The House of Fire

by M. Goldsmith

  “Mom, I feel so useless. We need to do something. The humans have surgeons who could help him. Can’t we take him to a human hospital?” Kai begged.

  “I want to say yes, of course, but this has come up before and the Council felt it was too much of an exposure risk. We’re simply too different from them, Kai. Our blood is not the same. We don’t heal the same way. The humans would know, and that would leave us all vulnerable. Human curiosity is a very dangerous thing.”

  Rayne joined them a short while later in the hallway. He looked pale, haggard, and wore an expression of complete devastation.

  Kai began to pace. “This is absurd. We have to do something, Dad. We can’t just sit idly by and watch Storm die.”

  “I’m so sorry, Son. You know I love Storm as much as you do, but there is nothing in my power that can be done.”

  “Well, there is something I can do. I want to become a surgeon. We may not be able to help Storm, but I can’t bear to see this happen to someone else. I want to petition the Council to go to medical school.”

  The monitor’s alarm from within the room blared loudly, and they hurried inside where Burke and May stood vigil over their son. Storm’s face was swollen, and his features were obscured making him appear almost alien. His head was wrapped in a dressing covering his entire skull. With red, puffy eyes, tears poured down May’s face. Burke remained more stoic and looked lost in shock. They turned when they saw the rest of their family enter the room.

  May grabbed Rayne’s sleeve and looked up at him. “Please, help him.”

  Rayne’s voice cracked as he hung his head dejectedly. “I’m so sorry, but it is beyond my capabilities. I would give anything for the gift to heal him.”

  A harsh alarm droned shrilly as a flat line flashed continually across the screen. Rayne walked over to it and switched it off. “He’s gone.” Tears welled in his eyes.

  May dissolved into heaving sobs, and Burke held her closely with tears streaming down his own face. Kai and his parents clung to them desperately, utterly crushed.

  A short while later, they moved Storm in order to prepare him for his Passage Ceremony. Word had already begun to travel throughout the village of the tragic loss of Storm. A somber mood spread all over Aether. People reflected on the passing of such a young and vibrant person.

  Rayne and Kai headed over to the Council Chambers located on the other side of the Village Square. The gray stone building, though somewhat simple in appearance, evoked an authoritative air. Perhaps the Elders housed within its walls gleaned extraordinary respect because their gifts held incredible power and strength. Aether’s delicate balance was pieced together by many moving parts, and the Elders were an integral component.

  The Council Elders consisted of the oldest living former Guardians from each of the four Houses, as well as the oldest living Protector. All of the past Guardians sat on the Council itself as well as three of the senior most Protectors. The Elders governed the people. The remainder of the Council supported them and served as a voting authority when necessary.

  When Rayne and Kai entered the reception area, they were immediately met with a sympathetic look from the woman behind the desk. Clearly, word of Storm’s demise had reached the Council already.

  “Are the Elders available? We request a few moments of their time if it’s possible,” Rayne said.

  “I’ll check if you give me a minute, but I’m certain they will see you both.” She rose from her seat and went into a nearby room closing the door.

  The receptionist returned shortly and escorted them into a spacious conference room. There was an immense table that reminded Kai of a corporate office. He almost laughed at the absurdity of the setting; a group of people averaging in age of about four hundred and fifty years, in a room much more suited to a company of high-powered executives. The Elders were unquestionably endowed with tremendous power and were held with the utmost respect and esteem.

  A door at the back of the room opened pulling Kai from his musings. The Elders entered and took their seats at the table gesturing for Rayne and Kai to do the same. He had almost forgotten what an extraordinary group the Elders were until his heart pounded and his palms moistened.

