Fire's Song

by J E Mueller

  Kegan returned quickly with two bowls of soup, a plate of chicken, and two mugs. “I’m listening,” She said as she put the food and drinks down in front of us. “And no skipping the good details.”

  Unabashed, I explained everything. I started with what had actually brought me back into town prior to meeting Celia and worked my way forward from there. She had suspected I had magic from the beginning, and I just confirmed it. Not once did Kegan interrupt. Instead she let me talk between bites of food. When I finally stopped after telling her about the last demon fight she took our mugs back to be refilled.

  “I’m surprised you gave her so many details.” Lee smiled, amused.

  “It’s long overdue.” I shrugged, taking another bite of chicken. “And I owe her as much.” With all that she had done to help me in the past, I really should have explained a few things earlier.

  Kegan returned and set down the mugs. “I don’t know what to say, child.” She shook her head at me. “Had I known sooner, I’d have kept twice the eyes on you. Now you’re in trouble so deep I can’t help ya.”

  I pointed at the food. “You’ve more than helped, Kegan. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve already done for me.”

  ‘Psh, was nothing.” She shook it off. “Now what can I really do for you?”

  “I have no idea. Honestly, all of this is being made up as we go. Our plan is flimsy at best, but we’ve got to save Juni,” I declared.

  “Well, you’ll have a roof over your head here at least,” she sighed. “There’s nothing I can do about this messy magic business, but I can promise you some good food and an excellent show. In fact, tomorrow night the traveling bard Leo Batfish will be here. It’s said he’s reuniting with his group and I’ve got him booked. It’ll be packed, but you’ll have a good time.”

  “How can you have room for us, then? I don’t want to take away from your real customers.” I shook my head.

  “I always keep an extra room just in case it’s needed. You’re not my only traveling friend, you know. Never know who will need it. Too many of ya finding your own path. Now it’s your turn, so take it. No arguments,” she said with finality.

  “Thank you,” Lee said for me. “I’m surprised you’re so accepting of this so easily.”

  She waved it off, “I’ve known Key for too long to care about the rest. I chose to accept her and her mysteries long ago. Accepting her for her truths shouldn’t be harder.”

  “That is a wonderful way to think,” Lee agreed, thankful things had played out so well here.

  “Thank you,” Kegan replied. “I guess you can stay too then.”

  “Thank you,” Lee beamed. “And what is in your stew? It’s amazing.”

  She glanced over at me. “He seems fine.” Kegan winked at me before turning back to Lee. “I’ll show you. It’ll be my thank you for helping my young friend here.”

  She motioned for him to follow her.

  Left alone for a moment, I had a chance to breathe. It was nice since Lee had fussed over me the whole trip here, and after telling such a long story I was done with the day, through and through.

  After pushing my food aside, someone sat down next to me. Looking up, I was surprised to see Emmyth.

  “Glad you could join us,” I said in greeting.

  “Glad you made it here alive,” he replied. “How was the trip?”

  “Tiring, but not the hardest thing I’ve ever accomplished,” I replied, trying to sound stronger than I felt.

  “Good. I disposed of all but that same one that ran off. He went to his realm and I couldn’t follow him there. That should give you both at least a few days.”

  “Thank you. I am more grateful than words can express. Now, we need a real plan to find and help Juni.” I yawned. “But I don’t think I’ll contribute any thoughts on that today.”

  “Well, you did almost die. Again. You need rest,” Emmyth said unworried.

  Lee and Kegan returned.

  “Ah, another one of my favorite regulars! You know each other?” Kegan asked, surprised.

  Emmyth laughed. “Had I known you knew Kegan, I’d have asked you to save me a plate.”

  “Yes, we do know each other.” I laughed and turned to Emmyth. “Not going to lie, I’ve told Kegan about just about everything in my life at this point.”

  “Her husband was a bard. One of our types of bards.” Emmyth shrugged. “She knows enough about me.” Well, that was unexpected.

