Scribbled Thoughts

Chapter Thirteen

The Talk

‘Your father will no longer give you the talk?’

            I scolded at Lance’s smirk, sipping at my tea.

            ‘What’s so funny about it? My own father won’t even look at me anymore. How am I supposed to learn about everything now? Like what happens when a girl becomes a woman, or the secret of marriage. I bet Annie will find out before me.’

            Lance smiled, flexing his fingers. I eyed him wearily.

            ‘We have time before you need to leave, let me satisfy your curiosity.’

‘Interesting, even with the scales one moment your face is white, the next bright red. Does it give you a headache?’

            My head dropped onto the table. ‘Did you have to use so much detail?’

            ‘You’re no longer ignorant, and even gained a few tips for the future. Aren’t you glad it was me who gave you the talk?’

            I groaned.

            How long will it be before I can look Mum in the eye again? To think her and Father did stuff like that!

            ‘Just keep in mind, not everyone experiments the way Sapphire and I did. Now, shall we go?’

            My face was still burning when we reached Eilir’s hut. I looked up.

            ‘Eilir’s?’

            ‘Yes, he has unusual talents, and because of it he was bestowed great favour from the immortals. This certain talent led to our alliance with Ignatius and the beginning of trading. That led him to you, coincidence?’

            ‘Wait, can he see the future?’           

            Lance chuckled, instantly I felt stupid.

            ‘No, although there is an immortal who can. I merely meant you were truly destined to come here, fate designed it so.’

            His long-winded talking was giving me a headache.

            ‘Okay, whatever, can we go in now?’

            ‘You are welcome,’ Eilir’s voice interrupted. I jumped, seeing him emerge from the hut. ‘Did you rest well?’

            ‘Yeah, thanks.’ I said, resisting taking a step back as he loomed closer.

            ‘My payment seems to be helping. I’m glad.’

            I glanced down at the necklace, which had gained a green tint since this morning.

            ‘It will allow you to feel her presence even when away from Laven.’ His hands hovered over it, but never touched.

            ‘Can I help her through it?’

            His hand flinched away, a blank mask on his face.

            ‘I have no knowledge of such things.’

            I nodded, throat dry. Eilir turned away, stepping back into the hut.

            ‘Come in, we need to send you home.’

            Lance nudged my back, making me stumble into the hut. I caught myself before falling down the stairs and glared at him.

            ‘This is no time for careless questions. Eilir is an elder, don’t be so informal.’

            Like that first day in Laven, I felt like these creatures would seriously hurt me if I wasn’t careful. I swallowed, nodding as I descended the stairs, entering the main room.

            ‘Please sit,’ Eilir said, his back to me, his hands occupied. ‘It will make the journey easier on you.’

            There was no table or chairs. I glanced at Lance for approval before sitting at the centre of the room.

            ‘You will experience some nausea, and you’ll experience extra clumsiness for a few days. These effects should fade once you’ve used this method of travel a few times.’

            He turned; in his hands was a dagger he was cleaning gently with an oiled cloth.

            I remembered Lance’s warning and bit back a sarcastic comment about whether cuts were a symptom too.

            ‘I assume you know of the immortal realms?’

            I nodded, watching every movement the knife made.

            ‘The passages created to enter them are cuts in space. Only two know beings were able to do this: Eilir of Wind, and Firo.’

            My gaze jerked up to his eyes, he smiled.

            ‘And so, those entrusted with their power can also use this ability, to a degree.’

            He cradled the knife in both hands, kneeling in front of me and extending his arms.

            A rough elbow jab from Lance made me take it, mimicking Eilir’s hands. I tilted it, turned it, seeing no visible marks or feeling any connection to her.

            ‘This dagger was left by Eilir of Wind. It was used to open the entrance to the Unknown Realm in Malhand Forest. It takes someone with vast and powerful magic to use, or you must be like you and I.

            ‘It requires a lot of energy to make a permanent cut. Temporary ones are much easier, but it’s a power that shouldn’t be abused. Transporting you from one area with a seal to another holds no danger, because two permanent entrances can’t be made in the same place. Using it in a place without one could result in a new permanent entrance, and we have no control over where it would lead.’

            I nodded, handing the knife back. Eilir stood back up.

            ‘If Eilir made it, how come I would be able to use it? I don’t sense her in this at all.’

            Eilir frowned. I winced, remembering Lance’s warning.

            ‘T-that is, y-you don’t have to answer-’

            ‘I am unsure myself. Eilir and Firo were close, perhaps they shared their powers with each other. Or perhaps Firo can use anything made by the immortals. All I know is Eilir and Firo were the only two to create a weapon. Firo’s was lost long ago, and only could be wielded by her, while Eilir’s can be used by both. Now, shall we begin?’

            ‘You said I’ll end up near another entrance, does that-’

            ‘Silence now; I must concentrate. Try not to move.’

            He stood up again, the knife moving to his right hand, dangling a few inches away from my head.

            ‘Fire seal,’ Eilir boomed, quickly dropping to his knees, the knife slicing downwards.

            I jerked back, a thin black slit in the air folding open, like the corner of a page being lifted. A black void greeted me, the very air around it stuffy and dull.

            ‘Safe trip.’ Lance grinned, and shoved me head first into the nothing.

For a terrifying three seconds I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. My body felt heavy as stone, but it was moving through the nothing faster than a ball thrown in the air.

            My lungs were frozen, my eyes unseeing. Then it lifted, and a long scream escaped me.

            ‘I see he hasn’t changed.’ A voice boomed over my scream. My eyes snapped open, head turning so fast I fell on my face.

            ‘Unfortunately not, Master.’ Father’s hard tone gritted out.

            ‘Stand up, boy!’

            I shuffled away, my hard skin protecting my face from being scraped. A scream escaped me when a hand grabbed my arm, yanking me up and spun me around.

            ‘Do as you’re told!’ Father barked, twisting my arm so I couldn’t turn and face him.

            Ignatius stood at the narrow tunnel’s entrance. Fire licked the walls, but kept a safe distance from our clothes.

            I grounded my feet in the ash, Father struggling to push me. He growled and grabbed my waist, swinging me to his side, dangerously close to the flames.

            ‘You want to leave don’t you? This is the only way out.’

            I went limp, flinching as we reached the towering Ignatius, his grin widening as I came into view.

            ‘His transformation seems to be going well. Let him go, I have no use for him here. Yet.’

            Father’s grip slackened and I collapsed to the floor. Again. The weight of my backpack too heavy for my legs to move.

            ‘Didn’t you hear him? Leave!’

            I stared up at the man who once loved me. A man once proud to teach me the ways of his culture, who would laugh with his family.

            The disgust clear on his face made my eyes water.

            ‘Father.’         

            His disgust shifted to fury, a hand grabbing the backpack and yanking me up. My feet barely touched the floor as he stormed through the cave, fire parting but close enough to singe my clothes.

            My eyes cleared of tears when we entered the mid-morning sun. I crashed to the floor, tasting sand in my mouth.

            ‘Don’t call me that again. You are nothing to me.’

            I didn’t turn to see him walk back into the cave. It took five minutes before I pulled myself into a sitting position, escaping tears draining away all my strength.

It had taken me until sundown to drag myself back home. I collapsed into bed without a word to anyone.

            ‘Dimi?’ Annie asked, carrying a tray of food. ‘What’s wrong?’

            ‘I feel sick,’ I grunted through the pillow.

            ‘You’re on the bed instead of under, you must be really sick. Do you want your food?’

            I groaned a protest.

            ‘Okay. Mum got called to Felicity’s; the baby is teething.’

            I didn’t answer. Annie sighed. I felt a hand stroke my head, then her footsteps moving away.

Chapter Twelve

Eilir’s Payment

He was silent as he walked towards me, his eyes serious. I opened my mouth to scold and leer, but his eyes stopped me. I looked away. He moved past me without a flinch, bending to pick up the discarded box.

            ‘Great timing, the happy couple want to set off this afternoon.’

            I felt a pat on my shoulder, jerking at the touch.

            ‘Are you coming in? I haven’t seen you in ages.’

            I gulped as Aaron walked towards the Inn, grinning back at me.

            He’d actually touched me.

            The eating room was empty as we passed through, tables littered with dirty, empty plates. I grabbed a few as we continued into the kitchen.

            ‘So, how does it feel?’ Aaron asked, grabbing the plates from my hands and dumping them in the wash bucket.

            ‘W-what?’                       

            ‘Your skin! I mean, it looks really cool, even with that white layer over it, but does it hurt?’

            I gaped at him.

            He tapped my arm, hearing the hard echo it produced.

            ‘Man, I bet a knife couldn’t pierce that.’

            ‘I-’

            ‘What’s wrong? You look kinda sick. Does it hurt?’

            ‘H-how can you be so calm about this! Look at me! I’m a monster! My own father said I wasn’t human.’

            Aaron shrugged, his grin gone but his body still relaxed.

            ‘No offense Dint, but your dad has always been an idiot. You seem pretty human to me.’

            ‘Look at me!’ My head was in my hands, my nails clawing at my impenetrable skin.

            Aaron grabbed my upper arm.

            ‘Dint, look at me.’

            I shook my head, ugly sobs bursting from my mouth.

            ‘Do you want to know what I see? I see my best friend who went through a lot to bring his family back together and had it thrown back in his face. But you’re strong, and whatever is happening to you, you’ll do something amazing with it. Like not bleeding when you accidentally slice your arm trying to cook.’

            A sob broke into a humourless chuckle.

            ‘So forget your dad, I bet your mum doesn’t think you’re a monster, or that little sister of yours. Just you wait, in a few weeks people will be at the fabric stall, raving about wanting the same look as you.’

            He fell quiet and began the washing up, letting me sob to myself.

            It won’t be that easy. I thought bitterly. Yet his voice had been so convincing and sure of itself.

            By the time he’d finished my breathing was even again.

            ‘I doubt it,’ I whispered, as though no time has passed. ‘It doesn’t hurt much anymore, but it really itches.’

            Aaron burst out laughing, making me jump. He laughed so hard tears streamed down his face.

            The laughter died away, but the tears didn’t.

‘Well, this was bound to happen when you pick at it all the time.’ Mum sighed, dabbing cream onto my weeping arm.

            ‘But it really itches! I can’t sleep it’s so bad.’ I moaned, ‘So I thought if it came off-’

            ‘Dimi, this layer is like a scab, you can’t pull it off until the skin underneath has healed. How about you get a bath? That should help the itching.’

            I stared at the angry, bleeding arm and sighed.

            People want this skin? Aaron has no idea what he’s saying.

‘This is so unfair!’ I burst, throwing my empty water pouch on the floor. Annie looked up, alarmed, and quietly bent to rescue it.

            ‘What’s wrong with you now?’ Aaron asked, for once helping me with deliveries. ‘Trying to scare your sister to death?’

            I glared at him, conscious of the people staring all around. They were staring before I’d even spoke.

            ‘Have you ever seen a lizard get overheated?’

            ‘Um-’

            ‘How come I do then? I’m going to die of over-heated itching soon.’

            Annie let out a giggle, a little of my anger slipped away as I smiled at her.

            ‘Maybe because they’re cold blooded? They need the heat or they’ll get too cold and die.’

