Keeper of the Flame Read online

  “I think that they may both carry the energies from the House of Ice as well as the House of Fire. Catla was Keeper of the Snow, My Kendall, and it seems that within the streaks in the children’s hair may be her energies emerging combined with the energies of my family’s line. We will have to wait and see what develops as they grow, My Kendall. I will have to do more research into the House of Ice. The computer disks are stored with the other Testrios items at the warehouse.” Flame referred to the main building of his business, Flash and Flame Pyrotechnics.

  The business was starting to become a rousing success as more people caught on to the colorful combination of fireworks and laser lights. Many wondered why the combination hadn’t been tried before. But no one knew it was a little extra “magic” that helped create such wonderful displays of sound and light.

  Kendall’s face immediately creased into a deep frown at his words. Would her children ever be allowed to lead normal lives?

  Flame pulled his wife...he liked that word, into his arms and kissed her until she stopped frowning and a sensual light lit her beautiful eyes. And she accused him of being a worrywart! Kendall had taken over the job as the uneasy one in the family and often had to be teased out of deep contemplative moods. So much for her take charge, act first and ask questions later attitude. It had all began soon after they were married.

  Kendall had finally gotten her fine wedding with all of the trimmings. Of course her color scheme was red and white, and the wedding took place in her beloved garden where they had first met. Some didn’t understand why the couple waited almost until sundown to speak their vows, but the smell of the MoonFlowers added a nice romantic touch to the ceremony.

  The children, grinning adorably at the small crowd of well wishers in matching old-fashioned umbrella strollers, seemed almost smug as their parents spoke of undying love and loyalty. They were truly content and seemed to relish the moment as much as their mother and father.

  Caressa, the bride’s sister, sat and wailed her way throughout the whole ceremony, causing several men present to offer her handkerchiefs and consoling hugs. Her scowling husband said nothing as his beautiful and pregnant wife basked in all of the attention she was receiving. He still couldn’t believe that she wanted to start a business of her own! He glared at the groom from his seat as if his wife’s new independent streak was entirely Flame’s fault.

  The twins looked at their parents and then at each other and grinned as if they were privy to secrets that no one else knew.

  “Flame?” her voice pulled him back to the present. “Will they come looking for my babies?”

  “We are dead in their eyes, My Kendall.” Flame softly reassured her as he looked over at his happy children. Ember was tugging a lock of Sparks bright hair and giggling at the faces that he made at her while trying to match his father’s stoic dignity.

  Spark tried hard to emulate his father’s calm demeanor, but his own out-going personality always seemed to emerge no matter how hard the boy tried to stifle it. This amused Kendall to no end. Spark was too much of a free spirit to ever be as conservative as his father and Flame knew it.

  Ember, on the other hand, was a little princess in personality as well as in lineage. She delivered imperial commands and expected them to be followed. She was not a cruel or selfish child, she just wanted things her way. She was also a constant source of amusement to Kendall, who often had to explain that just because someone else had an opinion that differed from hers, it was not necessarily wrong.

  Ember was a fun-loving child who often brightened up a room with her mere presence. But like her father, she was highly observant and able to make quick decisions and stick to them. And on top of all that, she absolutely adored her brother and would follow him anywhere. Spark often felt the same way; he was her silent protector.

  As Flame held his beautiful Mistress in his arms and observed his wonderful children, he decided that they were the true keepers. There was no greater energy in existence more powerful than the love he felt for them. Each one...Kendall, Ember, and Spark held a large piece of his heart. In truth, they were the keepers of his very soul.

  Blazing heat of fire, came to the earth one night.

  Chased from afar, it settled down with pain.

  One man, one life, one unholy plight.

  Would her life, ever again, be the same?

  He begged for her help, to save his life.

  Never knowing if she would turn away.

  Her existence filled with despair, with strife.

  Knowing somehow, he'd love her, he'd stay.

  Though their time was short, their struggle much clearer,

  They'd lead each other through the trying hours.

  Reflecting, and reflected, two matched mirrors

  Ecstasy combined, their merged bodies, unbridled powers.

  Complete, whole, their love intertwined,

  They are shackled, chained; yet freedom they find.

  - Katherine Schlem

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