Book One: Beginnings

by Nicole Ashley Brown Segda

  Ashe gazes into Lara’s bright golden eyes. “I love you, too.”

  * * *

  Chase rises from his seat at the kitchen table. His eyes reflect the resolution that he has formed in his mind. He gently grabs Kae’s arm and pulls her from the kitchen into the hallway. He lowers his mouth to her ear and excitedly whispers, “I want to show you something.”

  He guides her from the house to a discreet little path. The path lies some ways from the cottage and beyond the lake that had been a sort of boundary for Kae. She has never ventured past the far side of the water save that one time she followed Chase into the woods three years ago. Her excitement builds as they follow the familiar stream of which Kae has traveled only in her mind. The trail matches the course of the river, deeper into the mystical forest. Kae freezes when she sees where it leads.

  Chase releases her arm and looks back at her. “What’s wrong?”

  Her voice is low. “I can’t go in there. What if … the Siren is still in there?”

  Chase looks around impatiently and sighs, “I won’t let anything harm you.”

  Kae searches his expression. “Promise.”

  Chase puts his hand on his heart, “I, Chase Blader, promise that no harm will come to Kaela Lee while she is under my protection. Happy?”

  Kae blushes and hesitantly follows Chase into the woods. She has forgotten how beautiful it is. The atmosphere is exhilarating. She takes a deep breath. The smell of fresh pine fills her nostrils and her head swims with reminiscence. She restrains her enthusiasm, keeping in mind that the magic of the forest is potent and deadly. She is careful to not be lured in by the sheer beauty of it all.

  The path continues across a bridge and on into dense foliage. Chase and Kae come to a halt midway across the bridge, reveling in the freshness of the air and innocence of the unscathed environment. The river roars wildly under them. The warm sun rises high above them. They are surrounded by a world of wonder. Regretfully, they proceed across the bridge. They reach solid ground and Chase furtively moves behind Kae. He places his hands over her eyes. Warm hands. Her breath quickens. “Where are you taking me?”

  He whispers in her ear, “It’s a surprise.”

  Chills run through her body. She is intensely aware of the closeness of Chase’s body and of the deep stirrings deep within herself. She can barely think. What is this she is feeling?

  He slowly lifts his hands. “Don’t peek.” He takes her hands and leads her down a slope. The mossy rocks are slippery and she nearly loses her balance, but Chase steadies her with his strong grip. She can feel the muscles tense in his warm hands as he continues to safely guide her down the pebbly grade. Her breath quickens as that strange feeling once again surges through her. She can hear the river, almost at her feet. A mist engulfs her. She can feel the soft droplets of water come to rest on her skin. All her cares are washed away.

  Chase’s warm voice breaks through her reverie, renewing the strange sensations that she has been feeling whenever he is near. “Okay. Open your eyes.”

  A magnificent waterfall rises above her, stretching forever upward. A splash of color. A rush of spirit. Freedom. A carefree smile crosses her glowing face. She turns to Chase. Her eyes sparkle with tears of happiness. A wide smile appears across his face as he takes pleasure in her reaction. This place is his place, and he wants to share it with her. He had a feeling she would be attracted to the marvelous waterfall, but his attraction to Kae at this moment comes as a surprise to him. Her dancing eyes seem to reach inside him and touch some unfamiliar emotion. His hands become clammy as if she could melt him with her compelling smile. Chase lets out the breath he hasn’t realized he has been holding. Her power over him somewhat dissipates as she turns away. Kae merrily laughs as she watches little fish try to swim up the cascading falls. Fighting a losing battle. War. Cole. Ashe. Her smile is quickly gone.

  Chase rests on the rocks. “I come up here to escape. Just forget my worries. I was hoping it would do the same for you….”

  Kae sits down beside him. “Thank you … it’s just that something I saw brought me back to reality. It really is great here.”

  The desolate look on her face isn’t what he is expecting to see. The consoling tone in her voice only irritates him. Chase stands up. “I can tell that you don’t want to be here. Come on. We can get home by nightfall.”

