Prologue
The man walked through the crowd, making his way to the elevator. Then he faltered, turned on his heel, and changed direction.
This job would be a dangerous one, dangerous even for him, and… there was a very slim chance he would return. So, just in case, he needed someone to look after his family, make sure they were safe.
He stopped in front of the office door, knocked twice, then entered. Arson was sat in his chair, feet up on his desk, a ball of flame in one palm and a ball of compressed air in the other. Platen was sat beside his brother on the chesterfield, watching Arson curiously. “It fascinates me how sorcery works” Platen pondered.
“It is not simple theory, Platen” Arson replied.
“No, I understand that. But it happens as a kind of telekinesis, right? You think what you want to do, picture it, and it just happens. I mean, sorcery is connected to your hands, so… how does a thought as powerful as that get from your head to your hands?”
“That’s where the term ‘power level’ comes in” the man interjected “The stronger the connection of thoughts to the mutated nerve endings in the hands, the more powerful you are”
Platen and his twin jumped in surprise, not having noticed his silent entrance, but Arson simply nodded in agreement “See, Aiden knows too”
Platen looked to Aiden “I hate it when you do that”
“What?”
“Come in all stealthy-like” Platen’s brother said “It’s freaky”
“I am a freak, Donegu” Aiden smirked. But then his smile faded, when he remembered what he was there for. He turned to Arson “Have you got a minute?”
“I have. In private?”
Aiden nodded, and stepped into the room. Arson looked to Platen and Donegu “Just give us a moment”
The brothers nodded, stood, and left the office without another word, closing the door behind them. Immediately Arson looked to Aiden with a concerned gaze “What is the matter?”
“I’m going to America on a job”
“This job… is a risky one, I take it?”
“Very. And… I don’t know whether I’ll be coming back”
Arson stayed silent for a moment, then stood and sighed deeply. “And are you here to say goodbye?” he asked quietly.
“I suppose I am” Aiden replied “But I need you to promise me something”
“Anything”
“Look after my daughter, make sure she comes to no harm. Please”
Arson nodded solemnly and held out his hand “I promise”
Aiden shook his hand slowly and looked into Arson’s golden eyes, those eyes that he had known for so long.
“Bene vivere, amice” Aiden said quietly.
“Sed de morte honeste” Arson replied.
And with that Aiden left the Agency, and never returned.
“Keep every promise you make and only make promises you can keep”
- Anthony Hitt
