Legend of the Wildfires

CHAPTER SIX - REUNITED

   Arclan opened his eyes. He felt sore, but otherwise comfortable. He took in his surroundings; the place he found himself in stood empty, aside from a crackling fireplace. The scent of a recent commotion clung tightly to the air, unmistakably metallic. He had fought wolves near Reed-water long enough to recognize the stale stench of spilled blood. 

Arclan pulled the bed sheets to one side and slowly placed foot to floor. His head swam fiercely like a man plied with too much wine. He reached out for something to catch his fall, when an ominous creaking pierced the silence. 

   'Many years have passed since I last watched you sleep,' came a voice from the darkness.

Arclan froze. A short moment passed before he turned cautiously, with words to match.

   'There is much to be said about a man that stalks another's dreams.'

A tall silhouette rose out of the dark corner from where it sat, a burning pipe illuminating armored chest and hands. A deep voice spoke, gentler than before, but world-breaking words fell from the stranger's mouth as he removed the helmet that veiled them.

   'Is that any way to speak to your own flesh and blood?'

Arclan stood in puzzlement. His dizziness took hold of him. His legs shook uncontrollably as his pulse soared. He wished he was not awake. 

   'So, what do I call you?' Arclan asked with hastened breath.

The stranger lit a small roric candle on Arclan's bedside table. He withdrew a second pipe, placed it down and motioned for Arclan to take it. He smiled when Arclan did not move. 

   'Family. I would have thought that to be obvious, but you can call me Uncle.' said the stranger.

Arclan raised a brow and politely took the pipe. He crossed the room and held it into the fireplace, until calming aromas filled his nostrils. His Uncle smiled once again. 

   'I have been told that you have a soft spot for tobacco from the North. You smoke too much, Arclan.' he said.

Arclan was shocked to hear such a truth and so stayed silent. His Uncle saw fit to continue, smiling the entire time. 

   'This must be a surprise to you, I know this. Your Mother-'

   'You're supposed to be dead.' Arclan said, abruptly. His Uncle chuckled deeply.  

   'Is this what she told you?'

   'It is.' Arclan snapped. 'She said you died the same day my Father did.' 

   'No, no. That is simply what she wanted you to believe.' 

   'Why would she make up such a lie?' Arclan asked, confused. 

Slow footsteps echoed through the room from the adjacent halls. Arclan's Uncle fumbled with his pipe and inhaled deeply. Arclan did the same. 

   'That, my young friend, is a story for another time.' 

The smile had disappeared from his face. He suddenly looked very serious. Arclan shifted uncomfortably as he stepped closer, the flickering fire revealing a sharp trimmed beard upon a hard face. The hairs on Arclan's neck stood on end. 

His Uncle stood poised like a Knight, strong and proud. 

   'My name is Kahlidan Halnighar. I am your Father's Brother. The blood that runs through my veins runs through yours. I have been waiting for you.'