Black Dog(143)
“It’s a necessary gift for any Dimilioc Master,” said Grayson. Turning his head, he thoughtfully looked Alejandro up and down.
Alejandro stared at him, incredulous.
The Master’s mouth crooked with a slow humor that was edged with savagery, yet not unkind. “You have proper Dimilioc blood from your father, which is symbolically important; and Pure blood from your mother, which strengthens your control over your shadow. You hold your temper when you fight, which is crucial. You have a human brother, so you value ordinary people; you have a Pure sister, so you cherish the Pure – and if Ezekiel wins Natividad, your tactical position within Dimilioc will be strong. Especially since you will find Ezekiel does not want the Mastery himself.” He paused.
Alejandro said nothing. He could think of nothing to say.
“So,” said Grayson. “You will accustom yourself to the notion. It will not be soon. But in time. If you learn to care about Dimilioc. It is your commitment I doubt, not your strength.”
Alejandro could hardly imagine being strong enough to take mastery of the Dimilioc black wolves. He said, hardly aware he was speaking aloud, “Thaddeus – and Keziah…”
“You must make Thaddeus into your ally. The strength of your allies can be as important as your own strength. Keziah may be more difficult, I admit.” The Master added after a moment, “If your sister accepts Ezekiel, you will be well-placed to succeed me.”
This had not occurred to Alejandro, but it was obviously true. He drew a breath, but then closed his mouth without speaking. Another breath. He said at last, “I thought you… I thought I…” but stopped again, trying to reorder all his thoughts.
“It will not be soon,” Grayson repeated. “Nor at all, if you remain indifferent to Dimilioc. I will not permit any black dog locked into a narrow self-centeredness to take the succession. I will kill you before I permit that.” He looked away, at the house. He seemed in that moment… not exactly old. But worn. The humor had left him. He said quietly, “Alejandro… Dimilioc must never again have a Master who views his black wolves merely as resources to be used. It must not have a Master who cares for nothing but strength. You cherish your family. That is the drive that sets true determination beneath your control. If you would take Dimilioc, then Dimilioc must become your home and your family.”
“Yes,” said Alejandro, understanding him completely. That was not a warning, or not only a warning; it was also an invitation, and a promise. He said, finding the words at last, “It is. It will be. That’s what I want it to be. Not just for me. For us all.”
He knew he meant it. He had not realized that was true until that moment. But the words stood bright and clear in the brilliant morning light, and he knew he had never in his life been so certain of anything.