Cycle of Fire

3. Chapter 3: A Simple Request-2

A slight sheen of water filled Kaya’s eyes and a wide smile crept across her face. She rolled toward Lucas, nestling her head between the gap of his arm. “How come you’ve never called me that before?” she asked.

“Honestly, I just remembered. I must have buried that memory away after she died. You remind me of her sometimes. Do you not like it?” Lucas asked.

“I love it!” she replied, giggling. “Now I need a nickname for you.”

Lucas and Kaya laughed together while Rin watched from his workshop window above. He chuckled to himself and returned to his work table. “Those two are so happy together. It reminds me of the old days,” Rin whispered to himself. The kindly medic had worked tirelessly for most of the day, so much so that he began to feel faint. He rested for a moment, panting heavily. “I’m getting old. This used to be so much easier,” he huffed. Rin glanced toward the spellbook Tarin had given him twenty years prior. He c****d his head, expelling a worn sign of two decades. “Perhaps, I may have to rethink some things,” he pondered.

Several miles away, in Haven Hollow, Bartas and Siena argued about Nolan’s whereabouts. Nolan had grown into a curious young man of rebellion. On many occasions, the young ruffian had found himself in some kind of trouble with the city guards, often on the run from the local authorities. While Bartas defended his son’s troublesome developments, Siena grew more impatient with each rebellious offense.

“He’s just young, Hun. He’ll grow out of it,” Bartas argued.

“Damn it, Bartas! I will not let our son become a delinquent,” Siena protested.

“Siena, he’s young. Let him have his fun. He needs to screw up. It’s how I learned.”

“Bartas, having fun is one thing. Starting a thirty man melee in the pub down the street is just unacceptable.”

Bartas paused to consider his wife’s words. “You have a point there but I was just as rowdy at his age. I’m not so bad now,” he argued.

Siena glared at Bartas sarcastically.

“What?” Bartas replied.

“Please, Bartas, both of you act like you’re still twelve most of the time.”

Bartas smiled and approached Siena with his arms outstretched.

“No, Bartas. Don’t touch me. I’m furious with you right now.”

He wrapped his hands around Siena’s waist. She looked away, doing her best to ignore him.

“Listen. I know he’s a little trouble maker now but he will grow out of it soon. I promise. I won’t let our son become another delinquent. Besides, he takes after his old man. He’ll accept the responsibility of life soon enough,” Bartas softly replied.

Siena glanced toward him, a reluctant movement. She looked away smiling, captivated by his devilish grin. “Oh…damn you, Bartas, and that pretty face. I swear if our son becomes another pirate I will be the end of you. I swear it.”

“I promise, Siena. He’ll be fine,” Bartas replied with a smile.

Siena kissed him and they both returned to preparing their evening meal together. Moments later a loud knock at the door startled them.

“Bartas, could you get that please?”

Bartas rushed to the door, peering through the window on his way. “Uh oh,” he murmured.

He took a deep breath and opened the door. Two city guards stood behind Nolan holding the young troublemaker’s hands behind his back. Both officials stood with fierce gazes. Nolan smirked, his eyes anxious, and avoiding his father’s roaming gaze.

“Was it the chickens? It was the chickens…wasn’t it?” Bartas asked.

“He was caught sneaking into the armory with some friends. It’s dangerous in there and only restricted personnel are allowed,” the female guard replied.

Siena heard the commotion and joined Bartas at the door. She cringed when she saw Nolan in between the frowning guards.

“Bartas, this is the last time we can let your boy off with a warning,” the second guard warned and pushed Nolan into the house.

“Hey, don’t push me,” Nolan protested.

“You have a good day, Bartas,” the female guard said. “Keep him in line please. We can’t brush this off anymore,” she warned as she stepped away with her partner. Bartas closed the door, glaring back at his grinning son.

“Okay…I know what you’re thinking,” Nolan said, his hands rising in defense.

“Nolan, I understand that at your age the prospect of living dangerously is preferred, but there comes a time when you just have to say what I am doing is stupid. Today may be one of those times,” Bartas said.

“Come on, dad, this is coming from the guy that has slept with every well known princess, priestess, and pirate queen on the whole continent,” Nolan countered.

“First of all, that was a long time ago. Second, it was not every one of them. It was one princess and one pirate queen. Third, don’t talk back to me boy, I am your father,” Bartas retorted.

“Well, father, you’re not exactly a saint. You have no right to tell me what I can and can’t do,” Nolan replied, sinking himself into a nearby chair.

“Nolan, listen to me and listen to me closely. You are twenty-seven years old and still running around getting into trouble like a child. I thought that by this time you would have established a family of your own and become an honorable man. Why do you do this, Nolan? You’re so much better than this?” Siena said.

“Mom,” Nolan whispered.

Siena kneeled beside Nolan and caressed his face. “Nolan, I love you, and as your mother, I’ll say this once and only once. If you don’t straighten up and become the man that I know you really are, I will never forgive you,” she whispered. Nolan stared back at his mother, stunned by her words. They were honest and weighty. Nolan dropped his head nodding. “Yes, ma’am,” he replied.

