Bursts of Fire

by Susan Forest

  “Janat, I am so, so—”

  Janat put her fingers across Meg’s lips. “Don’t. I’m sorry, too. I...”

  Meg looked down at the man who had been Sulwyn. The man who once had helped three girls running for their lives. Who had loved them, each differently. Who had loved this land, even more. A man of peace in a world of war.

  Janat pressed her lips together and shook her head, unable to speak, and Meg touched her forehead to hers.

  “I...” Janat said. “I loved him. But I didn’t...know...how to love him.” She shrugged her inability to articulate her thought. “I was never the right...woman. I think...” She shrugged again. “You were.”

  Meg shook her head. “No.” She reflected. “I thought I could be, but I was wrong.”

  They added wood from the vast pile. Rennika joined them in the warmth of the pyre.

  “Did you...” Janat asked Rennika, and the quiet melancholy that had lingered with her all day returned. “Did you go to the tarn? At the equinox?”

  “Meg and I did. There’s no Amber,” Rennika said.

  “Dwyn and the uprisers have done what they could,” Meg said. “With all the prayer stones but the Ruby destroyed, there can be no revolution.”

  Janat gazed into the flames. “What will we do?”

  “Dwyn—King Gramaret,” Meg clarified, “has a farm in Canyondell. Colm told me, with time, the king might heal from the arrow he took. We can stay with him. Work there.”

  “Then there’s no going back,” Janat said softly. “No soft beds. No balls or fine dresses.” She gave a soft laugh. “You know, I’ve never seen any future but rags and running.”

  “No going back,” Meg confirmed. “But there might be soft beds. Somewhere.”

  Rennika watched the enchantment of the flames. “We have to live like worldlings now. And that’s all right.”

  Janat peered at her as if not understanding.

  “Rennika is sweet on a boy,” Meg grinned, bumping her sister’s shoulder with her own. “But she’s right. It’s up to us, and our own hard work.”

  Janat shrugged wistfully.

  And when at long last the funeral fires had done their job, they walked together back to the rebel camp.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I will always owe unending thanks to the members of the Imaginative Fiction Writers’ Association and all those who helped me along the way with discussion and critiques, but particularly to my Shadow Ascension Workshop partners. More personally, I learned a great deal about the subject matter of this book from close friends, lovers, and family members. The topic has led me to plunge into research, including books (The Anatomy of Addiction, Mohammad, Akikur, 2016), films (Risky Drinking, HBO) and podcasts (On Drugs, CBC, Geoff Turner). I thank Lucas K. Law for his faith in me and his amazing support of this series. Finally and always, Don.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Susan Forest is an award-winning author and editor of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. She has published over 25 short stories in Canadian and international publications. Bursts of Fire, the first in her seven-book series Addicted to Heaven, is not only a tale of rollicking adventure, but also an opportunity—one she appreciates—for an examination of the complex world of addictions. There is no family today that has not been touched by the heartache, stigma, struggles—and the often-unrecognized courage and hope—that underpin the illness of addiction. This motif is one Susan is humbled to explore with the aspiration of provoking dialogue, and the recognition of—and respect for—those whose battles are ongoing. Visit her online at www.speculative-fiction.ca. Follow the Addicted to Heaven series online at www.addictedtoheaven.com.

  READER’S GROUP GUIDE

  Questions and Topics for Discussion

  The central character of Bursts of Fire, Meg Falkyn, is only seventeen when she suddenly becomes responsible for her two younger sisters. In what ways does she make life easier for Janat and Rennika, and in what ways does she fail at this responsibility? What dreams do you think Meg had to give up? How was she able to deal with her own grief at the loss of her mother, and of everything she knew?

  At times, Janat comes across as selfish. In what ways does her selfishness suggest she is caught in a cycle of grief that she can’t get past? In what ways is she simply a spoiled “princess”? In what ways does she act generously?

  As the youngest sister, Rennika adapts more easily to the changes in their circumstances than her sisters. What external factors, such as her relationship with her mother, her age, the way she is sheltered, and so forth, and what internal factors, such as her personality and her appearance, help her to embrace the life of a peasant?

  Huwen moves from being certain of his world and his role within it, to very uncertain. What circumstances cause him to question the morality of unfolding events? How does his relationship with his father change as Huwen ages?

  Eamon behaves in ways that are counter intuitive for a child: he engages in suicidal acts, sabotages his attempts at love, and withdraws from his family and friends. Why?

  Wenid can be seen as a narrow, controlling individual, but how are his actions driven by what he considers to be the good of Shangril?

  Uther occupies an unusual role in his family. How does his position as eldest bastard son to the High King give him more freedom to move in different social circles than other characters in the book? In what ways does his personality limit him in exploiting this niche? How was his personality shaped by his birthright and rearing? How important is his mother in his life?

