Aristian Holiday

Chapter 8: Waking Dream

Riki decided he needed to stretch his legs, he felt he was being over-pampered by the staff and he was overwhelmed by it all. It was late when he arrived the night before and didn’t really care about exploring the Estate considering all that occurred. He wanted to hear Iason's voice, and feel his warmth next to him. He wanted this to be just some weird dream he was having after eating too many of Tai's sweet desserts. Yes, he would soon awaken to find Iason looking down on him, reassuring him it was just a bad dream after all.

But that was not the case.

Although he was still under orders to remain in bed, he managed to sneak out when the housekeepers came in to changed the linen; two young men, twins it seems and an elderly woman had entered the master bedroom whispering amongst themselves bowing first to Riki, then going about their duties. The young men appeared to be 14 or 15, they removed the sheets and replaced the pillows; the elderly woman replaced the pitcher of water and freshened up the bath hall while humming to herself.

Riki took advantage of all the activity by sneaking out into the corridor; he noticed a brightly lit room and headed towards it. It was an arboretum filled with many beautiful flowers and plants, fountains and ponds. He sat on a bench under the shade of a tree enjoying the warm sunshine and wonderful scents of all the flowers. He closed his eyes and could hear the many birds that came to bathe in the fountains. Riki thought about the penthouse gardens back home; Iason had truly captured the ambiance of Aristia.

This made him extremely sad, for there he was, looking at all the beauty that Iason had described to him, in the many weeks prior to their trip finding he was right- Aristia was like a dream come to life. His thoughts were disrupted as a sharp pain suddenly came upon his head; his ears began to ring louder than before. He screamed in pain as a flash of light appeared in his mind and a sudden image pierced the veil of his mind’s eye.

“Riki, he’s hurt…he’s crying…oh Pet.”

Jathan and the twins were looking for their lost guest, who disappeared from the master bedroom when they heard the screams and rushed out to the arboretum. Riki was on the ground with his hands over his ears.

“Sir Riki! Are you alright!?”

Jathan and the twins picked up Riki off the ground and rushed him back to the master bedroom just as Odi was entering the front door. Riki’s eyes were wide open and he was calling for Iason.

“Iason! Iason! I can hear you…”

Jathan looked at Odi with confusion in their eyes. Odi sat in a chair next to Riki who was being cleaned up. He seemed awake but not responsive; he just stared out in front of him. Odi was worried, he had never seen Riki in such a state, maybe he was injured more than he led on. The bandage on his head had bled through again, which puzzled Jathan who dressed it earlier that morning, and had noticed his wound was healing some; but now it seemed the wound was bleeding more than before.

“What do you think happened to him?” Odi stared at Riki as Jathan removed the bandage
“How is this possible?” Jathan whispered to Odi.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I don’t understand it myself, I changed the bandage last night, and once this morning. They had bled a bit, but the wound was healing, I’m certain of it.”

Odi looked at Riki, he seemed far away “Perhaps we should take him back to the Medical Center.” Odi suggested.

“Well, I’ve seen this look many times before.” Jathan looked at Riki's vacant stare. “Sir Riki was suffering from headaches and ringing in his ears, but I thought perhaps it was due to his injuries, but now that I see him, it seems he might be having a 'Waking Dream'.” Jathan waved his hand in front of Riki’s face and he didn’t even blink. “He did mention Lord Mink, which is odd.”

Odi then recalled past events between Iason and Riki and spoke. “Iason and Riki have a unique relationship,” Odi began, “There is something between them - a bond - that was created by their close relationship.” Odi gave Jathan a knowing glance. “Ever since Lord Mink was poisoned…”

Jathan gasped, “Poisoned? By what?”

Odi did not really want to discuss Iason’s private matters, but seeing Riki in such a state made him reconsider. “He was poisoned about two years ago right before the Trade Conference on Amoi, though not too many people know. Lord Mink received a bottle of wine as a gift. It had been laced with Agetha, Lord Mink nearly died had it not been for Riki; he was never the same after that.”

