The Legend of the Firewalker

by Steve Bevil [paranormal/YA]

  A few hours later, Nathan stood at the glass door to the ground level walkway that connected Lawrence and Fisher Hall. He watched as counselors, parents, and campers mingled in the pristine courtyard that stretched out to the campus quad. It was dusk and the setting sun created a gradual shade of pink to deep purple across the sky.

  Nathan stepped outside and onto the freshly mowed grass. He was surprised to see how well-dressed and behaved the guys were on his floor. Most of them were excited to be going home and wanted to impress their parents or that special someone during the dance.

  Nathan felt a little embarrassed and a little out of place with the white bandage around his hand and the flesh-colored Band-Aid on his forehead. He scrutinized the brown khakis and brown leather shoes recommended by LaDonda to bring to camp. He refused to wear the shirt, tie, and jacket she also recommended and decided on a navy blue polo instead.

  Nathan saw Jonathan Black sitting alone at one of the many white-clothed round tables and headed towards him. Carefully, he maneuvered through the crowd; smiling sporadically as his eyes connected with a few people. He had almost reached Jonathan when someone grabbed his arm. “Ha!” shouted a female voice.

  He turned around to find a small woman dressed in a loosely fitted blouse staring back at him over her gold-rimmed glasses. Her blonde tight curls appeared slightly wild and her blouse was patterned in pink and red roses. “It’s not a coincidence finding you here now is it!” she exclaimed.

  “Hello, Mrs. Riley,” he said with a smile, while trying to fight the awkwardness. “No, it isn’t.”

  She abruptly clapped her hands together causing Nathan and a few other people to jump. “Aw, just call me Linda,” she said with a big smile. She pointed to his bandaged hand. “I heard you guys had a rough night.”

  “Yeah,” he said, trying to hide his discomfort. “I guess so.”

  “You know,” she continued light-heartedly. “Dealing with fraternities is just another part of being at a university.”

  Nathan smiled weakly and nodded.

  She peered over her glasses and happily waved at someone. Soon after, Jonas and Bobby joined them. “Look who I found,” she said, while placing an arm around Nathan. She then gently tilted Jonas’s chin to examine his face. “And it looks like you two have matching bruises.”

  “Uhh,” stuttered Nathan.

  “It’s just a coincidence,” said Jonas with a fake laugh.

  “Uh, yeah,” said Nathan. “I probably got mine while out at the caves. “Uh, there was a little accident. And Jonas, you got yours…”

  “Playing basketball,” he interjected nervously, but with a smile. “Yup, just playing basketball.”

  Bobby nodded reassuringly.

  Linda fluttered her eyelashes behind her glasses and looked at the three of them suspiciously.

  “Umm, look Mom,” said Jonas, breaking the silence. “There’s LaDonda. Didn’t you say you wanted to talk to her?”

  LaDonda was standing by the stairs to the small stage that was set-up for the closing ceremony. Linda stood in silence for a moment and then finally acknowledged Jonas by turning to look at her. “Yes,” she said, slowly. “I was going through some of your father’s old things and there was a picture that I wanted to ask her about.”

  “A picture?” asked Nathan.

  She nodded. “Yes,” she said. “The photo was taken when Bart was younger, probably around the age Jonas is now.” She glanced back at LaDonda. “I didn’t even know she knew him.”

  “Well, now is your chance to catch her,” said Jonas. “Before she gets busy or goes on stage.”

  “Right,” she said. “Yoo-hoo, LaDonda!” she called, quickly heading over to her.

  Jonas had a big smile on his face. “You look good,” he said. “Minus the bandages of course.”

  Nathan laughed. “You don’t have to be nice to me,” he said with a chuckle. “Camp is officially over.”

  Jonas smiled, but looked a little sad. “Umm, Bobby,” he said. “How about you grab some more punch and meet me over there by Christina?”

  Bobby stood on the tip of his toes and smiled when he spotted Christina. “Oh, okay,” he responded, enthusiastically. He gave Nathan a hug around his waist and Nathan ruffled his hair. “When are you coming to visit again?” asked Bobby.

  “Soon,” he said and Bobby smiled again before taking off.

