"Bend? Bend to what? My own son coming to my home to throw knives at me, furious at me for... for what? For something I was not aware of, some idiotic rivalry?

And you... you're acting as if I did something to him to cause this.

But. Apparently that is exactly what I deserve according to you. According to him. So why should I be surprised?" His eyes were getting red and glassy again, but he refused to let his emotions get the better of him.

"It did not hurt so much coming from him. He is a child. An angry child. My fault as well apparently.

But from you, Athelstan..." He bit his lip, shaking his head free of the train of thoughts that crowded it, "As for you and Dodger, I only wish you had said so sooner."

He turned away, heading into the kitchen. If nothing else, he could just follow Athelstan's example and drink this all away.