by Jade Frances
“They will be fine Evangeline, you didn’t ask for this. To control all the elements is a magnificent feat.”
I shot him a glare, half-hearted but still a glare. He wouldn’t understand, the pressure on me. The image of being the fourth when I’m not any more powerful than the girls. Using their elements felt like cheating. A betrayal to them.
“I’m going back to my fire, that’s my element and what I need to train with. If I can use air to manoeuvre it, fantastic. But I will stick to fire.” Standing tall, I had a new resolve.
“He is right Evangeline, you did not ask for this. But you have been gifted with all of the elements, and that means you must embrace it. Love yourself, love the darkness within you and love your power.” Theodore walked over to give me a quick pat on the shoulder, then resumed his position opposite me. Love the darkness within you. I looked at my ring, and ran my finger over it lightly. The temptation to take it off was rising in me. How could I embrace myself, when the ring was suppressing me? Not on tour. I remembered Demetrios’ warning. Sighing, I left the ring on. Now was not the time to experiment with that.
Hours had passed. My body was fatigued, but my mind elevated. I’d successfully sent and held my fire at least four inches away from me. A small triumph, but a victory nonetheless.
“Excellent work. Shall we resume early morning before you head on your travels? We have to get back for the Bwana Wa Shehere.” Theodore strolled toward me.
“Sure. What’s that?”
“It is a grand ceremony of which I am the master. We will swear fealty to Queen Avetta and to the cause. Thanks to you, Nzuri.”
Our walk back was pleasant. Theodore was growing on me the more time I spent with him. He was witty and made me laugh. Pearce was as stoic as ever.
“Dearest Evangeline.” Theodore paused and took my hands in his before we reached the huts. “We will swear fealty, but understand this. We are not warriors, we never have been. My clan and I are willing to support and follow you on your journey. But we will not fight.”
“Me?”
“Yes Nzuri, you are the beacon of light in this war. Our Queen Avetta may lead, but rest assured it is you that the people will come to have faith in. Only you can restore our world’s peace.” Fixing his eyes on mine, he gave me a small nod and dropped my hands.
“Erm, ok,” I replied apprehensively, not entirely sure what point he was trying to make. “But why me?”
Zafira beckoning us paused any further conversation we could have had.
“Hurry, the festivities will soon begin,” Theodore said as he walked over to greet his wife. Won’t be getting an answer to that then. Ambling behind them, I gasped when I looked at the communal area the clan shared.
This specific part of the village was the size of a football field. Usually it was empty other than a few stations here and there for chores. Tonight, it was full of clan members. In the centre stood a towering bonfire that was yet to be lit. Children ran around it, squealing and chasing each other with wooden swords. Scattered on the outskirts were various stalls. The smell of pork cooking on a spit drew me to look at the one that held the hog roast. Kyan, the eldest of Theodore’s sons, was handing out plates of food from beside it. Looking over at me, he gave a small wave. I waved back and listened to my stomach rumble while I watched people devouring their pork. I could hear the satisfying crunch of crackling as they walked passed me.
“How awesome is this?” I hadn’t noticed Rose coming up behind me until she spoke.
“It looks like the entire village is here,” I turned around to take in the other stalls. “Where’s Sandra?” I asked. Rose rolled her eyes and smiled slightly.
“Moaning about her hair. I left her getting ready to come and explore. Shall we?” She held out her arm, and I linked mine through it. Disappointingly, we set off in the opposite direction of the hog roast.
“I heard that you stormed off earlier,” Rose casually mentioned. I groaned and untied my hair, shaking it out to let it hang loose.
“They treat me like I’m owned. Like I don’t have a choice in my life,” I told her.
“Evvy, I know this has to be hard on you. But I’m sure Avetta has your best interests at heart.”
I whipped my head around to meet her gaze and thought of the few comments from others that I had picked up on.
“But does she, Rose? Because I feel like all she wants to do is parade me around to build up her following.” I sighed. Her eyebrows rose high on her forehead and her eyes went wide.
