Enflamed (Book 2) (28 page)

“You dare doubt my words,
boy?!” Kyniythyria growled. “Cease this senseless talk. If you were truly as
evil as you claim to be, then I would’ve not entrusted you to find my child—in
fact, I would’ve killed you myself while you slept in
my
cave. I sense
there is more to your story than you let on, Kaijin. But alas, the goddess
forgives those pure in heart. If it were not so, then you would not be standing
here telling me your woes.”

Zarya bit her lip. “Forgive
me, Great Mistress, for not offering that comfort and assurance that Kaijin
needed during his times of trouble. I’ve said and done terrible things—I
failed....”

Kyniythyria snorted. “Then fix
those failures, learn from them, and do not make them again, lest you are
determined to fall from grace.”

Zarya nodded quickly and stood
beside Kaijin. She touched his shoulder—soft, soothing. He shivered,
disinclined to shake her off. She bowed her head and said almost inaudibly,
“Forgive me, Kaijin.”

Her soft words surprised him,
and yet, they seemed to be just enough to ease his troubled heart.
Forgive
me, as well.

“Now, then, Kaijin,”
Kyniythyria continued, “
tell
me about the voices you
mentioned you heard.”

Kaijin sighed. The last thing
he wanted to do was recall that sinister voice.

He heard the Flames. He
always
heard the Flames. “It crackles. It tells me to destroy. It tells me to punish.
It demands my obedience. Then, I feel like I’m dreaming and someone else is
controlling my body. Recently, I’ve found myself able to cast any fire-based
spell without the use of components. My fire ... sometimes it turns white and
burns so hot, I’m certain it can melt the skin off a person. And yet, it feels
wonderful.”

“White fire?
Interesting.”
Kyniythyria
pondered.

With the bottom of his robe
still pinned under the rock, Omari sat down cross-legged. “You act as though
that is strange, Kaijin? Even
you
should know that fire is at its
hottest state when it burns white.”

“White fire is what
encompasses Celestra’s sword,” Zarya interjected. “As it states in holy texts,
‘The fire is whiter than purity, burns brighter and hotter than the heavens; it
has the power to bring destruction to the darkest evil ...’”

“Yes, pretty much,”
Kyniythyria nodded to the priestess,
then
looked back
to Kaijin. “That is the essence of what makes you a Firebrand. What you are
seeking cannot be found here. You must travel to the Pyre in the east. That is
where you truly belong.”

Truly belong.
Kaijin had to smile at that. Would the Pyre finally
grant him a sense of belonging, something he’d forgotten for so long? Zarya’s
hand slid off his shoulder. He bowed his head to the Dragon and stepped back.
“Thank you, Great Mistress.”

Kyniythyria observed each of
them in turn. “You have all done a great service, to not only me, but to the
goddess. May
She
continue to give you strength during
your travels.”

Aidan stood, and that was
everyone’s cue to leave. Kyniythyria plucked the large rock off Omari’s robe,
freeing him. With Percival perched on his shoulder, Omari headed outside. The
rest of the group took a minute to pack enough rations and water to last them
for a few days.

“Thank you, Great Mistress,”
Zarya said as she followed the rest of the group out.

“Safe travels, all of you.”
Kyniythyria returned to her nest and curled up with her child.

After saying their good-byes
to Carver and Sigmund, who were engaged in swordplay outside the cave, the
group descended the winding mountain path for the last time.

XXIV

Kaijin and his friends had
walked for less than an hour when they arrived at a swiftly flowing river. Nester,
leading the way, halted at the rocky edge of the riverbank.

“Now what?”
Omari grumbled.

“Dead end, mates.” Nester
pointed to the rocks, dead trees, and sparse wilderness across the way. “It’s a
long way to th’ other side.”

Kaijin eyed the rushing rapids
and cringed. Miele, who soared above them, briefly flew to the other side of
the river,
then
returned.

“Is there no other way
around?” Zarya asked.

Nester shook his head.
“Nay.
The Valdell River runs a long way north and south.”

Aidan, remaining silent,
walked to the bank and waded in. The rushing waters crashed against him, but he
stood as firm as a rock. “Aidan can swim across.”

“
Swim
?!” Kaijin
repeated, eyeing the giant with awe. “Aidan, are you mad? The current is too
strong!”

Aidan shook his head. “Aidan
can handle it. Besides, water feels nice.”

“Well, that’s all well an’
good, Aidan, but what about
th
’ rest of us?” Nester
asked.

“Aidan will carry as many as
he can on back.”

Zarya blinked. “What? No,
Aidan! That’s ludicrous! Do not risk your or anyone else’s safety like that.
Please, get out of the water.”

But Aidan remained where he
was. He looked across the river to the other side, then turned back and nodded
curtly. “Aidan can do it.”

“Well,” Omari began, “unless
someone else has a better idea, it looks like that is your best bet in getting
across. As for me, I think this is where I will take my leave.” When all eyes
fell on him, he bristled. “You did not honestly think that I would be
accompanying you to the Pyre, did you? I have accomplished what I came here
for. I must return to the Citadel now.”

