All Things Eternal (The Last Light Book 2) Read online

  Skye glanced at her brother again in hopes that her urgency could be felt from her expression. In what she was able to feel from the man, he was different from the others. A good man.As she watched their exchange, she prayed that the world had not yet fully hardened her brother’s heart to the people that inhabited it.

  What’s his problem? Omari thought to himself as he stared at the old man who was squatted to his level. The old man’s sincere eyes eased Omari for a moment, temporarily stripping him of his will to lash out at the man who questioned him. “My name… My name is Omari.” Omari exhaled. “What do you want with us?” Omari’s guard was still raised, denying the stranger any form of rapport. The old man smiled and stood to his feet, brushing off Omari’s brash attitude.

  “Omari.” He paused to reflect as the noon sun seemed to catch his eyes at the perfect angle. “Do you know what your name means?” The old man looked to Omari, his face still hard and unmoving. “Your name means God the highest…did you know that? Your parents picked a well fitted name. Speaking of which…” The old man’s face sunk as his wrinkles depressed across his forehead. “Where are they? Are they nearby?”

  “No, it’s just us.”

  “Oh my, you and your friend–”

  “My sister,” Omari sternly blurted.

  “You and your sister are out here all alone, huh? And for how long?” The old man studied Omari’s face as he waited for his answer. It was no secret that Omari and Skye were orphans that adopted the slums as their home. Their tattered clothing and dirty faces told the story that both of them were too resilient to tell.

  “For as long as I can remember, but we’re just fine on our own,” Omari scowled. “If you’re so concerned, throw a few coins our way and leave us alone.” The door that Omari opened had shut just as quickly, locking both he and Skye away on the other side. Unmoved, the old man began to fumble through the pockets of his white garb until he managed to gather three gold coins. Omari’s smug expression lifted at the sight of the coins that the old man held, and he instantly reached for them.

  “They’re not yours yet,” the old man said as he pulled his hand back just short of Omari’s reach.

  Damn it, old man.

  “First, tell me why you haven’t enrolled into one of the shelters that the city offers. Surely, they’d provide a better life than one out here. A roof over your head, a warm meal, a bed to sleep on. I’m sure your sister would appreciate it. These streets are not safe for a girl her age, or for you, for that matter.”

  “The shelters wouldn’t take us. We tried but they turned their back to us,” Omari lied but it wasn’t a far shot from the truth. With Skye’s power not fully under control, a flare up would result in either her death or her being taken away. If the king’s men heard of her, he would then be forced to fight and reveal his gifts as well, solidifying their status as Abnormals. He’d rather live on the streets than risk losing her, the only family he had left. “Now can I have my money, sir?”

  “They turned you away?” The old man’s frown deepened. “That’s most unfortunate…and you never thought to go back?”

  “I’d rather not go where I’m unwanted.”

  “Sometimes that is precisely where we must go.”

  “Thanks for the words of wisdom. I’ll be sure to pin it up with all the other life lessons I get from perverts who prey on little girls.”

  “Omari, stop it! You know he’s not like that!”

  “So much anger, Omari.” The old man compassionately sighed as the look of anguish surfaced across his face. “For you to be so young and cynical only shows me how unfavorable the world has treated you. But I ask, what example does your behavior set to your sister? Not all people in this world are bad, despite what you have come to know thus far in your life. Rejecting the kindness of others simply because of the transgressors of your past in no way to live life. If you stay on this road, Omari, tell me, what will become of it? These old eyes have seen so many like you in all walks of life. Don’t allow your anger to consume you. It’ll only blind you to all the good the world has to offer.” Omari growled under his breath when met with the old man’s sincere words, fully aware of the truth that his wisdom held.

  “What’s it matter to you?”

  “The people of this city have failed the both of you, myself included. I, like the many others of this place have turned a blind eye to those who suffer. Given my prior line of work, it’s most unacceptable. For awhile now, every so often when I passed through this part of town, I’d see the two of you, making it somehow, praying for the best, but never once have I intervened. In all my years I’ve devoted to helping others, I found myself aphetic to the cause in my old age, casting aside all that I’ve known and living my life in solitude, distraught from the cruelty of others. And for that, I’m sorry.” The tension that Omari fiercely clung to left his body, leaving him open to the old man’s heartfelt apology.

