Page 37 of Shattered Sinner
This time, Nash smiled at me. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
I looked around briefly before my eyes returned to Nash. "We should probably go. I'm sure there's plenty of shit we need to wrap up before we leave today."
"Yeah, that's true," Nash said as he began to walk toward the locker room.
I followed suit until we reached the place where we had to go our separate ways due to where our lockers were in the room.
"So, I'll see you around?"
"Yes, you will."
As we parted ways, the enormity of everything we needed to do stuck out like an elephant in the room. Our task weighed on me. I was a little late to the fight, but it was still a fight, nonetheless. And I refused to do anything but win.
* * *
I knockedon the door and patiently waited for someone to answer. I took a small step back when I heard the front door unlocked, and Mrs. Henson greeted me with a warm grin.
“Easton! Come on in. Van is waiting for you in his office.”
"Thanks, Mrs. Henson," I said in an effort to be polite. Given what I knew of how they treated their kids, I didn't want to, but I was here on a fact-finding mission.
Mrs. Henson led me down the hall and knocked on a large wooden door. I stepped into the office and was immediately taken aback by its grandeur, but I had to admit, it fit Van Henson. The walls were painted a rich mahogany and several pieces of art hung from the walls. Dark wood, including what made up his large desk and bookshelves, was also a huge part of the room. All the books on the shelves made me wonder if that was the reason it smelled slightly like a library in here, with a hint of sandalwood in the air.
Van looked up as I walked into the room and smiled warmly. I couldn't help but wonder if it was genuine or the smile he used when he was in his politician mode.
“It’s good to see you again, Easton! How have you been?”
"Pretty good with the end of the semester wrapping up shortly," I responded.
He nodded and I watched a wistful look appear on his face. “Ah, yes! It's almost over. I'm sure you're looking forward to winter break." He gestured for me to take a seat, and he sat back down in the large one behind his desk.
"Before we dive into why you're here, can I get you something to drink?"
I shook my head and sat down.
"You know, I remember when I was at Brentson University. It's where I met Elizabeth after all."
Van's eyes lit up as he spoke about his days at Brentson University. He talked about the late nights he spent at the library and the classes he took. I didn't interrupt him because I hoped that him reflecting on his time at Brentson would work to build a rapport with him. Plus, it didn't hurt that he had no problem kissing my parents' asses all the time.
It was a couple of minutes before he snapped out of his memories and shifted his attention back to me. He leaned forward in his chair, placing his elbows on his desk and said, “So, you want to talk about the Chevaliers?”
"Yes, I'm about to go through my last challenge before I hear if I've been accepted or not."
Van rubbed a hand across his chin. "I remember it as though it was yesterday, Easton. The final task. It was, without a doubt, the longest night of my life. Dark. Dangerous. Above all else, it was a test of character."
I watched Van closely, partially wondering if he was bullshitting me or not. When he didn't yell just kidding, I knew he must have been serious. Questions floated to the surface, but one seemed to be the most prevalent. "What was the task?"
The older man simply shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't give you specifics. The rules are clear and state that every man's trial is his and his alone. Anyway, they might have changed the challenge since my time. What I can say is that it tested my limits. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too."
He paused, his eyes glinting with the ghosts of memories long past. "It was a night of self-reflection because you have a hard choice to make. I had to confront the question of what it means to be human. The fears, the hopes, the dreams, and the desperation."
A cold chill crept up my spine, but I refused to show it. I wanted to ask more, but I had the feeling that Van had said all he could. Every trial was different, so I couldn't map out what would happen that night.
Van cleared his throat, bringing my attention back to him. "You're brave, Easton. Braver than you think. You'll face your trial, just as every Chevalier before you has. Not only will you surpass it, you'll emerge stronger on the other side. Remember, it's not like passing or failing an exam. It's about discovering who you truly are."
It wasn't the answer I wanted, but I couldn’t help but think that even without admitting to any specifics outright, he'd still given me a thorough answer. Yet it was one I hadn't been expecting.
"That makes sense, in a weird way."