            ‘Great, so either I should move or hope my blood turns cold.’

            ‘Maybe you can find something to lower body temperature when you go trading.’ Annie said, putting a hand out to stop me walking, letting Aaron deliver the final groceries to Felicity’s house.

            My anger began to bubble again.

            ‘What makes you think I’m going trading?’

            ‘…Because Daddy was right, I think you need to. You started changing because you went there.’ She gave me a sharp look, a reminder I hadn’t told her about there yet. ‘If you go back maybe the itching will stop.’

            My gaze dropped from hers. I frowned in concentration.

            ‘What happened?’ She asked.

            ‘There was this dream I kept having, but it felt real. A-’

            ‘Hey!’ Aaron burst in. ‘Don’t be revealing your secrets without me! We’ve finished here, so why not go back to your place and you can tell us the whole story, alright?’

I hesitated at first, so used to pretending the things that happened were nothing. But why? Father had told me to be quiet, but look where that had led everyone.

            ‘Wow, you really did tell the whole story.’ Aaron said.

            I shrugged. ‘I thought it made more sense to explain about Ignatius as well.’

            ‘So there’s a real person in those caves? I always thought it was a statue.’

            ‘A statue? But you must have known about immortals before.’

            ‘Well, yeah, but most people see them as a myth.’ Aaron squirmed in his chair, hands resting on the kitchen table.

            ‘What? But there’s-’

            ‘Dim!’ Annie shouted, her face pale but an excited twinkle in her eyes. ‘You really met elves? And a dragon?’    

            ‘I didn’t meet a dragon. And the elves are all insane.’

            ‘Of course it was a dragon; she must be dying and searching for someone to be her successor.’

            ‘For what? Dragons are rarely seen, let alone do anything.’

            Annie just shook her head.

            ‘You’ll have to ask her. If Laven is the only place you can hear her you have to keep going back. I think it would be dangerous if you don’t.’

            I clutched at my hair, groaning.

            ‘Are you saying I’m going to become a…’

            ‘I don’t think you can completely. How could you sprout wings from nowhere? But it looks like you’re getting some…qualities.’

            I snorted.

            ‘It has to be formed from something already there. The scales…they were made from your blood.’

            ‘Great, sounds like I’m going to have tons of fun.’

            ‘Her magic will help your body adjust to the scales enough for your dead, human skin to-’ she stopped, biting her lip.

            ‘Shed?’

            ‘Cool! Can I keep it after?’ Aaron jumped in. ‘I wonder if I can use it as an ingredient.’

            I would have glared at him, but Annie did a better one.

The sun was starting to peek above the horizon when I reached the fire caves, twitching from the effort not to scratch.

            If I don’t go back I’ll go insane.

            I clutched the pouch of herbal medicine, waiting for it to take effect before entering.

            Mum would kill me if she knew I brought this. But it should help me not to care about the itching as well.

            Father stepped out of the cave entrance when the sun had risen. A look at my blank face made him nod in approval.

            ‘Good, I don’t want any trouble on this trip. We’ll go and come straight back.’

            ‘I need to stay at least one night.’

            He didn’t answer, storming past into the dessert.

‘Father,’ I called out, his sleeping gear set out four metres from me. ‘I know you’re leaving on my birthday, but…are you still going to tell me about marriage rituals, like you promised? Iris mentioned it once.’

            His glare shot across the distance, clogging up my throat.

            ‘I don’t think you need to worry about such things now. No woman will ever want to touch you.’

            He turned his back, lying down. I swallowed, grabbing for more of the herbal tea.

‘My, don’t you look magnificent.’

            I grinned back, too relieved to get annoyed.

            ‘Feeling better already?’ Lance asked, stepping back as I moved off the lift platform.

            ‘Yeah. As soon as we entered Line Woods the itching faded. Now that I’m in Laven my skin is tingling.’

            ‘Glad to hear it,’ Lance glanced up, seeing Father still on the platform, as far away from me as he could get.

            ‘Are you well, Dimitri? You must be busy preparing for your return to Firo.’

            Father just grunted, stalking over and dropping the bag of ash by my feet.

            ‘I wouldn’t want to disappoint them by doing my job. They want you.’

            His eyes brimmed with a hate so fierce I took a step back, feeling Lance’s hands on my shoulders.

            ‘You’re welcome to spend the night, as always.’

            ‘Don’t bother,’ Father spat. ‘I’m going back now. He can make his own way home.’

            He stepped past, heading towards the main street.

            ‘What’s he doing?’ I choked out.

            ‘To leave here, you need the gift of a certain elf. He can be returned home in five minutes compared to the three days walking takes.’

            ‘What?’

            ‘It’s how you were returned last time, though you won’t remember, being unconscious.’ Lance patted my shoulders, releasing his hold. ‘Still, did you never wonder how your father only took three or four days on his trips when it takes three days alone to get here?’

            I felt my face grow hot, feeling stupid.

            ‘Well, never mind, you’ll see how it’s done when we send you home. In the meantime you should get to work. A lot of people want to trade today.’

            There were four ribbons on the main street. Lance whistled.

            ‘The most I’ve ever seen put up was two,’ he smiled. ‘Already you’re attracting attention.’

            I scanned the street, seeing the yellow ribbon from before there.

            ‘See Eilir last; he’ll be busy.’

            He patted my shoulder again and moved past me, footsteps silent. ‘I’ll wait for you at home.’

            The first ribbon was a pale lilac, tied so precise it was symmetrical. The vine door parted, the ribbon falling to the floor.

            I sighed and picked up the ribbon, rubbing it for comfort before stepping into the hut.

            ‘Hello?’

            The main room was dark, a figure waiting near the centre.

            ‘Welcome, Firo’s chosen.’ An orb of light lit up in the figure’s hand. I blinked. ‘We have waited for this time to begin.’

            Her eyes were old. I swayed from side to side, shutting my own eyes to steady myself.

            ‘The ash-’

            ‘I wish to bestow my blessings on you.’

            I opened my eyes again to see her frown, studying my face.

            ‘I will use the ash to do this. Open the bag.’

            I shivered, dropping the bag on the floor and bending to open it. My fingers stumbled on the knot under her pale lilac gaze.

            ‘Don’t touch it,’ she said, her voice calm but I flinched anyway. A slight ruffle made me look up, seeing her bent down in front of me, placing both hands into the open bag. I frowned, remembering last time they’d only wanted me to touch the ash.

            ‘As the one chosen by fire, I offer you my aide. As long as our protection holds, you will not draw your last breath.’

            Her fingers were smudging a symbol onto my face, something oval. The skin touched by her responded, tingling harder. I sighed, my shoulders relaxing.

            ‘It is done.’

            The light touches ceased. I sighed again, opening my eyes to see the woman elf smile.

            ‘Welcome to our world, young one.’

Eilir stood waiting at his hut’s entrance, holding his yellow ribbon. I held back a wince, imagining a fourth round of smudging symbols on my body.

            ‘I see you saved me for last,’ he turned and entered, me reluctantly following. ‘You have already received some blessings?’

            ‘Three,’ I said, entering the main room and opening the ash bag. ‘On my face, back and chest.’ I felt my face warm up at the reminder. All three had been women, but I hadn’t dared to argue when the last two wanted my shirt removed.

            ‘Mine only requires you roll up your sleeves,’ he smiled, ‘But first, I have my payment from last time.’

            He pulled a necklace from around his neck, the chain unlocking with his touch. He dangled it in front of my eyes, its swaying lulling my mind.

            It was silver, designed in the familiar vine style popular in Laven. They were tangled and twisted together, shaping a leaf form.

            ‘This was given to me by the real Eilir before he disappeared.’ The elf said, bending down and grabbing my hand. ‘I was given the privilege of his name because of this necklace. He entrusted me to guard it until you appeared.’ He lifted my hand, palm out, and placed the necklace there.

            I gasped, feeling a presence, a comforting warmth of protection. It felt like her, but there was something more to it, another person?

            ‘It will be a great asset for you.’ Eilir said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

            Do all elves do that?

            ‘Now, shall I bestow my blessings on you?’

I sighed in relief when the dream began. It came out as a puff of smoke.

            Are you well, young young?Her tired voice drifted to me.

            I’m confused. Why did you chose me for this? What’s happening to me? What’s happening to you?

            I’m sorry, little one. It had to be you.

            Are you dying?

            There was no answer.

            Am I supposed to save you? Please let me help!

            That necklace.

            I looked down, catching a glimpse of Eilir’s necklace around my neck, the chain longer than in reality to fit round my dragon body.

            An elf in Laven gave it to me.

            The red blur moved in the distance, growing bigger.

            I’m glad.

            A sting on my head made me look up, seeing the ash falling. I shivered.

            Do not fear, little one, it will soothe you.

            Ash fell on my tense body, a thin coat that stayed unlit. It drifted to my neck, following the necklace’s chain to the leaf symbol, and melted into it. The more ash that entered the more warmth spread through me.

            I will save you, I vowed. I promise I will.

Chapter Eleven

Transformation

 ‘Where have you been? I was so-’ Mum stopped, staring in shock at my skin. ‘What on-’

            ‘Out of the way; I need to put him down.’

            I stared at Mum, not really seeing. I let my mind wander, trying to reach the ash field, but with no success.

            ‘Oh poor Dimi,’ Mum said, following Father towards my room. ‘Is it a skin disease?’

            Father barked out a wild laugh and dumped me on the bed.

            ‘Disease? If only it were that simple.’

            I was laid on my back, limbs sprawled out. The pain I’d felt from her still ached through me. I moved my hand closer to my face, tilting it to the side so I could see.

            The lines were like angry red burns, clear for all to see. I whimpered, realising the pain was from them.

            ‘Oh Dimi,’ Mum said, reaching out a hand to touch me, but unable to find a bit of skin she wouldn’t irritate. ‘I’ll get some pain-relief cream ready. Can you undress him, Dimitri?’

            ‘I won’t touch him again.’

            ‘Wha-’

            ‘I’ll be at the caves.’ He was gone before Mum knew what to say.

            ‘Well, never mind him. I’ll look after you; everything will be okay.’

Annie arrived back with a soft bang of the front door closing.

            ‘Mum?’ She called, ‘Are they back yet?’

            ‘Keep it down honey.’ I heard Mum’s hushed voice. ‘Dimi is trying to sleep.’

            I’d given up trying an hour ago, instead staring blankly at my arms covered in white cream.

            ‘Is he okay? Why were they so late?’

            I didn’t hear Mum’s reply, her voice moving away.

I opened my eyes, seeing Lennie hovering over me.

            ‘How do you feel?’

            I didn’t answer, blinking at him.

            He turned his head away towards the door. I didn’t have the energy to follow his gaze. ‘The poor thing’s wiped out from fighting the pain. Just keep him comfortable, bathe him to keep the wounds clean and cover him with more cream. I’ll come check on him as often as I can.’

It felt like my whole body was cracking. Every breath that moved my chest caused a wave of agony, the marks bleeding.

            I tried moving my mouth and felt more split open on my face, blood slipping down my chin and neck.

            ‘Mum,’ I managed a hoarse whisper, swallowed by the night.

