The Legend of the Firewalker

by Steve Bevil [paranormal/YA]

  “You hope,” responded Nathan. “How are we supposed to start the fires without lighter fluid?” He pulled out his cell phone and the light from the LCD screen illuminated his face. “They will be here any minute.”

  “Okay, okay,” said Malick. “I’m sure there has to be some lighter fluid around here somewhere.”

  “Not likely,” said Nathan. “Based on Argus’s reaction last time, I wouldn’t expect to find anything flammable, let alone lighter fluid, lying around here.”

  Malick stopped searching around the fire pits and paused to look up at Nathan. “Good point,” he said.

  Nathan checked his cell phone for the time again and then placed it back into his pocket. “Okay,” he said. “So – what are we going to do?”

  “Why don’t you – check up at the Hiking and Camping Center?” Malick pointed to the top of the hill. “See,” he said. “A light is on. Argus has to be up there and I’m sure he has some waiting for us.”

  Nathan frowned thinking it was just like Malick to volunteer someone else to do the dirty work. He started towards the hill. “Sure, sure,” he said.

  By the time Nathan had reached the hill the sun had already set, so the path was difficult to see. He hadn’t realized how dark it got out there. Although the Devaro mansion was located in the rural part of town, Nathan had always had at least a flashlight.

  After a few tries, he eventually found the path and made his way up the hill. The walk up wasn’t that high, but Nathan didn’t appreciate the steep climb. “Ouch!” he yelled. He had bumped into something in the darkness. “What the heck,” he grumbled, reaching out to feel what was in front of him. “What is that?” he groaned. “Is that a handle?”

  He rubbed his knee. “That’s going to leave a bruise. Who would do something like this?” He used the light from his cell phone and saw a red rusty wheelbarrow in the middle of the trail in front of him. “Argus,” he moaned. “I promise you, that man is just as bad as Jonas.”

  Nathan grabbed the handles and proceeded down the trail. In the barrel he noticed there was a bottle of lighter fluid. “The things I have to deal with,” he griped to himself. “If it isn’t happy-go-lucky Jonas or bad boy Malick, then it’s welcome to hippyland Argus.”

  Nathan didn’t make it too far down the hill before he noticed a glow from the lake. “What?” he blurted. He smelled the burning of fresh wood. “Talk about déjà vu,” he said. In front of him were twelve bonfires; all flickering heartily with life.

  Nathan left the wheelbarrow on the spot and grabbed the bottle of lighter fluid. He jammed the small bottle in the back of his pants and headed towards a grinning Stephen Malick.

  “Ta-da!” shouted Malick. “I told you we still had time.”

  Nathan’s eyebrows were raised. “Okay,” he said. “And I am just going to pretend that you didn’t just – send me away, so that you could magically produce twelve fires.”

  Malick had a blank look on his face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. “After you left, I found the lighter fluid bottle Argus must have left for us and presto-chango, twelve fires.”

  Nathan shook his head and frowned. “You mean this bottle?”

  “Uh – where did you get that one?” stuttered Malick. He had a nervous grin on his face.

  “From the wheelbarrow that Argus left for us,” he said, folding his arms across his chest.

  “Hey, Nathan!” called a familiar voice.

  He turned around to see Lafonda, Jonas, and the other campers from his floor approaching from behind him. “Good job with the fires again,” she said. She paused and glared at Malick. “Oh – and you too.”

  Malick hesitated. “Thanks,” he said with another nervous grin.

  “Hi, Nathan!” called another familiar voice.

  This time, he turned around to find an overly energetic Angela and Alan with their group of campers. “I agree, nice job,” she said. She tossed her long shiny blonde hair over her shoulders and winked longingly at Malick. “And you too, handsome.”

  “Do you have to flirt with him every day?” grumbled Alan. He rolled his eyes in protest. “My goodness.”

  Angela, Alan, Lafonda, and the others continued to walk past them, towards the fires. “Shut up, Alan,” Angela whispered underneath her breath.