  Jonas was silent as Nathan watched Bobby weave through the crowd of people. “Nathan,” he said finally. He paused again and looked as if the words were difficult to say. “Thanks for coming to save us.”

  “No problem,” said Nathan with a smile. He gave Jonas a quick side pat on his shoulder. “You would have done the same for me.”

  Jonas nodded. “So, I guess it’s true then,” he said before taking a pause. He hesitated and swallowed hard before he spoke again. “What the woman in white said about my father?”

  There was a brief moment of silence and then slowly Nathan nodded his head. “Yes,” he said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

  Nathan tried not to notice, but there were tears swelling in his friend’s eyes. Jonas tried to force a smile. “So, was that a promise you’ll come visit?” he asked.

  “You got it,” said Nathan. “And don’t forget, you can always visit me.”

  Jonas smiled. “Well, I’d better get over there to Bobby and Christina,” he said. “Before he drives her crazy.”

  “Okay,” said Nathan, giving him a pat on the back as he walked away.

  Nathan looked around the courtyard and caught a glimpse of Jonathan again. He was still sitting alone at one of the tables near the stage. “Hey, you clean up well,” he said. Jonathan responded by turning around. He looked happy to see him. “Not dressed in wolf’s clothing today?”

  Jonathan’s face turned red. “It’s a fox,” he said. He looked around. “And keep your voice down. What if someone hears you?”

  Nathan pulled out one of the foldable wooden chairs and sat down. “Relax, Jonathan,” he said. “Even if someone did hear us, they wouldn’t have a clue what we were talking about.”

  Jonathan shifted his glasses and moved his chair closer to Nathan. “You look well,” he said. “How’s your hand?”

  Nathan raised his hand to examine it. “It’s okay,” he said. “And thanks for everything you did last night. You know, with saving our asses and patching me up.”

  Jonathan smiled.

  “By the way,” said Nathan. “How is Dr. Helmsley?”

  “She’s still in the hospital,” responded Jonathan, sounding slightly sad. “They’re keeping her another night for observation.”

  “Oh, will she be all right?”

  Jonathan paused to reposition his glasses. “I think so,” he said. “I believe it’s more of a precaution than anything.”

  A few minutes passed while Nathan fidgeted with the bandages around his hand. “Jonathan,” he said, breaking the silence. “How did you know where to find me yesterday? How did you know I was in trouble?”

  Jonathan cleared his throat. “I wanted to talk to you about that. I just wasn’t sure the best way to bring up the conversation.”

  Nathan looked confused. “What do you mean?”

  “Hey, what’s up!” shouted Alan. He looked like a walking Ralph Lauren Ad with his pastel colors and corresponding blazer.

  “You know what Alan, you are definitely making me sweat with that jacket on,” responded Nathan with a frown. “It is way too hot to be wearing a blazer.”

  Alan chuckled. “Not at the expense of fashion,” he said. “You know you have to work it and keep it together!”

  Nathan shook his head. “Go have a glass of water,” he said. “You’re sweating all over the place.”

  “Angela’s bringing me water,” he said with a smile. “Everyone’s heading over here.”

  “What?” he asked suddenly surprised. “Why?”

  Alan pointed towards the stage. “That’s why,” he said. “LaDon
da will be starting the closing ceremony soon.”

  Nathan looked up to see LaDonda inching towards the microphone. “Oh,” he said.

  “Umm, Nathan,” said Jonathan, standing up. “Can I talk to you in private for a moment?”

  “Sure,” he said, jumping to his feet.

  “Excuse us, Alan,” said Jonathan.

  Alan rolled his eyes. “Whatever,” he said, brushing them off and burying his head into his cell phone.

  Jonathan slowly made his way through the crowd and Nathan followed. He looked up just in time to see Angela. “Hi, Nathan!” she said. The sleeveless silk dress she wore made her blue eyes even more captivating underneath the courtyard lights. She smiled. “Glad you’re feeling well enough to join us!”

  Nathan stopped for a moment while keeping a watchful eye on Jonathan. “Thanks,” he said. His eyes diverted to the two cups of water she held in her hands. “And how are you holding up?”

