An eager sensation flowed through Kaijin. It was the same feeling he’d always felt as a child whenever he tried to stick his hand in a burning candle. Kaijin’s smile darkened. “Then I will take you.”
White fire flowed from Kaijin’s hands to Za’thaak’s body, bathing the creature in a bright, burning light. Za’thaak’s skin began cracking, and white light emerged from the cracks. Za’thaak let out a terrifying roar of pain and tried to pull away from Kaijin’s grasp, but he tightened his hold.
“Look at me, damn it! Or I will destroy you!” Kaijin yelled in a voice that even he could tell was not completely his own.
Za’thaak’s breathing faltered, then slowly, it turned its head. Cloudy, turquoise eyes stared at Kaijin, and it was Kaijin’s turn to gaze into the creature’s soulless form. All those long moments of torment. Guilt. Insanity. The truth was revealed to Kaijin. He had to take hold of those fears. Control them and never that let go.
The fire that surrounded Za’thaak began to weaken, transitioning from pure white to a deep orange hue. Kaijin could sense that the afriti’s powers were weakening. But somehow, he still felt Za’thaak’s rage lingering—this time, in himself. The brand on his back singed him, drawing a sharp pain, almost making him release Za’thaak. Kaijin arched his back inward and cried out. His tears stung his eyes, and dried to salty streams before they could reach his cheeks.
Kaijin saw the faces of his parents and brother, happy and loving, then they twisted into gruesome, burning skeletons. He shuddered and closed his eyes. All his nightmares and fears converged and swirled in his mind.
Why have you tormented me all this time, Za’thaak? Kaijin hoped that Za’thaak could communicate mentally, as he was currently unable to speak.
Za’thaak sneered. “Mortals like you would not understand my work.”
You would turn against your master, to do what you’ve done? To pose as Him for some greater goal to appease whatever is left of your pitiful soulless being?
“He is no longer my master. I am no longer bound to His will.”
No, you are now bound to Vargas’s will. A mortal whom you have relied on to carry out your ... ‘tasks’. And it was I—a mortal—whom you relied on to free you from that orb. And yet, you hesitate to kill me. Why, I wonder? Is it because of what I am? A Firebrand? Do you fear people like me, Za’thaak?
Za’thaak paused. “I fear no mortal. But you have been branded, and killing you conventionally is no longer a simple task. I require a little more time....”
“Your time is up,” Kaijin said.
Za’thaak snarled. “And what do you intend to do with me, Firebrand?”
Kaijin wanted so desperately to avenge the deaths of his loved ones, but then he would be no better than Za’thaak—bloodthirsty, ruthless, uncaring. Kaijin never wanted to lose control of himself like that again. That feeling of bitterness had seemed to eat at his own soul, and he knew he would never find peace. You are going to serve me. From this day forward, I am claiming you. I am your master. Kaijin released Za’thaak from his hold and took a few steps back. Come here.
Za’thaak’s gaze locked on Kaijin; the afriti slowly stepped forward.
Kaijin smirked, pleased that the afriti had obeyed him. He held up his charm. You’re going to live in here. Contained in the very source of your own torment, where Almighty Ignis will always bear His gaze on you. He paused and thought of Ranaiah at that moment, and the conversation they once had about the nature of Ignis.
“Like the flames, Ignis is as capable of peace as He is of chaos.”
She would want me to embrace Ignis’s peaceful side, rather than His chaotic side, Kaijin mused, not caring if Za’thaak listened. Ranaiah’s soft, beautiful voice and smiling face brought a sense of calmness in him. He fixed his gaze on Za’thaak again and said mentally, No more will you cause chaos and destruction, or hurt innocent people. You will serve me as a flame that overcomes evil.
Za’thaak sneered. Its fists clenched, and it reluctantly lowered itself before Kaijin, bowing its head. “Yes ... Master ...” Afterward, fire burst from Za’thaak. The flames drifted into the charm and disappeared.
