Page 4 of The Heir
“That’s right. We understand the value of energy work and so do people who come to us to learn. These future leaders didn’t come to us. The council asked us to demonstrate and that’s what we’re doing. Whether or not they realize the importance of our work makes little difference to you and me.”
“But…” I kept my gaze on my mother’s shoes as I spoke words that I knew would disappoint her. “I wanted them to be impressed with me.”
My mom caressed my red hair. “I know, Angel. That’s a natural feeling.”
Finally looking at her, I admitted, “I wanted Thor to like me.”
My mom’s smile was soft. “I could tell. I’m sorry that Thor wasn’t nice to you. Why do you think he behaved the way he did?”
I spoke with hurt in my heart. “Because he’s a jerk?”
My mom shook her head. “Honey, you can do better than that.”
Looking back at the group, I saw Thor pushing at Mason, clearly not doing the energy work at all. Closing my eyes, I inhaled sharply and tuned into his energy.
“He… he…” With a sigh I gave up and opened my eyes. “I’m sorry, but I can’t get it. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today.”
My mom caressed my hair again. “Your emotions are blocking you. That happens when we get attached to visions of how we want things to be. Would you like me to tell you what I sense in Thor?”
I nodded.
My mother closed her eyes and took a second. “I’m sensing a fear of inferiority in Thor. There’s enormous pressure on him. He’s the leader of a group with four participants much older than him. Freya is sharper than he is. Mason and Indiana are larger and stronger. Aubri is braver than him. Thor grew up too fast with an urgency to impress everyone. There was never time for him to be a child, not really. He’s constantly reminded that he’s the heir, but it makes him feel like a fraud.”
“It does?” My tone was full of surprise, as I had always seen Thor as strong and confident.
When my mom opened her eyes and looked over at Thor, her face radiated empathy. “He’s trying so hard to be what he thinks others want him to be. That’s why he couldn’t allow himself to be vulnerable and embrace energy work. How could he when he’s struggling to keep up a façade of toughness?”
“You think it’s a façade?”
My mom pulled me into a hug. “Some of it is. Thor will no doubt be a strong and powerful Nman one day, but he’s fifteen and has a lot of growing to do. In order for him to find happiness one day, he’ll need to learn how to trust himself.”
“How come you didn’t get angry at him for humiliating me?” As soon as I asked my question, I wanted to take it back. I could count on one hand the times I’d seen my mother truly angry in my lifetime.
“You thought he humiliatedyou?” She tilted her head. “I’m sorry, Angel, but as I saw it, Thor humiliated himself.”
“But he made fun of me.”
“Yes, and by doing so he exhibited his insecurities. Balanced people don’t humiliate others.”
“I don’t think anyone sees it that way but you. They laughed at his joke and it was at my expense.”
My mother looked deep into my eyes. “Linea, listen to me.”
I folded my lower lip between my teeth. “Mmh?”
“What others say or think about you is irrelevant. All that matters is how you view yourself. Today we’re giving these young people a gift. What they do with it is up to them. It’s not our place to force our gift on others. But I want you to know…”
I waited for her to finish her sentence.
“I’m proud of you, sweetheart.”
Blinking my eyes a few more times, I tried to take in my mother’s kind words.
“Linea, you are gifted beyond anyone I’ve ever met. Your energy work is practically as strong as mine and you’re twelve. What I’m asking you to do is control your ego. Pride, jealousy, and judgment have no place in your heart.”
“But it’s difficult.”
“I understand, but facing Thor provides a great teaching moment. Can you go back in there and meet him without anger and judgment?”
