Scribbled Thoughts

Chapter Twenty six

Consequences and an Alliance

‘Oh? And where are you taking my pet, slave? I didn’t give you permission to let him loose.’

            The wolf jumped between me and Earl, growling low. Earl frowned, but didn’t look worried.

            ‘What are you doing here?’

            The wolf was engulfed in a bright light, making Dagan shield his eyes. With my Anellan eyes I was able to see the wolf’s body shifting within the light, bones breaking and growing into a human form. He was covered in clothes made from the same scraggly grey fur he’d had in wolf form. From the back all I could see was that his scraggy dark hair came to his shoulders.

            ‘Go!’ he growled, not looking away from Earl. ‘I’ll catch up.’

            ‘Fine.’ Dagan said, not even hesitating as he started dragging me away. I didn’t bother resisting.

            There were no soldiers in the town. It was late evening, so the streets were quiet, but not deserted. Citizens stopped and gawked at me openly, pointing. One woman even screamed and ran away. But no one tried to stop us, and no one from the castle came after us.

            There’s probably no one left to try.

            I glanced at the modern houses, seeing they were made of stone, but unlike the houses in Firo the stone was less bulky. All the houses looked the same, lined up neatly in rows, compared to Firo’s more wobbly structure.

            That was all I got to see before Dagan dragged me out of the city, pulling me East. I stopped dead.

            ‘What are you doing?’ Dagan seethed. ‘Do you want to get caught?’

            ‘Do you?’ I seethed back. ‘Are you seriously heading towards Haven? That’s where Cedron brought me from! The Duke there will hand us straight back to Earl if he sees us.’

            ‘We won’t be going that close.’ Dagan insisted, not sounding too confident.

            ‘Really? Are you going to go through the bog fields then? We’d have to go close going round that!’

            ‘What else can we do?’ Dagan snapped. ‘Go all the way round the lake and across two bridges? That’s an easy place to be attacked, and it would take months!’

            ‘We go to Firo for supplies,’ I said, ‘Earl won’t look there because it’s the opposite way of Tempit. Then we can head to Laven and have Eilir transport us straight to Tempit. It’s the fastest and safest way.’

            What colour Dagan naturally had drained away at the sound of Laven. He shook his head vigorously.

            ‘No, I won’t go to Laven.’

            I frowned.

            ‘Why? You’re a farry, right? You must have lived there.’

            Dagan let out a cold, harsh laugh.

            ‘Do I look like a farry? My magic was stolen from me, and so I’m stuck in elf form, no longer able to fly. Laven won’t easily welcome someone like me back.’

            ‘They don’t have to welcome you; they just have to help us. Eilir will help, now that Firo’s agreed I come to Tempit.’

            I paused, a sudden memory tugging at my mind. A harsh comment Sapphire had once said to Lance.

            ‘That is not Dagan, no matter what you wish.’

            ‘Besides, you’re wrong. I know Lance would welcome you back.’

            Dagan’s whole body stiffened, his face turning as white as a corpse’s.

            ‘How do you know my father?’ he whispered, voice shaky.

            ‘W-what? He’s your father?’

            Lance is a parent? That lunatic?

            Then again, from what I’d seen, Dagan wasn’t the most stable of creatures…

            ‘How do you know him?’ He asked again, his voice shifted into that deadly cold tone.

            ‘I’ve known him for years. He lets me stay at his house sometimes when I go trading in Laven.’

            ‘Oh?’ Dagan laughed that cold, deadpan laugh again. ‘So they still have Ignatius choose some Anellan fool to trade the ash with? I guess some things won’t change. I’d rather die under the hands of the King then see my parents again.’

            ‘Fine, we’ll just go straight to Eilir’s hut, but we have to go there. You must see that.’

            I didn’t bother arguing further, I just started walking in the direction of home.

            Eventually Dagan began to follow.

---

We walked all night, my legs and muscles aching from the sudden exercise after eleven months of inactivity. But we’d wasted enough time arguing in front of Lar and couldn’t afford to stop.

            It was mid-day when I noticed a figure in the distance, catching up to us at an alarmingly fast pace. As it got closer I realised it was a wolf. That fact didn’t make me relax any.

            ‘Your friend is back.’ I told Dagan. He frowned, glancing behind us and squinting.

            ‘It doesn’t look like he’s being followed at least.’ He said, not slowing down.

            The wolf soon caught up with us anyway, shifting into a man and walking beside us.

            ‘Weren’t we supposed to be going the other way?’ he asked, his voice still deep even when not growling. Like all earth immortals, his skin was decorated with visible vein outlines. His eyes were an animal yellow.

            ‘This plan made more sense.’ Dagan admitted. ‘We’re going to Firo for supplies, then to Laven for Eilir’s help.’

            The wolf man raised an eyebrow in surprise but didn’t comment.

            ‘Is Earl following you?’ Dagan asked.

            ‘No, he’s too busy clearing up his mess. He knows where we’re headed and knows it will take time to get there, so he’s not worried. He’ll head to Tempit with his and the Duke’s army within days.’

            Dagan gritted his teeth in irritation. ‘Cocky bastard.’

            The wolf man shrugged. ‘He isn’t wrong; even if we go to Laven he’ll get there first.’

            ‘But he can’t conquer the city that fast. We’ll have time.’

            ‘Then you should be glad he’s so cocky. It’s better for everyone if he’s wrapped up with is father and forgets his other objective.’ He said, glancing at me meaningfully.

            ‘Who are you?’ I asked, making sure I stared him right in the eye.

            ‘Names have power, why should I give you mine?’ he answered with a sneer.

            Dagan rolled his eyes.

            ‘This is Ulmar.’ Dagan said, earning a glare from the wolf-man. ‘His master is Querida of Arswing village. For this mission of rescuing Firo and killing the King you can trust him.’

            I didn’t. In fact I didn’t trust either of them.

I’d never seen my hometown of Firo devoid of tourists, not once since I was born. Even during the rainy season a few would be caught in it and forced to stay.

            Not one tourist wandered the town now. The usual bustling of locals was subdued, trading replaced with building and repairs. Even after nearly a year a lot of houses were unliveable.

            The people were naturally skittish. Ulmar had waited a mile from town, but Dagan had entered with me. Some people recognised me, smiling in relief. Others recognised me and a deep spark of hatred grew in their eyes. But they didn’t dare approach me.

            ‘Dint? Is…that really you?’

            I turned to my right, a relieved smile invading my face to see Aaron. He was thin, too thin, with a haunted look on his face, but he still had a will to live clear in his eyes.

            ‘Yeah, it’s me. I can’t really go into it, but I’ve become more….dragon-like since I was last here.’

            Aaron nodded slowly. I knew he must have had tons of questions, but he pushed them aside and asked the only one he knew mattered to me.

            ‘Did you find Annie?’

            ‘She’s in Tempit,’ I said, ‘That’s where I’m going now.’

            He nodded again, turning towards the Inn.

            ‘Then you’d better come grab what you can; take whatever you need.’

            There were no tourists at the Inn, but it was packed with people who’d lost their homes. I was surprised and relieved to see so many survivors after all the death I’d remembered that day.

            ‘Some people managed to hide, and the houses further in hadn’t been reached when they withdrew. They spared some of the older people, like Mary, but…a lot of people died, or were taken.’

            I nodded, not knowing what to say.

            ‘I wish I could go with you.’ He said, surprising me with the venom in his voice. ‘I’d love to kill the bastard who slaughtered my dad, Iris’ Mum, Chuck…’

            ‘Don’t worry, he’ll die.’ I promised glancing at Dagan who nodded with fierce determination. ‘You need to stay here and look after this place.’

            Aaron nodded, stuffing two backpacks with as much long-lasting food as he could. We followed him as he went upstairs, grabbing blankets from the cupboard and adding them in.

            ‘Dimi?’ Came a hesitant voice. I turned, seeing Iris peeking her head out of Aaron’s room, her eyes wide. ‘Is that really you?’

            ‘Yeah,’ I said, trying to smile. ‘I just came to stock up before I go save Annie.’

            She bolted out of the room, pulling me into a tight hug. I blinked in surprise.

            ‘Iris?’

            ‘You’re alive!’ she sobbed, holding me tighter. ‘Thank goodness you’re alive!’

            ‘I told you he wasn’t dead.’ Aaron smirked at her, a ghost of the smirks he used to have. ‘Nothing would keep this guy from his sister.’

            Iris pulled back, staring straight into my eyes. She didn’t flinch once, reminding me of the young woman I’d once known.

            They didn’t deserve this.

            You’ll bring her back, right? You’ll both come back? Aaron and I…we wanted to get married, but not unless you and Annie are here.’

            I smiled, pulling her into another hug.

            ‘I’ll bring her back, I promise. Everything will be the way it used to be.’

            From her eyes I knew she couldn’t believe me, but she still gave me a watery smile.

            ‘Thank you, Dimi. Thank you for coming back.’

Chapter Twenty Five

Dagan

‘Ceee?’ I tried again, struggling to focus on the elf instead of the ash field.

            ‘Yes, Cedron. He was sent to trade in Tempit, and convinced the King to send me in reply to Earl’s…peace offering.’

            I gave him a confused look. The elf sighed.

            ‘When Earl attacked Firo eight months ago, it was without the King’s consent. Earl sent young girls to Tempit as slaves in order to appease him.’

            My eyes widened.

            Annie!

            ‘The King accepted it easily. He’s grown too comfortable and arrogant in his reign to realise Earl is planning to overthrow him.’

            I don’t care about the stupid king! Did you see Annie? I wanted to scream.

            ‘Don’t worry; I’m going to get you out of here. I’ll help you get to Tempit and save Firo.’

            I sighed in relief, glad words weren’t needed.

            ‘You’ll need to be able to move on your own, so I’ll start cutting back your…blood intake.’ He circled around me, staring at my back and frowning. ‘…Or maybe I should increase it and let those come through first. Having them half formed would be problematic.’

