The Collected Tales

The Clan Elder's Lair

Deep within myself, I needed knowledge so desperately as a blind man needs sight to cross a chasm. The Elder was right, we've all fallen into ignorance, forgetting who we are. I could very well be the only true Guardian in centuries, and without knowledge, how can I even help him, this magical being that chose me, unwittingly, to serve him? To make matters worse, the boy is a revert, the rarest of his kind.

I know this much, while all Kindred grow into their power as they reach adulthood, reverts gain theirs through a cycle of genetic changes, known as reversions. They become the vessels of elemental magic in its purest form. And, not all of them live through the change.

Despite Taren's orders to keep away, I stayed in nearby towns around Frankfurt, careful not to remain in one place for too long. He had closed his thoughts from me, withdrawing from our mind-link. But there were times that my sight would be bathed by a perpetual red haze I knew wasn't mine, as if pain was never too far away.

Nearly three months had passed when I felt his presence again. But I was reluctant to come to him, surrounded as he was by enemies. A mental nudge from him strengthened my resolve, and I found myself ushered through the long, dark hallways of the mansion.

Much to my dismay, I was brought to Alexander's chambers. In the dim light, a massive shape with slanted, golden eyes stirred. The sight was enough to make me break into a sweat.

"Fear not. Though you look tempting enough to eat, you're now under his protection,"  the Clan Elder's mind-voice said mockingly.

"Where is he?" I demanded, ignoring the jibe.

"You'll see him eventually. We have to talk."

I would give everything to break that calm, dismissive tone. "What's there to talk about? He's out of your hands now."

Those eyes of flame narrowed ever so slightly. "Precisely that. And since you are in such a rush, I'll keep it short. I can no longer contain him through the third reversion."

I stared at him incredulously. "What—? Are you saying that this isn't over?"

"Must I repeat myself?"  I could almost hear the Elder's sigh of irritation, and something else— frustration?"My nephew's powers have grown to such an extent that trying to contain him, here, will not only be futile but disastrous. I was able to shield him during the first and second reversions. God only knows when the third will come, but we had better be far away from him when that happens."

"That's easy for you to say. I'm his Guardian after all," I retorted, still smarting at my fate and the loss of my independence.

"A long time ago, I swore an oath that I would later regret, to take him under my wing. If you think I consider sworn oaths lightly, you are sorely mistaken. But even that cannot stand against the threat of my clan's demise. I simply cannot allow it."

That was as close to an apology as I could get from him.

"As I've said, he's out of your hands now. May I take my leave?"

The huge shadow stirred, eyes narrowed down to slits. Even I can sense his exhaustion, though he tried hard to conceal it.

"One more thing— make sure he learns to control his newborn powers. Failing to do so will be nothing short of catastrophic."

The twin flames extinguished as he closed his eyes— effectively dismissing me, of all things— by falling asleep!

Alexander's henchman led me to a different wing of the mansion, where I was received by an aging butler who bestowed on me the first genuine smile I've seen in weeks. He gave me a respectful nod before saying, "Right this way, Master Collins, if you please."

In contrast to the previous dimly-lit halls, here it was light and airy. I stared at the priceless paintings that hung on the walls on either side. The long, stained glass windows let in the sun.

I couldn't resist asking my guide, "How long have you known Taren Leinier?"

"Ever since he was little." His eyes crinkled in a smile. "I was his parents' butler. Lord Alexander kept me in his service after the young master's parents passed away, to look after his needs."

A dozen questions immediately leaped into my mind. "Sir, if I may ask—"

"Ah, here we are."

I was so distracted that I didn't see the tall, double doors looming before me.

The butler gave me a slight bow. "Please call me Eduard. I know you have many questions, Master Collins, but I'm sure he will answer all of these himself, given time."

I couldn't help but heave a sigh as to when, if ever, that would be, recalling our disastrous first meeting. "Is he always this hard to get along with?"

Eduard smiled gently at me. "He's had a difficult past, and as a result, it's not easy for him to trust as quickly as others do. But he does have a big heart. You can take my word for it."

A loud growl from within the room made us jump, and a young, impudent voice echoed in our minds.

"EDUARD, YOU OLD BAG OF BONES!  DON'T JUST STAND OUT THERE AND LET HIM IN!" 

"Of course, young master." Unfazed by his charge's mental outburst, Eduard waved me in.

The rooms were enormous and richly furnished. Eduard led me to a large receiving room, through a study with paneled bookcases and an ornate desk, and finally to the adjoining bedroom.

A young white tiger lay on the huge canopied bed, tail twitching irritably, and looking the worse for wear.  "What took you so long?"

The old butler answered calmly, "Pardon our lateness, young master. I couldn't resist giving Master Collins a brief tour of the house."

I barely caught myself from staring at the butler in surprise. We both knew why I was held up and by whom. Was he sparing the boy from further aggravation? I had known not too long ago the bad blood between Taren and Alexander.

"Eduard, you would lie to your teeth just to make me feel better."

Was there a slight smile on that feline face? I wasn't sure.

In one swift motion, the tiger sprang from the bed, pacing as if to test its strength. Then its form blurred, and a boy no older than fourteen summers stood in its place.

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Author's note: A glimpse from the past, set three years before the events in the novel, "A Memory of Starfires", a precarious time when Taren's powers awaken and Evan struggles with his calling as Guardian.

Submitted for Litcht Lavendel: Prompt Book.