  “Except why you would refuse to stay longer than a day or two here and there to visit your favorite person!” Kegan teased.

  Emmyth chuckled. “I can only have so much of a good thing, and as such I’m running behind for a meeting. I’m glad my friends are in your caring hands.” He got up to leave.

  “Have a bowl of soup before you go, at least,” Kegan said good naturedly.

  “As soon as I’m free I’ll come back for one. I promise.” Emmyth waved as he left.

  “Well now, that makes sense.” Kegan nodded to herself, putting all the bits and pieces of the story together.

  “I didn’t know your husband had been a bard,” I said, surprised. No wonder she was so accepting of my magic issues. Her husband had worked with magic and saving the world. She had probably spotted my lie a mile away.

  “It was before the Inn business. He retired, but there’s no real leaving that business.” She shook her head. “If they don’t try calling you back every other week, those monsters love trying to find weaknesses. His leaving before his time was due to just that. It was unexpected, yet still predicted. Now, let’s get you two to bed,” she said, closing her story.

  Kegan wiped her hands on her apron before leading us to the first room on the lower level and handing us a key. “Just don’t forget to return it before you leave.” Kegan pointed at me.

  “I won’t. Thank you.” I replied and gave her a big hug.

  She awkwardly patted my head and went on her way.

  Taking two steps into the room I dropped my bag on the floor and flopped onto the bed.

  “You should at least change out of those bloody clothes first,” Lee said digging through my bag. “They’ll be itchy if they aren’t already.” He tossed some fresh clothes my way.

  Grumbling, I agreed and began to change, leaving Lee to awkwardly face the opposite direction. I now had two scars on my stomach now. It had been too long of a day, and I was much too tired to care.

  “I’ve really got to stop fighting with demons. I’m clearly terrible at it.”

  “It wouldn’t be as bad if they weren’t powered by fire.” Lee shrugged. “They have too many advantages.”

  “Agreed.” I rubbed my scars. The new one was still tender but not painful. “Guess I should be happy to have survived.”

  “I can’t disagree with that. I wish I could have helped you sooner, but I felt Emmyth’s presence and knew if I stopped fighting things would have been worse.” Lee sat next to me. “I hated that decision more than anything.”

  “It worked out.” I yawned.

  “Yes it did.” He kissed my forehead. “Sleep. You need it.”

  I didn’t argue. I slept for a few hours before Emmyth knocked on our and interrupted our slumber.

  He came to check on us, and showed Lee how to follow up on healing me. Not caring myself, since I didn't have any healing abilities, I went back to sleep quickly from a combination of still being tired and their healing magic. Their voices were not loud enough to wake me.

  When morning finally awoke me, I found myself alone. Confused, I got up and noticed that Lee had left everything here, even his sword, so it was doubtful he had gone far. Getting up and getting ready for the day, I went out to see Kegan.

  “The boys went somewhere, wouldn’t say where. They’ll be back.” She relayed the message to me.

  “That’s annoying,” I grumbled.

  “People leaving without notice? Never heard of it.” she teased me.

  “Anything I can help with?” I asked, ignoring h
er comment.

  “Sure. I’ll let you wash some dishes, but that’s the most of it. No heavy labor after that injury. Emmyth explained more about that. Best be careful.”

  “It wasn’t my intention to get hurt,” I replied, trying not to roll my eyes. “Let’s see those dishes.”

  They didn’t take long to do as her small staff had already done most of the work. With my time still free, I decided I should pay Celia a visit. The walk was short and refreshing. It felt good to walk around town again. The second I entered the shop, Celia jumped up from around the counter. I met her with a hug.

  “What brings you by?” she asked frantically. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes and no,” I said. “Are you busy? I can catch you up on all the nonsense.”

  “Oh dear,” she said and pulled me behind the counter. “I have no extra help today, so you’ll have to make due between customers. There haven’t been many so you should have plenty of time.”

  And I did, with only one interruption. Celia sat and listened patiently until the end.

