Letter

"Father!" Theodore exclaimed as he ran to the old magician.

            "My, Theo! Look at what you've managed!"

            The young boy, now seven years old, was spinning around, waving a stream of water around his body. The magic was simple, but no less astounding for a seven-year-old boy to accomplish in so little time, Benedict was pleased.

            "I see you have been making friends, like I asked you to," said the old magician.

            "Huh-uh! Just like you said, when I was nice to the orb-chis, they came flying at me!" Theo laughed and giggled as he spoke.

            "Yes, and always remember to be kind to them, as you would be kind to me." Benedict patted his son's head.

            "Orb-chis" was the nickname Theodore had produced for the magic particles he was able to interact with. Although they were small, and invisible to most people, they were lifeforms capable of changing their existence into the wish of magicians. Theodore and Benedict were the only two humans able to see the particles. At least, that's what Benedict believed to be true.

            Father and son continued to talk after Theodore released his cast on the magic particles. Benedict had warned him never to hold a spell for too long, and he was always very attentive of his father's orders. They walked around their extensive garden and spoke about the wonder of nature and its gift of the magic particles.

            "Father?" Theodore asked, "Why do you always tell me to be nice to the orb-chis?"

            "Why?" Benedict began to tease, "Have you been mean to them while I wasn't around?"

            "NO! Never!" Theodore shook his head vigorously.

            Benedict laughed at his desperation, "Well Theo, if your father is honest with you, I might have to tell you of a time when I was not so nice to the spir- orb-chis," he corrected himself.

            "You were mean?" Theo couldn't fathom the idea.

            "Well, not exactly," Benedict got down on his knees to look his son in the face, "You see Theodore, I did something terrible to the orb-chis. They were kind to me, and helped me in my most desperate hour, but instead of paying them back with the respect they deserved, I made them do something they didn't want to do. And you know Theo, it is never right to make someone do something against their will?"

            "That is true, but why didn't orb-chis just say no?"

            "Perhaps they would've if they had been able. But the orb-chis had no choice. When a magician summons them, they must oblige." Benedict's eyes seemed to glaze over.

            "But Butler Charles told me that orb-chis chose which magicians they listen to." Theodore was conflicted.

            "And Charles was correct. For most magicians, they can call on the orb-chis for assistance, but they can choose not to come. They decide based on the amount of magic power in the summoner, and how pure their hearts are. Orb-chis are drawn naturally to good people. But for us Theodore, the orb-chis have no choice. And that is because we can see them, unlike other magicians. Our magic power is so potent, they cannot resist."

            "But if the orb-chis have to listen to me, why do I have to be nice to them all the time?"

            Benedict turned serious, "Because Theo, if you look down on those who are weaker than you, one day they might come back stronger and hurt you. Do you understand?"

            "Yes father, I understand."

            "Good, now let's go inside and have our dinner, I'm famished!"

            "Okay!"

            The two magicians walked side by side to their home. In the west, the sun could just barely be seen over a golden horizon. Clouds streaked the sky, painting it in brilliant colors of blue and pink. It was a glorious evening, and the little boy was incandescently happy. Most evenings were like this with him and his father. They took walks in the garden while Theodore practiced his magic. But today was extra special, because Benedict had told him another story from his past, however sugar-coated it may have been. The old magician didn't talk much about himself, and any bit of knowledge Theodore could get his hands on was precious. He knew about how he had been found, and he knew his adoptive father used to work for the king, but that was about it. Even the servants, who were usually very lenient towards Theodore, didn't say much when he begged for stories about Benedict. They seemed surprised at his curiosity every time he brought it up and became skittish and eager to change the subject. Their master did not like his past being brought up.  

            Theodore didn't mind so much, he just wanted to know more about his adoptive father so he could help him. He noticed sometimes when the old man seemed especially absorbed in his research that he looked sad. Like he was desperate to find a solution to some problem, but he knew deep down he wouldn't like the answer. It worried the young boy, who had always been more perceptive than most seven-year-olds.

            When they finally made it inside the house, Butler Charles approached Benedict and the young master.

            "Sir, a letter for you," then he paused, "From the imperial palace."

            Benedict scowled. From daddy's old boss? Theodore thought.

            "I will read it in my room. Charles, escort Theo to the dining room."

            "Yes, sir."

            "But father," Theo looked disappointed, "You said we would eat together tonight."

            "I know Theo," Benedict sighed, "I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you soon."

            Theo looked down, "Okay."

            "That's my boy, enjoy your dinner." And then Benedict was off.

            "This way, young master." Charles said, empathetically.

            They continued their way to the dining room in silence before Theodore worked up the courage to ask Charles a question.

            "Charles," he said, with a determined look on his small face, "Why does daddy always look angry when someone mentions the imperial people?"

            Charles smiled at his reference to the imperial family, "Your father used to work for them, remember?"

            "Yeah, but why does that make him angry?"

            Charles wasn't sure how to respond.

            "Were they mean to him?" Theo asked, concerned.

            "No," Charles smiled softly, "Your father isn't exactly angry, but he is reminded of many memories when the name is mentioned, memories that make him sad."

            "Well, I wish the imperial people would leave daddy alone. They shouldn't make people sad like that."

            "You're right, young master. They should be much more considerate." The old butler had kindness in his voice as he spoke, and a sparkle of humor in his eyes.

            Charles had been with the Gonidium family for many years. He raised Benedict from an infant, and now took on the same duty with his young master. The years found him with many wrinkles around his intelligent brown eyes, and his hair was silver in any light. His facial features were soft and rounded, and he was very tall. Even for a man, one of such old age would be expected to be much shorter. But Charles was in good health, and his years of standing tall with pride for his house might have affected his unusually resilient spine.

            "We have arrived, young master."

            Theodore went into the dining room and had his supper. Afterwards he grew very tired and was put to bed. Later that night, two men entered his room.

            "Did he eat well?' Benedict asked.

            "Yes." Charles responded.

            "Good," Benedict smiled and stroked his son's hair, sitting on the edge of the bed.

            "Sir," Charles hesitated, "What did his majesty want?"

            Benedict chuckled lightly, "How do you know it was the emperor that wrote to me?"

            "Then the empress?" Charles seemed hopeful at the prospect.

            Benedict laughed once more, "I was joking Charles, yes it was the emperor. That old fool somehow found out about my son. Well, I'm sure it was bound to happen eventually. He insists I come to the palace at his next party so he can meet Theodore."

            "That's wonderful news sir, the boy could stand a trip or two outside these grounds."

            "Perhaps you're right Charles, but I was hoping to keep my child a secret a little longer. At least until I found my answer."

            "… you've already found that answer sir."

            Benedict's face darkened, then he smiled.

            "You always knew me best Charles."

            Charles smiled too, "It is only natural sir."

            "I think it's time I put an end to my research. Theodore is the answer to my problem, to all our problems. It's about time I started to prepare him for his fate."