Darian, a seven-year-old boy, woke up from bed and rubbed his eyes. His blonde hair was scattered. He walked slowly to the living room to meet his mother. He heard voices as he approached.“I have done what you asked. In this ring is embedded a gem that can tame whatever monster is inside that child,” a voice said.“Thank you very much,” his mother’s voice replied. Darian wondered who his mother was talking to.The door opened and closed. Darian was sure the visitor had left.He walked into the living room, still rubbing his eyes. “Mother, who was that?” he asked.“Come here, my son,” she said, stretching out her hands to carry him. Darian was a plump and healthy seven-year-old. His mother adored and always praised him for that. She lifted him and made him sit on her lap. She was wearing a cream coloured dress with an apron on top, just like any middle class woman of ancients times. Her brown hair was pinned up into a bun.“Darian,” she started, looking at him with her emerald eyes. “

Darian’s eyes swept over the massive training ground. It was an enormous, open space with a floor of packed earth. Torches flickered along the walls, illuminating various training equipment. There were a few tall wooden dummies, padded poles for striking, and a large circular mat in the center. Weapons racks lined one wall, holding various swords, staffs, and shields."This is my domain, young master," Alfred said, a proud smile on his face. "I am Alfred, your servant and a secret martial arts instructor. Your father has set me up for this secret duty. From today, I shall be your teacher."Darian's eyes widened. "My father?"Alfred nodded. "He is harsh with you because he has to be. He secretly wants you to grow strong. There is one thing you must do, young master, even as I teach you."Darian gave a questioning look."You cannot tell anyone about this place. It must be a secret. Our secret alone. Also, down here, you call me 'Teacher.' When we get out of here, I become your servant a

Darian watched in awe as Alfred fought. The old man was a master. He was not simply fighting; he was dancing with death. Each move was calculated, each blow delivered with a purpose. He disarmed one man with a deft wrist lock, sent another spinning with a well-placed knee strike, and knocked a third to the ground with a powerful fist parry.Soon, all the assassins lay on the floor."Wow! You are awesome," Darian said.Alfred nodded his head. He took a mask off one man and used it to wipe his sword. "It has been a while since I've defeated so many men. I have gone into seclusion for a while.""You have to teach me some more skills!" Darian said, clasping his hands together."Of course, young master. But, I have to ask, were you not scared at all?" Alfred asked.Darian shook his head. Maybe he was afraid of the dark, but never of battles. He had had dreams of battles, blood, and eagles. His mother had told him never to tell anyone about it."You are a brave young boy. Let's go," Alfred

Jordan smiled when he heard his father's words. A few minutes ago, he had been greatly displeased with the attention his father had showered on Darian. His irritation had gotten worse when the chef and the servers had come into the dining hall and given Darian the biggest and most beautiful bowl, which was full of gelato. That was meant to be his. Jordan had been told so much by Ally, his mother, that he easily looked down on Darian. Darian was only a few months older than him, but that did not count. The moment his father had asked him to come collect Darian's big bowl, he spat, "Finally." He hopped down from his chair and hurried to his father's side. Darian sighed. He wanted that big bowl. He wondered why his father was doing this, after being nice to him.Lucas could guess what Darian was thinking. "Son, I just want you to get along with your brothers, that is all. You should trust your dad."Darian nodded without uttering a word. As long as he ate any gelato, he would cope. This

Ally wondered if Lucas had suspected anything. Darian had been poisoned recently with the cookies and milk, but he still managed to make it out alive. It was of great distress to her, but seeing Lucas making an indirect inquiry into the matter turned her insides.Darian nodded his head in reply to his father. Ally Featherington fixed her eyes on John. The cook's mouth widened as if he was about to say something, but he closed it again. He could read the meaning in Ally's eyes. He had seen Ally deal with people she hated before. She was ruthless and would often drag their entire family into it. This could also be his fate if he did not speak the right words. John knew what to do. He bowed his head to the ground. "I am sorry, My Lord. I failed in my duties as the head chef. My Lady has warned me several times, but I refused to listen. It is only right that I am punished." Then he kept silent.A brief silence followed. Lucas tipped the side of his mustache. "Hmmm, is that all you have to