  Nathan continued to stare at Malick and his eyes were wide. “So, are you going to tell me or what?” he demanded. “And don’t bother saying you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

  The look on Malick’s face softened and Nathan caught a glimpse of someone waving from the corner of his eye. It was LaDonda. She was walking with several campers that were carrying a table. “Yoohoo—Stephen,” she called. “Can you please help us over here?”

  “Hey, Malick!” shouted Alan. He was seated with the others by one of the fires. “I think Lady D is trying to get your attention.”

  “Don’t be mean to him,” complained Angela.

  Malick waved. “I’ll be right there, Mrs. Devaro,” he said. He opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated. “Nathan – I can’t.”

  “Why the heck not?” blurted Nathan.

  He shrugged. “I’m sorry, bro,” he said, while walking away. He had a sympathetic look on his face. “I just can’t. – It’s complicated.”

  Nathan tossed the lighter fluid bottle into the wheelbarrow and pushed it off to one side. Reluctantly, he headed over to the others. He took a seat next to Lafonda, who was having a conversation with Erin, and stared into the fire. He wondered how Malick could have started those fires – and so fast.

  He glanced over at Malick. It looked like LaDonda was giving him instructions on how to setup the table he was carrying. “I know there wasn’t any lighter fluid lying around either,” Nathan muttered. “Is it possible? Yes, but highly unlikely.”

  He continued his gaze back into the fire – the voices of the others were becoming secondary to his thoughts. And where did he find the matches? I would have to check, but I don’t even think Argus left matches.”

  Nathan heard his name and turned to find Lafonda smiling at him. “What’s up?” she said. “You’ve been really quiet lately.”

  Nathan gave a half-smile though he had a somber look on his face. “Nothing,” he said. “Everything is fine.”

  Lafonda’s eyes scrutinized his. “Okay then,” she said. “Fine, don’t tell me.”

  He let out a light chuckle. “It’s nothing,” he said. “Really.”

  “So, there is something,” she said.

  He sighed. “So – any news on how your friend is doing?”

  Lafonda looked confused.

  “You know,” he said. “Your friend in the hospital – Leah.”

  Lafonda shook her head. “I guess I’m supposed to pretend that you’re not changing the subject,” she said. She paused for a moment before continuing. “I haven’t heard anything really. I tried her cell, but it goes straight to voicemail.” She had a sad look on her face. “If I don’t hear back from her soon, I’ll try her parents.”

  “I hope she’s okay,” said Nathan.

  Lafonda frowned. She folded her arms across her chest and crossed her legs. Nathan could see that her right leg bounced impatiently. Oh, boy, he thought to himself. Here it comes.

  “Okay,” snapped Lafonda. “Something is definitely up with you.”

  He stared blankly at her.

  “And don’t give me that look! You are definitely acting different.” She gestured to count on her fingers. “First,” she said, “magically, you decided to start wearing your leadership shirt – which I know you hate.” Lafonda paused with a surprised look on her face. “And second – you’re being nice; when did you become so thoughtful and caring?”

  Nathan smiled modestly. He really wasn’t trying to be different or nice or caring. The only thing that was different was that he knew their lives were in danger and because of that, every second counted. He hesitated. “I guess,” he said. “I guess it’s just that – I appreciate t
hings more now.”

  Lafonda’s mouth fell open; she was speechless.

  He sighed. “Okay, you can close your mouth now. I do have a heart and I am human – sometimes.”

  She happily placed her arm around his shoulder and grinned. “Yes,” she said. “Sometimes.”

  Nathan smiled back.

  “Speaking of hearts,” whispered Angela, her blue eyes wide and full of life. “I think Sam has a crush on you.”

  “Who – what?” he stammered. Nathan felt his face turning red. “Samantha?”

  He looked up and caught a glimpse of Samantha Darding staring at him from across the fire. She quickly broke her gaze and Christina and Eva Marie laughed through stifled giggles. Sam looked embarrassed, but eventually looked back and smiled at him.

  “Yup,” said Angela. “I peeped it this morning at breakfast.” She paused to gaze longingly into the fire. “Isn’t it wonderful?” she said. “Young love.”

  “Oh, brother,” huffed Alan. “You sound ridiculous.”

  Suddenly, she sat up straight and ran her fingers through her hair. “Speaking of love,” she said, while rolling her eyes at Alan. “Hi, Malick, I saved a seat for you.

