Rise of the Flame

by K.N. Lee

  Liam followed suit and stood. They walked over to retrieve their shoes. He couldn’t stop thinking about his blessing. He already knew that he would face dangers that he’d never even dreamed of, but the reality overwhelmed him. Even the Mother Tree knew of the danger. He thanked her silently, looking over his shoulder. The tree seemed to glow with acknowledgement of his gratitude.

  ***

  Dinner was delicious once again, yet Liam didn’t have an appetite. Something had been bothering him since he and Nani returned to the center of the colony. He looked over at his friends. Rowe sat next to him. Nani and the boys sat at a table near his with her large family. They looked so happy.

  Sona sat across from him. She made it clear that it wasn’t by choice. Still, she refused to speak to him. She was being so stubborn and it made Liam’s stomach twist with worry. He feared he had caused irreparable damage to their relationship.

  Liam stared at her now, urging her to just look at him. She kept her eyes down, with an apathetic look on her face. She gingerly ate off her plate. She paused, her fork clutched in her hand.

  Instead of meeting his pleading eyes, she got up, and excused herself from the table. Liam frowned as he watched her leave the dining hall. Lady Evee placed a hand on his. She gave it a little squeeze.

  “She wants you to go after her.”

  Liam looked at her skeptically. “I doubt it.” He slouched in his seat and watched her go out the door.

  Lady Evee smiled knowingly. “Women don’t always make sense dear prince. It is the sole duty of a man, to figure out our mysteries. Let me save you some trouble. Trust me. She wants you to go after her. Go on. Deal with whatever squabble you’ve had.”

  Liam groaned. He wasn’t sure he would even know what to say. A wind swept in. It was loud but the fairies simply paused and listened, then went back to talking and eating.

  Liam, however, tensed. The hairs on the back of his neck stood and he felt the air grow cold. Liam wasn’t the only one to sense that something was wrong. He watched Rowe’s face and saw that he stared down the hall to the doorway. The wind swept in again through the open aired ceiling that was made of woven vines and flowers.

  There was a loud crashing sound from outside and everyone jumped with fright. Then, there was complete silence as they all listened.

  Liam, Rowe and Nani were on their feet in an instant, along with their guards who drew their weapons. Wilem and Jorge rushed over to him for protection. He looked down at them, his face full of concern, and motioned for them to quiet.

  “Where’s Sona?” Rowe broke the silence. He looked around while Liam motioned for Lady Evee and Lord Edwin to remain seated.

  “We’ll check it out. Stay here!” Liam hopped over the table and the others followed him as they rushed down the aisle to the doors. The assembled fairies were frightened. They clung to each other, their whispers elevated with fear. None of them were used to such a disruption from their routines and traditions. That look in their eyes- that fear, made Liam cringe.

  They dashed through the doors and out into the darkness. All of the hanging lanterns and glowing flowers had lost their light. Only the moon shed a small amount of light onto the fairy village. Its light reflected off the canals of water and the streams that cut through the center of town.

  Something felt very wrong. There was a warning in the pit of his stomach. It was so intense that Liam felt queasy. Sweat dripped down his neck and soaked his collar. His eyes scanned the dark scene.

  Where are you? Liam asked The Winds. They were usually there to let him know exactly what there was to be cautious of, what to fear. How can you abandon me now?

  Liam held a hand up for Rowe and Nani to stop. “Wait,” he whispered. He heard something. His eyes widened.

  “Sona!” Liam ran out towards her. He stopped abruptly.

  Liam thought he saw her standing by a cherry blossom tree, watching them from the darkness. He felt his stomach drop. She didn’t look like herself. Something on her face terrified him. The way she looked at them…

  He gulped, almost afraid to take a step towards her. Then, she was gone.

  Rowe squinted as he followed Liam’s line of sight. “Where is she?”

  Nani flew closer. Her eyes searched frantically. She looked at Liam, confused. “No one’s there Liam. You saw her?”

