Deceive

A cool breeze runs through my hair, its icy chill causing the fresh tears on my cheeks to sting.

“I’ll stay with you. I don’t want you to be alone.”

I turn to see Caio sitting beside me, the two of us resting near the edge of a cliff. Sharp rocky outcrops jut from the sea of emerald-green grass around us. Ancient stone buildings lie ruined across the expanse—a stark contrast to the tall structures nestled in the valley far below.

I recognize this place…we’re back in Elrus. This is our special meeting spot where we used to spend time as children.

"I-I can’t believe he’s gone.” I speak automatically, as if compelled by an unseen force.

I recognize the words. This has happened before.

“I don’t know what it’s like to lose your dad…but he was keeping us safe.” Caio looks at me with somber blue eyes.

This scene is different than how it happened…we’re both much older than last time…

“I-I want to be like him. I don’t want other people to have to feel this way.” I clench my fists. “I want to keep you safe.”

Caio stays silent, simply placing his head on my shoulder, resting his fluffy blond hair against my larger frame. A torrent of emotion floods into me. Sadness, gratitude, anger, loneliness, determination…it all makes my heart race…it pounds as hard as the day this actually happened.

My eyes burst open. Drenched in sweat, I lie in the Sa’arrian palace bedchamber. I can hear Caio’s rhythmic breathing beside me, early morning calm enveloping the room. Just a dream…but one nearly identical to reality. Even now, I feel the pain and passion…the same as the day my childhood self was told his father would not return. The same as the day Caio sat beside me for hours in silence, his quiet companionship my only solace.

It reminds me of why I became a knight. It reminds me of why I am here.

I look at my sleeping companion, his angelic features so serene in the dim light. Cuddling in close, I feel the warmth of his body…that same warmth that comforted me so long ago.

“G…morning…” His tired voice mumbles as his eyes crack open, struggling to focus on me.

I smile and hug him tightly, feeling the steady rhythm of his pulse.

“You’re in a good mood…” He rubs the sleep from his eyes.

“Just glad you’re here.” My words are earnest. Despite what happened in the palace yesterday, I feel refreshed and renewed. “Remember when we were kids? Remember how we used to sneak out into the mountains? How they’d send search parties looking for us?”

“You got a kick out of making them worry.” Caio grins. “But so did I.”

“They always came though. There was always a sense of community back home.” I pause. “It wasn’t all bad.”

“No, Elrus is just a work in progress.” Caio’s grin softens. “You’ve been thinking about yesterday, haven’t you?”

“Yeah. This idea of an immediate change…forcing the world into what I’ve wished it could be…but stripping people of their free will. I just don’t know if it’s right…even if they seem to enjoy it.”

“Well, how would you change things?”

“How does any change happen? By educating people…by showing them what’s true and what isn’t.”

“Easier said than done.” Caio flops onto his back. “Just staying here, living in a dream…I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t tempting. I say we meet with this leader. Get a better feel for what he wants.”

“Yeah, no need to rush, I suppose.”