Firebird

Chapter 15- Caged

Chapter 15-  Caged

   We traveled by ferry another day before stopping at another riverside town. My legs were unstable from the transition from the constant bobbing of the boat to the solid land. I was glad to be able to get off and walk regularly instead of being confined to such a limited area.

   We set up camp right outside of the slightly cramped town. I was told we were only staying for two nights and that in that time, Chalavar wanted me to be ready. Maybe it was a fake rumor someone spread but maybe not. I didn’t want to take any chances.

   For the most part, I had the aerial routine down. I just needed to add the fire. That’s the whole point of me even being there. Sadly, I still couldn’t do it, so I set out to find the one man who could teach me.

   It was hard finding Fargus. For some reason, he always seemed to be the opposite of where I was. I asked around but no one knew where he was. That was odd. Normally everyone knew where all other specific performers were.

   I finally got directions to his tent and went there. I hadn’t ever gone there before. I guess I never really had a reason to.

   No one ever knocks here so I’d gotten into the habit of simply poking my head through the flap to see if anyone was there. No one was.

   I should have just left but I looked around a moment. His tent was bigger than most performers. Perhaps because he’s in the finale and Chalavar gave him the privilege of a larger one. A ragged quilt lay on his cot. Random little items were scattered in an organized fashion around the edges of the tent.

   “What are you looking for?”

   I jumped out and rammed straight into Fargus’s chest. I tend to do that a lot. I’m not proud of my clumsiness. “I’m sorry… I was looking for you.”

   He gave me a small smile and lifted the flap, gesturing for me to enter. He followed me in and sat on the edge of his cot. “Need anything specific or just paying me a visit?”

   “I need help with something. Chalavar wants me to be ready by the next city. I’ve got my routine with Hyun I just can’t add the fire.”

   “Ah.” 

   There seemed to be something else on his mind. He didn’t look me in the eyes like he normally did. Finally, he grinned a bit, still not lightening his mood. He took my hands and lay them face up on top of his own. His were at least twice the size of mine and much stronger.

   “It’s not hard. Just think it.”

   “But when I do that, it either doesn’t work or I faint.” I argued.

   “Then your putting too much into it. Don’t think so much about it. I’ll start you out and you hold.” His hands grew warm under mine. My palms began to glow but I wasn’t doing anything. A small golden flame lit in my hands. It glittered and cracked quietly.

   He slowly removed his hands from under mine. “You’re in control now. It does as you command.”

   I held deathly still, afraid of putting it out. “How do I ‘control’ it?”

   “It’s not something that can be explained. You should know.”

   I didn’t understand. I was already becoming frustrated with myself. The flame turned harsh and an ugly red. I backed my face away and held my hands out. “What did I do?”

   Fargus placed his hands back under mine and it returned to it’s peaceful state. “You were angry. You’re controlling it with your mind. If you’re angry, it will be also. Don’t be discouraged. Try again.”