Chapter 6: Duke Coatl’s Plot
“My father harshly trained me in combat and trap setting. He wanted me properly groomed for his plan. Training with me is his favorite, my evil red twin, Xolotl. My father idolized him more than me..."
Ahuizotl was in a jousting match at his castle. He went against his brother, who looked like him, only blood-red. He charged at his brother with his lance. When the two meet, Xolotl knocked him down with his lance and sneered at his fallen brother. His father approached the two boys and shook Xolotl's hand with pride.
"Well down, Xolotl!" he said.
Ahuizotl held his hand up, hoping his father will help him. Instead, Duke Coatl harshly backhanded him and hit him over the head. Ahuizotl rubbed his head when he noticed his father glaring dagger eyes at him.
"Show some more ruthlessness next time! You have a family reputation to live up to! he yelled.
His father walked away, leaving Ahuizotl hurt, both physically and emotionally. His brother approached and snickered at him.
"Guess a bookworm is all you'll ever be!" Xolotl laughed.
After his laughter, Xolotl walked away, leaving Ahuizotl looking at his brother with anger. When he was gone, Ahuizotl approached a set consisting of a water jug and some glass cups. He picked up an empty glass cup that was closest to him, and with his bare hand, crushed it to pieces with his anger, the glass shards scattering onto the floor. He then turned his attention to where his father and brother exited.
“Some day...I will get even with them.” he whispered to himself.
****
“It sounds horrible," Fluttershy said with compassion, "The way your father and brother treated you."
"A likely story," Daring Do said in a huff.
Hearing what Daring Do said, Fluttershy flew right up to her with an agitated look.
“Daring Do! Don't be rude! Unless you want the stare again!" Fluttershy flustered.
Daring Do covered her mouth. She is more afraid of Fluttershy's stare than any of Ahuizotl's death traps.
"Sounds like you were from an abusive family," Megan said as she wrapped her right arm around his torso.
Ahuizotl put his hand on Megan's face and said, "Your concern for me touches me, Megan."
"And believe me. I know what it's like to have a brother who gets under your skin a lot.” Megan said, "But I'll tell you about it later. What happened next?"
"One day, my father called me to an important task..."
****
Ahuizotl goes to his father's office, where he was writing proclamations for the Moochik. He trembled as he approached his father.
"You called for me father?" Ahuizotl asked.
"I have. I'm giving you a chance to prove yourself worthy to be my son," Duke Coatl said, "I convinced the Moochik to enroll you into the Tambelon School of Knighthood. I’m sending you in to obtain the Medallion of Knighthood."
"Why?"
"It's the one thing the Moochik always touches for magic. Once I have it, I will use it to channel the Moochik's power into my being. I'll be powerful enough to rule Tambelon with an iron fist, and you, along with your brother, will be at my side. Do we have a deal?”
Ahuizotl took a moment to think about it. He had mixed feelings about this. He wants his father to be proud of him, but he's afraid of the Moochik and what he'll do for such treachery should he find out. However, Ahuizotl made a decision that will change his life, but not for the better.
"When do I pack for school?" he sneered.