All three teens stood there stunned. Charon’s mind reeled from the back to back revelations Vardan threw at them.

Vardan raised an eyebrow, “What? You all thought I would put all this effort into training you three if I thought there was a chance you wouldn’t even make it into the MAZE? Pfft. I’ve taught a lot of kids before. Hell, Lyra made it in there and her parents were mostly crafters. You three are exceptional even if Finn is a little lazy.”

“Hey. Why the hell am I taking strays?” Finn mustered up a whisper. He didn’t have the energy to conjure up his usual sass.

Charon took in a deep breath to steady himself. “Vardan are you done with the life-changing revelations?”

Palm up and with a guilty expression on his face Vardan admitted, “Look it's just a theory. I didn’t want to bring anyone’s hopes up for years only for it to be dashed when you all turned 18. But it’s something I’ve confirmed with my own observations enough to warrant I consider training the three of you properly.”

Before they could continue, Charon's phone rang.

“Did you three find Varden or not?” - Grandma Molly's exasperated voice came through on the other line.

Charon was barely able to muster up enough focus to respond, “Yeah we found him. We are bringing him over right away.”

“Thank god. This damn suit is a problem. I might need Vardan soon. Can you three tell him to get here right now?” the headmistress said ominously.

“Will do gran gran.” - Charon absentmindedly nodded his head even though he was on the phone.

Vardan looked at Charon worried. “What suit?”

Charon could never get over how weird it was that Vardan could clearly hear whatever was being said from a phone. Apparently it was some kind of skill and Vardan could hear things that to most people would be unintelligible.

“Gran gran is meeting up with someone from New Dawn today. Apparently they have something to talk about,” Finn answered with a shrug.

Vardan’s face immediately responded with a dark look, “Let’s talk some more later. We need to go back and help Molly.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In front of the orphanage, Finn and Athena stopped at the gate holding their knees panting. They had run as fast as they could as Vardan power-walked in front of them. Charon had built up a solid sweat but he wasn’t dying like his two friends.

“Holy shit Vardan we aren’t explorers. You can’t expect us to keep up like that,” Finn forced out between deep breaths.

“Look at Charon. He’s fine. Don’t blame me for you not training enough,” Vardan scoffed.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Charon’s a freak and you know it.” Finn retorted.

“Wow man. I’m hurt.” Charon looked at him with mock dismay.

“Oh shut the hell up Charon. *Blehhhhh* I feel like throwing up.” Athena heaved.

“Wow you two really need to do some more physical training before you get tested if that’s how you respond to a run,” Vardan said with a scowl.

“Oh come on Vardan. You made us do a deadsprint from the river to here. Give them a break. Most civilians would have collapsed half way up that hill,” Charon retorted.

While he might not be showing it, running up the hill was brutal but he would rather pass out than make it obvious to Vardan he struggled.

Vardan gave him a leveled knowing stare before turning around and walking briskly towards the headmistress’s office, “Fine. Let’s go deal with this stupid suit before Molly has an aneurysm.”

Charon followed after him dragging Finn and Athena protesting behind him.

Athena was about to say something more pointed when they suddenly heard voices coming down the stairwell.

“What the hell are you doing here, Night Spike.” Vardan’s voice was unmistakable and the tone was clearly unfriendly.

“Oh hey. Still short-handed I see.” An unknown voice came down.

Athena immediately bristled at the rude comment and she made a move to stomp up the stairs but Finn put a hand on her shoulder before she said anything. Finn shook his head indicating they should be quiet and listen.

“I don’t know what New Dawn is up to but it’s obviously nothing good if you are part of it. Say what you need to say and leave the Headmistress alone.” Vardan sounded increasingly heated.

“Vardan. Stop. Remember your promise.” The headmistress’s voice came through authoritatively.

There was a moment of silence. “Fine. You three down there come up.”

Charon, Finn, and Athena hiked up the stairs to see Vardan standing between the headmistress and a blonde man in a dark navy blue suit.

The man referred to as Night Spike turned to the three at the door, “Who might you three be?”

Charon had no interest in answering. Looking at Finn and Athena they seemed to share his feelings.

Trying to reduce the obvious tension, the headmistress responded, “They are our three upcoming graduates. Finn, Athena, and Charon. Take a seat.” She gestured toward the old coach and table in the middle of her office.

Raising an eyebrow at the three, the man walked over to a nearby table with a pitcher of orange juice and poured out three glasses.

“Oh. You all are about to turn 18 soon? Y'all look like you just did a marathon. Here, have some, you must be thirsty,” Night Spike said as he placed the three glasses in front of them.

Glaring daggers at the explorer, Athena took the drink and finished it. Charon hesitated. He was thirsty but something felt off. This guy didn’t look like the charitable type. Vardan’s hostility coupled with the somewhat off-putting explorer name was putting him on edge. Finn briskly finished his glass as well. Charon turned back and he saw Night Spike looking directly at him expectantly.

Now he felt something was definitely wrong. Why is this guy waiting for him to finish this drink? Charon looked down at the glass and his thoughts raced to try to logic things out.

It was just orange juice. The same stuff they drank this morning. Gran Gran normally prepares a pitcher of something when she has guests or meetings. What's this guy’s deal? I can’t refuse without potentially offending someone that obviously looked like a high level explorer. He already has a title from the sounds of it. Vardan doesn’t look confident. Something feels wrong but this guy is pressuring me.

Reaching the inevitable conclusion of his thoughts, Charon stiffly grabbed the glass and drank the orange juice. It was delicious. Even more so after such a long run. Putting down the glass he looked up at Night Spike only to see him suddenly smirk.

One thought crossed Charon’s mind seeing that response.

Fuck.