Destructive Jealousy

Chapter 1

 There are many characteristics to man kind that bring about destruction, many emotions that can lead to hate bring nothing but bloodshed. Deep within the lava of the earth, the land of the feulumiers was no different. For years, their kingdom had been quiet and peaceful, yet the cry of war came every fifty or so, for they were a hateful kind of people. Their king, Bruler, was in most aspects a peaceful man, he was tall, strong, and his appearance fair, but he did not feel as if respect was owed to him for it, but instead, earned it from the rest. His wife, Braise, was a kind woman, and, although not the traditional queen most had been used to, did her job as best as she could. Not long after their marriage, they had had a son, a son who grew to be fine, respectable young man, a kind man who wished for nothing but to help others, and they named him Arson

Their affection for their son was that of any parents, strong, but wore down by the birth of their second son, Axel. Axel, unlike his brother, cared for no one but himself, and though he loved his family in some sense, could not love them enough as to wish them well...

Arson watched silently from his window, the same way he did every day as he jotted down what he saw. His life was never consistent, for when the land was peaceful, he had no job, but when trouble rose, he could not catch a break. Jotting down the serenity he felt and his thankfulness for their current tranquility, he smiles and closed his journal, then rose to his feet and began to prepare himself for another day on patrol along the castle halls. As he put on his armer, the door behind him began to creek open, and, as he turn to see who the intruder was, simply laughed as he saw his younger brother. "May I help you, Axel?", he asked in surprise, it was not often that Axel would visit his room without an invite.

"Bruler wants you in his court."

" Father, father wants me in his court."

"I will not refer to such a weak person as my father."

"Axel-"

"He wants you in five, don't be late.", his brother grumbled before shutting the door, leaving Arson to finish getting ready. What is it that his father wanted to speak to him about? Had his brother caused a mess in the palace that he was to be blame for again? As he started out the door, he continued to wonder what it could be, had another criminal broken loose that he must capture? Whatever it is, he only hoped that it would not divide his attention from his studies for too long. Making his way up the long flight of stairs, he greeted each guard that passed by with a friendly hello and a warm smile, seeing them all calm told him that everything must be fine. Upon entering the courtroom, however, his calm feeling wavered as his father's concerned look landed on him.

"You wished to speak to me Father?"

"Yes, Arson, close the door behind you will you?", his father requested in a troubled tone, and Arson gently yet firmly closed the large doors. He could see his mother and father were both troubled, but, of what, he could not guess. After a few moments of silence, his father spoke, "I do believe you are aware of the hunger that has taken hold of the kingdom, for, as you know, we have no crops and animals are scarce. Your brother has brought to my attention, that he believes he may have found a solution to our problems, do you wish to hear?"

"With certainty, father, what is it?"

"Well, perhaps it would be better he explains it himself, Axel?"

"My pleasure", his brother said in a somewhat humored tone, then began, "I have been to the surface, to earth, and have seen that the humans have more than us in food. They have many animals and many kinds of crops, and, because of their sunlight, they have the ability to grow more. My suggestion is that we should send some of our men to take some of their supply and bring it back here for our own."

"Take some of their supply? You mean, borrow some and produce our own?"

"No, brother, I mean taking what they already have ready, why must we wait to grow our own?"

"Axel! But to take it would be to steal! Surely we could just ask for a sample or a seed and find our own share of land there and grow some, yes it should take a while, but we mustn't take from others to feed ours! You must think that then their kind would starve as well."

"Are you saying that you would rather your own kind starve than a useless race we owe nothing to?"

"Of course not! But to steal is wrong and-"
"Silence, both of you!", shouted their father, and, rising to his feet, began, "Both of you make a fair point, what Arson says has truth to it, to take from others would be cruel and unfair. However, if we take the time to grow it out ourselves, we would not be giving our people the fast solution they deserve.", he paused, then turned to his wife, "Braise, darling, what do you suggest my dear?"

"Well", his wife began, "I do believe we owe nothing to their kind now, do we? I understand where you come from, Arson, it would be a shame to cause them to starve for our benefit, but, you as the future kind, must think of your people." Sighing, she paused for a moment before continuing, "I do not believe either of the two are wrong, perhaps, we can attempt both? Arson, since you insistent on finding our own piece of land as to not hurt humans, then perhaps you would not mind starting on that project yourself? You may take a small team with you if you would like, and you return here after every day's work to continue in your usual job.", turning to Axel, and in a softer tone, she added, "As for you, my dear, I suggest the same, that you pick a small group to help you in your taking your share of the crops."

"Wonderful idea!", her husband cried, then, looking more serious, quieted down to say, "You must remember though, that we do not want them to know we are not of their kind. If they know, they will surely kill you, and then we will not be able to continue supplying our people with food. So,", with a shaky breath, whispered, "You must kill anyone who is to find out"

"Kill them!", Arson cried in shock, "Father, we mustn't! Murder, murder is wrong, please, perhaps if we-"

"To murder them is the easiest option!", Axel snarled, "And, if you would think for a moment, you would see the most effective", and with that, his brother quitted the room. Arson stood there for a moment, he knew that arguing it would be useless, and yet, he did not want to believe that could be their only solution. His parents watched him for a moment, then, just as he was turning for the door, his father added,

"Arson, do keep an eye on your brother, do not let him get himself into so much trouble now, alright? Anyway, you will start Monday, you are dismissed, go ready yourself for dinner.", and with that, full of apprehension, he left the room.