♫ I stand on the cliffs with my son next to me.
This island, our prison, our home. ♫
A good father knows that his child follows his example more than his advice.
Legend tells of a man named Daedalus. A loving father who was trapped, persecuted and condemned. In order to lead his family to safety, Daedalus knew they must escape. He knew that if he stayed where he was, dangers would befall su familia.
♫ But I’ve got a plan and some wax and some string
Some feathers I stole from the birds
We leap from the cliff and we hear the wind sing
A song that’s too perfect for words ♫
In wings fashioned by hand, Daedalus and his son Icarus took to the skies. For if they could only escape their prison, they would be safe.
Or so he thought.
You see, efforts poor fathers make to keep their children safe can wind up leading them into greater harm.
The boy flew too close to light that burns in the sky and the wax on Icarus’s wings melted. The handmade wings that his father had made for him the very thing that ultimately killed him.
For no matter how much he warned his son of the dangers of flying too high, he put Icarus in harm’s way. A well-intentioned father that ultimately failed to keep his son safe when it mattered most.
♫ But son, please keep a steady wing
You know you’re the only one who means anything to me
Steer clear of the sun or you’ll find yourself in the sea ♫
Maxwell Rijen, you are a man who has know his fair share of persecutors. For Arcadian heroes as yourself, it comes with the job. One cannot fight for the scales of justice without ruffling feathers.
But your life changed one fateful day. Those bandages tell that story, of the day you flew too close to the light. When your wings melted. The day you failed as a father, putting tu familia in harm’s way.
♫ Won’t you look at your wings
They’re coming undone, spreading at the seams
Stay clear of the sun
For once won’t you listen to me? ♫
Every fight you’ve fought since then has been for your family. For James, you have fought. To vanquish the death of your wife, you have fought. You took to the waters of the Odyssey Pool and became a monster, for the sake of your family.
Yet your Icarus has followed you every step of the way. Even when you told him not to, you have brought nothing but dangers into his life.
The true test of fatherhood is how well you can keep your child safe. You, Daedalus of Arcadia, have failed time and time again. Your wings burn, and it is only a matter of time until your son finally flies too close to the light and the very symbols of your love and protection will be his downfall.
My songs are filled with sons of fathers that couldn’t keep their children safe. Don’t let James be next.