The Divine Lament (Swan Queen)

Unexpected Allies

Henry hurried home from sword training with his grandfather. Walking down Mifflin Street, he glanced about nervously. Last night, his mothers had both come to fetch him from Neal's and had gone home to have dinner together. That dinner had turned out to be rather enlightening as Emma and Regina sat him down to talk about the other stranger in town. However, unlike Azael, who seemed to be nice, this other person appeared to have evil intentions.

Henry greatly appreciated his mothers' honesty, but had to admit he was far less scared when kept in the dark. However, his lineage called for him to be brave. Therefore, when Emma suggested he skip his practice the following day, he immediately declined reassuring her he would be fine. Regina on the other hand had been hesitant, but relented when Emma reminded her that they had both agreed to trust him.

As he reached the mansion's gate Henry let out a sigh of relief. For all his bravado, he longed for the safety of his room. However, just as his hand touched the small latch, he feels his skin rise with tiny goose bumps as he realizes he is not alone. Grasping his wooden sword tightly in his hand, he decides his only chance would be to stun the person long enough for him to make a mad dash for the front door. The mansion was shielded by magic and would protect him until his mother arrived. Counting to three, he closes his eyes and swings with all his might. His arm shakes with the impact, so he knows he has hit his mark. However, fear stops him from opening his eyes.

"Well done Master Henry. But may I suggest next time you keep your eyes open. It helps with the accuracy." Azael jokes as he looks down at the obviously frightened boy.

Henry opens his eyes to see the blade caught within Azael's large hand. A small smile spreads his lips as he realizes he is in no danger.

"Azael, boy, am I glad to see you." Henry lowers his sword and rushes to embrace the man.

Azael catches the boy in his arms, frowning at the feel of Henry's heart beating so furiously. He had not thought he had frightened the boy that much.

"Henry is everything alright?" Azael asked, placing his hand atop his head.

"Yeah. Just a little spooked I guess." Henry tried to calm himself.

"My apologies, I did not mean to frighten you. I was just coming over to speak with your mother. Is she home?"

"Not yet, but she should be here soon. She and Emma are out looking for someone." Henry cursed himself for babbling. His mothers had specifically told him not to say a word to anyone.

"Looking for someone? Has something happened?" Azael felt his stomach tighten with the feeling that Lilith had made herself known.

"Well...um." Henry stumbled to find words.

"Henry, please tell me, is Regina in danger?" Azael asked, his eyes flashing for a moment.

"Can I trust you to keep a secret?" Henry was at a loss and desperately sought to confide in someone.

Azael stilled himself and gently looked at Henry.

"That is a great responsibility you wish to bestow on me Master Henry. But I swear on my honor to not disappoint you."

Henry smiled broadly before motioning Azael to follow him to the backyard. He wanted to make sure that he and his friend were safe before beginning his story.

Sitting beside Henry, Azael listened as he relayed all his mothers had told him. He was now certain that the perpetrator they sought was Lilith. He had hoped that she would have restrained from showing herself to any of the townspeople. However, he was a fool to believe that she could resist toying with the humans. His time was up and it was clear that she would not stand idly by as he pondered his decision.