DON’T FIGHT.

Time passes. Minerva and Python continue climbing in secret, while Minerva reads up on spells and potions in the evenings. Set tries to study but gives a lot of energy to the dogs, most of which are ready to go off to the castle. Moonie and Ares train, but never as intensely as the first time. No matter how gently they go, whenever Ares has to put any real work into fighting with magic, he becomes noticeably twitchy and disconnected.

A month passes without any more hiccups. Solstice is just a few weeks away, and then Ares and Moonie are due to return to the capital to fight the evil spirit.

Late one morning, in the quiet of the breakfast room, Ares sits alone, staring out the window. With sullen eyes and pale lips, he looks like some sort of zombie. Without any warning, he suddenly perks upright. Lumos sits across from him.

ARES: You’re here. I thought I’d lost you.

What time do you need me to come?

I’m not sure I can get away without being noticed. They’re…coming for me.

How can you be so sure? How can you promise me that?

Ares talks to empty air, all the while Lumos sits silently and says nothing, completely expressionless. Ares begins to become distressed.

ARES: I remember you now, Lumos. I did everything you asked of me. I did all of it and more. I tried to help you…

Ares is startled suddenly by a plate being put down in front of him. The steamed fruit being served to him is dark and rotten, covered with sickly wriggling worms. The figure serving him floats and pulsates with big, dark bubbles. Ares frowns at it worriedly.

ARES: Lumos… please leave me alone…

Lumos finally looks at Ares. When he opens his mouth to speak, blood gushes out, splashing into his teacup.

LUMOS: You should pay for what you’ve done.

Lumos rises and starts to crawl across the table at Ares before an arm reaches out and grabs him, wrenching him back to reality. Lumos and the spirit are gone and in their place is the whole family, all preoccupied with their own things. Primrose was the one to grab him, and she shakes him a little.

PRIMROSE: Eat something, Ares. You’ve been groggy all morning.

Ares looks around, blinking as he adjusts to the new light.

ARES: How… how long have I been sitting here?

Everyone immediately stops what they’re doing to exchange concerned glances.

ARES: Seems like a simple question, I thought.

HORUS: You walked in with Primrose a couple of minutes ago.

ARES: Was I… here?

PRIMROSE: Oh, no. What’s wrong with him?

HORUS: Don’t panic. He might’ve been sleepwalking. Someone call for Moonie. Ares, look at me. Do you know where you are now?

ARES: I guess so.

Horus moves over to Ares and grabs at his hand, yanking him closer. Ares blinks suddenly, the physical movement helping to ground him.

ARES: I’m in the breakfast room. I know I’m here. But before, I was…

HORUS: Focus, Ares. Where were you?

Horus gives him another little shake. Ares blinks suddenly, and finally seems to snap out of his daze. He forces a smile.

ARES: Oh. Oh, sorry, everyone. I think I was still sleeping, didn’t sleep very well last night is all. I should go back to sleep. I just need some sleep.

HORUS: Sit down. Eat something. You’re not doing magic anymore.

ARES: I’m fine, Horus. There’s no need—

HORUS: I’m not going to argue with you about this.

KUR: Calm down, Horus.

HORUS: What were you dreaming about?

ARES: I don’t remember. I was here, but you guys weren’t. That’s all. Like you said, probably sleepwalking.

PRIMROSE: What’s happening?

ARES: Nothing, Primrose. Nothing. I’m fine, really. See? Just sleepwalking.

MINERVA: Isn’t sleepwalking also a symptom of arcane madness?

ARES: I’m not going mad! I’m just exhausted from all the—

MOONIE: Excuse me, my lords, but I was summoned.

HORUS: Yes. Ares was just acting peculiar. He claims it to be sleepwalking.

MOONIE: I see. Sleepwalking is a common side effect of someone who’s exaggerating magic. It’s possible I overworked him. May I examine him further?

HORUS: Please.

Moonie goes over to run some sight and sound tests with Ares. Horus glances at Kur, who is furrowing his brow at the mere sight of Moonie.

MOONIE: Well… he seems to be passing all the tests. Are you sure you’re alright, Lord Ares?

