Chapter Two
Oriah
I always kept track of his progress more closely than anyone else, but now that he stands before me, I'm clueless as to what to say to him. I know he hates me. Besides, it's poignantly projected on his face. He stares at me with eyes sharpened from his annoyance. I don't blame him, I'd hate me too. I notice he looks just like I did when I was young, same golden brown hair, same expressions, but with his mother's pale eyes. Deep down she hates me too, she left when I sent Apollo away. Even though she understood why I had to do it, her love for me could not bear the burden of the guilt for allowing it. She tried her best to make it up to him, so I decided to let her. I also decided to let Apollo take the lead in this conversation, “I know you have a lot of questions, so ask me anything and I will respond openly and honestly. There will be no more secrets.” I cringe inside with the acknowledgment of the lie I just told my only son, but I can also feel his resolve loosen a little. It's a start.
“Well if you are my father then why did I grow up in an Orphanage?” He laughs at the absurdity of his words as I answer them, “Because a person who is going to grow into a man in this position can't afford to have a childhood enveloped in privilege.” I don't know why my response was so cold, maybe to numb the feeling that I did wrong him, or maybe I know he deserves the bare truth, or both. “I wasn't aware that having parents was considered a privilege, did you not want me, or even love me a little?” That one hurt. “Yes I did ..I do love you, son” I can see that last word wounded his pride. “Yeah, whatever.”
Becoming proud of his defiance, he doesn't ask me anything else. I just get this insolent glare that shoots right through me. I don't want to provoke him anymore than I already have, at least not without a good reason, so I instruct Viceroy to show him to his room as well as give a basic tour. Before I leave, I turn back to Apollo and say, “The Acropolis is at your disposal, we will continue this later.” He still doesn't give me any concession other than the same look of contempt, but I can feel he is beginning to open himself up to what awaits him, and that's progress.
I notice Viceroy leads Apollo toward the cafeteria, I should have known he would be hungry. I really need to get better at this whole parenthood thing. I cannot allow my failure as a father be the very thing that tears Alcazar apart. I walk up the steps, turn left down the veranda, through the side door and up the stairs to my study. I have recently gained a better understanding of what's going on with our neighbors, the Corsair. Their gangs have been traveling closer and closer to our borders with growing frequency. They are looking for a fight but they won't find one.
Their late dictator, Varius Kaine, was just recently and gruesomely dispatched by his maniacal son, Brutalius. It is the way in that heretic community; new overthrows the old. I've always found their empirical fascination morbidly disturbing, and more importantly, detrimental to the entire region's longevity. However, it does adequately clue one in to what they're all about. Subtlety was never their strong-suit, only greed and a lust for power. Varius and I had reached an understanding in that regard years ago, but I'm afraid his son will need a more persuasive incentive than his father. That is something I'm going to need Apollo's help with, and I've got a long way to go.
I walk over to the window that provides a view of the ceremonial square in the center of town. The last rays of the sun are feathering their way through the trees and onto the stone walkways. The focus of my attention is on what Brutalius is up to. He is in his father's old court with his counsel, Vitus. I've gained a respect for Vitus over the years for he's learned the valuable lesson of sacrifice and I’m hopeful he'll steer his nephew down a path that doesn't include our mutual destruction. The Corsair rely on their access to the ocean as a means of sustenance, fish, salt, oil. But they still need our grain, our milk. They also strive on technology, so over the years we have struck a beneficial balance, grain for whale oil, milk for salt, beef for computers. But now I fear Brutalius' youth is going to fail him into thinking he can just take what he wants. Alcazar is a peaceful community, and its people, my people, aren't made for a fight. Besides it's a fool's errand, something his uncle knows all too well. There is a tone to their mood that makes me uneasy. I try to get a feel for what they are discussing, when something breaks my concentration and I notice a small figure walking along the street to the right of the square.
It's dusk outside so my eyes can't quite make out who it is, but my mind tells me it's Solomon Jon. It's unusual for him to be out this late alone, so I seek Viceroy out to go and see if the boy needs any assistance. After a few minutes I see the familiar red robe approach him. The two exchange a few words and I know now he's been trying to figure out what happened to Apollo. I'm amazed sometimes how blind I can still be; too blind to realize that he would be worried about his friend. I can never seem to stop adding fuel to the fire of regret that burns within me.
Standing in the Great Hall, I wait for Viceroy. I instructed him to bring in Solomon, call his mother and inform her of what's going on. I'm sure I'll get a visit and stern lecture from the Old School Teacher soon. When they reach the Hall I dismiss my robed assistant, and invite the boy to join me as we walk upstairs toward Apollo's room.
I peer inside and find my son gazing at the very large aquarium against the opposite wall, tracing the paths of the brightly colored saltwater fish with his fingers as they dart back and forth across the tank. “It was a gift,” I announce as Apollo turns around and gives me an inquisitive look, “A gift from who?” His tone does not contain the usual resentment; maybe we really are making progress. “An old friend who passed away recently,” I reply. With that his attention turns toward my companion and I feel both of them swell with friendship. “I just wanted to bring Solomon by and tell you he is welcome to stay if he would like, I've already spoken with his mother.” I motion for Solomon to join his friend. It's best to leave them alone so I walk toward my own room. As I head for my chambers, I can't help but let my thoughts surround me with all the decisions and mistakes I've made trying to keep everyone from the danger that's outside those walls.