The Baker Mansion was silent as the grave. Zeus had given strict commands to the mayor. Preparing the area within his own grounds would render parts of his hedge maze and garden destroyed. It might have been worth the effort if not for his increasing hatred for his master.

  As with all people who hunger for power being under someone only meant there was a ticking clock to their betrayal. That time piece had been cranked quite hard with the frequent dismemberments that had been plaguing the Mayor. Pain was not as big of a concern to the man as was the disrespect he was receiving.

  Men of his status were accustomed to everyone grovelling at their feet or paying them a modicum amount of respect. After the events at the hospital Zeus had been growing more demanding, tightening his grasp on his leash. In the yard mind controlled works pushed themselves. Skin breaking open in the cold air, any mistakes that weren’t lethal completely ignored.

  He snarled his lip as he gazed at the hideous yard. Even the wards that had been surrounding the mansion had undergone changes. Their twisted lines now pulsed and vibrated as he looked upon them. Before his transformation he’d not had the talent to see them. Just another shackle in place to keep his loyalty.

  “Sir, there is a car on its way up the road.” The Butler said.

  He was an older man who had made a pact to serve under his life bound to the mayor. Luck had once more smiled down upon him with that meeting. An accomplice that would not betray him was always of value. Pulling away from his treacherous thoughts he directed his attention to the graying old man.

  “Another one of the construction workers? I think you would know not to report something so meaningless.” The Mayor spoke with ire.

  “Excuse me sir, it is a family vehicle. The Main Families Crest dons its side.”

  At the butler's mention of the main family his face paled. What were they looking for at this time? There were still some weeks before he needed to send his daughter. With that line of thought removed he observed the workers below. Could it have been his luck taking action once more? A wicked smile played at his lips.

  “Let them in. I want a confirmation of who it is before you lead them to the dining hall. Make sure not to lead them anywhere near the meeting room. How is the cleaning going there?”

  “The cleaning is taking longer than expected, your work was beyond what one could expect. I shall take your orders and arrange everything.” The Butler said.

  The door slid closed as the butler left with a small bow of his head. There were few decisions that the old man had regretted but chief among them had been agreeing to work for the half baked branch family wannabe head. Still his deal was struck and binding not worth dwelling on.

  At the head of the dining table the Mayor sat straight and proper. Presentation was of great importance to him, so much so that a small sampling of dishes had already been prepared. No matter who this person was he would be bringing them into his web. Soon it would close around all those within the town looking to take from him.

  Gravel crunched and churned outside as a long black Rolls Royce rumbled to a stop. A spry man around his thirties jumped out of the driver's seat with all haste. Dipping low he performed a bow as he opened the car door. The inside was fine leather wrapped in a bulletproof exterior.

  A man in his late twenties stepped out. Brown hair cut short atop his head, a fine black suit, accented with red, and topped off with a wide smiling face. The old butler felt his knees buckle ever so slightly as he gazed at the unexpected guest. The young man did not give him the chance to report striding lightly past him. The stammering butler only managed to let it be known that the mayor was in the dining hall.

  The double doors to the dining hall were normally closed tightly. Snug and secure they would rest obstructing anyone who was not to be in attendance. A loud wham shocked the sides of the walls as the doors flew open. The young man stepped through adjusting his sleeves as he stripped off his suit jacket.

  “Hello, John, or would you prefer that I still call you father? I think we’re both past that.”

  The Mayor frowned deeply at his son. Blake Baker had been yet another one of his son’s sold off down the river Styx for the Main house to treat how they pleased. From what he had heard he should be working at a little known part of the family as an accountant. His presence within the main family's car and arrogant attitude did not bode well.

  “My son, how unexpected, please have a seat. Tea?”

  “My you being respectful to your children. I didn’t think the rumors that something has changed here was true but I am impressed.” Blake Responded.

  Pulling out a seat he ignored the warm pot of tea and grabbed a large muffin. He sloppily unpeeled its wrapping crumbs spreading out across the table cloth. Each time it spread a twitch ran through the Mayor’s left eye. He was doing well to hold in his outrage.

  “What do I owe this pleasure son.”

  “Blake.”

  “I’m sorry. What was that?” The Mayor asked.

  “Blake, you should use my name, you have many sons. There is only one me. So Blake. You got that John.” Blake spoke with a mouthful of muffin.

  “It seems everything that I taught you about manners has gone out of the window. Seems the main house couldn’t keep you in line.”

  Amongst his sons Blake had been unique in his rebellious attitude. At every turn he had tried to go against his wishes. It had been a miracle that he had managed to ship him off to the main family. Even then he’d nearly escaped.

  “And there’s the old man I know. I was beginning to worry. What did you think I came with gifts from the main house? Like they would bother with a no name like you.” Blake spoke coldly.

  “If that is the case then I think it best you take your leave. I am a busy man. Go back to your pathetic numbers.” The Mayor said dismissively.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Blake did not so much as budge, leaning forward once more he plucked a slice of cake. From upon the plate he used a knife and fork in a dignified way to devour the dessert. While he did so he watched his father, the man hadn’t been to town hall in a few days. It was outside of his character to not be in his seat of power. Unless that seat was slowly shifting.

  “Where is my sister? I would like to see her before I go.” Blake asked.

  The Mayor felt this could be the true goal of his son. Maybe the time table to sell away his daughter had been moved forward, if so he wasn’t in a position to show weakness. Delaying until after Zeus completed his plan and fell into a trap would be for the best. Carefully he wove his tale.

  “Your wayward sister has taken to the streets. No doubt shacking up with that boy, the delinquent. I’m sure I could bring her here if need be.”

