Tributes

Chapter Fifty-six

Silas giggled as Tyreol ran down the corridors. Happily sitting on Tyreol's shoulders, arms spread wide, Silas laughed as the wind rushed through his hair, utterly content that Tyreol wouldn't let him fall. The sounds of happiness from his youngest warmed Tyreol. Happy pups were the best pups. Immortals, slaves and servants alike watched in awe and amazement at the sight. Tyreol refused to feel anything about the fact that many of them had never seen this side of him. 

War killed. War was devastation and blood dripping in his footsteps. 

The War Wolf did not forget, and he rarely forgave. 

Tyreol was more than the affinity he embodied. He was a wolf, and wolves needed their pack.  He leapt off a staircase and landed in his throne room from a high. Silas squealed and gripped hard as they flew in the air and laughed as they landed. Tyreol grabbed him off his shoulders and tossed him in the air to caught him. Silas radiated happiness and delight and when Tyreol caught him, hugged him close. 

"Mine," Tyreol rumbled, pressing his head against Silas. Silas beamed at him, and the utter trust in his face made Tyreol want to conquer lands, build statues and anything else that might impress the young boy. 

"That was fun," Silas said, knocking their heads together. 

The pleased rumble echoed in the room. Tyreol observed his throne room and the people occupying it. He saw those who were pleased and delighted, he saw the envious and jealous, he judged safety and danger. He had much to do before the children could play safely in his home. 

"Lelia, I need you." Lelia appeared from the back of the aisle, bowing lowly as was his due. She sparkled with delight and curiosity at the sight of his youngest. There was also a flare of protectiveness born from alarm at watching a baby go flying. She didn't need to worry; Tyreol would never drop one of his pups, but the concern was healthy for her. Lelia was one of the nursery minders, entrusted to teach and rear the servants' children. If she didn't care, who would?

"How may I serve you, Master?" Lelia greeted, shoulders proud but eyes low. 

 "Here's another scamp to look after today. We'll call it a trial to judge how bored Silas is," Tyreol decided. If there was one place that should be safe in the castle, it should be the nursery. 

"Master?" Silas asked, confused. The god swelled with pride as the little one referred to him by his correct title, having been unsure whether the boy would remember. 

"Lelia runs the castle school with Kayden," Tyreol explained with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes as Silas grumbled unhappily at the idea of school. "I thought you might enjoy learning with some others your age. You can go back to the rooms if you'd prefer?"

"No, thank you," Silas said quickly, kissing Tyreol on the cheek before wriggling out of Tyreol's hold. Tyreol squeezed him tighter before letting him slide to the floor. Silas bounced on his feet and stood beside Lelia, excitedly vibrating. "I'll be good." 

"You had better," Tyreol ruffled Silas's hair. "Lelia, Silas's a brat. If he gets too distracting, send him home."

"I'm sure he can't be worse than any of the other boys, Master," Lelia said, catching Silas's hand. "Shall we go?"

"Yes, please," Silas glowed with excitement. Lelia led him away to answer questions as Silas started chattering to her without fear or concern. Silas waved as he disappeared behind a door. Tyreol waved back with one hand before falling into Lord of the Castle mode.

It was a little earlier than he planned to send Silas to the school, but Kayden would be there. It would be safe for the young boy who needed some people to talk to outside of the Tributes. Abel and Paul weren't ready to leave the bubble of safety the Tribute rooms provided, but part of Silas's boredom was from isolation from others his age. Tyreol had raised enough children to know that isolating from agemates was not a good idea.