Conall's Sons Read online

  Conall's sons

  by Barbara G. Tarn

  ***

  Smashwords Edition

  Barbara G.Tarn copyright © 2011

  electronic edition published by

  Unicorn Productions – October 2011

  ***

  Smashwords Edition License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

  Conall's sons

  1. Sun

  When Sun turned seventeen, it was almost impossible to talk to him. It might have to do with his mixed blood, or the loss of his Human grand-father, but Sun hardly spoke except when interrogated. Somehow he didn't feel at ease anymore, as if the Waiora town where he was born had become a strange place. Maybe he craved to live on the mainland for some time, but that would mean venturing into unknown territory and Sun wasn't an adventurer.

  He knew life with Humans on the surface could be dangerous or unsatisfying. He had heard his grand-father's story, and mostly his father's story - the half-blood taken to the mainland to be abused by a crazy, vindictive man.

  Sun had heard many stories about the short war with the surface Humans that had happened when he was barely one-year-old. He knew people had died, including the father of his friends, the half-blood twins Kaleb and Kareem. Sometimes he wished he could consult with the Sila, Genn and Fajrulo, but his father had forbidden his any contact with the mainland.

  His grand-father's love for storytelling and his father's love for writing had condensed in a thoughtful young man who preferred reading or writing to talking. His friends started to call him Brooding Beau - well, mostly Kaleb as he was the most vocal. His self-effacing twin was even quieter than Sun, but Kaleb ignored him to tease Sun mercilessly.

  Sun refused to react, but wondered what moved his childhood friend. Kaleb's father had been Human, was it his Human blood? Sun had only one quarter of Human blood and his grand-father had been the only Human he had ever met in the Waiora town at the bottom of the sea.

  Dark haired Kaleb looked older than Sun or Luna, a pure-blood Waiora who had been born at the same time. The four of them had had a great childhood together, but now that childhood games were out of the question, the twins seemed to think that he felt superior to them because his father was a prince and his mother the most powerful magic user the town ever had. It didn't matter that he wasn't in the line of succession to the Waiora throne, especially in Kaleb's eyes, he was noble and they were not.

  Why that would bother them puzzled Sun, but he didn't know who to talk to. Kaleb seemed to be the most hostile for whatever reason, but Sun chose not to react to his challenges. He didn't care if Kaleb called him a coward, he didn't want to fight his childhood friend.

  Besides, Luna was on his side. She was constantly bickering with Kaleb and ordering him to leave Sun alone. Her commitment puzzled him beyond words. He wasn't sure of his feelings for her, but they were changing, like a moving tide leaving him exhausted and more confused than ever.

  He knew the confusion was probably generated by his quarter of Human blood, and sometimes wished he could talk to a Human, but he knew better than finding trouble on the surface. He could pass for Human, except for the color of his amethyst eyes, but he'd rather not risk his life on dry land. He did miss his grandfather very much, though, and wasn't too keen to talk to his father, who wasn't too fond of Humans, or his own Human blood.

  And the only others with any Human blood in town were the twins. Kareem was Kaleb’s shadow, the quiet half, so talking to him was useless.

  ***

  Luna knew her fondness for Sun was turning to love. The blond "Brooding Beau" attracted her more and more. She could almost feel the mating call drawing her to him. But there was Kaleb.

  Kaleb hated Sun because he wanted her, and Luna didn't know how to handle him. She knew he wanted things from her she wasn't ready to give - well, maybe to Sun? - and this made her edgy with him which of course could only make things worse.

  "Luna, will you go out with me today?"

  "I'm sorry, Kaleb, the school is taking us to the mines and Sun promised to help me with that research."

  "Tomorrow then?"

  "I have homework, Sun will come to help me sort my notes."

  "I can help you too."

  "Thank you, but we did this together with Sun, and..."

  "Sun, Sun, Sun! Why is Sun always on your mind?" Kaleb snapped. "What's so special about that Brooding Beau?"

  "He doesn't stalk me like you do," she replied. "He's a gentleman, unlike you!"

