by J. M. Ivie
“If I had not, miss Mairead, I would have not said it.” The wind rushed in the space between us.
“No.” She twisted her body toward the west, keeping her eyes fixed on the forest which ignited orange from the dwindling sunlight. “I don’t wish that. The days we’ve spent together… the months tied to our involvement… it has strengthened my adoration for you, Barak.”
With a few steps, I closed the distance between us and pulled at her arm so she would face me. Her skin felt like cold silk in my hand. “I am not a man who would give you what you deserve, Mairead. Love does not flow from my heart as it does yours.”
“Then let us hope I have enough love for the both of us.” The muscles in Mairead’s throat constricted, revealing the tension in her body.
I brushed my knuckles against her cheek, hoping she wouldn’t flinch away as I thought she would. She didn’t. I wished she would listen to reason—what I wished she would understand. “Mairead—” I dropped my hand, “I will not do this to you.”
“What would you be doing to me, Barak?” Mairead grabbed my hand, her eyes searching mine.
“I will not allow you to settle for a man who is less than you deserve.”
Mairead’s breath hitched. She paused, her figure stilling like a statue in the moonlight. “Then let’s give it time. Let us continue, as if nothing has been revealed…” Her brows turned upward; eyes gleamed with crystal tears. “Just, please… don’t leave. Give it time, and when you have an answer, come. Let me know.”
I bowed my head, everything inside bucking against what my lips spoke, “Very well.”
F I F T Y - T W O
“EASY, SCOUT! EASY!” I YELLED, running after the owl sprinting down the road. I needed to catch up to him, and fast, before he could get too far.
His squawking was enough to wake the dead. It seemed to work well enough since everyone dodged the hatchling. Four months and already the owl was towering over me. “Scout!” I cursed, just narrowly missing him. “Scout, stop!” I whistled. It did the trick. I didn’t think it would.
He stopped dead in his tracks and looked at me. His head tilted to the side. I whistled again, and he bolted toward me. “Well, well! I’m impressed.” I reached up to pet the mischievous owl, only to have him jump up and tackle me to the ground. His talons hurt as they dug into my skin.
“Looks like ya need some help!” Duncan said, barely coherent through his hysteric laughter.
“If you could, get this monster off of me?” I begged through peels of laughter as Scout rubbed his beak against my neck. The action tickled to the point paralysis.
Duncan kept on laughing, walking over to Scout. “Aye, you’re bein’ a bit of a bugger aren’tcha!”
Scout’s head tilted as he looked at Duncan, though, he didn’t get off of me.
“Come along! We have the Alguë to attend, bugger. You and your pal here will be the best of friends in no time.”
___
Tall trees rose up from the lush green ground, hanging just over our heads with their low-hanging branches. Light flickered here and there about the trail as the sun peeked through the leaves. Moss climbed up the side of a few sycamores. I heard the snapping of twigs as deer and fluffy-tailed creatures scurried through the brush or up the pines. Finally, after about a mile, a tall cliff came into view. “We need to climb up here, Apollo.”
I nodded, following Duncan up to the base of the towering structure. Our boots sank into the soft grass as we veered off the path. Scout, following close behind me, kept his steps in tandem to mine. Once we reached the top, we peered out over the valley that spread across the land. It was beautiful. The morning sun caught in the blades of grass covering the countryside. Zahra’s eyes flashed into my mind. My throat tightened with the reminder that my wife was so far out of my reach.
Scout peered over the edge, scrambling backward as he let out a worried squawk. The look in his two, bright orange eyes made me wrap my arms around him. His feathery neck soft against my cheek as I stroked his silky plumage. “It’s okay buddy. I’m right here.”
Scout stared at me with a puzzled expression, uncertain of what lie ahead. The cool eastern breeze stroked his feathers as he peered over the edge. Something seemed to click inside him. I felt it within me—a rush of courage. Scout leapt from the precipice. Blazes of bright light encompassed his feathers, spreading like fire in the sky. I stepped back in wonder. My little Scout became a full grown owl before my eyes. His broad frame rose above me, every feather catching the light of the afternoon sun, shimmering like a diamond. His screech rang through the heavens, cutting like a blade. It was shrill, yet, powerful. He knew his strength, even at such a young age. My Scout.
