A Number, Not a Name

Echoes of the Past

Twenty years earlier:

The pendulum of the old grandfather clock swung back and forth, its hands moving clockwise marking the continual passing of time. The "tick-tock" escaping from the timepiece was the only discernible sound within the room. The two gentlemen seated in the wide tufted wingback chairs in the center of the room preferring to pass the time in silence, only occasionally taking a swig of whiskey from their glasses.

The younger gentlemen glanced upon the portrait which hung on the wall to his right and broke the silence, "Judging from the portrait Milena and Liana have grown a great deal since I was last here."

The older man gave a curt nod. "Yes, they have."

"I must say, Milena certainly takes after you. She has your eyes."

"Milena does remind me a lot of myself. She never ceases to amaze me or make me proud. Everything she does she excels at it. Whether it's academics or martial arts." Norvan glanced down towards the drink in his hand.

"And what of Liana?"

Norvan's gaze rose from his drink and met the gentleman's eyes seated across from him. Their eyes locked for a few moments, no reply escaping from Norvan's lips.

"Liana is well," Norvan finally answered, a blank expression on his face. He brought the tumbler glass to his lips and took another sip.

The younger gentleman cleared his throat. "I must say Norvan your reputation precedes you. As soon as I arrived here I heard mention of you."

Norvan sat farther back in his chair, "Yes, that is the case when you have been as successful as I have been. In everything I have done in my life that has always been my objective - for it to be a success. I won't settle for anything less. I suppose I take after my father that way." he paused for a moment and continued "And what of you cousin? Are you still biding your time with that old professor of yours?"

"Yes. Professor M and I are still enthralled with our research. Ever since he showed me a glimpse of what the world could be like it is the only thing that seems of consequence - The one thing that remains is to find what we seek."

"Hmmm," Norvan nodded his head in thought, "and what particular type of research are you enthralled with?"

The younger man chuckled dryly "Same old Norvan, you were always one to ask questions."

"And you were always one to be elusive in answers, just as you are in life." Norvan countered.

"What can I say, I go as the wind goes."

"Or where opportunity lies."

"Perhaps."

"I however prefer to put down roots rather than spend my life wandering aimlessly to find my fortune or in your case a fantasy."

The younger man placed his glass down on the mahogany table between them and grasped the armrest of his chair. His eyes darkened and his jaw clenched hearing Norvan's slight.

Norvan took notice of the change in his cousin's demeanor yet continued. "Though that must come naturally to you seeing as you've been running nearly all your life."

"I prefer the term 'starting over.'"

"'Starting over,' 'Running from something,' It's all the same. I for one never shrink back from a challenge no matter what obstacles may be in the way. Unlike your father. He showed his true colors in the war when he deserted."

"My father fought valiantly!" The younger man nearly shouted at Norvan as he rose from his chair. Norvan followed suit and stood up as well.

"Until he realized the war was a lost cause. Then he ran like a cat with its tail between its legs. Just like you!" Norvan scoffed as he pointed at his cousin.