Resistance

by Allana Kephart

  I look Flint in the eyes and hiss at him, “Do not speak, or I swear I will cut your tongue out.” He makes a show of locking his mouth with an imaginary key and tossing it over his shoulder, and I roll my eyes.

  I wait until I know Matt can hear me and call out, “Good morning! Could you ask Seamus to come out and join us? There’s no danger or anything, I’d just like to talk with him.” I keep as sincere a smile as I can muster on my face and he nods, and with a distrustful glance in Flint’s direction he goes and knocks on my uncle’s back door. Turning towards the irritating faery beside me I tell him, “Do me a favor and don’t set anything on fire until after I’ve convinced my uncle you’re here to help us, ’kay?” as quietly as possible. He smirks at me and doesn’t respond, but at this point I’ll take it.

  I watch my uncle cross the backyard towards us and wonder what Flint must think of him. Flint is about a half foot taller than me and I’m just barely five feet-two inches; Seamus stands at about six feet-four inches and he’s intimidating when you first meet him. Or so I’ve heard. He keeps his inky black hair cut close to his scalp, and his bright blue eyes wink out of a ruddy complexion. He is a powerfully built man, not someone I would want to cross if I didn’t know what a teddy bear he really is most of the time. He gives me a small smile when he sees me move in between Matt and Flint.

  “Who do we have here, Fianna?” my uncle asks as he reaches us by the picnic table.

  Before responding, I turn to Matt and smile. “Could you do me a huge favor please? I need someone to spread the word that we’re going to have a meeting tonight at seven at the school. Could you get some helpers and get that going? We’ll be okay here until you return.” He nods and leaves to do as I asked. I release a pent up breath and turn back to my uncle.

  “This is Flint,” I tell my uncle, and then turn back to Flint. “This is Seamus Dolan. You could call him my advisor.”

  Surprise doesn’t cover what I feel when my uncle sticks out his large hand for Flint to shake. “I’ll refrain from saying it’s nice to meet you until you two fill me in on why you’re here.”

  Flint doesn’t look intimidated at all as he shakes Seamus’ hand, and I hold back a scowl. He does look a bit shocked that Seamus is being personable, though. “Understandable,” he says and looks at me. “Would you like center stage on this one?”

  I glance between the two of them as they shake hands. There doesn't seem to be any manly-squeezing-the-bones-of-the-other-man's-hands going on, and some of my self-doubt eases. "No, I think I'd like it better if you explain," I tell Flint.

  He stares at me for a second and then nods and looks back at Seamus. “In short, I’ve been here for months and no one has had any clue. I think you could benefit from my being here.”

  Seamus' eyebrows rise when he hears that Flint has been in the city for months and no one knew. "Can I ask what exactly your motivation is for wanting to be here?"

  Flint’s eyes harden a little. “Long story,” he sighs. “In short, I hate my kind just as much, if not more than you all do. And I think the way humans are treated like cattle is disgusting.”

  I look at Seamus as we listen to Flint, looking for any sign of distrust on my uncle’s face, and I know I was right to bring him here. "I think we can all agree that things need to change," I say.

  “Soon,” Flint adds. “If we want to avoid further unwelcome company.”

  I try to keep the fear from my voice. “So you said earlier. Do you have any input on how to keep that from happening that you’d like to share right now?”

  He chuckles a bit and then seems to collect himself. “I have a few ideas.” He glances around and shakes his head. “To begin with, I’d start rotating the guards on the perimeter. I’ve caught them napping a few too many times. And your blocks in the trees are a joke.”

  I look at my uncle and notice his eyes drooping with sleep. “Oh, Uncle Seamus, you were on guard duty last night! I’m sorry! Go! Sleep! Please? I’ll see you at the meeting with Aunt Ruth and the boys later.”

  “I’m fine, lass. Don’t trouble your mind about me,” he tells me around a huge yawn, and then scratches his head and gives me a sheepish grin. “Then again, I suppose a little nap wouldn’t hurt.” He turns to Flint and nods. “It was nice to meet you after all, Flint. I’m sure we‘ll talk again sometime soon.”