  There was Raven, who was of The House of Fire, a tall, lean woman whose red hair had gone to mostly white. She still stood erect and carried herself with an air of strength and grace. Bey was of The Water. She was a beautiful woman with eyes the color of the sea and still vibrant golden blond hair that flowed long down her back. Coro was of The House of Air, a tiny woman with a sharp wit and even sharper tongue. Kai found her to be endlessly amusing. Vale was of The Earth with wavy jet-black hair and sparkling emerald green eyes. A curvaceous woman, with a fuller figure than most in Aether, Kai knew she must have been simply stunning in her youth. Finally, there was Bear, the Protector, who at over four hundred years old was still an intimidating and imposing figure. He wore his name well, about six feet four inches tall, with shoulders as wide as a Mack truck. Bear was not a person to be trifled with.

  Rayne greeted the Elders with a slight bow. “Thank you for seeing us. We greatly appreciate your time.”

  “Welcome, Rayne and Kai. Please let me speak for all us in saying we are devastated by the loss of your nephew, Storm,” Raven said.

  “Thank you very much. We appreciate the sentiment,” Rayne replied.

  Kai stood, drumming his fingers on the table. “Storm’s passing is relevant to our reason for being here. Do you mind if I speaking freely?”

  Coro answered, “Please, by all means speak your mind, young man.”

  “The loss of Storm is one all of Aether will suffer, not just our family. The feeling of helplessness among the healers is profound. The human world has surgeons who might have been able to save him with knowledge and skills we simply do not possess. I am imploring you to allow me to attend medical school, so I may prevent such tragic loss from occurring in the future.”

  “We were just discussing this sorrowful event before you and your father arrived,” Bear said. “We understand your desire to help the entire community in light of this tragedy, but there are some obstacles we must consider. Not everyone in Aether believes we should progress forward with scientific and technological advancements. Some people feel the Elements should be the community’s sole focus. In addition, the nearest medical school is too great a distance for you to travel to and from each day. You would have to live away from home. Human curiosity can be a danger to our kind. Living among them would present a great challenge to you, Kai.”

  “I’ve already proven I can handle myself with the humans. I graduated from college not very long ago, and I encountered no difficulties. I understand them. There are many others who work outside the village every day. I’m certain I can protect our people.” Kai clasped his hands to his chest. “It’s the 1960’s, not the 1860’s. It’s imperative I gain these skills and knowledge to prevent this kind of loss from happening again.”

  “Why don’t you both step out for a few minutes and let us discuss this matter? The safety of the people of Aether is of paramount importance to this Council. I assure you we will impartially examine all sides of this situation and resolve this issue with haste,” Vale said.

  As Rayne and Kai proceeded to the exit, Kai turned back. He could feel the flush of his cheeks as he burst forth with an impassioned plea. “Please, let me do this for the people. Let no family suffer this kind of unnecessary loss again. I appeal to your great wisdom. Thank you for your consideration.”

  Kai paced nervously the entire time they were waiting while Rayne sat stiffly, unmoving. The silence between father and son filled the air like a heavy, thick fog. Kai could feel it weighing on him. A nearby grandfather clock loudly ticked away the minutes while they waited for the Elders. Kai wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it felt like days to him. Suddenly, the door seemed to open of its own volition reminding Kai of the immense power contained within the walls of the Council Chamber. They entered, and Rayne ret
urned to his seat while Kai remained standing.

  “Please be seated, young Kai,” Raven said.

  Reluctantly, he took a seat and inhaled deeply, trying to relax. “Please, what have you decided?”

  “You should know the decision was not unanimous. However, the majority of the Elders believe we should protect Aether by following the old ways and using the Elements and nature to guide our people not modern technology. I am afraid we are declining your request at this time. You may, of course, present your case to the Elders again in one year’s time. For now, we believe you need to grieve the loss of Storm. May the God and Goddess be with your family during their time of sorrow,” Raven said, clearly dismissing them.

  Rayne quickly ushered Kai out of the Council Chambers before he exploded in front of the Elders. Once they were outside, Rayne loosened his grasp on Kai’s arm. Rage seeped through every pore in Kai’s body. He pounded the wall behind him drawing blood from his knuckles. “How can they say no? I don’t understand.”

  “Kai? Oh my god, look at your hands!” He turned to the sound of his name. Leaning against the building, Laurel stood with a pained expression on her beautiful face. “I just heard about Storm. I’m so sorry.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “Are you okay?” Taking a few steps toward him, she tried to wrap her arms around his waist, but Kai pulled away.

