Chapter Twenty
Decision
‘So, you two are finally friends again. About time!’ Aaron grinned as he walked to the town’s entrance.
‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘I guess I forgot how forgiving and nice she really is.’
‘Do you think you and her will ever-?’
‘No.’ I said firmly. ‘Neither of us feel that way anymore, but I’m glad we’re friends again.’
‘Does that mean you accept Annie’s relationship with Chuck too?’
I wrinkled my nose but gave a reluctant, stiff nod.
‘Don’t worry, he’s been in love with Annie for years; he won’t hurt her. Besides, I think he’s still a little scared of you, so a friendly reminder will keep his…intentions respectable.’
I grinned at this, seeing Aaron answer with a mischievous chuckle.
‘Just let me be there when you do, it will be the greatest entertainment of the year!’
We stopped outside the town’s entrance, turning to look at the archway.
‘So they finally did it, huh?’ Aaron said. ‘They’ve asked you to carve it?’
‘Yeah, I guess they’ve noticed the odd carving jobs I’ve been doing over the years.’
‘It’s going to take years for you to carve this thing.’ Aaron whistled. ‘Hope you weren’t planning your Tempit mission anytime soon.’
I frowned, biting my lip.
‘I…’
‘I thought that was you!’ Iris interrupted, coming up from behind us. ‘I heard from Annie you’ve been hired to carve the archway. Congratulations.’
‘Thanks,’ I said, puzzled. ‘Were you just out in the desert?’
‘Yeah, I’m teaching my class about the desert and plant life, so I wanted to get some samples to show them.’ She said, holding up a wooden basket with cactus’s in.
‘In that case, you should show them some Opuntia ficus-indica too.’ Aaron said.
‘Opuntia ficus-indica? You mean a pear cactus?’ Iris asked.
‘Yeah, it’s edible and it will be a good survival tip for them. I can show you a good spot for them if you like.’
‘Sure, that would be great.’ Iris beamed. ‘Aaron, right?’
‘Yep, good memory. Are you coming too, Dint?’
‘I need to head to Laven, so I can head part of the way with you.’
I stayed silent as we walked, letting the two of them chat. I spotted Aaron flirting and Iris responding, surprised but not upset.
I guess they do have similar personalities.
‘Well, I need to head this way.’ I said, unable to hide my knowing smirk. ‘You two have fun.’
Perfect. Those two will have each other when I leave for Tempit.
‘You’re looking pale.’ Eilir said as I poured ash into his pouch. ‘Are you unwell?’
I shook my head, fighting a wave of nausea.
‘I don’t think this is from me.’ I admitted, ‘I’ve only felt like this since arriving here.’
‘So it is Firo.’ He said wispily.
‘I think she’s dying. I need to go to Tempit and help her. Will you open a portal for me?’
‘Only if she allows it,’ he said. ‘Speak to her tonight, and hear her decision.’
The ash field was being assaulted with wave after wave of pain. Stabbing, bleeding, tearing, shredding pain. I roared out in agony, searching for the familiar red blob.
Where are you?
I am here, little one. Came the tired voice. I spun around, my big body clumsy, seeing her in the distance. Like always, I couldn’t get any closer.
You’re dying! Let me help you! I’ll come to Tempit and save you.
You’re not ready, she said softly.
I can’t let you die!
I will die, there is no changing that. Are you ready for what coming to witness it will entail?
I shook my head, the whole of my long neck moving with it.
I can’t become you, I’m human. I’ll come and save you instead.
She fell silent for a long time. I was afraid her presence had disappeared.
Firo?
…Go with Rafferty to the fire temple. If you still decide to come after being there, I will not stop you. Go there and decide your destiny once and for all.
The next wave of pain woke me up screaming.
‘Will you come with me?’ I asked Lennie impatiently.
Lennie blinked calmly, sipping his mug of tea as he thought. He hadn’t complained when I’d barged into his house so late after returning, just sat and listened.
‘So it’s begun.’ He sighed, looking tired beyond his physical age. ‘You really can’t stay sheltered here anymore, can you?’
I didn’t answer.
‘Give me two days, young Firo, and then I will take you to see the fire temple. Perhaps then, you will finally understand.’
Scribbled Thoughts 