            I stared at him like he was crazy.

            ‘Trust me, you don’t want half-formed wings, the pain would distract you.’

            Great. I thought, But how am I supposed to move with giant wings on my back?

            I knew how big my wings were in dragon form on the field; they were longer than my body.

            ‘I’ll look after you, and I’ll keep you informed on what’s happening. I need to wait for my accomplice anyway, so we have three months to get you in shape.’

            I groaned, already dreading it.

---

Dagan wasn’t a naturally chatty person, and I couldn’t form words properly. A lot of our time was spent in awkward silence, him helping me eat, bathe, relieve myself. Not anything I wanted anyone to help me with, let alone a stranger.

            ‘Earl has been planning a coup ever since he was sent away from Tempit. Usually the King waits until his children turn twenty five before relocating them to Lar, but Earl has shown an alarming interest in the King’s dark magic.’

            So he really does have dark magic.

            Yes, Firo answered, surprising me. A dark power that no human should ever possess.

            ‘Earl wants that power for himself, but he didn’t inherit it. For dark magic to be inherited the parents must both possess magic, and pass them onto the child. This balances out the power of the dark magic a little. If a child is born with just dark magic they are still-born, usually killing the non-magic mother too. The King’s children only live because they have no magic.’

            Does that mean the King has another magic too? I asked Firo, seen as my physical mouth wasn’t co-operating.

            Yes, he was originally born in Arswing, and inherited foreseeing magic. He can use water or reflective items to spy on people.

            But doesn’t that mean he knows Earl is planning a coup?

            Yes, to a degree. He knew it before Earl left Tempit…but now you are blocking his magic. Any of Earl’s plans involving you are invisible to him.

            Why?

            Immortals are too powerful for his magic to work on. He cannot see into the immortal realms or spy on the immortals. So any plans Earl makes involving Ignatius and you he’s ignorant of. This makes him overconfident and believes Earl is no longer a threat. He views the attack on Firo the equivalent of a temper tantrum. He has grown too lax and arrogant in his long reign. It will be his downfall.

            ‘The only way Earl can gain dark magic is to kill the current owner, then he will inherit both of the King’s magic…which is the last thing we want. Earl would be a bigger tyrant than his father. Someone needs to kill the King before he gets a chance.’

            I gave him a dubious look.

            I’m not killing him and gaining dark magic. I mentally tried to tell him.

            ‘As an elf I would be a better host for such magic.’ He said, his gaze demanding I agree.

            Do you agree with that? I asked Firo.

            I think no being should wield such darkness. But if an elf must do it, it should not be Dagan.

            I didn’t know why, but Dagan’s name sounded familiar. Where had I heard it before?

            ‘Earl will dispose of his siblings before killing the King. Hopefully that will give us some time.’

            Yeah, time to grow some wings, which was not fun. Even when most of my senses were in the ash field the pain was excruciating. Every nerve and muscle was in constant spasms as the wings slowly grew.

            Weirdly, Dagan seemed to know a lot about wings and massaged my back to ease the spasms, caressing the nubs that started to form. I was starting to worry he had a fetish.

            After two months I was relieved to see the wings weren’t as big as I feared they’d be, reaching to the back of my knees. I could no longer sit down though, having to lay on my side while my personal wing-carer fussed over them.

            ‘You need to stretch and exercise them regularly, otherwise they’ll be useless. It would be unforgivable to waste them.’

            I tried to turn my head, looking at his wistful expression, full of longing.

            He may be an elf now, I thought, But he used to be a farry.

            While Dagan looked after my physical body, Firo insisted I start moving my dragon self, leaning to use my unfamiliar body parts. Firo herself couldn’t move anymore, too weak, but she watched and encouraged me as I learned to move my tail and wings. My physical body began to respond, so Dagan began cutting back on Firo’s blood.

            I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to fly, but I could now fold them neatly against my back.

            ‘Now we wait.’ Dagan said, ‘And hope my ally gets here before Earl makes his move.’

---

I’d been in the dungeon eleven months when Dagan’s ally showed up. By then we’d stopped Firo’s blood completely, her presence a faint but constant spark in the back of my mind.

            What’s that? I was startled awake by a quiet rumbling. The whole ground was shaking, the noise growing louder and louder. I glanced over at Dagan, who was awake, but not concerned.

            ‘About time.’ He muttered, glancing over at the dungeon door where the usual guards were absent. ‘It looks like Earl is making his move.’

            I listened, hearing screams and sounds of fighting coming from above in the castle halls.

            ‘He will come here when he’s killed all his siblings and take you to Tempit with him.’

            No thanks, I thought, my attention going back to the shaking ground. Cracks were beginning to form next to Dagan, the concrete being pushed up.

            What kind of monster can push through concrete?

            Finally the concrete parted and a grey, shaggy wolf crawled through the hole, looking irritated.

            ‘Wha?’ I drawled out, starting to question whether I was back in reality.

            ‘I guess going out that way won’t work.’ Dagan sighed. ‘You’d get stuck. We’ll have to go through the castle.’

            I was still too busy staring at the wolf to contribute to this.

            ‘Can you get us out?’ Dagan asked the wolf instead.

            The wolf stopped shaking the dirt off itself and padded to the cell door. Out of the stone cellar the door was the only thing made of wood, with a high barred window for the guards to peer through and a little light to enter. Dagan had commented once that the dungeons had been here before the castle was built, but the King had changed the prison into a mansion, naming it a castle to appease his children as he banished them here.

            I’d wondered how long Dagan had been a slave to know that.

            The wolf stood staring at the door, not moving. I was about to whisper my questions of what the hell is going on? when saplings began growing up the door, weaving into cracks in the wood.

            My whole body went cold.

            That thing isn’t a wolf; it’s an earth immortal.

            The door began to crack and split apart until there was nothing left except a pile of firewood, the plants immediately withered away. The wolf trotted away around the corner, out of sight.

            ‘We’ll have to be careful.’ Dagan said as he helped me stand. ‘We’re about to walk through a massacre.’

            ‘Why are you working with that thing?’ I hissed, backing away from him as far as my chains would let me. ‘Immortals can’t be trusted!’

            ‘I know that.’ Dagan said, eyes on the doorway. ‘But I’ve known him and his master a long time; they have the same goals we do. As long as we’re useful to him he won’t betray us.’

            I doubt he sounded convincing even to himself.

            I would have continued but the re-appearance of the wolf made my throat seize up. His fur was covered in blood and he carried a set of keys in his mouth. Dagan took them with no hesitation, not even noticing the blood.

            ‘Right, let’s get moving before Earl remembers you.’

---

Dagan had been right; this place wasn’t a castle, just a fancy mansion. The floors were carpeted, the walls coated with large tapestries. It was more enclosed, warmer, with mosaic glass windows rather than stone bar ones.

            The carpets and tapestries were splattered with blood, some of the beautiful windows had been smashed, stray bits of glass all over the floor…And there were bodies. Most of them in the corridors were soldiers, probably the ones Earl couldn’t convert to his coup.

            ‘He would have instructed his men to attack while all his siblings were eating with him in the great hall.’ Dagan whispered, his voice lacking any sympathy at the sight before us. ‘Now they’ll have joined him there to slaughter them.’

            ‘Can’t we stop them?’ I asked.

            Dagan gave me a cold look that made me tense, expecting him to attack.

            ‘Why would I help them? The royal family have kept me captive for two hundred years. I want them all to suffer and then die. If Earl kills all his siblings then only two of my sworn enemies are left.’

            The wolf gave a loud snort, turning Dagan’s intense hatred to it.

            ‘You be quiet! I will kill the King and get my magic back!’

            Wait, what?

            I was starting to wonder whether staying with Earl would have been the safer option.

            We were near the supposed castle’s entrance, which was also the great hall. We’d walked past it, almost at the unguarded gates leading us to freedom when the great hall doors opened.

            Earl stepped out, covered head to toe in blood, and grinning from ear to ear.

Chapter Twenty Four:

Lar

My mind was clearer by the time we reached the harbour close to Haven. I was still shackled, so my jailers retrieved their chain ends and led me off the boat. I wobbled like I was drunk, the soldiers going at a slower speed due to Earl’s presence. I doubt he was about to march anywhere.

            We reached Haven within an hour, approaching from the back of the city. Two men were waiting there with a carriage and a cart, horses already attached and saddled up, ready. One of the men’s eyes widened at the sight of me. I frowned, trying to focus my mind.

            It was Cedron.

            ‘What on earth? Samuel, what is this?’

            ‘Like I said,’ the other man sighed, ‘You are helping Prince Earl transport his property, nothing more.’ He turned his full gaze to Cedron, eyes full of warning.

            The man, Samuel, was older than Cedron, old enough to be his father. His black, greying hair came down on his shoulders, and he wore clothes as fine and beautiful as Earl’s.

            Cedron lowered his gaze and nodded, moving towards the cart. Samuel smiled and turned back to Earl.

            ‘Cedron is a reliable trader; he will be discreet with your parcel.’

            ‘Good.’ Earl said, already heading towards the carriage. ‘I thank you for your help, Duke, and will reward you when I can.’

            Samuel bowed slightly. The soliders tugged at my chains again, leading me to the cart.

            ‘Cee…’ I tried, but realised my tongue still felt too heavy. Cedron looked over at me, wincing with guilt. He turned back to the cart, lowering one of its sides so he could climb in.

            ‘Lay him out.’ Cedron told the soliders.

            The soliders gave each other dubious looks but moved forward, half of them climbing into the cart and trying to pull me up.

            ‘You want me to lift my legs up that high with all these on?’ I snorted, finding my voice for my important sarcasm. ‘I don’t have super strength you know.’

            ‘He’s right.’ Cedron said, looking everywhere but me. ‘You’ll have to lift him.’