  “Don’t be like that. Really, let’s stay a little longer.”

  “I hate it when you do that! Why can’t you just do what you want to do instead of trying to appease everybody else?”

  Kae gets up. “You’re the one that brought me to your little secret hiding place! I never asked you to take me here!”

  Chase rages. “Fine. See if I ever try to be nice to you again! I know you have a thing for water so I figured you’d enjoy this!”

  “You shouldn’t assume things then! Take me home.”

  “Now you want to go home? You know what? Find your own way home. I’m outta here.” Chase walks off into the forest, leaving Kae alone on the rocks.

  She screams after him, “The nerve! When I get my hands on you, Chase Blader…!”

  * * *

  Joel and Jessica are reclining outside on the grass. The afternoon sun beats down on them, but they don’t feel it. They don’t feel anything. Empty.

  “Jessica, what’s going to happen to us?”

  Jessica shrugs. “I don’t know, Joel. I don’t know. But whatever happens, it was fun while it lasted.”

  Joel sits up. “Yeah. I don’t want them to go. Ashe said that there has been talk of a possible uprising in Nesthra. But according to the newspaper, it wasn’t that serious. Why now? There have been problems in that region for decades. And of course, every government has its flaws. Why them? Why is Smithee being dragged into this civil war anyways? Nesthra gained independence from this continent a long time ago.” The frustration is evident in his voice.

  “I just know that I want to make the most of the time we have left. Things are gonna change, Joel.”

  Joel looks up at her. “Let’s go. I’m tired of waiting for permission. Datrymias live in the forest, right?” Joel walks on towards the woods. “What are you waiting for?”

  Jessica blinks and then chases after him. “Are you sure?”

  No answer. He treads steadily down the hill and charges into the forest. He has only one goal in mind: find that stupid bird. He no longer cares what they think. It’s not like they’re going to be around to notice anyways.

  Jessica stumbles along behind him. “Slow down. What’s up with you? Hello, Ilia to Joel.”

  He turns sharply. “What? Isn’t this what you’ve been urging me to do for the past three years?”

  “Yeah. But we’ve never been here before. We don’t know where to go and you’re obviously angry.”

  “Why should you care? Nobody else does! They’re all leaving me! Pretty soon you’ll all leave and I’ll be alone. The youngest cast aside like a piece of garbage! I always get left out. Cole never took me to the forest! And I’m just supposed to understand? No! I’m not gonna be bullied anymore, especially by the likes of you!”

  A tear rolls down Jessica’s cheek, but her voice is steady. “Fine. If that’s the way you feel … just know, Joel, that you were the one that pushed me away.” She runs back towards home.

  Joel screams. “See! I told you you’d all leave me, sooner or later….” He slumps to the ground and cries tears of anger.

  A creature scurries across the path in front of him. Annoyed by its lively chattering, he takes his hand and brutally sweeps it away. The small animal flies through the air, its body landing in a clump of grass alongside the trail. Joel rises, instantly remorseful of his action. The creature hadn’t done anything to him. He was too caught up in his own self-pity to consider the consequences of his actions. Stupid. How could he have been so stupid? No wonder why no one wants to be around him. He quickly runs towards the injured squirrel, its broken body motionless. He kneels solemnly beside the an
imal. A faint pounding reverberates through his head. He leans in closer and can sense the dwindling beat of the squirrel’s heart. Joel carefully picks up the squirrel and nestles it in his arms. He closes his eyes and prays. Something stirs within him. He can feel the life of the little squirrel returning as he concentrates on his prayer, himself feeling somewhat drained.

  When Joel opens his eyes, two black beady eyes are staring back up at him. He can almost read the thoughts of the little squirrel. Expressing its gratitude and understanding of the situation. Joel laughs at the thought that the little creature could possible fathom in its little mind what has just happened, much less why. The squirrel continues to stare up at him, as if expecting some sort of You’re welcome.