People were talking, their voice shrill and fast. I tried to concentrate, translate the noise to words, feel my body again.

‘Dimitri, are you listening? It’s Lance. I know it hurts and you’re confused, but it will be okay. Your life was never in danger, this is a gift she’s given you. I know it’s her now, because I tried to enter your soul and she stopped me.

            ‘I know you don’t trust immortals, but I swear on my true name, Rafferty of the Earth element, that I’ll do all I can to watch over and protect you. I vow to make you live a good and long life. I will help you through this.’

My eyes struggled open, everything blurry and confusing.

            ‘Dimitri?’

            ‘Mum,’ I croaked out, wincing with regret. My throat felt like a desert.

            ‘Thank Goodness,’ she sobbed. I blinked, each time her form becoming clearer. ‘How are you feeling?’

            ‘Thirsty.’

            ‘Of course, of course. Let’s get you sat up.’ She turned her head to the door. ‘Annie! Could you get some water?’

            Mum gently wrapped her arms under my armpits, pulling me up to prop against a pillow.

            ‘There you are.’ Her voice was soothing, calm and safe. ‘Good girl Annie.’

            My eyes moved, noticing Annie for the first time. Her eyes were bright with tears, a relieved smile on her face.

            ‘You’ve been asleep for a week! Lennie had to put a tube down your throat so you wouldn’t starve.’

            I opened my mouth to speak but a cup was placed there, tilted. I gulped slowly, everything still sluggish and strange.

            The cup was taken away. The hand holding it was Mum’s, when had that happened?

            ‘I think it looks pretty,’ Annie said as Mum left the room. ‘Your skin. You can’t see it too well right now, but Lennie said it’s like a scab and will come off when it’s ready.’

            I frowned, trying to move an arm so I could see.

            ‘Oh, let me help,’ Annie’s hand was warm and soft, holding me with as little pressure as possible. She set it gently on my lap.

            A layer of dead skin was covering the new red scales. The ones on my outer arm were harder, while the ones on my inner arm, palms and fingers were softer, looking more like a pattern.

            ‘My face?’ I asked.

            ‘That’s like the ones on your fingers, really small and flat.’

            ‘So, I either have scales like a fish, or skin like a reptile.’

            Annie’s smiled vanished.

I decided they weren’t like fish scales. They were too hard, yet smooth, the strength of nails. I flexed my hand, hearing it creak like new book binding.

            I flexed both hands, staring at the drawing Annie had done of my face. I still had my hair but my eyebrows were gone. My whole face and neck were coated in a lizard type skin, red in colour. Where my eyebrows used to be the skin was bulkier, darker. I still had my nose, ears and lips, but they too were harder, like leather.

            I swung my legs over the side of the bed, relieved I still had toes. I stood up from the bed, keeping a grip on it. My legs wobbled but didn’t collapse.

            The house was bathed in moonlight, harsh whispers travelling from Mum’s and Father’s room. It took four steps to reach the door, grabbing the handle to prevent knocking into the wall.

            ‘How could you even ask me?’ Mum demanded, voice shrill with anger. ‘I could never abandon my own child!’         

            ‘He isn’t a child anymore. He isn’t human anymore. Ignatius wants him here, but we can still leave. He can live with that man he works for.’

            ‘I will not leave him here! If you’re going, you go alone.’

            A long pause was his answer.

            ‘Daddy!’ Annie’s voice cried, storming into their room. ‘Don’t leave us!’

            ‘The move is in two months, it’s your choice if you come.’

            ‘You’re not taking my daughter.’

            ‘Isn’t that her choice?’ His voice was no longer a whisper. I moved closer, standing outside their door and peering in, ready to duck back out of view.

            Father and Mum were sat on their bed, Mum curled up as far away as possible, while father’s legs were dangling off the bed’s edge. His gaze was fixed on Annie in front of him.

            ‘Well?’ He snapped. Annie flinched, taking a step back. ‘Can’t you even make your own decisions?’

            ‘Leave her alone!’ I yelled, banging into the room. ‘Stop bullying her!’

            His face changed to a look of complete disgust. I flinched, head lowering.

            ‘She has time to decide. You,’ he spat out, glaring at me. ‘Will come to the next trading trip, as Ignatius commanded.’

            I shook my head, feeling bile rise in my throat.

            ‘You say that now, but in another three weeks my master says you’ll be begging to go back. I leave for the fire caves in the morning, meet me there in three weeks.’

            ‘Why wait?’ Mum’s voice was quiet, but firm.

            ‘What?’

            ‘Why wait until morning? Leave now, Dimitri. You’re no longer welcome here.’

            I braced myself, ready to grab him, but he just laughed, stepping off the bed.

            ‘Very well. I lost all respect for you months ago, there’s no point pretending now. Have a good life, Lily.’

            He stepped past me, his footsteps echoing through the house. Annie crumbled to the floor when the front door slammed shut.

I didn’t sweat anymore. At mid-day I panted like a dog, desperate to expel the heat from my body. The large brown cloak I wore wasn’t helping, but I couldn’t bear to leave the house without it.

            ‘You should go home and rest for an hour.’ Lennie said, handing a bag of groceries to a customer.

            ‘I can’t just abandon my job.’ I panted.

            ‘It’s not busy at this time.’

            ‘I need to get used to this.’

            ‘Maybe if you took the cloak off-’

            ‘Do you want to lose all your customers?’ I snapped.

            If Lennie had asked again ten minutes later I would have gone home in a heartbeat. My head felt overheated, my skin too hot to touch.

            ‘Why don’t you deliver this to the hotel for me? I was going to go later, but now is just as good a time.’

            My whole body stiffened.

            ‘You haven’t seen Aaron since you got back. He said he came to your house but you didn’t want visitors.’

            I flexed my hands, listening to the now familiar creak.

            ‘You can’t avoid him forever.’

            The box was small, containing herbs and medicines.

            ‘Is someone sick?’

            ‘One of the guest’s been having a hard time with the heat. This is to help them on the journey home.’

            I took my time, trying to ignore the few people out. The locals stared and looked away, while the tourists stared and kept staring.

            ‘Hey, are you crazy?’ A young man stepped in front of me.

            So close, I sighed, staring at the hotel entrance beyond him.

            ‘You’re going to collapse if you stay in that thing!’ His hand reached out. I flinched back.

            ‘I’m fine; I’m a local.’ I said, balancing the box in my hands as a hint.

            ‘Not even the locals wear cloaks.’

            ‘It’s none of your business!’ I snapped. I stepped forward but he didn’t move.

            ‘Come on, you can’t be that ugly,’ he sneered. ‘I was trying to be nice, but your attitude is appalling, kid. How about handing over the box and cloak?’

            I blinked, lifting up the cloak’s sleeve to inspect. I’d made it from material the elves had traded because it was the lightest and most breathable.

            ‘You’re wrong.’ I said.

            ‘What?’

            ‘I am that ugly. In fact I have a terrible skin disease.’ I pulled the sleeve back, twisting my bare arm around. ‘Are you sure you want a cloak that’s touched me?’

            His eyes were wide with disgust, a hand moving to his mouth as he gagged. I smiled, slipping my sleeve back to pull my hood down.

            ‘Do you still want me to take it off?’

            I set the box down and slid my arms from the sleeves, letting the cloak slip to the floor. I paused a moment, letting him see the lizard-type scales covered with dead skin before turning, bending to pick up the cloak.

            ‘Here,’ I said, turning back and holding it out. ‘Take it.’

            The man shuffled backwards, his feet slipping, making him stumble. I stopped, feeling the grin spreading on my face.

            If I’m stuck this way, I might as well enjoy it.

            The man stumbled to my left.

            ‘S-sorry, my mistake.’ He stammered, flinching at my outstretched hand and sprinting away.

            I watched him head in the direction of the market stalls until he was out of sight, then turned back to the Inn.

            Aaron stood at the entrance.

Chapter Ten

Ash

I woke slowly, my whole body aching. I tried moving an arm and winced. I ignored the pain and sat up, gazing down at my human body.

            I’m still me, I sighed, gritting my teeth as I stood from the vine bed.

            I shuffled into the main room, trying to remember where the toilet was.

            ‘Good morning.’ Lance breezed in, staring as I leaned helplessly against a wall. ‘How are you feeling?’

            I glared at him.

            ‘Perhaps you’d like a bath? I have a small private one, or there’s the public spring, which will be big enough to swim in.’

            ‘Swim?’ I blanched.

            ‘Can’t you swim? Perhaps another time then. I’ll fill the bath for you.’

            I shuffled after him to the bathroom. His bath was twice the size of our wooden tub; like everything else, it was made of vines.

            Lance tugged at a vine dangling from the ceiling over the bath. Water began pouring out.

            ‘How is it already warm?’ I asked.

            ‘The source of this water is always kept heated. I’ll add some herbs to help ease your soreness.’

            ‘Lance,’ I said. ‘What was that dream? Why did it feel so…’

            ‘Real? It was real.’

            ‘But I still look like me.’ I raised my hands to check.

            ‘I don’t know what you saw, but I do know it was meant for you alone. Wherever fate leads you, this was meant to happen.’

            ‘That’s not an answer.’

            Lance smiled and pulled the vine, stopping the water. I stared down at the full bath as he sprinkled crushed herbs onto the surface.

            ‘You can handle what’s in store, little one; I have no doubt about that.’

I stayed in the bath until the water was luke-warm. My muscles were still sore, but I could move them without much pain.

            Lance had left a normal towel made of cotton. I dried myself carefully, examining my skin with a frown. It felt harder. I squinted at it, seeing faint lines.

            Are those scale shapes? I shook my head and looked again, seeing nothing.

            ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Father asked when I shuffled into the main room.

            ‘Everything hurts.’ I moaned, collapsing into a chair.

            ‘Isn’t he at the age human boys begin growing like weeds?’ Lance smiled, setting a tray of food on my lap.

            Father nodded, the hint of concern fading from his eyes.

            ‘Even so, it would be better to wait before leaving. Being transported when unwell isn’t recommended.’ Lance advised.

            ‘He’s not ill.’ Father said, ‘But we can wait; there’s no need to rush back.’

            ‘But-’ I stopped, too tired to try.

            ‘Your mother will understand.’ Lance smiled.

            I wasn’t so sure.

I barely moved that day, dozing in the chair, each time catching glimpses of that ash-filled place with the red blur far away, watching. Each time I woke Lance stood there with some tea. Drinking it always made me doze again.

            In that place I was still a dragon, unable to move my new body. I breathed in and out, feeling my body, aware of possessing another lung I wasn’t using.

            What’s that for?

            To breathe a different substance. The voice sounded amused. A stab of pain pierced the world. My eyes shot open.

            ‘Someone’s hurting her!’ I said, sitting up. Father looked at me, annoyed.

            ‘It was just a dream, son. Everything is fine.’

            ‘It wasn’t just a dream; she’s in pain!’

            Lance said nothing, his face serious.

After three days of barely moving my aches had faded. The red blur had evaded my questions about her pain, encouraging me to concentrate on my own new body.

            The scale marks had become more noticeable, decorating every inch of my skin. Father had stared at them in horror and refused to acknowledge them, barely looking at me.