“Let’s just enjoy tonight,” I said. Before she could argue with me, I unlinked our arms and made a beeline for the food.
I felt more relaxed after I’d had the satisfaction of eating. Rose also didn’t want to talk about anything serious anymore, which was a relief. We had made our way around half of the stalls. A lot of them had various crafts and the most unusual pieces.
“Rose, do you know what Nzuri means?” I asked her as I fiddled with a hand-woven bracelet.
“Yeah sure, it means beautiful.” I raised an eyebrow at her. “Barak told me.”
“How did that come about?” I asked, curious. Heat flushed to Rose’s cheeks. She was staring at the bones hanging off of a necklace. Realisation dawned on me.
“Did he call you that?”
“Shh Evvy, they’re coming.”
Sure enough, our three guardians were sauntering over. Sandra was at their side, looking around in detestation. Her glare turned to us as she got closer.
“You’re actually enjoying this! I think I preferred Moorway House with the wolves.”
“Actually, I think it’s much cleaner here, this lifestyle suits you,” Adam piped in, throwing Sandra a wolfish grin as he came up beside them. Sandra shot him a dirty look and stopped in front of us, arms crossed. Egan was shaking his head at her, and glancing around. He looked mortified. I suppressed a giggle, but Rose didn’t. She let out a full-blown snort and chuckle. Sandra threw a punch toward her, but it didn’t connect. Rose side-stepped it quickly, but she stopped laughing. I wasn’t sure if she was about to hit back or just yell, but Avetta interrupted before either could happen.
“Do you have to act like wild animals? This is an important festivity. I expect you to act accordingly,” she snapped. “Now come on over to the bonfire. It is about to begin.”
Acting like a child, I pulled a goofy face at Avetta’s retreating form. I found the girl’s consistent mockery of each other refreshing. It gave me a sense of normality when I felt like the world was on my shoulders.
“Real mature, Evangeline,” Pearce fell into step beside me.
“No one asked you beast,” I bit back, slowing down so I could talk to him privately. There was something on my mind and if anyone would notice anything, it would be Pearce.
“Old nicknames, I see how it is.”
“Do you not find this strange? This entire tour.”
“I find it necessary.” I looked up at him to see a frown deepening.
“You do think it’s strange!”
“Some things that I’ve heard, maybe.” My lingering anger from earlier was still there, but I was intrigued to find out what he had heard. A stoic expression appeared back on his face. I sighed in frustration. I knew I wouldn’t get anymore answers tonight.
The bellowing sound of a horn carried on the breeze. Making its way to us loud and clear. Next to the bonfire Theodore was standing with his family, on a small raised platform. An enormous ivory horn was in his hands. He blew through it again. Everyone shuffled forward, congregating around them. Me and Pearce followed suit, edging our way to the front.
“Welcome one and all, to our first Shehere. Since settling here, we have come to no trouble. We remain hidden, we stay safe and our children prosper. But now has come the time to choose a side. There is an impending war that has in the past year been silent, other than the whispers that have carried to me. It is threatening to change our way of life. To destroy our existence if we refuse to follow The Veil. Who w
ants that?” Gasps and mumbles rippled through the crowds. I looked around, watching people clutch their children close. Whispering to their loved ones. Surely this isn’t the first they had heard of it.
“We have been fortunate enough for Queen Avetta to approach us with a choice. We can support the cause of light without offering anything in return,” Theodore paused to bow to Avetta. “Zafira and I, have always put the clan first, and we will continue to do so. We are not warriors, but we are capable of assisting in many other ways. We can spread word to fellow clans and offer supplies and healers to those who may be in need. It is your choice whether or not to participate.”
Murmurs of agreement laced through the crowd. But fear was clear as well. This was the first time I had heard of our tour being referred to as the cause of light. I focused my attention back on Theodore when he continued to speak.
“This ceremonial bonfire represents our clan swearing fealty to said cause.” Zafira handed him two tiki torches. Theodore took it from her and looked into the crowd. Scanning it until his eyes met mine. “Evangeline, would you please join me to do the honours of lighting it?”
