Touch of Flame

Malachi became thoughtful thinking of the conversation he had with Ares and the ones he had with his people. “Mostly politics.” He replied. “Speaking to people today I realized… I don’t know much about being a ruler. All that I know is from my father and I didn’t like his ways. There is a lot I need to do and change.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What made you think so?”

“I found out that I don’t know much about my people. I always thought I was alone in my thoughts when my father was alive. I dared do nothing because I thought I was the odd one. Something had to be wrong with me for thinking differently when everyone else didn’t protest. I was wrong. There are many who think like me. More people than I could imagine.”

Ravina nodded. “Everyone is afraid to be the odd one so they all try to blend in until one sticks out and people follow.”

They exchanged an understanding look and she gave him an encouraging smile.

Malachi smiled as well. “You have no idea how beautiful your smile is…” he said getting off-topic. It was difficult not to be distracted now and then.

Her smile widened and a flush colored her cheeks as she looked down in that alluring way before gazing up at him again. What a way to seduce him.

Pulling himself together he went back to the topic again. Ravina knew more about weapons than he did, so he wanted to know her thoughts. “I spoke to Ares about the weapons…” he began and then told her what they spoke about.

Ravina listened thoughtfully. “You two don’t have to worry. We can keep the pistols in one place and the bullets in another so even if one is found it can’t be used without the other. Those we train, we can supply with. They can’t use it forever anyway and will need to reload. Having access to those weapons will also make more people willing to join our side. No one wants to be on the weaker side.”

She had really thought through it. No wonder the man trusted her.

“There are inventions beyond pistols. We can invent things to not only keep our weapons safe, like a lock system or something…” she was thinking hard. “But we can also put traps for those wanting to attack your kingdom. Just like the castle had walls. As the king of all dragons and with plans to bring about a change, having extra security will be crucial.”

“We have a lot to do then.” He said.

She looked at him for a long moment.

“What is it?” He asked.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind tonight.”

“I do.”

“Let’s sleep for now. We will take tomorrow when it comes.”

“You sound like Chanan now.”

She chuckled.

“I don’t think I can sleep.”

Suddenly her fingers were reaching for his face and he closed his eyes. He felt the soft touch of her fingertips on his temple, over his eyelids and down the rest of his face. A shiver went through him. What was she doing?

She did again, this time softer, slower, lingering a little more on his lips. How could she have a touch so electrifying yet soothing at the same time? He let her caress him to sleep, afraid that even the slightest movement would awaken him from this heaven but it seemed the heavy thoughts remained at the back of his mind and soon his heaven turned into hell.

Screams filled his mind. Terrified screams and he was again chasing people the size of ants from where he flew. No. He didn’t want to. He tried to stop what he was doing but he couldn’t. He opened his mouth.

No!

“No! Malachi!” Now his sister’s voice cut through the screams.

No, please…

He fought to wake up already dreading to hear her cries but his body was numb just like that time when he tried to get to her. His eyes burned as he listened, stuck in his immobile body.

“Malachi!”

No. Stop the cries.

“Malachi!”

His body was starting to move. Shaking. The heat was replaced by with a soothing cold as he drifted away from the screams.

“Malachi?!” A soft voice called him, awakening him with a cold splash of water.

He gasped and shot his eyes open.

“I am sorry. I didn’t know how else to awaken you?”

Before he could wake from his confusion, Ravina’s blue eyes met his. She looked at him worried as she gently wiped the water away from his face.

“It is alright,” she stroked his hair back.

Malachi took a few deep breaths. He hated those nightmares. Why did they come back again?

“What is haunting you?” She asked softly.

His eyes burned. “My… my sister.”

Her eyes seemed to glisten in the dim light. She said nothing and just held his hand. After a moment he pulled her down and she rested her head on his shoulder.

She placed her cold hand right on the middle of his bare chest.

“What was your sister like?” She asked.

Malachi thought back to the fond memories he had with his sister and felt a lump in his throat as he tried to answer her question.

“My sister was very innocent but also extremely mischievous. She would keep all on our toes, tease us, entertain us, make us laugh, and forget about all of our worries. She was the light in our home. Always smiling, always helpful, and positive. A friend to everyone, a lover of animals and a protector of nature.” Malachi got lost in the memories of her and smiled. She had been the one to keep things light in their family. “She could be very cunning too. She always found out our secrets and would use them against us when needed. She could make us brothers fight or be friends easily. She kept us all together.”

“She sounds wonderful,” Ravina said.

“She was.”

And with those wonderful memories of his sister, he closed his eyes again.