I Hold with Those Who Favor Fire

He laughed in surprise at the boy's tease. “Maybe we should at that” he agreed, wondering what Resin would think if he walked down into that dungeon and called her father. Maybe he would do it anyway, her laughter was seldom heard these days.

Art didn’t respond to being called ‘his’ but he could see the pride in the boy. The Warlord would have to do better, be better, to make up for how he had wronged Art. But calling him ‘his’ felt right. Perhaps his parents had felt a touch of insight to the future, calling this boy Sirius. He felt drawn to him, and knew he belonged in Seers heart.

One day, Art would be a seasoned warrior, following whatever path he desired in the world, and he would do a far better job then Sirius when he got there. The Warlord would do what he could to help him along that path.

As through reading his thoughts, Art reached out to the Warlord and asked him to help guide him into being a leader. The Warlord hid his smile. He was still injured and aching, inside and out, but being around the boy reminded him of brighter things. “ Whatever path you chose to take, I know you will do Resin proud.” He promised Art softly. “But yes, I will be there for you, every step of the way.” He closed his eyes as he made that promise. Wondering if Art fully knew what it meant. If he was to be there, helping to guide Art, then he had to truly give up his quest to return to Zee. He would see her again, one day. When his bones ached, and his childrens, childrens, children were making their way out into the world. It would be a long, long wait, but he would see her again one day.

"Speech"