“Sir, you must understand that the boy is having difficulty adjusting to the new environment. I have tried many strategies to keep him on top of his studies." Rebecca paused. "Though, since I have appointed him a coach, he is reclusive and distant from me."

    A low growl echoed through the vacant hall. "A coach?!" The demon king snarled, scraping his horns against the back of the chair. "You gave him a coach?!? I do not remember the part of our contract in which outside forces intervene in the upbringing. Surely, you haven't forgotten the deal I have with your ancestors!"

     The woman's breath caught in her throat as she fell to her knees. "Sir - please-" she gasped, cradling her left arm in agony. "Th-the ox...oxygen-n, s-sir..." She clawed at the tattoo as the soft, soothing sound of the lord's laughter covered her like a blanket. 

     "Get up."

     As the man's voice interrupted her begging, Rebecca forced herself to sit up. She was still struggling to take in a lung full of air.

     "Have you not tried one of my children? I have one that's been nagging me for a host." The man looked at the mother as if she was a cockroach. "You're lucky to be in this chamber. Call one of your maids if you're really that stubborn about staying on the ground. I'm sure that new one can handle it. Sallia, was it?"

     "Y...yes," Rebecca whispered. "I can get her down here. No worries, sir."

     "The name I have given it is Brandon. Your son will address it as that. I will write to you when it is fully prepared." He took out a notepad, scribbling down something. "Rebecca, go up and rest. I've exerted myself enough today. Oh, and the boy? Well, he has to learn somehow. 'Award' him until he understands his purpose. You can figure it out. You're not the smartest of my disciples, but you're not the dumbest. I trust you will know what to do. He has to learn. He has to know his destiny. It's in his blood."

     "Of course," Rebecca stammered. "Of course, my lord, I'll get right on it." Bowing, cradling her arm, she rushed out of the room.

Wow what a crazy wacky turn of events. Anyways here's the Q&A!

Q: how often do you write and when did you start?

A: Thanks for the first question, Glen! I started this story about four years ago, give or take. I try to write at least once every day, even if it's just a sentence.

Q: What are the main characters' favorite bands/genres of music?

A: unidentifiedkiwi sent this one in. What's that, folks? We have an answer? That's great. Kevin listens to Christian rock, Samuel likes video game OSTs like the Tetris theme (it slaps), Charlene jams out to hard rock with her dad on the weekends, and James would prefer to listen to lofi, but Ronald keeps putting on classical 80's hits (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun).

Q: How do you come up with your character names?

A: Specifically for Kevin, I have a funny story. Just looked up 80's baby names, scrolled untill one fits. That's pretty much it. Thank you for the easy answer, mkbtoys.

Q: What do I see on her arm?

A: That would be the tattoo! All of Blackbird's worshippers / followers have it. It is supposed to look like a bird spreading its wings to protect people. Glad I could clear it up, indianamarn!

Q: How are all of these connected?

A: Wow, great question, Past Me! I will now be updating the author's note (bottom of screen, before next page) with what entry is related to the current one. This is totally a "go back and see what you missed" kind of thing. Have fun, though!