The Half-Elven Warlock - 3. 1/2Elf - Chapter 3: House Anfalas

It was Sunday, April 2nd, 2017, and Devin was bored. Both the Doctor and Healer wanted him to stay for observation, and he was stuck in an underground hospital room. After he had awakened from his conversation with the avatar of Mithras – a very confusing affair– he met his father for the first time. They barely had time for introductions before his father and brother were run out of the room so the High Priest, a doctor, and a healer could have a private talk and exam.

During this, he learned enough of the ritual had been completed that he was protected by the Vatican Accords. Devin was glad to be in the hospital and was transferred from the ICU to a V.I.P. suite. He felt weak and tired, but most of all he was starving. After a brief 4:00 a.m. snack, he went to sleep and was awakened around 10:30 a.m.

The V.I.P. hospital suite he occupied was upscale. Cheerfully colored, it was decorated more like a hotel room than a hospital. A dresser, side tables, two well-padded armchairs, and a couch rounded out the furniture. The bed was sleek and modernized. The wall mounted TV was a high-end 4K resolution affair.

With his Surface Pro 4, books, and schoolwork up in his room, Devin was forced to resort to television to pass the time. Like his dorm room, the medical center was wired for cable, and Devin had rapidly become bored trying to find something to watch. He finally settled on an OnDemand movie and watched a rebroadcast of Will Smith’s After Earth.

A few minutes before noon, there was a rap on the door, and Brandon walked in carrying a bag of take-out. “Hey, good morning. How are you feeling, little bro? I brought you some Chinese take-out. Hope you like Beef Lo Mein, or General Tso’s Chicken.”

Devin smiled brightly seeing his brother and motioned him to pull up a seat and the tray table. “Hey big bro. Doing… okay. Feeling weak still, and I could use some more sleep, but they want me to stay awake.” He inhaled the aroma of the food as Brandon laid it out. “That smells so good. Where did you get it?”

“From this little place in New York City. Makes some of the best I’ve ever had.” He smiled at his brother and motioned towards the containers. “Your choice.”

“I’ll take the Lo Mein,” Devin replied, while grabbing some chopsticks and the Lo Mein container. “Wait… you just said you got this from New York?”

“Yup, I portaled over to Fairie, then to New York. Got my takeout, and came back. It’s one of the perks of being able to cross over at will. Though it has to be a place I’ve been before. I have a safe spot, and it’s easy to get around from there. I’ll show you how to do it if you know what powers you got.” He took a bite of his food and sat back to eat while he talked with his brother.

Devin nodded and swallowed a bite of the noodles, “I do. Mithras had a talk with me while I was unconscious. He said I’m a Warlock and I need to train my body to handle the power.” He took another bite and looked at the door. “Is Dad coming back? I wanted to spend more time with him.”

“He’ll be here this afternoon. He’s been in meetings all damn morning and had me tag along at first. So, a Warlock, huh? This is the first I’ve heard of someone being granted that power in a long while. Really rare according to the Priests. Mithras must have plans for you. You should be able to cross over with those powers. Might have to do it a different way, but I can teach you.”

The pair ate in silence while the movie played in the background. Finally, Devin broke the silence. “Mind if I ask you something? It’s kind of personal.”

“Go ahead.”

“Is it weird, or wrong, that I am already feeling… um… feeling like you’re my brother? I mean, it hasn't been two days, and I feel like I can trust you just as if we'd grown up together.”

Brandon gave him a quick grin and nodded. “I know what you mean. It may be a bit quick, but last night when I was sitting next to you, yeah, I was feeling it too. I asked Dad about it, and he said it’s not unheard of in elves and half-elves to sense family bonds.” He paused briefly and looked thoughtful, “Might also explain why we were checking each other out on the train, too.”

Devin laughed heartily. “I thought I was the only one doing that?”

“Yeah, I was checking you out once I noticed what you were doing. But it was the age thing. Hell, I still feel creepy for checking out a minor.”

"Only for a few hours, and I could wait until after midnight." Devin sighed. “Hell, as it stands now, I won’t be able to do anything with Victor anymore. He’s turning seventeen next month.”

Brandon nodded. “Welcome to the world of being an adult, when all your friends are still underage. My advice to you is don’t touch and only go to parties with them in groups, but do stay friends. And don’t be alone with any of them - always keep it public. Hate to say it, but being an adult around a teen you’ve been sexually involved with is very tricky, especially if you’re gay. There’s still a lot of ignorance and intolerance out there, and I’m not just talking about the right-wing of politics. Idiots come in all political stripes, and regardless of your wishes, politics is now in your future.”

Devin nodded as he listened.

“I hate to say it like that, but in the eyes of the law, you’re an adult. You can be held liable for anything you do, and then there is the whole statutory rape thing.”

“So, my life has changed more than just a number, and getting my powers unlocked.”

“I’m afraid so,” Brandon said. He reached across and took Devin’s hand. He gave it a squeeze and sat back to finish eating.

