I really want to thank all of you for sticking with the stories over the years or even if you're new. I might have started writing these stories because I wanted to know what happened in Abel's past, but I continue writing for all of you. You're all amazing! And this is to all of you read and review any of the stories I post. When I first started writing the original Divergant Path, I never imagined so many would read, let alone reread, these stories. I didn't even think I would get a review. I can never express how much seeing a review means, so, I will simply say: Thank you.
This chapter isn't edited. I wanted to get it out as soon as it was complete.
"Are you completely insane?!" Barack bellowed.
Abel watched the head and founder of the yeniçeri pace before his desk. There was something almost heartwarming in the man yelling at Abel once more. It felt right. It felt like home.
"Not only were you alone here with that group from the future, but you stole my communicator to send to the Vatican! That is the pinnacle of recklessness!" Barack ran his fingers through the tangled mess his curly hair had become. "If I didn't know better, I would think you're trying to get yourself killed!" His shouts grew in volume towards Abel's actions. "What the hell was the point?"
He shot Abel a glare as he passed the center of the desk.
"You have more than just yourself to think about now," Barack continued after only taking one deep breath. "What the hell do you think we'd tell your sons if something happened to you? If you were captured by the Vatican again?"
The door opened and Solomon stepped into the room.
"And you," – Barack whorled on the head of the military – "you of all people shouldn't encourage his majesty with this reckless behavior! You took my bloody communicator! Did you even consider his majesty's safety?"
Solomon gave Barack an almost patient smile. "I see I've come at the best of all times," he stated. "Barack, have you even given the emperor a moment to explain our plan?"
Barack's face was flush with rage. "No," he confessed. "But my priority is his and the rest of the imperial family's safety."
"And mine is the empire and my sons'," Abel spoke up at last. He had no desire to see two of his best friends come to blows. Abel stood and moved around his desk. He touched Barack's shoulder. "I don't want my sons growing up to know only war," Abel started. "I would rather have more time with them while they're young than trying to split my time between running an empire, overseeing the war, being at the warfront, and trying to raise them. Wouldn't it be better for it to only be running the empire, leading my people into peace, and spending time with my sons?"
Barack scowled. "It was still more than reckless, Abel." He folded his arms across his chest. His eyes flashed as he looked at Abel. Barack stood a good few inches taller than Abel did. It made his glares of disapproval all the more affective. "What if this attempt at peace costs you your life? The last one nearly did." A scowl appeared across Barack's face at the memory of what happened back then.
"It won't. I've requested all the leaders come this time at a neutral, safe location between the Vatican, Empire, and Albion. There will be far more security this time around." And Abel wouldn't walk blindly into what had obviously been a trap.
Barack opened his mouth.
"If you're worried, then you will be among his majesty's guard," Solomon stated before Barack continue. "I'll be present as well. Seth is to remain here."
Abel let out a soft breath. Solomon had been adamant the other day on going to the peace meeting in place of Seth. While he was the leader of the military, it would be better for the peace effort to not have two crusniks from the empire there. There was still a long way to go before any of this happened.
Some of the tension left Barack's shoulders. "All right, but there had better be more than three people accompanying his Majesty this time around." The words were directed towards Solomon. Barack turned his gaze on Abel.
"You're in charge of overseeing that matter, Barack," Abel told the man. "You're the head of the yeniçeri after all." Abel returned to his seat. "I'll give you more information on how many can go, after Gregory replies."
Barack nodded. "Now, on our visitors," he started. "They're taking two guards from you. I have many eyes on them as well. It's taking attention from directly protecting you." His dark eyes narrowed. "I don't like it. They're more draining than helpful right now. Especially the blond boy."
Abel rubbed his eyes. After reading to Aran and Azul, he had managed to speak again with Caterina though it had been closer to sunset which meant he had gotten little sleep. She had informed him her group was staying in the past. The reasoning made sense given there was no point in trying to return to a future which they didn't even know. Eight hundred years was a very long time, the world would have changed drastically by the time they got back by the actions taking place here.
"Baybars was the head of the yeniçeri in the future," Abel informed Barack. "If you're willing, ask him if he would like to join the yeniçeri of this time. He would have to start at the bottom," Abel added at Barack's frown.
"I'll ask him," Barack said with a small sigh. "The yeniçeri are always in need of more people, especially with the war. Even if it ends we're still always looking." He nodded.