  Liam’s shoulder slumped. He looked in the direction that he had seen her, his mouth open in disbelief. Then, he grew confused. “I could have sworn,” he began and was interrupted by another loud blast.

  This time, they saw where it came from and heard Sona’s scream. The guest’s huts burst into flames and Liam was quick to pull a wave of water from the nearest canal. He raised his hands and flung the water into the hut. Nani was at the door before Rowe and Liam could run across the bridge.

  Another explosion. The hut continued to roll in flames. The heat nearly blinded them. He coughed and pulled another wave of water from the canal and swung it onto the burning hay and beams.

  As soon as the flames died down, Nani disappeared into the hut. Liam ran as fast as he could. The water had quenched most of the flames, but her feared that Sona had been hurt. He dashed into the smoking building and his eyes were met with dust and heat. The smoke made his eyes water and burn but he wouldn’t stop until he got Sona out of there.

  “Nani! Sona!” Rowe called. He flung furniture out of the way heading to Sona’s room.

  “I got her!” Nani yelled. She had Sona by her armpits, carrying her towards the fresh air.

  Liam stepped aside as Nani flew out the doorway. She pulled Sona to the bank of the stream and sat above her. Liam ran out, his forehead dripping with sweat.

  “Is she all right?” he blurted, but Nani raised a hand for him to quiet.

  Her eyes closed as she focused her energy on healing Sona. She was alive, but seemed to be unconscious. Liam dropped to his knees, watching Sona’s face for any signs of movement. He looked around, wondering who had done such a thing. Who had set the huts on fire?

  They all gasped when Sona shot up. She roughly pushed Nani off of her and held her head. Her eyes were squeezed closed and she seemed in pain.

  Nani glared at Sona as she came to her knees. “Why did you do that?” Nani shouted at her. “I was trying to help you!

  Sona glanced at her, waiting for her vision to clear. “What happened?” she asked drowsily.

  Nani’s face softened when she realized that Sona was obviously disoriented.

  Liam put a hand on Sona’s back. “You feel ok? Do you know who did this?”

  Sona shook her head. “No,” she replied simply. She squeezed her eyes shut and cursed under her breath.

  Liam frowned, looking to Rowe who was equally perplexed. They were all disappointed by her response, hoping to learn more. “Can you stand?”

  “I think so,” Sona took his hand and stood with him. She took his hand and led him away from the Nani and Rowe.

  Sona leaned close to his ear. “The Elders, tried to take me.” She spoke so low that no one but Liam could hear her confession. He stared down at her. “I was trying to defend myself. Do not tell the others.”

  He didn’t know what to make of it. Drefen had told him that they do not kill. What were they doing then? The Elders were supposed to be on their side. He knew then that he should be wary of who he trusted.

  “Protect me Liam,” Sona spoke softly and he saw vulnerability in her eyes for the first time since he’d known her. She looked up at him pleadingly and he saw that she was genuinely fearful for her life.

  Liam nodded. “I will Sona. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He held her close and thought deeply. She buried her face in his chest as his gaze roamed the colony. The fairies began to leave the banquet hall to see what was happening.

  Lady Evee flew to him with a face full of worry. “What is going on?”

  Liam held onto Sona. “Everything is fine. It was an accident,” he looked down at Sona, who hid her eyes from the fairy. “I don�
�t think any of you are to worry, but I think it’s best if we leave in the morning. The sooner I am gone, the better it will be for everyone.”

  “I’m coming too,” Sona chimed.

  “And I,” Nani blurted, eavesdropping.

  “You know I’m not letting you go without me either,” Rowe added.

  Liam shook his head. “No, I can’t put you in danger anymore.”

  “You’re not getting rid of us Liam, so just give it up,” Rowe told him with a smile. “We’ll pester you until the end of time.”

  Liam sighed with a reluctant nod. “Very well. At least I know you guys won’t slow me down. But it’s not going to be easy.”

  “Watching you show off all the time won’t be easy either,” Nani joked, trying to ease the tension.

  Liam forced a half-smile. He put an arm around Sona’s shoulders and hugged her close to his side.