  Magic can be a powerful tool in Shangril. In what ways is it used for good, and in what ways is it misused? Why is suppression of magic difficult for royal forces to control? How is steam technology similar to magic?

  Central to the political conflict in Shangril is power over who has access to death tokens. What are these, where do they come from, how are they used, and what is their significance? How is the afterlife more important to people of Shangril than their present lives?

  Sulwyn describes a world in which a rising middle class of artisans and merchants are called upon by local kings for advice. How does this changing political and economic structure threaten Ormond? How much of this threat motivates Wenid in his advice to the High King?

  Ormond precipitates the events of Bursts of Fire through bringing his son (his second legitimate son, not his heir) back from the dead. Is this an act of love, an act of love gone wrong, or an act of selfishness? How is his commitment to Eamon a misuse of power and a betrayal of his positon as king of Arcan? Should he have let his son die?

  Ormond’s armies are never large enough to take on the combined might of the six other nations of Shangril, and yet he is surprisingly successful. How is he able to accomplish this feat? What modern world events mirror this military action? How does fear of war in today’s world allow governments to force their will on others (neighboring countries; their own citizens)? How much of this condition is related to denial, lack of foresight, desire to maintain the status-quo or other factors? Does this mean we should stop seeking peaceful solutions?

  Because Wenid, and by extension Ormond, fear the power of magiels, magic-users are persecuted. How is it possible for people with no magical power to suppress those who are able to use magic? What modern parallels do you see to this process? How are people muzzled by using their own psyches against them?

  The story ends with the three sisters’ reunion. With this comes a change in their relationships with one another, and their understandings of their world and their place within it. At the same time, neither they nor the rebels have achieved a defeat of the High King. In what ways would more closure be satisfying? In what ways is the open-endedness of this book realistic?

  Bursts of Fire is Book 1 of the Addicted to Heaven series, and as such, deals with some aspects of addictions. Wenid’s use of glim on Gweddien and Janat are obvious examples, but what other addictive substances and behaviors are evident in the book?

  In what ways do the chara
cters in the book take a moral view substance use? For instance, in what ways is substance use celebratory, accepted and encouraged, and in what ways is it condemned? How closely does this reflect the modern world?

  In Shangril, there is no law against the use of substances (alcohol, glim, magical herbs, etc.). They are used for cooking, healing, recreation, and magic. How is this system functional, and what reasons might there be to regulate it? Does the answer to this question change when substances can be concentrated and intensified, as magiels do in Shangril, and as chemists do in our world?

  Why Mental Health & Anti-Discrimination Resources?

  There is nothing better than cracking open an epic fantasy. Swords. Sorcery. Adventure! That was my inspiration when I sat down to write this series: to create a joyous, terrifying escape from everyday life. But...deeper ideas crept in. Why? Well first, in the best adventure stories, characters must care deeply about things: political situations, societal conditions, personal troubles. If a character is going to fight and possibly die for something, that “something” must be worthwhile. But there was another process operating. As I learned when working with youth at risk, counselling does not need to prod people, precisely because whatever is on a person’s mind will rise to the surface. So, too, with writing: ideas, not always fully conscious, were making their way into my fiction.

  So it was, when I was discussing the Addicted to Heaven series with Laksa Media’s publisher, Lucas K. Law, he asked me a very important question: what is your book about? Really about? Not three girls running for their lives, but underneath? What were the political, societal, and personal issues at the core of the story? And it took one blink for me to respond. Addictions.

  Addictions are one type of mental illness, which is present in every family. Mine is no exception.

  Alcohol is complex. Although it has taken the lives, life savings, and personal relations of family members and lovers, it has also been at the center of celebrations, good times, and significant rites of passage in my life. Our society and history (political and cultural) are steeped in this substance, for both good and ill. Scientists and the medical system still have no definitive answers about how to manage alcoholism and other substance use problems, though recent research has made steps toward better understanding.

  And addictions cannot be viewed in isolation from the spectrum of mental and emotional functioning. My world, too, has been affected by multiple forms of discrimination, including bullying, discrimination based on sexual orientation, discrimination based on disabilities, and the stigma of suicide. Society attempts to function in a mechanistic manner, with expectations around time, reliability, and social norms, that are taboo to break. Square pegs struggle mightily to fit into round holes, and as a society we often view those square pegs as morally deficient. That hurts. Not only emotionally, but it hurts the individual’s ability to live a fulfilling life.