  He’s…sorry?

  “Beneath the calluses you carry on your heart, I see a beautiful spirit. The sacrifices you’ve made for your sister all these years and the hardships you’ve endured… I can see it in your face. You want the best for her, that is certain.” Omari gasped at the old man’s statement, unsure of what to believe. “In my hand I still hold these three gold coins, and they are gladly yours. If you so chose to take my gift and never see me again, I only ask that you don’t allow the world to crush your spirit as it once did mine.”

  This doesn’t make any sense. Why would he go out of his way like this for…us?

  Confused and shaken by the old man’s kindness, Omari’s hand wavered as he slowly began to reach for the coins he so desired, skeptical of the possible repercussions. Three gold coins would be enough for a decent room and three meals a day for a week for him and his sister. As Omari’s hand grew closer to the coins, his eyes grew moist at the thought of a moment’s rest from the Hell he had been trapped in for most of his life.

  Noticing Omari’s urgency, the old man gently pulled back his hand, enclosing the coins within his palm. “However, there is a second option that exists as well.” Having his dream ripped from him almost brought tears to Omari’s eyes as the coins receded from his view.

  “You and your sister can leave this money behind and live with me and serve as my stewards. Your rooming and meals will be provided for at my property in Everrmore. It’s an old church not too far from here. In addition, you will both receive a weekly allowance for your services at the estate.”

  “So you want us to be your servants?”

  “Stewards,” the old man interjected. “There is a fine difference. If you two were to accept my offer, you’d be able to quit at anytime you see fit. No one is forcing anything of you. Your services will be of your own accord.”

  “Why us? Downtown, tons of people line up for work every day. If you’ve been here before, I’m sure you saw them.”

  “Is there a reason that I shouldn’t? You are a prideful young man, Omari. I see a portion of myself from my younger days in you. I am an old man. Every day I grow weaker while the youth grow stronger. I require assistance in my frailty.”

  “Humph. You don’t look too frail to me, old man,” Omari blurted with an air of skepticism.

  “A life of harsh circumstances can toughen the body, but it wounds the soul. You see it. Your sister sees it, I’m sure. I only warn you because the path you risk facing is the same one I endured…perhaps my situation is not ideal for you, but consider your sister at least, of all things.”

  “Wait! Can you give us a minute?”

  “Certainly.”

  Omari turned away from the old man and grabbed Skye’s hand as they briskly walked to a spot where they could talk in private.

  “So what’s the verdict, Skye? I can’t get a good read on him. Did you see anything?” Omari said as he released her sister.

  “He’s good…and you can stop being such a jerk to him. Not everyone is out to get us. Can’t you see that he’s trying to help? Even with
out my powers I can see that.”

  “So you want to go with him?”

  “Not just me, the both of us.”

  “What about our powers? What if he finds out what we are?”

  “We’re human…and I’ll be able to keep my powers in check. I’ve been better with them. He said that we could leave at anytime we wanted, so warp us away if we need to run, but I doubt he’ll be afraid even if we show our true colors. Either way, it’s our chance for something better, and we should take it. He has a good soul…and I don’t want to die out here.”

  “Skye…” Omari saw the glimmer of hope that sparkled in his sister’s eyes, shining once again after being dim for so long. “We’ll take the offer. I’m sorry for being so brash back there. I was just trying to look out for you. We’re all we got.”

  “I know. But I think that’s going to be changing soon,” Skye said as a smile began to emerge from the cracks of her lips.

  Together, the duo emerged from their brief discussion, eager to accept the old man’s offer.

  “So what did the young lady say?” the old man jested as he watched them approach.

  “We’ll accept your offer, sir,” Omari said as he bowed. “We shall serve as your stewards.” The old man chuckled at Omari’s grand gesture as he moved past him. “Bowing is not necessary my boy. Not necessary at all!” Omari’s cheeks grew flushed as he stared at the floor where he then saw Skye’s face cut in from beneath as she pointed and silently laughed, mocking her brother. “And sir is too formal. Silas will do, as will old man, seeing that you already have developed a preference. There is no use denying what I am.” Silas smirked at his own newly found amusement of the duo he had adopted into his care. “Pack your things. We head for Everrmore in the morning.”

