Blue Blood

A great honor

Do something! Smile or bow, something! Using all my will power, I'm able to force a weak smile. This can't be right, there are thousands of beings that could have been chosen but out of all of them it's me? I'm not that special, this must be a joke.

Looking at Rody I can see that he's holding back from tackling me in a bear hug. He looks so happy and then suddenly my smile isn't so forced.

"Magnus my boy, come closer." The king beckons. Shaking I take a knee in front of him. I-I can do this, I've kept him alive this long, what's a few more weeks . . . Or months . . . Or years. I hope we can finish this quickly and not spend years on this journey. Oh gods give me strength.

The king talks but for once I can't pay attention. I mean seriously this must be a joke, I am not worthy of such an honor. The fates must wish to test me or perhaps the Kings eyes have gone to hell and he didn't read it correctly, this can't be real, this can't be fate!

The king finishes his speech and the people are ushered to leave. I need to get out of here and collect my thoughts.

"Your highness, I request that I might leave the room to . . .prepare for our journey." I ask trying to keep my voice steady and my eyes down.

"Of course but in a moment, I wish to speak with you alone. Roman if you would," he gestures for him to leave. As he passes he shows me a giant smile, nearly the biggest I've ever seen. As soon as he skips away The king commands me to stand and stares at me with knowing eyes. Oh fuck.

He can't read minds can he? Damn he must! Why else would he keep me here? I should not of questioned fate, forgive me your highness-

"The fates have given Roman a great gift indeed, hm?"

Uh what?

He smiles warmly and continues, "These past years I have prayed for this moment, to see the great man whom my son saved, now go out to protect him through the most important moments of his life."

He sits at his throne and gestures for me to sit as well. I don't understand, he wanted me personally? Surely there are more capable men-

"I could not have asked for a more dedicated and loyal companion for this journey than you."

Don't cry, don't cry, not in front of the king, no manly tears yet, hold it together!

"Thank you your majesty." I'm able to choke out just barely. I said hold it together!

"When my son first asked for you to join the palace I was skeptic at first, could you blame me? A dirty little orphan boy, how would I know for certain I could trust a child with no past?" He laughs fondly.

I smile thinking back. I must have looked like a scraggly dog.

"But my dear wife took me aside and said to me, 'give it a chance. Fate brought this boy to us, to Roman. The fates held out a hand for our son to take and he took it. I can feel it in my heart, I know that this boy will bring nothing but pride and honor to us all.' And do you know what? I believe that wholeheartedly. You have proved yourself time and time again as the fates knew you would."

It feels as though steam now occupies my eyes. Stop crying dammit! But I can't help it, I'm so moved! Without Roman I would most likely be dead or worse, the moment we met, fate mended us together and it continues to do so. I don't know what to say.

"Magnus," I lift my head, he can surely see the tears now, it makes me feel incredibly weak and I hate it.

He gazed into my eyes softly but with passion, "You were born to do great things. If I may, I would be proud to call you my son."

. . . I'm sobbing. I couldn't hold it back any longer after that. His son, he wants to call me his son like a father would. Oh gods, oh gods.

My hands fly to my face trying to remove the hot steam from my eyes. My heart feels like it might burst at any moment. This is such an honor, but . . .

"Ah-I am na-not worthy of such ka-hind-ness," I choke out just barely through sobs. I am so pathetic, sit up! Wipe those tears and man up!

Orion smiles sympathetically, "But you are. You are the strongest man in the ranks by far but not by brute strength but by heart and mind. No other in the ranks wakes as early as you, are as dedicated as you or are as grateful for his life as you. You wake ever morning with purpose and appreciation. You know what it's like to be at the bottom so you strive for the top. You are truly a man meant for greatness, I am surely glad my son met you. Will you accept the title I offer?"

How could I say no? The man that taught me everything, took me in and was patient with me now wishes for me to be his own? It's like a dream.

I take a deep breath and stand tall, "It would be my honor."

"I wish you luck my boy,"

My heart jumps for joy as I walk down the steps to find Rody. It's like a candle after a lifetime of darkness.

"Oh and Magnus,"

I turn with hope in my heart.

"Come home safely, you and Roman. Look out for him."

I smile, nod and exit with a full heart. Never in all my life had I ever thought this moment would come, it's like a story that would be told to children to get them to sleep, a fairy's tale but it's real. I must tell Rody about this! But does that make us brothers then? For some reason the thought hits my stomach like a bag of stone. Perhaps I won't tell, not yet at least, I can hold in a little while longer.

I glide down the hallways, unable to hide my smile. Me and Rody alone on the greatest adventure of our lives! Speak of the devil, he jumps onto my back laughing and screaming.

"I can't believe it! I must be the luckiest man in the world! I get to experience my journey with my bestest friend in the entire world! I could explode!"

He jumps off my back and I can't help but burst into a happy laughter as well. When ever I'm with him his smile and laugh are just so contagious, I can't help but join in.

"Pack up your things and meet me in the stables, I'm going to see if they'll allow my horse." I beam holding his forearms as he holds mine in return.

"You got it! Ahh! I'm just so excited!" He screams running down the halls.

I laugh as I run in glee. This is going to be the greatest moment of my life!