  “Likewise, sir.” Flint gives my uncle a seemingly genuine smile and waits until he’s gone to look back at me. “I don’t believe I’ve ever caught him sleeping. It’s the younger boys you have trouble with.”

  I sigh and nod, not doubting it for a second. “I think we have some things to discuss. How would you like to come in and join me for some coffee?”

  Walking with Flint to the meeting to announce his arrival is a quiet affair. I don’t know him well enough to know what he might be interested in talking about, nor do I feel the need to fill every spare moment with useless chatter. So instead of worrying about it I take deep, cleansing breaths of the cool spring air and the tension of the day fades a bit from my body. There is something about spring that calls to me; the rebirth and awakening of nature motivating me like nothing else does. Despite everything, I feel content for the moment just basking in the quiet sounds of life here.

  Upon reaching the school where I teach the children of our community four days a week, I feel a sappy grin plaster itself on my face. I love this building inside and out. I love what it stands for and what we accomplish here every day. It fills me with a sense of purpose and joy like nothing else in my life. I feel like skipping but hold in the urge, so as to avoid the ridicule I’m sure would follow from my new faery friend. Instead, I lead him around the back of the school to the cafeteria entrance and pull the doors open; motioning him in ahead of me.

  “You can take a seat anywhere you like,” I tell him. “I’m just going to take some chairs down so people can sit if they want to.”

  He looks around at the tiny plastic and metal chairs and cringes a bit. “No thanks. I’ll be fine over here.” He leans against the wall and watches me as I set up the room. I’ve done this so many times now it’s ingrained. This hasn’t always been where we had our community meetings, but it is where my Aunt Ruth and I hold conferences and meetings for parents of our students. The setup is the same regardless. By the time I finish, people are already starting to trickle in, calling greetings to one another and casting curious looks at Flint.

  I boost myself up and sit on top of one of the tables at the front of the room; waiting while everyone takes their seats and gets situated. I see my brother come in with Seamus, Ruth and their four boys and I wave happily at them. My brother actually smiles at me and I feel my spirits lift even more. Things are still touch-and-go with Eir, and I can’t help but think that dealing with our parents’ death in drastically different manners is part of the reason for that. For right now, I take things one day at a time and hope he understands one day why I’m so careful about his safety.

  After a few moments the shifting and rustling stops and everyone looks at me expectantly, waiting to see what the meeting is for. I keep a pleasant smile on my face and look out over the sea of faces; most of whom I’ve known my whole life. I’m surprised to realize I’m not nervous at all. Public speaking has never really been a big deal to me. After all, these people are like family to me. I just hope everyone keeps their wits about them and sets aside their innate prejudice regarding faeries to give Flint a chance to help us.

  “Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming, I’ll be brief so we can all get back home. I wanted to be sure you were all aware that we have a newcomer to our community. I also wanted to address any concerns you might have about his presence here.” I pause to take a breath and gather my resolve. I gesture to where Flint is leaning against the wall. “This is Flint. Yes, he is a faery, but you have my word that he is not here to do any of us any sort of harm.”

  Flint gives a two fingered wave and then crosses his arms across his chest; looking around at the asse
mbly, tension apparent in his eyes and the set of his jaw, despite his lax stature. I let the muttering go on for a minute and then continue. “I want you all to remember that Flint is here with my permission. He has promised me he means no harm to anyone who is on our side. That means he is under my protection as well, and anyone who tries to harm him will answer to our law.” I look around, trying to make eye contact with every anxious looking man, woman and teenager who is present. “Does anyone have any questions for me?” I ask finally, knowing at least one person will have something to say.

  I don’t know why I’m surprised when my cousin Sean is the person who stands up with his angry face intact and shouts, “Have you lost your mind, Fianna? You’re telling us you’ve allowed one of them into our city?”

  I bite back a sharp retort, trying to keep my face calm, but Flint speaks up before I can. "Fi isn't the one who was asleep at her post when I got here. That would be you.”