  She knew she shouldn't have said that, but Kaleb really got on her nerves. He stormed away and she pursed her lips, worried.

  ***

  Damn him, until Sun is here I won't stand a chance with Luna!, Kaleb thought. "You're like a brother, Kaleb," she says. I'm her brother, Sun is her love! It's so unfair! Only because his parents have a high status and my father was a slave...

  "Kaleb, are you all right?"

  Startled, Kaleb glared at Sun, his ethereal beauty, his Waiora eyes. He had none of those, as he was the portrait of his father, Saadi - the Human slave shipwrecked in the underwater town who had been killed by his former master, Damir.

  Kaleb was half-Human and his Human blood had turned him into an adult faster than any Waiora of his age. He had to shave if he wanted to be as smooth-faced as his friends, including Sun who had no facial hair - and would probably never get any because even his Human grand-father hadn’t been very hairy to begin with. Kaleb really hated his dark-haired Human father’s blood, lately.

  "I'm honored you decided to talk to me," he said, sarcastic.

  "Well, you and Kareem are the only other half-blood I know..."

  "So what? My father died sixteen years ago! And I don't have a grand-father to take his place!"

  "Kaleb, stop it."

  "Kaleb, stop it!" Kaleb repeated mockingly. "I'm so sorry I reminded you the truth, my lord."

  "What did I do to you that you treat me like this?" Sun asked, exasperated. Handsome but dumb, Kaleb thought.

  "Nothing," he answered with despise. "Your parents are still together, what do you know about what I've been through."

  His mother had found another mate, instead. A pure-blood Waiora who had lost his wife during the short war. Kaleb hadn't missed his father in the Waiora community - especially until Sun's grand-father was alive - but lately he had this feeling he had missed something.

  "We used to be friends..." Sun looked genuinely sorry.

  "Are we enemies? I don't think so."

  "You sound hostile."

  "Me?" Kaleb scoffed. "Not everybody loves you, that's for sure! You can't be the most loved in town."

  "I'm not!"

  "Yes you are!" Kaleb turned his back on him and left, still fuming. Or at least you are to most loved by the only one who matters!

  ***

  Sun half walked half swam in the kelp forest, lost in thoughts. He still couldn't figure out Kaleb, while Kareem seemed to have found a new balance. He loved reading and writing as much as Sun, and had enjoyed Brendan's stories (that often made Luna and Kaleb snort) as much as Sun. So they now worked together in the library, studying and copying old manuscripts and finishing their historical tome, but not really talking. Sun enjoyed the whispered exchanges on their findings, but never dared discussing Kareem’s twin.

  Thus Kaleb was still a mystery. He didn't like anything, apparently, and
was hostile with no evident reason. Sun wondered if he should discuss it with Kareem, who was probably the better suited to deal with his twin, but had no idea on how to start the topic. They had never discussed anything personal because Kaleb was the outspoken one, and Kareem the shy one.

  Like his father so many years before, Sun was almost taken by surprise when Kaleb attacked him from behind, trying to kill. The fight didn't last long, though, as Sun was better. That was probably why Kaleb had tried to stab him in the back.

  Sun and Kaleb glared at each other, both swords in Sun's hands.

  "Why?" Sun asked at last, floating out of the kelp forest, wishing he could throw away the blades and hug his friend.

  "I hate you," Kaleb admitted at last.

  Sun averted his eyes, pursing his lips. Why? He couldn't ask again.

  "Sun, if you don't kill me, I'll kill you," Kaleb grumbled.

  "No." Sun gave him back his sword. "Enough, Kaleb."

  He swam back towards the city, heartbroken. His childhood friend wanted him dead.

  "Sun, wait!" Kaleb went after him. "You could regret it, like your father did when he let go of Damir!"

  Sun stopped and turned to face him again. "I will not regret it. I don't care if you kill me, as long as you don't hurt anybody else."

  "You really think your death won't hurt? Are you blind or what?" Kaleb sounded exasperated.

  "Of course my family would mourn, but..."

  "Who cares about your family! Your father brought mine to death!"