            What followed was an embarrassing five minutes of soliders groping me, trying to get a steady hold on my legs and waist to lift me up. Meanwhile the soliders still on the cart heaved on the chains. I definitely felt hands on my butt when I was half-dangling on the cart’s edge.

            ‘You should invest in a cart with a ramp.’ I told Cedron once I was on. He still avoided my gaze. Instead he lifted the cart’s side back up, securing it in place. It was then I noticed the large holes in the sides, big enough to slip chains through.

            I sighed as I was shoved to the centre of the cart, the soldiers rearranging the chains and handing them to Cedron. He slipped them through the holes, looped them back over the side and secured it further up on the same chain using a handcuff shaped lock, which was hammered shut.

            ‘Isn’t it a bit loose?’ One soldier asked, realising I could stand and move a few steps if I wanted, enough to reach the cart’s edge but not to climb off.

            ‘He can only move from one side to the other, not to the front or back, so he can’t tamper with the horses. Trust me; if he needs to relieve himself this will make things a lot easier.’

            Twelve hours ago I might have shuddered at the thought, but since then I’d experienced the humiliation of ‘relieving myself’ with eight soldiers watching, holding my chains.

            ‘Maybe I’ll aim at your head.’ I said coldly.

            Cedron winced, but didn’t tighten the chains.

            ‘Can I rely on you to get him to Lar safely and promptly?’ Earl interrupted, calling out from the carriage window. ‘I have things to prepare for his arrival.’

            Cedron nodded. ‘Of course, Your Majesty.’

            Earl nodded, pleased.

            ‘I’ll leave the soldiers with you then.’

            With that Earl’s General climbed to the front of the carriage, urging the horses forward into a steady trot. Cedron let out a heavy sigh as the four soldiers climbed off the cart, awaiting orders.

            ‘I need one of you to steer the horses, and one to walk in front of them as lookout. The rest should surround the cart, two on either side and two at the back. I’ll stay on the cart and make sure the chains stay secure.’

            My hopes rose at this.

            Is he going to help me escape?

            I waited patiently for over an hour, expecting Cedron to suddenly spring his daring plan to set me free.

            But all he did was check my chains and stare stubbornly into the distance.

            ‘Cedron.’ I whispered harshly, now fully focused on reality and able to control my body. ‘What’s the plan? We should act now before we get too close to Lar.’

            ‘I have no plan.’ He said, dead pan. It was the first time he looked me in the eye. ‘I don’t know what trouble you’ve got into with Earl, but I can’t get you out of it.’

            I sat in stunned silence, feeling tears of betrayal in my eyes.

            ‘W-what? Are you serious?’ I seethed, a harsh whisper. ‘You’re really going to deliver me to that monster?’

            ‘I…’ he faltered, head dropping in defeat. ‘I can’t risk my position with the Duke. I’d never see Elena again…’

            ‘Who?’ I asked, still reeling with emotion.

            ‘His daughter.’

            I just shook my head, determined not to cry in front of him, someone I’d viewed as a friend and trusted.

            ‘I can’t believe you. The king has the dragon Firo imprisoned, slowly bleeding her to death. Earl has some dark alliance with Ignatius, which somehow involves me. How can you ignore that? You’re an Anellan, aren’t you? Our people descend from dragons.’

            ‘You forget; I come from the clan that doesn’t.’ Cedron said quietly, but not sounding as sure.

            ‘So that means you’ll do nothing as the original dragon dies? Free me and I can save her!’

            For a moment I’d thought he’d do it, his hands hovered over the closest chains, pure anguish on his face. His gaze darted to the soldiers surrounding us. He sighed and clenched his hands into fists, lowering them.

            ‘I can’t. I’m sorry, but I can’t.’

---

Cedron didn’t speak another word to me for the rest of the trip, and we arrived at Lar all too soon. The cart headed straight for the castle, the soldiers joined with more back up to keep any curious citizens from looking at me. I was forced to lie down out of sight, the chains now too tight for me to move freely.

            I’d heard Lar was a more modern town, its castle more of a large mansion than a historical landmark. All I could tell was the sky was the same colour here as Haven, the sun warm but nothing compared to the desert’s heat.

            The cart was led right into the castle walls before I was finally unbound from it, back into my jailer’s control.

            Earl was there, waiting eagerly with another blood vial. Cedron nodded his head at Earl and reversed his cart, not looking back as he left.

---

Time soon began to lose meaning for me, as did a sense of reality. I was left chained in a dungeon room, hooked to the floor, and forced to drink vial after vial of Firo’s blood. Sometimes I’d get human food too. Sometimes they would draw blood from me before giving me Firo’s.

            Firo would curl around me in the ash field, like a protective mother, and tell me stories. Old stories of a young world, where people were full of hope and potential. She told me more about immortals, especially Berthilda.

            You knew the real Eilir, what was he like?

            She paused, her thoughts sad and full of longing.

            He was the mate of my soul. I miss him greatly. But his current task is more important, which you’ll see one day.

            I was about to question her further when I suddenly felt a familiar, overwhelming presence.

            Firo drew back her wings, allowing me to see the snake-like red dragon near us, staring in open curiosity at me.

            It is too soon, my child. Firo said softly. He is not ready.

            The dragon was smaller than Firo, closer to my size. It stepped forward, reaching out its long neck. It couldn’t help but respond, moving so our noses could touch.

            We stayed that way a long time, heat and energy focusing between our chests. When we finally parted I realised a small red blob had formed, still without a shape, but very much alive.

            Did we just create that?

            The dragon didn’t answer, they just bowed and vanished , the small life going with them.

            I am impressed,Firo said. You already have enough power to create. That messenger will be a great help to communicate with your new ally.

            Who was that?

            You will see, young one. One day you will see.

---

If I’d been more connected to my body and emotions I think I would have cried in fear and revulsion to what was happening to me. Firo’s blood contained magic, which meant my transformation was no longer limited to my human body’s capacity. The two horns on my forehead grew first, splitting my skull apart to add to the bone structure. Then came the long tail almost the length of my body, covered with red scales and topped with red spikes. Now I could feel something stirring under the skin on my back, growing and readying itself to break through my skin.

            What would life hold for me if I ever escaped? If I rescued Firo, could she fix me? Could I ever be human again?

            How long have I been here?

            Firo grew weaker everyday. My hair, which had been a scraggly, thin length on the back of my neck was now thick against my shoulders.

            ‘Can you hear me?’

            ‘He doesn’t respond much. Just make sure to feed and bathe him when needed.’

            ‘…As you wish.’

            I heard a door close, and was going to retreat back to the ash field when the first voice spoke again, surprising me.
            ‘Well that’s good. We don’t have to worry about the guards hovering over us.’

            I focused more on the voice, blinking my eyes a few times until they focused on the dungeon.

            A dark haired elf stood over me, holding a bowl of broth. His eartips were missing, and he was wearing the plain ivory clothes of a slave.

            ‘Whooo…’ I tried, my tongue thick.

            ‘Hello Firo.’ He said, trying to twist his face into a smile. ‘I am Dagan. Cedron sent me from Tempit.’

Chapter Twenty Three:

Blood vial

They attached so many shackles and chains I couldn’t move an inch on my own. The large shackle around my neck even prevented me from turning my head, trying to find Annie.

            ‘Annie!’ I screamed as they dragged me further away from the school. They didn’t try to silence me, but no one answered me either.

            I was paraded around, soldiers stopping their slaughtering and cheering, following behind.

            At least they really are stopping the attack now.

            At the town’s entrance, standing where the archway used to be, was a soldier directing the others. His armour was more refined and he was the first man I’d seen wearing a helmet.

            ‘Sir! We’ve captured him.’ One of my eager jailers reported.

            The man, General of the army, gave a stern nod before spinning around and heading towards the desert.

            ‘Then you four follow me. The rest begin evacuating as planned. Main Team head back to Lar, Side Team escort the prisoners to Tempit.

            ‘No!’ I screamed, trying to struggle and forcing the men to stop and focus on restraining me. ‘Give my sister back!’

            ‘Bring enough people to keep him under control.’ The general said, not even looking back.

            Four more people grabbed chains attached to me, pulling me until I was forced to walk or get dragged.

            When I realised where we were going, I prayed they’d just kill and bury me in the sand.

---

The general strode right into the caverns, not even flinching at the flames. The soldiers were more hesitant, but their fear of him must have been greater, dragging me into the caves of my nightmares.

            I laughed coldly as the soldiers flinched at the flame’s heat and their eyes watered at the smoke.

            ‘You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.’ I chuckled. ‘What monster lives in these caves.’

            Still they followed their general, who headed straight towards Ignatius’ throne.

            So he knows the way. I thought, Is Earl giving me to Ignatius then?

            The soldiers were coughing openly by the time the flames opened out to Ignatius’ throne area. Ignatius was sat there, face smug. Earl stood next to him, grinning in delight when his eyes landed on me.

            ‘Well done, General Shmy. Take your men and prepare the boat; I will bring him along shortly.’

            General Shmy inclined his head and turned. Immediately my captives released the chains and followed him out of the caves.

            I glared at Ignatius, trying to hide my trembling.

            ‘You no longer have Rafferty to protect you, boy.’ His voice boomed, making me shiver.

            ‘I don’t see why you bothered indulging him.’ Earl shrugged. ‘But you got rid of him when it was needed, at least.’

            Horror filled me.

            ‘What did you do to him?’ I demanded, dragging my chains to move forward.

            Ignatius’ booming laugh made me stop.

            ‘Worried for an immortal? You really are a fool. I just told Katriona it would be better if she ordered his return sooner. Clearly she saw the reason in this.’

            I exhaled in relief, unable to stop myself.

            At least they can’t drag Lennie into this anymore.

            ‘What do you want with me?’ I asked.