"Astharoshe," – Abel had to remind himself to call her by name and not by her nickname – "was the empire's first outreach towards lasting treaties with the Vatican in the future," Abel continued. "She is also a skilled agent, though still young." He paused. "I admit I don't know Mirka well, but Seth can speak with her more. She was a noble of the empire, second only to Seth."
"Makes sense given she's a Fortuna." Barack scowled. "I can't believe I just said that."
Abel gave a dark chuckle. Hopefully his sons would never have to take back their originally surname this time.
"And the boy?" Barack pressed.
"Ion is," Abel started, "a little harder. He was used as an envoy from Seth in the future. Seth will know more about all four of them than I do."
Barack's features darkened at this. He nodded. "I will speak with her this evening then." This meant Barack would be joining them for dinner. It wasn't uncommon as of late, but it always felt like overkill the man found it necessary to protect Abel every minute of every day.
A small smile curled Abel's lips. He really was back with those he had considered his family. "Very well, Barack, just no scaring the servants this time by demanding if the food has been poisoned. It's already been checked for that."
Barack flushed and coughed.
"And you might want to invite your wife and daughter as well."
"It would be for the best," Solomon agreed.
"They don't need to know what's going on with this time travel shit," Barack stated with a glance at Solomon.
"Then we save those talks for after dinner," Abel pointed out.
Barack let out a low breath. "All right." He nodded. "I'll leave you to your work for now, Majesty."
"Abel," Abel reminded his friend.
"Majesty." Barack gave him a small smile as he bowed. Before Abel could retort to the bow, Barack left the room.
Solomon gave a soft smile. "He only does that to annoy you." Solomon settled himself in the chair Seth had been in the other day. "Did you speak more with those in the Vatican last night?"
"I did," Abel confessed. There was no point in lying to Solomon. The head of the military had no doubt noticed how tired Abel was today. Abel was used to little sleep, though, this might have been his body from the future which was and not this one.
"What did they say?"
"Caterina isn't going to return to the future," Abel explained. "She stated there was no point given the future has already changed so drastically. Only Leon really protested to her decision. He had a daughter he was looking for." Abel pulled out the reports and documents he needed to go over today.
"So, as of this moment, the only ones who might want to return are those from the future of the empire." Solomon let out a low breath. "This is going to complicate matters, but they have a right to return to their own time even if it is completely different from the one they left."
Abel smiled a little and started to shift through the paperwork. "I take it Aran went to his first lesson with Azul?" Abel asked.
Solomon nodded. "He seemed excited. I'm glad one of them finds such great joy in learning. Azul seems to think more about getting better at material skill than on the matter of the mind." Solomon gave Abel a knowing look. "Though, you already know this. I take it that's why you asked for Aran to start lessons now?"
"It is. I figured he would be happier learning alongside his brother than starting a little later."
Silence lapsed between them. Solomon's gaze had shifted to the windows, now open wide for the imperial day to let in the cool air. There was a deeper thoughtfulness of his gaze than normal.
Abel only glanced at his brother-in-law from time to time, trying to keep his focus on getting as much of his work done as he could. He wanted to spend more time with his sons today.
A soft beep punctuated the silence.
Solomon stood. "Report." His radio was hooked close to his ear now.
There was a pause in which Abel could barely make out a few words being spoken from the other side.
"One moment." Solomon turned to Abel. "They have Cain in custody. He came willingly with a small trick," Solomon reported. "Do you want to speak with him or send him right to the cell Seth and I made?"
"Best to send him right to the cell if it's ready," Abel stated. "I would rather not make it known what's happening if you had to trick him."
"Understood." Solomon relayed the message to his officers.
Abel stared at the documents before him. His brother. It had been centuries in part of his memory since he had seen Cain. In another part, it had only been a few weeks ago. Yet, could he speak with Cain without giving away Cain had killed Lilith or would have killed Lilith if none of this time travel had happened? Abel took a deep breath.
So much was already changing. There was also no telling if Cain could escape this prison Solomon and Seth had built.
Then, Abel thought back to Mars. Back to the few precious months where he and Lilith, despite the civil war, had been excepting twin girls. The joy when Kayson had confirmed Lilith would carry to term, the girls were healthy. The pain and shock which followed their sudden deaths.
Cain had stolen his girls from him. Killed them by fusing Lilith with 04. Then, years later, his so-called brother had destroyed what little hope Abel had at a future with his beloved and sons. He had taken the world from Abel. A future with his sons even if Lilith couldn't be in it. The hopes for a lasting peace with the Nightlord family remaining in charge of the empire had vanished.
Abel had gone to the Vatican, broken. He had given his freedom, his life to keep the promise of peace he had made to Lilith.