  Joel places the creature on the path in front of him and motions for it to scurry off. Instead of bounding into the woods, it stands on its back legs, its hands in front of it as if begging for something. Joel sits down cross-legged and puts his hand on his chin. He carefully observes the squirrel and sighs, “What are you waiting for? Go on now.” The creature goes to all fours and slowly proceeds towards Joel. Joel nervously looks around and then back at the squirrel. “You want to come home with me?” The squirrel bounds into Joel’s lap and scampers up and around his arm to his shoulder. Joel laughs despite his reservations. “I take that as a yes.” He turns his head to look at the furry creature. “Well, if you’re gonna be my pet, you have to have a name.” Joel contemplates for a moment. The squirrel races around Joel’s body, its little feet tickling him in the process. “You’re an energetic little bugger, aren’t you?” He smiles as an idea comes to him. “I think I’ll call you Sparky.” Sparky chatters wildly as if in agreement. Joel nods his head. “Sparky it is then.”

  Joel brushes off his clothes as he stands, Sparky sitting contently on his shoulder. He whistles merrily as he treads the path back towards home. He hasn’t forgotten what brought him to the forest in the first place, but he has realized that wallowing in self-pity is not going to make things any better. And it’s certainly not going to change things. He will no longer let circumstances affect his attitude. What’s the use of complaining about things that cannot be changed?

  * * *

  Kae scoots to the edge of the river, letting the cool current flow over her bare feet. The tranquility of the water quickly washes away her anger. Why do they always end up fighting?

  Kae sighs, “Perhaps, Chase is right.” Did she just say that? When was the last time she thought about what she wanted? Why couldn’t she be more optimistic? “Why do I always have to ruin everything?”

  Oh, cheer up, my dear. You musn’t be too hard on yerself.

  Kae jumps up. “Who’s there?”

  A spirited laugh. The sound seems to be of the river itself, flowing endlessly over the cobblestone. The mystical voice seems to echo through her mind.

  Kae can sense the being. Close. Hidden. She surveys the forest. Nothing. She turns back towards the river as another laugh spills through her mind. She focuses her attention on the water. It flows casually around unseen barriers. In the mist, she can make out the rough outline of a creature. All she can surmise is that the being is tall and serpentine. Color begins to fill the void. A rich shade of deep blue reminds Kae of the deep recesses of the ocean. The comparison confuses her. She has never been past the forest, much less even seen the ocean. Her eyes catch the glint of the shimmering scales that outline the body. The sea monster soars above her. The fins that adorn the head act as a sort of crown. Majestic. It speaks telepathically: It’s been ages since I’ve encountered someone with your abilities. I knew there was something special about you when I first heard you talking to Twiggy.

  Kae is speechless. This had to be a figment of her imagination. “Am I going crazy?”

  Another laugh: No, my dear. You’re unique. Yes! The spirit of the sea beckons to you.

  Kae slowly approaches the beast and reaches out. Her fingers glide across the smooth scales. “You’re real?”

  I better be. Centuries spent looking, waiting for you couldn’t have been all for nothing.

  Kae could hardly breathe. “Me? Centuries?”

  The creature brings her head down to look squarely into Kae’s lilac eyes: Yep. You’re the one. The sea monster scrutinizes Kae’s demeanor: Oh, dear … you don’t know, do you? Tsk. Tsk. Well, first things first. What will you call me?

  Kae looks puzzled.

  Give me a name. You know, that thing you call someone when you want to get his or her attention. Hmmm. You’re awfully quiet for someone who was just talking to herself a minute ago.

  Kae raises her eyebrows. “How does Nikoi sound?”

  Nikoi smiles, and then vanishes back into the mist. Kae is standing in the middle of the river, drenched in mist. She looks around her. The creature is gone.

  She hears a rustle in the woods. A figure appears from behind some foliage. His hands are in his pockets and he shrugs as if he has a burden needed lifting. He walks down to the water’s edge and rests on the bank. He rests his chin upon his hands and Kae notices the silver talisman dangling from his neck. It pleases Kae that he has finally worn the chain she had given him eleven years ago. Kae wades towards him. He watches her as she comes nearer. Time seems to pass slowly. Breathing is heavy. She finally reaches the boy and kneels beside him. No words. A mutual understanding. The war was taking its toll on everyone.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Joel, wake up.”