He can’t be serious.
“You can’t
possibly
survive the rest of the
way on your own, Omari,” Kaijin said.

Omari huffed.
“Says you.
I feel more powerful now than ever before. No one
had better challenge me. You heard the Dragon—my powers have been enhanced.”

“Kaijin’s right, you know.”
Zarya waved her finger at Omari. “These lands are no place for people to travel
alone.”

Omari gave her a cool gaze. “I
am sorry, priestess, but I have made up my mind. And no one will change it—not
even you.”

“This is foolish, and you know
it,” Kaijin said.

“Do not tell me what to do,
Kaijin.” Omari scowled.

“I’m not. You are your own
man. Why do you have to always be so damn obnoxious?”

Omari narrowed his eyes.
Percival snarled on his shoulder, echoing his master’s fury. Omari stormed over
to Kaijin and thrust his face so close to Kaijin’s that their noses almost
touched. “What did you say?”

“’Ey! ’Ey!”
Nester moved between them and broke them up. Soddin’
’ells! You two bicker worse than two brothers!”

Omari reluctantly stepped
back, still glaring at Kaijin. “I do not give a rat’s ass who he is or
what
he is. The day I am related to him is the day I drink poison.”

Kaijin scowled.
That day can’t
come soon enough.

Omari spun on his heels. “I am
leaving, and that is final. Do not try to stop me, or else.” He held up his
staff and shook it threateningly. He secured it to his back and began walking
along the riverbank, upstream.

He’d only made it a few steps,
however, when he was grabbed from behind by Aidan. The lower half of Aidan’s
body was soaked, and he left a trail of large footprints in the mud leading
down into the river. The giant held Omari by the back collar and lifted him a
few inches off the ground. Percival leaped from Omari’s shoulder, to the
ground, and wildly chirped at Aidan.

Omari thrashed. “Put ... put
me down, Aidan!” he demanded. He tried reaching for his staff, but he couldn’t
get his hand past Aidan’s big arm.

Kaijin, Nester, and Zarya
watched, not daring to intervene.

Percival nipped at Aidan’s
ankle, trying futilely to sink his teeth into the giant’s tough skin.

“As Zarya said.” Aidan ignored
the weasel. “These lands are no place for people to travel alone.”

Omari gritted his teeth. “This
is none of your business, Aidan. You—none of you understand the importance of
my test. I must not stall any longer than I already have. Now, confound it, put
me down this instant!”

Ignoring Omari’s pleas, Aidan
carried him into the river and waded back in until the water reached his waist.
“Trust Aidan for once.”

Terror filled Omari’s eyes.
“No!
Stop!”

Aidan took a deep breath and
lunged into the water.

Omari scrambled atop Aidan’s
back, pushing the giant’s head down and grasping handfuls of his hair as he
clung for dear life. He shivered. Percival ran after his master and hopped upon
his shoulder from a large rock, only seconds before Aidan swam off.

Aidan, still seemingly calm in
the wake of Omari’s panic, swam like a fish across the river, his head and body
submerged just below the surface as if swimming came naturally to him. The
rushing current crashed against the giant’s massive frame, veering him only
slightly off his path. Kaijin, Zarya, and Nester watched as Aidan went from one
side of the river to the other in mere minutes.

“Wow! I didn’t know Aidan
could swim like that!” Nester gawked.

“You and me both,” Kaijin
agreed.

Zarya smiled at them. “Aidan
is just full of surprises, isn’t he?”

When Aidan reached the
riverbank, he flung Omari off his back and returned to the rest of the group.
He carried each member one by one across the river, not looking in the least
bit exhausted when he had finished.

He grabbed Kaijin last.
Hells,
I don’t think I’m ready for this.
Kaijin was hesitant to enter the water,
but like Omari, he had little choice in the matter. He held onto Aidan as the
cold water soaked his body and face, making him shiver uncontrollably. His
heart raced, but something seemed to keep him calm. His necklace pulsated
intensely, warming his body. Miele flew overhead as Aidan swam to the other
side with ease.

After setting Kaijin down on
the bank, Aidan stretched his arms and legs. “That was good exercise.”

Zarya laughed as she finished
wiping water from her weapon. “It was! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Please
forgive me for doubting you before.”

“Aye!”
Nester grinned, sheathing his many blades, which he’d
thoroughly dried. “You make a great boat, Aidan!” He shook water off his face
like a dog, getting droplets on Zarya, who gave him a playful pout. Nester
wrung out parts of his clothes, and slicked his hair back.

Aidan smiled sheepishly at
them.

Kaijin, soaked and still
shaken from the ordeal, warily eyed the rapids. He opened his haversack and
checked its contents. The dagger was dry, but parts of his spellbook were not.
He frowned, fearing some of the pages might have been damaged.

Zarya knelt beside him and
held out her hands. “May I?”

Kaijin glanced at the
priestess. He clutched his spellbook, at first reluctant to surrender it to
her, then finally did so, slowly.

