Shield of Fire

The smell of freshly boiled violet pona fruit fills the air with a sweet and salty mix and a sense of comfort. Crini slowly opens her eyes. The crackling sound of fire caresses her ears gently. Taking a deep breath in, Crini lets all these smells and sounds captivate her senses and a warm feeling spreads in her chest. But her brain cells instantly wake up, causing an electric current to run through her body, bringing dread and shock. Crini jolts standing up, dropping the blanket on the floor.

But she doesn’t remember bringing a blanket with her.

Shoving away all these minor details to think of them later, Crini pushes the tent cloth away stepping outside. Most of the group are already awake. Moiki and Zoiki are pouring water into their wooden cups while they seem to be absorbed in an interesting discussion with Jato. The moment she takes a few steps, she feels three sets of eyes zooming instantly at her. The blood freezes in her veins and her stomach turn into a knot. Crini tries to read their expressions but the damage is done. Even if they have the best intentions, their faces don’t show it. Or Crini doesn’t see it. Because now the worm of doubt has entered her head, polluting her thoughts.

Waving her hand at them she wishes them a pleasant day - as it is accustomed in Ethnos - and they mirror her gesture. Normally, she would approach them for small talk but today all look different in her eyes. Whenever she turns she sees foes. The once kind smiles suddenly turn sinister. Their eyes instead of honest and sincere, now they look shady. The air around them has changed. Is charged with malice. All point in one direction. Her.

A soft poke on the shoulder brings her back to reality. It is then that she realises her irregular breath, making her chest move quickly up and down and a general tremble spreading through her cells. Her palms are sweaty, instead of the regular cold. She swallows hard, hoping the fear within will go away. But it doesn’t. The frame of a huge shadow towers over her, the shade dancing at the rhythm of the flames.

Turning to her left, she tries to look over her shoulder. Shiny long hair is the first thing she notices. An Encreean. But who?

“Greetings and a pleasant day, Crini.” a cold voice - more similar to a robot than a living being - echoes above her.

“Pleasant day, Lura” Crini puts on her best smile possible as she fully turns to meet him. He stands tall, so close that Crini has to lift her head to meet his face, so much it could be painful if she keeps looking at him for more than a few minutes pass.

“Master Helion has requested your presence.” his voice drops to a whisper.

Shaking her hand in the air like no big deal, Crini lets a short laugh out. “You don’t have to talk to me like that Lura. I’m used to simpler talking.” However, his deadpan expression sends the message. Either he didn’t understand her desperate attempt to lighten up the atmosphere or he just ignored her. “All right, I’ll go see him.” she breathes out.

Looking around, she spots Helion standing by the fire. Taking another glance around to make sure, she sees that all are occupied splitting the supplies and gathering their staff preparing to depart. Although her light walking, Helion’s attention pins at her as she approaches.

“Thank you very much for accepting to see me,” Helion speaks with a soft smirk. His voice is so calm that Crini feels a small veil of relief resting on her shoulders. “I won’t keep you long though. As we need to move on, I’ll get right to the matter. I want you to reconsider your choice and come with me and Moiki.”

Crini tilts her head to the side. She wasn’t expecting something like that. And something within wanted to accept his invitation but she was bound by her promises.

“I’m afraid I’d have to decline your kind offer. I have to be in Tadal’s team.” she tries to reject him as smoothly as she can. Helion has been nice to her but she couldn’t meet his request.

“I’m sure you’ve noticed, but something has changed lately. Things are not as they seem.”

Crini’s eyes grow wide and her mouth opens but she immediately composes herself. The look on Helion’s face becomes darker.

“Thank you, Helion for your concern. I’ll keep my eyes open.” she gives a friendly smile as she stands up. With swift steps she walks away, feeling more confused and troubled than before. Sadness was taking hold of her body. That darkness lurking behind his eyes. The way his face changed. Small changes most wouldn’t notice, but she did.

Something in Helion was off too!

Closing her eyes, Crini takes a deep breath in. Gathering all the strength she could take, she lets the air flow out of her lungs. She bends down, making move like she’s adjusting something in her boot. Reaching the empty space on the side, she lets her hands slip down until it reaches the metal cylinder. Acting as if nothing happened, she slowly takes her hand back up and puts it into her pocket. Her steps become heavy as she approaches the already split teams, standing by Tadal’s side.