Jathan pondered on that last point. “Does Lord Mink suffer much from headaches?”

Odi looked at him with wide eyes, “Yes, quite severe at times; opiates worked at first, however, as time passed, all pain relief became ineffective. Riki here, he would give Lord Mink deep massages, which really seem to work.”

“Opiates, and all types of drugs will lose their effectiveness as time goes by.” Jathan looked at Riki, “This event created a close bond between them I presume?”

Odi smiled, “Well, yeah- I mean they are more than Master and Pet. Iason seems to know when Riki suffers and the same for Riki- he seems to know when Lord Mink is under some distress, or pain, which baffled all of us.”

Jathan began to piece together the bond between Master and Pet. “Odi, I believe Riki may have developed empathic abilities, in the form of a link with my Master. Agetha or Agetha’s halo is very real in my world. People use Agetha in extremely minute amounts in order to reach beyond the physical, mental limits of one’s existence; into one of enlighten intelligence and heightened spirituality.

According to the Elders, it’s believed that Agetha has existed since the dawn of life on every civilized planet known. It’s known by many names, here on Aristia it’s known as Amour de Dio’- or 'Armah’s Love.' Love is the foundation of all things Aristinian; it is woven into every fabric of our culture. Love of life is appreciated and revered here, although this world is not spared by those who oppress and destroy. But there is Armah, who holds the scales between light and darkness. At least that is what we’re taught from the moment we are born.”

Odi was listening to Jathan when Riki suddenly cried out once again.

“Iason! I hear you! Where are you?” He reached out with his hands as if he were in the dark. “I can’t see you!”

Jathan tried to calm him down, but Riki looked right through him as if he weren’t there at all.

“Sir Riki? Can you hear me? Sir Riki?”

Odi thought about something Ayuda, Askel and Freyn talked about once; that people saw visions through the halo, “You said people take this to have waking dreams?”

“Yes, the Elder Class say one can see time as it moves forward or backwards through the light of the halo. We were going to give Sir Riki a therapeutic bath tonight in the hot springs below the Estate. It's rich minerals promote healing similar to Accelerator. I thought Sir Riki could benefit from it, also it’s known to work as a catalyst of sorts.”

Odi wondered if this was possible never having heard of these hot springs. “You mentioned that these minerals worked as a catalyst for Agetha’s Halo?”

Jathan nodded, “Healing all wounds, especially those of the heart. Sir Riki has been quite sad over Lord Mink- I thought…well, Lord Mink learned much about our culture as a visiting Dignitary, and this Estate was a gift from the Royal Family- specifically given to him on the recommendation of the Elder Class.

They bestowed upon him the title of Aristia’s Lost Son, because his heart resonated with my people, our culture and the climate. This Estate has historical significance on Aristia; it is believed Armah dipped his hands into the hot springs after creating the universe to wash the dust from his hands and face. This dust settled as minerals in the water, these minerals were believed to be Armah’s Love or 'Agetha'.”

Odi was amazed by the story Jathan was telling, he wondered how much was real and how much was just folklore. Jathan continued, “Agetha is deadly only because men are greedy, and believe that the more you take -even in small amounts- the closer they are to Armah. But the Elders believe Agetha is to be used sparingly- if at all. Instead they teach that one can become close to Armah through meditation while bathing in the hot springs.”

Riki suddenly blinked, he had tears running down his face. He looked pale and weak; surprised to find himself back in bed with Odi and Jathan staring at him.

“What happened?”

Jathan took his hand. “Sir Riki, you collapsed in the arboretum, the twins found you on the ground after you began to scream.”

Riki felt his head. “My head really hurts! Is there anything I can take for this terrible ringing in my ears?”

Odi was concerned, Riki’s head wound, his ears ringing and now this?

“Riki, perhaps we should take you back to the Medical Center?”