ARES: Yes. I’m certain. Just a rough night.

MOONIE: Ares is sensitive to magic. It’s not unreasonable to think—

OSPREY: He’s faking it.

Osprey clamps his hands over his mouth at the outburst, drawing the ire of Kur onto him.

MOONIE: He is? How do you mean?

Osprey is too afraid to say anymore.

HORUS: Speak, Osprey.

OSPREY: …I’m so sorry for speaking out of turn, my lords. During the wars, Lord Ares would always push himself past his limits and lie about it until he got hurt. I believe he’s doing it again.

ARES: I’m not lying, Osprey. I kind of remember walking downstairs and everything, but I guess I wasn’t really ‘with’ it. I’m just overtired. I promise. Can we all just finish eating?

MOONIE: Hm. Just to be safe, I’m going to ask you to prove it. Meet me in the library after breakfast, alright?

Moonie exits, leaving the awkward tension in the air behind her. Ares finishes eating quickly and hurries out, taking Osprey with him.

ARES: Way to throw me to the dogs, Osprey.

OSPREY: I’m sorry, sir. But you shouldn’t lie about this stuff. You know what can happen if you get arcane madness.

ARES: Sure, but you didn’t have to blurt it out in front of everyone. Now they’ll all be on my case.

OSPREY: Well, sir, with all due respect… maybe that’s a good thing. Have you bothered to tell Moonie about Lumos yet?

ARES: …No. I’m not sure how that’s relevant. She knows I hallucinate, that should be enough.

OSPREY: Please, sir. Take this seriously. If not for me or your family, then for your wife.

ARES: Give it a rest, will you?

Ares, pissed, goes to walk away. Osprey looks distressed.

OSPREY: Ares…!

Ares stops in his track and looks guiltily to Osprey.

ARES: Sorry. I know you’re just looking out. I’m just getting tired of it. All of it.

OSPREY: All the more reason to speak up, sir.

ARES: Yeah… I just don’t want word getting back to… (gestures)

OSPREY: Moonie will keep your secrets if you ask, surely?

ARES: Hard to know, honestly. I guess so.

OSPREY: Then…maybe you could…?

ARES: Okay. I’ll tell her the truth. Fuck, I bet Primrose is freaking out.

OSPREY: Don’t feel guilty. She’s strong and raised to survive a whole lot more than this. The best thing you can do for her is take care of yourself, right?

ARES: …yeah, you’re right. As usual. Okay, I’d better go. Sorry we haven’t had much time together since I’ve been back.

OSPREY: Not at all, my lord. I understand you’ve been busy.

ARES: As usual… Did you like Tijora when we went for the wedding?

OSPREY: Oh yes, my lord. Very much. It’s exciting to think you’ll get to live on those beaches someday.

ARES: Good. I hope your family won’t be too disappointed when I bring you with me.

Ares and Osprey pause to smile at one another before Ares leaves Osprey behind to go into the library.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Tucked away behind some bookshelves is a trio of armchairs. Moonie lazes in one, while Ares sits bolt upright in the other, rubbing his palms against his pants.

MOONIE: So, you’re not okay?

ARES: I don’t know, Moonie. But these hallucinations are getting stronger. I see a man named Lumos dying and telling me I somehow killed him. I can’t sleep thinking about it.

MOONIE: No wonder. So, you weren’t sleepwalking? You were hallucinating?

ARES: Yes.

MOONIE: And no-one noticed?

ARES: I suppose not.

MOONIE: I see.

You need you to stop doing magic immediately. You’re dangerous in this state.

ARES: I can’t. I have train to fight this spirit. The queen didn’t say it was optional.

MOONIE: You’ve mentioned you lost control before. Tell me what happened.

ARES: …bad things.

MOONIE: Did people die?

ARES: …yes.

MOONIE: Ares, everyone is in danger of you right now. We’re done with training.

ARES: Moonie, if I don’t learn to control myself then I don’t stand a chance against the spirit in the capital. It’ll eat me alive.

