Darian was once again sitting in his backyard with his hands connected. He had been sitting like this since after breakfast. It was now afternoon, and he was getting hungry. His mother had told him that lunch was ready over an hour ago, but he didn’t want to stop now. Not after he had gotten so much progress. It had been over a day since he discovered he had a demon inside him, but he didn’t let that stop him from practicing his energy control. Even with his eyes closed, he could still see his father working the forge. His father being nearby gave him confidence. He was sure that if the demon was to attempt another coup, he would have nothing to worry about. Darian wasn’t about to waste any more time not being sure he was in control.

The good news is that all this time was not wasted. He had discovered he has six energy points that were easy to form a path with. They were on the tips of his pinkies, his index fingers, on his right middle finger, and on the back of his left hand. He could simply connect his hands together with his pinkies and index fingers pointing up, and his path was complete. That said, he still didn’t know how to use evocation. His mother said that energy control was more important than immediately trying to use his source’s energy. With that in mind, she instructed him to focus on moving his energy around his body and through the energy points.

Feeling the flow of energy was certainly interesting, but pushing through his energy points didn’t seem to do anything special for him. Maybe if he practiced enough, he would get faster, but he has seen no results so far. He has noticed that he is beginning to tire. Theoretically, he was not expending energy, so he should not be tired, but his body would disagree with him.

After a few more hours of concentration, he had exhausted himself. His body wasn’t showing any signs of exhaustion such as sweat or heavy breathing, but he was finding it difficult to continue circling his energy. His father, noticing this, walks over to him. “That’s enough for the day, boy. You don’t want to weaken yourself too much and give your source another chance at a takeover. I’m not sure he would take it, but best not to risk it.”

Darian opens his eyes and looks around for the first time in hours. “I wasn’t making much progress, anyway. Is it almost time for dinner?”

“Progress is slow and steady for energy control. We can work your body and sword forms later, if you think you can handle it. As for dinner, I’m not sure if she’s planning on cooking soon, but if you ask her, I’m sure she will say yes.”

Darian stands and walks into the kitchen as his father goes back to the forge to clean up his tools for the day. As he walks into the kitchen, he glimpses people outside his house through his energy vision. He walks closer to get a better look and immediately recognizes the three of them. His mother, Aeric, and Jackson. At first, he worries about his mother, but quickly realizes that he sees no threat in their aura and even if they were to both attack her, she could easily take care of them without effort. He walks out the front door to greet them.

“Aeric, Jackson, it’s good to see you. What brings you out here?”

All three look to him, but it is his mother who responds first. She shows him a pleasant smile. “Darian, good. Are these the friends you spoke of?”

Darian immediately realizes the smile is for show and the words hold hostility towards the visitors. He decides to sidestep the question a little. “Mother, this is Aeric and this is Jackson.”

Aeric smiles and extends his hand to Helen. “It’s good to finally meet you. I’m Aeric. I occasionally help Darian out in town. He’s a good kid, you raised him well.”

Darian gives him with a quizzical look as Helen shakes his hand. “Why are you acting like an old man? You’re only a few years older than me.”

Aeric simply chuckles.

Jackson nervously extends his hand. “My name is Jackson, I don’t really know your son very well, but I was hoping to change that.”

Darian observes him with his energy vision and decides to feel his emotions. “He feels anxious and guilty. What is he here for?” Darian feels himself becoming more anxious, so he cuts off his link to Jackson’s emotions.

Helen accepts his hand. “I’m not sure what brings you two here at this hour, but since you’re here, why don’t you stay for dinner? I was just about to make it.”

Aeric quickly speaks up. “Oh, we didn’t intend to intrude.”

Helen waves him away. “Nonsense, we have plenty. It will just be a little while.” She then walks off, leaving them to themselves.

Darian looks at the two of them. “So, what are you two doing here?”

Aeric looks at Jackson expectedly. Jackson looks at Darian. “I wanted to apologize for attacking you. I understand that it’s not something one simply apologizes for, but I hope you will hear me out.”

“Nah, it’s fine. I knew what you were feeling, but I didn’t talk you out of it. It’s kind of my fault. I didn’t understand that your feelings were affecting me too. Water under the bridge.” Darian smiles and extends his hand to Jackson.

Jackson’s completely unable to hide his surprise, and he stares at Darian’s hand in shock. Aeric nudges his shoulder and whispers, “This is the part where you shake his hand.”

Jackson reaches his hand out, and Darian seizes it. “Good, we got the awkward stuff out of the way. Speaking of awkward stuff, if you two don’t want to stay for dinner, you can leave. I’ll tell her you had something to do.”

Aeric smirks at Darian. “And miss the chance to embarrass you in front of your parents? Not likely.”

“You’re bluffing! You have nothing to embarrass me with.”

Aeric’s smile grows wider. “Oh? You don’t remember the time you wanted to impress a girl, so you tried to do a front flip in the middle of a fight and fell on your face?”

Darian blushes. “You saw that? How often are you watching me? I didn’t know you were there.”

Aeric puts his hand to his chin in deep consideration. “Come to think of it, you stopped ‘training’ there after that. I wonder if that was the actual reason.”

Darian punches Aeric’s shoulder. “You better not tell them that. In fact, just get out of here. You’re uninvited!”

