For I Am Convinced

Chapter 3

Leonitarus' parlor was always something sacred. Laval had only been there once before. Back then, the room scared him. It still did even now ten years later, even as he knocked.

"Enter." Laval and Lion-O casually entered the parlor at the cold response.

The room was dark-paneled with thick black curtains, bronze fixtures, and even darker wood furniture. The only colorful thing in the room besides the current occupants was the red cushions on the settee and chairs. Leonitarus, stiff against the armchair, glared as he came in. "There you are. Why are you late?"

"I was helping Hela in the kitchen, considering her aches and pains from age and overworking." Laval's tone was sharp, unusual for him. Lion-O lifted his eyebrows at the tone.

"Oh, no harm." Lavertus stretched lightly. "I just assumed you were having fun."

"Lazy as always," Leonitarus sighed after shooting Laval a dirty look. Laval ignored it and took a seat in the other chair as Harper served him tea. Lion-O stood coldly nearby. Neither boy made an effort to smile even a little.

"So, Laval," Lavertus grinned. "You seem like a bubbly child. As does your brother."

"Sure," Laval answered as he sipped his tea. "I mean, I do what I can. I don't have many friends my age."

"Hmmm. Really?" Lavertus asked, concern flickering through. Laval mentally scoffed. He didn't need pity.

"But that is clearly not important," Leonitarus continued. "Uh, Laval, would you-"

If he asked one more thing of Laval, he would explode. "Want to see my paintings?" He asked, setting the teacup down.

"Sure!" Lavertus exclaimed. "I'd love to!" Laval smiled, mind going through which pictures he wanted to present. He had so many options.

Maybe he should start with his first painting. No, maybe the beach painting he did. Or maybe--

"No, Laval. Not now. Go," Leonitarus dismissed him. "Don't disturb me until dinner. Lion-O, you will stay. It's good that I have one perfect son."

Laval's face faltered in disappointment. "Yes, Father." He got up (ignoring Lion-O's concerned expression), left, and closed the door. Laval pressed his face against the door, fighting against a sting of tears.

Would his real parents have been like this? Calling him lazy or worse? Shunning his talents and gifts at every turn? No matter what Laval did, it was never good enough for Leonitarus.....unless it was done precisely the way he wanted it, ten minutes before he thought of it.

Laval shook his head, Leonitarus' brutal words ringing in his skull from an argument years ago.

"Your real parents never cared for you! They gave you life and left you to die just like anyone else would! I, on the other hand, saved you! I alone had pity on you!"

Pity. What a cold word. It wasn't needed. As far as Laval was concerned, it wasn't pity he wanted. It was something else. Something richer. Something like......love.

Leonitarus had always said he loved Laval as any parent could love him. But the dagger....

"For I am convinced that nothing in the universe can take the love I have for you away," Laval whispered as he spread his hand flat against the door.

If his biological parents never cared for him, why would his real father take the time and effort make him such an elegant dagger? Why would he?

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Laval wandered back into the secret room, curious about the other objects hidden here. Axes and clubs and spears and pulsors piled and organized by types. Stacks of books and parchments about Chima. Almost as if Leonitarus had lived there before. What was he trying to--

BLAM!

Laval jumped and spun around. "Scomper!" He seethed.

The Scorpion dropped the blaster, reeling from the blast. "Wha-oh." He glanced at the two foot wide hole near his feet. "Whoops."

"How are we going to fix this?" Helena put her hands on her hips as she came down, followed by Lion-O (who'd bailed on an excuse of fake illness).

"Don't worry. We'll think of something," Laval muttered as he grabbed a torch and stuck it into the hole. "Huh. That's peculiar." Dropping down into the hole with a grunt, he was surprised to land in a passage. Vines grew and twisted along the stone walls and loose rotting boards lay on the ground. The wind whistled from somewhere down three tunnels (two were boarded). "A draft!" Laval exclaimed, delight ringing in his voice. After years of supposedly futile searching, he found a way out.

"Did you find a way out?" Lion-O asked. Laval nodded to confirm it as Lion-O's face split into a smile.

"Are you crazy?" Scomper asked. "What if it's a dead end?"

"How will I know unless I find out?" Laval asked. "This could be my only chance to see the outside world. To go beyond the mountains."

Lion-O landed beside him with a grunt. "Count me in."

"Maybe you should stay here just in case," Laval warned. "I'm not sure what I'm doing."

Lion-O nodded softly. "You be careful."

"Of course," Laval laughed. "I'm only going beyond the mountains!"

"That's what has me worried!" Lion-O chuckled as he handed Laval a match. "Just in case your torch goes out." Laval tucked it into his belt.

"Go on," Helena smiled. "We'll cover for you." Laval gratefully smiled as he disappeared into the darkness.

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The cavern was dark. Laval's torch flickered with every creaky step. The air reeked of mold and dust, water dripping from somewhere as mice occasionally scampered around.

On and on the passage went. Where would it let out?

Carved stone floor swiftly gave way to cave floor complete with stalactites and stalagmites. The water dripped noisily down. Laval trembled slightly with each rocky step. But the path seemed to be going upward. Slowly but surely, Laval began to climb up. The path wasn't steep; an easy climb like on a gentle slope.

When he reached the top (and after shielding his eyes from the bright light), Laval saw daylight and trees. Unlike the manor grounds, where brittle pine trees grew, these slender trees blossomed with rich green leaves and bright red fruits. Laval picked one and munched on it. He loved apples and these were fresh and ripe.

Why was everything so pretty here? The colors were so vibrant and strong like that of his finest paints. The air was so sweet and warm, like being in a freshly washed blanket. The grass felt so soft against his calloused and blistered feet like pillows. It was like a dream -- one Laval never wanted to wake up from.

Passing past trees and bushes further, the ground grew dusty. Laval looked up, his eyes wide with wonder. For ahead of him was a city built right into the mountain. The city glimmered, the white and tan stones shining. From his place at the edge of the treeline, Laval could make out a Lion's head above the city.

Lions! There were more Lions like him!

Laval blinked, focusing on the crowds of animals approaching the city; their chatter rising to the floating mountain in the sky. So many inhabitants, just like in the textbooks he read.

"I don't believe it," he whispered in awe as a slow grin crossed his face.