“As is our tradition, he will have the privilege of lighting the first fire of the festival!” The crowd cheered at his announcement, and some noble elves even let out spurts of fire from their palms in a show of excitement.
Elesun whipped his cloak and headed for the stairs behind the curtains in the box. In a flash, he was down in the arena, standing before the mass of firewood.
His motions were swift and fluid. First, he looked back to the box and bowed deeply to the king and queen, still not a trace of emotion on his face. Then he turned toward the unlit bonfire, and without pageantry or flair, he held out his palm to the pile in front of him. A green, orange beam of fire shot from his hand and attacked the nearest log. It instantly burst into flames of every color- purple, pink, white, red. Kamo had never seen flames this colorful. The fire soon spread to every log like a wild bunch of dancers gathering to spin and twirl in chaotic merriment. The flames swayed and crackled in a tantalizing rhythm, almost as though they were choreographed. The heat radiated from them, dangerous and enticing. Kamo watched the flames, hypnotized by their movement.
“This is the most unusual, most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Gobi said. His eyes were fixed on one corner of the fire that appeared to be changing color from green to blue in rapid succession.
Kamo nodded in agreement and awe, unable to peel her eyes from the very center of the fire, where a flame of deep blue and white danced, the color of the waves and clouds.
Rolin alone appeared unaffected by the flames. “They certainly are breathtaking,” he said, “but what about Elesun? We’ve never seen fire magic of this power or magnitude. His power must rival the king himself.”
“Rolin’s right,” Kamo said, finally tearing her eyes away from the flame to focus her gaze on Rolin. “We need to stay focused on Elesun himself. He’s powerful.”
And a little scary.
Elesun stood perched in the center of the arena. He was on the ground, mesmerized by his handiwork. But even as he stared into the flames, Kamo felt that he was hungry for something. As if he heard her thoughts, he turned from the fire and again began scanning the crowds, searching among them.
We need to leave.
She didn’t understand the urge to run, but she ushered Gobi and Rolin to the gates through which they had entered. She steered her way through the crowd as pleasantly as possible, joining in the “hoorahs” and “long live the king!” chants as they came in waves. As they passed, Kamo heard the king begin to speak again, making announcements for the other celebrations. She turned to keep an eye on Elesun in the ring as she tried to walk away, and she saw him ascend again to the king’s box, his eyes still on the prowl.
“I think he’s looking for me,” Kamo said.
“Why would that be?” Rolin asked.
“This is going to sound crazy, but I think I’ve met him before.”
“You mean when you were a baby?” Gobi said, disbelief plastered on his face.
“I don’t know,” Kamo said, “all I know is that his eyes seemed eerily familiar.”
“His eyes are sinister,” Rolin said, “ but when exactly would you have seen them? Gobi’s right. I don’t think you could possibly remember them from nineteen years ago.”
Kamo threw her hands up in frustration.
“Don’t you think I know that?” she yelled. The elves closest to her in the crowd turned at the sound of her shouting voice.
The king’s voice thundered over the crowds as Kamo caught her breath and smiled sheepishly at the disgruntled elves around her.
“Any qualifying nobility are welcome to participate in our celebratory games. We will present the traditional challenges tomorrow afternoon in the practice arena, and only those with the highest performance will receive an invitation to the final event of our glorious festivities,” the king’s voice boomed.
The black guards stood still and silent in the shadows behind him, nearly blending into the motionless curtains. Elesun had resumed his position between king and queen, his eyes still chasing the crowds.
“I think it’s time we head back to the hostel,” Kamo said. “We don’t want to be around when the fire goes out. Who knows what the rest of this celebration will look like.”
They were only a few feet from the gate at this point, and Rolin nodded quickly in agreement. Kamo turned to face the gate’s handle. For a brief, panicked moment, she thought the gate would hold them hostage, keeping them as prisoners in disguise, but the gate swung freely on its hinges, and they were soon out again in the empty road leading to the main square.