MOONIE: You’re not listening. Right now, at this exact moment, everyone, including Primrose, is in danger. You are unstable. People have lapses at any moment. One moment, you’re completely conscious and aware, and the next moment your soul is hunting for others just to keep itself alive.

ARES: What else am I supposed to do, Moonie?

MOONIE: Well, you can’t stay here. It isn’t safe. We’re taking you to my cabin for a few days. And we’re definitely sending for the doctor.

ARES: What will Primrose think?

MOONIE: She’ll worry, but she should. This isn’t debatable. We’re leaving, now.

Moonie stands and waits for Ares to follow suit. He stands up shakily.

ARES: If I’m really that dangerous, are you sure you want to be alone with me?

MOONIE: I can handle myself. Go get your things. I’ll meet you outside.

Moonie leaves in a huff. Ares looks to the sky and groans softly.

ARES: Fuck, Lumos. What do we do now?

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Ares and Moonie prepare to leave, quickly. In no time, they’re outside ready to leave.

HORUS: You should take a few soldiers with you, just in case there’s more ogres.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

MOONIE: Ogres won’t be a problem. We don’t need protection.

SET: You’re coming back for Solstice, right, Ares?

ARES: Yes. I keep telling you, this is just precautionary. I’ll be home in a few days.

MOONIE: We’ll see. Come on, Ares.

Moonie jumps on her goat while Ares gives Primrose an apologetic shrug. They go in for a long hug goodbye.

PRIMROSE: Don’t worry about me. I’ll be safe here.

ARES: I’m so sorry, Primrose. I’m so sorry.

PRIMROSE: I blame the queen, not you. Go rest, and I’ll see you soon.

Ares smiles, gives her a kiss and together he and Moonie mount their goats and depart for her cabin.

MINERVA: Well, good to see things never change. I’m going upstairs to brew explosives. Don’t come in.

As Minerva heads off, Primrose eyes Horus. He deliberately avoids the contact.

HORUS: Set? Shall we go back to studying?

PRIMROSE: Actually, Horus, can I have a word with you? In private, if you don’t mind.

HORUS: …alright. Set, upstairs. I’ll see you there later.

Set scurries off, while Primrose goes towards the library. The servants all start to go, but Kur grabs Osprey by the shoulder before he leaves.

KUR: One moment, Osprey.

Osprey immediately starts sweating, but Kur doesn’t speak until everyone else is safely inside. Eventually, Osprey can’t take the silence.

OSPREY: …My lord. I’m so sorry—

KUR: Shut up, servant. First, I find you hugging my son, then you speak out of turn. It seems you have forgotten your place.

I’ll meet you tonight. Come to me once Primrose is down for the evening.

OSPREY: Yes, my lord.

Kur leaves without another word. As Osprey hurries to the back entrance, he bumps into Augustus.

AUGUSTUS: Hey! What was that about?

OSPREY: Hm? Nothing, I…

AUGUSTUS: Are you in trouble?

OSPREY: …it’s safe to say I am.

AUGUSTUS: You didn’t even do anything! If it weren’t for you—

OSPREY: Don’t yell, Augustus. I’m getting what I deserve. I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn like that.

AUGUSTUS: How can you say that? Do you hear yourself?

OSPREY: …right. Sorry. I need to go find Danielle. Excuse me.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Over in the library, Primrose and Horus have settled into the same chairs Ares and Moonie were sitting only moments before.

HORUS: What can I help you with, Primrose?

PRIMROSE: …it’s about Ares.

HORUS: I’d assumed as much.

PRIMROSE: I want some answers.

HORUS: I’m not stopping you from asking questions.

PRIMROSE: He’s so very unwell that he can’t risk being around us, Horus. What exactly happened in the past that removing him altogether is the safest option?

HORUS: …that’s the kind of thing you should have asked him. It’s not my place to tell.

PRIMROSE: Ares is riddled with self-inflicted scars. Was that part of the result?

HORUS: He got into some ritual sacrificial stuff in the past, but that was a long time ago. He was a teenager. He’s hardly likely to do that now.

PRIMROSE: I feel like… it’s unusual, how quickly he’s deteriorated. It’s only been a little over a month, and he’s already starting to hallucinate?