            ‘What are these things?’ I asked Lance, following him out of his hut. Father remained behind, determined to leave today but refusing to help Lance with his own trading.

            ‘What do you think they are?’ Lance answered, making me want to punch him.

            ‘Don’t you ever give a straight answer?’

            ‘Only when I want to.’

            I gave up, following him as we walked away from the occupied streets to a narrow, darker road.

            Lance stopped suddenly, his posture rigid.

            ‘Hello, Sapphire. Can I help you?’

            A small light twinkled in our path, a pair of delicate see-through wings the most visible part of it. My eyes could see a small version of Sapphire in the light’s centre.

            ‘I thought you said faeries don’t exist here!’

            ‘They don’t. Faeries are beings who can only remain small. Sapphire is a farry, an evolved form who can be both elf and faery.’

            As he spoke the light around the farry brightened, growing. Even my eyes were blinded. I closed them, re-opening them slowly to see the Sapphire I’d met before standing in front of us.

            ‘What are you doing Lance?’

            ‘I think you already know.’ He smiled.

            ‘Why are you getting involved with that boy? His fate had been decided, do not try to steer him.’

            ‘He’ll see the seal eventually; why not give him a quick peek now?’

            Sapphire stared at him, her expression cold.

            ‘I will not be a part of this.’ She stepped forward, forcing us to move aside so she could walk past. ‘That is not Dagan, no matter what you wish.’

            Lance watched her back until she disappeared from view, a melancholy expression on his face.

            ‘An amazing woman, that one,’ he breathed, his face suddenly shifted into a mischievous grin. ‘Shall we follow her?’

            He wasn’t joking.

            ‘Err-’

            ‘Never mind; you need to see this. But don’t tell your father.’

            I followed him, the path growing narrower. I held my tongue, wanting to know who Dagan was, but remembering the expression the name had caused for Lance.

            My foot slipped. Lance grabbed my arm before I fell off the path’s edge.

            ‘Careful little one, it’s a long way down.’

            ‘Where are we going?’ I asked, trying to calm my racing heart.

            If I get too scared here…

            ‘Have you ever heard of the four immortal realms?’

            ‘I know that’s where the immortals come from.’

            ‘The only ones who can enter are immortals, and only through barriers at certain locations. The earth barrier is protected by the elves here. I thought you being near the seal might help in some way.’

            The path had become so narrow I had to put one foot in front of the other. The ground widened out into a round platform. I took three steps into it before I dared look up again.

            The platform would have squashed ten people on it. The design reminded me of the elevator; I shuddered. Only a green mist hovered in the centre, the height and width of two men.

            ‘Do you see it?’

            I nodded, reaching out of hand.

            ‘Careful.’

            Too late. My hand touched the mist and searing pain shot through my head. Her scream echoed through my whole body, and once again I felt it burning.

            ‘What have you done?’ Sapphire’s voice. I could only see the ash place now, the red blur a little clear, her body withering in pain.

            ‘She’s dying!’ I screamed. ‘I can’t-’

            Soon.

            I didn’t hear anymore.

‘Has this happened before?’ Lance asked.

            ‘A few times, but it’s nothing. The boy gets scared and passes out, that’s all.’ Father insisted.

            ‘Dimitri, panic attacks are dangerous when being consistent.’

It wasn’t one. I wanted to say, but my mouth refused to move, my eyes heavy to open. You know what it was, why are you lying?

            ‘They’ll go away.’

            ‘You can’t risk it. He won’t survive in Aneller; the lifestyle is too harsh.’

            ‘He-’

            ‘You’ll have to wait Dimitri.’

            ‘Wait? Wait! Look at him! What is wrong with him? His skin…’

            ‘Does it scare you?’ Lance’s voice was quiet, soothing. Father began to whisper too.

            ‘Is this because of my sin? That woman, she was…and now his skin looks…’ He trailed off.

            ‘Those two events aren’t connected. Your son has been chosen for a very special role.’

            ‘Ignatius warned me. He said the boy would be used as a tool against him if I wasn’t careful. How can I take him to Aneller if he’s going to betray me? I’ve tried to redeem myself after what I did, but…’

            ‘Dimitri?’

            ‘I need Ignatius to be Arŕ Wel. I need to be loyal to him. I can’t risk that, not for anything. Forget the stupid attacks; I can’t go to Aneller when he could be a threat. He needs to stay so Ignatius can watch him; and if need be…if he ordered me to…’

            They didn’t talk again. I retreated into the ash field, too shocked to cry.

            If you die, and Father kills me, what will happen then?

            She didn’t answer.

My mind remained in the ash field until it was forcefully yanked out. I gasped in a deep breath, eyes opening to feel heat all around me.

            Fire all around.

            Please no.

            I was off the ground, being carried by Father, cradled to his chest in a suffocating hold.

            ‘Welcome back, was it a successful trade?’ 

            ‘Yes master, although one payment hasn’t been made yet. I-’

            ‘What is wrong with the boy?’

            I was sobbing. Those fire eyes stared at me and I could barely breathe.

            ‘It happened the first night in Laven. What should we do?’

            I tried to struggle, but all my body did was a pathetic wriggle.

            ‘P-please Father. Don’t k-kill me!’ I shifted my head, burying it in his chest.

            ‘Why chose this child, I wonder.’ Ignatius pondered.

            ‘Master?’

            ‘Don’t hurt him, Dimitri. I have plans for him once his transformation is complete. He must stay in Firo, and visit Laven as often as possible.’

            ‘But-’

            ‘Does it bother you that much? You may still depart to Aneller, but the boy must stay. The choice is yours. Let me know when you decide.’

            Father hesitated for a little longer, but turned away, his tight grip bruising my hard skin.

Chapter Nine

Lance

‘Your ex-wife is crazy,’ Father complained, entering Lance’s hut without permission.

            Lance raised an eyebrow, not bothering to stand. His table was infested with dried herbs, his hands holding a small pouch.

            ‘We do not have marriage ceremonies here.’ Lance said, picking up a herb between his thumb and forefinger, crushing it, and sprinkling it into the pouch. ‘We find a mate, we stay with them, but unlike humans we don’t die of old age. Eventually everyone tires of the same partner.’

            ‘That’s not true!’ I blurted out, finally making him look up. ‘Father told me in Aneller you can only be with one person. Even if they die, you can never be with another, because they’re your soulmate, and no one could ever understand you like they do.’

            An amused smile crossed Lance’s face.

            ‘Soulmate? It’s interesting how humans sprout such declarations, yet they understand their soul less than any other being existing. Can you see your soul, child? What is inside?’

            I glared at him, clenching my fists.

            ‘Fire,’ I said. I hadn’t planned to, but the moment I said it I knew it was right. ‘I am fire.’

            Lance’s laugh wasn’t quiet, like trickling water, but loud like a man drunk and unconcerned with appearance.  He even snorted.

            ‘He’s been listening to your crazy ex-wife.’ Father said, rubbing his eyes. ‘Let’s get on with this; I’m tired. The boy’s already touched this ash, is there something I can pour it into?’

            Lance’s face was still red, his breath unsteady as he stood.

            ‘Yes, a large pot in the kitchen. This way.’

            They headed into another room, Father muttering under his breath. I glared at their backs, staying where I was.

            That elf is weird. The eerie but dignified impression he’d given before was gone.

            His hut was a mess. The herbs on the table had leaked to the floor. Scrolls were half-stuffed onto shelves, balancing dangerously.

            I didn’t want to know what that blue liquid was on the floor.

            I stepped cautiously around the puddle, bending to rescue a scroll a fingernail’s length away from its edge. I glanced at the tag wrapped around it.

            The discovered history of the immortals (so far). I blinked in surprise, expecting it to be in an ancient elf language, but it was in the ancient Anellan my father had taught me.

            After a quick glance towards the kitchen I pulled the string loose and unrolled the leaf-made (of course) parchment.

            Over time, the immortals that have watched our realm, Ombasa, have let precious few details slip. The only known details were gathered in Aneller, where a temple has been built to honour this.

            An immortal’s strength can be assessed by their name. The higher the letter within the alphabet the name begins with (the highest being A) determines their strength. This applies to all but the original four, who are the very spirit of the element they represent. Berthilda (fire), Dahila (Earth), Calliope (Water) and Eilir (Wind). Nothing is known of Eilir, or what happened to him, except he was replaced with Tyler (Ice) for breeding purposes.

            Tyler is weaker than the three originals, yet he’s the one who names the immortal children. He is able to determine their strength through his tile making, whose end products are kept in the Temple of Arŕ Wel in Aneller. Once a child is named no one can reverse it.

            All the immortal children are sterile. Twenty five have been ‘formed’ with only one, the strongest, left to be born. Once this happens the three originals will make themselves sterile, so no chances of two immortals with a similar level of power could exist, leading to disorder.

            The immortal children, like the current originals, contain powers of an element. No wind children were ever formed. From their appearance it can be seen which element they hold: fire, earth, water or ice. Each element has its own realm the immortals dwell in. These are hidden and sealed so no mortal can find them.

            An old legend speaks of a weapon, by breaking the immortal realm seals it would be forged, and could destroy an immortal’s power. Little is known of it, and is considered a myth.

            Some immortals live in our realm instead, finding mortals entertaining. They either take positions as Gods or disguise themselves as humans. As a human they will appear to age, and even fake their deaths before returning to their own realm or beginning the cycle again from early teenage years. Many of the weaker named immortals (who are under direct control of stronger ones) come to our realm this way as a break from serving their betters. Only Xenos (of water) has never had contact with his other siblings, always remaining on our world.

            The latest immortal to enter our realm is Rafferty (of earth), who has been granted fifty years of freedom before returning to his better Katriona (of earth). His whereabouts-

            ‘Boy, put that down!’ Father yelled, snatching the scroll from me. ‘How dare you be so rude when you’re a guest!’

            ‘It was on the floor!’ I protested, ‘I saved it from that puddle.’

            ‘Yes, it’s better you avoid that.’ Lance said, walking into the room with a log in his hands. ‘I forgot to clean it up before you arrived.’

            ‘Who wrote that scroll?’ I asked. Father glared down at me, but I ignored it and stared at Lance.

            ‘It came from Aneller.’ Lance said, placing the log on the table, on top of his herbs. ‘Brought by a young man, burdened with guilt, but eager to begin anew.’

            Father was silent as he inserted the scroll into the shelf.

            ‘Are you two staying the night? I would love the company.’

            ‘But Mum is expecting us back!’ I said.

            Father scoffed.

            ‘We can stay, Lance. No woman is ordering me home.’

            ‘But-’

            Lance smiled and moved towards me. He clasped both my hands in his, waiting until I looked up.

            ‘There is a great strength hovering near you, trying to draw your courage out. I believe being here will help it find you.’

            A comfortable warmth I’d never known before spread through me.

            ‘Maybe he’ll grow a backbone.’ Father muttered. Even his words couldn’t break through the warmth wrapped around me.

            What is this? I should be scared.

            A hush seemed to fall around me; I could almost hear a whisper. I closed my eyes, reaching out…

            Thud. I jumped, eyes springing open to see Father propping up the log, examining it.

            Lance let out an annoyed sigh.

