Blake’s eyes fluttered open. He thought he’d heard someone speaking.
The first strains of early morning light slanted through his window. They heated his forehead and pillow as they increased in strength and numbers.
He was still a bit groggy but his mind worked hard to get him alert and aware of his surroundings.
There was a nameless anticipation in the air. Something had shifted during the night.Blake stood up, stretched and grabbed a shirt off the chair next to his bed.
He looked at his watch. It was 7:45 am. If he hurried, he might make it downstairs in time for the continental breakfast buffet.
The Blackway La Quinta was nothing like the way of life he was accustomed to but he wasn’t here for the amenities or the tourist attractions. He had a job to do.
Blake left Aerie’s Crest* and moved to Blackway six weeks ago. His father didn’t tell him why he was here, but then again, he never did.
Blake’s life changed dramatically when he turned eleven. He could still remember that day vividly. It was a bitterly cold February morning.
Blake woke up before dawn and began to make his way downstairs, excited to spend the day fishing and hunting with his dad and stuffing his face with his mother’s delicious birthday feast.
The Owr’s were all morning people so he was anticipating a house filled with commotion and conversation. Instead, the stillness hit him before he was on the last step.
The lights were out all throughout the house except for one. The circular chandelier that always hung too low showed Blake’s father Aldric Owr sitting at the dining room table. His large hands were folded one atop the other, covering something Blake couldn’t make out.
“Sit down, son.”
Aldric said these words without looking up or moving at all.
“Dad,” Blake said, “what’s going on? Where’s mom? Where are Nathan and Stone?”
Aldric looked up at Blake for the first time. His deep gray eyes weren’t harsh or cold. They looked serious but not angry or bleak. Aldric Owr sat up from the table and placed one hand on Blake’s shoulder. He pulled out a seat for his son with his other hand.
“Happy Birthday, Blake,” Mr. Owr said.
“Your mother and your brothers are safe and doing well. They’re visiting your aunt and uncle for the day.”
Blake sat down across from his dad.
“Blake it’s time you learn the truth about our family.”
“The truth?” Blake said, “Dad, please tell me what’s going on.” Nothing about this day made sense and he needed that to change.
“Fair enough, son” Aldric said with a chuckle. “Blake, the Owr family isn’t like ordinary families, we’re protectors.”
“Dad, I don’t mean to be rude, but what the heck does that mean?”
Aldric didn’t laugh this time. “I’ll show you, Blake. Your training in our family’s history starts today. When Nathan and Stone turned 11, I started their training too, but your training is a bit different.”
“Why is mine different?” Blake asked. He could feel a charge in the air. Although he didn’t understand any of this, it was stirring something deep inside of him. Blake leaned forward to make sure he heard what his dad said next.
“Because you’re the Kestrel, Blake. You will protect the world from destruction.”
*The Owr family estate