            ‘I thought that would be obvious.’ Earl answered, startling my gaze away from Ignatius. ‘When we met last you claimed to be Firo, the true form of fire. She clearly has touched you. Ignatius has been watching you for years, waiting to see if his suspicions of Firo’s chosen successor was true. And so it is. We came to an agreement soon after.’

            Ignatius rose from his throne, moving towards me. I tried to back away, but couldn’t move fast enough with the chains weighing me down.

            ‘You will be the perfect tool I need for my goals.’ Earl gloated, ‘And so Ignatius has gracefully allowed me to borrow you.’

            ‘I don’t belong to him!’ I screamed, just as Ignatius reached me and clamped a death grip on my shoulder, making me wince.

            ‘What is your name?’ He demanded, his grip tightening.

            I winced in confusion.

            ‘You don’t know?’ I asked, eyes widening as I realised he didn’t.

            Father always called me ‘boy’ in his presence. I didn’t tell Earl my name either.

            And they had just killed most of the people who knew my real name, not realising some still lived.

            I hope Annie realises that too.

            ‘Tell me!’ Ignatius bellowed, gripping my other shoulder too and squeezing.

            I winced again, but held my head high, staring into his eyes with pure hatred.

            ‘I am Firo,’ I said, almost spitting with venom. ‘And one day I will kill you.’

            Ignatius’ face twisted with rage, releasing my left shoulder and back-handing me across the face. My ears ringed at the force, tasting blood in my mouth.

            ‘Stop!’ Earl ordered, ‘Don’t worry about that for now. We don’t need total control over him, just give him the vial.’

            Ignatius paused, struggling with his temper for a moment. I wasn’t sure if it was aimed at me or Earl this time. Finally he gritted his teeth and released me. I dropped to my knees like a rock, my face and shoulders screaming in pain.

            ‘Very well.’ He said, one hand going to his belt and opening a pouch there. From it he pulled out a glass vial half the size of a mug, the red liquid inside visible. A small cork stopper sealed it shut, which Ignatius popped off.

            ‘Drink.’ He commanded, shoving the bottle under my nose.

            The smell confirmed that it was blood.

            ‘Are you crazy?’ A hysterical chuckle escaped me.

            Ignatius grabbed the back of my neck and shoved the open vial into my mouth, tilting it back so the liquid flowed down my throat. I almost choked, trying to escape his grip and automatically swallowing. When Ignatius released me I fell forward, retching. But it was too late, most of the blood had already been swallowed.

            I immediately realised it was her blood.

            ‘You’re a monster.’ I said shakily, unable to stop trembling. ‘Both of you! What are you hurting her for?’

            ‘Oh, I can’t take credit for that one.’ Earl chuckled, ‘That honour belongs to the King. I’m just taking advantage of the situation.’

            I could barely feel my body anymore, my vision overlapping with the fire caves and the ash field. I was dimly aware of Ignatius picking me up, following Earl out of the caves towards the harbour where a boat was waiting.

            In the ash field she was no longer a red blob in the distance. She was close enough to touch, her figure clear and breath-taking. A huge red dragon, injured, bleeding from all over, but still powerful. Her eyes opened, seeing me, and throwing back her head, releasing an angry and sorrowful roar.

            They have my little one! How dare they!

            In reality Ignatius dumped me on the boat and turned to Earl, nodding his head.

            ‘I have fulfilled my end; I look forward to you fulfilling yours.’ He half-warned the prince.

            ‘Don’t worry, God of Aneller, I have been planning this far too long to falter.’

            Ignatius nodded and left the boat, heading back to the caves without another word. The boat immediately started to move.

            In the ash field Firo wrapped her bleeding wings around me, her dragon body sheltering my own.

            I am sorry, little one. I am truly sorry.

            I’ll still come for you, I vowed. I will find a way to save you.

            She paused a moment before wrapping her wings more securely around me.

            Yes, she said finally, Escape and come to Tempit. Come to me, my little hatchling.

Chapter Twenty Two:

Attack on Firo

The archway was a burnt pile of rubble at the town’s entrance; the perfect gateway into a town filled with screams and blood.

            The mosaic pattern was littered with bodies of traders and tourists. Nearby houses were on fire or ransacked. No living soul was in sight.

            I moved slowly, deeper into the town, staying pressed close to walls for shelter. The further in I went the more activity I saw. Soldiers were breaking into homes, slashing panicked tourists and locals, leaving them bleeding where they fell. One soldier went to a woman on the floor, who was clutching her bleeding stomach, and grabbed her by the hair, pulling her up.

            ‘Where is the boy with scales? Tell me and we will stop this attack!’

            The woman just cried out in pain, unable to form coherent words. It was only then I realised she was Mum’s employer, Felicity.

            The soldiers tsked, letting her drop to the floor and bringing his sword down, striking through her back, into her heart.

            I sank further into the shadows, waiting until he moved to a tourist further away before dashing towards my house.

            The street looked deserted of soldiers, clearly already suffered through their raid. Our house wasn’t ablaze, but the door had been destroyed, now just chunks on the floor.

            I stepped in cautiously, my gaze darting from the floor to the corridor, the morning light making it easy to see.

            As soon as I stepped around the corner into the kitchen I saw Mum’s body. The table was overturned, chairs scattered and damaged. She was laid on the floor, clearly arranged that way, as if she was already in a coffin. Legs straight, arms crossed over her chest, except her eyes weren’t closed, her face showing the terror she’s felt as she died. A small trickle of blood flowed from her mouth, down the side of her face, not yet dry.

            I moved closer, reaching out a trembling finger to touch her but pulling it back at the last moment.

            ‘Mum,’ I choked out.

            Something tried to plunge into my shoulder. A snap and a curse followed, making me spin around so fast I fell on my butt next to Mum on the floor.

            ‘Damn,’ A soldier muttered, staring at the broken tip of his sword. ‘Wasn’t expecting that to happen.’

            I shuffled away, standing to my feet as he dropped the sword, glaring at me.

            ‘Well, I did have orders to take you alive, so maybe this is better.’

            ‘Did you do this?’ I asked, voice hoarse as he unclipped some shackles from his belt.

            ‘The woman? Yeah, she wasn’t really cooperating, but I had a feeling this was your house, so I stuck around. I kind of regret killing her so fast; if I knew you’d take this long I’d have had more fun with her when she was alive, instead of having to amuse myself using her corpse as a manikin.’

            ‘Annie,’ I choked out, shaking with rage. ‘What did you do to Annie?’

            ‘Annie? Is that who the other bedroom belongs to?’ He grinned, swinging the shackles in a lazy circle. ‘What indeed?’

            All rational thought left me as I charged forward, lowering my head and plowing into his chest, grabbing his sides in a vice grip. We both went flying backwards, the soldier hitting the wall with a whelp.

            He immediately slapped one shackle on my right wrist, grimacing with pain.

            ‘Now, now, behave yourself. Prince Earl is very eager to see you again.’

            I stood and yanked my arm back, releasing his hold on the other end of the shackle. It flew past my head until I moved my arm again, directing it towards the shocked soldier. He rolled out of the way, clumsily, the shackle narrowly missing his head and dinting the wall behind.

            ‘Are you crazy?’ The soldier shouted, scrambling away on hands and knees until he was far enough away to stand safely.

            ‘Where is she?’ I screamed, charging towards him again. I briefly registered him fumbling with his belt, half drawing a dagger…

            …And then I slammed into him, driving the dagger that had still been facing towards him into his stomach. His hand still clutching it.

            The pain and shock in his eyes wiped all rage from me, replacing it with horror.

            ‘I-I…’ I stuttered, backing away, his blood already on my shirt and hands.

            The soldier sank to the ground, staring is disbelief at his own dagger.

            ‘D-damn lizard.’ He coughed, before slumping lifeless on the ground.

            An inhuman wail escaped my mouth, filling the lifeless house.

---

I don’t know how long I stared at his body, letting those awful sounds escape me. Probably not long enough, considering what I’d just done. But a sudden, urgent thought snapped me back to reality.

            Annie.

            I stumbled into her room, finding it ransacked but empty. I searched Mum’s room, my room, every single corner of the house, calling her name.

            Nothing.

            Maybe she wasn’t here. She could have been at school early, or at Iris’.

            I clenched my fists, bracing myself as I went back to the soldier’s body. I grabbed the dagger and yanked it free before I could change my mind, causing me to retch.

            I need a weapon, I justified myself.

            I turned to leave, but paused, turning back to the kitchen. This time I didn’t hesitate, bending down next to the woman who had given me life and closing her eyes for the last time.

            ‘I’m sorry,’ I said. ‘This is my fault, and I couldn’t save you. But I’ll find Annie and keep her safe. I promise.’

            And with that I stood and walked out of my home.

            I would never walk back in.

---

Iris’ house wasn’t far away but I was nearly spotted twice. Perhaps my wailing had summoned soldiers back to the area, or maybe they would have come anyway. The thought of fighting them made my stomach clench in pain and my head swim. But surprisingly my mind was calm, no hint of a panic attack trying to overpower me.

            How childish they seem now. I thought bitterly as I slipped into Iris’ house.

            I immediately heard her panicked scream, her voice sobbing out desperate pleas.

            ‘Please stop! Please!’

            I followed her voice to Marge’s bedroom, seeing Marge herself dead just outside the door. Her eyes were open in shock, with her throat cut.

            Iris was being pinned down on the bed, one man on top of her, fumbling with his belt, while another watched, his back to the door and me.

            ‘Save some for me,’ the man leered. ‘Might as well get the best out of her before she’s shipped off to Tempit with the others.’

            I took in a shaky breath, letting my mind empty of emotion or remorse.

            I’ve already killed, what difference will two more make?

            I stabbed the man between the back of his shoulder blades twice before he could react. I shoved him hard to the right so his falling body wouldn’t block my way. The other man turned his head, one hand still half in his pants when I stepped forward and brought the knife across his throat. He gaped and spluttered, eyes wide as his life slowly ebbed away, exiting this world to the sound of Iris’ mournful screams.