            ‘Rest will help.’ He assured, patting my hands before letting go. ‘First some food. Perhaps you can help cook? How are you with eggs?’

            I couldn’t stop myself laughing.

It was pitch black. I tried putting my hand in front of my face, and couldn’t see it. It was hard to feel anything, my whole body numb. I tried lifting a foot, but the whole world felt unstable, and I placed it back, head spinning.

            I felt a sharp sting on the top of my head. Then another. Slowly I tilted my head up, eyes wide open to catch a glimpse of the falling sparks drifting down.

            One was drifting close. I raised a numb arm, stretching it out so the spark landed on it. Ash, a piece of ash with the centre still alive.

            The spark sizzled, igniting the ash into a small ball of fire. I flinched, pulling my arm back to my side. The numbness of my arm and head had left. The sore skin sensed the volcanic air, its oppressive heat making it throb.

            More ash fell, I looked up, seeing their numbers increased, their descent faster, twisting and spiralling so it reached more areas of my body. The stinging was everywhere. I tried wiping it away, my palms stung, glowed red, sparks of its own beginning to appear.

            I forced my feet to move, taking quick steps forward. My soles shrieked with pain, the floor like a stove.

            I swallowed a scream and looked down. The floor was lit with sparks and baby flames, some dancing, leaping, while others sat content. They licked at my naked skin, making sparks appear like a rash.

            Suddenly the passive sparks ignited, darting towards me. I shuffled back, but felt one from behind hit the back of my knee, exploding into flames.

            The pain was excruciating. I was hit on my stomach, arms, face, everywhere. An endless scream was trapped in my throat as my skin melted away.

            Kill me, kill me, this is too much. I can’t bear it!

            Be calm, little one. The voice echoed from everywhere and nowhere. A female voice, a motherly voice. The pain is great, but it will end. Your path has been set.

            I couldn’t answer, now a pile of charcoaled bones. Emotions were hard to grasp, but the place itself was still easy to sense.

            The flames had died down, flickering back to ash. It floated towards the bones, cloaking them, burying them, until there was nothing else.

            The bones began to change, grow, bend to different shapes. The ash hardened, dissolving into the bones and forcing its structure onto me.

            This pain was even worse. I wanted it to stop and leave me as nothing.

            What are you doing to me!

            You are being reborn as fire.

            A giant skeleton erupted from the ash pile, a thunderous roar escaping. The ash continued to crowd it, weaving muscle and skin, flesh and blood, scales and horns.

            This place is the beginning.

            Of what?

            Everything.

            The remaining ash scattered, caught by a swift breeze. The red dragon awkwardly moved its long neck, looking into the distance where the ash had disappeared.

            I squinted my eyes, seeing a red blob far away.

            Who are you?

            I will be you.

Chapter Eight

Laven  

The next day was bad. We had entered the woods and I wasn’t allowed to sing.

            ‘You need to stay as quiet as possible,’ Father said.

            ‘Can I have the tea then?’

            ‘No. we’ll reach our destination today; you need to be aware.’

            The Line Woods were big, the trees cluttered so close together it made walking a challenge, and yet all the trunks were skinny and impossibly tall. Most of the treetops were higher than I could see. All except the saplings. Their tops looked too heavy for the trunk to hold up, yet they showed no sign of strain.

            ‘Why aren’t they falling over?’ I wondered aloud, ‘And how can you carve from them? They’re so thin.’

            ‘They’re thicker ones in the centre of the forest. We’re not permitted there.’

            ‘But-’

            ‘Stay quiet! This is part of the trading, boy. Now follow me, stay close.’

            The trees were blocking out any light, and I was glad for my Anellan eyes, able to see through shadows. But even my eyes couldn’t see through pitch black, and the deeper we travelled the more I banged into trees.

            By mid-day I’d stopped worrying about wild animals, not even spotting a bird. I sighed and continued stumbling after Father’s form.

            Then I saw the figure appear next to him.

            ‘What does your master want this time, Dimitri?’ The boy looked no older than six, with yellow hair and pointed ear tips. His slim, graceful figure seemed too perfect to be real. His clothes looked like hardened leaves sewn together, most of them brown. He also had blue vein outlines visible over his body, just like Lennie.

            ‘Nothing, Lord Vance. I came with my son for the monthly trade.’

            Vance’s frown grew deeper as he stalked towards me. It deepened further when he saw I was taller.

            ‘He’s thirteen soon,’ Father helped out.

            ‘I don’t care,’ His voice was cold, void of emotion, ‘You are only permitted here because you serve Ignatius. It isn’t a playing area for your brat.’

            ‘You’re so loud,’ A voice behind me spoke. I spun around, knocking my arm into a tree, ‘Is it wise to interfere with Ignatius’ business? I don’t want to be punished because of this.’

            A woman in her twenties was leaning casually on a trunk. Just like Vance her ears were pointed, her veins visible. Her blonde hair was as short as mine.

            ‘Quiet Zara! You serve me; don’t question my choices.’

            ‘But master,’ she said, leaning closer and grabbing my chin, her feral grin making my breath quicken. ‘Can’t you sense it?’

            Vance focused on me again, his frown disappearing, replaced by wonder.

            ‘Interesting.’

            ‘My lord?’ Father asked.

            Vance walked back to Father and Zara let go of my chin, winking.

            ‘Do what you want, Dimitri, but you know the penalty for betrayal.’

            Vance waited until Zara was by his side, then they vanished as fast as they’d appeared.

            We were silent for a long time.

            ‘Immortals? Here?’ I whispered, ‘How many are there?’

            Father was staring at me, a thoughtful expression on his face.

            ‘Twenty nine altogether, one yet to be born.’

            ‘Where did those two go?’

            ‘They teleported further into the forest, where they can enter their own realm. It’s sealed and protected so no human can enter.’

            ‘Sealed?’

            ‘That’s not why we’re here, so forget it. We came to trade with the elven people and get a decent log.’

            Wait.

            ‘Elves!’

            ‘Quiet!’

            I winced and nodded, watching Father walk forward again, checking the trees.

            ‘Here it is!’ he said after ten minutes, indicating a tree with an X carved into it. It looked more like a pole than a tree, its surface smooth. Father grinned at me and knocked on it. ‘Hear that? Hollow. The ones around it are too. Now you see this branch low down? Pull it and see what happens.’

            I wearily stepped towards the tree and grabbed the branch that was level to my chest. Father took a step back as I pulled.

            The branch snapped alive, snaking up my arm and wrapping it up before I could pull away.

            ‘Father!’ I screamed.

            ‘Calm down,’ Father sighed, ‘It won’t hurt you, so stop embarrassing yourself.’

            I struggled, trying to release my trapped arm by kicking the tree and prying the branch off with my free arm. It wouldn’t budge.

            A loud splitting sound drew my attention to the surrounding trees. The hollow trunks had come apart, expanding to connect with each other and form a wall. It moved in closer.

            ‘Calm down, boy!’

            I tugged harder, my arm aching. The branch was so tight I could barely feel it anymore. My face was covered in tears, my body racked with desperate sobs.

            I don’t want to die!

            Something bumped against my feet. I looked down to see a wooden platform moving across the forest floor, forcing me to step up on it before I was knocked over. The wall was so close. Father was pressed against me. I couldn’t move. An all-powerful pressure pushed all the air from my lungs. We were pushed off the ground, shooting up the pole tree.

‘Is he alright?’

            I groaned but didn’t open my eyes.

            ‘He’s fine, Lance. The idiot over-reacted to the elevator.’

            ‘Well, perhaps some tea will calm him down.’

            ‘No more stupid tea!’ Father barked out. I felt him grab my arm, my eyes shot open as he yanked me up. ‘Do you have to embarrass us both wherever we go?’

            I was too dizzy to care about his words. I cradled my aching head in one arm while staring at Lance. His eyes were dark blue, piercing yet kind. His long pointed ears stuck out through his long pale, gold hair. We wore an ivory robe decorated with gold vines weaving around the edges. His feet were bare.

            ‘You must be the son. I’m Lance. You’ll get used to my face; I’m always trading or buying your father’s ash. It’s a great ingredient for the herbs and potions I make.’

            He smiled, a few wrinkles around his mouth and eyes visible.

            ‘I’m looking to trade for a good log today,’ Father said.

            ‘Yes, I remember,’ Lance winked, ‘I have the perfect one at home. Perhaps you can drop by after your rounds?’

            My head had cleared enough for me to be curious. I glanced at the ground, still stood on the wooden circular platform. I flinched and scampered off it. Lance laughed.

            ‘Don’t worry, little one, it won’t move unless we want it to.’

            I glanced up at the tree-tops. They were so dense no natural light came through. Instead firefly sized lights were floating in the air, bobbing lazily.

            ‘Are those faeries?’ I whispered.

            Lance gave me an amused smile.

            ‘Faeries don’t exist outside the earth realm. Those lights are something we produce with magic. They act as a warning system too. If there are humans below us, they’ll go out. If there’s someone in the elevator they’ll gather round it.’

            I gulped when he said humans, finding it unreal I was talking to someone who wasn’t.

            ‘Do people know about this place?’

            ‘Not many, but there’s always rumours, and so people come. Line Woods is also known as the Forest of Illusion. Any human who enters is engulfed in illusions to prevent their progress. Unless they’re like you, of course.’ He sighed, ‘The king often sends men here, searching for us. We grow ever cautious.’

            I gave a weak smile, feeling one wrong move and this beautiful man would snap my neck.

            ‘We better get started then,’ Father interrupted, grabbing my shoulder and leading me away from the elevator. ‘We’ll drop by yours once we’re done.’

            ‘Good, save me some ash.’ Lance requested. Part of me wondered if it was more of a threat.

The platform was wide like a town’s centre, with huts in rows on both sides. The huts, like the floor, were made up of vines and leaves, rooted to the platform, a part of it. I expected to see stalls set up, but the place was quiet, we still hadn’t seen anyone else. Everytime my foot hit the platform I winced at the noise.

            ‘Where is everyone?’ I whispered, even that felt too loud.

            Father was walking without making a noise.

            ‘Not many here will associate with humans. If they want to trade they’ll tie a ribbon on their hut. Never enter without permission; most prefer to do business outside.’

            Only one hut had a ribbon tied to it on the main street. It was yellow, wrapped around a vine that curved out, acting as a handle, yet there was no visible door.

            ‘This street is where the oldest and most powerful elves live. It’s rare for them to ever trade with humans. Don’t say a word.’

            Father approached the hut as I meekly followed, head down. As soon as we were close vines at the front of the hut began to part like a curtain, twisting together to form an opening. The door handle disappeared and a beautiful, smooth hand lifted the yellow ribbon from the vines.

            It was a man, his fine hair reaching to the back of his knees, his eyes a deep endless green, the colour of a forest. His face was void of expression, free of wrinkles. Lance’s clothes had seemed beautiful, yet they were nothing compared to this man’s. I imagined they were as soft as baby skin, the robe was the colour of his eyes, shimmering in the glow of the orbs. Gold coloured vine patterns decorated the robe, twisting and curling around his body.

            ‘I require one handful,’ His voice made me sigh, yet it held no warmth in it.