  Lady Evee settled on the ground. “So it’s settled. The ship will be ready at dawn.”

  “Great. Thank you,” Liam was anxious to get going. “Our rooms are quite a mess now. Are there other quarters for us?”

  Lady Evee nodded. “Yes, you can stay in the guest rooms in the palace.”

  “No. We should probably be away from you and the king. If something else happens we don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire.”

  “Fine. I’m sure we can find three rooms in the village.”

  “Two,” Liam interjected. “Sona will stay with me.”

  Nani and Rowe turned their heads in a snap. They were flabbergasted as they stared at him. Liam avoided their eyes. He knew what they were thinking, but he was serious about protecting Sona. He would keep her close, so that he could defend her against the Elders.

  Chapter 43

  Sona hid her smile as they followed Lady Evee to rooms that were spread out around the colony. Once inside and the doors were closed, Liam slumped onto a chair. He had had enough action and excitement and could only feel the intense fatigue he’d been suppressing for weeks.

  Sona stood at the door, her back pressed against it as she watched him. She began unbuttoning her shirt and kicked her boots off. Her feet touched the cold floor and he heard nothing.

  Liam’s eyes were closed and she could tell that he was worrying. Such a worrisome young man, she thought to herself as she watched him. But he’s a good man.

  When Liam opened his eyes Sona was standing before him in the dark and he could see her pale naked body illuminated by the light that spilled from the open window. The light of the moon was faint but it was enough to get a muddled view of her flawless body.

  He couldn’t help taking her all in before his eyes looked up to hers. She had a small smile on her face.

  “You still love me Liam. Don’t you? No one else can protect me like you do. No one makes me feel the way that you do.” She spoke in a voice that was soft and sultry.

  Liam shifted uneasily in his seat and tried to avoid looking at her. His body responded before his mind could react. She walked closer, slowly, letting him relish in watching her naked breasts. Sona smiled a seductive smile that urged him to touch her. He held his breath.

  That’s right Liam, Sona urged. Don’t fight it.

  She took his hand and gave it a tug. He stood before her and she pressed her breasts into his chest, looking up at him. As she captured his attention, she unbraided her long black hair so that it fell right above her smooth buttocks.

  She tilted her head back as she looked at him and rolled her neck so that he would look at her creamy, white, throat. Then she opened his shirt and kissed his chest. She smiled mischievously and Liam gulped as she began unbuttoning his pants.

  “Sona,” he began, his voice coming out cracked and uneven. She put a long finger to his mouth to shush him.

  “We might die tomorrow Liam,” she said, trying to sound as sad as she could. “Don’t you want to feel what it’s like to be with me first?”

  Liam remained silent. She felt his heart racing.

  “It’s ok Liam, don’t fight it. We both want to, no one would know.”

  “Sona,” he began again, almost pleadingly.

  “I’m a pure Liam,” she told him in a soft voice and he felt his face blanch. “I saved myself for you… don’t let me die a virgin.” She batted her long dark lashes as she looked up at him. Her eyes welled.

  His face instantly saddened. Works every time, she thought, gently closing her eyes so that the tears would fall down her flawless cheeks.

  “You’re not going to die,” he assured her. It made him sad to hear her speak in that way. He wanted to hold her.

  That’s it. Wrap me in your arms.

  Liam hugged her gently, careful not to look at her buttocks as she buried her face in his chest.

  “I feel safe with you Liam. Always have. I can fight and all, but that life isn’t enough. We all need love to fight for…don’t we?”

  Liam nodded, his voice caught in his throat as she put her arms around his neck.

  She smiled and pulled him along silently, leading him to the bed. She pushed him onto his back and slid her hand up his shirt. She felt the soft hair on his chest and kissed his navel. Liam swallowed and stared at the ceiling as she pulled his pants off.

  “Sona,” he called to her. She leapt on top of him and covered his mouth. “I can’t do this.”

  Enough of this, she growled to herself.

  Sona reached a hand out to him. She touched his face, releasing her Charm, her most secret ability. “Shut up Liam,” she warned softly and he looked at her in surprise. She kissed his neck and collarbone and he lay back in bliss.