The pain and anger twisted deep into Abel's heart.
Even if Lilith still lived, Abel still had the memories of her death. The horror of Cain holding Lilith's severed head. The feeling as he watched his brother's joy in "freeing" Abel from the last of his restraints.
More pain, more rage tore at Abel as the centuries passed. The future denied Lilith, Elizabeth, and Lilly, his girls, his loves.
Abel opened his eyes. "It would be for the best you and Seth questioned the traitor." Abel's voice was calm, too calm for his liking. He could still hear the screams of Lilith in pain as their daughters were devoured by 04. Still feel the numbness which had shattered him afterwards.
The memories which haunted his sleep as surely as the wars and broken promises to his honorary family.
Solomon touched Abel's hand. His gaze locked onto his. Solomon bowed his head. "I understand. Eight more centuries of pain and rage aren't easily set aside."
Seth must have told Solomon everything.
"I will see to it." Solomon bowed his head. His dark eyes softened. "Spend the rest of the day with your sons. I'm certain your work can wait."
Abel glanced at the paperwork. He had made headway in it, enough he could take time to spend with his sons. They would just about be done with their lessons as it was. "Thank you, Solomon." Abel stacked the documents so he could sort them later with ease. "Once you and Seth are done, you both should join us. I know Aran and Azul would love to have all of us there."
A softness appeared in Solomon's eyes. "I think we will." He bowed his head to Abel before he left the office.
Abel moved the documents and stood. He moved over to the window. The moons lit the forest which surrounded the palace. In the future, the palace had been more removed from the city. However, in this time, the city could be seen with ease. Movement passed through the streets just visible to Abel with his sharp vision. Life moved on as it should for his people.
And soon, they would have nothing to fear of war as he had originally promised them. Peace would come.
Abel left the office, letting the servants draw the curtains in case he didn't return until the imperial night. The halls were almost empty outside of his guards. Barack wasn't among those around him just then. It showed he had gone home to inform his wife about this evening.
A few of the servants were clustered together in the hall Abel turned down. It was the fastest path to where some of the children had their lessons within the palace.
"Is that true?"
"It is." One of the other servants leaned closer. "The blond boy especially," he muttered with a hint of bitterness.
"Aren't they the emperor's personal guests though?" the servant who had first spoken shifted a little. She appeared to be a little uneasy.
The male servant snorted. "At least his majesty is far more humble, modest, and respectful than those new arrivals."
It wasn't shocking to hear those from the future might causing problems with servants. Astharoshe did hold the respect most in the empire did for the terran in the future empire. And he suspected Mirka and Baybars did as well. Still, Ion had always been difficult and from what Abel had learned from the servants while within the empire, it was they held a certain reverence and respect for the household they served.
The servants of this time had been from the small countries which had decided to join with the empire when they had returned to earth. They had been the ones to decide to work as servants for the empire, more specifically to Abel. He had tried to return their faith in him with a degree of kindness. Being a servant to him, had earned them high pay and a degree of respect among the other terran of the empire. They had also been given some of the best education the empire had offer. Not that the other terran the empire hadn't been given an education as well, but it hadn't been to the degrees the servants had. The servants needed to understand more of the culture and language of the empire. They were still held one the same level as many of the returners.
Abel had no desire to anger any of them, especially after all the hard work and loyalty they had shown the empire after the start of the war. They could have attempted to abandon the empire after the start of the war or chosen to disagree with Abel over it. None of them had. They had only voiced moments of fear they might no longer be seen as a part of their new country. Abel had assured them, as long as they were within the empire they were his people and he would protect them as such.
"Is there a problem?" Abel asked as he approached the servants. He kept his tone polite.
"Your majesty." The servants turned and bowed low to Abel. "Forgive us, we were just taking a small break."
"None of you should never fear approaching me with a problem." His gaze swept the small group. "If there is a problem, I need to hear it to try and correct it. You're an important of the empire."
"We know, majesty," the male servant responded. He bowed his head.
"It's about your guests, majesty," the woman before Abel started with a bow of her head. "Especially the young boy."
"Go on, Ilka," Abel pressed, his tone soft so as not to frighten her.
"He treats us as if we're lower than him," growled the man. His eyes flashed. "I had to repeat the same task over twenty times this morning because it was done incorrectly in his eyes. I told him it was the way it was done and he retorted he was a noble of the empire and should be treated as such." He took a deep breath. "Forgive me, majesty. I know he's one of your guests, but the only ones held higher are the commanders of the empire. And there is no nobility outside of yourself, your siblings, and the young princes." He shook his head.
