Awakening Book One of the Trust Series(104)
The remorse in Garrett’s voice was obvious. “I made a mistake. My father had sent me letters throughout the years; I thought he loved me. Like any teenage boy, they want to know their dad; they want that father figure in their life. So I left in search of it. And for the first few years, I was happy; but then his real side slowly came to light. Councilman, the things that he plans to do are atrocious. I promise, if you let me come back, I will be loyal to the Trust.”
“Do you agree with everything the Trust believes in?”
Garrett shook his head. “No. But does everyone who is a member believe every aspect? But I can promise you this. I don’t agree with what my father is planning. The Trust is the only thing that can stop him. I promise I will do everything in my power to help the Trust’s cause, if only you will give me a chance. Let me take my families place in the Tribunal.”
“We will need to think on this, Garrett. For now, you are to remain in neutral territory. I will make sure that you have protection from your father, at least for now. When a decision has been made, we will come to you. Is that understood?”
Garrett humbly nodded. “Yes. I thank you, Sir.”
Jonathan shook his head. “I would not thank me just yet.”
Caitlyn was beginning to feel dizzy from the changing scenes.
Garrett stood humbly in a large room that Caitlyn did not recognize. The various men and women that sat around him, similar in a manner to the Council chambers, looked down at Garrett imposingly. Each wore a ring on their finger and a sash around their neck, of various colors and embroidered with their family crest.
When they stood, Garrett instantly held his head down and got to one knee. His eyes never leaving the tiled floor, he began to talk. “Tribunal, I come here today humbly to ask for not only forgiveness for my actions, but also to ask to become a permanent member of the Trust. I want to restore my family’s honor once again to this Tribunal as the living heir to the Livingston family. I ask to be made Head of Household and help lead the Trust to victory against the Cine Tofa.”
A woman’s voice in a thick Scottish accent spoke up. “Garrett Livingston, please stand up.”
Garrett did as he was asked and eyed the impressive figures before him.
Her voice continued. “The Tribunal has made a decision. The Tribunal, after much deliberation, has agreed to allow you to stay in the Trust’s protection. However, you will not be allowed to be known as your true identity. As was agreed by your mother, you will remain Garrett Stevens, and will not be allowed to take your place as Head of Household. Your family’s seat shall remain empty as to a time when we feel, if ever, that your family deserves its place of honor again. Your family has broken not only our traditions, our ways, but has broken our people. Despite that, it was your father that caused that, the child must be burdened with the father’s mistakes and it is his responsibility to make up for those transgressions against the Trust. If you do not do so, then the burden falls to your child, or your child’s child. But it is a burden that you must bear and until then, no honor will be bestowed amongst the Livingston family. Do I make myself clear?”
Garrett’s face reddened and he wiped discretely at the tears that threatened to fall. It was apparent that it hurt him that he could not take his spot on the Tribunal. “Yes. Very clear.”
A man with a Spanish accent now spoke. “Good. We also have the condition that you are required to work for the Trust as the Trust sees fit, without argument. You may also be subject to random checks and searches. If you do not adhere or comply with these rules, you will be punished accordingly and harshly. Furthermore, you will not be granted the security access of a Descendant for obvious reasons. Is there anything further you would like to say?”
Garrett’s voice reverberated throughout the room. “Although you do not see me fit for this Tribunal, I shall prove you wrong and show that I truly am. I will restore my family’s name eventually, but I accept and respect your decision in the meantime. I thank you Tribunal and consider it an honor to be in your presence.”
“An Honor,” came the reply from the Tribunal in unison.
Councilman McPherson spoke up. “I speak for the Tribunal when I say that we look forward to the day when we can welcome you back to your family chair and can embrace you like the brother we know you to be.”
The rest of the Tribunal did not appear pleased with that last remark, but Garrett gave a small smile, grateful for the Councilman’s generosity of his words.