  Oh lovely, he had to choose now to divulge that piece of information? I watch Sean’s already red face turn purple with rage, and I slide off the table so I can more easily put myself between my cousin and the Fae man should the need arise. “Does anyone else have anything to add?” I ask the room at large, and when no one responds I say, “Thank you all for coming. You know where to find me if you have any questions or concerns. Have a good night.”

  I quickly make my way to the side of the room where Flint is still leaning against the wall and watch as my cousin barrels over, knocking into people left and right. I glance up and see my uncle motion to his sons to start putting the chairs back up on the tables, and he starts over to help me diffuse the situation with Sean. I turn to Flint and can’t hold in a grin. “Thank you for that, I think.” I hear my cousin shout my name angrily and sigh; the grin swiftly sliding off my face.

  I turn to meet him head-on, making sure I’m between him and Flint and put my hand up. “Sean, calm down! It’s fine!”

  He shouts right over the top of my voice, apparently not caring who hears what he has to say. “Have you forgotten that your parents are dead and you are supposed to look out for Eirnin? How could you let a stinking faery in the city? I can’t believe your carelessness! Your mother would—” He stops when he feels my uncle’s hand close over his shoulder in a silent warning.

  Without meaning to, I’ve taken two steps towards him with my hands clenched into fists so tight my fingernails are cutting into my skin. My pulse is pounding in my ears and I shake with rage. I don’t trust myself to speak, and I see my uncle pull Sean back and step forward so he’s between us. His face is flushed, a sure sign that his own temper is piqued. Looking over my cousin’s shoulder I see my brother looking angrier than I’ve seen him before he makes a beeline for the exit, and I am doubly furious with Sean and his big mouth. I take a step, trying to swipe at my cousin around my uncle’s bulk, but Seamus grabs me by the shoulders. “Don’t worry, lass. I’ll send Aodhan after him. You deal with this hothead.” He kisses the top of my head and lets me go; calling out to the oldest of his sons to go after my brother.

  Then to Sean he says, “You’d best remember who’s in charge here, lad, and be glad I stopped her from giving you the whooping you deserve. I’m not sure I will if there is a next time.”

  Sean seems to shrink a bit under my uncle’s scrutiny and nods silently. His face is puce-colored from the effort of holding in his temper. I find that for once, I don’t care. I look at him. “When you’re ready to apologize, you know where to find me.” I turn to Flint and motion towards the exit. “Let’s go, please. I want to try and speak to my brother before he goes to sleep, and I think it would be best if you stuck with me or a guard for the foreseeable future.”

  “If you say so, but just for future reference I really can handle myself,” Flint says with that irritating smirk of his firmly in place.

  I smirk right back at him. “I didn’t say I was concerned for your safety, did I? I might be pissed at him, but he is family, and my aunt wouldn’t be too thrilled if you charbroiled his stupid ass.”

  Chapter 6—Eirnin

  April 2102

  I let the door to the school cafeteria slam shut behind me and just start walking, not paying any attention to where I’m heading. It’s fully dark now and there is a slight bite in the air. I really don’t care, though. I am so angry I can’t think straight, and I don’t do angry normally. Once again, Sean has managed to make me feel like I’m useless. He keeps taking more aggressive stances against Fi out in public, and it’s making me more and more nervous. He never would have pulled a stunt like that if my father was still here. I have a bad feeling where he’s concerned, and I don’t know how to tell my sister to be on her guard against someone she considers to be her friend.

  Speaking of my sister, I know she’s most likely freaking out back at the school, worrying about me being out all by myself. I want to yell at the sky that I’m not a little kid – I’m sixteen and I’m not exactly physically unimpressive. I tower over almost everyone at six feet-seven inches tall, and while I’m trim, I’m certainly not overly skinny. I am also armed, which she knows. I don’t leave home without an assortment of throwing knives that my father taught me to use. I am completely capable of holding my own in a fight. For the umpteen-millionth time, I wonder when, or maybe I should say if Fi will remember I am more than just one more responsibility hanging around her neck. I miss her, which sucks because she’s still right here in front of me. She’s just become this unreachable, sad girl who tries to keep all of her emotions in a little box locked away inside herself. I want my sister back, plain and simple.