Ilka nodded. "He is the worst out of them. His grandmother and Baybars seem to understand we're not their servants. I've had a few problems with Astharoshe as well. I know they must not be accustom to how matters work here and they are your personal guests, but, I," she trailed off, eyes locked on the floor. Her hands balled into fists, rumbling her uniform.
"I will speak with them over this matter, Ilka, Alain. If it persists, inform me."
Alain and Ilka both relaxed. "You're too kind, your majesty." Ilka bowed to him.
"Thank you, majesty." Alain copied her movement. "We'll return to work immediately."
Abel nodded to them.
"Dad!" an excited shout sounded through the hall before the servants could turn away from Abel. Small arms wrapped around Abel's legs.
Azul raced down the hall. "Aran, you shouldn't be running." There was a clear note of worry in Azul's voice.
Abel bent and lifted Aran off the ground. "You should listen to your brother."
Aran bowed his head. "Sorry, dad," he mumbled. "But," – his eyes lit up – "today was great. I learned a lot and even got stuff to do now after lessons."
"Homework," Azul made a face. "Aran, it's not fun."
"It look it," Aran protested.
Abel smiled and hugged Aran. "You can do your homework before bed."
"But," Aran started to protest.
"Until then," Abel continued, "why don't the three of us enjoy some fresh air?"
"Can I work on it outside?" Aran asked.
"Outside!" Azul raced off down the hall towards the closest balcony. "Hurry, father, I want to play."
A small laugh escaped Abel. "Anything the both of you want."
Azul raced out onto the balcony after he looked at Abel to make certain Abel still had Aran. The boy grinned before he started to explore the space.
The balcony was massive, more a rooftop garden than an actual balcony. The sweet scent of fresh flowers and plant life surrounded Abel as he set Aran down at one of the tables.
Aran pulled out a few papers and a pencil. "It okay?" the little boy asked, blinking up at Abel.
"If it's what you want to do," Abel assured his youngest.
A grin spread across Aran's face. "I play after." He nodded and set to work on the problems his teacher would have also set Azul.
"Father! Heads up!" A ball whooshed through air towards Abel and Aran.
Abel caught it with ease.
"Alain just gave it to me!" Azul beamed. "Thanks, Alain!" he called and waved to the entrance onto the balcony.
Sure enough, the three servants had fallowed the guard and Abel.
Alain bowed his head, smiling. "My pleasure, young prince."
Abel nodded to the servants.
"Can we play catch with it?" Azul asked.
"Of course." Abel tossed the ball back to Azul.
Azul leapt and caught it, his grin spreading across his face. "Higher, father!" He leapt and tossed the ball in the same motion.
Abel was forced to move to catch it. He tossed the ball higher over Azul. He still was careful of his strength so as not to send the ball flying.
Azul leapt and only just caught it.
The game steadily picked up the pace. Azul overshot Abel and the ball raced into the palace.
"Oh, sorry." He flushed a little.
"It's no problem, young prince." Alain vanished into the palace after the ball.
"He has quite the arm already, majesty," Ilka commented with a warm smile towards Azul.
Azul puffed up. "I'm going to be father's best soldier when I'm older." He turned to Abel. "Father, how do you always manage to aim for me?"
Abel knelt down by Azul and explained.
"If I hold the ball better it will get closer to you or what I'm aiming for?" Azul repeated as a question.
"Correct."
"Who threw the ball?"
Abel looked up to see Astharoshe step out into the garden. Her gaze was over her shoulder just then as if she was watching what was happening in the hallway beyond.
Alain reappeared a heartbeat later a little out of breath. "Amazing throw, my prince." He knelt beside Abel and held out the ball to Azul.
"Thank you, Alain. I'll try not to throw it into the hall again. Sorry about that."
"It's not a problem."
"Father's told me how to aim, so I am going to try hard not to throw that badly again."
Alain smiled. "Thank you, Prince Azul. You're too kind." Alain bowed his head and moved back to his position by the door, his gaze lingered on Astharoshe.
"Afternoon, Astharoshe." Abel stood and gave her a slight nod. He watched Azul race off with the ball with one eye.
"I'm going to get it to you this time, father!" his eldest called.
The ball whooshed through the air. It moved more towards Aran.
Abel leapt and caught.
"Oh, no. Sorry Aran!"
Aran looked up from his homework and blinked. "What?"