  It suddenly dawned on Sun. "You're in love with Luna."

  Kaleb scoffed. "Not so blind after all."

  "I can't change her mind, you know how stubborn she is."

  "Yes," it was Kaleb's turn to avert his eyes. "I guess it's not your fault after all."

  "Can we be friends again?" Sun asked, offering his hand.

  Kaleb took it, but didn't smile. "I'm sorry," he said.

  Sun smiled, pulled him closer and hugged him. "I missed you," he whispered in his ear.

  Kaleb shivered and pulled away.

  Sun tried to look him in the eyes but couldn't. "Kaleb?"

  "Shut up." Kaleb looked up. "Please, just... shut up." His eyes were filled with pain and guilt. "I tried to kill you."

  "We're still friends, right? It's over?"

  Kaleb slowly nodded, lowering his eyes again.

  "Hello." Luna surprised them both. "What's up? You both look as if you've met a shark!"

  Sun shrugged, Kaleb pretended nothing had happened.

  "Better go," he grumbled, swimming away.

  "Will you explain?" Luna demanded.

  "No," Sun answered, relaxing.

  ***

  Kaleb knew deep inside there was nothing he could do if Sun and Luna were meant for each other. He could see they were, even if Sun hadn't realized it yet. He couldn't blame his childhood friend for what was going on.

  Thus he turned his hatred and frustration to the murderer of his father. Except Damir lived on the mainland, surrounded by soldiers and people, so it was impossible to kill him. What could he do then? None of the things he wanted to. He wasn't drawn to books like his twin brother, nor to the forge or the glass workshop. He was aimless.

  Then he saw Luna run to Sun and hug him, her face shining with pride and love. He saw his friend brighten and talk to her. They'd find each other soon enough, Kaleb could feel it. It was time for him to draw back.

  He walked to them along the marble corridor. They were alone by the staircase that took to the upper floors of the palace.

  "Hello, Kaleb," Luna smiled at him now that he had stopped attacking her beloved.

  He ignored her, staring at Sun. "I want to die," he said.

  "Shut up," Sun answered, serious. "You're my best friend."

  "No I'm not," he whispered, lowering his eyes.

  "You're not going to try and kill him again, are you?" Luna frowned.

  He had ended up telling her, because Sun had refused. She had slapped him, and then she had forgiven him - just like Sun. Those two were really made for each other. They were Waiora, he was only Human. He was the oddball of the Waiora city, had always been.

  "No, I'm the one who should die," he replied flatly.

  "Why?"

  "You know it." He looked her in the eyes.

  She was stunned for a moment, then exploded. "Yes, I love Sun, so what?"

  "Good to hear it at last," Kaleb scoffed, glancing at Sun who was too puzzled to reply.

  "Unrequited love is not a good reason for suicide!" Luna said, blushing furiously, but still too worried to stop. "We're not Sila, we don't believe in Destiny!"

  She ran away, overwhelmed by her feelings. Kaleb smiled ruefully.

  "Can we talk about it?" Sun begged.

  "No," he snapped. "Life doesn't make sense. I'm sick of it anyway."

  He turned his back on him and walked away.

  ***

  "Father, how is it possible to feel so inferior to someone else that one wishes to die?"

  Conall stared at his son, puzzled by the question.

  "I don't know, Sun, can you elaborate on that?" he asked.

  "Have you ever felt inferior to somebody and desperate to conquer someone else?" Sun insisted, not sure of how to proceed. He looked upset, and Conall wondered if he was talking about himself.

  "Well, I thought your mother would prefer Damir, a Human, to me," he said. "But I soon figured out it wasn't the case, and then I had you. Does this answer your question?"

  "No, I mean, it's not me. It's Kaleb. He says he wants to die because Luna said she loves me." Sun looked embarrassed now.

  "Oh." Conall pondered. "I thought he was sort of aimless, maybe his new father can’t really help him. None of us can, now that my father is gone, I’m afraid. Although Waiora are changing, Sun, and us tainted bloods often don't know what to do. Stick to him and prove him he's worthy, he'll be missed if he leaves, and so on. Did you talk to Kareem?"