Everyone’s eyes turned toward me. I froze. Why me? Avetta is right next to him. Gaining my movement back, I looked toward Pearce. Who seemed as shocked as I. With a shrug of his shoulders, he nudged me forward. I shuffled toward them, wanting to retreat more than anything. I glanced nervously around me as I reached the platform, Theodore held out his hand to hoist me up. Trembles ran through me as I realised how exposed I was standing up here. Passing me a torch, he smiled reassuringly and gestured for me to stand opposite.
“Thank you, Evangeline. May you light our torches please?” Inwardly, I groaned. Now he wants me to use my gift in front of everyone. Just get it over with and get off this platform. With a small flick of my wrist, I lit the torches with my fire. Ignoring the surrounding gasps. “Now we shall light the bonfire at the same time, unifying our people,” Theodore boomed at the crowd. Just before my torch touched the wood, someone shouted from the crowd. Drawing my hand back, I turned to look.
“If we follow her, surely they will come for us anyway,” a middle-aged man was shouting as he pushed himself to the front.
“Ah, dear brother Zurich. That will not be the case, I assure you. We have a minor part to play in this.”
“Why should we believe that?” Zurich challenged.
Theodore’s shoulders tensed, and his eyes blazed.
“They will come for us regardless Zurich! Would you not rather have allies to flee to, than die?” He barked. I noticed a dark shimmer around him. That’s his aura, something in my mind told me. Zurich wilted and slinkered back into the crowd. Pearce’s words of warning came back to me. You can never trust a fae.
Not uttering another word. Theodore grasped my hand and gave me a nod. Following his lead, I held the torch to the wood and waited for it to ignite. Within seconds, the flames licked and danced across the bottom of the pyre. Blazing their way up to the tallest point.
Still holding my other hand, Theodore turned to face his clan.
“It is done. Let us enjoy the festivities.”
I dropped Theodore’s hand and made my way to the edge of the platform. I was dying to get off and make myself invisible. Avetta crossed my path before I made it.
“You did well, be proud. Don’t be disconcerted if some speak out.” She said in a clipped tone. I was positive she would have preferred to have been the one lighting the fire.
“Thanks. Can I go?” I shuffled around her, not waiting for a reply. I had to get out of the watchful eyes of everyone. Thankfully, a group of dancers made their way to the front of the bonfire and drew the attention of the crowd. I watched for a moment before slipping into the shadows.
Lightning lit the cavern once again. My hair was damp and my palms were sweaty. I surprised myself when I found I could rub them down on my jeans. I’d never been able to do that before. Pearce was at the forefront of the action. Adam not far behind him. The girls were nowhere to be seen. Screams echoed around me. They always did when I entered this realm of dreams. I fought hard to block them out. The guy who was all too familiar to me now, was standing on the opposite side. Not moving, just watching. This time, though, I could move. Jumping down from the ledge, I made my way toward him. Trying to ignore the chaos around me. His eyebrows rose in surprise and his mouth opened. No sound came out. His frown deepened the closer I got. He started shaking his head and backing away. I held my hands up and stopped edging forward. His head cocked to the side as he looked me up and down. The frown on his face lessened. Again his mouth opened to speak. Nothing. I held a hand up to my ear and gestured that I couldn’t hear him. He tried again.
“Cole.”
I gestured wildly with my arms, not understanding. He shook his head, eyes wide with what seemed like fear.
“Go back.”
A consistent scraping outside the door to the hut roused me from sleep. Rolling on my side, I groaned and held the pillow over my head. It didn’t stop. Throwing a blanket around my shoulders, I stood up quietly. Careful not to wake the girls. Tiptoeing my way to the door, I eased it open and peeked out.