            Father nodded once, placing the bag of ash on the floor. The elf’s hands moved, weaving the ribbon together. His hands moved faster until I couldn’t follow them. When they stilled the ribbon was now a small pouch, ready to be filled.

            Father nodded again and opened the ash bag.

            ‘Not you,’ The elf spoke, making Father’s hands still, ‘Let the boy carry it. I want his influence on the ash.’

            Father’s jaw clenched, but he nodded at me.

            I felt like I was in a dream, my body light as I moved, my steps silent. Bending down seemed to take an age, scooping a handful of ash. I gasped at the feel of it, an image of red and fire flowing through me. It reached my very soul, a wave of calm and longing gripping me.

            The elf had moved, standing beside me. I met his eyes as I let the ash trickle into the yellow pouch.

            The elf smiled.

            ‘Interesting.’

            I smiled back.

No one else wanted ash from the main street. I was relieved. Once the calm state had disappeared the encounter confused and worried me. The elf, Eilir, had offered no payment, only said it would be sent later. His eyes had never left me.

            Father wouldn’t stop staring at me, puzzled and annoyed. Every elf we’d traded with had wanted me to carry the ash.

            ‘Why don’t they collect it themselves?’ I asked.

            ‘They don’t want to influence it,’ Father said, ‘They are creatures of earth and forest, to hold a product of fire would dull its effect. We must carry it.’

            I shuddered, not wanting to think what their request meant about me.

            ‘This looks like the last hut,’ Father said, ‘We’ve done well this trip.’

            I glanced at Father’s bag filled with fabric and medicine. No one had paid with money; I doubt they ever used it.

            ‘This one is a regular.’ We waited outside, watching as a door began to form. ‘If an opening appears, it means we’re allowed to enter. Don’t ever assume this with other huts though.’

            I followed him inside, immediately descending a flight of stairs before entering the heart of the hut.

            The walls, naturally, were vines, some shaped outwards to form shelves and the furniture. A table was at the centre of the room, with large chairs outlining it. Leaves cushioned the seats. Father sat on one and I followed his example, a gasp of surprise escaping at its softness.

            ‘Are we under the platform?’ I asked.

            ‘We are amongst it.’ A female voice answered.

            She emerged from a room to the left, closer to where Father was sat. Her hair was to her hips, in one plait resting on her right shoulder. Her cloak was thinner than the males, a silver that clung to curves. I could feel my face heating up.

            ‘Sapphire,’ Father said, standing and inclining his head. After his elbow jabbed my arm I followed suit.

            ‘All the dwellings here descend amongst the platform, living with the earth all around. It’s more spacious, and more enjoyable.’

            The idea made me take a deep breath, making sure the air was fresh. She smiled, her light blue eyes twinkling.

            ‘How much is left?’ She asked, looking at Father.

            ‘Lance has reserved some, but there’s two pouches worth besides that.’

            ‘I’ll take it; busy times are approaching. Not all good.’

            She moved into the room, lifting an orange, medium sized pot off a shelf.

            ‘How do you know?’ I asked before Father could stop me. Sapphire smiled again.

            ‘Sometimes I see things others can’t, like the immortal Baptista. Although I can’t boast her power with it, I can help some when they need advice.’ Her gaze flickered to Father, ‘Some don’t appreciate it, even when they ask. Perhaps-’

            ‘The boy doesn’t need to drink tea and have you gaze at the cup.’ Father snapped. I stared at him in shock. How could he be so disrespectful to an elf? ‘Do you want him to scoop out the ash?’

            ‘Yes,’ she said, as though his insult had never happened. ‘He is a great influence. I can only imagine how much stronger that will become soon.’ She gave me a secretive smile.

            ‘Hurry up boy!’

            I jumped, Father’s ash bag being slammed into my stomach.

            ‘It might be easier for you to put your hands in the bag and mix the ash around. Then you can just scoop it, into the pot from the bag; Lance will want your influence too.’

            The word influence is really starting to annoy me.

            My hands were already covered in ash, so I didn’t care about plunging my hands into the bag. I left ash fingertips on the bowl, but Sapphire seemed fascinated by them.

            ‘The usual?’ She asked, her gaze still on the pot in her hands.

            ‘Yeah,’ Father said, ‘but add in some of that tea too. We’ll need it.’

            She walked over to the shelf and gently placed the pot down, making sure it was perfect before lowering her hands and letting her eyes leave it. She drifted from the room and I immediately felt Father’s glare on me.

            ‘Hopefully her tea will work better than the other one.’

            ‘The other one works.’ I protested, earning a whack on the ear.

            ‘It makes you forget your place! I won’t have my own son questioning me.’

            I lowered my head and nodded, hiding my clenched jaw and furrowed eyebrows.

            ‘This should keep you.’ Sapphire said as she returned. Father took the medicine and tea wrapped in a leaf dressing. As soon as it left her hands she grabbed my chin like Zara had. I tried to jerk away until she placed the other hand on my cheek.

            ‘We’ve been waiting for you.’ She smiled, sending a shiver through me. ‘Soon she will touch you, and you’ll become fire itself.’

Chapter Six

Distractions

‘So your sister passed her exam?’ Lennie asked as he placed boxes of fruit on the stall.

            ‘Yeah,’ I said, eyeing him with distrust. ‘Iris did too. They’re in the higher learning building now.’

            ‘I missed so much while I was ill.’ He sighed, attempting a smile. ‘How are things with your father?’

            ‘Fine; it’s the same as it used to be.’

            ‘Is that what you wanted?’

            ‘What do you care?’ I snapped, ‘I thought you’d be happy he’s such a loyal servant again!’

            For a month since coming back Father had been hinting about Ignatius, about the role I could still play.

            ‘Don’t you want to make something of yourself? Working for an immortal is a great achievement.’

            I had to bite back my retort.

            I already am.

            Lennie let out a pained sigh.

            ‘Dimitri, I know my appearance must seem strange, but please trust me when-’

            ‘Trust you?’ I laughed, ‘I will never trust someone like you.’

            ‘Not everyone like me is associated with Ignatius.’ He said, his voice making me quiver. ‘In the future we may become your lifeline. Don’t dismiss us so easily.’

            His eyes were so earnest and intense I felt guilty.

            Don’t be fooled.

            I looked away.

            ‘If that’s true, then tell me who you are. Why are you here? What were you really doing when you were ‘ill’?’

            ‘I can’t.’

            My jaw clenched.

            See, don’t trust anyone, you’ll only be disappointed.

            Five minutes of the suffocating atmosphere was all I could cope with.

            ‘Can I go do the deliveries?’ I asked, already grabbing the hotel box.

            ‘Yes.’ Lennie said, ‘That can be your job from now on.’

            Should I just quit? No, I can’t rely on Father to support us; even Mum won’t give up her job. Besides, if I stay near Lennie he might slip up. I’ll break their hold over Father.

I opened our front door cautiously, surprised to see Iris on the other side.

            ‘Hello.’ She smiled, ‘Can I come in?’

            ‘Annie isn’t here.’ I blurted out, ‘She’s shopping with Mum.’

            ‘I know.’ She grinned, ‘They went to my mother’s stall.’

            ‘Father isn’t here either.’ I continued, my face feeling warm. ‘He’s on a three day trading trip.’

            ‘I know.’ She laughed, ‘I came to see you.’

            My face felt like it was on fire.

            ‘O-oh, c-come in.’ I moved aside, clumsily shutting the door. ‘D-do you want some tea?’

            ‘Sure.’ She said, leading the way. ‘When I realised no one else was here, I had to come. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Did you miss me?’

            I stumbled into a cabinet, placing the kettle onto the already lit stove.

            ‘S-sorry, I’ve been busy.’      

            Avoiding everyone. I added silently.

            ‘Annie said you’re getting wrinkles from worrying about everything. You need to have more fun.’

            ‘Annie’s worried about me?’ I asked, startled. I’d barely seen my sister since she’d started her new class.

            Iris’ light laughter stopped all thoughts in my head.

            ‘See? Now you’re worried about being worried!’

            I frowned, automatically grabbing the kettle beginning to screech.

            ‘No one needs to worry about me.’

            She had moved closer, right beside me. My shaking hands spilt hot water when trying to pour it into our cups.

            Iris laughed again, gently taking the kettle. Her hand touched mine and I almost flinched at the pleasant tingling that followed.

            ‘You’re such a good person, Dimi.’ She said, placing the kettle down and raising one hand to rest on my cheek. I stopped breathing. ‘You deserve to have something good too.’

            And then she kissed me.

‘Hi Cedron, haven’t seen you in a while.’ I smiled, watching as he wheeled a small cart of groceries to our stall. He raised an eyebrow.

            ‘Someone’s chipper this morning; are you going to reveal your secret?’

            I just smiled.

            ‘He’s been like this for two weeks.’ Lennie said, ‘Not that I’m complaining.’

            ‘So where have you been?’ I insisted, ‘That other trader’s goods aren’t as fresh or cheap as yours.’

            ‘I had a different job in Haven, guarding the Duke’s daughter.’

            ‘That’s impressive.’ Lennie smiled; a strained smile. ‘I didn’t realise you had bodyguard skills.’

            Cedron shrugged, unloading the cart to the stall tables.

            ‘It was her fifteenth birthday so there was a big festival. I was just hired for reassurance. She was a sweet kid though; she’ll make a fine ruler one day.’

            ‘Married off to one of the King’s sons, most likely.’ Lennie remarked. Cedron’s easy smile dropped. ‘I’d think carefully before getting too involved with the Duke, Cedron, it could only end badly.’

            ‘I know that, old man.’ Cedron sighed, ‘I know.’

            I walked to the town’s entrance with him, taking the hotel’s delivery.

            ‘Cedron, do you trust Lennie?’

            He stared down at me in surprise, then took a moment to give a serious answer.

            ‘He’s a strange old man, that’s for sure. I can’t help feeling he’s hiding his true self.’

            I shifted the box in my hands nervously.

            ‘…But his advice has always been sound, so I think if he was going to stab me in the back one day, he’d warn me first. If he’s let you in on his secret, I think you’re safe, kid.’

            ‘What if he didn’t tell me? I accidentally found out.’

            ‘In that case, if he hasn’t killed you yet and still treating you like a friend, he must have decided to trust you.’

            I flinched.

            ‘There’s something about you-’

            ‘Dimitri? What are you doing here?’

            I looked up, seeing Father catch up to my side. I stopped.

            ‘Father?’ I stared, beginning to panic. ‘What’s wrong? Is Mum okay?’

            Father frowned.

            ‘What are you babbling about? She’s fine. Don’t you ever listen when I talk to you? I’m leaving for another trading run. Now answer me, what are you doing here?’

            ‘I-I was seeing Cedron to the entrance, then going to do the deliveries.’ I said, head down.

            Father noticed Cedron then, his eyes widening.

            ‘A fellow countryman?’

            ‘Indeed.’ Cedron smiled, ‘Although one not as gifted.’

            Father noticed his eyes for the first time and scoffed in disgust.

            ‘Hardly a countryman then. Have you been sprouting heresy to my son?’

            ‘I have said nothing. He has the right to decide.’

            ‘Boy!’ I jumped. ‘Leave now, I don’t want you to see this man again.’      

