[Ridge]
Dangerous. That's what he just called Kadeeth. Not bratty, or weak, or even uncontrollable. He said dangerous. That's not exactly the understanding I had of the Duke's perspective on his son.
"Dangerous." I repeat quietly, voice traveling off into the dark trees.
"Lad, you're a Knight. Are you to say that you've been unaware of that child's nature for all these years?" He asks skeptically.
"Forgive me, Your Grace, but it was you who I thought was unaware." I correct him. I tried to be as respectful as possible, and not hint on any opinions I might have of his parenting choices.
"Me? I'm his father." He grunts in disbelief, as if he wasn't constantly absent or fighting with Kadeeth his entire childhood.
I sigh, "I mean no offense. I only mean to say that I failed to recognize any of these 'failed efforts' you took in helping Ka- the young Lord." The man actually tsks at my slip up.
"Don't take me for a fool, boy. Call him whatever you please." His face becomes less stiff. Exhaustion creeps in, "You probably know him better than I do."
I do, in fact, know him much better than you old man. Not that he needs to hear that. He shifts his cloak around on his shoulders before clearing his throat to likely continue his rant.
"I understand what monster you mean, Your Grace. Kade is a unique kind of person. However, I fail to see how you think I took it away?" That's a half lie. I do believe I've helped Kadeeth with a lot of his issues. Unfortunately, he has plenty left...
"I realized from his young age that my son was a genius. He was proficient with a sword, and excelled higher than other students his age in his studies. However, he became stubborn and wouldn't use his abilities to the fullest. Even worse, he began using them to cause harm.
"The pranks he would play on his sister's and the servants were cruel and for a while bordered on horrendous. He was seeking a release, an outlet of sorts. That's what I believed at first.
"Then I realized what he was really looking for, was entertainment. My son enjoyed doing things that made other people squirm. My sources eventually told me of an anomaly in the destructive world he was crafting for himself."
He eyes me up and down. So he had people watching Kadeeth. I suspected as much. There was little chance he actually snuck out without ever being followed. Kadeeth certainly never spoke of his Academy friend over a family meal. The Duke had to have found out about me through some means.
"I thought my son was doomed as a mad man, until you came along. I allowed your friendship to continue because suddenly he was acting saner. He would finish his lessons faster to sneak off to that damned school, there was no time for dangerous practical jokes or bullying.
"He no longer had so many spontaneous bursts of anger. In fact, he was so calm it caused a new kind of fear among those in the Manor. We feared it would change. So I did nothing. I even allowed him to sneak you into the Manor and vandalize the place with your commoner games and projects.
"You calmed the monster. Now, you've all but tamed that impossible boy. My son, almost returned my embrace upon our reunion." The Duke takes a shaky breath, stoic demeanor finally coming undone, "Thank you, Sir Ridge."
I give him a simple nod, unsure of what else to do. The sun is rising, I'm worried the fighting will resume soon. He's not done though. I wish he'd been done.
"Which is why I must ask a favor. I am unable to break the news myself, I tried." He stares directly into my eyes, "I need you to tell my son that his fiance has perished in the war."