“Mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters — family.”

Though Lester only saw him once a year, he had no trouble recognizing the distinctive figure of Mr. Noxumbra, head of Council Consulting, Inc.He was a slender man with delicate features, a long face that perpetually sported a pair of dark sunglasses, and wavy hair that matched his black suit and tie.

“We all know why we are here and the importance of this day,” Noxumbra continued, once he was sure all eyes were upon him.He spoke slowly, taking his time to pronounce each word, as though he had nowhere to go and all the time in the world to get there.“One might look up night after night, gazing at the brightness of the moon, never to realize it only shows us one face.One side, as it were.This does not make it less of a wonder.Instead, it acts as an everlasting reminder that there is value in the unseen, wisdom in the unknown — beauty in the imperfect.”

There was a round of polite applause from the finely dressed adults in attendance.

Lester scanned the room, looking for his parents.He knew he shouldn’t be watching, but part of him felt relieved and, if he was being honest, perhaps a bit disappointed by the mundaneness of it all.Was this it?Was the Drawing-In ceremony just a colorful speech, shrouded in metaphors, followed by cake?

“As we gather each year, we remember what those who came before us knew all too well.A tree’s rings show only how it grows, not what it becomes.And that even the most virtuous man must cast a shadow.”Mr. Noxumbra straightened.“Now, if Bernard North would please present himself.”

The crowd shuffled aside, creating an aisle down the middle of the hall, and began to clap as the unmistakable silhouette of Lester’s brother stepped forward.

Lester had seen Bernard take an elbow to the face on the soccer field, only to get up, bloodied but unbowed, and charge straight back into the fray.Playing sports, hanging out with friends, even talking to adults, Bernard moved with confidence and ease.However, when it came to public speaking, Lester knew his brother would gladly endure several more broken noses before having to recite a memorized text in front of a crowd.

Looking out from his hiding spot, Lester watched Bernard move slowly towards the stage, shaking outstretched hands and returning nods as he went.He wore a new black suit, the twin to Mr. Noxumbra’s, and when he reached the front, turned to stand beside him.

The applause died down and was replaced by a long stretch of silence.Feet shuffled, and throats were cleared, but no one spoke for what seemed like an uncomfortable length of time.It wasn’t until Lester caught sight of movement in the shadows that he realized they’d all been waiting for something, or more accurately, someone.

An impossibly pale, bald man made his way slowly through the crowd, his light blue suit standing out among a sea of grays and blacks.As he walked, he removed a deck of cards from his pocket and began manipulating them with practiced ease.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

When the man reached Bernard, he stopped.His head tilted to the side as he studied the young boy’s face and the cards he’d been shuffling flew in a rippling arc from one hand to the other.Then with a quick flourish, he made the deck disappear, except for a single card, which he held out.

Lester watched as his brother cautiously took it.He could tell they weren’t ordinary playing cards, but he was too far away to make out any details.Whatever they were, Bernard found the one in his hand captivating and failed to notice Mr. Noxumbra’s attempts to gain his attention.

“Bernard, would you agree that love can do much?” Noxumbra said as though he were an actor trying to prod a partner who’d forgotten their lines.

Lester felt anxious on his brother’s behalf and waited to see if Bernard would catch the cue.

“Love can do much,” Bernard finally replied, eyes still glued to the card.“But duty more.We dare not tarry by the closing door.For roots are damp beside the creek.The solemn oak, no council seek.”

His brother’s voice was practiced but distracted.The zombie-like delivery aside, Lester was impressed with the clear and steady recitation.What the poem meant, he had no idea.

“The task is hard.The way is stone.The work is ours.And ours alone.”

While Bernard spoke, a low hum filled the room, and the adults in attendance joined hands.

“For the kindred house of kith and kin, the bell tolls now.Time to begin.”

Here Bernard paused, and Lester saw his brother’s face go pale.Perhaps he wasn’t as relaxed as he seemed.Maybe his nerves had finally gotten the better of him.But then Bernard’s face went from pale to white, and Lester shaded his eyes as he watched it disappear entirely in an increasing glow.

The humming had been steadily growing in volume and was now so loud Lester could barely make out his brother’s next words over the sound.

“The strongest blades are born of fire.Become the spark.Strike the pyre!”

Lester squinted, straining to keep Bernard in view.He caught sight of him again for a brief moment, standing in the middle of the brightening bloom, still transfixed by the card in his hand.A card that now burned with a white brilliance that enveloped the room.

Wincing, Lester covered his face for fear of being blinded.He wanted to call out to Bernard but could barely hear himself think over the deafening roar of the humming as he fell away from the vent onto his back.

Spots danced through Lester’s vision, and before his eyes could adjust to the darkness of the tunnel, he felt movement beside him.Images of rats, possums, and rabid raccoons flooded his mind.He was about to lash out when something heavy crashed onto his chest.

“Found you!” squealed the mustached five-year-old.

“Yes,” gasped Lester, unsure which would give out first, his lungs or his racing heart.“Yes, you did.”

Regaining his breath, Lester slid the boy off and peered back through the vent, only to find the main hall looking perfectly normal.There was no light.No humming.Just Mr. Noxumbra shaking Bernard’s hand as a large grin spread across his brother’s face.

Mrs. North stepped out from the crowd, slipped something around Bernard’s neck, and then hugged him.His brother took a small bow, and the adults clapped their approval.

Behind Bernard, Lester saw the pale man shake his head as he spoke into Mr. Noxumbra’s ear.Noxumbra gave a solemn nod in return and then, much to Lester’s horror, turned to stare straight at the vent.

“Good hiding place, Lester,” whispered the boy at his side.“They’ll never find us in here.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Lester replied, the tunnel going dark as he carefully slid the flaps of the vent closed.“They might.”