The moment Haytham stepped into his grandfather's study his eyes fell on the large bookshelves that were filled with hundreds of books and scrolls. At the centre of the big study surrounded by the bookshelves was a large table on which a few parchments were scattered along with a journal. There was only one chair at the table and sitting on it was an old man in a posh suit reading a book. On his face there were a few claw marks representing his history of violence.
This man was Robert Walker, the current head of the walker family and also Haytham's grandfather.
"Grandfather, I was told that you summoned me." said Haytham with a bit of confidence.
There was a few seconds of silence after which his grandfather finally spoke without even lifting his head.
"Why didn't you knock?"
"U-Uh, um, I heard you were waiting for me and I didn't want to keep you waiting for me." replied Haytham after realising his mistake.
"Hmm, so your urgency validates your breach of manners?" asked Robert in a cold voice while still reading his book.
"I am sorry grandfather." Haytham had nothing except apologies to offer for his grandfather's brutal question.
Finally with a sigh his grandfather looked up from his book at Haytham with sad eyes.
"I AM SORRY. It is a sentence which gives you the opportunity to conveniently forget your own mistakes rather than learn from them." said Robert while looking at Haytham "I don't want you to be sorry Haytham, I want you to be better."
Haytham stayed silent while looking at the floor in a pitiful manner under his grandfather's disappointed gaze.
"Anyway, now listen to me. You are to go to your room right now and take a shower. Then wear the clothes that have been arranged for you on your bed, after that you are to quickly get down to the car and accompany me to the shop, as from today onwards your education will officially commence." said Robert in an authoritative tone "That's all, you may go now."
After giving his orders, Robert quickly went back to reading his book without giving Haytham any chance to reply.
Haytham knew the conversation was over, he silently walked out and closed the door to the study without making any noise.
Outside of the study was Sebastian who was waiting to assist Haytham.
"Young master please follow me, I've been instructed to assist you today." said Sebastian with a bow.
To which Haytham nodded silently.
…..
Haytham was spoiled and doted on by his entire family since the day he was born. Thus he had a very large room all to himself. It had a king size bed with the softest bedding. The large and latest model of tv on which he would play the most recent games. An expensive pc just because he wanted and a changing room filled with a plethora of clothes.
When Haytham entered the room, his eyes fell on the clothes that were prepared for him on his bed. It was a posh blue colored suit with a white shirt and a red tie. On the floor were squeaky clean black shoes. The most eye catching thing about the suit was the walker family insignia embroidered in golden threads on the chest pocket of the suit.
"Are we going to a wedding?" asked Haytham with curiosity.
"No young master, you will be heading to the shop with the master." answered Sebastian politely.
"Then why is there a need for such posh clothes? Just some casual clothes would have been fine" said Haytham with a frown.
"A suit has been the uniform of the shop for generations now. It is something that you must absolutely obey as instructed by the master." said Sebastian.
Haytham now understood why his grandfather was always wearing suits. He had a quick shower and got dressed quickly with Sebastian's help.
…..
Haytham got in his grandfather's luxury car which was worth three middle class family's yearly income. In the car was Sebastian the driver, Ellie his grandfather's personal servant and his grandfather who had his eyes closed.
Haytham meekly got into the empty seat and the car was soon on its way.
"Say Haytham, how much do you know about our world?" asked Robert Walker still with his eyes closed.
Haytham thought over the question for a quick minute and replied.
"Only the things that you have told me about. Our walker family is one of the oldest lineages of shamans on earth. We are surrounded by supernatural beings who blend in or hide from the normal human beings. And we run a shop where we make deals with these supernatural beings. That is all I know grandfather." said Haytham recalling his grandfather's teachings.
"Well that is just the tip of the iceberg which at that time I thought was enough for your age. Now that you have turned 18 I think it is time for you to know everything." said Robert who had now opened his eyes and was staring into Haytham's.
"The world where these supernatural beings dwell is what we call the Underworld. Its name doesn't denote its location but rather the fact that the normal ignorant human world overlaps the underworld like a 'Wrap'. It is simply a different dimension. The underworld is the home to many holy as well as unholy creatures. From winged humanoid creatures with the ability to speak known as Angels, to the vile, dark and sinister creatures known as demons." said Robert with a casual expression as if he was explaining a common phenomenon.
Haytham on the other hand was wide eyed listening and absorbing everything that his grandfather was saying.
"Now, our family originates from the underworld but we are one of the very few and rare creatures who can travel freely on both sides. The very first and the most powerful shaman in the history of both worlds came from our family, which is why in the underworld we are very famous or some would say infamous. Throughout the generations, the knowledge and powers have been passed down inherently due to our unique and one of a kind bloodline. Since the start people have known our kin as shamans, wizards, witches, mages, sorcerers, etc. We have used our powers to make deals with both worlds, the supernaturals of the underworld as well as with a very few special humans who know of our existence." said Robert without stopping.
After a few seconds of silence, he looked straight at Haytham or to be accurate straight into his eyes. His gaze without blinking felt like scorching lasers. Hair on Haytham's nape began to rise. Finally Robert spoke, still holding his gaze with Haytham's.
"Our powers have made us what we are. We are influential, we are rich, we are treated like royalty, but most importantly we are extremely powerful."