  “Oh, I hope Juni is all right!” Celia just about cried. “Hardly a kinder soul in the world. Do you think you’ll be able to rescue her soon?”

  “We hope, but I’ve no idea how. I’m hoping that’s part of what the boys are doing, but I’ve no idea,” I explained.

  “They’re probably letting you sit out of the action for a bit so you can heal,” Celia pointed out.

  I waved that off. “Either way, they can’t expect me to stay out for too long.”

  “If Lee doesn’t know that by now, I’d be surprised.” Celia smiled.

  “True, and he does have the advantage of knowing when they’re near. I don’t.” I glanced around for a moment feeling a bit uneasy.

  “It’s probably for the best we don’t know everything.” Celia patted me on the shoulder.

  “Easier said than done right now,” I sighed. “Anyway, I should see if I can find him. Maybe there’s finally a tangible plan.” I hopped off my stool and paused. “Wait, you can see the future right? Is there any guidance you can offer?”

  Celia thought for a moment and then concentrated on her magic. Her eyes glazed over with power for a few moments before she finally spoke. “The answers will come to you soon, but not in a way you’ll like.” The magic faded from her eyes. “But it’ll be the path you’re looking for.”

  “Is there any way to avoid the unpleasantries?” I asked hopefully.

  “Too many fixed events lay in the path.” She shrugged. “None are the end of the world, none will be what pushes you off the cliff. A paper cut is something we wish we can avoid, but it’ll heal in time.”

  “That’s the worst phrase I’ve heard about fixed events, and that all I’ve been hearing about recently.”

  “Good!” Celia laughed. “Any who see the future hate them. There’s no clear answers like looking into the past. Just more or less likely paths, and events that sit like a stone. While stones can move, you can’t change the fact that they are stones.”

  “Is there a handbook on annoying things to repeat with your visions?” I complained as I headed for the door. “Thanks for your help, though. It was really nice chatting with you again.”

  “Likewise,” Celia agreed, waving me off as a customer entered. “Don’t be a stranger now. Come back safe and visit longer.”

  Heading back to Kegan’s I thought a bit about what Celia had said and wondered what she had seen. Her words were vague and fairly unhelpful, but at least I was on the right path. If there was a right path.

  When I got inside, Kegan was in leaning against the wall behind the bar and looking out the window.

  “Did anything interesting go on while I was out?” I asked.

  Kegan nodded. “There’s always something going on here. As for what you’re really wanting to know, no he didn’t come back, but I figure they’ve gone to the guild.”

  “Where would that be?” I asked curiously.

  “They won’t let you in. You’re not Blessed.” She shook her head. “No shame in rules, but it’s a pain when you’re looking for someone.”

  “That is very annoying.” I crossed my arms, trying not to be upset.

  “Kyle!” she called into back. “I’m going out, mind the front.” She waved me to follow her out the door. “I’ll show ya, but it’s not going to help any.”

  Chapter 36

  We walked for a while until we ended up in a fairly quiet part of town. There weren’t many people wandering the streets here, and the few we saw were clearly on their way somewhere else. Kegan pointed out a nice older building made of stone, painted glass windows, and with strange statues around the outside of it. There was a person sitting on the steps right outside the door playing a flute. The melody was oddly sad, but soothing.

  “It looks so unique. How is this even a secret?” I mused.

  “Something unique in a plain face town brings whispers. Whispers lead to fear. Many think it’s haunted. The people in the neighborhood here know that the bards stay here. As few others know there’s more than meets the eye.” Kegan turned to walk back, but I hesitated.

  “That song is so sad for such a lively instrument…” I said softly.

  The young man playing stopped and looked up at me. There was no way he could have heard me and yet he eyed me curiously.

  “We had best be getting back.” Kegan nudged me.

  I nodded and turned to follow her when the young man shouted, “You’ve got the markings of being healed.”

  Kegan and I turned in surprise.