HORUS: I don’t know, Primrose. I don’t know why this is happening so fast.

PRIMROSE: I think you do. I think it has something to do with why Moonie took him away from here.

You’re a kind man, Horus. I really think so. But I don’t think this is a safe environment for Ares. After Solstice, and after he’s finished doing what the queen asks of him, I’m going to take him away, back to Tijora.

HORUS: …I see.

You think we’re the reason he’s so unwell.

PRIMROSE: The truth is that Ares never wanted to come back here in the first place. I saw a different side to Ares almost as soon as we arrived at the castle. Ares loves you; I know he does… but I’m not convinced he’s safe. I’m… not convinced he’s safe with Kur.

HORUS: I understand. Thank you for voicing your concerns. However, the agreement made stipulated—

PRIMROSE: Irrelevant. He’s my husband, and if I want him to heal in Tijora, then he will.

HORUS: …is there anything I can do to change your mind?

PRIMROSE: I want Ares to be well. Nothing else. If he returns and there are no problems, then, I suppose we can stay.

HORUS: My father is a good man, Primrose. Misguided, but a good man. He cares for his children very much.

PRIMROSE: I’m sure he loves all of you. But love isn’t enough. It never is. I suspect that’s what you learned with Moonie. It’s not enough to love someone.

HORUS: …you’re right. Love isn’t enough, but family is everything. My father knows this. Let me speak with him. Please, don’t rush into taking Ares away. It has potential to cause tension.

PRIMROSE: I’ll think about it, Horus. But explain to me, why Ares was against coming home? Why doesn’t he want to be here?

HORUS: Ah… alright, look, he and my father have a complicated relationship. I’m not denying it. But Ares needs to be here. He needs me.

PRIMROSE: He needs to be safe. I’ll do what it takes to make that happen.

See you later, Horus.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

The following morning is pleasant. Delicate ice crystals cling to the blades of grass in shadows while patches of sun gives a comforting warmth as it beams between the mountains. The night staff are all gathered together in the kitchens.

TIGER: Okay, everything’s ready to go upstairs. Oh! Look who’s joining us. Good morning, Danielle.

DANIELLE: Morning.

TIGER: Ah. Still not quite awake, I see.

DANIELLE: No, I— gods, Osprey! What happened to you?!

Osprey is beaten black and blue.

OSPREY: It was a misunderstanding. Don’t worry. Shall we take the plates up?

MARSDEN: You’re not taking anything anywhere with a face like that. We’ll put you back on normal rotation once Python is finished healing you. Wait a minute, Python, they won’t be ready quite yet.

Marsden goes back to reading the paper. Augustus looks fit to explode at the sight of his brother’s face.

MARSDEN: Oh dear. Those poor people in the southern hills are still being persecuted.

FAIRFAX: The slaves in the mines? Weren’t there children in the mix?

AUGUSTUS: Yes, there are. It’s disgusting to think we even still have slaves. Someone should help them.

OSPREY: Slavery wields results. It’ll never stop.

AUGUSTUS: The results are never worth it if people are used as tools. It dehumanises not only them, but all humans. How much can a human life be worth if there are humans who are treated as property? It’s sickening.

FAIRFAX: Calm down, Augustus. The fact it’s in the paper is promising. Things are changing.

MARSDEN: Right you are, Fairfax. We should all take stories like these as reminders to be grateful for what we have.

AUGUSTUS: Marsden, you are so brainwashed. My brothers face makes him look like he was victim of a mugging and we’re supposed to be grateful just because we could have it worse?

MARSDEN: Watch your mouth, Augustus. Might I remind you of Lord Kur’s generosity in giving you a second chance?

AUGUSTUS: I’m still not convinced that was Kur. Seems more like a Lord Horus thing to do.

TIGER: Wait, wait. This sounds like a story I don’t know. What second chance?

AUGUSTUS: Nothing. Forget it.

TIGER: Nope. Not forgetting. What happened?

ELIZABETH: I’m surprised you don’t know, Tiger. The whole reason Augustus is working here.

TIGER: What, money?

ELIZABETH: No, Augustus was kicked out of school.

