, Octavia, and Fafnir.
“I’m glad to see you two didn’t try to run off,” said Octavia.
“I’m sure you had something planned if we tried,” said Drake.
“We’re all here now, that’s what matters,” said Dominick as he walked around his table to address the room. Slowly people glanced up at him and the room fell into silence. Not that Dominick needed silence. He could make his voice boom through the entire hall using his engraved amulet, but that was not the message he wanted to send tonight. The amulet gave him authority, but it also distanced him. That was the opposite of what tonight was about.
“Thank you all for coming. Lately it seems that we see less and less of each other. It has been almost twenty years since we have had a gathering this large. In that time the bonds that hold this realm together have weakened. But…” Dominick scanned the room looking in the eyes of those present. He lingered for a moment on Eikard. “But tonight is about forgetting the past, it’s about mending broken bonds, renewing old ones and forming new ones. Tonight I invite you all to join me in a toast.” Dominick gestured toward his sons. Then he raised his glass to the room, and waited a moment for everyone to join him. “To forgetting the past, forgetting our egos, and focusing on the future,” said Dominick using his amulet to amplify the last word.
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