“Adam, really. The sun hasn’t even rose yet,” I whined to the wolf standing in front of me. With a wag of his tail, he trotted off to the back of the hut. With a huff, I followed. I pulled the blanket tighter around me as the cool breeze blew across my bare arms. As I peeked around the back, I noticed he was nowhere to be seen. A small surge of energy appeared, and Adam stumbled around the other side. Hopping into jeans as he headed in my direction. I looked away, uncomfortable with his half naked form in front of me.
“What is going on?” I hissed. Still averting my eyes.
“Follow me, something’s going on at the door,” he tapped me on the shoulder. Only then did I look up to see him fully dressed.
Sneaking around the village felt odd. There were no signs of anyone awake and I wondered what on earth Adam was talking about. Nevertheless, I followed.
Once we reached the outskirts, Adam backed himself up against the clay wall and sidestepped toward where we had first entered the village. I edged my way along next to him, then tapped him on the back and held my hands up in question. His finger rose to his lips, and he pointed toward the doorway, which was open. Frowning, I edged closer until I could hear the voices on the other side.
“There is a new energy beyond your border, Theodore. I can feel it from here,” one voice was saying.
“We have some visitors. But nothing of concern to you nomads.” I recognised Theodore’s voice. His tone was friendly, but direct. What’s a nomad?
“We are travelling North to the mountains. It is not safe on low ground.” The other voice was gruff and low. His words were laced with urgency.
“We are all as safe as can be, traveller. I can give you supplies to help you on your way.”
“No one is safe. Word has it they do not need her anymore. The rise is upon us.”
“Follow me for provisions,” was all Theodore said in response. Their feet were shuffling toward us. Adam grabbed my hand and pulled me away. We jogged our way to the nearest hut and hid behind it. We had just made it before three men stepped through the doorway. Theodore was the only one that I recognised. I couldn’t see clearly from our viewpoint, but the other two looked ragged. They had various layers of clothing on and enormous rucksacks mounted on their backs.
Again, Adam pulled me further into the village. The blanket kept slipping from my shoulders, sending chills down my spine. When we reached his hut, he yanked me inside.
“What’s a nomad? Who are they?” I looked around at how immaculate Adam kept his hut. The total opposite to how Sandra described how the pack lived.
“Nomads are people with no permanent home. They travel from place to place. Did you hear what they said?” He took a seat on his bed and I sat next to him. My breathing was laboured from the running and sneaking around.
“Yeah. Made little sense though.
”
“No, but Theodore had given me the impression his community was well hidden. That nomad acted like he knew him, like he had been here before.”
A knock on the hut made us both jump.
“Evangeline, are you ready to train?” Theodore’s voice sang through the door. I looked at Adam.
“How did he know I was here?” I muttered.
He shrugged at me and gestured to the door. Shuffling in the blanket, I pulled it half open.
“I just need to get dressed, I’ll meet you there. At the same spot?”
“Yes, that will do,” he replied. I gave Adam one last puzzled look and made a dash for my hut.
Twenty minutes later, and I was standing opposite Theodore. Calling my fire to me, I took a deep breath and asked what was on my mind.
“How did you know I was in Adam’s hut?”
“I am rather sensitive to people’s energy signatures. Especially those who are strong. Yours is very strong,” he gave me a pointed look. Crap, he must have sensed me at the doorway. Smiling, I gave him a small nod and concentrated on my fire.
“Let’s try something different today. See if you can use air and water to form your fire into smoke tendrils.”
I hadn’t mastered moving it with air, and now he wanted me to try this. Shuffling my feet to get good balance, I took up a wide stance. Holding my fire in place, I called to water. With fire in one hand and water in the other. I called to the air. Positioning it just behind the water, I carefully moved both toward the fire. Excruciatingly slowly, I doused the fire with only a minimal amount of water. Then I guided the air toward it. I attempted to curl it up and around, and watched as small smoke tendrils began to rise. Using the air again, I made them dance in the open space before us. When my eyes met Theodore’s I knew they held glee.
“Breath-taking Evangeline. It is beautiful to witness you homing in on your gifts,” he held his hands up in an extravagant gesture. Pride beamed from me. It was my first attempt, and I had done it.
