Duck Lake illusion; diverted

"kill."
aventus was not far off the mark — while evien led as their bruin-leaf, merrick was happy to consider his son even so early for the mantle that wore heavy round his own neck. and the rookish queen loved the boy; her pride in him was apparent always.
"and be ready for anything." 
there was, of course, always the possibility that the ruling pair would not return,
but merrick had faith in he and in she and in them.
"evien is a good mediator. but do as we do," and he glanced to his nightshade, "and listen to yourself." aventus was in need of training, of conflict, of strife; what better way than to immerse him now.