Firebrand Read Free

true potential time and again, are blind to the truth. By now, I’m certain my skills have exceeded even yours.”
    Jarial’s face flushed, and he looked daggers at the noble. “Enjoy your ‘newfound discovery’ while you can, Xavorin,” he hissed, a small crackle of electrical energy emanating from his slate-grey eyes. “It will slowly consume your soul until you are nothing more than a corpse—and quite fitting, I might add, for someone who betrayed me. Now leave, and do not speak to me again.”
    The crowd around Jarial’s booth began to scatter as tension rose between the two men. The annoyed tone in Jarial’s voice startled Kaijin, who, when he tried to stand, bumped his head under the table.
    Xavorin’s face was clearly panic-stricken, and the commotion drew the attention of a few guards. He promptly walked away.
    After Xavorin disappeared into the crowd, Jarial regarded Kaijin. The electric sparks around Jarial’s eyes dissipated. “Are you all right, lad?”
    Kaijin winced and rubbed the back of his throbbing head, but managed to give Jarial a small nod.
    “Good.” Jarial began tidying the books into neat piles, swearing under his breath. “I’m sorry you had to witness that. Please don’t hesitate to browse more, if you wish.”
    Kaijin opened his mouth to say something, but quickly closed it. The thought of browsing more books sounded much more appealing. His eyes scanned for a new stack to search and stopped on a large, locked chest sitting at the rear of the booth. A small pot sat on top and a mysterious, cerulean flame burned from within.
    Jarial continued his work, seeming to pay little mind to Kaijin’s actions. “So, tell me. Where are your parents? It is strange for a young child to be wandering alone in a busy city like this. Though, I will admit, I’ve never met a child outside the Citadel who was so young and eager to learn magic.”
    Kaijin approached the chest to investigate the strange pot, his eyes fixated on the dancing flame. “Why is the fire blue?”
    “A magical component makes it burn that way, lad.” Jarial sounded amused.
    Entranced by the beautiful flame, Kaijin extended his hand to touch it. The heat from the fire intensified the closer his hand drew, as did the tingling sensation in his body, which caused him to shiver. Running his hand along the top of the pot, Kaijin studied the flame that emitted tiny showers of blue sparks as it licked between his fingers. The flame eventually seared his fingertips, causing him to let out a small cry of pain as he jerked his hand away to nurse his injury.
    Jarial hustled to Kaijin’s side. “Now why in the hells did you do that?” He smacked Kaijin on the back of the head before moving the pot out of his reach. “You burned yourself, didn’t you?”
    Before Kaijin could respond, he felt a firm hand grab his forearm and heard his father’s stern voice bellow, “Kaijin! Don’t ever do that again!”
    Ramon spun Kaijin around to face him.
    Kaijin cringed, holding his injured hand.
    Ramon examined the burns on Kaijin’s hand and grabbed it, igniting another flare of pain. “Serves you right for getting burned.” He scowled. “Now, maybe next time you won’t do it again! And another thing ...”
    Kaijin was scolded for several minutes. When they finally turned to leave, Kaijin heard Jarial’s voice. “Excuse me, sir. I presume you must be this boy’s father. May I, perhaps, have a word with you?”
    Ramon glared at Jarial. “Fine, but make it quick.”
    “Of course, sir.” Jarial ushered the man to a more secluded spot in the booth where they spoke in hushed tones.
    Kaijin remained silent and still, minding his manners and not eavesdropping on the two adults. His eyes drifted to the burning pot which now sat atop a towering stack of books. A brief sense of peace filled Kaijin’s mind when he stared at the entrancing blue flame, its glow ebbing and flowing smoothly. When the sensation subsided, Kaijin could feel his