Element Restraint

Chapter 4: Erik

Twilight is when things are the quietest and still. Not for sleeping, but just to take a moment. A moment to breathe. To feel calm and tranquil. It allows me to pick up the pieces of my brain that have been scattered about. To do the things I enjoy.

I turn a page of my book and lean against the bookcase. The fire crackles beside me, giving a nice wave of heat through the room. Combined with the small breeze blowing through my open balcony door making my library serene.

I close my eyes for a moment and feel the wind moving my curtains. I feel every movement, every motion, and gesture of a breeze. It flows through me, whistling past my ears.

The only time I can feel a clear bright connection with my ability. I am not using it to fight, or for power. I am not using it at all. I just feel it, sense it.

I wish I could stay like this, but soon the sun will rise.

My brain turns back to the conversation my father and the commander had. Today we will discuss further how we will ship weapons to the Earth Realm, and who will oversee payments and delivery.

I wish I could stop it. I want to stop it. But how? I feel as if my hands are tied down by my father. If he found out where I stand, my title would be removed immediately. Then where would I be? Nowhere!

My title is all I have. It is all I can use to save people, and I must guard it with my life.

Anxious to start my day, at dusk I am already out the door. Breakfast is not for a few hours. Not sure what to do, I pause in the long hallway. I look at the family picture that hangs on the wall. I remember when the picture was painted. It took a lot for the painter to capture our smiling faces altogether.

It was done about three years ago and is our only family portrait in existence. I look at myself on Aella's right, then my brother on the left of her. I think the three of us were happy. In particular, I think Imir was happy.

I pivot my heel and decide what I will do. I will go talk to Imir.

I walk a few doors down from my room and knock on his door. I know he is awake. An early bird like me he is. That is one of the few things my brother and I have in common.

Ida always said we looked like twins when we were young.  A spitting image of our father. She could tell us apart when we spoke. Meaning Imir spoke and I did not.

It was not that I was shy, I was more of a boy of action. Imir would make the plans, and I would follow them. Sometimes Gale would be there too. He is the reason I did so many stupid things in the past.

A small sadness comes over me when I think of Gale, but I quickly shake it away. Kings do not feel pain.

I knock on the door again but get no answer. Maybe he does not hear me?

I grab the door to see if it is unlocked. I twist the knob and open the door slightly to poke my head through.

"Imir?" I call, looking further into the room. I spot some light under the door to his study.

Stepping into his room, I quietly close the door. His room is identical to mine. The same spacious walls, and dark wooden floors.

"Imir?" I say again as I open the door to his study.

"Oh my stars, Erik!" Imir sits at his desk with his back to me. He turns to me slamming his book shut. "What are you doing here?" He gets up and looks at me.

"Well I knocked, and you did not answer." I tuck my hands in my pockets.

"Maybe that was for a reason." He shoots back. I frown at him and lean my shoulder against the doorway.