  Joel yawns. “Cole? What time is it? Are you leaving already?

  Cole crouches on the floor. “Yes, but I wanted to talk to you. Jessica told me what happened … in the forest.”

  Joel sits up. “I didn’t mean it, Cole, honestly!”

  “Shhh. I should have taken you to the forest, but the truth is I was scared. I didn’t want to risk losing you like I almost lost Chase…. Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling this way? I will always be by your side. That’s what brothers are for. We even have a tendency to be overprotective sometimes.” He smiles and then sighs, “Joel, just because I’m going to war doesn’t mean I’m leaving you. Besides, Chase will still be here. So will Jessica, Kae, Lara….”

  Joel still looks worried. “But what if … you don’t come back?”

  Cole rises. “Come with me.”

  Joel follows him outside. The moon rises high in the night sky. Illuminating dreams. Ruling her kingdom with all her glories in silent submission.

  Cole stands behind Joel, his hands on his younger brother’s shoulders. “Look at the sky. It stretches all across Ilia. Each night, before you sleep, look at the sky and know that I will be looking at the same stars, the same moon. Wherever you go, I’ll be with you.”

  Chase steps out of the little house and walks towards his brothers. “I had a feeling you two would be out here. Is everything all right?”

  Joel turns to look at Chase and Cole. “Yeah. Brothers forever….”

  In unison, “We’ll always be brothers.”

  Chase sighs, “It seems that every night we would come out here, stand in this very same spot, and just look up at the stars. Envisioning the world through their eyes as they look down upon us. In some ways, it seems that they are guiding us but we being unable to follow. Now you and Ashe have this rare chance to walk the path they have long ago taken and marked for future travelers. Just promise me that you will find your way back home.”

  Cole turns to Chase and smiles. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Chase nods. “Well, I guess it’s time you are headed on your way. The others are waiting in the kitchen.” At this announcement, they all silently head back towards the house. As they leave the outdoors, the brilliance of the stars fade. Clouds overcome the pristine night. The air is heavy and moist. A storm is brewing.

  * * *

  Ashe and Lara are standing in the kitchen. Their fingers intertwined and heads bowed in silence. Jessica helps Maria prepare a snack for the boys’ journey to supplement the food they will have to forage o
n their way through the Southern Woods to the military base. Kae dejectedly leans against the counter. No one makes a sound. So many thoughts running rampant through their heads but no words to express them.

  Everyone looks up as Joel, Chase, and Cole walk somberly into the kitchen. Then they look back down. Joel and Cole take seats at the table. Chase remains standing in the doorway.

  Cole is the first to speak. “So, this is it.” Lara hugs Ashe and begins to cry. She opens her eyes and stares at Cole. Sorrow once again fills her eyes. She feels as if she is also losing a brother. He dares not look at her for fear of what she would see in his eyes. Perhaps, if he had come to her first, things would be different. She would be hugging him, not Ashe. He rises from his chair and walks outside. He’s already said his goodbyes. Why prolong the pain?

  Ashe gives Lara a final kiss and breaks the embrace. He grabs his duffel bag and slings it over his shoulder. He walks towards the front door, then turns. One by one Ashe looks at the children whom he spent his childhood raising. No regrets. He walks out the door and follows Cole into the vast new world.

  * * *

  Lara retreats to her room and cries herself to sleep. After cleaning up the kitchen, Jessica and Maria retire as well. Joel lingers but eventually finds enough strength to stumble down the hallway to his room and crawl into bed. The past week has been an uphill battle. No one was prepared for their lives to be shattered like a piece of glass.

  The storm clouds burst open. Lightning cracks in the distance. The rhythmic drumming of the heavy rain upon the house echoes the beating of their hearts.

  Kae and Chase are still in the kitchen. Restless. Chase moves from the doorway towards the counter where Kae is sitting. “You should get some rest.”