            I rolled the body off of her, letting it fall to the floor. Immediately she sat up and scuttled away, terrified eyes staring at me.

            ‘D-Dimi?’ she asked.

            ‘Where’s Annie?’ I responded, voice cold. ‘Was she here when they arrived?’

            She tried to control her sobs enough to speak.

            ‘N-no, she w-went to school early to set up the tests…’ she trailed off, eyes landing on Marge’s body behind me and choking her words away. ‘M-Mum.’

            ‘I need to find her.’ I said, turning away. ‘Hide somewhere until it’s over.’

            I’d just entered the corridor when I heard someone burst into the house.

            ‘Iris!’ Aaron’s panicked voice called out, making me relax my grip on the dagger.

            ‘In here.’ I called out, hoping he wouldn’t attract anymore soldiers. Aaron’s face appeared moments later, his eyes widening at my appearance. I guess I was pretty blood-soaked by this point.

            ‘Dint? Is that you?’

            ‘Iris was attacked,’ I said.

            ‘What?’ he paled, running past me into the bedroom. Iris moaned at the sight of him, opening up her arms. Aaron immediately embraced her, looking around the room in disbelief while muttering softly to her.

            ‘Look after her.’ I said before turning away, not pausing as Aaron called after me.

            Annie. I have to find Annie.

---

The closer I got to the school the harder it was to avoid being seen. Houses were still being broken into and set on fire. Soldiers were chasing citizens and tourists, rounding them up. Most they killed straight away, but the younger women they dragged towards the school.

            A few times I was spotted and had to silence the soldier before they could alert others. Cutting their throat was definitely proving the most effective method.

            Finally the school was in sight, which I peered at round a house corner. Many young women, ranging from ten to early twenties, were already in front of the building, under guard. More were being dragged there from the town and out of the school building.

            I spotted her coming out straight away, the soldier having to practically carry her. She was struggling desperately to get back in the building, calling out ‘Chuck! Chuck!’ over and over. Tears were running down her face and blood covered her clothes.

            I lost all sense of reason and began running towards her.

            ‘Annie!’ I screamed, drawing all the nearby soldier’s attention. ‘Annie!’

            ‘Dimi!’ She sobbed, starting to struggle towards me. ‘Help!’

            I hadn’t even covered half the distance when four soldiers tackled me at once, slapping shackles on every limb before I could even struggle.

            ‘We’ve got him! We’ve found the lizard boy!’ They crowed, causing the soldiers to cheer.

            I didn’t take my eyes off Annie, who could only bow her head in defeat and keep sobbing.

Chapter Twenty one:

Fire Temple

‘Behave yourself while I’m gone.’ I told Annie sternly.  She rolled her eyes but didn’t look up from her work, spread out on the kitchen table.

            ‘I have thirty tests to give out and then mark. I doubt I’ll even get to see Chuck before you come home.’

            ‘Good.’ I grinned, leaving the house without another word. Mum had already gone to work, thinking I was taking Lennie on my usual Laven trip.

            It should be fine, I tried to convince myself. I’ll come back before heading to Tempit, no matter what I find.

            No matter how many times I said it, it didn’t feel true.

‘You’re expecting to be gone a while, aren’t you?’ I asked as we set off into the desert, in the opposite direction of the fire caves.

            Lennie winced.

            ‘How did you know?’

            ‘Because you spent way too long going through the stall details and routine with Mary. You even hired that new guy to help her out. Does that mean you’re coming to Tempit with me?’

            Lennie didn’t answer.

---

It took four days to reach the fire temple. It was a simiar distance away as Laven, but taking the most direct route meant travelling through the desert the whole time. So instead we headed north long enough to reach the end of the desert, then walked east for three days before entering the desert again.

            ‘Good job you don’t overheat anymore.’ Lennie said.

            ‘Yeah,’ I agreed. It had taken a few trips to Laven after my skin had changed, but now when I got too hot heat evaporated from the cracks between my scales. It was actually better than sweating, but it also meant when it was really warm I had steam constantly leaving my body. It left my clothes damp and the startled looks people gave me were constant, having to do a double take to make sure I wasn’t on fire.

            It was close to night on the fourth day when I spotted the temple in the distance. Or rather, I spotted a large area on fire.

            ‘The temple is hidden inside the inferno.’ Lennie explained.

            ‘Of course it is.’ I sighed, ‘I take it you know the way in?’

            Lennie gave a mischievous grin, startling me.

            ‘Have you forgotten who I really am?’

            We continued walking until we were a few meters from the flames.

            ‘So, how does an earth immortal get past fire, exactly?’ I asked, feeling dizzy from the amount of steam leaving my body.

            Lennie closed his eyes, brow wrinkling in concentration.

            ‘Do you trust me?’ he asked, distracted.

            ‘You know I do.’ I frowned, ‘Why…’

            I trailed off, noticing the ground shake in front of us. The soil began to move, being pushed upwards as a green shoot broke through the surface, growing rapidly.

            He’s going to break through with a flower? I thought sceptically.

            The flower grew until it reached my chest, then sprouted open into a red rose. At its centre a thorn posed to strike.

            ‘Er, I think the thorns are supposed to be on the stem, Lennie.’

            ‘Can you lift one of your scales up so the thorn can prick you under it?’ Lennie asked, his eyes still closed.

            I gave him a funny look which he couldn’t see. After a moment I shrugged, using my right hand to lift a scale on my left arm. The plant striked immediately, stabbing with deadly accuracy between the scale gap. I flinched back, watching as the plant began to wither and die.

            ‘Thank you,’ Lennie said, opening his eyes. ‘Part of me thought you wouldn’t do it.’

            ‘Gee, I wonder why.’ I said, irritated, releasing the scale and wincing as blood began to well up between the cracks. Even with my scale drawn back, the strike had only been as effective as a needle prick.

            ‘Can you flick your blood at the fire?’

            ‘You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?’ I accused, ‘Testing my limits.’

            ‘Maybe a little,’ he shrugged, an amused grin tugging at his lips.

            I did an underhand swing towards the fire, sending blood flying towards it…

            It landed a few steps short.

            ‘Shut up.’ I said, glaring at Lennie. He held up his hands in surrender, his face a mask of innocence.

            I stepped as close to the fire as I could bear and swung my arm again. The blood that hit the fire sizzled like acid, melting the flames away and spreading. I stepped back and watched as the entire length of fire dissolved into nothing, revealing a temple beyond.

            It was ancient, older than anything I’d ever seen, built from crumbling black stone that was coated in sand and soot.  Pillars surrounded it as a type of courtyard, with a black paved path leading to a large doorway entrance.

            ‘…Is my blood acid?’ I squawked, staring at my bleeding arm in horror.

            ‘No, no.’ Lennie said, chuckling. ‘In order to gain entry to the fire temple a fire immortal must open it using their blood. The fire will stay absent while you are within a mile radius, then it will reignite.’

            I kept staring at my arm, my stomach filling with dread and fear.

            If my blood can open it, am I really still human?

            ‘It’s the same with the Earth, Water and Ice Temple, only an immortal of the temple’s type can open it.’

            ‘Why? I thought they’d want mortals to come worship them as Gods.’

            ‘Step inside and see.’

            My boots were covered with soot in a few steps, mixing with the sand already there. I touched a pillar as we went past, its texture like something burnt, but still sturdy in structure.

            There was no door for the entrance, just a doorframe, twice my height and wide enough to fit three men side by side.

            Inside I could see a fire in the centre of the room, set up like a big bonfire, but the burning wood never seemed to need replacing. The fire’s heat was pleasant, lacking the usual uncomfortable sting when getting too close. At the flame’s centre a statue was visible, one of a dragon.

            ‘Firo,’ I breathed, moving closer so the flames touched me. Their warmth was pleasant, not even burning my clothes. I stepped further in until I was face to face with the statue.

            It was a dragon, smaller than her real life form, looking more human sized. But it was damaged, cracked and crumbling. I didn’t dare touch it in case it broke beneath my fingers.

            ‘It’s damaged!’ I called back to Lennie. ‘Who did this?’

            ‘No one can damage these statues. They reflect the state of their owner, and no other being can harm them. The only person who can step through that fire to reach Firo’s statue is Firo herself.’

            I turned and exited the flames. ‘So she really is dying.’ I whispered. ‘But how can an immortal die? That’s impossible.’

            ‘Not impossible, just unknown. Firo is not immortal, but a dragon. The power over fire will pass onto Berthilda, against Firo’s wishes, unless you become her successor.’

            Around the perimeter of the circular room where statues, all facing towards the fire. Unlike Firo’s, all these statues were in perfect condition. Lennie pointed at the nearest statue. I reluctantly moved closer for a better look.

            All immortals looked to be in their early twenties. Berthilda was no different. Her face had a cold scowl, with long hair done into a single plait reaching her mid-back.

            ‘No good would come of Berthilda taking Firo’s place, for any of us.’

            I nodded, distracted, as I moved to the next statue, squinting my face in disgust when I saw it was Ignatius.

            Pity I can’t damage this; I’d love to come back with a sledgehammer one day.

            I moved around the room to the other statues, pausing at the tenth and last one.

            The statue was a dragon, but very different from Firo. Instead of a big body with wings this dragon was snake like. All my senses of the world had dulled, solely focused on the statue.

            Who are you? I wondered, leaning forward.

            ‘That is the newest immortal formed. I don’t know much about them.’ Lennie’s muffled voice said.

            I didn’t reply, moving closer. I closed my eyes, focusing, sensing. I reached out, drawn to a presence similar to Firo, yet so different.

            I was in the ash field flying, flying towards a red glow. Unlike Firo this wasn’t a warm, comforting blob, but a bright fierce red that warned of burning and passion, making me want to reach it all the more.

