“I think it’s a guide,” Kay said. “Or at least something to strive for. Something very different and very beautiful for each of us.” Without taking her eyes off it, she asked him, “What do you think?”
“I think we’re very lucky to have you.” He released his lantern and Kay followed suit.
The wind quickly swept Yostre’s lantern off to the west, but Kay reached inside herself, touching her spark with its lingering strength, and guided hers forward and upwards. The wind battered the lantern, working to pull it in every direction but towards the Fire Eye, but Kay continued to push it on its course. The story tied to the launching of the lanterns was that one made a wish and sent the lantern upwards. If it passed through the center of the Fire Eye, the wish would be granted. With her newfound power, maybe she could get closer than anyone ever had.
When the Fire Eye had opened, she’d wished for revenge. But she’d found that herself. She thought on the snake in the smoke, hunting the helpless. Was her new wish for a guardian? Someone to flay the snake, hold its skin up to strike fear in the hearts of others who stalked the weak, the children. She continued to guide the lantern, feeling the flame as a part of her.
No, what she wanted was an answer. She’d never been one to look for answers to the larger questions. Never one to look beyond her next case, the next step before her. She’d let the winds carry her where they willed, bending to fit in different worlds while fighting to hang on to the core of who she was. She’d taken what she’d been given and put it to work for her. But this latest struggle had raised so many questions. Questions about who she was and what the spark inside of her meant. Why her? Why had she been chosen?
She’d lived so long without answers she’d forgotten they existed, somewhere. Tonight she would find one. She would ask the Fire Eye whether she was truly chosen. And if so what it meant. And what she should do.
The Fire Eye was near its Closing and she needed to hurry if she was to reach it. She gave a start as she felt someone take her hand and she lost control of the lantern. The eager winds tossed it off its path as she turned to face Yamar.
Kay swallowed whatever she’d been preparing to say when she realized they were alone. Yostre and Enos had left the Summit Balcony. She wondered when last someone other than Yostre had had this space to themselves. “You scared me,” she said, looking back towards the Fire Eye, not sure if she’d just lost a chance at answers or been given one. She let out a deep breath, one she hadn’t quite known she was holding. “You scare me, Yamar.”
“I don’t want to,” Yamar said. “I don’t mean to. I don’t ever want you to be afraid. Or hurt. Or helpless.”
Her lantern was lost among the thousands of floating lights. She’d lost so many things. Could she risk losing another? “What if people like you and me aren’t meant for love and happiness?”
“Isn’t that up to you and me?” He gestured to their surroundings. “We’re on top of the world, but even if we were in the lowest ditch, it is our choice whether to open our hearts to love. Or maybe not, I’m no expert.” He smiled and took her hands. “It seemed I had no choice in the matter. My heart certainly could have found an easier path.”
“I don’t think either of us excels at the easy path.” Kay wanted to turn away, or run away, but not as much as she wanted to be right here. “Come here,” she said, and pulled him close to her.
His head lowered and there was a moment of tension before their lips met, both of them trembling in anticipation and fear. As they kissed, Kay felt the last of her borrowed strength leave her. It was replaced by a different fire, a hot passion, a hunger that scared her. Yamar’s arms were tight around her, making her feel safe and loved. The world around them, the ground below and sky above, fell away as they held each other.
Kay was brought back to reality as a stray lantern made its way onto the balcony and bumped into them. It could have been moments or hours since they’d been left alone. She didn’t know. Kay gave the lantern a gentle push, first with her hand and then with her spark, sending it back off the balcony to mix with the thousands of other floating lights. She hugged Yamar in close, pressing her head against his heart. They were surrounded by whirling clouds of lanterns, dancing in the high winds.
“Every one of those is someone’s hopes and dreams, Yamar. Will you help me keep them safe? There are dark things that will hunt them in the night when there is no Fire Eye above to bless its champions with courage.”
“Of course I will,” he said, as calm and confident as ever.
Kay pulled him closer and pressed her cheek to his chest, listening to his heart thrumming, a steady beat. She knew he would. He was a protector, like her. Like Joah. Like Abi and Ewan and so many more of those whose hopes and dreams circled around them. Kay closed her eyes for a long time, then opened them again. The Halo Balcony was visible in the distance, ruining the view. As she turned to the other side, all she could see was Jyurik’s perch at the Baymo Hotel. Another lantern floated past, another life, another set of hopes and dreams. She held Yamar tighter, wishing there was a way to stay here with him forever. She sighed deeply, knowing her job wasn’t done.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” she asked.
“I’ll stay with you for as long as you’ll allow me.”
“Good,” she stepped back and smoothed her cloak, “cause we still haven’t found Marlo Lammet.”
“Who?” Yamar looked bewildered.
“One of the Atoned. He was on my list. He hasn’t turned up among the dead. Probably fleeing the city in fear of retribution.”
“This is the one with the blackbird tattoo? We’ve been checking every Chosen we catch up to.”
“But he still hasn’t turned up. I want to help him get home again. Will you help me find him? Tonight?”
“I don’t know,” Yamar grumbled, looking out over the city. “It sounds like kind of a shitty date.” He laughed at her look of dismay. “Of course, Kay. Where do we start?”
“Not here,” she said, taking his hand and looking around her beautiful, treacherous, complicated city. “We’ll find what we’re looking for someplace else. Let’s go.” Kay turned and led Yamar to the stairs. As she descended, above her, unwatched, the Fire Eye closed.
THE END
Author’s Notes
Thanks, as always, so very much for reading. I was thrilled to return to Kay’s world and very glad you joined me here.
Reviews are very critical in spreading the word about books, I’d be very grateful if you left a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
You can learn more about me and other titles by signing up for my mailing list through the following link http://eepurl.com/c3aDDL or by visiting samuelgately.com.
If you’ve enjoyed Kay’s adventures but haven’t yet glimpsed the other side of the Sea of Colors, I’d recommend taking a look at my Spies of Dragon and Chalk series, where two spies wrestle with the chaotic return of dragons.
Cheers.
- Sam
The Fire Eye Chosen_Sequel to The Fire Eye Refugee Page 27