TIGER: Wait, what?!

AUGUSTUS: Do we have to?

OSPREY: Still can’t believe…

AUGUSTUS: It was years ago.

FAIRFAX: Augustus got into numerous fights at school and was eventually going to be expelled. It was kind of a big deal considering Lady Eleanor and Lord Kur were paying for the entire Bird family to attend private school in exchange for Osprey and Crow’s service. Instead of flipping out, Lord Kur made a deal with the school that Augustus could continue attending, so long as he started work here, too.

TIGER: That’s why you did school part time? They kicked you out!?

AUGUSTUS: It isn’t funny.

OSPREY: No, it wasn’t.

PYTHON: Still, to give credit where it’s due, Augustus completed the full school load even while attending only part time.

AUGUSTUS: Exactly. So, there’s no reason to still be angry.

MARSDEN: I’m certainly glad for your reckless youth. You’ve been a fine worker.

PYTHON: And a better friend.

ELIZABETH: For sure.

DANIELLE: Wow. There’s sure a lot of history here, huh?

MARSDEN: There certainly is. Alright, that’s enough chat. Take the food upstairs, please.

Python, Fairfax and Augustus get up and take the plates for upstairs. Osprey goes to get up, too.

MARSDEN: Not you.

OSPREY: Someone needs to carry the drinks.

MARSDEN: I’ll go. I expect I’ll be needed, anyway.

Marsden goes with them upstairs. In the breakfast room, everyone is sitting quietly, doing their own thing. The silence goes on until Marsden goes and comes back with the mail.

PRIMROSE: Anything from Ares?

KUR: He won’t have written us already. Give it till tomorrow.

MINERVA: Is that why you invited us all to breakfast this morning?

HORUS: I’m surprised you were awake to hear the invitation. Your sleep schedule seems a lot better these days. Any reason for that?

MINERVA: My sleep schedule is none of your business.

KUR: It’s another letter from Set’s tutor. Why is he writing, Set?

SET: I— I don’t know. I’ve been studying, I swear.

KUR: You don’t sound confident about the contents of this letter.

SET: We had some practice tests. But I hadn’t finished covering everything yet. So…

KUR: …It says here you’re failing.

HORUS: What? That can’t be right. Show me.

Horus takes the letter while Kur glowers at Set.

KUR: You swore you’d do better.

HORUS: He did. Look, the tutor included the comparison…

KUR: Still not good enough.

SET: I still have time. I’ll work harder…

KUR: Augustus.

The tension is stiff as Augustus steps forward. He’s still fuming, thinking about Osprey.

AUGUSTUS: Yes, my lord?

KUR: Bring me Kahmen.

SET: Wh…what are you going to do with my dog?

HORUS: Father…

KUR: Enough chances, Set.

Horus exchanges an uncomfortable look with Primrose, who is watching the scene unfold with deep concern. Set, with wobbly legs, stands up and goes to Kur.

SET: I’m sorry. I’ll—

KUR: Work harder? That’s what you said about being stronger, too. And look at you.

Kur puts his hand on Set’s shoulder and shoves him so hard he staggers.

MINERVA: Dad, stop.

KUR: Stay out of this.

HORUS: Dad, you’re being unreasonable. Cut the scare tactics.

KUR: Unreasonable? Scare tactics?

HORUS: You’re not doing anything with Kahmen.

KUR: Oh?

SET: Don’t fight, please. Dad, listen. I’m improving, right? I’ll keep working, even harder, and by my exams…

KUR: You’ll only change if I remove your distractions. You’re always messing about with that dog. Ah…

Augustus comes in with Kahmen off leash. Kur pulls out his dagger.

SET: You can’t.

HORUS: I’m warning you, Dad.

KUR: You think the academy will show you mercy? You think your enemies will let your dog live? This is what happens when you don’t give your all to something, Set. Innocents die. Servant, hold the dog still.

Augustus doesn’t move. In the few seconds Augustus stands defiantly still, a new tension enters. Kur has just enough time to send a death glare in Augustus’s direction before Marsden intervenes and takes a firm hold of Kahmen. Kur moves swiftly towards them but Set jumps in front and bumps aggressively into Kur. Kur barely budges and pushes forward, which is when Set wraps his hand around Kur’s blade. Kur falters for a moment.

