Read Online Airel by Aaron Patterson, C.P. White - Free Book Online

come to him in much the same way the people from the old tales had come to Solomon. Because of his enormous past, he, like his brother, knew things no human could know. They had to be very careful as to how much of their gifts they would reveal. If the people saw too much, they would become frightened. Soon after, rumors of witches or seers always spread–like wildfire.
    The baby wriggled against his body and cooed, cutting him right to his heart. He loved her more than he could have imagined possible. She was only a few days old, but the love he already felt for her seemed to be as old as the earth. He hurried his steps. She needed to eat, and soon.
    Kreios saw the medium-sized hut to the east of the temple and walked directly to the door. Before he could knock, it opened and a dark haired man with the same features as Kreios stood in the doorway. There was a smile on his face and a hint of concern in his eyes.
    “Welcome, my brother, and come inside. I have been waiting for you.”

Chapter XII

    Zedkiel smiled and embraced Kreios. It had been ages since they had allowed themselves to see each other. The bond they shared ran deep. Kreios stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and looked around. 
    “I am sorry, my brother, for putting you in danger like this.”
    “Do not worry Kreios, we are family. If that means we fight, then we are prepared to do that.” 
    “You are a good brother, Zedkiel. I only hope we never have to face the Brotherhood. You have built a fine village and I can sense that you love it here.” Zedkiel nodded and pulled the hide away to reveal the baby girl’s sweet face. She was awake, and looked up at her uncle smiling. 
    “She is lovely! Looks like her mother, thank God.” Kreios laughed a deep throaty laugh and allowed his brother to hold her. Zedkiel looked down at the newborn girl and kissed her on the forehead. Without a word he turned and gave her to his wife. 
    “Maria is due by the next new moon. We will care for your daughter as if she is our own. You have blessed us with a gift, Kreios.” He embraced his brother again and they sat down by the fire that blazed in the center of the room. 
    Kreios knew that family was the most important thing in the world to all of them. Just the fact that they had offspring to carry on their bloodline was a miracle. Zedkiel and Maria had tried for years to have children. After many painful losses, it looked like they too would finally be blessed with a child.
    The fire crackled as Zedkiel tossed another log in, making sparks jump up and pop in the air. It was a cold day; the wind starting to beat against the small village as Kreios talked to his brother, telling him everything that had happened to him in the last few years. 
    Kreios shed his long winter garments and both men sat on hand-crafted wooden chairs. 
    “I am trying to be strong but the pain of losing…” Kreios looked down into the fire. He had a long scar that ran down his right arm and a jagged tattoo-like marking across his left bicep that looked like eagle feathers. His powerful arms and upper body moved, and in the firelight, his skin appeared translucent.
    “I am sorry Kreios. I know how much you loved her.” Zedkiel had the same light skin tone but he was not as big as Kreios. His hair was long and dark, pulled back and tied with a leather thong. His massive legs were pure muscle, hardened from many years of labor. 
    “I remember the first time I saw her.” Kreios smiled and looked away, calling up the memory. “She was so beautiful, and filled with joy and so much fire. I know that leaving heaven was wrong, but for her…she was worthy of the consequence I continue to pay.”
    Zedkiel nodded. “I have been by your side for a long time. I too have no regret…other than causing El more pain.”
    Kreios sighed and poked the fire. He watched the flames as they licked up the wood hungrily. “What are we to do about the Brotherhood?”
     “We must face them,