Cantrell Chronicles

A Twisted Fate, part two, Cantrell Chronicles, Chapter Four

 

 

Being so late into winter, with the promise of spring at hand, Erik took a quick minute to license a song. Immediately, he received an invitation, via his phone, informing him of his nomination to the Quaver, first Sunday in Spring. Best Song of the Year. “Yes! I’m on my way. Yay, take that, Aaron. It’s not a farce, I’m not  a farce. In my heart of hearts I know this is your way of just getting me to try harder at the things we all must master. I accept the challenge, big brother. And you watch your own behind, if you don’t believe me capable. I will return fire to hit you where you sit. Count on it.”

 

“Just kidding, I would never hurt you, you’re my big brother. Whether you realize it or not, I do lean on you. I look up to you. So, please do remember your place. And I promise I will support you.”

 

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

 

Later, after he’d gotten himself dutifully washed up and dressed for bed, he pulled on his street clothes and a coat and found his father on the upper floor of the stables.  “Dad?” Joseph, who was busy refreshing his sword skills, turned around. “Erik, weren’t you told to go to bed?”

 

“Yes, sir, I was. But I got to thinking . . . Is it too late for me to reconsider my membership? I think I was just overwhelmed, not understanding all that’s involved.”

“You were busy weighing whether or not you can balance your would-be music career, and all. “

“How did you know?”

 

Joseph tapped his head. “I was young once, too. And I’d like to think that I know my children, particularly you, Erik.”

“Yeah, you’re my family, and, well, suddenly I felt like I was on the outside. It occurred to me, too, that you are relying on all of our support. You did come back to resume the throne. Not an easy task, I’m sure. How can I disregard that?”

 

“Well certainly, son. Consider yourself a member. I’m so glad you changed your mind. This makes me very happy.”

“Oh, and just so you know, I’m now considered a B-Lister.”

“Two more stars and you’ve made it. That is exciting news to hear. What else is on your mind?”

 

Erik took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “It Hurts Both Ways has garnered a nomination for Song of the Year. But more than just that. Do you remember me telling you about the girl who inspired the song, years ago?”

“You two met at the park above the cliff in The Province. She spurned you and you came away very hurt, I do remember. That was easily five years ago when you were twelve. What brought that up besides the nomination?”

 

“She’s here. I met her again the other day, quite by chance. I was taking a mindful walk, as I sometimes do and when I looked up. There she was, Dad, she’s gorgeous. I said hi, and this time she didn’t scream at me, she just looked at me hard and said she knew my eyes. That I was the kid from the park. I said yes and introduced myself again. We got to talking and we really hit it off.  Turns out she lives over in Verdamar. Do you think she could be stalking us?”

 

“Hardly. Her family left Vulcan long before we did. So how would her family even know?”

 

“Yeah, you’re right. I guess my wild imagination just took me there. So I was thinking maybe I should let her know that I’m a royal, since you advised mom when you were still dating. Is that a mistake?”

“Better you tell her before the press does.”

“That’s what I thought, thanks. Okay, I’ll be off to bed, knowing I will sleep having spoken to you. I love you, Dad.”

“Love you, too, son.”

 

“Oh,” Erik said, turning his head, “do you think in between your stuff you have to do you could mentor me in in swordsmanship? Maybe even in archery? I think Aaron was just goading me to try harder at these things. He’s always so much better at athletics than me. It must hurt him every time my arrow smacks the ground, near my feet.”

“Ah, you have a nocking problem. Absolutely, I would be very happy to mentor you. Okay, good night, son. Get some rest. I will be a persistent coach. And tomorrow you have a big day. The Quaver.”

 

“Okay, thanks.” Maybe this won’t be as hard as I imagined. I think, just maybe our family is up to this. This certainly is a beautiful place to live.