Firewind

Chapter 13-Diero

You're supposed to be dead. You're supposed to be dead. You're supposed to be dead. The strange man's voice echoed inside my head. What do you say to that? Your parents die, your sister runs away, you're stuck in the middle of nowhere with three little kids, a stranger walks up to you in the forest and says: you're supposed to be dead.

What are you doing here? You're supposed to be dead. Was I supposed to have died in the fire? Was that what it was? Was I supposed to have come to the same end as my Para and Madara? And what of Talkinn and Leshanna? Are they supposed to be dead too? Is my whole family just cursed to die?

What are you doing here? You're supposed to be dead. Was I supposed to have died at a young age? Or not even be born? Was my whole life a lie? Am I even alive now? What does one do with this sort of information?

"Sorry about that," said the man with a strange accent. It made the consonants harsh and the vowels short.

"It's fine," I said, attempting to joke, "I appreciate it when people tell me I'm supposed to be something or do something."

"Well what brings you to my humble, very humble, very messy home?"

"Our village was attacked by a ritskilionoso and our home was burned to the ground. So my parents sent us into the woods. We found your little hut and used it as shelter. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind! My home is home to any weary traveler! Of course it has been in better condition for housing guests. Sorry about the mess. I've just been out of home for a while. My name's Ronan Bersk."

"Pleased to meet you. I am Diero Helder and my siblings Leshanna and Talkinn are in the hut."

"Well I know all about you of course! Not that I've ever met you... I know it sounds creepy. But it's my job to know. I'm a Seer you see! Well that wasn't a bad joke. It's funnier if you know that I'm blind! Crazy right? I know some people say that we have better insight being blind and all. But I was born blind. I'm used to it. But I don't see things better than other Seers. In fact I'm quite new to the whole thing. I've only been doing this about a year and a half. Haven't quite gotten the hang of when to tell people what I know and when not to as you can see I've nearly scared you half to death!"

"Ummm.... What's a Seer?"

"Oh don't you worry I'll explain everything to you!" he rambled on. "Well not everything, everything. I'll tell you what I can tell you but first, we should have some tea. And I might want a nap as well. Yes a nap would be lovely. Oh! Don't you worry about guarding the hut. The htraephim do that well enough!"

"Ok?"

I followed the man inside. Talkinn and Leshanna were still sleeping peacefully.

"So why do you live here?" I asked Ronan.

"I don't really enjoy crowds. Besides, this way it makes it easier to meditate. I also enjoy nature. My name is Ronan. Did I say that already? Oh well. What kind of tea do you want?"

"I don't really like tea."

"That's ok. I didn't find any tea leaves anyways. Now back to business. What was I talking about?"

"You are a Seer," I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. Was this man crazy? "The only problem is that I don't know what a Seer is. You also said that I was supposed to be dead. Which is funny because I thought I was very much alive. I could be wrong..."

"Ah yes that. Well a Seer can, well, see the future. I am Ronan Bersk the blind Seer. There are several other Seers such as Ramikus the wise Seer. He's the Headmaster at the School for Seers! Well he used to be until he died... Unless he's still alive. I don't remember."

"Are you sane?"

Ronan turned to me and looked genuinely confused. He's gone mad!

"Of course I'm sane!"

"Well you thought I was supposed to be dead and you can't seem to remember what you've told me and what you haven't."

"Just because someone's memory is a little off doesn't mean they're crazy, Diero. You should try to remember that. Say, that was a good quote! Put it on my Mark when I die!"

"Ok so why aren't I supposed to be alive?"

"I actually don't know... I can see the future. Not the past. I really wish I could help but-"

His eyes suddenly glowed white and his body shuddered. As suddenly as it had happened, it was over.

"What..." I stuttered, "what just happened?"

"I don't think... I mean your sister... I just saw..."

"SPIT IT OUT!"

"Your sister needs our help."

"Althaea? Where is she? Do you know? We need to go after her right away! Which way do I go? I can't leave my siblings behind. I can't take them with me. What do I do?"

"I-I don't know. But I do know how we can help. Your sister is going where she is going no matter what. We can't change that. She also wouldn't want you leaving Leshanna and Talkinn behind. Something bigger is going on here. But I cannot tell what it is. Your parents have died for a reason. This is no accident."

"Well I know that! Some bastard went and killed them and the whole village!"

"But our meeting here isn't an accident either. I think the spirits have something else planned. Fate would have you go further away from your sister."

"Fate. I hate that word. Are you saying I can't escape my fate? Am I meant to die now then? You already said I was supposed to be dead. I guess it doesn't make a difference then."

"Every moment makes a difference when you're alive. And you're missing the point. Everything either happens or it doesn't. I can't see the exact future. I only see the most likely possibility based on people's choices so far. The way it happens might change but right now your sister's life is in danger."

My heart stopped. My sister left, putting herself in danger and leaving me with Leshanna and Talkinn so I couldn't go after her. I swore under my breath.

"What can we do?"