The brothers ate in silence, and Devin picked up the remote to try and find something on TV.

~*~*~*~

The Medical Center under St. Mithras was never very active. Today, a Sunday afternoon, was no exception. Though it was built and provisioned to treat up to one thousand patients at once, there were rarely any more than two hundred registered. Shad’ler moved through the hallway as he headed to the V.I.P. suites to see his youngest son. He acknowledged the staff as he passed, with a few of them bowing to the King-in-Exile. ‘This is the one thing I do not miss,’ he thought.

He reached his son’s room a few moments later and stood off to the side of the open door. Shad’ler listened to his two sons talk for a few moments, as they compared their favorite video games and systems, and realized he was crying. Taking a moment, Shad’ler composed himself, wiped away the tears, and stepped into the room with his sons.

The trashcan had the remains of their shared lunch, and Devin was sitting up in bed. His Surface Pro 4 had been brought down from his room, and his backpack lay on the dresser. The T.V. was on and playing a marathon of House Hunters on HGTV. Brandon sat in a comfortable armchair moved into almost the same position as the night before in ICU. ‘Looking out for his brother. I’m so proud of him.’

“Hello, Dad,” Brandon said. Devin turned towards the door. He gave his father a pleasant smile but remained silent.

“Hello, boys. Brandon, Devin, it’s so good to see the two of you getting along,” Shad’ler said with a smile as he moved to Devin’s left on the opposite side from Brandon. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier. After they rushed us out, I was contacted by the White House Chief of Staff and several others who wanted to talk to me while I was here in D.C. But please know I wanted to be here the whole time. How are you doing Devin?”

“I’m doing fine, err… what do I call you? My Lord or King Shad’ler? I’m not familiar with royal decorum.” There was an edge to his voice which surprised everyone. Brandon looked down between his knees.

Shad’ler winced visibly and nodded to his son. “I would prefer Dad or Father, but I haven’t earned that yet. Shad’ler is fine, and you never have to call me ‘Lord’. You’re my sons, both of you. I will never be a lord over you two.”

“Sorry. I shouldn't have used that tone,” Devin said. “I’m doing fine, Sir. Weak still, but feeling a lot better since this morning and the lunch that Brandon brought.”

“And the hospital lunch, you ate that as well,” Brandon replied.

“Yes, that too.” All three of them laughed. Brandon could feel the tension disappear.

“How were the meetings, after I left?” Brandon asked, changing the subject.

Shad’ler shrugged, “Boring. Although the American President has officially granted me asylum in the United States and its territories. That’s a first. No other President or world leader would even touch my case.”

“What does he want?”

“Nothing. He’s heard about what the Agency has been doing domestically, and he’s pretty pissed off. He can’t kick them out of the United States of America, but he can throw monkey wrenches into their operations.”

Devin sat listening as the two talked about politics. “Why didn’t you come see me before this?” Devin interrupted the conversation. He looked at his dad, and saw the hurt on Shad’ler’ face. “You’ve had time, and this place is a refuge for our kind.”

Brandon shrugged, and both he and Shad'ler turned to look at the younger man. Shad'ler ran a hand through his hair.

“Devin, Son… I’m sorry I didn't come to you earlier. As I told your brother last night, I didn’t even know your mother was pregnant with you. Humans and Elves rarely interbreed. It’s a one-in-a-million chance. I’ve always suspected it was Mithras’ doing.” He gave his son a warm smile and squeezed his shoulder. For his part, Devin didn’t shy away and just nodded.

“However, once I learned you were alive, I made arrangements to have you come to this school. I’ve paid for your education and all your expenses here. Though the school dictated how they accommodated it, there was no special treatment… I would have had you on private jets, coming and going to school. I couldn’t stay because I’ve been trying to garner support and find our people. I've been on the run from the Agency. They nearly caught me several times.” He paused to collect his thoughts.

“I want to retake our home in Fairie and, well, that takes time, money, and allies. I own a lot of businesses, most of them covertly. I hope that explains it somewhat.”

“It does, but I’ve wanted this for so fucking long…” Devin said. Tears flowed freely. “Does Mom know you’re back in my life? Do I have to keep this secret from her? I can’t lie to her. No. I won’t lie to her.” His shoulders racked with his sobs.

Shad’ler stood up, moved the bed rail, and sat on the bed, pulling his son into his embrace. His own tears stung his eyes as his son sobbed in his arms.

“I always wanted to know why you were never around. Mom said she tried to contact you over the years. I always wondered why you hated me so much. Why you never sent a birthday card or a Christmas present. Why Mom had to scrape by trying to support both of us. I hated you, but I didn’t hate you. I was always so confused… So, fucking confused.”

Brandon sat watching. He joined them, leaned on Devin and he reached out to touch his father. After things calmed somewhat, he started to laugh. “We look like a hot mess.”