“No- I’m okay, I just feel all wrong…I don’t know how to describe it. I feel like I’m treading water and my head feels like it’s full of all sorts of sounds; stuff keeps popping into my head- shit I’ve never even seen before.”

“Sir Riki, I believe the hot springs may do you some good. Why don’t we proceed with it as soon as possible? We’ll let you rest a bit while we prepare, then we’ll go down to the springs.”

Odi was hesitant to bring up Iason, there had been no word regarding his attackers, there were several dead assailants, but mostly Bio-Droids sold by the Black Market, and of course leads were nearly impossible to find, as the space dock was completely destroyed. He could really use Katze’s expertise right now. He sighed, as it would be a while before he could speak to him, as he was still recovering from surgery.

Riki, guessing his thoughts, turned to Odi. “No news on Iason huh?”

Odi shook his head, “It’s a mystery. I mean Iason has always been a high-profile Blondie, and he is always at risk. Being the Head of the Syndicate, you are bound to have enemies. People are drawn to Lord Mink, good or bad makes no difference, like moths to a flame.”

Riki suddenly grabbed Odi’s hand, “What did you say!?” His eyes wide with fear.

Odi once again spoke, “That it’s a mystery…”

“No- no! The part you said about moths and flame!”

Odi confused- repeated himself, “Oh, that people are drawn to Iason like a moth is drawn to a flame?”

“Yeah that part!” Riki then became animated flaying his arms everywhere. “A flame…holding a flame?Damn it I can’t remember!”

“Remember what?” Odi urged, “Riki? What’s wrong?”

Riki became quiet, he remembered that he wanted to tell Odi and Jathan his secret, though he was a bit hesitant.

“Riki? What’s wrong- you look like you have something to say?” Odi stared at Riki with concern.

Jathan began to worry, noticing Riki’s bandage as blood was seeping through again. “Sir Riki, please lie down, your wound has begun to bleed again.”

Riki touched his head, “Fuck! What’s up with this pain!?”

When Jathan removed the bandages, he was shocked, Riki now had lacerations over his right ear. “Armah! What is this!?” Jathan looked at Odi who was equally shocked.

“What’s going on? Why are you two freaking out?”

Jathan brought a mirror from the dresser and held it in front of Riki. As he looked at his head he gasped.

“What the hell! Where did this come from?”

Jathan began to panic, he clapped his hands calling the twins who ran to the master bedroom. “Get fresh bandages and go to the medicine closet and bring the ointment from the spring, hurry!” The twins scurried away as Jathan kept pressure on Riki’s head.

“Ow! Ow! Ow! That hurts! Damn it! What the hell is going on? Every time my ears ring my head bleeds! Now nightmares and voices!”

“Voices?” Jathan looked at Riki “What voices are you talking about?”

Odi noticed that Riki turned his head a bit averting his eyes. “Riki, what are you talking about?”

Riki was about to speak when the twins returned followed immediately by Tai.

“Riki! What’s wrong?” Tai looked at Odi and Jathan as they hovered about the bed.

Riki let Jathan re-dress the wound to the shocked expression of Tai and Odi.

“Armah help us! Riki what happened? That wound was not like that last night, I should know, I helped dress it!”

Riki’s head looked as if a butcher had sliced it. The slight bump and laceration had grown in size as if he just received it. Jathan began to pray silently as Tai also began to chant.

“What’s this?!” Riki cried out, “I’m not dying here you know! You’re both scaring the crap out of me- cut it out!”

Tai stopped and looked at Riki “Riki, you have signs of Armah’s Love.”

Riki looked at Tai, “What the hell is that?”

Odi interrupted, “Riki, you were about to tell us something…weren’t you?”

Riki looked a bit nervous with so many eyes looking at him. He took a deep breath then he sighed. Jathan dismissed the twins from the room, and the rest of the household that had gathered at the door. Jathan whispered a message to one of the twins as he closed the door.