  Hence the importance of opening conversation. Recognition that we are not alone, that all individuals, families, and societies face these issues, provides relief and support in itself; but further, it allows dialogue to begin. Talking about issues can lead to the political will to support governments that fund research and programs. It can provide creative solutions to people struggling with their own health concerns and recognize the daily courage of those facing the uphill battle of addictions. Or, in the case of Laksa Media books, it can provide specific resources, such as the following Appendix to Mental Health and Anti-Discrimination Resources. But responsibility does not end with one half of the conversation. Look through the Appendix following. If you have any doubts about a situation in your life, if you are wondering, Is this normal, or is it a problem? don’t wait for it to progress. Prevention is easier than recovery. Check out the resources, either here, or through your community, your doctor, or your pastor. A dialogue is not a dialogue without a response.

  And—what better way to begin this dialogue than through epic fantasy?

  —Susan Forest, Calgary, Canada, 2019

  LEARN HOW TO MANAGE YOUR STRESS …

  LEARN DAILY MINDFULNESS.

  APPENDIX: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES & ANTI-DISCRIMINATION RESOURCES

  Because of the dynamic nature of the internet, any telephone numbers, web addresses or links provided in this section may have changed since the publication of this book and may no longer be valid.

  A listing in the Appendix doesn’t mean it is an endorsement from Laksa Media Groups Inc., publisher, editors, authors and/or those involved in this anthology project. Its listing here is a means to disseminate information to the readers to get additional materials for further investigation or knowledge.

  RESPITE IS KEY TO YOUR WELL-BEING.

  GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK . . .

  How is your Mental Health? Do you think you have one or more of the following recently?

  More Stress than Before

  Grief

  Separation and Divorce

  Feeling Violence

  Suicidal Thoughts

  Self Injury

  Excessive or Unexplained Anxiety

  Obsessive Compulsive

  Paranoia, Phobias or Panics

  Post-Traumatic Stress

  Depression

  Bi-polar

  Postpartum Depression

  Eating Disorders

  Schizophrenia

  Addictions

  Mood Disorders

  Personality Disorders

  Learning Disabilities

  Mental Health Screening Tools

  More information: www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-screening-tools

  The Depression Screen is most appropriate for individuals who are feeling overwhelming sadness.

  The Anxiety Screen will help if you feel that worry and fear affect your day to day life.

  The Bipolar Screen is intended to support individuals who have mood swings—or unusual shifts in mood and energy.

  The PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Screen is best taken by those who are bothered by a traumatic life event.

  The Alcohol or Substance Use Screen will help determine if your use of alcohol or drugs is an area to address.

  The Youth Screen is for young people (age 11-17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviours might be signs of a problem.

  The Parent Screen is for parents of young people to determine if their child’s emotions, attention, or behaviours might be signs of a problem.

  The Psychosis Screen is for young people (age 12-35) who feel like their brain is playing tricks on them (seeing, hearing or believing things that don’t seem real or quite right).

  Worried about Your Child—Symptom Checker: www.childmind.org/en/health/symptom-checker

  10 Ways to Look after Your Mental Health

  (source: www.mentalhealthamerica.net/live-your-life-well)

  Connect with Others

  Stay Positive

  Get Physically Active

  Help Others

  Get Enough Sleep

  Create Joy and Satisfaction

  Eat Well

  Take Care of Your Spirit

  Deal Better With Hard Times

  Get Professional Help If You Need It

  MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES & INFORMATION

  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please consult a doctor or a healthcare professional in your community.

  Below is not a comprehensive information listing, but it is a good start to get more information on mental health/illness.

  Emergency Phone Number

  If you or someone is in crisis or may be at risk of harming himself/herself or someone else, please call your national Emergency Phone Number immediately.

  Canada 911

  United States 911

  United Kingdom 999 or 112

  Ireland 999 or 112

  EU 112

  Australia 000

  New Zealand 111

  Canada

  To locate your local Canadian Mental Health Associ
ation: www.cmha.ca

  Specifically for children and young people (aged 5-20), call Kids Help Phone’s 24-hour confidential phone line at 1-800-668-6868 English or French. More information online: kidshelpphone.ca

  There are a number of resource materials and list of organizations that you can reach out to on the Bell Let’s Talk website: http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/get-help/

  Mental Health & Addiction Information A-Z (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health): www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_information/Pages/default.aspx

  Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health: http://ccsmh.ca

  List of local crisis centres (Canadian Centre for Suicide Prevention): http://suicideprevention.ca/need-help

  United States

  National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255

  For more mental health information:

  www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-information

  United Kingdom

  The Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) offers emotional support 24 hours a day—get in touch with them: 116-123.

  A to Z of Mental Health: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z

  Free Mental Health Podcasts: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos

  Ireland

  The Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) offers emotional support 24 hours a day—get in touch with them: 116-123.