The Everburn Mage

7. Their Undying Promises

In his short life, Rune had seen a fair number of soldiers. Though there weren't many due in part to Primrose's minuscule size, he was able to recognize a member of the state by the blue or black uniform jackets they commonly donned. However, there was something about this man called James Griffin that made him unique from the rest. Behind his kind smile and casual demeanor, Rune identified a forest of hidden truths and deceptions. For some reason or another, he deemed him as one who shouldn't be trusted.

"Listen, sir. Maybe it'd be best if you'd come back another time. After everything Rune's been through, why, he should just be focusing on getting better," said Ethan standing by the door.

"I'm afraid we don't have the luxury. I'm fighting the clock as we speak. I need to know as much as possible about what happened that night. According to the reports, this child has undergone a premature magic rejection resulting in the deaths of his mother, uncle, and grandfather. Even so, something tells me there's more to this case we're not seeing. So, I decided I'd hear this grim tale straight out the mouth of the inferno's sole survivor."

Rune's eyebrow furrowed. "Just leave me alone," he demanded, turning his head away from them. "There isn't anything else I know the soldiers haven't already told you. I couldn't control my magic properly and as a result, I got my family killed!"

Unphased by his overflowing frustration and anger, Griffin quietly and calmly approached the foot of the bed. "Is this what you believe to be true? Or are you merely subscribing to the theories of men and women you haven't met?" the captain asked, crossing his arms. "In my line of work, it's common for me to witness sights and events that don't make any sense. Based on experience, I've recognized the truth isn't always what we perceive it to be."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm simply asking if your recollection of what happened during this tragedy aligns with what the military deduced."

To his question, Rune didn't immediately respond. Instead, a sudden wave of pain clouded his consciousness. Clasping his forehead, blurry images began to roost in his memory. What actually happened? Who started the fire? How did his family die? These rabid inquiries unaffectionately assaulted him along with the flickering memories drifting inside his head. He wanted them to stop. Wanted to close his eyes and go to sleep. 

However, it wasn't until a single recollection struck him did the pain subside altogether. A smoggy image of fire and death. A murky portrait of a man shrouded in a curtain of smoke. A putrid fabrication of a crimson gaze peering into his soul with the intent to kill.

Removing his hand off his forehead, Rune squinted at everyone else. While the Flores family was reasonably concerned for him, the two soldiers displayed no sign of sympathy nor fear. Rather, it was an expression of pure, unsaturated curiosity that masked both their faces.

"Allow me to ask you this, Rune Ransford," started Griffin after a brief period of silence. "Are you still open to accepting what the military has told you?"

"No..."

"And why not?"

"There was a man..."

Griffin exchanged glances with an equally interested Zenobio before asking, "A man?"

"Look, I know it sounds crazy but what I'm telling you is the truth! Someone else was with my mom and me! Someone I didn't recognize! Maybe he's responsible for..."

"So you're saying there was an imposter?" asked Leora.

"If what I remember is true, then, yes."

"That can't be right. The military confirmed there was nobody else in the house."