  “No, I am not okay. Storm is gone, and the Elders denied my request to go to medical school.” His volume escalated to the point of shouting. “They won’t even listen to reason. I have to wait a full year before I can try to convince them to change their minds. Their paranoia toward the humans and technology is going to destroy Aether.”

  People from around the Village Square were beginning to stare. Rayne stepped in and forcibly took Kai by the shoulders. “That’s enough, Kai. You’re upset. We all are, but the Elders have a point. Sending you away for so long would be a tremendous exposure risk. They’re just trying to keep everyone safe, including you.”

  “I don’t care what they say. I’m going to the University library every day, and I’m going to teach myself as much as I can until those stubborn old fools change their minds.”

  “Kai, please wait. Don’t do anything rash. Your father is right; you’re just emotional right now. Give your anger some time to subside. I want to help. Please let me help you.” Laurel offered with outstretched arms.

  Kai, frozen in place, couldn’t bring himself to retreat into the warmth of Laurel’s loving embrace the way he wanted to. His heart hardened on the spot. He was truly broken. “I’m sorry, Laurel, but no one can help me. I have to dedicate myself to this, for Storm and for everyone in Aether. I won’t give up on this, ever.”

  Laurel’s voice quivered. “And what about us, Kai? Are you going to give up on us?”

  “Really? That’s what you’re thinking about right now? Us? What about Storm? This is no time to be selfish. How can I be happy, have everything, when Storm is dead? How is that fair? I love you, Laurel, I’ll always love you, but I have to do this right now.”

  Without uttering a word Laurel walked over to Kai and kissed him on the cheek. Then, she turned away and walked off without looking back. He felt the moisture from her tears on his face, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. His senses had gone numb.

  Rayne finally spoke, “Son, I’m afraid you may have just made the biggest mistake of your life.”

  ****

  Laurel

  One more shot rang off before Laurel’s tormentor turned his attention away from her and toward the bright flash just off in the distance. The ground shook beneath her as he bounded off with heavy footsteps toward his men. She registered a burning pinch in the back of her leg but continued to charge ahead. Sweat dripped down her back, and her legs felt shaky. She’d never forget the look on Ash’s face as she led them away. “Oh, dear Goddess, please, I need help!”

  After putting a short distance between herself and the masked strangers, Laurel paused momentarily as the world around her spun. Listless, weak, her limbs heavy as though she was stuck in quicksand, she stumbled perilously unable to maintain her balance. Tripping over a downed tree limb, she tumbled to the ground. Branches and brambles snagged her clothing keeping her down, holding her captive. Unable to move, her last coherent thought was of her friend.

  Laurel struggled to rouse, her eyelids so heavy they felt as though they were sealed shut with super glue. Her entire body shivered uncontrollably. Absolutely numb from the cold, she wondered if she had left her bedroom window opened last night. The air had a nebulous quality to it; everything was obscured, clouded. Weak and dizzy, her limbs felt like they weighed a ton. Groaning, she bore down attempting to lift her arms and legs to no avail. She gagged as waves of nausea ebbed and flowed through her. Momentarily, she entertained the idea this might be the worst hangover in history, but she didn’t remember drinking with Ashlyn last night.

  From within her fogginess, the frightful events of the night crept into her consciousness. Had she and Ashlyn been hunted by masked men? Did Ash try to save her? She attempted to reflect back on the cryptic memories flooding in and out like an interrupted electrical signal. Was there a flash of light? Her thoughts were terribly muddled, and she remained unsure as to what was real and what was simply imagined.

  Her subconscious took control thrusting her into a world of disjointed memories. The image of a strikingly beautiful man, with golden blond hair and aquamarine eyes, flashed in her mind. It was Kai. On his left cheek he possessed an adorable dimple which added a boyish look to his otherwise masculine face. Tall and fit, he worked his well-proportioned frame naturally. Each time she blinked, a new perspective of the complicated man projected itself before her. Kai’s face, with emotional anguish deep inside him, lost. Joy, pure and beautiful, etched into his handsome face. Passion, hot and fiery, consumed with lust.

