One on the Dark Path Finds Light

Chapter 1, The Elf Takes His First Steps

"Why, brother?" Glenn asked, fixing the portrait of their family on the kitchen wall. "Why must I be trapped here?"

Onyx smiled. "Dear brother, you don't understand why Mother and Father must do this."

Glenn huffed. "Of course I do! I just don't. . ."

Onyx only smiled wider. "Understand?"

Their mother walked into the kitchen carrying Akia on her back, but as she entered, she put Akia down. She smiled at the boys and set to work making breakfast. 

"Oh, Mama!" Glenn cried. "Do I have to remain here in this treacherous misery?"
"Lenn, why do you always harp about such things?" his mother asked, waving Akia out of the kitchen.

Onyx stifled a laugh.

"This is what I am referring to!" Glenn exclaimed. "You dismiss it as if it is an ant-size matter! You treat me as if I am but a child!"
Tears were forming behind his eyes, and he felt his throat go dryer than the desert.

Mother sighed. "Dear, you—"
"No," Glenn said, the tears disappearing and his throat returning to normal. "I see what the matter is."

Father walked in, his presence demanding everyone's attention. "Shut up, you idiot! Don't talk about misery, or I will make your life complete misery!"

Glenn glared at his father, but only said to his mother, "I am sorry. I won't say such things in the future. . ."

He bowed respectfully to his mother.

Onyx smiled. "Yes. I'm certain she forgives you."

"I have lots to do!" Glenn said, smiling even wider. "Onyx has to help me shop!"

Onyx nodded. "Yes, lots to do."

Glenn pulled him away.

"Come, brother," he said.

Onyx's smile faded. "Lenn. . ."

Glenn cut him off. "I do not know what to do. . .Mama and Papa both seem to despise me when I 'harp'."

Onyx nodded. "It would seem so, though Father hates you all the time."

This made Glenn feel even worse. "What must I do, brother?"

"You must not give in, of course," Onyx said, a wicked grin spreading on his face.

"Give in to what?" Glenn asked, looking down. "What is there to yield to?"

Onyx put a hand on his shoulder. "Little brother, there's more to this life than obeying every order from Mother or Father. Try things for yourself."

"Whatever do you mean?" Glenn asked.

"I mean you ought to experience things for yourself," Onyx said.

"Experience things for myself. . ?" Glenn repeated.

"Yes," Onyx said.

Glenn stopped, looking up. "So, what you mean to say is that what I must do is gain knowledge? Adventure and become seasoned?"

Onyx's wicked grin became even more wicked at this. "Yes, brother, that is what I am saying."

"But how do I do so with Mama and Papa around?" Glenn asked, confused.

"There are ways," Onyx said.

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Glenn wandered the forest, feeling mixed emotions.

His brother had told him that there were ways of exploring without alerting his parents.

But wouldn't that be exactly the same as lying to them?