The Forgotten Child-Twilight

Chapter 26 - Part 2

Cantor Says Goodbye

I was eventually able to convince Cantor to allow me to piggy-back him, while I carried Christopher in my arms. We went at a much faster pace this way.

We ran for almost one full day...stopping only for water and for the boys to relieve themselves.

 We rested little that night...both the boys went in search of food in the forest. I knew that Christopher was adept at that...and he'd find something...berries...nuts...anything that was editable for a Minstrel.

I on the other hand, hunted for blood...I loathed animal blood...but it was necessary.

We ran again on the next day...we finally came to a small cavern...so we stopped to rest there for the night.

I had often carried Christopher...but Cantor, aside from piggy-back, wouldn't allow me to touch him...so he was exhausted by the time we found the cavern and collapsed in exhaustion.

I noticed that Cantor would occasionally look at Christopher...I knew what Cantor was doing...he was silently communicating with my son. Sending his thoughts to him.

When Cantor would do this...Christopher would only shake his head, then come to sit beside me...taking my arm in both of his.

"So, most Singer's are just called 'Singer,' I said to Cantor.

Cantor eyed me then nodded his head.

"Heathcliff told me that Felix made everyone call you 'Cantor' I said curiously to the Singer.

"It is only a name Felix decided to call me... and nothing more," Cantor said.

I was intrigued... "So you have another name... a true name," I said to Cantor.

Cantor only shrugged then looked away.

"What's 'Singer's' real name?" I asked Christopher.

Both Christopher and Cantor looked astonished that I'd ask that question.

"I can't tell you that, Father," my son replied, "Cantor doesn't want any vampires to know his true name."

"If 'Cantor' is good enough for your Volturi friends to call me...then you can very well call me 'Cantor' as well!" the Singer spat out to me.

Finally, Christopher got to his feet and said, "Cantor's tired...I'm going out into the forest to find some food for us."

Christopher noticed my worried expression and said, "Don't worry, Father, I promise not to go too far."

After Christopher left, Cantor actually spoke to me...I couldn't believe it.

The Singer gave me a hateful stare and said, "I'm leaving you tomorrow and you should let Christopher come with me."

I only gave him an unbelieving look. He couldn't possibly believe that I'd be THAT crazy.

"The boy belongs with his own kind...not with you," Cantor said.

I bellowed, "He DOES belong with me...I'm his father...and he's mine!"

In answer, Cantor asked me another question, "What color were his mother's eyes?"

"Green," I said, "Why do you ask?"

"Because I've never seen a Minstrel with blue eyes. We have two eye colors...either green or violet," stated Cantor.

"Minstrels with green eyes have normal powers, however I'm something rare among my kind called a 'arcling.' Arclings have violet eyes and possess magnified and extraordinary powers," Cantor gloated.