            My dragon body landed, sensing the red spirit acknowledge me, reach out…

            ‘Firo!’ Lennie shouted, shaking my shoulders. ‘What’s going on?’

            I blinked my eyes open, realising I now had my arms wrapped around the statue and was sniffing its neck!

            I pulled away, stumbling into Lennie, who steadied me.

            ‘Are you alright?’ he demanded, turning me around to look me over.

            ‘Yeah,’ I said faintly, struggling to come back to myself.

            ‘Come on,’ Lennie said, leading me out of the temple. It took all my willpower not to glance back at the statue.

            It wasn’t until we were a mile away from the temple, causing the barrier flames to reignite, that my mind finally cleared. I shook my head vigorously.

            ‘What happened?’ Lennie asked, eyes narrowed in worry.

            I stayed silent, strongly reluctant to share what had happened.

            ‘Why me?’ I asked instead. ‘Why did Firo choose me?’

            ‘Because you are extraordinary in many ways, ones that you still don’t see. You can cause a dint in the immortal’s power, I’m sure of it.’

            I stayed silent for a few minutes before finally speaking in a quiet, but firm voice.

            ‘I need to go to Tempit. I don’t know what I’ll do when I get there yet, but I have to go.’

            Lennie nodded, his eyes filled with pride and anxiety.

            ‘I know…but I can’t go with you.’

            My head spun to face him, eyes wide with shock.

            ‘My master has called me back. I must return to the earth realm.’ He sighed, his grief sincere. ‘I wish I could stay, I do, but-’

            ‘No, I understand,’ I said. ‘I saw how much control Ignatius had on Father…So that’s why you prepared Mary.’

            ‘Yes, she thinks I’m going to live with relatives in Carmina for my retirement. The stall is yours now, as well as my house.’

            ‘Thanks.’ I said, looking down. I didn’t know what else to say.

            ‘Well,’ Lennie said awkwardly, clearing his throat. ‘We don’t need to part until we’re out of the desert, so there’s still a little time.’

            I nodded mutely, a lump in my throat.

---

It was late night, early morning by the time the edge of the desert was in sight. I squinted in the distance.

            ‘What’s that?’ I asked.

            ‘Men, I believe.’ Lennie said, frowning. ‘I think we should camp here tonight and avoid them.’

            I frowned, feeling I should argue but not sure how it would help.

            They weren’t just men; it was a small army marching past.

---

Neither of us slept well, just watching the army move past, then imagining and pondering why it was here.

            ‘Were they from the King, or from Lar?’ I wondered aloud as we finally left the desert.

            ‘…Dimitri, travel to Laven now, it’s in the same direction I’m going. Don’t go back to Firo, just leave with me now.’

            I shook my head, his sudden urgency filling me with dread.

            That army is going to Firo, and it’s all my fault.

            ‘Dimitri, I can’t return to Firo now. I can’t go where Ignatius is without severe consequences, not now the understanding between him and my master is over. Please come with me!’

            I looked at his panicked face, seeing true fear there. Fear for me.

            ‘I can’t leave Annie.’ I said.

            His whole posture slumped in defeat as he nodded in understanding.

            ‘…I guess this is where we say goodbye, Rafferty.’ I smiled weakly. ‘Thank you for everything.’

            Lennie grimaced and darted forward, pulling me into a fierce hug.

            ‘We will meet again someday. I promise.’

            Without another word he released me, turning to head north. His whole body was rigid, but he didn’t hesitate or look back.           

‘Goodbye,’ I whispered, turning to run north-west. ‘I hope you’re right.’

Chapter Twenty

Decision

‘So, you two are finally friends again. About time!’ Aaron grinned as he walked to the town’s entrance.

            ‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘I guess I forgot how forgiving and nice she really is.’

            ‘Do you think you and her will ever-?’

            ‘No.’ I said firmly. ‘Neither of us feel that way anymore, but I’m glad we’re friends again.’

            ‘Does that mean you accept Annie’s relationship with Chuck too?’

            I wrinkled my nose but gave a reluctant, stiff nod.

            ‘Don’t worry, he’s been in love with Annie for years; he won’t hurt her. Besides, I think he’s still a little scared of you, so a friendly reminder will keep his…intentions respectable.’  

            I grinned at this, seeing Aaron answer with a mischievous chuckle.

            ‘Just let me be there when you do, it will be the greatest entertainment of the year!’

            We stopped outside the town’s entrance, turning to look at the archway.

            ‘So they finally did it, huh?’ Aaron said. ‘They’ve asked you to carve it?’

            ‘Yeah, I guess they’ve noticed the odd carving jobs I’ve been doing over the years.’

            ‘It’s going to take years for you to carve this thing.’ Aaron whistled. ‘Hope you weren’t planning your Tempit mission anytime soon.’

            I frowned, biting my lip.

            ‘I…’

            ‘I thought that was you!’ Iris interrupted, coming up from behind us. ‘I heard from Annie you’ve been hired to carve the archway. Congratulations.’

            ‘Thanks,’ I said, puzzled. ‘Were you just out in the desert?’

            ‘Yeah, I’m teaching my class about the desert and plant life, so I wanted to get some samples to show them.’ She said, holding up a wooden basket with cactus’s in.

            ‘In that case, you should show them some Opuntia ficus-indica too.’ Aaron said.

            ‘Opuntia ficus-indica? You mean a pear cactus?’ Iris asked.

            ‘Yeah, it’s edible and it will be a good survival tip for them. I can show you a good spot for them if you like.’

            ‘Sure, that would be great.’ Iris beamed. ‘Aaron, right?’

            ‘Yep, good memory. Are you coming too, Dint?’

            ‘I need to head to Laven, so I can head part of the way with you.’

            I stayed silent as we walked, letting the two of them chat. I spotted Aaron flirting and Iris responding, surprised but not upset.

            I guess they do have similar personalities.

            ‘Well, I need to head this way.’ I said, unable to hide my knowing smirk. ‘You two have fun.’

            Perfect. Those two will have each other when I leave for Tempit.

---

‘You’re looking pale.’ Eilir said as I poured ash into his pouch. ‘Are you unwell?’

            I shook my head, fighting a wave of nausea.

            ‘I don’t think this is from me.’ I admitted, ‘I’ve only felt like this since arriving here.’

            ‘So it is Firo.’ He said wispily.

            ‘I think she’s dying. I need to go to Tempit and help her. Will you open a portal for me?’

            ‘Only if she allows it,’ he said. ‘Speak to her tonight, and hear her decision.’

---

The ash field was being assaulted with wave after wave of pain. Stabbing, bleeding, tearing, shredding pain. I roared out in agony, searching for the familiar red blob.

            Where are you?

            I am here, little one. Came the tired voice. I spun around, my big body clumsy, seeing her in the distance. Like always, I couldn’t get any closer.

            You’re dying! Let me help you! I’ll come to Tempit and save you.

            You’re not ready, she said softly.

            I can’t let you die!

            I will die, there is no changing that. Are you ready for what coming to witness it will entail?

            I shook my head, the whole of my long neck moving with it.

            I can’t become you, I’m human. I’ll come and save you instead.

            She fell silent for a long time. I was afraid her presence had disappeared.

            Firo?

            …Go with Rafferty to the fire temple. If you still decide to come after being there, I will not stop you. Go there and decide your destiny once and for all.

            The next wave of pain woke me up screaming.

---

‘Will you come with me?’ I asked Lennie impatiently.

            Lennie blinked calmly, sipping his mug of tea as he thought. He hadn’t complained when I’d barged into his house so late after returning, just sat and listened.

            ‘So it’s begun.’ He sighed, looking tired beyond his physical age. ‘You really can’t stay sheltered here anymore, can you?’

            I didn’t answer.

            ‘Give me two days, young Firo, and then I will take you to see the fire temple. Perhaps then, you will finally understand.’

Chapter Nineteen

Rekindled Friendship

Prince Earl left Firo two days later with no more trouble. He didn’t seek Lennie or me out, and he didn’t revisit the fire caves.

            ‘Don’t let your guard down,’ Lennie warned. ‘He’s situated at Lar now, which is too close for comfort.’

            ‘I know.’ I said, but couldn’t help relaxing a little. If Earl hadn’t acted while he was here with Ignatius, then was he really that interested in me?

            A girlish giggle made me look over at the trinket stall, frowning. Annie was stood there with Chuck. He was handing money over to the clerk and dangling a heart shaped necklace in front of Annie’s face. She giggled again, turning around so Chuck could fasten it around her neck.

            ‘If you keep glaring at them like that you’ll burn a hole through his head.’

            ‘Good.’ I said, slamming a fruit onto the table.

            Annie and Chuck didn’t even notice.

---

‘Dimi,’ Mum sighed, trying to hide an amused grin. ‘Annie is fourteen, and Chuck is a good lad.’

            ‘She’s too young! He’s taking advantage.’ I protested, standing up from my chair so I could follow her around the kitchen.

            ‘Oh?’ She said, raising an amused eyebrow. ‘I seem to remember you were only twelve when you started dating Iris.’

            ‘But we were the same age.’

            ‘Dimi, we’ve known Chuck for years. He’s matured a lot, and Annie likes him. I thought you’d be relieved she was dating someone older; someone more like you.’

            The idea made the situation so much worse. Chuck was my age, and I knew all too well what type of thoughts occupied my mind.

            ‘Annie shouldn’t date anyone until she’s eighteen.’ I said firmly.

            Mum just shook her head, laughing.

            ‘Good luck telling her that.’

---

I was forced to hold my tongue that night with Mum’s well-timed glares. Annie didn’t mention Chuck, but the necklace was in plain view and she kept fiddling around with it.

            ‘He could have at least bought her something decent. Those trinkets are just cheap junk for the tourists.’ I muttered as I helped Aaron in the hotel kitchen.

            ‘Really? And what exactly did you buy your old girlfriend when you dated?’ He pointed out.

            I gaped at him, spluttering for an answer.