  Malick raised his eyebrows and gave a reluctant smile before sitting down. He shot a quick look to Nathan, but Nathan turned his head. Lafonda followed his lead and also looked away.

  “We’re all happy that you could join us,” said Angela. She looked around the fire and noticed the disconcerted faces. “Isn’t that right, Nathan?”

  “Sure, sure,” he responded, barely looking up.

  Angela looked like she was going to say something, but after looking at Lafonda’s and Alan’s faces, decided to sigh in defeat instead.

  “Well, look who decided to show up!” shouted Erin. She had a cross look on her face. Everyone turned to follow Erin’s gaze and there was Jonathan Black heading in their direction.

  “I thought you guys – had a talk,” said Lafonda.

  Erin folded her arms across her chest and pouted. “Yeah,” she said. “That was about it; all talk.” She rolled her eyes. “Obviously, Mr. Indiana here doesn’t have a watch or is too smart to understand the concept of time.”

  “Oh,” said Lafonda, diverting her eyes away.

  “Hello, everyone,” said Jonathan. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. “Sorry, I am late,” he said, looking straight at Erin. He had an apologetic look on his face. “As usual, I got caught up with my research and lost track of time.”

  Angela perked up and her blue eyes sparkled. “Hey,” she said. “Maybe Erin could call you or send you a text message, so you won’t be late.”

  Erin loudly cleared her throat and gave her a cold look. Angela quickly slouched down and mouthed the words “I’m sorry” to her.

  Erin uncrossed her arms. “All right,” she said. “I know you are dying to tell us, what did you find out?”

  Jonathan took a seat next to her and then stared suspiciously at Malick. “Yes,” he said. “I took Angela’s advice and did some research on the Internet.”

  Angela perked up again. “See,” she said, turning to gawk at Alan. She then turned to face Jonathan. “Did you learn anything interesting about those studly male angels?” She suddenly glanced down and her face had turned red. “I mean the good ones of course.”

  Jonathan paused for a moment, as if he was thinking about something, and then spoke to Angela. “Good or bad,” he said. “In the Bible, a union with an angel and a mortal woman was an unforgivable sin and was the catalyst for the great flood.”

  “Oh,” she responded. Angela looked embarrassed again.

  Alan laughed heartily. “Don’t go causing any floods, Angela,” he chuckled. “Because I’m not dressed for it!”

  “Oh – be quiet, Alan!” she barked in frustration.

  “What about the cave wall?” asked Lafonda. “And the secret chamber?”

  He turned to look at Malick again. “Nothing yet,” he said. “We just started excavating with the new equipment Dr. Helmsley borrowed from a neighboring university, but in the meantime, I am finding some really interesting information on the Internet.”

  “Well,” said Malick, interrupting Jonathan. “I’m sure you won’t bother us with anything that isn’t conclusive.”

  “Don’t worry,” said Jonathan. “When I am done, there will be no codswallop and everyone will want to hear what I have to say.”

  “Codswallop?” asked Angela.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” responded Jonathan. “In other words, no baloney.”

  12

  THE SPACE BETWEEN

  The elevator to the eighth floor opened and Nathan quickly got out. He took a huge breath and waved his hand a few times in front of his nose. “Whew!” he said. “You guys definitely need to hit the showers before you go to bed.”

  Jonas stepped out of the elevator first; followed by Andy and Hugo. Andy tried to take the basketball from Jonas before hopping up on the common room table. The table almost toppled over, but luckily for him, Hugo had climbed up to sit on the opposite side.

  Andy smiled wide and laughed. He paused to take a whiff of his underarm. “Dude,” he said. “We don’t smell that bad.”

  Nathan turned around to look at him and laughed. Andy’s face was covered with sweat and his red hair was wet and spiky. His nose also was a bright red. “You look like a clown,” he chuckled. “And you are definitely a comedian if you expect me to believe that one.”

  Hugo leaned in to take a whiff of Andy. “Dude!” he shouted. “You do smell.”

  Andy laughed. “Whatever man,” he said. “I could smell you in the elevator and it wasn’t nice.”