  "Uh... no. He looks so lost in his studies... Should I tell the rest of his family?"

  "I think that's what friends are for."

  "Thank you, Father." Sun left, looking relieved.

  Conall went to look for Lorin, still jarred by the conversation. "Have you ever felt inferior?" he asked.

  "To you? Many times when we were younger," Lorin smiled.

  "Really? Why?" Conall wondered.

  "You were handsome, blond, a prince, a born diplomat, a good dancer and swordsman, you could read and write, and I was so shy... then you calmed down, found Krish, and I finally understood we were equal."

  "I thought I was the inferior half-blood!" Conall chuckled.

  Lorin shook his head, amused. "I must tell you something about our off-springs," he said.

  "Yes, I know, Kaleb wants to die and..."

  "What's Kaleb got to do with it? He has parents to look after him! I think Luna is in love with Sun."

  "So she says, apparently, hence Kaleb's death-wish," Conall sighed. "I couldn't figure out Sun's feelings, though. I guess he's still confused."

  "By what, his Human blood? You weren't much older when you fell for Krish."

  "I don't know..." Conall shook his head, thoughtful.

  A scream for help interrupted the discussion. The two men glanced at each other and rushed out of the palace.

  Luna, who had shouted, stared wide-eyed at the slowly fading body of Kaleb who seemed asleep on a bed of sea anemones, except for the blood flowing from his wrists. Sun was with her, holding her tight as their friend vanished forever.

  Breathless, Conall thought he was able to see it only because the Human blood in Kaleb had slowed the process. And he wished he hadn't, as Kaleb looked exactly like his father, in life and in death.

  "I... tried to stop him..." Luna stammered. "We had decided to keep an eye on him, but..." She started sobbing on Sun's shoulder.

  Conall's heart was still racing as past and present mixed in front of his eyes. Was Kaleb's death Damir's fault? Woul
d he have committed suicide if his father were still alive? What would happen to Kareem now?

  Lorin put a calming arm around his shoulder. "It's over, Conall. I'll tell Darly. Go back inside."

  He pushed him towards the palace door. Before entering, Conall saw Sun and Luna kissing each other with love and despair.

  ***

  Kareem was feverish for two days after Kaleb's passing. Then his Waiora mother's healing powers brought him back to life. He opened his eyes and looked at her. She caressed his black hair, serious.

  "I know you felt his death even stronger than I felt your father's," she said. "You were closer, both physically and mentally. I know it hurts and you feel empty, but Kareem, you're seventeen. You must live both for yourself and Kaleb."

  He nodded, gulping down the lump in his throat. "My heart stopped with his," his voice was hoarse. "But then it started beating again. I'll never know his passion, Mother, because we were identical outside, but very different inside." His voice broke, so he cleared his throat.

  "Were you aware he was unhappy?" she asked.

  "He has been complaining forever, Mother." He sighed. "No, I had no idea it was that bad. I thought he loved life more than I ever did."

  "Because he was so... vocal about it?" A smile flashed on her lips. She leaned to kiss his forehead. "I hope you won't follow him in Water and Earth's arms," she whispered.

  "I won't, Mother," he promised.

  Soon he was fit enough to walk out of his room, so he went back to the palace library. He expected to find Sun there, but was surprised to see Luna sitting next to him - their arms were intertwined, but both looked at him, sort of dazed.

  "What?" he snapped, unsure on how to react. They seemed to have bonded in a special way, but he couldn't guess what had brought them close.

  "Glad to see you back on your feet," Sun said, serious. "We... tried to save Kaleb but..."

  "Oh. So you both saw him..."

  "Vanish, yes," Luna said.

  He glanced at their entwined fingers. "Is that what brought you together?"

  "I guess." Sun lowered his eyes and didn't smile. "Did you know Kaleb was in love with Luna?"

  "Kaleb said many things." Kareem smiled ruefully. "I don't know when I stopped listening, but it was a long time ago. His decision took me by surprise."