Chapter 3 - The New Teacher

Darian’s eyes swept over the massive training ground. It was an enormous, open space with a floor of packed earth. Torches flickered along the walls, illuminating various training equipment. There were a few tall wooden dummies, padded poles for striking, and a large circular mat in the center. Weapons racks lined one wall, holding various swords, staffs, and shields.

"This is my domain, young master," Alfred said, a proud smile on his face. "I am Alfred, your servant and a secret martial arts instructor. Your father has set me up for this secret duty. From today, I shall be your teacher."

Darian's eyes widened. "My father?"

Alfred nodded. "He is harsh with you because he has to be. He secretly wants you to grow strong. There is one thing you must do, young master, even as I teach you."

Darian gave a questioning look.

"You cannot tell anyone about this place. It must be a secret. Our secret alone. Also, down here, you call me 'Teacher.' When we get out of here, I become your servant again."

Darian bowed his head. "Yes, Teacher."

"Now, let us begin," Alfred said.

Darian got used to having sore spots after his martial arts lessons. Every morning, he was made to clean up with the servants. His stepmother, Lady Ally Featherington, never treated him like the young master of the household. She glanced at him the way she treated servants and spoke to him that way too.

Darian decided to ignore her and wait for his mother. She was a far better person than 'Lady Ally Featherington.'

This morning, Darian was made to serve tea like a servant during a tea party. Lady Ally Featherington had invited her lady friends, and they had come with their children.

Darian saw his two brothers playing in the garden with the other children. His brothers, Jules and Jordan, were dressed in silk and fine lace. Their brown shoes were well-polished, and their buckles shone in the sun. Darian wondered why he was not dressed the same way. He had always had that question in his heart, and the only person he could ask was Alfred.

Darian stood with a tray of tea in his hand. He walked carefully to place it on the table around which the women were seated. The women spoke in high-sounding words he did not understand. If there was anything he hated, it was their laughter.

As soon as he placed the tray on the table, a woman asked a question. "Who is this boy?" Her eyes scanned Darian as if he were a piece of meat at a market. Darian looked at the woman and observed her blonde curly hair and bright red lipstick clashing against her bright yellow dress. "My name is Darian. Darian Featherington!"

There were “ohs” and “ahs” among the ladies. "The boy has no fear," the woman said. Then she turned to Ally. "Lady Ally Featherington, is this boy really your son? Or your Lord's son?"

Ally gave a coarse laugh to hide her unintentional stab. "Of course not. He is just a poor servant boy who wants to claim nobility. Believe me, he is nothing."

Darian cut in, "I am Lord Featherington's son!"

Ally rose to her feet and pointed at Darian. Her voice was fierce and icy. "Now you, you piece of nothing, listen to me. You will stop talking nonsense and leave here at once! Crawl into a hole where I cannot find you!"

Darian shrugged his shoulders. "I will not. I did nothing wrong. I only answered the lady's question. I am Lord Featherington's son!"

The lady with bright red lipstick and a yellow dress spoke. "Indeed, his eyes and the curve of his face look like Lord Featherington."

The other ladies nodded in agreement and began whispering among themselves.

Ally chuckled, "Nonsense! You can't possibly believe that." Ally walked towards Darian and dragged him by the ear. She pulled him along, and he was forced to follow her.

"Let me go!" He kept protesting. But, she would not stop. She dragged him into his room and shut the door behind her. "You insolent child! I will deal with you later. Sit here and reflect on your mistakes!"

She walked out of the room. Darian could hear her tell a servant to watch the door and make sure he does not come out.

Darian folded his hands across his chest. He was tired and angry at this mistreatment. He looked around his room and sighted an open window. A mischievous smile rose to his lips. He had an idea.

Climbing down was not hard for him. Darian hurried into the garden with a smile and rushed to join his brothers, Jules and Jordan. They were playing together now. They were passing a small rubber ball around.

"I want to join in," Darian said.

Jules and Jordan turned to look at him with shock in their eyes. It was almost as if they had seen a ghost. "The concubine's son wants to play with us," Jules said.

"Get away, we do not want to play with you," Jordan said as he pushed him away.

Darian’s small body tensed. He stood his ground, anger burning in his emerald eyes. He had endured enough.

"Get away, we do not want to play with you," Jordan repeated, giving him another shove.

Darian didn't stumble. Instead, he dropped into a low Horse Stance, a move that felt as natural as breathing. His feet were rooted to the grass, his knees bent, and his back straight. Jules and Jordan paused, confused by his sudden stillness. They had expected him to fall over or run away crying.

Seizing the moment, Darian moved. He lunged forward with surprising speed. He didn’t use his fists. Alfred had taught him control. He dodged Jules’s clumsy attempt at a punch and, using his hand like a shield, performed a quick, open-palm strike to his brother's chest. Jules stumbled backward, gasping for air.

Jordan, seeing this, charged at Darian with a scowl. Darian waited until the last possible moment, then used a swift Sidestep. As Jordan’s momentum carried him past, Darian executed a low Leg Sweep with his foot, tripping Jordan. Jordan fell hard onto the grass, landing with a grunt.

At that moment, Lady Ally Featherington stumbled onto the scene. "Unbelievable!"

The moment Jules and Jordan heard their mother's voice, they shed more tears. Ally hurried to the sides of her sons. She was trying to console them, but they refused to be consoled. "You must punish him!" Jules said as he pointed to Darian.

Ally rose to her feet slowly. Her eyes were filled with fierce anger. Servants had been standing behind her the whole time. "Take Darian and lock him in a dark room. My Lord will punish him himself when he returns."

Darian was lifted off the floor. His legs were not even allowed to touch the floor. He was locked in a dark room. Jules and Jordan were at their side. Their looks were equally mean.