Author's Note: It's me again! Shocked to see another chapter so soon? Well, I'd had a lot of it written already, hah! Surprise! :D Anyhow, I am glad you enjoyed the last chapter. This story is really starting to take off - it's even surprising me.
Thank you for your wonderful comments and votes. Keep them coming, please.
And I wonder, who is your favorite character so far? Favorite scene? Dialog? I am curious to know what you especially enjoyed.
Luv and thanks to you all,
Ginnnnnnnnnnnnnnnna!
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Kael glanced around and then caught sight of Kirik standing off to the side, staring out over the horizon with his arms folded across his chest. The juvenile hung back, recognizing that his elder needed another moment or two alone. He was very familiar with Kirik's mannerisms by now; he'd been raised by him from boyhood, after all.
Kael often wondered about this. Among his people, it was an unusual thing for a lone male to take in a youngster that wasn't his own; or even one that was. Usually, the child-rearing was left completely up to the females.
Even odder was the fact that they were so close. Feylak society was vicious and unforgiving; the weak were quickly weeded out and disposed of. Siblings were normally extremely competitive with one another; deaths among children by children were common. Parents and offspring didn't usually share a close relationship either; living in such a harsh environment left no room for coddling.
Yet, Kirik had not only cared for and provided for the boy, he'd also transformed his younger sibling into a very effective warrior. The youngest to graduate as top pupil, actually. Kael's ego was well-founded as was Kirik's pride in the boy.
At times, Kael pondered what might have happened to him had his elder never shown up that day. It'd occurred to the youngster many times over that Kirik had probably saved his life. As he watched his older brother ruminating, he couldn't help but grin. He knew that deep down, Kirik cared for him; regardless of his callous nature. A fact which had saved his hide on numerous occasions. The youngster leaned back against the lighthouse, respectfully waiting for his elder to acknowledge him.
The older sibling knew the boy was there; he'd heard the door open. However, he wasn't ready to confront him just yet. Kirik was furious with him, and to look upon Kael's face right now would be entirely unwise. Unbeknownst to them both, they were sharing a brief mental connection; he was also remembering the day he'd found Kael. Time and time again he'd wondered why he had made such a decision. His mind began to wander further, returning to that day, all those decades ago...
There had been no answer. Kirik debated briefly before deciding to just go ahead and enter. After all, it'd once been his home as well. Many, many years ago.
The interior was cold and silent. There was no indication of anyone being home, presently. In fact, it seemed that no one had been around for several days. A slight dusting of frost had formed on various objects gathered on the table-tops. No servants bustled about, either.
He tilted his head, expression puzzled. Had she gone?
Kirik was undecided on what to do next. He really wasn't certain why he'd come at all. It wasn't as if he shared any sort of special relationship with the woman. In fact, he'd always assumed that she'd hated him. Why else would she have sent him awa-
His sharp ears picked up a soft rustling from down below. It was so slight, he would've easily missed it had there been any other sound in the dwelling at all. Was she in the basement? Why would she be down there? Was she hiding from him? It could be. He was well-known now. And they hadn't parted on the best of terms.
Kirik strode purposefully -and loudly- down the carved ice steps; his features set and determined. He half-expected his mother to be cowering in the corner, but there was no one. Only a few assorted crates and shelves that held forgotten possessions. He stood there, frowning. Had he imagined it? He wasn't usually given to an over-active imagination.
After a moment more of silent speculation, he turned to head back upstairs. It was the opening the boy had been waiting for. He'd seen the large War Master enter his home and had retreated to the basement to hide. Kael knew who he was and he also knew that he was severely outmatched. But, if the man did not know he was there, it might give him the slight chance he needed to defend his home.
After all, she'd left him. This was HIS place now.
Kael held the dagger awkwardly in his small hands and rushed out to bury it deep in the man's back. In a blink, however, the elder male turned and took hold of one of the boy's wrists, twisting it savagely. Kael let out a cry of pain but refused to let go of the blade. He pushed forward relentlessly, still desperately trying to plunge it into the adult.
Kirik was surprised at the level of ferocity of the attack. The child couldn't have been more than fifty or sixty years old at the very most. He glanced at the boy's eyes and saw murderous intent smoldering in their green depths.
Figuring he ought to end this little game, Kirik snatched the child's other wrist and flipped him easily, sending him crashing into the nearest wall.
Kael let out an agonized cry as his head struck the corner of a crate. His hands came up to press against the wound, finally relinquishing their grip on the knife. He rolled over to shoot the elder male a fierce glare, eyes brimming with white-hot hatred.
Kirik narrowed his eyes and curled a corner of his upper lip into a sneer at this. He strode over, kicking the dagger out of the boy's reach. "You're outclassed, waif. Why are you trespassing in my home?"
"This is MY home, elder! YOU'RE the intruder!" Kael snarled at him, outraged at the accusation.
Kirik arched a brow in surprise. "YOUR home? Where is your dam?"
A multitude of emotions flitted across the lad's face at this query; uncertainty, sadness, anger and confusion.
"Answer me, boy. Or I shall have to assume you're a street-urchin and dispose of you."
Kael glowered and reluctantly muttered a response. "She's been gone for days. But I don't care if she EVER comes back!"
This last was shouted in defiance; but Kirik saw deep hurt in the lad's eyes. A small suspicion began to form in his mind as he knelt in front of the young child. Kael tried to scoot back away, but he was already pushed up against the icy wall. He eyed the adult with apprehension, wondering if he was about to die.
"What was your dam's name, boy?" He asked.
Kael swallowed painfully and wondered why the War Master would even bother to ask such a thing. After a long hesitation he finally blurted out a name, "Milaena."
Kirik widened his eyes slightly and began to inspect the child a bit more closely. The boy's features resembled his own and the elder felt an odd twinge in his chest.
After another long pause, he said softly; "we share the same mother."
Kael raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Then, with dim hope, "do...do you know where she is?"
"I do not."
The child's entire posture drooped in defeat. "She left me all alone days ago. She didn't even tell me she was leaving. And now there is no food left."
Kirik felt that strange tightening in his chest grow a bit more pronounced at these words. His dam had sent him away at a very young age himself; too young, really. He'd also felt abandoned. His expression was appraising as he mulled something over. Finally, he seemed to come to some sort of decision and he rose.
Kael flinched back again, preparing for the worst. The War Master's reputation was a harsh one. Kirik made no threatening moves toward him, though. Merely narrowed his eyes and drew himself up to his full height, taking on his instructing persona.
"Tell me your name, boy," he commanded imperiously.
The child somehow managed to shrink back even more, completely intimidated all over again.
