"Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction." – Anne Sullivan
She stared into his eyes intently as if she were never going to see another pair again. She had mahogany eyes while he had moonlight eyes, each shining in the light coming from the windows in the decorated family room. Neither one of them blinked as they focused on the other's eyes. They did not break their gaze as the two adult men walked into the room.
"Look, all I'm saying is that he's the only one that I have left. He needs some sort of protection," Jacob insisted. "You don't even have to teach him anything."
Exodus sighed slightly, "That's not how it works. Yes, we're a large Order, but we just don't take refugees." The Magic-User glanced over at the children. "He has potential to learn about the arts from what you have given me of his character. That will ensure his stay."
Jacob studied his son for a brief moment before letting Exodus see a small smile.
"He could be of use if he does comply," Jacob said with a small laugh. "He has some…other skills…that could be enhanced with the arts."
The elder Magic-User master raised an eyebrow at Jacob's passing thought, but did not question it. He had come across many secrets in his life. He also knew that people were none to revealing of those secrets, especially if it put close relationships on the line. He also knew that many secrets had a way of revealing themselves if left untested or untrained.
"Promise me one thing, old friend," Jacob said solemnly.
Exodus held his breath for a moment.
"Make sure to guide Amon through life as your own," Jacob whispered.
The Mage master observed the two young children again. His apprentice was staring hard into Amon's eyes as if she were trying to control him through a sheer force of will. Amon stared right back, never faltering his gaze.
Exodus felt something inside of him turn as he watched them both together. It was as if they were truly his even if they were not. It was a different feeling than what he was used to, that Exodus knew.
"Of course," Exodus said with a small reassuring smile.
Jacob took a steadying breath.
"He will be in great care, yet it will be difficult for him," Exodus placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder.
The Mage stared hard into the Duke's eyes.
"Go," Jacob demanded.
Exodus searched Jacob's eyes only to find tears being held back. Exodus nodded and looked over to the children. "Fey," he called softly. The girl slowly took her eyes off of her new found friend. "Take Amon and go to the carriage."
Fey gave a small nod, stood up, and offered her hand to the boy. Exodus watched as Amon stared at the hand, unsure if he should take it. A moment later, he had decided that it was okay and stood with Fey's help.
Exodus watched as the children went out the door. He turned back to Jacob who had let the tears stream down his face as the children left.
"You could say goodbye," Exodus spoke softly.
Jacob held back a sob, "Then it would be permanent."
Exodus did not say anything. He could not, not after that statement. Truth be told, being in the Scarred Order meant a permanent place in the Order. There was no going back to one's old life. Exodus knew that better than most Scarred Mages.
The master Mage turned slowly towards the door. He got halfway between the door and Jacob and stopped suddenly.
"Sargon has told me that Amon is destined for a balance than no other can strive for. Exodus hung his head. "However much I do believe in this…destiny, I believe that Amon is a son between the two of us. He is as much of mine as he is yours, dear friend. And I will not let anything happen to him as long as I breathe and you are hopeful."
Jacob stared hard at Exodus before softening his gaze.
"Thank you, old friend," the Duke finally said.
Both men gave a brief nod at one another. Only one of them knowing that they would never see one another again. Only one knew that the child would never return home. Only one knowing that this was a permanence that must be done for the good of all involved.