“He’s a natural born flyer!” Duncan yelled merrily. “You’ll have a most awesome companion!”
I nodded my head, still in awe.
“Ucili rio! When will he be able to ride him?”
Duncan and I turned to see Barak staring up at Scout in wonder—his eyes smiling.
“You cannot simply ride a bird. Birds are free creatures! You need to befriend it.” Duncan clicked his tongue, shaking his head. “Some people.”
Barak raised his brow and pressed his lips together in a disapproving line.
“Watch ya’self, mister.” Duncan winked. “Shout for him, Apollo. You two are bound.”
“But, what you—”
“I know what I said… doesn’t change the fact a bird is bound to their owner by the Alguë. It’s like a soul tether in a way.” Duncan smiled. “He is a beautiful bird. Cherish him.”
I nodded and whistled. I didn’t hear a single wing beat in the air. We stood and waited. No Scout. Could he have fallen or gotten lost? Perhaps he is out of earshot…
Barak’s rumbling chuckle echoed behind me. Duncan and I both turned around. Scout perched atop a tree, staring at Barak with intensity.
“What a beauty,” he muttered. “You are a most fine beast. How did Apollo get so lucky?” Barak turned and winked at me. He pointed to the onyx pin I kept on my lapel, “Our pins, Apollo. It is destiny that you ride him. You will no longer be restricted my land, only the skies above and the ocean below are your bounds. Go and push them.”
F I F T Y - T H R E E
THE PEOPLE OF THE WOODLANDS worked tirelessly preparing a feast to prepare for Duncan’s birthday. They spread long tables of silvery dishes and uncommon foods below the canopy of the trees. Lanterns gilded the branches of the trees—connecting along the long cobblestone path and lining all the way to the castle. Women flowed out from their homes wearing dresses, varying in colors, that danced in the wind; it was the traditional attire of their people.
The night stars shone in vibrant display beyond the bright and glowing yellow lanterns above, twinkling in the purple and fuchsia twilight. The fresh summer breeze rushed over the canopy and the women and men cheered.
A familiar face filled the area, and the beautiful and queenly figure of Laramie walked hand in hand with Elric. Monarchs without question. The way they entered the area made the entire atmosphere shift… far more festive, and altogether more grand. The band played. The fiddles, flutes, and native instruments enraptured my soul. Everyone clapped their hands, and a mirthful dance ensued.
Laramie and Elric started everyone off. Laramie’s hair, braided and sweeping down her back, had golden threads woven between the deep brown tresses. A single sapphire, mounted in the center of a circlet headpiece, draped across her forehead. Her crown.
The King wore one of similar design, though, more masculine in appearance. The pair of them danced, and the crowd of people joined. The howls of laughter and screams of joy, coupled with the hoots and hollers of the young boys and girls made the scene that much more enjoyable.
A woman who stood beside me clapping her hands and tapping her toes, looked up at me with a smile. Her dark brown eyes flashed with a fire which mirrored her red hair. “Come, dance with me!” she stated as she grabbed hold of my hand.
“I—I shou
ldn’t.”
“Come, enjoy life!” She laughed and merrily pulled me onto the large flagstone-paved area where everyone danced and laughed. “If you don’t know the dance then just watch. It is easy and not hard to learn.”
“All right…” I watched the others—how they tapped their feet and spun with each other in circles. The men grabbed the waist of the women while the women grabbed the neck of the men. Their bodies were near perfect together in a line, the woman’s body facing the opposite direction as the man’s. They spun, keeping their eyes on each other, then changed partners after a few spins. Seems simple enough. I began the dance, and after a few fumbles, got the hang of it.