XXXI
Jarial felt himself pinned to the ground by something he couldn’t see. He felt weak and couldn’t concentrate on his spells. Bright white flame surrounded him. There was nowhere to escape. Jarial squinted at the wall of fire. He heard Tachus and the others groaning, but he couldn’t see through the wall. Were they hurt? The fire’s heat intensified. Jarial felt as if skin was melting, but he felt his face and looked down at his hands and realized that he was unscathed.
The fire slowly died down, revealing Kaijin, who stood alone with his back to Jarial.
“Kaijin?” Jarial called. “Can you hear me?”
Kaijin didn’t answer. His head was down, and he appeared to be holding something. His clothes were ripped and torn, the remaining tattered edges smoldered. Part of his back was exposed, revealing what looked like a dark tattoo of Ignis’s symbol.
Strange, Jarial thought. When did he get that?
The afriti was gone, and the fires that burned around the room subsided. The hanging tapestries had burned to tattered, blackened scraps. Shards of stained glass from one of the broken windows above had melted into puddles on the tiled floor.
Jarial drew in a breath. The sight reminded him of Easthaven.
Everyone else lay on the ground, their heads covered with their hands. They soon began to stir.
Nester got up first, groaning and rubbing his head. “Ugh! What in th’ soddin’ ’ells ’appened?”
The others struggled to their feet.
“Kaijin,” Omari said, looking toward Kaijin, who remained still with his head inclined downward. “Whatever it was he did must have worked.”
“Aye? But what did ’e do? Did anyone see?” Nester whipped his head around to look at at the rest of the group.
“I did not,” Zarya said, shaking her head. “So much fire everywhere, I couldn’t see.”
Jarial cautiously approached Kaijin, focusing on the symbol on Kaijin’s back. The mark appeared to be branded onto his skin, producing a raised scar. Jarial sensed strong magic emanating from it—not exactly arcanic in nature, but extremely powerful. Could that be the afriti’s doing? Or perhaps ... Ignis? He stopped beside Kaijin, who was clutching his charm and appeared unaware of his surroundings. The charm gave off a pulsating white glow, as though alive. Jarial sensed that the charm’s magic exuded tranquility.
“Kaijin?” Jarial called again, leaning his head in. “Please answer me. Are you all right?”
Kaijin’s head slowly turned. His eyes flared briefly with fire then returned to normal. He nodded once and said in a shaky voice, “I’m all right, Master. Everything is all right.”
“How did you ...” Jarial began in a whisper.
“I can’t explain how, but somehow I knew what to do.”
Four guards approached the two of them. Omari, Nester, Aidan, and Zarya stood around the guards and looked at Jarial and Kaijin. The remaining guards converged around Vargas, who lay motionless, facedown on the ground.
Tachus pushed his way through the group and Jarial. He stood in front of Kaijin, gazing upon him with surprise and curiosity.
“Young man, what have you done?” Tachus asked.
Kaijin looked at him blankly. Then, without warning, he began to fall forward.
Tachus caught him in time, and Jarial assisted, putting Kaijin’s arm around his own shoulder to keep the young man on his feet. Tachus released Kaijin and let Jarial handle it. Kaijin’s eyelids fluttered, and his face was pale with exhaustion.
“Easy now, Kaijin,” Jarial said. Straining to hold up Kaijin’s dead weight, he beckoned Aidan’s assistance.
The half-Dragon drew near and effortlessly picked Kaijin up in his arms.
“Honored Shak’ha,” Jarial said. “I humbly request your permission to allow Kaijin to rest here at your mansion.”
Tachus gave a curt nod and
gestured to the four guards to escort Aidan and Kaijin away. Once they were gone, Tachus stormed over to Vargas. The remaining guards quickly stepped back from the enraged shak’ha. He grabbed the old man by the back of the robes and hefted him up to his feet. “You! Vargas ...”
“My business with Tachus remains unfinished,” Omari muttered.
Scowling, Jarial spun around and glared. “Kaijin almost died saving your pitiful hide, boy, and all you can think about is your own revenge?”
“You do not understand, Master Glace. Tachus is—”
“Enough!” Jarial saw a spectrum of colors cross his vision as he felt his rage rising. “Part of being a member of the Nine is knowing your priorities. Your selfishness will one day cost you your life.” Just as Xavorin’s did him.
Frowning, Omari lowered his head.