He joined Odi and Tai who sat near the bed, waiting on Riki who looked rather nervous. He had planned on telling Odi and Jathan, but now there was no hiding it from Tai who still had worried written all over his face. He took another deep breath slowly letting it out.

“This is going to sound weird and stupid…”

“No Sir Riki, please tell us, what’s on your mind?” Jathan gave him a slight smile trying to comfort him.

Riki smirked, “Well, it’s not what’s on my mind, it’s what’s in it.” They all looked at Riki with confusion.

“Okay, when Iason was poisoned, he developed these big-ass headaches right? Well at times, he would see a bright light- a halo- and sometimes he could see…things.”

Everyone remained silent, listening to every word Riki spoke.

“Remember when I was taken by Raul? Iason used the halo- deliberately- and found me at the Taming Tower. Then there was the time he found me at Dana Burn remember? And then when he was publicly whipped, I felt his pain; his mind was on fire, and the pain was really fucked up- I felt it all!”

Tai and Jathan looked at each other and Odi just nodded saying, “Yeah, I remember all that, but what’s going on now?”

Riki was silent for a moment gathering his thoughts. “Well, remember when Iason whipped me with the C-20? Well, he gave me a set of Aristian Meditation Spheres; he said if I could learn how to properly meditate, I would receive an endorphin release in my head, because he refused to give me relief when I was…well...naughty.”

Odi grinned, “Hmm and you were quite a handful weren’t you?” Odi mused.

“Yeah, yeah whatever. So I couldn’t get how to use these balls, so Iason taught me…”

Tai smiled to himself, “There were several times I caught you using them.”

“Yeah, at first it was weird, but then Iason and I had this link that developed as we got better; but Iason really felt like crap when he initiated the link. The really neat thing was that when I initiated the link, Iason didn’t feel the pain. Iason wanted this kept secret because of the danger it would pose to both him and me.

If Jupiter were to find out, Iason felt she would get rid of me, or worse- tamper with his mind. He also felt others would use me, as a means to get to Iason, so he wanted to strengthen our link for just those risks.” Riki became quiet then whispered, “Iason was right all along, and now we are separated.”

Jathan felt sorry for Riki, the spoke. “Sir Riki, Lord Mink learned how to meditate here! The Elders sent me as a child along with one of the Elders, a Sage by the name of Petros to teach Lord Mink how to meditate in the hot springs. I was to learn this as part of my duties. Lord Mink loved the hot springs; whenever he used them and meditated, the candles flames would all flicker in unison- it was quite amazing.”

Tai, who did not know this asked Jathan. “Do you know why Petros a Sage- an Elder no less- would do this? This ritual of meditation in Armah’s Love is strictly for Aristian's of Noble Lineage, you know this.”

Jathan who knew this to be a secret said. “Yes- but Lord Mink was anointed as Aristia’s Lost Son. YOU know this also, did you not?”

Tai, who did not care to be recognized as a Royal- distant or not- turned away averting his eyes from Jathan’s knowing gaze. “Not all things are entrusted to those of birthright, Jathan.” Tai whispered. Odi, who knew his family was royalty, looked at his lover, knowing how much Tai’s rejection of his duties to his family and his falling out with his father wounded him.

Jathan finished dressing Riki’s head. “I have sent word to Elder Petros, he will know what to do. I have limited power and experience with these matters, as I am the attendant to the hot springs, however, I have never encountered a link as complex as this. Petros and his seat on the Elder Class would be beneficial if Riki links with Iason.”

Odi considered this carefully. “If Riki does reach Iason, we might be able to learn his location and who abducted him. With Lord Am on the way as we speak, we will need all the information ready and clear, so we can coordinate a rescue. Lord Am will certainly be anxious given the nature of his visit; I’m sure the fire lit up under him will make his journey a short one to be sure.”

Jathan agreed, as hope filled his heart that his Master might be alive. He was looking upon Riki with a renewed sense of understanding as to why his Master would love him so; they truly must have such a powerful bond. This final thought humbled him.