KUR: Let go.

SET: No. I’m not going to let you kill my dog.

Set’s hand starts bleeding. Kur is slowly but surely pulling the blade against Set’s skin.

KUR: How much will you endure for just a dog, hm?

Set still doesn’t let go, and more blood is falling. Minerva, noticing Horus is frozen, picks up a glass and hurls it full force at Marsden, who, in shock, drops Kahmen. Set calls for Kahmen to flee and she sprints from the room immediately. Set finally releases the dagger and staggers back, leaving room for Horus to lunge forward and swing his fist at Kur’s jaw. Kur slashes forward at Horus with the knife, which Horus dodges, and lunges for Kur again. Set and Minerva both yell for them to stop while the servants scurry to get anything they can out of harm’s way. The scuffle goes on, getting bigger and more violent, until finally it’s broken up by Set and Minerva who physically get in between Kur and Horus, injuring themselves in the process.

HORUS: You claim to want what’s best for us, but then you slash your youngest son’s hand!?

KUR: You have no right to tell me how—

HORUS: This is my house!

KUR: He is my son!

HORUS: Fuck you, old man! You have no right to treat Set this way!

KUR: He took that knife to his own hand!

HORUS: You’re not killing his dog. You’ll have to fucking fight me to do it.

KUR: If you keep letting him get away with everything—

HORUS: His dogs are legally my property. You’re not killing Kahmen.

KUR: Fine. His dogs might legally belong to you, but he doesn’t.

Kur grabs for Set, but Minerva sees it coming and drags him out of grasp. Another stare down stalemate.

KUR: Set. Come here.

MINERVA: Leave him alone! You already—

KUR: Now.

SET: It’s okay, I’m—

HORUS: You’re not laying another finger on Set. You need to drop this, father.

SET: Horus, stop fighting. I don’t care what he does to me. I just don’t want to lose Kahmen.

HORUS: Shut-up, Set. You’re not going anywhere.

KUR: Isn’t he? Set, come.

Set violently breaks free of Minerva and runs to Kur. Horus goes to follow as Kur shoves Set out of the room, but both Minerva and Marsden get in his way.

MINERVA: Please, Horus. No more.

MARSDEN: My lord. I think that’s enough dramatics for breakfast, don’t you?

Horus stares at both of them angrily before relinquishing defeat. As he slumps to the wall, he checks himself where he was slashed during the scuffle. Python hurries forward to look him over.

PYTHON: Were any other lords or ladies cut in the scuffle?

MINERVA: Me, but it’s only small. I’ll do it myself later. Are any servants harmed?

Miraculously, they aren’t. But they’re damned surprised that she asked. Horus waves away Python’s hands.

HORUS: Don’t bother. Save your energy for Set.

PYTHON: This is deep—

HORUS: It’s fine, Python. Go tend to my brother.

Python looks a little wary, so Horus waves to Marsden.

HORUS: Go with her.

Marsden and Python nod and go out. Minerva is staring Horus down angrily. He’s ignoring her.

HORUS: Primrose. I’m very sorry about this. Please go about your day, and I’ll come discuss this with you later.

PRIMROSE: There’s nothing to discuss, Horus. Nothing.

Primrose runs from the room.

HORUS: Augustus. Go get the dog and put her somewhere safe, where Marsden or anyone else can’t find her. If anyone asks for her, tell them she’s with me.

AUGUSTUS: Yes, my lord.

Augustus hurries out. That leaves Minerva, Horus and Fairfax. Quietly, Fairfax starts tidying up around them.

MINERVA: …are you okay?

HORUS: I’m fine. I’m not the one we should be worried about. Look at these grades.

MINERVA: …he’s almost passing. C‘s everywhere except Mathematics and… what’s—?

HORUS: He failed his history essay. Father was right, technically, he is failing.

MINERVA: Shit. He’s been working hard, too.