  Hugo playfully swung his long beefy arm at Andy, almost knocking him off the table. “Hey!” Hugo groaned. “That wasn’t me – that was Jonas.” He grinned, revealing big horse-like teeth. “Unlike him, I actually use deodorant.”

  Jonas glowered and placed his basketball underneath his arm. His shaggy, curly hair was drenched with sweat. Jonas smiled big. “Hey!” he said. “Christina doesn’t have a problem with it.”

  Andy quickly hopped of the table and Hugo barely prevented himself and the table from falling over. “Whoa-ho-ho,” yelled Andy. “He’s got a point there big guy.” Andy paused to lean against the wall to scratch his back. “And unless Jonas royally screws up,” he said. “He has a for-sure date to the banquet.”

  Jonas continued to dribble his basketball again, but had a confused look on his face. “Uh – banquet?” he uttered.

  “You know,” said Andy, while raising his eyebrows. “The banquet on the last day of camp.”

  “Oh,” he said, before continuing to dribble again.

  Andy shook his head at Jonas and laughed heartily.

  “How are you guys taking dates to the banquet when your parents will be there?” asked Nathan.

  Andy raised his eyebrows again; his eyes were wide. “Duh,” he said. “You have to dance with somebody.” He playfully elbowed Hugo in the stomach. “And in Hugo’s case that’s nobody.”

  “Grr!” growled Hugo. “Who are you taking then?”

  Andy paused before speaking. He looked proud of himself. “It’s a done deal,” he said. “I’m taking Samantha Darding.”

  Nathan grinned and tried to hold back his snicker. Hugo’s face contorted and Jonas instantly stopped playing basketball. “In your dreams!” laughed Hugo. “If Sam is going to dance with anybody, it’s going to be me.”

  Suddenly, the bell to the elevator rang and to everyone’s surprise except Nathan’s, out stepped Lafonda.

  “All right, guys,” said Nathan. “Enough messing around, and hit the showers.”

  “Saved by the bell,” sneered Hugo. He proceeded down the hallway to his dorm room and shouted. “Girl on the floor!”

  “Hi, Lafonda,” said Andy with a huge grin.

  Lafonda responded. “Hello, Andy.”

  “Okay,” said Nathan. “Good night, Andy.” He gave Andy a slight nudge. “Go get your sho
wer, and you too Jonas.”

  Andy smiled again at Lafonda, and Nathan noticed that Andy’s cheeks matched the color of his hair as he walked away.

  “That guy,” she mumbled.

  Nathan chuckled. “So, what’s up? What brings you up here tonight?”

  “Nathan?” she smiled. “I stop by practically every night.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, I noticed.”

  Lafonda protested half-heartedly and smiled. “Would you rather me come back after you’ve showered?” she said.

  “Are you implying that I smell?” he chuckled.

  Lafonda grinned. “Not exactly,” she said. “But – you did just spend the evening outdoors; not to mention, preparing the bonfire.”

  “Whatever,” he said, while taking a whiff of his underarm. He smiled and then gave her an ornery look. “You won’t be visiting long tonight anyway.”

  Lafonda smiled. “You are correct,” she said. “I can’t stay away too long from the girls.” She took a seat atop one of the common room tables. “Unlike your guys, the girls on my floor can take a shower without my direction.”

  He smiled wide and sat in the chair that was closest to the table.

  She took a deep breath and looked around the room. “You know,” she said. “It’s always strange for me to see you up here.”

  Nathan looked confused. “Why? What do you mean?”

  Lafonda glanced down and gently twirled her gold locket between her fingers. “It’s nothing really,” she said. “I’m just used to seeing Leah and Amanda when I come up here.”

  “What?” he asked, abruptly. “Why would they be up here?”

  She looked up and blinked a few times before speaking. “What?” she asked, appearing slightly confused. “I know you never came over to visit me, but you know I stayed in Lawrence Hall last year.”

  Nathan slowly raised his eyebrows. “Yeah,” he said. “And…”

  “And,” she continued. “Leah, Amanda, and I lived on this floor.”

  His mouth fell open. “You never told me you stayed on this floor, Lafonda.”