Riki looked quite pale and none too frightened, as matters were being discussed as if he were just a tool. He didn’t care about anything but getting Iason back safely. If it were true that he was linked not only mentally but physically, what must Iason’s condition be? If his wounds hurt like hell- and they did- what about all the aches and pains, were they also a manifestation of wounds that Iason also suffered? Riki was silent as the conversation continued among them.

Jathan noticed his silence, “Sir Riki, what is it?”

Riki looked at the three, who now turned their attention back to him.

“Well, I know that when I was taken to the Medical Center, I was examined all over, and well, other than the bump and cut on my forehead, I had some cuts and bruises right? So, now what is all this? I feel pain all over my body, each one worse than the before. Do does that mean that Iason is hurt badly?” Riki looked at them with such sad eyes, which told him the answer.

Jathan spoke softly. “Sir Riki, I don’t really know the extent of your link, but if your head wound is an indication of Lord Mink’s condition…then it may be so.”

Riki closed his eyes feeling his heart ache so much he just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. Tai and Odi felt for the little guy; knowing how much Riki loved Iason. They searched for words to comfort him, but fell silent.

Jathan then spoke, “Odi, please check Sir Riki’s body for anymore changes. I’ve left the mineral ointment and some cloths, please apply the ointment should anymore injuries appear. Sir Riki, I will leave Odi and Tai to keep you company, while I see to the preparations below as we wait on Elder Petros. We will commence as soon as he arrives, as your wounds are now more pressing. If need be, we may need to take you below and let you soak a bit, but I want you to hold on as long as you can alright?”

Riki nodded and then turned to look out the window, it was now late afternoon and the sun was beginning to descend towards the horizon. Riki wanted to hear Iason’s voice so much, he wanted to cry. Odi and Tai made him as comfortable as possible.

Riki suddenly grew tired, and spoke. “Hey guys I don’t feel so good.” Riki’s eyes filled with tears “What if we’re too late? What if Iason dies?” Riki closed his eyes.

Odi and Tai rushed to his side; they pulled the sheets away and began to examine him. Odi gasped, “Tai look at this! He has dark spots all over his left arm and across his chest!”

Tai examined his legs, “Armah! Look at his left leg!”

The two began to really panic as Riki’s body looked as if he had been beaten to a pulp “Riki…stay awake!” Tai shouted, as they began to apply the ointment all over Riki's body and were startled as Riki mumbled Iason’s name over and over and then fell into darkness.

Dusk had fallen and Jathan made final preparations for Riki’s treatment; he walked down the long corridor that descended to the hot springs below the Estate. Numerous candles lit the cavern in an eerie glow. The subtle scent on incense permeated throughout the cavern. Near the steps that led to the spring was a stone bench; fresh towels and several bath robes were placed there along with a set of Aristian Meditation Spheres. Once all preparations met with his approval, Jathan returned to see if Riki was ready.

He was met half way up the stairs by Marcus, the younger of the twins, who was worked up in a state of panic. “Jathan! It’s Sir Riki! Something is wrong, Lord Tai and the bodyguard were screaming for you!”

Jathan rushed to the master bedroom finding Odi and Tai lifting Riki off the bed.

“Quickly!” Odi ordered “We need to take Riki below NOW!”

Jathan froze as he now saw the deep bruises all over Riki’s body; especially his left arm and leg, indicating that Lord Mink may be in grave condition.

“Yes- of course- follow me!” Jathan quickly led the way down below the Estate. Odi and Tai were overwhelmed by the size of the cavern below the foundation. It seemed like the passage went on forever. Odi carried Riki in his arms completely unconscious.

Jathan spoke to Marcus, “Has there been any word on Petros?”

“Yes Sir” Marcus answered, “Alexei sent word that they were on their way, and should arrive shortly before sunset.”