Nester opened his mouth, about to speak.
Not wanting to hear whatever nonsense Nester had to say, Jarial barked, “Silence!”
Nester mouthed the words, but no sound came out. Blinking in surprise, he tried again with the same result. He glared at Jarial.
Jarial returned his attention to Tachus, who was firmly shaking Vargas by the shoulders.
“Wake up, fool!” Tachus demanded.
Vargas groaned. “What ... What happened? Where am I?”
Tachus narrowed his eyes. “Do you not recall the chaos you and that creature caused here?” At Vargas’s blank look, Tachus growled, and shook him again, more roughly. “Your betrayal to me?”
Vargas grunted. He looked at Jarial a moment, then back at Tachus. “I—I don’t understand,” he whispered, confused.
Tapping his chin, Jarial looked back at his companions. Zarya appeared deep in thought about something. “What is on your mind, my dear?”
Zarya looked back at Jarial, but didn’t respond. Instead, she approached Tachus and Vargas and said, “Honored Shak’ha, I don’t think Vargas is your enemy, nor has he ever been. He’s been under the influence of the afriti, whom Vargas probably believed was a servant of the Firelord.”
Vargas’s mouth hung open. “What? But—”
“And what would a Celestran priestess know about the Firelord’s servants?” Tachus asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
“My friends and I met a Dragon, who told us about the nature of afriti,” Zarya explained. “They serve Ignis and do not simply destroy without reason. They do not create chaos for the sake of chaos. But this particular afriti apparently went against the Firelord.”
“For what reason, I wonder?” Tachus asked.
Zarya shook her head. “That, we may never know.”
“But Kaijin might,” Jarial interjected. “He is a Firebrand, after all.”
Tachus’s eyes widened slightly. “Truly? You will have to tell me of all this, then. But in the meantime, Vargas’s actions against my city—and me—cannot be forgiven so easily. He will have to earn my respect and trust again.” He gestured to the remaining guards, and they took Vargas away. Tachus turned his gaze to Omari. “And as for you, you seem to still be bent on having my head for the death of your master. I stand by my previous response about the matter.”
Lightning flashed in Omari’s eyes. “How dare you!” He moved forward, but Jarial held out his arm, stopping him.
There’s more than one way to resolve this mess.
“Shak’ha Tachus,” Jarial began, “if you do not turn yourself in, you will be a wanted man and hunted to your death by the Council. You cannot run forever. Even if you manage to avoid us, your guilt will consume you, and you will die broken and powerless.”
Tachus’s lip curled. “And who do you think you are, dictating the terms of my life?”
“With all due respect, I am trying to make this as easy as possible for all of us. You helped us stop the afriti, so there is some merit in you. I think I have a solution to your dilemma.”
Omari gazed wide-eyed at Jarial, but wisely remained silent.
“Turn yourself in to the Council and send your son, Saris, back here to rule Zebi in your stead. Then, at least, the honor of your family’s name would not be completely tarnished.”
Tachus rubbed his chin. “And what does the Council intend to do with me, should I turn myself in?”
Jarial sighed. “That, I do not know. I am not the one to make the final judgment.” He was not as well versed in the Council’s politics as he once had been, but he had a feeling that not much had changed since his days as a member. “I will see to it that your efforts in helping us are mentioned, which may soften the punishment the Council recommends.” Since they’ll probably recommend death.
“I will give you an answer soon, Jarial Glace.” Tachus walked down the hallway back toward the main room. Masrah, who had been standing against the wall, practically hidden in plain sight, peeled himself from the wall and followed.
When the echoes of their footsteps could no longer be heard, Omari muttered, “I cannot believe this. You are being too lenient with him, Master Glace!”
Jarial raised an eyebrow. “Lenient? Saris won’t be considered for the Council position if he takes his father’s place here in Zebi. Your Council seat will be practically guaranteed at that point. That is what you wanted, was it not?”
Omari averted his gaze. “Well ... yes ...”
“Jarial, can you really prevent Shak’ha Tachus from possible death?” Zarya asked in a near-whisper.
Jarial shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“If the Council puts him through a fair trial, then it is very well possible,” Aidan spoke up.
