THE BEAST

Truths revealed

Eddy flew west, to the volcano. The volcano earned the name Tartarus as the biggest volcano in the continent and was said to be the birthplace of all the fire creatures. This was where Eddy hid the egg, the place he knew no mortals can reach because of the heat.

Eddy swooped into the heart of the volcano, where the light of the lava enveloped him. He perched on the crack close to the boiling liquid and found the egg where he has left if 500 years ago - the pearly egg shining in the dark. The egg that created all the chaos. Eddy carefully enclosed the egg into his talon.

Hey baby, there is someone who really wants you to wake up. I'm against it but you better behave yourself.

Eddy could swear he felt the unborn creature stretching in the egg, waiting for another trouble.

.

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Eddy was pleasantly surprised to see Brett awake and eating when he returned.

"Are you alright?" Eddy sat next to Brett, checking his temperature. It was only lukewarm. Brett sniffed a burnt scent in Eddy's clothes and coughed a little.

"Yeah, really good," Brett smiled, setting his bowl of soup next to the table.

Eddy hugged Brett in his arms, feeling a heavy rock lifting up from his chest.

"Young one, you scared me to death."

"That seems to be a norm these days so I think you should get used to it," Brett laughed, teasing him.

"Don't jinx it," Eddy shook his head, ruffling the young one's hair. He was just glad to have his usual Brett back now. Sweet, healthy, and full of burden.

Brett's eyes lingered to what Eddy was holding in his hand though. The egg the size of a softball, its shell a unique combination of opal and pearl.

"What is this?" Brett asked.

"I traded this for you," Eddy sighed.

While Eddy was explaining what happened with Karian, Brett's eyes were fixed to the egg. He was lured into the egg's presence almost immediately, like a motherly instinct.

Take me.

Brett reached out for the egg almost in a trance.

"Nuh-uh, don't listen to it."

Brett snapped out of it when Eddy backed away. Brett shook his head, confusingly.

"The creature lures the magician in to get any mavis possible. No doubt it especially likes you, calciber."

Brett carefully traced the egg's shell with his fingertips, now more alert.

"It's warm," Brett whispered.

"Of course, it's a living fire creature. But a dangerous one."

"You sure you want to give it to Karian? I mean as the first council member and all, she should be the most qualified person to have it but still......."

Eddy hesitated as he put the egg in a reed basket.

"I made a promise. I will have to deliver this to Karian."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Brett was just about to stand up when Eddy gently pushed him to the bed again.

"You should concentrate on getting better. I will be quick."

Eddy softly kissed Brett on the lips. Brett smiled as he wrapped his arms around Eddy's neck, relishing the smoky scent that he missed.

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