The cheers and applause faded into silence as they traveled back to the inn. Even the barkeep had gone to the bonfire, so the bar was quite abandoned as they headed up the fine oak stairs to their adjacent rooms. Kamo led both men to her room and lit the sconce on the wall with a flick of her finger.
Gobi lounged comfortably on her bed, stretching his limbs and resting both hands behind his head. Rolin took a seat at the small table on the other side of the room, leaving a seat for Kamo in the chair across from his.
“I’ve never seen anyone with that kind of power,” Rolin said as if continuing a conversation in his head.
“Who, Elesun?” Kamo said. “He certainly is a master of fire. There’s no denying that.”
The Fire elves they had seen so far were competent and flashy, most exceeding Kamo’s abilities in refinement but matching her as far as size and speed. The flames of different colors and the quantity produced by Elesun from just one palm were overwhelming and terrifying. Instinctively, Kamo eyed the sconce on the wall. She concentrated and willed the flame to grow. But try as she might, the flame held its size and shape and remained unchanged.
“Didn’t one of the competitors say Elesun was training them?” Gobi asked.
“I think it was Fiona,” Kamo said. “I can certainly see why she would want him. But in the arena, she didn’t display the same kind of power that he had tonight.”
“But remember, they wouldn’t show their best stuff at just a practice,” Rolin said.
Kamo nodded. “I just wish I had a better feel for what I’m up against tomorrow. The flame control and the physical obstacle course shouldn’t be too bad, but I haven’t had a lot of time to practice focusing,” she said.
“The first two challenges shouldn’t last all day,” Rolin replied. “Serenne said a lot of the competitors get eliminated after them, but that just means there are a lot of competitors to get through. Perhaps they will only need you for an hour or two each day. Which leaves plenty of time to practice before the last final challenge.”
“That’s true,” Kamo said, feeling slightly more encouraged. “And with everyone eager to watch the challenges, it won’t be hard to find a quiet place to practice.”
“Do you think Serenne would help you again?” Gobi asked hopefully.
“I’m not sure,” Kamo replied, “he sounded busy with something.”
A firework sounded from the town square and lit up the room in a burst of color. The group walked to the window, waiting for another burst of light.
“These are spectacular,” Gobi said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
A purple stream ascended into the sky and burst into orange and gold flames in the shape of a crown. Rainbow-colored streams appeared after and rained down behind the still glowing crown. The fireworks were suspended in the air; they hung without fading. This was something somewhat familiar to Kamo. She had suspended the water in the stream in tiny droplets while she focused on her most pleasant emotions. Silently she wondered what sort of emotion Elesun was channeling as he performed his magic. He certainly seemed to enjoy the beauty of the flames, but she also remembered the hunger in his eyes.
Perhaps it’s ambition. He’s ambitious when he creates something like that.
Other smaller fireworks joined the rainbow and crown in the sky, but they were small and fizzled quickly. Soon after, they could hear the bustle of a crowd returning home for the evening, and Rolin closed the
curtains.
“We should get to bed,” he said. “You’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow. You need to be well rested.”
“He’s right,” Gobi yawned. “Good night, Kamo. Coming, Rolin?” he said as he walked to the door.
“In a minute,” Rolin waved him on, “leave the light on for me.”
“All right,” he waved back, “but don’t keep her up too late.” He grinned and closed the door behind him.
Rolin was still standing near Kamo at the window.
“I hope you don’t mind that I’m still here,” he said. “I wanted to say good night with just a bit more privacy.”
“I don’t mind.” She stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
He hugged her tightly and said, “Do you feel ready?”
She nuzzled his chest. Despite their time in Ferena, a sandy desert, Rolin still smelled like pine and forest. It was comforting and familiar.
“For some things,” she said. “The traditional challenges don’t seem so bad. But it’s unnerving to think that I have no idea what’s in store for the final event.”
“What’s the worst thing it could be?” he asked.
She pulled away to look at him, a little surprised. “What do you mean?”