Zarya gently ran her hand
along the spellbook’s outer surface while she spoke a soft prayer. A faint,
blue glow emitted from her fingertips, and moments later, the spellbook was restored
to its former state. Zarya handed the book back to Kaijin with a smile. “There.
Much better.”

He skimmed the crisp pages.
“Thank you.” He beamed.

He glimpsed Omari nearby, and
his happiness faded. The other mage sat with his knees to his chest, his face
pale. He rocked back and forth, staring blankly at the river. Percival ran in
circles around him.

“Omari?
Are you all right?” Kaijin approached, head tilted in
curiosity. Omari said nothing. He looked more scared than someone who’d seen a
ghost. He breathed slowly. Percival chirped.

“Omari!”
Kaijin grabbed the other mage’s shoulders and shook
him. “What’s wrong? Get a hold of yourself!” Aidan, Zarya, and Nester started
toward them, but Kaijin gave them a look over his shoulder, stopping them. “No,
let me handle it. Stay back, please.”

Concern showing on their
faces, the three halted and remained silent.

Kaijin turned back to Omari.
The older mage’s eyes were hazy.
“Omari!”

Omari gasped, blinked a few
times, and looked around frantically before his gaze settled upon Kaijin. His
breathing was ragged. “Where ... I ... I am still ...
alive
?”

Kaijin was taken aback.
Is
he actually afraid?
He replied, voice low, “What? Of course you’re alive.
We all are. What happened to you?”

Omari bit his bottom lip. “I
thought ... I thought I drowned. No, I was
certain
I drowned.”

“Aidan carried us all across
the river, safe and sound.”

Omari’s expression
hardened,
and he wriggled out of Kaijin’s grip. “Right, of
course I am alive. Why would you think I would drown, idiot? I know how to—” He
stopped abruptly and shifted his gaze.

“Swim?” Kaijin finished,
raising an eyebrow.

Omari glowered at him. “Yes.
Swim.
”

Kaijin leaned back and mulled
over the other mage’s actions. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. I don’t know
how to swim, either.”

Omari’s eyes widened. He
looked behind Kaijin, perhaps to see if any of the others had heard. “Idiot!”
he snapped in a loud whisper. “Of
course
I know how to swim! I just ...
I just forgot, all right?”

Kaijin sighed. “Why can’t you
just swallow your foolish pride?”

Omari crossed his arms and
growled in his throat.
“Fine.”
He sprang up.
“
Fine!
I do not know how to swim!” He froze.

The others stared at Omari.

“Don’t know ’ow to swim?”
Nester repeated in a sarcastic tone.
“You?
Th’ Great Unstoppable Omari?”

“Nester!”
Kaijin glared. He turned back to Omari. “Look, it’s
all right. No one is perfect. I’ll make sure they keep their lips sealed about
it if you agree to come with us to the Pyre.”

Omari’s eyes widened. “What!
You are blackmailing me, now?”

“Of course
not.
You seriously don’t expect to
still travel alone after this, do you?”

“Well? Why not? I will brave
the rest of the way myself.”

“And what will happen if you
are thrown in a lake? Or forced to cross a river to escape danger?”

“That will not happen.”

Kaijin slapped his forehead.
This
is getting nowhere.
“Didn’t we have this conversation before? Surely, I
don’t think your master would be so foolish as to send you out alone on such a
treacherous journey without help.”

Omari fidgeted with his hands.
“Sometimes I believe he underestimates me. Some of the other masters did not
even assume I could successfully get my staff enchanted. Look, Kaijin. Your
help is noted, but not needed. I must prove to the masters that I am worthy to
ascend as a full-fledged mage.”

“But what if part of your
‘test’ was seeking help from others? There is no shame in that.”

Omari slowly shook his head.
“You do not understand. You will never understand. You are an outsider; you do
not understand the inner workings of the Citadel.”

Kaijin opened his mouth to
respond but quickly closed it. He remembered the time Jarial had abandoned him
during his field training—or at the very least, had made Kaijin feel as though
he was abandoned. “This could simply be a test of your pride. I may not know
the Council of Nine like you do, but I would think that even
they
would
call on each other for help when needed. What makes you so different from
them?” He paused. “Or are you simply afraid to ask for help?”

“I am not afraid of anything.”
Omari scowled.

Kaijin rolled his eyes. “You
would’ve not gotten your staff enchanted in the first place if it hadn’t been
for all of us working together.”

Omari lowered his head and thought.
He looked up from Kaijin to the rest of the group,
then
sighed deeply.
“Fine.
We will do it your way, Kaijin.
But if I am punished in any way for delaying my assignment, you will be the
first one I lay blame to.”

Kaijin nodded. Part of him was
relieved to have finally gotten through Omari’s thick skull. “Feel free to
blame me for everything. I don’t care. I’ve nothing to lose anymore. I’m only
here on this journey because I am heeding the call of the Firelord. If I’m to
be punished for obeying a deity, then so be it. I will take it willingly.”
And
maybe the voice will stop torturing me.