  ***

  And so it began—the mentor-ship between Omari, Skye, and the Saint, Silas. Moments after their agreement was made, provisions were made for each of them for a room to themselves at a local tavern for the night. Once there, both Omari and Skye were well accommodated, given the luxury of hot water that comforted the body and a fresh meal that soothed the soul. By the time night fell upon the tavern, Silas was able to rest easy knowing that he had changed the life of Omari and Skye for the better and with a little luck, forever.

  As time moved forward, Skye and Omari’s relationship with Silas grew. Under his nurturing care, their rough past became nothing but a shadow of their former lives, a reoccurring nightmare that haunted them no more. He was understanding, loving, and kind—a prime example of the theology he preached to the masses long ago when time was not against him. In the eight years that passed, Silas devoted the remainder of his life to teaching Omari and Skye all that he learned in his life through his travels and his studies, imparting the same spirit that resided within him.

  ***

  “Old man, I’m ready for our training session today,” Omari said as he walked into Silas’s room, where he found him on his bed, resting near the window.

  “After all these years, you still insist of calling me ‘old man.’” Silas began to laugh but a cough abruptly seized the moment from him. “I let you have your fun when you were younger, but now, I am indeed far past my prime. You’ve learned everything I’ve had to teach you and more. Even my old eyes can see that you’ve been going easy on me. You bested me months ago in our last session without much effort. My brittle bones can only endure so much, even with your sister’s touch, I age. Consider this our final session.” Omari said nothing in response to his teacher’s words. He knew Silas was right. He was old. Very old. In the past, his old age rarely inhibited him from showing Omari and Skye the art of combat, but as Silas grew weaker, Omari and Skye grew stronger.

  As children, Silas, not knowing their true abilities, taught them what he knew of combat from his days of a mercenary before he accepted his priesthood. Seeing the two in the condition that they were in when he first found them inspired him to teach them self-defense incase they were to leave his care or had the need to defend themselves. The meditative aspect of martial arts was another aspect that he favored. As a child, Omari took a liking to the ritualistic practices and quiet reflections before their lessons, as did Silas as a young man. The sparring sessions that young Omari endured served as an outlet to the negativity he had harbored through his years of hardship. The rush of a new challenge and the skill required to execute flawlessly, made the arts a favorite past time for the young hero.

  “What are you trying to say?” Omari said, brows scrunched as he watched Silas at peace on his bed. The light shone between the shutters and gently lit the old man’s face, highlighting his worn features.

  “He’s saying, he’s about to die,” Skye said as she emerged from the hallway and into Silas’s room.

  “Skye!” Omari’s eyes flared as he bitterly glared at his sister.

  “Omari,” the old man softly said, “don’t yell at her. It’s true. Death is something that will one day claim us all.”

  Omari, frustrated and confused, begged Skye to heal him, but she already knew what he demanded was outside of her powers.

  “I can’t…nothing is wrong. He’s just old. We’ve talked about it before, and he’s accepted it.” Skye turned away from her brother, breaking free from the grips he had on her blouse as she tried her best to stay strong. “He’s happy. He’s at peace knowing that we’ve been there for him just as much as he’s been there for us.”

  Omari sank to side of Silas’s bed and clasped the old man’s hand between his palms. “So you’re just going to lay down and die on us? You can’t go! What about Skye and me? You’re just going to leave us?”

  “Omari, my son. Out of all my time on this earth, the moments with the two of you have been the most fulfilling to my soul. In my solitude, I grew bitter, but the love and kindness you both have shown me gave me a life worth living. Your companionship bought joy to this old man’s heart and reminded me of the good the world still has to offer.”

  “Stop it. Don’t say that. We were only able to do that because of you. Without you, Skye and I would be totally different. It was you who showed us that there was good in the world. You accepted us when no one else would.”

  “But you still had the willingness to change. The hope you had in your eyes still remains, but now shines brighter than it ever did before. In the past eight years of my life, I witnessed a broken boy master his emotions and reclaim his zest for life as a man. I have also seen a fiery little girl grow into smart, strong, and resourceful young woman.” An episode of coughs erupted from the old man’s mouth.