  His inhibitions were dissolved. Finally, her Charm was working again. She had been perplexed as to why it hadn’t been working as much lately. He used to be in the palm of her hand. She worried that she was losing her touch. No, that couldn’t be. Sona had been Charming for years.

  It was ironic that she was the puppet or…a favorite toy.

  Rowe was the same, so easily manipulated. That Nani though, she frowned. She couldn’t Charm that fairy no matter how hard she tried. It was harder with women and it seemed to be impossible with fairies. The fairy hated her. But any man could be hers.

  Except…him. She shuddered at the thought of him, glancing over her shoulder as if he might be hiding in the wardrobe or watching her from the window. Her blood turned cold at the very thought of him.

  She closed her eyes. No, he can’t be here. He’s miles and miles away, she tried to reassure herself. She looked down at Liam. She had to remain focused.

  Sona gently bit his earlobe and he couldn’t control himself. He was hers. She released more power. She would not let him deny her. He gasped as her power shot into him. His eyes widened, his pupil’s dilated, and he was no longer able to resist.

  Liam grabbed her by the back of her head and kissed her. He lifted her up and tossed her onto the spot beside him. He climbed onto her and ravenously kissed her as his hands parted her legs. Sona moaned with delight. She was breathless. She was weakened by the amount of power she had used. But Liam was hers now.

  “Yes Liam,” she urged. “Don’t hold back.”

  Liam ignored her words, overtaken by his lust for her. Her Charm was strong. His will was no longer his own.

  “I love you,” she whispered inaudibly. She meant those words, but love had nothing to do with this. Her eyes widened with shock and she cried out as he broke the seal of her virginity.

  He covered her mouth with his hand to smother her cries of pleasure. He didn’t want the whole of Tolrin to hear them. Sona clutched him close to her and closed her eyes. He was all she’d ever wanted. Even still, she knew she’d never truly have him. She knew that the next day, she would lose him, forever.

  Chapter 44

  Dragnor waited patiently. He absently traced the elaborate embellishing on the bookcase with his long finger. His mind soared with ideas. There were so many ways to torture a person and he was skilled in the majority of them.

 
Lilae deserved to suffer. She was only partly the reason he had been brought back to this world, but she had cost him valuable time. All of those years searching for her had been wasted when he could have been petitioning the secret sects of the world, and bringing their dark powers to the side of his master.

  He would venture out into the world and do what he was summoned for, but not before he administered his punishment to the girl. She’d only had a small taste of what he really wanted to do to her.

  Dragnor could not wait to spend hours on Lilae. Soon, pain would be all she knew, and he would teach her well. He licked his lips at the thoughts. He promised himself that he would not let his rage get in the way.

  Kavien entered the study and sighed in annoyance. He seemed exhausted. The emperor spent most of his days training and planning. Dragnor was at least satisfied that Kavien had sent different sectors of the army ahead, to occupy every city and kingdom that led to the next territory they were to conquer. They had campaigned for years, gathering soldiers and slaves, and soon all of their hard work would be rewarded.

  “What do you want?” Kavien slumped into his oversized chair and leaned back. The candles light flickered off of the shadows of his face. He massaged his temples.

  “I’ve been patient for long enough. I want to evoke the spell.” Dragnor replied calmly. He made sure that his eyes weren’t challenging. Kavien’s wrath was something he could not afford.

  Kavien’s eyes opened and he regarded Dragnor with disdain. “I’ve heard enough of this. I’ve told you already. You cannot do that to Lilae until we meet with her brother. We cannot drive her mad just before the king arrives.”

  Dragnor almost balled up his fists. Kavien was a necessary evil. As much as he hated to admit it, he needed Kavien. Kavien was his first victory. He had stolen him as a child. His mother wasn’t as clever as the Elder that protected Lilae. Kavien never had a chance. Dragnor had broken him, beaten him, and trained him, and still, Kavien was rebellious. He needed to remedy that, immediately.