  “They don’t speak to many passersby.” She nodded for me to respond.

  I walked over to him so I wouldn’t have to shout. “Yes. It’s been an interesting year.”

  “I know Emmyth’s work anywhere. What brings you here?” he asked curiously.

  “Emmyth is somewhere with Lee. I’m trying to find him and see if he’s learned anything about our current quest.”

  The young man scratched his head, “Maybe that’s the new guy Emmyth was with? Don’t know what’s going on there. I’m outside today. You’re right to think they’re here. It’s safe here.”

  “Can it really be considered safe anywhere?”

  He flashed a sly smile. “Yes it can.” His voice was booming with confidence. “If they have their deals and magic for demon affairs, why can’t we have ours?”

  It was a fair point, and one I had mused on myself. “That’s good. Our trip here was eventful.”

  Nodding, he studied me for a moment. “Just yesterday from the looks of it. What’d you do to attract their attention?”

  “Live,” I replied honestly. I couldn’t help but give a small laugh.

  “I see you’re Cursed born, no big deal there, but to be hurt as such you’d have to do more to attract that level of rage.”

  “About half a year ago we slew a demon. I guess another one knew of it and wasn’t happy about that.”

  He nodded, satisfied with my reply. “They do get enraged about that.” He gave another nod towards Kegan. “There’s a wonderful performance due tonight at our lovely friend Kegan’s Inn. If you’d like to talk more to the others, that would be a better time.” Done talking, he started playing his sad tune again.

  I rejoined Kegan and headed back. The conversation was odd, and I had no idea how he could see someone else's healing magic. Did it linger? How long did the traces hold on? Or was it just this one person’s gift? There were too many new questions that weren’t relevant to the quest I wanted to complete. Yet I desired the answers for them as well, even though part of me wanted to keep it simple. I just wanted to get Juni back and have things go back to normal, minus the demons being involved.

  Instead of lingering on my thoughts, I helped out where Kegan let me. There was quickly nothing to do since much of the prep for tonight's show was best left up to the professionals. So I napped. It wasn't until I hit the bed that I realized how tired I actually was.

  Old memories swam in
my dreams. I remembered Isaac and how my curse had first come to light. The conversations I had had about being careful. About learning how not to kill others instead of how to work with my gifts, even as I got older.

  Unexpectedly, I dreamt of Tella. Her training had to be progressing. She was gifted and determined to acquire many useful skills. Tella’s passion was wonderful and I hoped she kept up with it while I was gone. I even more hoped she’d continue to practice once she reached the level of proficiency she was aiming to meet.

  When I finally awoke, I was surprised to see Emmyth there and not Lee.

  “Sorry to startle you.” He apologized, “You’re injuries are completely healed now.”

  “Great, but where’s Lee?” I asked, shaking off the remainder of my drowsiness.

  “Training,” Emmyth replied. “He’s got much to learn if he wishes to complete this quest to save his mother.”

  There was something about his tone that didn’t seem right. “He’s not just training for this quest, is he?”

  “There is no chance he’ll succeed if he stays in his current state,” Emmyth replied carefully. “He’s decided to undertake our initiation.”

  “What does that involve?”

  “Our rites are secret, but I assume what you’re concerned about is the contract involved,” Emmyth replied without hesitation. “Everyone's is different, but in the end it’s the same. You must serve the Order for some time, and that involves slaying demons. It’ll give him the powers he needs to vanquish many demons on his own, along with the ability to travel to a realm above and below the one we are in.”

  “And the one below is likely where Juni is, isn’t it?” I asked, not liking where this was going.

  “Telling him one of us could accomplish it wasn’t enough. He wants to be part of the effort to rescue his mother,” he supplied.

  “She’s very important to him. A very uniquely wonderful person,” I agreed. It wasn’t a surprise he’d do whatever it took to help her. “I’d probably do the same if the choice were mine.” Sighing, I glanced towards the door. “He’s not coming back any time soon, is he?”