It wasn’t till half-way through the jig did I spot Barak dancing with the woman who had pulled me into the ring. She was tall for a woman, my height, and of slender—almost boyish—build. Barak complemented her. He enjoyed his view. Practically devoured her with his eyes. It amused me, and I stopped dancing.
They smiled and talked, and when it came time for everyone to switch, Barak and the woman didn’t. Their faces were so close to each other I swore they were nearly touching.
A hand jerked me back into the ring, and I spun to see Laramie’s mischievous smile.
“It’s rude to stare,” she said as we fell into the dance routine.
“Did you know about that, then?” I asked as we spun in one direction.
“Maybe. Her name is Mairead, she’s the Emperor of Freya’s eldest daughter.” Laramie smirked like a little sea urchin holding on to a secret. “They call her the Fox of Freya. She’s slipped through the clutches of many men wishing to have her hand in marriage. Strictly because of her rank, she says.”
“Why is she here then?” I looked over at the red-headed woman who was still dancing with Barak.
“She wants no one to know who she is—so don’t you go spreading it! I only told you because I trust you. She wishes to be a normal person for as long as she can before she takes her place as the Empress of Freya.”
I nodded my head, and we changed partners. The curiosity of the situation boggled my mind, though, I resigned myself to asking Barak about it later.
___
The feast ensued. Medium-sized square paper packages sat on our plates, tied close by twine. All along the tables were fruits, vegetables, stews, and breads. Star-shaped cakes sat on tiers along the center of each table, each golden and glossy. Large goblets, filled with Rebrum Berry Cider, were served to each of the guests. Large, roasted pheasants sat in silvery platters along the tables, surrounded by cooked onions. The dessert table was by far the most grand, with varying colored pastries and a rainbow iced drink in an enormous glass jar. Light, puffy, cloud-like sweets strewn together in a large bowl, one which the children were especially excited for. Caramelized rebrum berries and deep purple drupelets were mixed to be served on top of cakes.
The smell which wafted from the tables made my stomach growl in anticipation for the meal. The people murmured softly as they unwrapped the twine-bound packages. Food. In the square bowl, covered over by a squared glass top, was cream-colored pasta. The noodles were lightly coated in the creamy mixture, with specks of seasoning and chunks of pheasant mixed within.
Barak and Mairead walked arm-in-arm together to the table. Mairead sat by Laramie over near Elric, and Barak sat beside me.
“So…” I leaned toward him, “you haven’t told me about her.”
Barak looked at me. Though, his lips didn’t smile, his eyes did. Something behind them said what his words would not. “I have been meaning to.”
His simple reply made my heart leap for joy. “How long has this been going on?”
“Since the day I brought you here. She was the one who called for Elric…” Barak rolled his shoulders, his eyes finding Mairead in a moment. “She is beautiful, and impossible. Kind—”
“Three things you’re not?” I grinned, knowing where he was going.
His guttural laugh nearly made me join in. “She has shown me I am still human…” His eyes slid back to me. “It is selfish of me, but, I never want to lose her.”
“Is that where you went that night? When you said you needed to talk to someone?” The night nearly a year ago flashed back into my mind. It all made sense now.
Barak nodded, “Yes. I needed to ask her questions… questions only she could answer.” He breathed in, looking up at the lights. “I now understand why you had done what you did, Apollo. For Zahra…” his eyes glazed over. “And now I hope she understands why I will do what I need to.”
F I F T Y - F O U R
BARAK
THE LOW-HANGING LANTERNS lit the path which wound itself in a serpentine pattern around the palace. My shoes crunched the gravel below my feet, though, Mairead’s slender and light body only made a whisper of noise along the path.
“Don’t the lantern flowers just—glow?” She smiled.
“Is that not what they are born to do?” I walked around the tree where she had stopped to admire her view. The garden was drenched in every possible form of light. The soft, green glow of the lantern flowers mingled with the golden lantern light and the pale, white light of the moon.