            ‘I-I was only twelve!’

            ‘You still had a job.’ Aaron said, grinning at my reaction. ‘Chuck just got one as a builder, right? So he wants to shower his woman with gifts.’

            ‘Annie isn’t his woman!’ I snarled.

            Aaron rolled his eyes.

            ‘Dint, face it, your little sister is growing up. Chuck is a good guy; if she’s chosen him you should be happy. Seriously man, you have to loosen your grip over her, or you’ll end up losing her completely.’

            I scoffed, transferring the eggs a little too harshly from the pan to the plates.

            ‘Hey, watch it! You’re making the yolk run!’

            ‘Annie wouldn’t turn her back on family.’ I muttered.

            Aaron gave me a sympathetic smile.

            ‘Everyone grows up, Dint. Life can’t stay this way forever.’

---

My temper simmered under the surface all day, making any small talk customers tried dry up. Lennie sighed and sent me home early, saying my mood was costing him business.

            So it was only four thirty when I arrived home, coming in quietly and hearing two female voices in the kitchen.

            ‘He really said that? How sweet!’ Iris squealed, making me freeze and hold my breath.

            ‘Yeah, right after he gave me the necklace. I’m so happy, Iris! I’ve liked him for so long now.’ Annie sighed dreamily. ‘I know he was mean at first, but he’s the first boy who tried to be friendly to Dimi after his skin changed, and that meant a lot.’

            I paused at that, realising it was true. Since Iris’ party Chuck had always tried to be polite to me. We’d never become friends, but he was someone I could engage in small talk with.

            But Annie is my little sister. Can I really trust him with her?

            ‘I’m sorry; here I am going on about Chuck when you and Hal broke up.’

            ‘No, don’t worry, I’m fine now.’ Iris reassured.

            What if she gets hurt? It’s my job to protect her…but she’s growing up…

            ‘Really? But didn’t you go all the way with him?’

            Wha-?

            I could feel my face heat up, turning my scales an even brighter red.

            ‘Yes, we did, but I think that’s how I knew we wouldn’t last. It wasn’t done out of love; it was more like…for practice.’

            ‘…What was it like?’

            I stomped into the kitchen, startling them both as I pointed a shaking finger at Annie.

            ‘You are not having sex with Chuck! I forbid you to even think of it!’

            They both gaped at me in astonishment before Annie managed to splutter some words together.

            ‘Dimi, I’m not-’

            ‘You better not be! Not until your wedding night, or better yet, never! There are some things a brother should never have to imagine his sister doing!’

            ‘But you’re the one who brought it up!’ Annie yelled back, her face as red as mine.

            ‘Because you’re dating Chuck now! He’s my age, Annie! That’s all he’ll think about!’

             ‘Maybe that’s just you, you pervert!’

            Iris’ uncontrollable laughter made us both stop and look at her. She shook her head but carried on laughing.

            ‘Oh, you two!’ She laughed, her head banging on the kitchen table as she giggled into her arms. ‘You’re still the same Dimi and Annie from five years ago.’

            I looked at Iris in shock, but felt a content smile settle in place. I shook my head as I laughed a little, pulling up a chair to sit with them.

Chapter Eighteen

Prince Earl

‘I don’t know why you’re so worried; he’s not going to come to the market stalls.’ I said, ignoring Lennie’s nervous twitchiness and putting more fruit out.

            ‘I’d still feel better if you stayed home today.’

            I gave him a narrowed glance. ‘Why would Prince Earl be interested in me anyway? Is there something you’re not telling me?’

            ‘I’m only cautious because of your own suspicions,’ he sighed, ‘I know you want to help Firo, but making yourself known to Earl isn’t the way.’

            I scoffed and turned to serve a customer.

            Over five years had passed since Father had left for good. In that time Lennie had been true to his word about keeping Ignatius at bay. I hadn’t met the immortal since. When I returned from Laven in the fire caves he was never in sight.

            But over the years I had started to piece Firo’s mystery together. Someone was hurting her, had entrapped her. Tourists were good at bringing gossip, and one rumour mentioned a dragon being kept imprisoned at Tempit castle.

            ‘If he reacts to me I’ll know the rumours are true.’ I said firmly. ‘And I can figure out a way to save her.’

            Lennie sighed in defeat.

            ‘I hope you know what you’re doing. Just make sure he never learns your real name.’

            Prince Earl arrived in the town mid-morning, heading straight to the Inn to wait out the hot mid-day weather.

            ‘I even caught a glimpse,’ Mary gushed. ‘So young and handsome, but I didn’t see him smile once. Poor thing, I hear he’s been relocated to Lar with the rest of his brothers now.’

            ‘Maybe there’s a good reason the King doesn’t want them in Tempit.’ I said, earning a glare.

            ‘Well, if they were planning a coup, not many would complain! An immortal king isn’t right, especially that tyrant!’

            ‘Careful what you say.’ Lennie said gently. ‘Even here there are ears.’

            A lot of people didn’t believe the King had really lived over two hundred years, or the rumours that he had black magic. Annie had explained the history to me once, saying there was once an elf who’d been born with dark magic. He had terrorised many towns until the King stopped him, stealing his power and taking it as his own. As a result he stopped aging, just like an elf. Some of his children had already died of old age, while he remained in his thirties.

            Residents didn’t believe it, but tourists who came from towns closer to Tempit swore on its truthfulness. Grown men and women had seen the King when they were children, and then again when older, unable to find any signs of aging.

            ‘Maybe he just doesn’t want to watch his children and grandchildren grow old and die anymore.’ I shrugged, not believing it for a moment. If the King really did have Firo, then he was a man who didn’t let moral or sentimental attachments hold him back.

            Half an hour later we closed the stall for the mid-day heat. The fruit from Aneller or the desert didn’t wilt in the weather, but the fruit from Lar or further away had to be preserved with pickling.

            ‘Go home,’ Lennie said. ‘And if you take the rest of the day off I’d be very relieved.’

            I sighed at his insistence, not arguing but also not planning to listen. Mum was still a maid for Felicity, but didn’t get as much pay now her baby was grown and attending school. In fact, she was in the class Annie taught.

            ‘Anyone home?’ I called as I entered the house.

            ‘Oh, hi Dimi.’ Annie said, distracted. ‘I’m just preparing for my afternoon class.’

            I rolled my eyes, not daring to move any of the papers scattered about on the kitchen table.

            Annie had finished her schooling at twelve, and for the last two years had been a full time teaching assistant. Now she had her own class of five to six year olds in the mornings.

            ‘Why are you doing the afternoon class? I thought that’s Iris’?’

            ‘Yeah, but I said I’d take care of them today. She broke up with Hal and needs some time alone.’ She looked up then, giving me a meaningful gaze. ‘They didn’t even last six months.’

            I turned to look in the cupboards, saying nothing. Annie sighed, turning back to her work.

            ‘You’re so stubborn, Dimi. You could at least try being friends again.’

---

Lennie’s jaw clenched shut in annoyance when he saw me return that afternoon. I gave him a smug smile.

            ‘I am grateful for you protecting me.’ I said, ‘But I can’t hide forever. She needs me.’

            Lennie sighed, saying nothing more about it as we worked.

            We saw his guards long before the Prince himself, four altogether. One in front, one behind and one either side, keeping the crowd at bay. It was only because the customer I was serving turned to look that I bothered glancing at him.

            He was older than me, in his early twenties, with short, neat black hair and brown eyes. He was shorter than me, but average height. His face was a careful neutral as he glanced at the stall, nodding at the merchants. As soon as his eyes strayed to me he stopped, his face flashing with surprise before he smiled gleefully.

            ‘Here we go.’ Lennie whispered quietly before plastering on a bright smile and bowing.

            ‘My Prince, you honour us with your presence.’

            I rolled my eyes a little but bowed as well. So far Earl hadn’t taken his eyes off me.

            ‘Indeed.’ He said, distracted. ‘And you are?’

            ‘I’m Lennie, a simple stall owner, and this is my assistant.’

            Earl waited a moment before finally turning his gaze to Lennie and raising an eyebrow.

            ‘And does he not have a name?’

            ‘Firo.’ I said, holding my head high and staring right into his eyes. ‘I’m known as Firo.’

            I think Lennie would have smacked his hand to his forehead at that moment if he was able.

            ‘I see,’ Earl grinned, the manic look in his eyes filling me with dread.

            On second thought, maybe I should have listened to Lennie.

            ‘Well, Firo, I’m in need of a guide to visit Ignatius at the fire caves. You will lead me.’

            He had already half turned before I blurted out a startled,

            ‘No!’

            He turned back, frowning.

            ‘T-that is, my Prince, I can’t visit that place. I can provide directions, but I can’t see Ignatius.’        

            ‘That is true, my Prince.’ Lennie broke in. ‘There is…an agreement in place. If you prefer, I can guide you.’

            Lennie’s appearance flickered for a second, making Earl’s eyes widen. He flickered again, offering a warm smile.

            Did he just let his illusion slip for a second? I wondered.

            ‘Indeed, I would prefer that.’ Earl said, turning away again. Lennie gave me a quick pat on the shoulder before following.

---

I had just finished packing the tables into Lennie’s storage house when he arrived home, giving me a tired smile.

            ‘Well, I can now say I’ve met my brother Ignatius.’ He said, trying to sound light.

            ‘What’s going to happen?’

            ‘I don’t know. Clearly Earl and Ignatius are planning an alliance, but I wasn’t privy to the details. Be on guard, they’ll make their move before too long, and I don’t think I can fully protect you anymore.’

            I nodded in understanding.

            So be it. No more hiding.

Chapter Seventeen

Partings

The rainy season lasted eight days. Lennie quickly investigated the storage house, finding it had flooded, but the stuff stored higher up had been spared damage.

            ‘Well, never mind, the traders will be here soon. They would have missed our business the last week.’

            ‘Do they just camp out in the desert?’ I asked.