He let her go. “Just what I say. What’s the worst thing that could happen for this final event? What’s your greatest fear about it?”
Kamo didn’t have to think long before answering. “I lose you,” she said, then added quickly, “or Gobi. Or Serenne. Or all three of you. I’ve already lost one family. I don’t think I could bear to lose another.”
“How would you lose us?” he asked. “We’re not going anywhere.”
“Serenne mentioned there have been challenges where the competitors had to save people,” Kamo said. “I just keep thinking about how doing this might put you all in danger. And then, what if I can’t save you? Or, worse, what if I can just save one of you, and I have to decide who will live and who will die?”
Rolin hugged her again.
“It’s all right, love,” he said. “I don’t think that will happen. I was just trying to show you that you can handle the worst of whatever they throw at you.”
“And if that is what they throw at me?” Kamo asked. “What then?”
“Then,” he sighed, “you do what you have always done and find a solution they haven’t thought of.”
“And if I can’t?”
He squeezed her tightly and stayed silent.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Your opponents are bound to think you’re terribly afraid,” Serenne joined Kamo, Gobi, and Rolin for an early breakfast. Kamo sat wringing her hands and tapping her feet nervously, waiting for the challenges of the day.
“Well, I’ll feel better actually doing something,” Kamo said, “as opposed to just waiting to do something. Which is nerve-racking.”
Serenne didn’t bother sitting down at the table. He held a clean, white tunic with a gold-tasseled belt.
“Well then, put this on, and we had better get over to the arena,” he said, pulling Kamo’s arm gently. “It’s packed.”
Kamo ran back up the stairs to her room and changed. Then she, Rolin, and Gobi followed Serenne quickly to the arena entrance. Carriages lined the entrance road, and the tribal flags of all colors floated in the breeze. There were two guards in black attire under the entrance arch, and Elesun was between them, standing with his arms folded. As they approached, Serenne slowed to a stroll.
“Do you remember your lineage, Kamo?” he asked quietly.
“Yes,” she breathed. Her stomach churned, but she tried to keep her face steady.
“Good,” Serenne replied, “then follow my lead.”
He walked up to Elesun and bowed deeply.
“Esteemed Advisor Elesun,” he said, “may I present Lady Kia, house of Linema, daughter of Eza and Shone.”
Kamo bowed deeply. As she stood, she took a better look at Elesun. Up close, his macabre demeanor only intensified. His skin was almost translucent, and his eyes were small and hungry. His lips were pursed tightly, and he wore a black costume, similar to the night before. Kamo wondered how he could be so fair-skinned here and survive the sun.
“Miss Kia,” his voice was deeper than Kamo expected, and he barely nodded, “it is a pleasure. It has been some time since the Linema tribe has chosen to participate in our games.”
“Indeed,” she replied calmly, “but I am pleased to be here and hope to represent my family well.”
“I have no doubt of that,” he replied. His mouth turned up in a smirk. “Who was the last of your family to participate? Shone himself?”
Kamo swallowed.
“His grandfather, I believe,” she said, forcing herself not to blink as Elesun’s stare pierced her eyes.
“So it was, so it was,” Elesun agreed. “You may join the other competitors on the North end to receive your instructions, and your entourage may take their place in the stands. May your grandfather’s warrior spirit guide you to victory.”
He turned and bowed, allowing Kamo to pass into the arena. She nodded and walked inside and to the left. She gasped as she saw the crowds and heard them in the stands. Every seat of the arena was filled. Elves were laughing and cheering and staring at her on the floor. Some were sporting their tribal color, while others, like Serenne, had donned civilian attire. The knots in her stomach tightened as she searched for Gobi, Rolin, and Serenne. There were too many people. She’d never be able to find them. She took a deep breath and tried to turn her attention away from the vast audience. She saw a crowd of Fire elves gathered on the arena floor. Fiona and Phabian were in their midst, and she hurried to them.
“Is this a good turnout?” she asked as she got closer to Phabian and his gang.
He turned to see her and grinned.