  “Good as can be,” she said, trying to smile. “Lafonda’s clued me in on some of the details, but I’m just glad that it’s over.” She tried to blow a loose strand of curly hair out of her face and then focused on Nathan again. “Thanks for coming after us,” she said in a whisper.

  He couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. He could only imagine the stress she was experiencing dealing with this stuff, and after being kidnapped. “No problem,” he said, trying to sound reassuring.

  “Are you coming to join us?” asked Leah, joining them from the rear. Her curly mousy brown hair had been straightened and lay close to her bare shoulders. He didn’t understand why, but her infectious smile made things feel almost normal again. “I hear LaDonda will be giving her closing speech soon,” she said.

  “Umm, sure, in a second,” he said, remembering Jonathan. “I’ll meet you guys over there.”

  They both smiled and he continued in the direction he last saw Jonathan. LaDonda started her speech as he headed towards him. Jonathan was standing near the back of Lawrence Hall, fidgeting with his long-sleeve white shirt. He appeared to be having difficulty rolling up his sleeves.

  “Hey,” shouted Nathan. “Sorry about that, I ran into Leah and Angela.”

  Jonathan stopped with what he was doing and nodded. “I saw that,” he said. “How are they doing? Is Leah’s arm well?”

  Nathan’s eyes grew wide. He had noticed the white bandage around Leah’s forearm but forgot to ask about it. “I believe they’re okay,” he said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

  “Nathan,” said Jonathan, after clearing his throat. “Do you remember the inscription on the wall outside of the secret chamber; ‘That he will be known by those around him?’”

  Nathan’s forehead wrinkled. “I think so.”

  “Do you remember what happened after I touched the symbol for teacher?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” he said. “You became a black fox and were drawn to the road we were driving on.”

  Jonathan nodded. “Well, the same thing happened last night.”

  Nathan shook his head. His eyebrows were scrunched and he looked confused. “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “Last night, after the paramedics brought me back to Lawrence Hall, I had that feeling again.” he said. “But this time I wasn’t drawn to the road, but to Grimm Cemetery. That’s when I saw you and the others.”

  “Wait – when I was on the ground – of the memorial plaza,” said Nathan. “For a second I thought I saw something moving in the graveyard below; a small dark shape. Was that you?”

  Jonathan nodded.

  “But I don’t understand,” responded Nathan. A few moments passed and he grew silent. He looked at Jonathan and then slowly his eyes grew wide. “Wait, are you saying you are drawn to me? Why on Earth would you be drawn to me?”

  Jonathan cleared his throat again. “Uh, I don’t know how else to say this, but I think you’re the one.”

  “The one what?” asked Nathan, looking confused.

  “The one your ancestors were looking for,” he said. “The one to come in the legend.” Jonathan drew closer and with enthusiasm whispered. “You’re the Firewalker!”

  “What?” exclaimed Nathan. “Are you insane? Did you hit your head?”

  Jonathan beamed. “It makes sense,” he said. “The inscription on the wall outside the secret chamber said ‘He will be known by those around him...’”

  “Yeah, yeah, I got that part,” interrupted Nathan. “Get to the part about me being the Firewalker.”

  “Right,” continued Jonathan excitedly. “On the same wall, around the firewalker symbol, are five smaller symbols. The Cahokia symbol for teacher or Spirit Walker is one of them, as well as the symbol for protector, healer, traveler, and guide.

  Jonathan’s piercing blue eyes behind his dark-rimmed glasses were bright and Nathan was surprised because he hadn’t seen him look this rested in weeks. “And considering what happened to me after I touched the symbol, I must be the teacher,” he continued. “And if I am the teacher, then clearly after last night, Lafonda’s the protector.”

  Nathan cocked one eyebrow and stared at him in disbelief; he almost had a grin on his face. “So, I’m the Firewalker. And Jonathan Black is my teacher – and Lafonda Devaro is my protector?”

  “Precisely!” exclaimed Jonathan.

  “You might look rested,” responded Nathan. “But I think you might need more sleep.”

  “No, no, I’m serious,” continued Jonathan. “It fits; even the part of the legend that says he will wield the power of the three; Earth and Spirit and fire.” He leaned in close again. “It’s you Nathan,” he whispered excitedly. “You have the gift of fire!”