            ‘But-’

            Father turned to face me and I trembled.

            ‘If you ever listen to this man’s nonsense I will disown you, understood?’

            Cedron gave a quick wink behind Father. My throat was too dry to speak. I nodded, turned, and walked away as fast as I could.

            What was that about?

‘You have frown wrinkles again.’ Iris teased, poking my forehead.

            ‘Sorry.’ I said, leaning down on my pillow. After sleeping under the bed so long I’d forgotten how soft it was. ‘Do you think Annie’s still prowling the kitchen?’

            Iris laughed, lying down next to me. My heart was pounding in my ears.

            ‘Are you still that nervous being alone with me?’

            ‘It’s not that. It’s…I’m worried about your reputation.’

            ‘My what?’

            ‘If grown-ups go into a bedroom alone, people talk about it.’

            ‘We’re not grown-ups.’

            ‘I know, but I’m still worried.’

            ‘Dimi, people don’t care about kids going in a room to kiss.’

            I frowned.

            ‘What do grown-ups do differently then?’

            Iris’ face suddenly looked strained, trying to stay neutral.

            ‘Haven’t your parents given you the talk yet?’

            ‘The talk?’

            ‘You know, about what married people do.’

            ‘Oh, no. Father said he’ll tell me on my thirteenth birthday.’

            ‘Well, trust me, kids don’t do it, and that’s the only thing that people talk about. We definitely don’t do that. We haven’t even kissed properly.’

             ‘We haven’t?’

            ‘No, I saw some older kids behind school do it once. Want to try?’

            Before I could answer she leaned closer and kissed me.

            ‘Keep your mouth open.’ She said, and kissed me again. I felt something enter my mouth and instinctively drew back.

            ‘W-what?’ I spluttered. Iris just laughed, but her eyes looked disappointed.

            ‘That’s what they did, used their tongues.’ She sighed, climbing off the bed. ‘Come on, I feel cruel leaving Annie alone.’

Aaron wasn’t in the kitchen the next morning. I frowned until I heard someone giggling near the staff stairs. I put the deliver down, moving closer. Aaron was with a girl I’d seen at breakfast for the last week. Their lips were locked, and I spotted his tongue slip into her mouth.

            I quickly retraced my steps and began the breakfast alone. I was halfway through when Aaron emerged with the girl, clearing his throat.

            ‘Oh, hello Dint. You know Sara, right?’

            ‘Table six.’ I said, smiling, hoping my face wasn’t bright red.

            She smiled politely and turned back to Aaron, giving a little wave before heading into the eating room.

            ‘Thanks for giving us some space, man.’ Aaron grinned. ‘That girl is one great kisser.’

            ‘No problem.’

            Breakfast was almost ready before I’d worked up the courage to ask.

            ‘How do you kiss with your tongue?’

            ‘How? You stick it in there and massage her tongue with yours.’ He shrugged at my blank look. ‘Why, you got a girl?’

            I nodded.

            ‘You have? For how long?’

            ‘Two weeks, but now she wants to use tongues and-’ I didn’t finish, too embarrassed.

            ‘Well, I guess you have your little secrets.’ He said, one hand going to his chest in mock-hurt. ‘Why don’t you practice first?’

            He picked up an egg and winked at me before beginning to kiss it. I gaped as he planted soft kisses, then began to gently massage it with his tongue.

             He looks ridiculous!

            ‘You try it,’ He said, tossing me an egg.

            I stared at it, wrinkling my nose.

            ‘You wanna impress your girl, right?’

            I started to kiss the egg like Aaron had, then poked my tongue out to lick it. There was a crack and my mouth was flooded with egg yolk.

            Aaron fell to the floor while I spat out yolk. My whole body shook and I was laughing too, clutching my ribs from lack of air.

            ‘Hey, where’s my breakfast?’ A customer demanded.

Chapter Five

Ascend

‘He’s late down, that’s unusual.’ Aaron said, taking the screeching copper kettle off the stove. ‘Do you want to take a mug of tea to his room?’

            My nausea made it hard to answer. My forehead was prickled with sweat.

            ‘It’s your choice, Dint,’ he said, setting the mug near me. ‘He’s in room three.’

            I waited until Aaron turned to wash up before grabbing the mug. Its contents splashed against its sides, spilling onto my trembling hands.

            The stairs leading to the rooms w                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ere to the left of the eating room.  These were for the guests, so I took the staff stairs at the far end of the kitchen. The walls were narrow and their path steep. More tea escaped, turning my skin an angry red. The door at the top was heavy, leading out near Aaron’s and his father’s room. The first numbered door was twenty.

            I moved down the corridor, an annoyed huff escaping. My feet brought me to number three too quickly. I stood frozen outside.

            What am I doing here?

            I swapped the mug to my left hand, drying my right on my vest top.

            Do I even want him to come home?

            I ignored the thought and knocked. My breath hitched in dread, the mug trembling again. I stamped my foot and bit the inside of my mouth.

            No. Not now, you’re doing this.

            After the fourth knock a slurred voice answered.

            ‘I’ll be there in a minute, Aaron.’

            ‘F-father?’ I gritted my teeth, my right arm grabbing the left to step the shaking. ‘I need to talk to you.’

            I heard him stumble inside, then curse.

            ‘It’s open.’

            Damn him. I cursed, forced to let my left arm go to open the door. It was still shaking.

            The room was spacious, with a double bed at its centre. The walls were pale, so the sun’s strong rays wouldn’t reflect off and dazzle people. The window was at the far side, the wooden blinds down. It even had its own privy hole, built as an extra little room, and a bathing tub.

            The floor was a mess; covered in empty bottles, bags with ash spilling out, and half written letters scrunched up.

            Father was sprawled out face down on the floor close to the bed, making no attempt to move.

            ‘Dimitri? What are you doing here?’ he squinted up at me, resting his chin on his hands.

            ‘What are you doing on the floor?’ The shaking had stopped, my voice had the same dead-pan tone Mum had last night. ‘Get up and drink your tea.’

            He blinked at me, studying my expression. At last he reached a decision, hauling himself off the floor and sliding into a sitting position on the bed. I handed him the mug and began picking up the bottles and paper.

            ‘It’s half-empty, and it’s not very strong,’ he complained. My answering glare surprised both of us; he drank without another word.

            ‘This has to stop Father,’ I said, not looking up from my task. ‘It’s pathetic.’

            ‘Pathetic!’ He roared, jumping to his feet and smashing the mug against the wall. ‘How dare you, boy!’

            ‘It’s that temper that got you here in the first place!’ I screamed back, facing him. ‘If you don’t start controlling yourself, you’re going to lose her!’

            His red face flinched as though I’d slapped him, his mouth hanging open. He gritted his teeth, a sob escaping.

            Pathetic.

            I ignored him as I finished picking up the rubbish, refusing to touch the bags of ash.

            ‘I’m going to get hot water for a bath. You need to clean yourself up before seeing Mum.’

            I picked up as much rubbish as I could and left the room without looking at him.

            The shaking returned the moment I closed the door.

‘What about clothes?’ Aaron pointed out, ‘He can’t stay in that tub forever.’

            I winced.

            ‘I’ll have to go to Marge’s stall and buy some fabric. I can sew some clothes, but he doesn’t know Mum taught me. He’ll kill me if he sees me doing women’s work.’

            Aaron shook his head.

            ‘It would take too long. Him and my dad are similar sizes, I’ll see if he has any spare clothes. They won’t be fancy, but at least they’ll be clean.’

            ‘Dimi?’ Annie’s small voice spoke at the kitchen’s entrance. ‘What’s going on?’

            I waited for Aaron to disappear up the staff stairs before going to her.

            ‘Annie, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you in school?’

            Her worried look turned to annoyance.

            ‘We only have morning classes for the rest of the week so we can prepare for exams. I told you this!’

            ‘Okay.’ I said, not bothering to say sorry, ‘So why are you here?’

            ‘Mary said you were either here or back home.’ She frowned, ‘Why are you here?’

            ‘I’m fixing things.’ I sighed, taking a deep breath. ‘Annie, can you tell Mary I can’t come back today? And you should spend the day at Iris’ house, do your work there.’

            ‘But why?’

            ‘Just listen to your big brother, okay?’

            She stared at me, unblinking. I stared over at the stairs, praying Aaron wouldn’t come back.

            ‘Okay, but I’m coming back for evening meal.’

            I grinned and hugged her.

            ‘And it’ll be the best one we’ve had in ages!’

‘That’s your plan?’ Father moaned, running a hand over his clean scalp. ‘Show up for dinner and say sorry?’

            ‘It’s up to you now.’ I shrugged, folding his dirty clothes. ‘You have to gain her trust back.’

            ‘That won’t be easy.’

            ‘Well, either try or don’t.’

            Either you want us or you don’t.

            ‘Remember, if you’re the last one there, you have to wash the dishes.’ I said, closing the door behind me.

‘Honestly Dimitri, what’s wrong with you?’

            ‘Nothing.’ I muttered, glaring at the door.

            Mum sighed and piled up the empty plates.

            ‘I’m sorry if he got your hopes up sweetie, but-’

            The front door knob rattled, followed by a curse, then a dignified loud knock.

            ‘Annie, didn’t you leave your school books at Iris’? Let’s go get them.’   

            ‘Huh?’ Annie started as I dragged her to the front door.

            ‘Dimi?’ Mum asked in a warning tone. I ignored it and opened the front door.

            ‘Daddy!’ Annie yelled, trying to escape my grasp.

            ‘Later,’ I promised, walking past him and heading down the street. ‘Let him and Mum talk first.’

‘He’s back!’ Marge squawked, dumping the biscuit tray down on the table.

            ‘Dimi made him come back.’ Annie gushed, still snuggling up to Iris. ‘Now he’ll come home and everything will be good again.’

            Marge shot me a withering glare that made my throat dry up.

            ‘I better go over there and check Lily’s alright.’ She snarled, quickly leaving the room. A moment later the front door slammed.

            ‘Daddy wouldn’t hurt Mummy, would he? Last time was an accident…’

            ‘That’s right, Mum is just a good friend and worrying for nothing,’ Iris smiled. ‘You’ll see.’

            Within ten minutes Annie was asleep, still snuggled up to Iris. I smiled at her, trying to block out my growing doubt.

            ‘You’re so brave, doing what you did.’ Iris whispered, smiling at me. ‘I wish I was that brave.’

            Her gaze made my face heat up. She was so close her nose bumped mine. I drew back.

            ‘Hey, I can’t lean any closer without waking Annie.’

            I let out a shuddering breath and leaned closer, letting our noses touch. I felt Iris’ smile as she kissed me.

            The front door slammed shut. We sprung apart. I saw Annie stir but didn’t wake, a smile on her face.

            Marge came in, red faced and angry.

            ‘Is everything alright?’ Iris asked.

            ‘Oh they’re fine. In their own world.’ Marge muttered, looking at Annie. ‘She should sleep here tonight. She can go to school with you in the morning.’

            ‘What about Dimitri?’

            Marge looked at me and sniffed.

            ‘He works early; I don’t want him waking us all up.’

            ‘It’s alright; I need some fresh clothes for tomorrow.’