  He had gone with a bit of the truth. That man had been present within the hospital and there was little doubt the two were in cahoots. Making her indisposed but being a good daughter didn’t quite fit her. Letting his son be mired in truth to hide the lie was perfect.

  “Is that so? Good, I was worried. Another rumor was that you were looking to marry her off to the Mio faction. Those nasty swine like bastards, just the thought of them being near my sister makes me angry. Wouldn’t you agree John?”

  A throbbing vein bulged upon the Mayor’s forehead. He was keeping the conversation up for politeness sake but his son was pushing the envelope. There was no way he was simply here to anger him and leave.

  “What an odd rumor. It seems the accountants hear all the gossip.”

  “No, they do not. Actually grasping the secret messages being passed to the main family is beyond their ability. Just as it should be beyond your ability to create the barriers and wards that surround the property. Tell me John, have you always been a sell out or is it a recent occurrence? No, don’t answer that I know the answer.”

  “Why you snivelling little punk. Where do you get off talking to me like this?” The Mayor retorted.

  “Of course It is my right as the new head of the branch family. Oh, sorry did your brother not tell you? You answer to me from now on and whatever this is will stop. Bring my sister to the West Palm Hotel before I leave in two days, otherwise I will have to act myself.”

  Blake rose from the table as he did so a darkness swirled around the edges of the room. The Mayor could feel his back go slick from sweat, fear pushing out the outrage from his mind. This was not his son, this was something else, a monster like Zeus. With trembling lips he could barely respond.

  “The Hospital. She is staying there.”

  “Was that so hard? Goodbye, Father.”

  ***

  Sticky sweat dripped from Nate’s body as he dangled his legs off the edge of the building. His gaze wandered over the surrounding streets, even from when he was a small child much had changed. The hustle and bustle ignored the giant robot going about their average days. A door closing sounded behind him.

  Wayne approached his student. The others had told him of what had happened. Surprise had filled him knowing he was gifted with an affinity. It was both a gift and a curse. Some spirits may outright refuse to be in his service, thus requiring harsher treatment.

  “What are you looking for?” Wayne asked.

  “Teacher? Ah, nothing that can be found out there anymore.” Nate responded.

  The older man loosened his tie and sat down next to his student. The cold air whistled lightly around them. Their breaths turned to condensation. He took his time to follow along with his student. A family of three were carrying about their day, the child swinging along in the middle held up on either side by their parents.

  “I have a daughter.” Wayne said.

  “Oh, I figured you for a bachelor. How old are they now?”

  “Couldn’t tell you exactly, or I guess it’s just complicated. Younger then your siblings.”

  “Thats good, you should make sure to spend time with her. My family always thought we’d have more time with my sister. You never know when everything will change.” Nate said.

  “Once we end our business here I’ll be retiring for a while. I haven’t told our master yet, she doesn’t even know about the kid. My Kid. I haven’t even gotten to be a father.”

  “Are you afraid?” Nate asked.

  “Only about messing something up. I don’t want her to end up without a family, I’ve already gone through enough of that for the both of us.” Wayne said.

  Nate just gave a small grunt of agreement. His eyes still not leaving those below. The girls had been supportive. Theodora had even told him his power was a good thing. It did little to assuage his worry over what he’d done to them.

  “There is something off with the Grandmaster. I think your mother is affecting her.” Wayne said.

  “Yes, I would say that she is affecting her. How would she know the best way to break me down otherwise?” Nate spoke bitterly.

  Wayne moved his gaze from the crowd to focus on Nate. His student had an acceptable amount of talent and the determination to not quit. These were the chief aspects he’d learned over these past few short days. Looking at his embattled face, he found at last that small ray of a teenager.

  It was a fragile thing, often concealed or buried. Most of the time he would forget that he wasn’t just starting out. A small amount of pride filled his chest knowing that if they survived he wouldn’t just be some simple country Necromancer. The world would know his name that he was certain of.

  “The Grandmaster can be harsh during training. If she hurt you just know that it was only to try to improve your abilities. Not that it’s an excuse but you need the power.”

  “No, I can take the verbal lashing. It’s just. Hah. I wasn’t there for my family right after my dad died. It took me a month to clean up and get on the straight and narrow. She never forgave me. Not once.” Nate said.

  “Don’t say that. Your mother loved you, I’m sure of it.” Wayne reassured.

  Nate shook his head lightly as a mocking smile took to his lips. It did not reach his eyes as he spotted the family from before. The child was being dragged away from a stuffed bear by his mother. The child cried and yelled as they went.

  “That's where you're wrong. Don’t tell Teddy, but I spoke to her the night she died. I had been doing well all year. Everything at the house, school, helping out. I ended up late getting Teddy from school, they had called her to come get him. It’s why she was on the road. It’s why she died. I killed both of them you see, my mother and father. By the time I had gotten Teddy she was already on her way home. She yelled and screamed at me.” Nate said.

  The family stopped and the father picked the crying child up. Hoisted into the air they began to laugh, unable to cry whilst assaulted with tickles. Soon the toy was long from their mind as they played with their dad.

  “Nate, you can’t think that. Your mother was probably just worried.” Wayne pushed back.

  “Sorry, teach, but not this time. I heard the crash, her dying breath. Do you know what it was? She cursed having a son like me.” Nate said.

  His body was cold face pulled up into a smile. No tears stained his face as he watched the family. Slowly he softened. Wayne felt tears sting his own eyes, he turned away to look at the people down below.

  “Nate, I'm sorry.” Wayne managed out.

  “That is what is influencing the Grandmaster. The hate that carried on within her body. The worst part is that I can’t seem to blame her.”

  “She was your mom.” Wayne replied.

  “Yes, and even now I wish she was still with us.”