Mairead faced me, her hair tousled by the night breeze. I enjoyed every sharp edge of her. Her pointed nose and jaw which could have been mistaken for a knife in its exactness. Her eyes, as brown as the hickory bark, examined mine. Her skin tinged red. Perhaps I stared far too long into her eyes for comfort. “Have I embarrassed you?”
“Perhaps. No one looks at me the way you do.”
“They should.” I walked closer, wishing to run my fingers through her curls of red hair. “I should take that back… I do not think it would set well with me if they did.”
Mairead smiled and flushed red again. I could get used to that… The quiet of the atmosphere fell around us, snapping me back.
“Mairead.” I ran my thumb along the sharp contour of her jaw. “Why?”
“Is this your answer?” Mairead raised her brow.
“It is a question.” I kissed her temple, savoring the smell of cinnamon and citrus that gently flowed from her hair. “When I told you I am not a man you would wish to keep company with, I mean it. I am not strong enough to keep my distance from you,” I admitted, more to myself than to her. “I have known many other women, Mairead. They were missions. I toyed with their hearts to pull information from them…”
Mairead’s hand dropped from mine.
“If you are intent on having me, I must tell you everything. I need you to give up on this.” I breathed in, looking at her. Her throat bobbed up and down as she kept her eyes glued to the path. “I have killed many people. I do not regret any of their deaths. I have manipulated the hearts of many, and those I have not the slightest feeling of remorse.”
“Really?” Mairead looked at me, her eyes narrowing. “You really don’t regret any of it?”
“None of it.”
“How is it that I don’t believe you?” She sucked in a breath, as if finally taking me in. Height, eyes, build—everything. A man tailored for killing. She took a step back as if I finally frightened her.
“I am not the man who saved you all those years back, Mairead.” I kept my eyes on her. “That was a boy… a boy who has long since died.”
A tear surfaced in her eye as she took another step back. “And… who killed that boy?”
I steadied my gaze, “Me.”
I heard her stifle a gasp.
“There’s nothing more in me, Mairead. I am a shell.”
She shook her head, “You’re speaking out of hatred.” She swallowed the tears. “You hate yourself. I see how you treat Laramie, and Apollo, and—” she breathed in and took a step toward me, “I know how you treat me. Can’t you treat yourself with the same respect?”
“You know why…” I whispered. “And that is the reason I am going to say this.”
“No—”
I took her hand and kissed her white knuckles, “I am leaving. You will be safer w
ithout me. Everyone here will be.”
“Please, Barak!” Mairead latched onto my arm, “Give yourself the chance.”
“I do not want to give myself the chance to hurt you, Mairead. You, Laramie, even Apollo. There is happiness here. Happiness you all deserve.”
She scowled, “Are you not going to let yourself have that same happiness?”
“Do not push me, Mairead,” I snapped. “You do not know who I am, and you deny what you know.”
“I know who you are, Chigaru-Baraka.” Mairead breathed, “And yes. If I push you, you’ll just fight it. You’re as untamed as the wind…” she looked around the garden. “So, if this is what you want, then go. I’ll wait for you if you ever return.”
___
Air pinched my lungs. Not one of the thoughts in my skull made sense. They all melted together, streaming into my veins like fire. Ice bit at my heart, returning into me that cold heat that often pumped through my body. Remembering who—and what—I was brought me little comfort.
“Barak? What are you doing?” Apollo pushed open the garden gate. I supposed he heard me pacing. He had turned into something different since I knew him. No longer did he stand a boy, still grappling with being a man, but a warrior who smiled despite the pain it caused him. His eyes appeared pure gold, gleaming in the moonlight. Yes, Apollo seemed more of a man than I had thought before.
“I will be leaving tomorrow, Apollo.” I rolled my shoulder, feeling the joint tighten.
“Do you wish for me to accompany you?” He leaned against the arch and stared into my eyes. An intensity hid beyond their golden veil that made my stomach tense. Apollo had a way with people, an attribute which he didn’t even know. He made people want to drop their mask and tell him everything. It was what made him so approachable when he first moved into Siege Veil, what initially drew us together, and eventually strengthened our brotherhood.