Jarial looked to the giant. If only you knew, Aidan.
Nester waved his hands, trying to get Jarial’s attention.
With a frown, Jarial turned to the brownie and disabled the silence spell that still lay over him. “No comments about what you’ve seen, Nester. I am not in the mood for your quips.”
Nester pouted. “I wasn’t gonna say nothin’!”
Jarial whirled and started down the hall. “Good. Because now I think is a good time for us to see about Kaijin.”
XXXII
Kaijin awoke late that evening to the sound of Sable’s purring and the tingle of her vibrating body against his legs. He opened his eyes and stared up at the low wooden ceiling where Miele clung to the grooves between the slats. She stretched her wings and yawned, and then turned her ochre eyes on his. Happiness filled his mind as she swooped down and landed beside him on the bed.
Kaijin sat up, propping himself on his elbows. His mind swam back into focus. He thought about all that had happened earlier, and one image remained branded into his mind.
Za’thaak.
The mere thought of the rogue afriti made Kaijin involuntarily grab the charm he wore around his neck. The charm felt hot to the touch. Za’thaak was contained within it, and Kaijin wondered if the afriti could still hear his thoughts. Kaijin stared intently at the charm and concentrated.
“Do not waste your time toying with him,” a fiery voice whispered from the candle sitting on the bedside table. “He is insignificant. Weak. He will soon learn his place.”
Startled, Kaijin blinked out of his meditation. Ignis? Holding his breath, he looked at the candle, which burned steadily. When the voice didn’t reply again, he exhaled. But you find pleasure in toying with me, it seems.
Sable lifted her head up from her curled position and watched Kaijin. She meowed once to get his attention.
Kaijin looked from the charm to Sable, and then to Miele. “Have you two been keeping me company while I slept? Thank you.” He smiled and scanned the rest of the dimly lit room. He heard light snoring and looked toward the corner, where the candle’s ring of light outlined someone sitting in a cushioned chair.
Sable purred louder, and her eyes gave off a subtle white glow before returning to their normal, haunting green. Kaijin slid out of bed, retrieved the candle, and tiptoed quietly to the figure. The candle cast its light over Jarial’s youthful face. Jarial was fast asleep, and Kaijin smiled, wa
tching him. It was the first time he had seen his master looking at peace in a long time.
Sable leapt off the bed, crossed the room and jumped into Jarial’s lap. Jarial woke with a start. “Gah! Sable! What in the—” He paused and looked up at Kaijin groggily. “Oh, you’re finally up.”
Kaijin smiled. “Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.”
Jarial shooed Sable off his lap and stretched. “It was quite a day today. How are you feeling?”
Kaijin set the candle down atop a low, wooden bureau. “I feel fine, Master, though still a little shaken. I can still remember much of what happened.”
Jarial scooted to the edge of his chair, his gaze intense. “Do tell.”
“I absorbed Za’thaak’s power. I don’t know exactly how. I felt so much malice in him—so much pain and vengeance. It was similar to how I feel when I get really angry and unable to control myself.”
Jarial rubbed his finger over his lips, his eyes never lifting from Kaijin. “Go on.”
“I was able to control Za’thaak and contained him in my necklace. He ... listened to me. The Dragon was right when She said that afriti always serve a master.”
Jarial dropped his hand. “So you enslaved that creature? You did not kill it, after all it had done?”
“Part of me wanted to, but I think I can make better use of him if he serves me so that he would learn to serve Ignis again. Za’thaak is a creation of the Firelord, after all. Despite his past deeds, I think he can be made into a great and powerful ally if he is steered in the right direction.” Ranaiah would probably want it that way, too.
“I think it’s a bad idea, Kaijin.” Jarial frowned. “What if Za’thaak betrays you like he did Ignis? What if he tries to corrupt you like he did Vargas?”
Kaijin shook his head. “I do not know what he was trying to achieve before or why, but I managed to stop him. If he betrays me, then I know to stop him again. If he is wise, he will not try to contest with me or Ignis anymore. Because perhaps next time, I may not spare him.”
“And what exactly do you intend to do with him?”
Flameseeker (Book 3) Page 30
