This is a continuation of my new series...
Most children are naturally curious regardless of what element they are born into. And as much as Sarah wanted to hide the boys away from the Earth Circle she knew she couldn’t. The little girl with the big brown eyes who wore her long dark hair in two braids was named Calla. It shouldn’t have surprised Sarah in the least when Adam, Evan, and Calla came off that bus the first day of kindergarten in a fit of giggles.
Later that evening while Sarah was cleaning up supper an unexpected visitor came knocking at the door. This was a moment she had equally feared and anticipated since she witnessed Calla’s magic that morning. As much as she loved and trusted her boys, they were children after all and most five year olds aren’t very good at keeping secrets. A tall olive skinned man with wavy shoulder length brown hair and those deep set brown eyes with smile lines dancing around them. Comfort immediately washed over Sarah’s entire self.
“Allan.”
They immediately joined in a warm embrace as laughter escaped both their bodies. An old familiar face. Allan of the Earth was someone she had come to know through the Inter Element Council Meetings. He was always so rational, thoughtful, and careful with the words he chose as was classic of those born of the Earth. There are many people, most of them kind, that Sarah has come across in her lifetime but very few she would consider a true friend. Allan was that special exception.
When they pulled away he shook his head, “I would have never expected to find you in my neck of the woods, literally. But I am sure you somehow knew we would once again cross paths.”
Sarah’s sixth sense didn’t always come as solid clear visions, more often than not it was in the form of a guiding intuition. This must be how she ended up in Valley Cottage of all places. She motioned for him to come inside. They sat across from one another in the living room reminiscing over what seemed like another lifetime ago. Calla was his granddaughter and he boasted as all proud grandparents do. Sarah could not argue what a lovely girl she sensed Calla to be or how natural a friendship between her and the boys seemed.
Allan abruptly changed the topic, “The prophecy is true then? The child born of two opposing elements that will change the course for all four.”
Sarah smiled, “You know I was never one to give into such silly tales. Besides the prophecy tells of one child and as you know there are two. Additionally one is clearly fire while the other is clearly water. They show no evidence of being able to cross over.”
“Sarah my friend, you forget how long and how well I know you. If you did not believe in the prophecy then you would not have run away with them or be trying to hide them.”
“Who is hiding?” She calls the boys down to join them in the living room. Adam was cautious of the strange man in their home while Evan immediately approached him grinning ear to ear. How bold that little boy was! Why was Sarah still surprised after all this time?
Allan knew this little boy was itching to show him something and he happily obliged. Evan turned towards the still fireplace piled with unused logs. He shut his eyes, balled his hands into tiny fists, and muttered something quietly to himself. It started with a small spark that quickly ignited into a giant flame. On instinct Adam pushed his palm out to flush it with water.
Allan let out a hearty laugh, “How has this house not been destroyed yet? They are so strong for being so young. And how are you teaching him the ways of fire?”
Her face turned into a frown as she sent the boys back to their room upstairs. Sarah explained in hushed tones that she in fact had no hand in Evan’s abilities, he was completely driven by instinct. This both scared and impressed her. Although Adam was just as naturally gifted, she knew how to mentor his development. She feared if she did not find someone soon to properly harness Evan’s strength it could turn into something very destructive, much like his mother. At the mention of Athena a single tear fell down her face.
Allan brushed it away with his thumb, “Be careful, your water heart is showing.”
It is true now that they lived among Commons they had to take extra precautions not to show exactly who or what they were. Sarah knew the risk when she brought the boys here, yet she felt it was still a smarter choice than staying among her own kind. Although there are moments when she longs for the comforts of the life she once belonged to. Perhaps the three of them could attempt to live some sort of non mystical life and this would keep them all safe.
"Sarah don't fool yourself into thinking all trouble has been left behind. There are still whispers among the council members of what happened in that fire village. Some believe the baby survived. And the bodies of the parents were never found."
Hope filled her heart at the thought of her son still being alive. She could track him, the strongest connection is between a mother and their child. Although if Athena survived she could track the boys just as easily. And if she is still as power thirsty as she was that day the boys wouldn't stand a chance against her being so young and new at their crafts. She squeezed Allan's hand, "The boys need to get stronger, but I cannot do it alone. Especially with Evan."
"I may know someone. This person is very unconventional, so you must keep an open mind and trust me."
She knew her options were limited, but she had to take what she could get.
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