Touch of Flame

“How did things go?” Malachi inquired, directing his question at his brother Aaron.

A reassuring smile played on Aaron’s lips. “Smooth sailing. There’s a lot of curiosity surrounding the new order, so I took some time to interact with them, promoting a positive outlook,” he replied with a sense of accomplishment. “I had a few allies assisting me as well.” He grinned.

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“And what has kept you busy?” Aaron reciprocated the question.

“Ravina has found her father and sister,” Malachi revealed.

A spark of surprise flickered in Aaron’s eyes. “That’s good news.”

“Yes, it’s been quite an emotional journey for her,” Malachi acknowledged.

“I can imagine,” Aaron mused, lost momentarily in contemplation. Then his train of thought seemed to wander elsewhere.

“Where is Saul?” Malachi asked.

Aaron drew in a deep breath, his expression grave. “He’s… left.”

Malachi sighed deeply. The absence of his brother weighed heavily on his heart.

“You did what was necessary,” Aaron consoled, reaching out in an attempt to comfort him. “It’s painful, but only you could do that for him and he needs it.”

Malachi couldn’t allow himself to be idle anymore. He needed to know where Saul was and find him. He couldn’t lose another sibling. This time, he had to take action before it was too late.

“We need to find him,” he told Aaron, determination marking his words.

Together, Malachi and Aaron embarked on a search for their missing brother. They located Joel first, who willingly joined their cause, followed by Kenan, who was equally cooperative. However, Saul remained missing. They searched relentlessly, leaving no stone unturned. The fruitless search only heightened Malachi’s anxiety.

“He won’t do anything reckless. He just needs some space,” Kenan reassured. “Don’t pretend to be concerned now that you’ve driven him away for a woman.”

“Kenan. Enough!” Joel reprimanded.

“What? You’re supporting them now?” Kenan retorted, frustration apparent in his tone.

“Can’t we let go of sides?” Joel suggested, trying to calm the escalating tension.

Despite the glaring exchange, they refocused their energies on their mission. After an exhaustive search, they decided to wait, hopeful that Saul would return before the situation escalated into panic.

While waiting, Malachi was drawn to the temple. He was about to fly over but halted abruptly, his gaze lingering on the ascending steps. He opted to heed Chanan’s advice and too the stairs up. Upon reaching the top, his heart pounded, and his breaths came in ragged gasps.

The temple’s design allowed a cool breeze to seep in from both sides, which, coupled with his sweating due to exertion and rapid heartbeat, heightened the sense of tranquility at the top. 

His senses were more receptive; the sound of his heartbeat echoed in his ears, his breaths became louder and more profound. The night above seemed to amplify the senses, painting a vivid tableau of the star-lit mountains in the distance and the palpable peace of the elevated temple. A feeling of accomplishment washed over him, creating a sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Choosing a secluded spot on the temple’s edge, Malachi sat, his gaze transfixed on the distant mountains. The quiet solitude provided a much-needed retreat from the worldly commotion, a moment to reflect and rejuvenate.

As he reveled in this solitary moment, he sensed a presence behind him.

“Malachi.”

The familiarity of the voice sent a shiver down his spine. It was Saul.

Malachi rose, turning to find Saul standing there. He looked weathered, his face etched with lines of worry and sadness. His eyes had a dull sheen, and his hair was ruffled, giving him a disheveled look. It was clear that he had spent his day in misery. 

“Where were you?” Malachi asked, an edge of concern tinting his words.

Saul took a deep breath, his chest visibly rising and then falling as he did so. “Where could I go?” His voice was laced with a myriad of emotions.

Malachi observed his brother, trying to decipher his state of mind. “Where would you want to go?” he asked.

Saul’s eyes glistened, the edges crinkling as he held back tears. His jaw tensed as he replied, “I thought about it. There is no place to escape.” He raised his gaze to meet Malachi’s. “You were right. How long can I run away? How long can I hide behind anger and resentment?”

Hearing Saul’s admission, a wave of relief washed over Malachi. It was as though a burden had lifted from his shoulders. He stepped forward, maintaining eye contact. “You don’t have to. You are not alone.”

Saul nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting a vulnerability that was seldom seen. His hardened exterior seemed to have melted, revealing emotional turmoil beneath. “I really missed the old us as brothers.”

“Me too,” Malachi agreed, his voice soft but steady. “But I believe the new us can be even better.”