“Kia, I didn’t know if you’d make it in time. Pleasure seeing you,” he said. He reached for her hand and kissed it. “It’s as full as I’ve seen it. But that’s nothing to be nervous about; Fi and I were just talking about the competition—that’s what should really get your blood pumping. There are so many families represented this year.”
“Not that they’ll last long,” drawled Fiona. “They never do.”
Fiona dressed in a stunning red and silver tunic, the queen’s colors. Phabian wore a light blue tunic, a contrast to his dark, olive skin, and Kamo looked down at her white tunic. Serenne insisted she borrow it, as the Linema colors were white and gold. It was simple and unadorned, but she could smell the smoke of Serenne’s parlor in its fabric, and that comforted her.
“Come on,” Phabian replied, putting his arm around Fiona, “there has to be someone who could offer some real competition for us. Maybe Kia will be the wild card.”
Kamo forced a smile on her face. “I doubt that,” she mustered, “but I’ll do my best.”
Fiona turned to look at her. “I doubt you have the stuff to make it through even the first challenge,” she said coldly. She grabbed Phabian’s hand and removed it forcefully from her shoulder, turned on her heel, and walked to the other end of the crowd.
Phabian’s cheeks turned red. “You’ll have to forgive Fiona,” he said. “She’s a bit of a snob. But she’s loyal to a fault and a strong competitor.”
“I have no doubt,” Kamo said.
Phabian smiled at her as Elesun’s booming voice filled the arena.
“Welcome, one and all!” he cried. The crowd roared. “The first challenge will commence shortly. The competitors will exit briefly and enter again one by one to demonstrate their skill in balancing their magic.”
Kamo shuffled with the other competitors to a side exit. Five elves flanked them in black uniforms. One wielded a sword and seemed to be the man in charge.
“You will line up in order of age, youngest to eldest, women before men,” he ordered. The elves chattered around her as they each found a place in line. She was somewhere in the middle, with Fiona a few challengers ahead of
her and Phabian a few challengers behind. Kamo hadn’t met the youngest elves at the head of the line, and they looked as scared as she felt.
“Each of you will have one minute to demonstrate your balance, control, and aim. You must destroy the targets and leave the Ring of Fire intact,” the guard barked.
Kamo tilted her head. “Ring of Fire?” she whispered. She glanced back at Phabian. His eyebrows were knit, and he looked confused.
“First challenger, you may enter now.”
From her place in line, Kamo watched a scrawny, ginger-haired elf girl enter the arena. She heard the crowd cheer as she entered. She heard Elesun’s booming voice announcing the young elf’s name and giving her the countdown to begin. Ten seconds later, she listened to a series of disappointed “oohs” coming from the crowd, and the guard told the next elf in line to enter the arena. Elesun repeated her name and tribe and counted down. Kamo started a count in her head. “One, two, three.” The “oohs” from the crowd came earlier this time. Whatever the Ring of Fire was, it did seem to present a challenge.
By the time Fiona made her entrance, only two elves had lasted the full minute: Gilna, one of Fiona’s loyal friends, and a young woman that Kamo hadn’t met.
Elesun announced Fiona’s name and tribe and counted down. The crowd cheered enthusiastically as she began. They roared and shouted, and Kamo heard Elesun’s booming voice shout, “Well done!”
The next few minutes flew by at an alarming rate as Kamo inched her way to the front of the line. The elf before her had managed to stay in the arena for forty-five seconds, but then she heard the crowd gasp and then the familiar sigh of disappointment.
“Your turn,” the guard shouted to Kamo, shuffling her toward the door. She stumbled into the arena, and the crowd cheered.
So this is the Ring of Fire.
Instead of an empty arena floor, she entered a beautiful ring of orange rose bushes. Their canes intertwined, creating a wall of thorns and blossoms. She saw tiny openings in the bushes and could barely peek at the crowd above her. They called her assumed name and she heard a quick countdown from Elesun.
The Last of the Sea Elves Page 24