I wanted to play today but Father said no. He told me that Fowls do not play, they plan. They scheme and plot to get what they want. This doesn't sound like the best policy to me, but if Father says it, it must be true.
He told me that the Fowls are a very old family, going back for generations. He told me that we have always been rich and that we always will be, as long as I play my part. Every day he drills our family motto into my head. Aurum potestas est. Gold is power. He tells me that everything will become worthless one day, except for gold. I disagree. I think that land is also very important and that we should buy a lot of it. Land never goes away. But if Father says it will, then it must be true.
Instead of playing, I had to sit down and read tax receipts with Father. I often watch him do this; read tax receipts, forge signatures, and devise crimes. Sometimes I wonder if being a criminal is the right thing to do. I wonder if it's worth it if people get hurt. But if Father says it's worth it, then it must be true.
As we read the receipts and recorded them, Father teaches me about the stock market. It rises and falls based on fundamental things like oil. He tells me that one day the world will run out of oil and everyone will have to walk everywhere. I really hope not. But if Father says it, it must be true.
When we're done, we go into the kitchen to find Butler cooking. He hands us both plates and we sit down to eat. I'm starving, but Father tells me that I must eat properly. That means no elbows on the table and no noises like slurping or chewing. I must eat with my mouth closed. And if Father says it, it must be true.
After lunch, Father goes up to his study to plot. I have the freedom to play, but by now, I don't want to anymore. I have too much information crammed in my head. I'm sick of stock markets and politeness and tax receipts. I hate it. There must be a better way to spend my time. But if Father says there isn't, then it must be true.
Bedtime is fast approaching and I know that Father will come into my room and tell me to go to bed. I've been reading The Iliad by Homer since lunch time. I'm halfway though. Father says it's important to read the classics. They have good life lessons and help us learn from the mistakes we as humans make. He tells me as I climb into bed, that to be a true Fowl, I should never make mistakes. And if Father says it, it must be true.
If you didn't figure it out by now, this is Artemis's POV from when he was around five or six. My random little drabble. Hope you liked it and if you review, I'll love you forever...maybe :)
theSunlitEarth