The legacy of the thirty-nine clues is something that we all say we understand. But do we really?
Do we really understand the cruelty, the hurt, the pain, yes, the bitter, cruel, bloodthirsty pain that went into this? Do we really understand the betrayal, the tears, and the blood?
Many a grave was dug, many a mother's tear shed, because of the clues.
Thirst for power consumed them all, and we say we understand. We say we know what went on behind the scenes.
But we don't.
Even unto this present day, lives are still affected. How do you think it was for me to grow up with an aunt who did not love me? How many of you would like to guess at the number of nights I lay awake, my soul cracked, bleeding, and my tears sogging my pillow?
I can assure you that many a night was spent in such a fashion.
I can assure you that were many times when I wondered if I could make it.
And then my grandmother died.
It was a bitter blow, especially for me and Dan, for we knew she was the only one who cared. Who loved us.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that the reason I was without parents, without a mother, Dan without a father, was because of the clues. Imagine how it hurt. Visualize Dan's face, when he found out that I too had turned into a true Cahill.
"Secrets and lies." He told me, a look on his face which I hate to think of. "Congratulations, sister. You've officially turned into a true Cahill."
I don't like to describe the feelings that ran through me that day, and I can tell you that I wish that Gideon Cahill had never found the power of the thirty-nine clues.
If he hadn't, my mother would still be here.
But I can also say that the thirty-nine clues has done good for our family. It has strengthened us, and we are the most powerful family in the world.
But I will also say that if we do not put five-hundred years of backstabbing behind us, then we will fall down.
"United we stand, Divided we fall."
Madrigals came up with that, and the Cahills did not like it, of course, but they had to live with it.
But why don't we let that be our motto? Why don't we adopt it, and treasure it, cherish it like we used to cherish a single clue?
If we did, and if we did unite together, we would become the most powerful family in the world.
Of course, it would take work. Lots of work. Friendships must be mended. Ties to the old way cut.
But I, Amy Cahill, leader of the Madrigals, think that we can do it. Together.
Amy Cahill received a standing ovation for her speech, and the Cahill family set to work repairing bloody tears in the tapestry of the Cahill world. This time, no blood was shed.