  Though they tried, things were never the same for them again after Storm’s death. Laurel knew Kai had pushed her away to add to his own pain and guilt over not being able to save Storm. She thought she’d moved on, but Kai was always present even if he remained out of reach. It was odd, whenever she and Ash went to the café, or the pub, Kai and his squad were always nearby, watching them. As much as she didn’t want to, Laurel still got butterflies in her stomach every time Kai looked at her. She longed to feel his hands on her, but her heart had been crushed. She still loved him but holding onto her memories of her time with Kai would have to suffice. He was a broken man.

  Soon, the images and her memories grew hazy. She wanted to stay with Kai to keep him in her mind, but the force of the sedative was too strong. Fighting against the pull of the powerful drugs, Laurel finally succumbed. Even her mind could no longer resist the urge to retreat within herself and blackness claimed her.

  ****

  Kai

  Pounding in a rapid staccato on the Clinic’s back door made Kai’s ears perked up. He faintly made out the voice of woman; she was pleading. “Hello? Please, help us!”

  He rushed to the door and swung it open revealing Laurel’s parents. Holding an unconscious Laurel in his arms, Canyon was red faced and sweaty looking. With unshed tears in her eyes, Zarina looked frantic. When Kai took in Laurel’s battered appearance, he knew his face must have gone ashen.

  “Bring her right in here, Canyon.” Kai led them directly into the nearest treatment room.

  Canyon placed Laurel gently onto the exam table with a heavy sigh. Zarina appeared next to the table and delicately brushed the hair from her daughter’s face. Laurel’s eyes remained closed. Her body trembled even in her lethargic state.

  Kai quickly began to examine her. “What’s going on? What happened?”

  “We have absolutely no idea. We haven’t seen her since she went for a walk with Ashlyn late last night.” Canyon faltered. “I woke early, and it was still dark out. I realized Laurel never came home. I got worried, so I walked into the woods. I’m not really sure why. I don’t know what I expected to find. I just had this horribl
e feeling I needed to look for her…” His words trailed off. Then, shaking his head, Canyon continued, his voice clogged with emotion. “I-I found her in the woods. She was shaking violently, and she was covered in blood. I thought we were going to lose her—”

  Zarina chimed in, “but we didn’t lose her, and Kai is going to save her. And don’t forget about this, Can.” She produced what looked to Kai to be some kind of tranquilizer dart and handed it to her Kanti.

  “This was embedded in the back of her leg.” Canyon passed the dart to Kai who glanced at it before placing it on the counter.

  “You’ve got to help her. Dear Goddess, why is she shivering so?” Zarina’s eyes filled with tears.

  Canyon put his arm around his Adara. “She’s going to be all right, honey.”

  Pulling out several blankets and tucking them securely around Laurel, Kai’s hand gently brushed against her soft skin. He needed to remind himself he was her doctor, and she no longer belonged to him.

  “Looks like she has mild hypothermia. Her other injuries are minor. I’ll clean and dress those when her temperature regulates. I’m not sure what’s in this dart or if that’s what caused her unconsciousness, but I’ll do a CAT scan just to be sure. Let’s just get her warmed up a bit.”

  Kai picked up the offending object and rolled it between his fingers examining it more closely, and held it up to the light. “But where did this come from? It’s just so odd. Why would anyone want to hurt Laurel?” He pulled out his phone and then refocused on Laurel’s parents. “I’m just going to send my dad a text to come and give me a hand here. We’ll figure this out; try not to worry too much.” Even as his fingers tapped the screen, he kept a watchful eye on Laurel.

  Zarina continued to stroke her daughter’s hair. “Come back to us, baby. Tell us what’s happened to you,” she whispered.

  “Maybe I should check with Ashlyn and see if she can shed some light on any of this? I know it’s still really early, but I want to call. What do you think?” Canyon asked.