Aeric soothes his shoulder and smiles down at Darian. “Too late to get rid of us now. I’m not leaving until I’ve tasted her cooking.”

Jackson can’t help but chuckle at their bickering. Darian looks over at him. “What, you want one to?” Darian brandishes his fist.

Jackson holds his hands up in surrender while laughing. “No, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold it in.”

Darian sheathes his fist. “That’s fine then. I forgive you. Let’s go see if she needs help with dinner. You two might as well do something useful if you’re going to be eating the food.”

Aeric smiles as he looks at Jackson before responding to Darian. “With pleasure, sir. Lead the way.”

Aeric, Jackson, and Darian all pushed as hard as they could. The three of them simply couldn’t bring enough to the table to accomplish the goal. Edwin’s arm wouldn’t budge. He took a sip of his beer as the three of them pushed with all their might. “You boys give up yet, I’m almost out of beer.”

Jackson exclaims, “How is it possible for one man to be this strong? It’s not fair!”

Edwin smirks. “Push-ups and milk.” They continue pushing as he finishes the last of his beer. He flips the mug over and places it on the table. “Well, now I need more.” With minimal effort, he slams his palm on the table, despite the resistance of the three boys. He hands his mug to Darian. “Would ya get me a refill, boy?” Darian takes it and refills it.

Aeric stands and stretches. “Well, that was quite the dinner and entertainment. The food was amazing. It’s been a while since I’ve had anything that good. Actually, I’m not sure there was a time. Thank you both for your hospitality, despite the short notice.”

Helen waves Aeric off. “It was nothing. I’m glad I got the chance to meet friends of Darian. Please visit whenever you feel like it.”

Edwin stands up before walking over to Aeric and Jackson. He looks at the two of them and places his hands on their shoulders. “You two are welcome at our house, so stop by when you want some good food.”

Darian gets between his father and them. “Thanks for hanging out. I’ll see you two around town.”

Aeric waves as he and Jackson leave. “See you around.”

After walking out of earshot, Aeric turns to Jackson. “Is there something wrong? You’re not usually so shy.”

Jackson watches his feet as he walks. “It was nicer than I thought it would be. I didn’t think he would accept my apology. I know I wouldn’t have in his place.”

Aeric chuckles. “Darian is an interesting kid for sure. I wasn’t surprised in the least.”

Eventually, they arrive back at their hideout. Aeric opens the door for Jackson, but Jackson stops at the entrance. “Go ahead, Aeric, I need to go for a walk and think some things through.”

“Okay. I’m here for you if you need to talk.”

Jackson nods and turns away. He walks down the street away from his hideout. The sun has set and the lanterns are lit. He walks down the empty streets as a feeling of loneliness creeps up on him. “Is this really right? He treated me so well, even though I tried to stab him. He doesn’t deserve to be taken away from his parents, nor do his parents deserve to lose their only child. But do I even have a choice anymore? What happens if I say no?

He looks up and finds himself in front of the gate to the manor. He walks up to the guards, who open the gate for him. He continues further in until he stands in front of the Steward’s office. He knocks on the door.

“Come in.”

He opens the door and sees Steward Payton sitting in his chair behind the desk. “Take a seat, Jackson. I’m sure you’ve much to tell.”

Jackson walks to the chair and sits down. He feels an uncomfortable weight as he considers his next words. He looks up at Payton and sees him staring back with curiosity. Jackson musters the courage to speak. “I found out where he lives, like you asked, but… I won’t say where. I’ve changed my mind. I’m sorry.”

Steward Payton looks at him with pity. “My dear boy, you don’t need to say anything. It’s all right.”

Jackson looks up at him in surprise. “I don’t? You’re not angry at me for going against our deal?”

Payton stands up and walks to him. “Of course not. You don’t need to say anything because I ordered someone to tail you. I already know where he lives, thanks to you.” He places a sack of coin in Jackson’s hands and gently puts his hand on his shoulder.

Jackson looks down at the coins in shock. “He already knows? I’ve… I’ve given Darian away.” The weight of what he’s done pours down on him like a waterfall. “I’m sorry Darian. I can’t take my choice back. I can’t change the course now.” He feels the grip on his shoulder tighten. He looks up as Payton thrusts a knife deep into his neck. Fear takes hold in his eyes as he grabs Payton’s knife. He feels his own blood running down his hands as it paints the knife red. He kicks the Steward and falls backwards in his chair. As he hits the floor, he pulls the knife out of his neck and drops it to the floor. He turns over and presses his hands against the floor as he tries to stand. Blood pours out of his neck and coats the carpet. He puts his legs underneath him, but he slips and falls back to the ground. He tries to stand again but feels something pierce his back three times. Jackson loses what little strength he has left as his body becomes cold. He slowly loses the will to struggle.

Jackson watches as the Steward calmly wipes his hands clean with a cloth, before opening the door. The last thing Jackson hears before his consciousness fades is, “Prepare a messenger to Lord Otebon of Tarrin. He’ll be very interested to hear about this connected. Oh, and bury this peasant with the coin. He’s earned it.”

Jackson’s eyes become heavy and his body cold. He no longer has the strength to stay awake. His last thoughts are of his friends, and of the family he put in danger with his stupidity. “I’m sorry.”