  “Thank you,” Skye said graciously as she kneeled beside her brother.

  “In my life, I have fought alongside rebels and militias, killed with my bare hands, healed, laughed, and wept. I devoted my life to God and even eventually built this church. In my life, I have encountered many people, and at one point, gave my life to making this world a better place. Despite my efforts to sow seeds of kindness and love, the people turned their backs on me. A vast portion of my money went to charities and establishments throughout the land, but in the end, the promises they gave were only empty words to ensnare a wealthy idealist.

  “In my good deeds, I grew weary. I covered my losses and refused to fight again, numbing myself to the change this world desperately needed. By the time I found the error in my ways, the church was already abandoned and life had passed me by. I was a fool to give in so easily to the darkness that surrounded me. The world needs a light, a beacon to steer all that are lost back to the paradise of the Father’s abode. I tried to be that light, but I failed. I lacked the strength and tenacity for such a mission, but, perhaps with your unique gifts, the both of you can bring change to this land and pave the way for a better world.”

  “But how?” Skye asked, shaken by his proposal.

  “Skye, my dearest daughter, I’ve seen you perform miracles since you were a little girl. Even still, your power grows stronger, as does your loving heart. Do what it is that you have been pl
aced on this planet for and blessings will surely come your way. Through your love and understanding, the people who you interact with will be forever changed. Omari,” Silas said as he lethargically tilted his head towards him. “In your youth, you despised those who sought ill will on those with abilities like your own. It is not wrong to hate evil deeds. The vileness of the human condition is something that we have suffered with in all civilization. Whether it be from origin, race, or beliefs, differences have been known to cause strife in human history. The people of this world paint Abnormals as foul beast monsters without a soul who only wish for the worst for mankind. But I ask, how is that so? Outside of the teachings pushed by the king, I have yet to hear or see these monsters they speak of. Perhaps because these ‘monsters’ are not monsters, but human beings like you and I, just trying to make it in this world. The only thing that distinguishes them from the general population is their gifts. They hide in fear of persecution, but I know they’re others just like you and your sister hoping for change. Be that change, Omari, lead them and change this world.”

  “Change…the world.”

  Chapter 10: At Dawn

  Three Days After The Everrmore Massacre

  “Change the world, huh? I’m trying the best I can.” Omari stood alone in the courtyard on the church grounds at the burial site of his mentor and friend. “It feels like forever since you’ve been gone, but it’s only been about three years. I don’t feel like I’ve changed much, but I know you’d be proud. Three days ago, an Abnormal attacked the town. He was of a third party that I imagine is highly stronger than any of us. With him alone, he managed to defeat Skye, Emil, and me, as well as causing a considerable amount of casualties to the people. The only reason I’m not with you today is because he let us live. His main focus was to deliver a message, which Skye suspects was nothing more than a ploy to draw out the king. I was skeptical at first, but today is the day that King Arius is set to make a public appearance in the city to address the citizens of the town. I’m almost certain that more blood is going to be spilled today. The rouge Abnormal planned for this encounter, so it is a given that he will be present, possibly with other allies to aid him in his assassination of the king. To my knowledge, the only people aware of the king’s true identity are Emil, Skye, Marona, his squadron, and myself. The rouge and his followers have no idea of the king’s true nature. His ignorance will be in Arius’s advantage. I’m sure Arius will have the most elite of his men to guard him during his speech, hidden among his soldiers or at his side. Knowing this, Emil still wishes to fight against his brother and put an end to the reign. His brash behavior worries me, but at the same time, this stands for a golden opportunity in our cause. There is a possibility that Arius will die today, but how many others must perish before that goal is realized? If we kill him as Abnormals, what does that mean for our brothers and sisters? More darkness. Despite Arius’s cruelty, an Abnormal would be the one to kill him. In the moments of his passing, we would be seen as the ultimate evil in the public that forces us into hiding. Our rare but dynamic appearances only seem to lead in death and destruction of the worst kind, painting the picture true. If Arius lives, his oppression carries on and his tyranny shall spread. I’m searching for an answer, father, but I’m afraid I am lost.”