Firebird

Chapter 15- Caged

   I tensed as he moved away again. Slowly, I relaxed. With a sigh I concentrated on moving the orb of fire move from my hands.

   It rose slightly, expanding slowly. I was overwhelmed with excitement but still tried not to move much. I mentally ordered it where to move and it did, following the pattern I arranged in my mind. It glided around mine and Fargus’s heads, swirling in a long wisp.

   “Bring it back.” Fargus said quietly.

   I did, putting my hands out in their original position. It flew joyously back into my palms and I put it out by simply thinking it. I was somewhat sad to see it go after all that work.

   Fargus beamed at me. “See? You can do it. Now just learn to keep it going as you do your aerial stunts and you’ll be the greatest in the show.”

   I laughed. “You’re the greatest in the show. I doubt I’ll pass you anytime soon.”

   “You will someday though. My guess is you’ll be the finale one day.”

   I didn’t want to. That would mean he’d be ‘let go’ so I could replace him. I couldn’t live with that. I shook my head. “I won’t accept if Chalavar offers. Not if it means replacing you.”

   “That’s very kind of you but Chalavar doesn’t offer. He forces.”

   “Well I won’t let him force me.”

   His eyes fell from mine. He wasn’t going to argue with me. I wasn’t going to continue the conversation. I stood to leave. I needed to ask Astley about the random flashback I’d had. Maybe it was his... “I have to talk to Astley then practice with Hyun. See you tonight?”

   “I’m sure we’ll see each other. When you’re finished with Astley, could you send him over? I need to speak with him also.”

   I nodded. “Thank you for helping me.”

   “Anytime.”

   I left him somewhat reluctantly. There was something off about his mood and I wasn’t sure what it was. I knew he wouldn’t tell me if I asked.

   I walked slowly, looking around as I headed back to my tent. I could see the town. It wasn’t far away. They never were. They were right within my reach. No one else ever left camp that I knew off. But maybe… I could go there. Just for a moment.

   I passed between two tents and stood just past them. Nothing happened so I went a little further. And further. And further. That feeling of heaviness , like you get in dreams when trying run, came over me. I hurriedly leapt back a couple paces.

   I couldn’t go. I stared longingly towards it, listening to their joyful, everyday noise. They shouted greetings to each other and laughed. I could barely see them but there were children playing in the stone streets. They squealed excitedly at each other. The smell of fish wafted in my direction.

   I felt like a caged animal.

   I was pulled from my daze by a roar. It was one f the tigers. But it didn’t sound as clear as their’s. It was raspy and more fierce. Curious, I turned away from the town to find it. Having so much free time put me in a very inquisitive mood.

   It was at the very end of camp. A covered cage. Speaking of caged animals…

   I found this unusual because the tigers normally roamed free through camp. They never hurt anyone. They actually were quite friendly most of the time. If they weren’t, they kept to themselves.

   The roaring was now a soft rumble. I approached slowly, trying not to make too much noise and disturb it. I gently lifted the cover over the large cage. The tiger leapt out at me, ramming into the side of the cage with an angry growl.