Shad'ler held his youngest boy against his chest. “Devin. I love you. If I could go back and change things, I would. I hope you never learn the pain I feel for having put you and Brandon in this situation. I want us to be a family, in both word and deed. I want to see you grow into a fine young man. To see your first love, when you find that man that wins your heart. I want you to succeed in what you want to do. But mostly, I want you safe.” He paused to wipe away the tears from his eyes.

Devin sniffled and blew his nose on a tissue. “How did you know I’m gay?”

“Your brother told me last night. I have no issue with you being gay, and I’ve had male lovers over the years. Elves are naturally bisexual.”

"Over the years and other lovers? Dad… Dad do you have other children?" Devin's voice betrayed his trepidation.

Shad’ler cleared his throat. “I told your brother last night. Before you two were born, and my exile to Earth, I was married and my wife and I had twins, one boy and one girl." Devin's father got to his feet and walked across the room. He stopped, turned abruptly and sighed. "A demon assassin caught them at an inn, when we were returning to the palace from a trip to the coast. The bastard killed all of them. They were after me, but I wasn’t there. That was the opening salvo in the Demon War on Fairie.”

He wiped his eyes, and took both of his sons’ hands in his. “That is a pain I do not ever want you to experience.”

Devin sat back resting his head on the raised portion of the bed. He looked between his father and brother, and couldn’t help smiling. “It’s been one hell of an emotional roller coaster. Shad’ler… Dad, you’re not horrible. Hell, I would of fucking done the same, considering what you just said.”

Brandon laughed. “You and your potty mouth. You really should watch the cursing… use it, I do. But save it for the right moments. Then people know you mean business.”

“I’ll think about it bug bro, but I make no fucking promises.”

Brandon gave his brother an unamused look.

“Now,” Shad’ler spoke up. “There is the matter you brought up about your mom. Don’t lie to her, you can tell her the truth. Before I arrived at the school yesterday, I paid her a visit and explained everything. Surprisingly, she already knew about the Agency. It seems they contacted her after you started school here, and asked about my whereabouts. She was always a resourceful little witch, and she dug into them.”

“Don’t you be calling my mom a witch! Wait…you mean a witch, like Wiccan do magic witch?”

“Yes. It was at a celebration of Litha, the midsummer sabbat where we met. I’ll spare you the details, but yes, your mom is a witch. I’m not sure if she practices anymore, or holds to her pagan spiritualism, but she was really good at what she did.”

“Is that how you met Brandon’s mom, ten-years earlier?”

Shad’ler laughed. “No… I met Brandon’s mom in a strip club.”

“WHAT!!!” Brandon looked a little white.

“No, no, no… not like that Brandon. I was in a Chippendale review and your mom paid for a private strip show. She was out with a friend for a bachelorette party.”

It started with a grin, then a snicker, followed by a chuckle. Devin laughed hard, and tears came to his eyes.

“What’s so funny?” Brandon asked.

“Our dad, a royal Lord, a King of Elves, from another world… worked as a stripper, for an all-male review.”

His laughter was infectious, and soon both Brandon and Shad’ler were laughing along with Devin. Afterward, the trio talked and got to know each other better. At 5:00 p.m. Devin’s dinner arrived. Shad’ler and Brandon left to give him some peace.

~*~*~*~

Monday morning Devin was discharged from the medical center. His first stop was his dorm room, to change and get ready for breakfast. As he walked down the corridor of the old gothic style dormitory, the smell of polished mahogany filled the air. He paused outside his room and looked around at the hallway, taking in the woodwork, the lavish furniture, and seeing for the first time the spellwork glyphs, flowing with magic, that were carved into the scrollwork designs.

Devin rubbed his temples, trying to ward off a tension headache, and stepped into his room. It was like most dorm rooms for the school’s seniors. Single occupant, with a private bathroom, a walk-in closet, and decorated with the same furnishings as the rest of the building. He shut the door and spotted a bag on the bed accompanied by a folded note.

“Devin. Bought you a new phone and transferred over the info that was stored online. Same number, and don’t forget to call your mom. Love, Dad.”

He looked in the bag to find the box to a Samsung Galaxy Note phone and then spotted the phone as it charged on the bedside table. He smiled and got ready for the day.

After breakfast he sat alone at the table. When he stood up, ready to leave, he spotted Victor. Devin's best friend was a junior at the school. He walked over to the shaggy-headed black haired teen, and gave him a quick hug like they did every day.

“Hey man. I missed you this weekend,” Victor said. “I got your birthday gift in my room but you weren’t around. Did you spend a few extra days in Florida?”

“Something like that. To be honest, I was admitted to the hospital, and got out this morning.”

“You alright? You look okay.”

“Thanks. I’m fine, just was a bit of a shock. However, we do need to talk about a lot of stuff. What are you doing after classes?”

“It’s Monday… I have track practice till 5:00pm, and then dinner. Nothing planned after that.”

“Cool. Swing by the common room after dinner, and we’ll hit something.”

“Will do, Devin… I’ll see you then.”

Devin left the dining room and headed over to the school for his first class of the day.