As they entered the lower chamber, Odi and Tai could not believe the beauty of the hot springs surrounded by a multitude of large candles, as there were no modern light fixtures anywhere. There was a rather large window carved into the multi-colored rock chamber facing the ocean in the direction where the path of the sun as it set, would give the chamber it’s only source of light other than the candles that were always lit.

Odi handed Riki to Tai and Jathan as Marcus helped to undress him. A towel wrap was placed on him, which hung at the waist and was tied with a drawstring. Odi then turned around to take Riki. Tai had watched as his lover revealed his body, which was quite masculine, demonstrating his discipline in keeping fit; but to Tai he was beautiful, seemingly chiseled out of pale granite and blessed with charms he was very familiar with. But Tai frowned when he noticed the many cuts and bruises marring his otherwise perfect body; and knew Odi was in pain as they all were, after surviving the attack.

Odi was not concerned with Tai’s gaze at the moment; he was only thinking of Riki looking much like a broken doll as he was being held by Jathan and Tai. He took Riki back into his arms and walked towards the steps which led into the hot springs, he dipped a toe into the water testing its warmth. Odi felt a tingling sensation as the water at first stung his many cuts and bruises then slowly began to heal his body. Odi was amazed and speechless, as the minerals bubbled around his legs, then a calming sensation washed over him and he closed his eyes.

“Let’s not immerse him yet Odi, until the Elder arrives. We don’t know what will happen to Sir Riki if we immerse him completely. Odi nodded and sat down on the top step placing Riki on his lap. Tai and Jathan along with Marcus all undressed, and they too joined Odi at the steps and with their hands dipped in the water; they slowly massaged the mineral water over Riki’s body. The cuts on Tai’s hands began to heal before his eyes, and he began to silently pray over Riki. Riki’s bruises however, did not fade as Odi’s and Tai’s did, and this confused them all but they continued to massage the warm mineral water over Riki’s body.

*~*~*

Petros looked out the shuttle window as the sun closed in on the horizon. He wondered about Iason and Riki. Although Alexei explained the situation to the older man, he didn’t know how Iason fared having heard about the attack on the Ios. He was personally looking forward to meeting up with him, to see how the young man had matured into his title position as Head of the Syndicate.

He no doubt had heard all the rumors regarding the famed Blondie who was greatly admired on many worlds; but all that paled in comparison to his importance to Aristia and the Elder Class. He recalled when Iason first arrived on Aristia; he was a young man fresh from the Academy, on his first trip as a Dignitary from Amoi there to attend the Trade Conference that would establish open trade relations with Aristia.

When he first set eyes on the young Lord, Petros was representing Aristia’s Cultural Committee, that welcomed all the Dignitaries with an elaborate ceremony. This included a day filled with a traditional dance involving each Dignitary. It was all in good taste and was more of a festival than anything else.

While most of them stumbled about trying to keep up with the young men and women that led them, Iason seemed to glide as if walking on air. He mimicked each move as if he knew the dance by heart. The young lady who danced with him blushed when Iason’s beautiful sapphire eyes gazed upon her and held her hand tenderly with the utmost care. He bowed gracefully as the dance ended and kissed her hand. She just about fainted when he smiled and thanked her for the pleasure of her company. This was not lost in Petros who seemed drawn to the young Blondie.

The Dignitaries were a given a taste of the local delicacies, traditional dishes and fruits, confections, wines and spice. Not all partook of the offerings and bypassed this part of the Opening Ceremonies, however, Iason seemed to come alive with the sights and sounds of all he witnessed. He tasted every dish, considering he rarely ate much, and seemed to crave the wines that were offered.

Petros decided to sit at his table and approached Iason. “May I join you Lord Mink?” Petros bowed as he smiled at Iason.

Iason noticed his robes made of midnight blue silk; the intricate embroidery was done in gold silk thread beautifully stitched into golden flowers along the long sleeves and raised collar. He had long graying hair with light brown and auburn highlights revealing his younger shades. He looked weathered and his eyes betrayed wisdom and reverence. Around his neck he wore a golden amulet with symbols that caught his eye. Iason smiled politely, “Certainly, please do.”

