Spark of a Flame Chapter Two

The Prophecy

A thousand thoughts raced through Liam’s mind all at once. Had this man followed them here or had he just heard them playing? How long had he been waiting there and how much had he seen? But whenever he finally managed to speak, none of this came out of his mouth.

“I–I didn’t mean to–”

“It’s okay,” the man interrupted. “I’m one too.”

Liam’s breathing faltered.

These were the last words he had expected to hear from the stranger’s mouth. One what, a pyrend?

The old man made a spark in the air with a snap of his fingers, addressing Liam’s confusion.

“I knew you were a pyrend the moment I saw you in the bakery… I was curious as to what you would be doing with your friend there.” He nodded at Pat.

“But how–” Liam stammered.

“I have my tricks,” he interjected with a smile. “Do your parents know what you do out here?”

“We–we don’t always–” Pat started, but then lost his words. “No,” he finally said, deflated.

“Well, be more careful,” the man scoffed at them. “You wouldn’t want those hot-headed pawns the queen uses for soldiers catching you.”

“No, sir,” said Pat.

The old man paused, gazing over the pond, toward the setting sun.

Liam could feel his pulse pounding in his neck. What were this man’s true intentions, why was he here? Did the old man know Natalya from years ago, from before she went by Ballard?

“Alright” the old man said, “Well you boys better get home.”

For a moment he paused, amused at the shock left on both Liam and Pat’s faces, then a glance or two later, he turned and started walking back toward town. “I’m sure I’ll see you again at some point,” he called out over his shoulder as he disappeared through the trees.

Pat and Liam stood there, transfixed, both staring in the direction of the trees in which the old man had just disappeared. After a few moments, Pat spoke, breaking the silence.

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