Saul’s eyes welled up, the dam of his emotions threatening to break. “I blamed you so much for what happened to Amal. I wanted you to hurt as much as I did.”

“You didn’t have to try. I wanted to share your pain. Just seeing you like that… hurt enough,” Malachi admitted, his voice choked with pain.

The effect of Malachi’s words was visibly apparent in Saul. His face contorted in a grimace of pain, tears beginning to streak down his cheeks. His body seemed to sag under the weight of the realization. 

He staggered forward, closing the gap between them, and then, unexpectedly, he embraced Malachi. His arms wound tightly around his brother as he surrendered to his overwhelming emotions,  silently crying into Malachi’s shoulder. 

Malachi returned the hug, unable to contain his own tears. It had been such a long time since he had shared such a moment with Saul, since he had hugged him. They used to be inseparable, they would constantly be at each other’s throats, engaging in good-natured wrestles and playful tussles. Their days would be filled with laughter, competition, teasing, and endless mischief. 

Sometimes they would have serious fights, but the anger never lasted long. This was the longest they had been apart, and Malachi felt the loneliest without his brother. 

“I missed you,” Saul said. 

“I missed you too,” Malachi confessed, his voice muffled against his brother’s shoulder.

They remained like that for a long moment, the silence between them filled with years of unspoken words and pent-up emotions. The night sky stretched above them, dotted with countless stars, while the cold wind ruffled their hair and clothes. Despite the chill, warmth radiated from their intertwined forms, from the shared bond that was slowly healing itself.

Finally, Saul pulled back slightly, his hands still resting on Malachi’s shoulders. His eyes held a strange mixture of remorse, gratitude, and hope. “I am sorry, Malachi. I’ve been so…” he hesitated, searching for the right word.

“Lost?” Malachi suggested gently.

Saul nodded. “Yes, lost.” He admitted, a sad smile playing on his lips. “And I have been unfair to you, projecting my anger and pain onto you.”

“Perhaps,” Malachi agreed. “But I could have handled it better, too. We both made mistakes, Saul.” He paused, then added, “And you know what Chanan says about mistakes?”

Saul almost smiled and shook his head. “Are you going to preach now?” 

Malachi chuckled. “Can I not?” 

“I think that is the old man’s job.” 

“Allow me then!” 

Malachi and Saul became startled at the sudden sound of Chanan’s voice. Sometimes Malachi believed the man to be a magician. He always appeared at the mention of his name. 

He looked at them, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “It is indeed the perfect place to reunite.” He then looked specifically at Saul. “And I’ll let your brother do the preaching since a good preacher is not a teacher but a companion. A friend. Someone who walks beside you, understands and shares your pain and sorrow, and who does it better than your brother?” 

Saul nodded. “You are right. It is just odd coming from his mouth.” He teased. 

Chanan chuckled while Malachi shot his brother a sideways glance. “How about spending the night here, together, spending some more time alone and away from the world? I will bring a few mats.” He said, not waiting for an answer, and then disappeared into the secluded room. 

He returned briefly, giving them each a small mat and a hard pillow. “Good night then.” He said that and flew away. 

Saul rolled out his mat, and Malachi followed, both of them lying down. They were quiet for a long moment, only listening to the night breeze. “I don’t hate Ravina, by the way,” Saul finally spoke. 

Malachi smiled, staring at the painted ceiling. “I know.” 

Saul snorted. “Really?” 

“Yes, but when did the hate stop?” Malachi wondered. 

Saul was thoughtful for a moment. “The day you both were attacked. I wanted to blame her for it, but it was difficult seeing how much she cared for you. It seemed she was even… ready to leave.” 

She was? Malachi didn’t know that part. 

Saul turned to him, “where is she now?” 

Malachi told his brother all that happened, unburdening. “Do you remember him?” He asked his brother, speaking of King Richard. 

Saul took a deep breath. “Yes,” he exhaled. “I know that isn’t a good impression, but… we were the terrorizers. I don’t think that part made you worse.” They were speaking about the part where they laughed at him for offering peace. 

“I know. It can’t get worse than terrorizing.” Malachi replied. “If she was your daughter, would you let me be with her?” 

Saul remained quiet, and Malachi already knew the answer. “I am sure with Ravina, he will change his mind. I will talk to him as well and apologize.” He said at last. 

Malachi just smiled, happy to have his protective brother back. Now it felt like all would be well with his brother by his side. This would only be another obstacle they would overcome.