Part Fifteen

The next week, Trist told me about groups and leaders.

“Daes can be found all over the earth, but there’s always a system,” Trist started. “There are groups of six plus a leader. The leader is usually chosen by heredity, which is kinda stupid if you ask me.”

“Yeah,” I put in. “Others should have the chance to lead.”

“Precisely.” Trist nodded. “Leaders are also trainers. They train their group and teach them about Daes. When it’s time for another leader to join the ranks, he or she is taught by another leader. Since it’s done in heraldry, that would mean older siblings and parents teach the next generation.”

“Wait,” I interrupted as a thought struck me. “John is a leader, which means I’m a leader, and he should teach me.”

“Yep,” Trist confirmed.

“And that also means my mom or dad is a leader.”

“You got it.”

“Maybe that’s why Dad is away from home so much! Do Daes do a lot of stuff abroad?”

“If that’s their job, then they can.”

 My heart pounded with hope. Maybe he wasn’t fighting with my mom. Maybe he was just on a difficult mission!

“What sort of jobs do they have?”

 Trist shrugged. “General superhero stuff. Like, have you seen Hellboy?”

“That kind of stuff?” I was worried again. “Could… could my dad be on a dangerous mission?” I asked quietly.

Trist shrugged again. “Maybe. But you shouldn’t worry about it too much. I’m sure you’ll see him safe again.”

I wanted to believe him. Really, I did. I willed myself to believe my dad was safe.