  I look around and finally let myself take in my surroundings. I know I should head home so I don’t make Fi worry about me all night. I hear approaching footsteps behind me and my cousin, Aodhan’s voice yelling, “Come on man, I know you hear me! Your legs are way longer than mine.”

  I stop walking and grin despite the anger still simmering in my gut. “Get the lead out, A. You know patience isn’t one of my many virtues.” I hear him chuckle as he jogs closer. I actually don’t mind too much that he’s the one who found me. It’s not like he’s really a guard. He’s only a year and a half older than me, so it’s not quite the glaring insult as one of the older guys coming after me would be. At least with him I can tell myself that he came after me on his own, even though I’m sure his father sent him to pacify my sister.

  He catches up and glances at me for a moment, looking pensive. “You okay?” he asks finally, and I raise an eyebrow at him in response. He holds his hands up in a surrendering gesture and says, “Okay. Just checking.” He pauses for a moment, weighing his words. “You know you shouldn’t let that dick get to you, though, right?”

  I shrug. “He just has a talent for getting under my skin,” I say; trying to downplay things.

  We start walking towards home and after a few minutes of silence, Aodhan asks, “Have you thought of talking to Fi about him?”

  I laugh bitterly. “Uh, no — I can’t imagine that would go over very well. He’s the only person in the world she’s ever considered a friend…I don’t know if I can take that away from her.”

  “I think you should talk to her, Eir. Fi would rather hear something like that from you and you know it. And you’re right about him, there’s just something off.” I grunt to let him know I heard him. I have no desire to talk about this anymore, and I’m grateful when Aodhan allows us to walk on in companionable silence. I do my best to let the fresh air clear my head of all the worries I’m hoarding inside and continue trudging along the familiar sidewalks.

  We’re around the corner from my house when he laughs quietly and says, “Did you see Fi take a swipe at Sean?”

  “No! She tried to hit him? What happened?” I ask. I’m suddenly feeling loads better.

  “She saw you leave and he said something about her being careless and then mentioned your mom.” Aodhan pauses, as most people do when they accidentally bring up my parents, but then rushes on. “Dad had to g
et between them to break it up. She looked ready to kill.”

  I throw my head back and laugh when I imagine Fi trying to take a swing at that hulking idiot, Sean. “Your dad had to get between them?” I sputter; finding the image of my uncle having to restrain my very petite sister from venting her frustration on our burly cousin hilarious. “Oh, thank you for that — you’ve made my night so much better.” He claps me on the shoulder and chuckles as he heads for his back door. I look over at him and the laughter dies in my throat. “Thanks for coming after me, A. I appreciate you easing Fi’s mind.” Aodhan nods silently and raises a hand to me in farewell.

  My house is dark, which means my sister is still dealing with people at the school and I’m glad for the quiet time. I know she’ll want to talk when she returns, and I’m not ready to have the conversation I know I have to with her yet. So I’m really hoping I can at least pretend to be asleep by the time she gets back. Plus she’ll have that faery, Flint to deal with. That should buy me at least a few more minutes. I’m more than a little intrigued by his presence here and looking forward to talking to him at some point. I have a feeling that his arrival means good things for us.

  I can’t explain how I know things sometimes; whether it’s what people are feeling, what’s going to happen or if someone just lied to me — I just know. There is a feeling in my gut that has yet to steer me in the wrong direction. It tells me when someone lies, or even something as mundane as letting me know which path to take to avoid guards when I sneak out at night after Fi is asleep. It’s very handy most of the time. There is also a voice in my head that tells me things from time to time. Luckily the voice is my own, so I didn’t automatically think I was insane when it first started whispering to me about the future and all the things I’m ‘supposed’ to do in it. That doesn’t mean I didn’t freak out and try to ignore it at first.