Arynthe's Story

The new Mara

(continuation)

When we finally managed to get into the Team Tower, the rebel government was gone. They had fled. I sent some people out to find them. We'd see what they would do with them later.

I walked into what used to be my office. The place my plan closet used to stand was now a big blackened spot on the wal, but other than that, nothing had changed. I heard Zad walk in behind me. 

"Why are you breathing so fast?" I asked.
"Am I breathing fast?" Zad replied. "I didn't notice that."
"Then who am I hearing?" 

I listened intensely, but the sound had suddenly stopped. I assumed that whoever it was, was holding their breath. 

"Someone's hiding in here," I stated. "Zad, watch the door. I'll-"
"Okay!" a desperate voice shouted from under the desk. "Fine! You got me!"

I knelt and looked into the fearful eyes of a man, who was sitting under the desk, shaking like a leaf. His eyes were as black as the night that was falling outside.

"You don't need to be afraid," I said softly. "We mean you no harm. We just wanted the revolution to stop."
The man chuckled nervously. "I've been trying that for years. I guess I should've just blown up something like you."

I laughed and got up. The man crawled out from under the desk. He was short and his bright, greenish hair looked untameably messy. His eyes were slowly getting a little brighter. Zad came standing next to me. 

"What were you doing here if you weren't one of the rebels?" he asked. 
"Warning them to get out," the man said. "I'm Mara Shelar's older brother, that's why I wasn't exiled, like the other Arynthe-believers. They did lock me in here before they left, so that's why I couldn't run before you came in. They said "meet your idol, I hope that witch burns you", then they left." He looked from me to Zad and back. "So... Is Founder Arynthe actually with you?"
"It's worse than that," I said, trying my best to keep the laughter inside. "I am Founder Arynthe."

He stared at me as if he'd seen the oceans fly. Zad placed a hand on my shoulder and nodded. 

"Wait... Seriously?" the man said. 
"Seriously," I confirmed. "And what's your name?" 

The man didn't reply. He fell to his knees and stared up at me in adoration. 

"Hello?" I asked. "What's your name, brother?"
"E-Ejmar," the man stuttered. "Founder, I- I'm so honoured..."
"Get up," I laughed. "Show yourself a leader."

Ejmar hastily got up. He made a failed attempt to tame his hair, with as result that it fell over his eyes. He slapped it to the side and grinned awkwardly. 

I looked at this man. He was a little shy and awkward, but he seemed like a good person to me. Should I...? 

"Do you speak Tarinkhee?" I asked. 
Ejmar nodded.

I thought about the promise I made to my father. I thought about how I not just broke, but actually shattered every single line of it. I thought about what a bad person I actually was. I wouldn't make a very good Mara anymore, that was for sure, but maybe...

"Good," I replied. "I wouldn't want you to misunderstand what I'm about to make you promise:

My child, promise that the darkness of life cannot corrupt you;
Promise that you will always lead the way to light;
My child, promise to me that you will give the right example;
Make the beauty inside you visible for all who need it;
Do no harm in vain, so that you may never cry again;
And so promise to never cry again. Do you promise?"

Ejmar nodded and said: "Dashay' ege."
"Now that's good," I said. "I'll alert the others that we found our Mara."
"Wait, what?!" Ejmar called. "I- I haven't even proven myself a leader!"
Zad laughed. "You can't understand her ways. The only thing I can do is agree. I'm sure you'll make an excellent Mara."
Ejmar scratched his head and looked from me to Zad and back at me. 
"You look a little stupid if you let your mouth hang open like that," I informed him.