            ‘No, they stay at Lar and wait for the rain to begin stopping, then they follow it.’

            ‘Follow it?’

            ‘I guess you wouldn’t realise, but the rainy season spreads out through the whole desert. When it stops it first begins dwindling from the outer desert and the process slowly makes its way to Firo. The same happens when it starts, which is why we get some warning before it hits us.’

            ‘I didn’t know rain did that.’ I frowned.

            ‘Other rain doesn’t; it is something unique to the rainy season here, probably due to a spell cast long ago.’

            We were too busy for the rest of the morning to talk much. I finally headed home, dreading the state I’d find the whole house in.

            ‘Oh Dimi, you’re back!’ Annie grinned when I stepped through the door. I blinked in confusion at the clean and undamaged sitting room and kitchen.

            ‘How-’

            ‘Well, Iris, Chuck and I were in the house when the rain started, so we’ve been protecting it.’ Annie said proudly.

            I frowned, ‘Why weren’t you at school? You shouldn’t be giving Chuck his lessons at that time.’

            ‘He has exams coming up, so both Iris and I were told to spend entire school days teaching him. Thanks to the rainy season he’s really prepared now.’

            My frown deepened, not liking the idea of Annie spending a whole week here with that horrid boy.

            ‘He behaved himself,’ she reassured. ‘And Iris was here the whole time.’

            ‘Good job I brought today’s leftovers.’ I sighed. ‘You must have eaten everything we had.’

            I set the food down on the kitchen table, trying to sound casual. ‘Is Iris and Chuck still here?’

            ‘No, they both went home to check their own houses.’

            I sighed in relief and saw Annie narrow her eyes.

            ‘Dimi, is there something wrong with you and Iris? You’ve been acting weird since she came back.’

            I ignored her and started putting the food away.

            ‘Well, it’s her birthday party in a month, so try to make up for that, okay?’

            I cursed inwardly.

            ‘Okay.’ I said, trying to come up with a plan to get out of it.

---

Even a trip to Laven couldn’t save me. Lance soon realised I was trying to stay longer for a reason, and being Lance, made it his personal mission to make my life as painful as possible.

            ‘But I don’t exactly blend in.’ I protested as he ‘escorted’ me to Eilir’s hut. ‘I’d rather stay here and reach Firo.’

            ‘Three nights is long enough. She clearly isn’t going to tell you anything.’ Lance chuckled. ‘And even if you don’t blend, this is part of your obligation to your mate. Trust me, it will be easier if you do as you’re told and keep her happy.’

            The word mate reminded me of Lance’s talk, and I spluttered in embarrassment.

            ‘I-I can’t have a mate anymore! Not ever!’

            Lance stopped walking, turning to look at me with a chilling, blank stare. He remained silent so long I had started to tremble.

            ‘I don’t see why you feel that way,’ he said quietly, ‘But you shouldn’t lead that girl on if that’s your choice.’

            He walked past me, leaving me standing in front of Eilir’s hut without a backwards glance.

---

‘I’m so glad you both came!’ Iris beamed, her house already filled with people. She turned a puzzled glance to Aaron, but was still polite. ‘And you are?’

            ‘I’m Aaron, Dint’s friend,’ he grinned. ‘Sorry for inviting myself, but I figured he needed moral support.’

            ‘M-moral support?’ Iris asked, her smile straining. ‘You think I can’t support my own boyfriend?’

            ‘I think this is your party and you should focus on having fun.’ Aaron said with an easy smile. ‘I’ll be a fly on the wall for the good stuff, and whisk him away for the bad, deal?’

            Iris tried to keep a stern face, but couldn’t help mimicking his smile.

            ‘In that case, please come in.’ she grinned, moving out of the way and giving a mock bow.

            Their easy acceptance of each other made me irritated, not knowing why. I turned to Annie and smiled as we entered, trying to banish the thought from my mind.

            Most of the children were my age, but a few were older. Marge hovered in the background, providing food and drinks but otherwise staying out of the way. Everytime she looked at Iris she had a proud smile on her face.

            I could feel everyone staring whenever I went near them. I recognised Chuck sat casually with his friends on the floor. His face turned pale and he frantically began to whisper. I sighed, starting to head into the kitchen.

            ‘Oh no you don’t.’ Aaron tutted, grabbing the back of my t-shirt. ‘No hiding when we’ve only just arrived.’

            To my horror he steered me towards Chuck’s group, his easy smile still in place. Annie had already disappeared with Iris so my one hope of escape was gone.

            ‘Aaron,’ I started.

            ‘Hi!’ Aaron grinned. ‘Mind if we join you?’

            Chuck narrowed his eyes but nodded. ‘Aren’t you that guy from the Inn?’

            ‘The one too stupid to be in school?’ One of his friend’s sneered. I glared at him and smugly watched his face drain of colour.

            ‘Too busy, not too stupid.’ Aaron corrected with a good-natured shrug. ‘My life is going to revolve around food, so that’s all I need to know about.’

            ‘But aren’t you going to take over the Inn one day?’ Another asked, curious. ‘Won’t you need to know figures?’

            ‘I just want to be a cook, but my dad has been teaching me anyway, just in case. I guess you can say I’m being home schooled.’

            Just like that Aaron had been accepted. I watched, part fascinated, part envious as he soon had them rolling on the floor laughing at his stories.

            Why does he put up with me when he can make friends so easily?

            I glanced down at my empty cup then looked around for Marge.

            ‘Anyone want a refill? I asked, the laughter instantly dying down. ‘I can’t see Mrs. Hale so I’ll brave the kitchen.’

            ‘Sure, sounds great!’ Aaron said. To my surprise Chuck nodded too. His friends were looking anywhere but me.

            ‘Okay, I’ll be right back.’ I said, deciding to bring them all one anyway.

            The kitchen was empty, with fresh fruit ready to be squeezed for more drinks but no Marge in sight. I debated just preparing some water, but shook my head and started squeezing some oranges.

            ‘Oh Dimi, you don’t have to do that!’ Iris said, entering five minutes later. ‘Mum got called to the stall for an hour, so I’ll do it.’

            ‘But it’s your party; I can do it.’ I said glancing at her briefly then looking away.

            ‘But it’s your birthday tomorrow, and you’re not throwing a party.’ Iris insisted, moving closer. ‘At least let me help.’

            She looked amazing in a blue party dress with a large ribbon round the middle. Her body was showing signs of change, growing into a beautiful young woman. I swallowed, squeezing the orange harder.

            ‘I didn’t want a party.’ I said eventually.

            ‘Well, I’m glad you came to mine.’

            She moved closer, bumping our arms together and giggling.

            ‘Iris,’ I began.

            ‘Shush, it will be okay.’ She whispered, leaning in closer. ‘You’re still my Dimi.’

            As soon as her lips touched mine I pulled away and took a few steps back.

            ‘I can’t! I can’t do this anymore Iris!’

            ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed-’

            ‘No! This has to stop! You and me…we have to stop.’

            ‘W-what? What are you talking about?’

            ‘I’m not the same person anymore.’

            Her eyes were filling with shocked tears, but she shook her head in denial. ‘I already told you, I don’t care about the scales.’

            ‘I’m not talking about how I look. Iris, I’m…I’m different now. I don’t want what you do anymore.’

            ‘…You don’t want me?’ she choked out.

            ‘You want to live here your whole life, but I don’t think I can anymore. There’s something I need to do now.’

            ‘Something you need to do? And it’s more important than me or Annie?’ She asked, her voice and anger rising.

            I stayed silent.

            ‘And you chose today, of all days, to tell me!’ She quickly grabbed a squeezed orange and threw it at me. It bounced harmlessly off my head. ‘You’re despicable, Dimitri Leav! Despicable!’

            She bolted from the kitchen, tears running down her face. I flinched, seeing her bump into Aaron, who had been hovering outside the kitchen entrance. Aaron winced but Iris kept going, ignoring any concerned faces and diving towards her room.

            ‘Wow Dint,’ Aaron finally said, ‘I didn’t see that coming…But did you really need to do it on her birthday?’

            ‘Leave me alone.’ I spat out, ‘Go hang out with your new friends.’

            ‘Hey, there’s no reason to be like that.’ He began, but I quickly shoved past him, striding through the house and out the front door.

            He didn’t follow me.

---

Annie didn’t come home until after dark, her eyes puffy and her temper formidable.

            ‘I can’t believe you!’ she exploded, poking me hard in the chest. ‘Iris is such a caring person; how could you do that?’

            ‘What’s wrong?’ Mum asked, startled. I’d hidden from her since she’d come home, but Annie’s return had forced my guilty conscious to wander into the kitchen.

            ‘He broke up with Iris at her party! She wouldn’t leave her room and Mrs. Hale sent everyone home. I…she’s so upset.’ Her gaze turned back to me, making me flinch. ‘You are such a jerk!’

            ‘I didn’t mean to do it like that.’ I muttered.

            ‘Oh Dimi,’ Mum sighed, ‘If you didn’t want to be with her anymore then you did the right thing, but to do it at her party…’

            ‘I know.’ I whispered, head bowed. ‘But I couldn’t do it anymore.’

            ‘You’re horrible. I hate you!’ Annie screamed, running to her room.

            Mum gave me a weak smile.

            ‘Give her time, sweetie. I better go pop over to Marge’s and see how she’s doing.’

---

Mum didn’t come back that night, and I stayed in the kitchen until the early hours of the morning.

            Happy birthday. I told myself miserably, climbing to my feet and leaving the house.

            I left the quiet town, taking the familiar and dreaded route to the fire caves.

            Why did it turn out like this?

            When they were in sight I stopped, the sun only beginning to peek over the horizon. Father was already outside, backpack ready, gazing the opposite way. His head turned, frowning at me.

            I took a step forward but saw him shake his head firmly. He slung his pack on his back and began walking away.

            I never saw him again.