HORUS: I know. Still doesn’t warrant such a fucking psychotic response—

MINERVA: Hey! Calm down. Stop yelling.

HORUS: I’m not—

MINERVA: You are. Breathe. Count.

HORUS: Okay… Still, he—

MINERVA: No, Horus. Stop it.

You promised you wouldn’t get into fights with him anymore.

HORUS: I know. Sorry.

MINERVA: It didn’t help anything.

HORUS: I know.

MINERVA: He’s not going to change—

HORUS: Should I have let Set’s only friend die?

MINERVA: He was wielding a dagger, Horus! You’re not fucking invincible!

HORUS: I’m not far off.

MINERVA: I’m not going to argue. You’re not allowed to fight with Dad.

HORUS: You’re not allowed to climb, but that doesn’t stop you. I know you’ve been climbing around outside.

MINERVA: Don’t act like it’s the same thing.

HORUS: What was I supposed to do, Minerva?

MINERVA: I don’t know, Horus. But I bet I know where Set is.

HORUS: You think Dad’s taken him to the tower?

MINERVA: Yes. I daresay Set will be staying there until his exams are over. Or at least until Solstice.

HORUS: Shit. Set hates it up there.

MINERVA: As do I. Poor Python is going to be so overworked hiding all your bruises before the party…

HORUS: Like we don’t owe these servants enough. Augustus better find a way to make himself scarce. Father will use up any leftover rage he has on him for not holding Kahmen still.

MINERVA: That was a bold move, wasn’t it?

HORUS: Hm.

MINERVA: …Please, Horus. No more fighting with dad. Last time—

HORUS: He deserved it. He’s lucky I didn’t dislocate his jaw today. I could kill—

MINERVA: Calm down. Please. Let’s talk about dad calmly…

HORUS: Fucking hell, Minerva. You always want to talk about dad like it’s something that has a solution. Grow up and live with who he’s become.

Horus leaves. Minerva sighs and closes her eyes for a moment before looking at Fairfax.

MINERVA: Well? Aren’t you going after him?

FAIRFAX: I find it’s best to leave him be when he’s like this. May I escort you to the infirmary? You sustained quite a bump when you wedged yourself in there.

MINERVA: No, I’m fine. I’m going to my room to wait for Father to come yell at me for interfering.

FAIRFAX: Understandable. Shall I bring you—?

MINERVA: No. And tell Python to take the day off once she’s done healing people. I’m going to bed.

Minerva leaves, and Fairfax rings for Elizabeth. He cleans till she arrives then heads off, towards the tower. When he gets there, Python and Marsden are waiting at the bottom. Howls of pain echo down to them.

FAIRFAX: He’s still going?

MARSDEN: Yes. Poor Master Set could have used his time in the tower to study, but I don’t think he’ll have the energy now.

PYTHON: Poor Set…

FAIRFAX: Didn’t he used to be quite smart?

PYTHON: Yes, he was.

FAIRFAX: Knocked in the head too many times, I guess.

MARSDEN: Hush. We know voices carry here.

They look up to the sounds again before stepping away from the door.

MARSDEN: Has she told you what she’s been thinking?

FAIRFAX: No, but it’s not hard to figure out. Python…

PYTHON: You can both forget it. I just want things to stay calm.

FAIRFAX: Good. It’s not safe to rock the boat — for anyone.

MARSDEN: Exactly. Lord Kur… it would take an army to stop him.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

In the tower, leaning against the wall by the window, Kur has finally finished beating Set. Set, passed out, slumps onto him, as Kur catches his breath. Quietly, Kur sings to himself.

KUR: ♪ Riding on wings of glory

We will ride into the night

And if our souls perish in dark times

We will carry on toward the light

Our hearts may grow tired,

And our hopes jaded…

Set stirs awake. Immediately, he starts groaning in pain. Kur strokes his face.

KUR: Shh. It’s alright, son.

SET: I’m sorry… I’m sorry…

KUR: Shh. It’s alright. It’s over.

Kur pulls Set closer for warmth and keeps singing.

KUR: Our hearts may grow tired,

And our hopes jaded

But the fire that lies within us…

Can never be evaded. ♪