Fire and Ice

Denver

That afternoon, I planned to visit the village again. I put on my black cloak and riding boots and grabbed my satchel. I quietly unclicked the window and climbed out, closing it silently. I walked through the vines protecting the house into the woods. I gripped the handle of my knife, walking slowly through the woods, alert of any of the Takers or wildlife. I walked farther on and finally made it to the gate of the village. I pulled the hood up farther and pushed it opened, but it was locked. I looked around to see if anyone was near me and I held out my palm, melting the lock of the gate. It slowly creaked opened and I walked in. The Village was very busy, everyone was out shopping or trading goods at the market. I walked around, looking out for anyone who might recognize me. I kept walking on, looking up at the sky, when I ran into someone. I quickly looked down, offering my hand to help them up but they swatted it away. They stood up, brushing off their pants and looked then looked up at me. It was a girl; she looked to be about my age. She had long brown hair that was pulled back into a braid. She had dark brown eyes that made her caramel skin glow. She was beautiful, the most beautiful person I have ever seen. “Are you okay?” I finally asked, coming out of my trance. “Yeah, yeah. I would be better if people like you didn’t knock me down and make me spill my groceries.” She sighed and bent down to pick up her spilt goods, I started to help her. “Sorry about that. What’s your name?” She put the rest into the bags. “Emmaline, Emmaline Grace. And you are?” “Denver Floyd.” She put her bags into her cart and turned back to me. “Well Denver, looks like you’re the guy I’ve been searching for.” I was confused, “What do you mean?” “My brother, he’s with you. My brother’s Reuben.”

I stared at her, in shock. “What do you mean? He told us you were dead.” ‘Us’? Who’s ‘us’?” she asked crinkling an eyebrow. “Me and my sister, Max. He told us you died.” She shook her head. “Well I’m not. Right before they attacked out home, I told him to run. To find those with powers like us, to find Denver Floyd. My mother told me that you would protect us.  Is he okay?” “He’s fine” I said “He’s back at home with Max right now, do you want to see him?” I asked pulling my hood back up, in fear of someone spotting me. “I cannot. It would be too dangerous.” She grabbed her cart and touched my hand lightly. “I must go now, but thank you Denver. Thank you for keeping my brother safe.” She started to leave when I called for her. “Should I tell him you’re alive?” she started walking off, calling over her shoulder. “Do not worry about it. He’ll find out soon enough. Until next time Denver dear.” She was gone after that, into the bustle of the Village.