"Are you playing catch out here?" Astharoshe asked with a slight note of disapproval. "Isn't there something else you should be doing?"
Abel let out a low breath. He tossed the ball back towards Azul.
Azul caught it with a massive leap.
"There is nothing more important right now than spending time with my sons," Abel stated.
Astharoshe's eyes narrowed a little.
"Father, father! I got it!" Azul leapt with joy. "I jumped so high." Azul raced over to Abel.
"I saw. It was an amazing catch." Abel smiled. To think Azul had once he would never call Abel his dad let alone believe he would be so cheery. So much had changed; yet, there would be greater change for Azul. This time Abel would make certain his sons both had a happier childhood than they had with him being gone for the war.
Azul paused and looked at Astharoshe. "Your one of father's guests, right? Do you want to join us?"
Astharoshe blinked. She seemed caught off guard.
Before she had to worry about responding. Seth moved up to her. "Hi, Astharoshe. Enjoying the afternoon?"
"Y-yes, of course, I am, majesty." Astharoshe bowed to Seth.
"You didn't bow to father," Azul stated with a huff. "Father is the emperor!"
"Azul," Abel started, "it's fine. Besides, I would rather people don't bow to me."
"But you're the emperor," Azul protested.
"Did Alain give you that ball?" Seth asked.
Azul nodded. "Yep. Isn't it great!"
"Be certain to thank him."
"I did."
Seth smiled and moved to Abel. "Alain saved up so he could buy Azul and Aran the best ball he could. I think he likes them a lot."
"I'll be certain to thank Alain for his kindness. I take it the other matter with Cain has been resolved."
Seth nodded, eyes dark. "It has been. Solomon's having a word with your guard then will be joining us."
"Want to play, Aunt Seth?"
"Of course." Seth moved so she could take Abel's place in the game of catch.
Warmth spread through Abel at the sight. He had missed this far more than he had thought, seeing his sons and being able to spend time with them again was far more than just a dream come true. It was as if the world had righted itself in a blink of the eye. How would it be when he saw Lilith again? His heart flickered.
He shook the thought from him and moved to the servants. "Thank you, Alain."
"It was nothing, majesty. The ball didn't go too far into the palace."
"I mean for buying the ball," Abel explained.
Alain smiled. "Anything to make the princes feel more welcome. I'm just happy to see them being children." His gaze lingered on Aran.
Solomon had joined Aran at the table and was explaining something to Abel's youngest.
"No matter how different they are from one another."
Ilka giggled. "They are both good boys and wonderful princes. You're doing a great job, majesty."
Abel smiled at her. "I don't know where I would be without your help." While he had wanted to be there for his sons no matter what it was they needed. It hadn't always been practical. These three were the heads of the servants within the palace and Abel trusted them completely with his sons. They had been there for Aran and Azul when Abel, Seth, and Solomon couldn't be.
"It's our pleasure," Ilka said with a curtsey.
"Father!" Azul waved him over. "Come play with Aunt Seth and I."
"Coming." Abel nodded to the servants before he moved to join his son and Seth.
Astharoshe had left while Abel had been speaking with the servants.
(Author's Note: Sorry about the very long delay in updates. Finals. Good news, next year is my final year. Bad news, updates are still going to slow throughout the summer. I am going to try and write more. But I have to cycle through what I am writing. I desperately want to get my novel completed this summer. Most likely not published. But I love hearing for you guys and will try to update this, EM, and DotE as much as I can throughout the break and going into my next semester.
Randomly adding more OCs in the form of servants. I need a name for the third servant. I would like them to be in and out of the story because servants are still very important (and Asthe's servant got a name!).
Replies to guest comments below sorry it takes up word count.)
BBZ: First, thank you so much for the comment. Believe it or not, I was originally an Esther x Abel shipper during the first year or so. I swapped to Lilith x Abel after writing my first version of Divergent Path. I know it's not as popular, but there was just something about his devotion to her which spoke to me (he stayed in her tomb for centuries).
If you have an idea, write it down no matter how small it may seem. You might be shocked at who starts to read the story and if it gains a following. My point is if you want to write something, write it first for yourself, so you can see where the story takes you as well. You might be shocked how many people want to know more about one character in a series. I started writing because Abel's past was a big mystery and I wanted to know more about it. I posted the stories without ever thinking anyone would want to read them, let alone people like yourself would keep rereading them. Never be scared to try writing something you want to. If you share it with others, you never know who you will reach.
I will look more into AO3.
I can't express how happy I was (and am) when I read you like Solomon and Barack as characters.