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The blade fell hard onto the chopping block causing the log to split in half under it’s force falling to the sides. Tornado hurried to put the next log on the block to be chopped as the man prepared to bring the ax back down.

“That’s the last one.” The man sighed laying the ax against the block as he wiped the sweat from his face with his sleeve, “Thanks for the help, kid.” He slapped Tornado on the back nearly knocking him to the ground stunned. “You’ve got to be stronger than that.” The man laughed steadying Tornado back on his feet.

“Sorry.” Tornado replied breathlessly.

“For what?” The man asked confused as he piled the logs in his arms.”

“For not being stronger.” Tornado looked at the man with determined eyes. “I will get stronger though. I have too.” He started piling logs into his arms and staggered as he walked. “I have to work hard so I can remember. Then I can find her.”

“Have you remembered anything about her yet?”

“No. I’m still just a baby in my memories.” His voice shook slightly as he spoke.

“You okay, kid?”

Tornado nodded keeping his eyes from meeting the man’s.

They walked in silence to dump the logs in a crate by the servant house. The man put his hand on Tornado’s shoulder. “I don’t know what happened to you in your past but I know it’s painful for you. A lot of here are here in debt to Queen Mab. We can relate to you, you know? If you ever need to talk about it you can come to me. My name’s Novich.”

Tornado nodded again but kept his eyes on the ground.

Footsteps sounded from behind the door and Tornado had to squish himself against the crate to avoid being hit by the heavy wooden door.

“Tornado! Lia, you nearly killed the boy!” Novich shouted.

“I’m so sorry, dear! Are you okay? Did I hit you?” Lia cried, “I’ll make it up to you! Name any food and I’ll make it.”

“I-it’s okay.” Tornado waved away the thought his head slightly spinning. “Queen Mab is already being too generous to me.”

“What an angel of a boy.” Lia sighed leaning down patting Tornado on the head.

“Hardly.” Tornado thought to himself as other phrases swirled through his head. “‘Demon, tainted child, wings of a raven, omen of evil.’”

“You were in a hurry weren’t you? What did you run out here for?” Novich asked.

“Oh! Tornado, dear, the maids are looking for you. The dining hall needs to be set.”

“Yes ma’am.” Tornado nodded before running up the stairs. It felt so wrong to Tornado. Caring, trust, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, they were all acts not meant for him. He was supposed to be hated. Even as a baby he was hated. The words people had said to his back then were now clearly inscribed in his mind, clearly understood. “Menace,” they called him. “Not supposed to exist.” By wallowing in his memories he felt more at ease, pained, but at ease. He was able to work harder and more efficiently.

Tornado ate back in the tables set up in the kitchen with the other servants as well dressed maids waited on Queen Mab and her ladies in waiting. Tornado didn’t speak as he ate. He ignored the carefree conversation of the others at the table.

Suddenly a plate with a small delicately decorated cake sat before Tornado. He looked up and Lia stood across from where he sat. “You’ve looked more down than usual.” She explained. “Eat up. You’ll feel better.”

Tornado obeyed and took a bite out of the cake.

Lia stared concerned as Tornado sat like a statue, fork still in his mouth.

“Wh-what’s wrong?” Lia asked fearfully, “Does it taste bad?” Novich and a few others chuckled but then looked at Tornado nervously.

Tornado shook his head and looked up at Lia. Tears shone on his face from the light of the candles. “It tastes . . . beautiful.” He smiled.

Lia walked around the table and fell to her knees hugging Tornado. “Why am I crying?” Tornado asked softly as new tears started pouring out.

“I sure hope it’s ‘cause you’re happy.” Lia laughed.

“Happy . . .”

Tornado couldn’t remember if he had ever tasted something as sweet as the cake. This feeling, happiness, was so different from what he could remember feeling. Stronger than when he was found by Queen Mab, even when he remembered his name.

“I feel . . . very happy.”