  Nathan continued to shake his head and huffed. “Yeah, but so does Malick,” he said. “And besides, you said there would be five around him and you’ve only mentioned you and Lafonda; who are the others?”

  Jonathan looked away and fidgeted with his sleeves a little. “I haven’t quite figured that part out yet,” he said. He paused. “But I have a theory.”

  Nathan looked towards the stage and watched as LaDonda continued speaking. “Uh-huh,” he said. “And there are also parts to the legend you haven’t decoded yet.”

  They both grew silent.

  The microphone from the stage echoed loudly startling everyone, including LaDonda. “Sorry about that,” said LaDonda with a smile. “Now as I was saying, the Outstanding Counselor Award goes to the counselor who has demonstrated teamwork, integrity, responsibility, and leadership. The recipient of this award was nominated by his peers.”

  LaDonda paused to take a look at the paper in her hand. “We had a tie this year, and I’m not surprised because both of them were so helpful to me this summer,” she said. “This year’s award goes to Nathan Urye and Stephen Malick.”

  Nathan was surprised and felt embarrassed by the sounds of applause. Jonathan nudged him forward. “Go, Nathan,” he said, while clapping. “Go up there.”

  He reluctantly headed towards the stage; smiling weakly at the smiling faces in the crowd. He was surprised to see Andy and he high-fived him right before running into Malick at the stairs. “Are you just as surprised as I am?” he whispered.

  LaDonda smiled and gave them both a diamond-shaped glass plaque that had their names engraved in them. “And that concludes this year’s ceremony,” she said. “Please continue to enjoy the food, music, and tonight’s fireworks display.” She waved a hand to the crowd. “Happy Fourth of July everyone!” she shouted. “And I hope to see some of you next summer.”

  Nathan and Malick headed down the stage stairs. Malick playfully held his plaque in the air; trying to reflect the light. “I saw you and Jonathan huddled up in the corner over there,” he said. “What was that all about?”

  Nathan looked up because he heard music playing. He caught a glimpse of the DJ on stage and noticed people were starting to dance. “Oh, nothing,” he said, glancing back at him. “Just Jonathan being Jonathan.”

  Malick raised an eyebrow and stared at h
im suspiciously. “Well, that guy I told you about checks out,” he said. “And we should be able to get a charm or something to cloak you guys with in London. He has a store there; we should go check it out.”

  A few frown lines suddenly appeared on Nathan’s forehead. “Check it out,” he said. “In London?”

  “Yeah,” continued Malick. “And the friend I told you about, the one that knows more about this stuff, she lives there too.”

  Nathan grew quiet for a moment. He thought about asking him when they were going to talk about The Order and their powers, but decided to just nod instead.

  “There is one other thing,” said Malick. “I keep thinking about it and I haven’t been able to figure it out. If you were having dreams about Leah before you came to camp, back when you were at home, why didn’t they detect you there?”

  “Congratulations, Mr. Urye!” said a familiar voice.

  Nathan looked up to find Lafonda standing in front of him. Although she looked different with her hair in curls, he recognized her immediately. “Thanks,” he said with a smile. “And by the way, you look nice.”

  She smiled and then ran her hand across the hem of her dress. Her dress was a bright berry color and designed from a lightweight fabric. The same fabric was looped as a belt around her waist and the gold locket that lay bare against her skin, shone brilliantly in the courtyard lights. “Do you really think so?” she asked, surprised. “I got it in St. Louis – before we went shoe shopping.”

  “Yes,” said Malick, chiming in. “Nathan is right, you do look nice.”

  She glanced at Malick suspiciously, but finally smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “And congratulations to you too on your award.”

  Malick nodded with a grin.

  “I’m just glad that it didn’t rain today,” she continued. “Otherwise we would be forced to have the banquet indoors.”

  “Yeah, and our Fourth of July would have been a wash,” said Angela, joining them. Leah was at her side.

  Nathan noticed the music had changed and several people around them were starting to slow dance. “Umm, Leah,” he said, sounding slightly nervous. “Would you like to dance – with me?”