Chapter 13

“We can’t seal away his demon. The seal wouldn’t hold for very long and who knows when he might turn? We can’t take that chance.”

“We can’t let him go either…”

Nate was growing anxious. The council members were indecisive on what to do with him. As they discussed possible solutions he had to wonder why they were debating this issue right in front of him. Surely it would’ve been better to send him away while they discussed things.

Then again, maybe they want me to see they’re not sending me away out of malice, but fear. Fear of what I might become. He thought.

“Then it’s settled.”

Nate turned towards the council trying to remember the last solution being discussed. The council members had all turned to Annabel who in turn was looking straight at him. For some reason, she was smiling.

“You always have a habit of getting lost in your own head?” She asked.

Nate shrugged. “I can’t help it.”

She nodded in understanding. “After what you’ve been through, I understand. Well, let’s get on with the verdict, shall we? The council has decided that you can stay in the mortal realm, but you will be placed under supervision. You will attend the Academy where we will get your physical body back in shape and teach you how to control your demon.”

Annabel paused to gauge Nate’s reaction. When he didn’t say anything, she continued. “Of course, this supervision will be temporary depending on how you behave yourself. Ultimately, we want you to become an asset, not a liability.”

Being held under such scrutiny would be a little annoying but overall the conditions weren’t bad. Nate nodded his head. “I’m fine with that.”

“Good. Be warned though, we’re familiar with demon-kind and their telepathic abilities. There is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to tampering with some else’s mind. If you’re found guilty of engaging in this deplorable act you will be banished. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes.”

“Good. You will begin classes on Monday. For now, you can go to the Academy’s dormitory, or you can go to your family’s estate. The choice is yours. Dismissed.”

…

The car drove north of Albacore city where the buildings were farther apart from each other. The overall quality of the buildings improved the further north they drove. Nate sat in the passenger seat of a town car.

“I hope you don’t mind. Grandmaster Oakley said a town car would be a little more personable than a limo.” The driver said.

Nate took a good look at him. The man was huge. He’d picked Nate up off the wheelchair and placed him in the passenger seat without breaking a sweat. He looked like a bodyguard or private security.

“No problem. What was your name?”

“Daniel. Daniel Prescott.”

Nate’s eyebrows rose. “So you’re?”

“Yeah…”

Apparently, the Grandmaster was also his grandfather. It was strange Daniel had called his grandfather by title instead. Somehow, Nate didn’t think the two were close.

As the car continued its trek north, the scenery began to change. Tall, thin trees covered the slopes of the hills, replacing the grey buildings of the city. And as the car drove up into the hills, the green slopes seemed to rise upward like the waves of an ocean.

Rather than stress over things he couldn’t control, Nate concentrated instead on the beautiful scenery that was unfolding before him. It wasn’t just nature that drew his attention. There were creatures in the forest frolicking about.

As the car passed by Nate focused on a group of them. The small fairy-like creatures were looking at the car. They would point at the vehicle and laugh. One of the fairies waved at Nate to get his attention. Nate rolled the window down to take a closer look, and cracked a wide grin when the fairy turned around and mooned him.

“I did not need to see that…” He chuckled as he turned away from the group of laughing fairies.

“The Fae are well-known troublemakers, but they’re relatively harmless.” Daniel explained.

“The Fae… just like in those fairy tales.”

“Myths and legends are often derived from an origin of truth. Back when Qiyamah didn’t exist, the barrier between the NetherRealm and ours was un-sanctioned. It made it easier for that world to interact with ours. This is where all the fairy tale stories come from.”

“What’s Qiyamah?” Nate had heard that word before from his mother’s diary.

“That will be explained at the Academy. It’s part of their curriculum to educate students on the history of our world.”

The car pulled into a ridiculously enormous estate. The size of which Nate had only seen on MTV cribs where celebrities spent millions on property far too big for them.

“We’re here.” Daniel announced.

“What is all this?” Nate wondered as his gaze drifted over the crowd of black tuxedoes and evening gowns. The people here looked like the rich, influential type.

The same type that would pay to hunt those prisoners… Nate cut himself off from that thought before it took shape. He didn’t want to head down that road, not now.

“They’re here for you.” Daniel said as he pulled up to the mansion’s roundabout.

“For me? Why?”

“You’re a Prescott who’s been accepted into the Academy. It’s kind of a big deal around here.”

“But I’m not a Prescott.” He was a Walker. His parents were Andrea and Michael Walker. His sister Emily Walker. Nate would never forget his real family, it was the only good thing that has kept him sane during those nightmares. The fact that he was adopted did not affect his love for his family.

“Doesn’t matter. You have the blood of a Prescott running through your veins. You share the blood, which makes you one of us.”

Nate sighed. “I was looking forward to some peace and quiet. I really don’t want to deal with people right now.”