“Bartas, talk to your son,” Siena said and returned to the dinner preparations.

Bartas grabbed a wooden chair, slid it across the floor, and sat down in front of his sulking son.

“Son, what’s wrong?” he asked. “I’ve seen enough to recognize a cry for help so…lay it on me, kid.”

“I’m restless, dad. I feel like I was meant for something greater than just being stuck in this city. I want to get out and explore the world like I did when I was little.”

“I understand, kid.”

“I’m sorry I keep getting into trouble, but ever since our last adventure, I crave exploration. I want to see the world, get out there and explore,” Nolan passionately replied.

“I see. Maybe one day soon you’ll get that chance, but for now, please just stay out of trouble. Your mother worries herself sick about you. Promise me.”

“Yes, sir.” Nolan sighed and retired to his room. Bartas joined Siena in the kitchen and rested his back against the wall.

“What did he say?” Siena asked.

“He’s restless. He wants to explore the world like he did as a child.”

“I see. Well, I never intended him to stay here forever, but I know how dangerous the life he wants to live can be. I don’t want him to get hurt.”

“I know, but he needs this, Siena. He needs adventure. Maybe we should let him go. Besides, if I had missed out on some of my adventures I would have never met you,” Bartas replied, playfully wrapping his arms around Siena’s waist.

“Bartas, be careful. I’m handling hot objects here.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of that,” Bartas said chuckling, fondling her ears with his lips.

“Not now, Bartas, you’re going to make me burn the house down if you keep this up,” Siena replied with a smile.

Across town, Maya and Dastan had settled in for the evening. Night began to fall and darkness blanketed the city. They both lay in a warm bath together talking.

“I can’t get it out of my head, Dastan,” she said.

“I know you well enough to know that you obsess over these things. And for good reason. Maybe we should talk to Julius.”

“I should have done so when I first had the vision. It’s just…”

“You don’t want the conflict to begin again,” Dastan said, completing her sentence.

Maya closed her eyes, sighing. Dastan could sense Maya’s torment. It ate away at her like termites, crumbling her foundation. She was her own rock, yet he was a rock of his own, one of support. He slid through the water toward her. “Look at me, Maya.” Maya opened her eyes and smiled after Dastan gently kissed her forehead. “Everything is going to be alright. We managed last time…we can this time too.”

“We should at least inform the others.”

“We will, but right now, try to rest your mind.”

Dastan sensually kissed Maya along her neck as he slid his hands across her hips. She positioned herself in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck for support.

“I love you, Dastan,” she whispered.

“You too,” he replied, silencing her thoughts with a kiss.

As the night passed the city fell into a tranquil silence. After their bath, Maya and Dastan returned to bed for the night. Maya lay awake, unable to sleep, as was often the case. Vivid images of her vision replayed in her mind. The image of Orthenius’ smiling face tormented her most of all. She rolled over and watched the rhythmic rising of Dastan’s chest as he slept peacefully next to her. She smiled and slid her fingers against his warm face. Dastan moaned as he repositioned his head closer to her. Maya glanced toward her sword in the corner. “We have to fight again, don’t we?” she whispered. She snuggled closer to Dastan, soon drifting off to sleep as the images of her vision dissipated.

The next day, Maya awoke to the sound of knocking. She hustled out of bed to answer the door.

“Good morning, Maya,” Harken greeted.

“Good morning, Harken. How are you today?”

Harken had become old and arthritic, yet his eyes still shimmered with a youthful fire.

“I’m doing well, young lady. There is someone here to see you. He looks like a messenger. He is waiting downstairs.”

“Thank you, Harken. I’ll be right down.”

“Ma’am, would you mind if I took a short rest after our business has concluded. This cold is really taking a toll on my joints.”

“Of course, Harken. As much as you need.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Harken bowed and left to inform the messenger of Maya’s impending arrival.

“Dastan, wake up. We have a guest,” Maya called.

Dastan sat up groaning. He dangled his feet over the edge of the bed, yawning. “Who is it?”

“A messenger.”

Maya and Dastan’s eyes met, each knew what the other was thinking.

“I’ll get dressed immediately,” Dastan said.

Once dressed, Maya and Dastan headed downstairs. The floor of their extravagant guest room had been furnished with a dark, royal blue carpet. A rounded table sat in the middle of the room surrounded by several chairs. Maya recognized the messenger when she approached. “Ah, I remember you. Elrick, right? We met in Ariculon years ago during the construction,” Maya recollected.

“You remember? Yes, I’m Elrick. I’ll get right to it. I was sent by Gains and the council to inform you that Orthenius has destroyed the city of Hinnoc,” he said, handing Maya the physical summons. “They request the presence of you and your friends immediately,” Elrick informed.

“I see. I’ll contact my friends immediately. We will leave for Ariculon shortly. Rest here for a while. The stable hands will provide you and your horse with food and water.”

“I will take him there ma’am,” Harken offered.

“Thank you, Harken. When you’re done you can take your leave,” Maya replied.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you,” Elrick acknowledged.

Dastan and Maya glanced at each other. “Do it,” Dastan said with a decisive nod. Maya pressed her fingers against her temples and closed her eyes.