            The front door was unlocked; I crept in, holding my breath. Some chairs were knocked over in the kitchen, but nothing broken. I strained my ears, hearing Mum’s voice from their bedroom, soft and unworried.

            The dirty plates were still on the table. I sighed and dumped them in the washing bowl, rinsing them with cold water.

Chapter Four

 Descend

After six months working for Lennie I still didn’t trust him. Today was no exception.

            ‘What do you mean he’s sick?’

            Mary tutted at me while I finished setting up the tables.

            ‘Honestly boy, you must have noticed how dreadful he looked yesterday.’

            He looked fine to me. But he also looked thirty years younger.

            ‘People kept saying he looked pale.’ I said at last.

            ‘Exactly, so it’s up to you today. Now, I’ll mind the stall while you make the deliveries. The products are all ready in boxes; you just need to take them.’

            I fought the urge to roll my eyes and grabbed the nearest box.

            ‘Not that one, do the home deliveries later. Use common sense boy, not everyone is up before the crack of dawn. Start with the hotel first, then the school, then the houses. And be quick about it, I have stuff to do myself.’

            When reaching my goal, I had to put the box of groceries on the floor, open the hotel’s door and slide the box through. Only then did someone show up to help.

A skinny red-headed boy came through two open doors leading to an eating room. His smile never left his face.

‘Old Lennie sick then?’ he asked, bending and lifting the box with ease. His hair was even shorter than mine, close to his scalp, and his eyes were a deeper green.

‘Yeah,’ I said, ‘do you work here?’

‘Work here? I run the kitchen here! Name’s Aaron, my dad owns this place.’ He managed to balance the box under one arm and hold out the other.

‘I’m Dimitri,’ I said, shaking his hand.

            ‘Yeah I know, Lennie never shuts up about you.’ He turned, heading back through the doors he’d come from. ‘You coming? Lennie usually helps me when we’re busy.’

            I thought about Mary, waiting for me to come back to finish the deliveries.

            ‘Okay.’

            There were twenty tables in the eating room; their edges were carved with the hotel name ‘The Firo Stop’ using beautifully sloping letters that curled around the corners. The end of the word continued on, forming the shape of a dragon.

            My breath caught at the sight, a strange tugging in my gut making me faint-headed, vision blurring to see a glimpse of red.

            ‘Good, aren’t they?’ Aaron’s voice broke through suddenly behind me. I jumped, turning to face him. ‘Brand new those, you hear the customers admiring them all the time.’

            ‘Who made them?’

            He scratched his cheek with a grimace.

            ‘Just some foreigner. Made them in return for his keep. Apparently he needs the money he earns for other purposes.’ I followed him into the kitchen, shaking off the remaining haze inside my head. ‘Do you cook?’

            ‘Only pasta.’

            ‘Pasta?’ Aaron scoffed, ‘Anyone can make pasta. I’ll show you how to cook proper stuff.’

            The smell of frying bacon so early made me nauseous. Aaron was in charge of the eggs, and mushrooms, while I stared at the sizzling bacon, prodding it every so often. The stove was bigger than ours, but still had a live fire within, heating the top to cook on.

            ‘You have to make sure they don’t get too crispy. Only one customer likes them well done, the rest like it soft.’

            ‘Do you ask them?’

            ‘No, I can just tell.’

            ‘Aren’t you late for school?’ I asked.

            ‘This kitchen is my school,’ Aaron said, puffing out his chest. ‘I don’t need no books telling me about the world, just give me an order and you’ll have a meal within half an hour. I don’t get paid, but I get to keep my tips.’

His comfortable chattiness made me think of Iris.

‘Why don’t you go to school?’

‘I was home-schooled by my father. Working’s more important now.’

Aaron just nodded, grabbing the frying pan and dishing out the bacon. I blinked at the plate, noticing all the other food was ready.

‘Still want to help?’

I nodded, grabbing two plates.

‘Not them, they’re going to the far end, the hangover lot. You take this one.’ He shoved a plate in my left hand, ‘to table three, and this to table two. Don’t mix them up though.’

The eating room was occupied by all twelve guests. There was a group of three, three groups of twos and three people sat alone. Table two and three had only one person each on it, so I easily handed out the food.

‘Who are you?’ Table two asked, a well-built woman who had already taken a chunk out of her bacon before speaking. ‘I haven’t seen you before.’

‘I’m just helping out for the day.’ I smiled. Smiling earned you more tips, Aaron had said.

The woman smiled back and continued with her breakfast.

I wandered back into the kitchen, but Aaron was already there, carrying the last of the plates out.

‘Just stay in there and look attentive. Fill up drinks, that sort of thing.’

Table two asked for a coffee refill five minutes later. Thirty seconds after that she stood up.

‘Better head off to those stalls before the heat melts me.’ She winked, leaving two gane on the table. I gave her my best smile; the one Mum said would break hearts one day, and then had to explain this wasn’t as awful as it sounded.

‘Just like your father.’

My smile dropped; the woman was already gone. I moved to clean her table, pocketing the two gane.

It didn’t take long for tables to clear. Aaron went back into the kitchen to wash the plates.

‘You can head off now, only one table left and that guy likes to take his time. Thanks for the help, come back sometime, okay? Even if it’s just to hang out.’

I grinned, nodding.

Finally, I have a friend.

I walked back through the eating room, noticing the figure hunched over table eight had cleared his plate.

It can’t hurt to grab his plate for Aaron.

‘Excuse me, Sir, have you finished with your plate?’

He looked up, straight into my eyes.

His hair was gone, shaved off with a burn scar on the right side of his scalp. His face was haggard, his breath carrying the stench of ale. His yellow eyes, bloodshot, widened with recognition.

‘Dimitri?’ Father asked, his voice slurred, ‘Son, please-’

            I shook my head, unable to breath. I was trying to run but I was so dizzy I stumbled into chairs; one sent me crashing into the floor. A painful jolt of pins and needles shot up my feet, I cried out in pain, unable to get away. My vision was blurred, but focused in that man’s direction. On whoever he had become now.

            ‘What’s wrong with him?’ Aaron’s voice was distorted in my ears.

            ‘Dimitri, listen! I’m sorry about what I said. I’m sorry I hurt your mother.’

            He was crouched down by my left side. I looked ahead, unseeing. My breathing had begun to calm, my vision clearing.

            ‘You see those tables? I carved them. I’ve always wanted to teach you. For your thirteenth birthday I was going to give you a knife and a block of wood, and every week I would make sure I got at least one hour with you, teaching you. I’ve been thinking a lot, Dimitri. Even if you can’t serve Ignatius directly you could help with my trading work.’

            He grabbed my closest hand, clutching it in both of his. ‘Please, son,’ A sob escaped. ‘Please.’

            I stared in horror, his broken body shaking with sobs. Terror seized me and I bolted to my feet.

            ‘Let go!’

            My father would never cry.

            ‘Don’t touch me!’

            One final tug and a wild kick released me.

The cool floor was a familiar comfort, its relentless surface the only constant thing I could rely on. The bed above sheltered me, but its soft covers never soothed my worries at night.

            He’ll grow out of it. Mum had reassured Father. Instead it was the only cure for my panic attacks.

            I breathed in deep, thinking of nothing.

            ‘Dimitri!’

            Mary’s face changed from a scowl to a worried frown before I managed to get back round the stall. My hands mechanically picked up the school’s supplies.

            ‘Dimitri!’

            ‘You look pale yourself, boy. You must have caught Lennie’s illness. Leave that and go on home, I’ll look after things today.’

            I nodded and put the box down, my whole body numb as I walked home.

            ‘Dimitri Leav!’

            No one else was home; Mum at work, nursing someone else’s baby. Annie at school, already smarter than I’ll ever be.

            The only comfort was my space, the one place people asked permission to enter, and where he would never deem fit to come.

            My bedroom door banged open. I jumped, knocking my head against the bed.

            ‘Damnit!’

            ‘No cursing.’ Came Mum’s instant response. I heard her footsteps move closer. ‘I didn’t even realise you were home. What happened?’

            She bent down beside the bed, I turned to face away.

            ‘Nothing.’

            She sighed, and then stood again.

            ‘Okay, you don’t need to tell me.’ I heard her turn back to the door. ‘Oh, that’s right. Your friend Aaron is here.’

            ‘Wha-?’ I knocked my head against the bed again, wincing.

            ‘Hello under there.’ Aaron’s cheerful voice spoke from the doorway. My face felt like it was on fire.

            Oh Arŕ Wel, an older boy knows I hide under the bed!

            ‘You certainly made my day more interesting, Dint!”

            ‘Dint?’ I asked, pushing myself from under the bed. I kept my gaze away from his while he peered down at my burning face.

            ‘Yeah, when you knocked the chairs one hit a table and dinted it. So I decided your name should be Dint.’

            ‘Oh, sorry.’

            ‘Don’t be, gives the table a unique edge.’ Aaron grinned. He met my eyes and the smile fell away, replaced with worry. ‘Are you alright? For a moment I thought you were having a heart attack.’

            I flinched. ‘I’m fine. Is-is that why you came? Please don’t worry about me. I-’ I stopped, taking a deep breath.

            Don’t think about it.

            Aaron’s worry lines deepened, but he didn’t question me.

            ‘Well…I wanted to say sorry about not telling you your dad was there. I just thought it was better you didn’t see him that way. He’s gone downhill a bit.’

            I snorted at that, a hysterical giggle escaping me. Once released, it wouldn’t stop. I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe and rolled onto my stomach. My hands went to my face, and came back wet.

            ‘I don’t know what to do.’ I choked out.

            Aaron moved from the bed to sit beside me, waiting for me to calm.

            ‘Do you want my opinion?’

            A weak heave was my answer.

            ‘Your dad did a terrible thing, and that’s not easily forgiven. But I’ve seen him slowly killing himself for six months. He ain’t the best man, but he is a good man. Whether that will make him behave better I don’t know. So I can’t tell you to forgive him, but I can’t bring myself to say not to either.’ He gave a weak laugh and scratched his head. ‘Sorry. I guess I don’t know what to do either.’

            I thought about it, my body recovering from dry sobs. I felt my lips lift, an amused ‘tsk’ escaping.

            ‘Aaron?’

            ‘Yeah?’

            ‘Promise you’ll always be straight with me, no matter what.’

            ‘Sure, I always am.’ He stretched out his arm towards me. I blinked and put my palm out, feeling money drop into it. ‘From your dad.’

            I stared down at the twelve flites, and decided.

‘I see.’ Mum said, staring at the twelve flites on the table. ‘He’s really sorry.’

            Her deadpan voice scared me.

            ‘I-I was going to talk to him tomorrow, but if you don’t want me to-’

            She stared out the window and didn’t answer. I looked over at Annie, playing with her evening meal. Her eyes shone with tears.

            No help there.

‘Mum?’

‘I can’t, sweetie,’ she said, still staring outside. ‘You can go if you want, but I can’t face him.’

She turned and disappeared into her room. I groaned, clutching my hair in my hands.

‘Why do I need to do everything?’

‘Dimi?’ Annie’s little voice quivered.

I swallowed my rising anger and smiled at her.

‘Don’t worry; I’m going to fix this, Annie.’ You’ll see.’