After everything he’d been through since he’d woken up, Nate just wanted some alone time to recharge his batteries. As he sat there in the car, he saw the crowds talking amongst themselves and occasionally glancing towards the car. The only respite was the tinted windows that kept them from seeing him.

Daniel patted Nate’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. They’re not really here for you. All these people are just using this as an excuse to get close to the Prescott family. After you’re paraded around a bit, you can excuse yourself for the night.”

Nate felt like a product on display as he was led into the mansion. There were many people here, and it seemed all eyes were on him. It was an uncomfortable feeling. Nate was brought into the grand hall while refined classical music played in the background.

Daniel wheeled him to where a group of people were separated from the rest of the partygoers. Grandmaster Oakley was present along with a few recognizable faces from the courtroom. Once Nate was close enough the man came forward.

“Thank you, Daniel, you may go.” Nate heard the Grandmaster say as the music came to a halt.

The Grandmaster then turned to the rest of the audience with Nate by his side. “Today is a grand occasion. I want you all to meet my grandson, Nathaniel. I’m proud to say that Nathaniel will be attending the Academy this Monday and will add to the legacy of the Prescott family!”

The crowd clapped and cheered. When they settled down the Grandmaster continued on with his speech, thanking some key not people for coming and uttering other formalities. While Nate sat on his chair under the inspection of all those well-dressed aristocrats, he began to grow annoyed. He didn’t know these people yet they were being so familiar with him.

“Alas, it is regrettable that Nathaniel will have to turn in early for the evening. It has been a long journey for him, I’m sure he is exhausted. Nathaniel,” the grandmaster turned to Nate, “Welcome to the family.”

The crowd erupted into applause. As the ruckus calmed down, Daniel returned to Nate’s side and began to wheel him out of the chamber. A few of the party-goers wished him well and a good year studying at the Academy as he rolled by.

Daniel escorted him outside through one of the back exits. The backyard consisted of perfectly trimmed hedges shaped into clean cuts, not a single leaf out of place. There was a large fountain in the middle of the garden with a statue of a woman holding a book in one hand and a sword in the other.

“Grandmaster thought you’d be more comfortable having your own place so the pool house was prepared for you.”

“Why’s he going out of his way to be so nice?” Nate wasn’t ungrateful, but after what he’d been through, he didn’t exactly trust easy.

“Nice?” Daniel mulled over it a bit. “I guess you can describe it as that.”

“Why? How would you describe it?”

Daniel sighed. “To be honest, there’s a lot of politicking that’s done amongst the aristocrats. It’s like they’ve become so bored with money that they have to resort to mind games. I prefer to stay away from all of it, and you should too.”

“Is that why the Grandmaster is so cold towards you?” Nate had noticed there was tension between Daniel and the Grandmaster.

“We had a… disagreement.”

Nate nodded his head in understanding. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

Daniel seemed like a cool guy. Even though he was a Prescott, someone from a prestigious family, he was so down to earth. Nate liked having the guy around.

“It’s not that big a deal. You’ll probably learn about IT eventually. My disability that is.” Daniel said after a few moments of silence.

“Disability? You don’t look disabled.”

Daniel snorted. “You sound ignorant. Disabilities take shape in many forms, not just physical.”

“I guess you’re right. My bad.”

“I’m mundane. Even though I’m a Prescott I haven’t the slightest ability for magic.”

“That’s a disability?”

“It is in Albacore city. If it wasn’t for my family’s backing I’d probably be some city worker, if I’m lucky. Most children who’re born mundane will be kicked out of the city.”

“You can’t be serious.” Nate was shocked.

“I’m dead serious. Most people are born with at least a little magical ability, that ability can then be nurtured to grow. But those who’re born without the ability at all, the mundane, they’re forced to leave the city. Most parents who give birth to mundane children are asked to leave with their children. It’s a real issue here that the council always says they’re going to address, but it’s just one of those things that never change.”

Daniel brought Nate to the pool house and opened the door. He lead him inside and went straight into the kitchen and began fixing food. “You hungry?”

The mention of food made Nate’s stomach rumble. He hadn’t eaten in forever.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Daniel said as he began to prepare a couple of sandwiches.

“Why stay?” Nate asked. Daniel flinched momentarily before proceeding with preparing the food. “That was insensitive, my bad.”

“Nah, it’s cool.” Daniel shook it off. “You’re right. I’ve thought about leaving before. My family certainly had the money to make sure I was living comfortably on the outside.”

Daniel went silent as he thought about how to phrase what he was going to say. “Even though I can’t do magic, I don’t think I could ever part with it either. This world is all I’ve ever known. To live like a mundane, to go through life without knowing the existence of magic… it sounds depressing just thinking about it.”

Daniel set the plates down at the table. “I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I love this city, and I love the world of magic. Once you learn about the history and the real magic that exists in our world, you’ll come to love it too. Now stop being such a Debbie downer and enjoy my signature sandwich. People would kill for one of these you know?"