Petros looked at Iason’s face entranced by his handsome features, beauty he had never seen before. Of course he had heard of Jupiter’s Blondie’s, manufactured by the sentient computer on Amoi. Each Blondie was a work of art he was told, and now saw firsthand, that the rumors where all true. Iason was stunning; a vision with his long almost white blond hair; flawless skin and sapphire eyes the likes of which he had never seen before.

*~*~*

That was the first time Petros had met a Blondie from Amoi. His first impression was of a young man who had destiny written all over him; a destiny now in danger of unraveling before his eyes. He was certain as was the Elder Class that Iason had a role to fulfill, one that would shake the foundations of the known universe; and he was not going to let it slip through his hands.

His little Pet also has a role it seems- one he may have overlooked somewhere along the line; perhaps this one piece of the puzzle was yet to be revealed. There was so much evidence to lead the Elder Class to Iason Mink, and if Iason was indeed the link created by “Armah’s Love,” then Riki may very well be the one to light his path.

The shuttle landed on the island and Alexei rushed Petros down to the hot springs, where the winded Sage took in the sight; Riki was unconscious in Odi’s arms as Tai and Jathan poured the mineral water over his entire body. Riki’s body seemed weak and frail, the bruises and lacerations were dark and deep, he feared the young man was at death’s door.

“You must all exit the water!”

Petros shouted as he neared the bottom of the stairs.

“You may remain in the chamber, however, strict silence must be observed; you must not interfere. Whatever you are about to witness must be kept secret with no exception.”

Petros neared the hot spring, and bent down to catch his breath.

“When I give the word you must hand Riki to me, and do as I have commanded. I will enter a meditative state and attempt to strengthen the link between Riki and Lord Mink. I do not know what will happen next, so perhaps the little one there can guide me from there on.”

Petros removed all his jewelry, as Alexei helped him undress. He softly stepped into the hot spring and carefully dipped his body, not wanting to disturb the calm of water. He then slowly rose from the water with a look of serene confidence. His eyes betrayed the wisdom he held within..

Odi and the others noticed the Sage’s body which was adorned with symbols throughout; this meant little to Odi, but to Tai, Jathan and Alexei, what caught their attention, were the tattoos down both arms.

On his left arm was written in the language of the Ancient’s:

“The Flame Within will burn if held too tight”

And down the right arm was written:

“The Tempest within will fan the Flame.”

Petros began to meditate in the spring, his arms were stretched out, and he was facing the group of men. Then suddenly, the candles flicked in unison and the chamber became still as if the air had been sucked out, and only the sounds of the men breathing could be heard.

“Bring Riki to me Odi, but do not step into the spring.”

Odi moved forward and came down to one knee and passed Riki to Petros’ waiting embrace. Petros took a few steps back going deeper into the water when suddenly, a gust of warm wind swirled around them and the Sage spoke:

“The Tempest has arrived slumbering Flame, can you not hear his heart howling your name?”

Petros gazed down upon Riki who’s eyes blinked then opened. He looked so small in the strong embrace of tall Sage. He smiled and spoke:

“Riki, hold your breath little one, and fear not.”

Slowly Petros submerged with Riki in his arms and remain under for what seemed an eternity. Odi and the others looked into the water, and then suddenly a flash of light appeared in the water and bathed the chamber in a golden light. Petros slowly emerged holding Riki in his arms. Tai and Jathan began to silently pray as they could not believe their eyes.

Riki opened his eyes, but remained silent in the arms of Petros, who also stared out in front of him. All of Riki’s injuries had vanished; his color returned, and he was breathing calmly as was Petros. Riki had a far away look, as if he was looking upon some right before his eyes.

Then Riki calmly raised one hand, and spoke, “Iason, I am here, turn around…I am over here- look at me love…turn away from the sea of darkness, follow my voice to the light…I am real…”

~*~*~

Thanx for reading my little story, please give a review!