After stopping off at a couple more places, I began to pick up on the veneration and esteem that everyone seems to treat Aydin with. I’ve noticed most people used the wordpaladinlike a title, and it reminds me that I have no idea what it means.
“So where do paladin fit in the supernatural food chain?” I finally query after leaving the phone store where people seemed to fall all over themselves to help Aydin.
He chuckles. “We’re not separate entities, Vinna. We’re still casters.”
I look at him confused. “But you guys always call yourselves paladin, not casters?”
“Well, because technically, that’s what we are now; what we’ve earned the right to be called. Paladin are like an elite police force for casters. We are the top tier of warriors and guardians. The word paladin references what we do, and when someone uses it as a title, it’s a respectful way of acknowledging our rank amongst casters. It’s like sayingofficeror something along those lines.”
“Gotcha, that makes sense," I acknowledge, watching the scenery of the town flash past the car window. “How do you become a paladin?”
“There’s a lot that goes into it, but for starters, to even qualify, you need to have either powerful magic in one of the branches, or moderate magic in more than one branch. Then there is rigorous physical training and years of skills testing before you can earn a place as a paladin," Aydin explains, and his pride in his accomplishments overflows as he speaks.
“Speaking of which, it looks like we’ll be headed out soon on another case. Lachlan is finalizing the details, but we shouldn’t be gone more than four days.”
I wait a couple of seconds to see if Aydin will offer any more details about what they’re going to do, but he’s quiet. Figuring it’s aneed to knowtype situation, I don’t press for more information. Besides, it might be nice to have the mega-mansion to myself. Lachlan has a library in his office I’ve been dying to raid, but his grumpy ass is always in there.
We park in front of a nondescript little white building, and I’m ushered inside and greeted by a man at a desk. He shakes my hand and quickly covers the look of delight on his face when he spots Aydin behind me. They engage in some small talk, the details of which are lost on me, and I find myself once again searching the room for clues as to what this place is.
“What can I help you with Paladin Calix?’ The man asks.
I smile because I’m now in thepaladinloop and know what the heck it means.
“We are in the market for a car,” he explains to the man.
“For fuck’s sake, Aydin!” I screech and move to get up.
“Hear me out” Aydin begs. “You need to be able to get around here. You’ll have classes to get to. Eventually, you’ll have friends you want to hang out with and places that you’ll want to go. We live far enough out of town that you’ll have to drive.”
Classes I’ll have to go to? What the hell? I shove this new information aside and focus on the argument I need to win.
“There are garages full of cars at your mega-mansion, why can’t I just drive one of those?”
“All of those cars have owners, and they will want their car available to them when they need it.”
I glower at him for a minute, a plan formulating in my head. Aydin takes my silence as compliance and gives me a victorious smile before continuing.
“I want something top of the line, four-wheel drive, all the bells, and whistles," he states.
The man starts typing away, and after a couple of minutes, he flicks on the large TV mounted on the wall behind him. On it are two SUVs. He starts showing Aydin the features of each vehicle, comparing the pros and cons of both. I wait patiently until he turns his attention to me. Aydin finally asks my opinion, and I offer him a tight, sweet smile.
“This -” I point to the screen. “is not happening.”
He frowns and opens his mouth to say something, but I cut him off.
“That is a ninety thousand dollar car," I exclaim. I know that because the numbers at the bottom of the screen change as they add and remove features. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that’s the price tag.
“No way inhellthat is happening," I say again, pointing to the screen, so there is no doubt about what I’m referring to. “If I need a car, fine I won’t argue, but I can’t rationalize spending that much money on a car. I’d be afraid to touch it!”
Aydin and the car man both laugh at the last part of my rant.
“You need a car that can handle the weather up here. There will be snow, ice, rain, and animals that you’ll need to be able to navigate. I would feel better if I knew you were in a safe and reliable vehicle. These are the best, and I want you protected by the best," Aydin proclaims.
“Aydin, that SUV is an overly extravagant, unnecessary purchase. I don’t need bulletproof windows or armor plating.”
“What’s your point?” Aydin deadpans.
“There has to be some sort of compromise here," I insist. “There has to be a vehicle that checks all your boxes but doesn’t cost ninety thousand dollars… and isn’t a fucking tank," I throw in for good measure.
