The Elements of The Archipelago
Chapter 10: Raging Fire
Wolf Henderson
It is a cool mist and calm breeze of a night on Wenslock, the stars glisten across the midnight sky, and the moon hums her sweet lullaby with an orchestra of nocturnal creatures. The ocean waves tenderly crash along our shores, as it washes the sandy terrain anew. Nine months have come and passed, it was only a matter of time until Octavia was due for her newborn child. The moment when Octavia becomes a mother, and when our life will change forever.
My loving wife performed wonderfully, her lungs heavily breathing and with the sweat dripping from her face, Octavia still looks beautiful. Even through her challenging moments, the hard work and effort that she dedicated for a nine-month period, my love sheens with beauty like she always does. Hana delivered Octavia's new and healthy daughter, thus Clarke Marie Emerson was born and she radiates of her mother's resemblance almost exactly. The only difference that remains are the color of her eyes, that was the only trait that she inherited from Niles, other than his bloodline.
"Clarke, my precious girl," Octavia raves with joyful tears in her eyes. "Oh, Wolf she's beautiful!"
"Just like her mother," I reply softly as I kiss Octavia's cheek. I peek at the bundle of baby, she rests with her eyelids closed and she displays a tiny smile.
"Look at that, she likes you," Octavia remarks. "You're the first one she's smiled at Wolf."
"He-he, yeah it seems that she does."
"Congratulations Octavia, Eira and I are happy to have been here for this." My brother Ronin states kindly.
"Thank you, Ronin." Octavia speaks softly.
Our conversation is interrupted when the sound of the bedroom door opens, we come to see Ryka, my two-year-old niece standing by the door. She appears with sleepy eyes and her small purple, wool blanket. "Dad, is it okay if I come in?"
"Ryka, what are you doing out of bed?" Ronin questions. "You're supposed to be sleeping. It's late." Ronin makes his way to Ryka, she stands by the door, then he picks her up and places her onto his hip.
"I was worried about Aunt Octavia, I wanted to make sure that she was okay." Ryka replies delicately.
My brother beams a pleasing smile, "Well, I'm glad that you cared about her," Ronin responds. "She's okay, I promise."
Octavia waves her hand to the two of them, "Hey Ronin, bring her over here." Ronin brings Ryka to Octavia's bedside, my niece looks to the adults in the room, unsure of what is going on and she looks at her aunt with curiosity. "Ryka, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Octavia shows the baby to Ryka, "Ryka, this is Clarke, your new cousin." I watch as Ryka's eyes glimmer with complete and utter delight; she displays a smile as she gently caresses Clarke's head. My niece is fascinated by this reveal.
"She's really pretty, I like my new cousin." Ryka recites lightheartedly.
"Ha-ha, I had a feeling that you would," Octavia laughs softly.
"Aunt Octavia, I'm going to be the best cousin ever!" Ryka declares. The adults laugh or beam with delight of my niece. Ryka knows a great deal at her age, and for two years old she understands situations rather well. No doubt that she'll grow to be an intelligent woman.
"All right young lady, we've had our fun but you need to go back to bed." Eira remarks.
Ronin carries Ryka to her bedroom, I follow him to give Eira and Hana a chance to admire the baby. When we enter Ryka's bedroom, Ronin lays her down onto her bed and he covers her with the blankets. "Dad, I'm glad that I met Clarke, she's sweet." Ryka remarks, 'We're going to make the best of cousins."
"Yes, Clarke is amazing." Ronin replies with a smile. "Now, it's time for you to go to sleep."
"Okay Dad," Ryka yawns. "I love you."
Ronin tucks her under the covers, then he lightly kisses her forehead. "I love you too Ryka."
My eyes blink twice for what seemed to be hours, turned out to only be a course of seconds. I return to the comforts of my brother's chair, the blazing heat from the fireplace flashes in my face. The warmth overbearing its presence, that not even swigs of whiskey can subdue for the fire's reign.
My fingers are locked around the letter, the sacred words of my beloved wife and what was possibly her last. After all these years, I was determined that Clarke and Octavia were safe, that their home beyond the archipelagos would protect them from him. I know that Niles would question as to Octavia's disappearance, and eventually he'd sought out to find her.
I scan Octavia's letter once more, repeatedly rereading the message before me, perhaps there is something that I missed. For even though my mind is telling me that there isn't, my heart tells me otherwise. Is it hope? I may never know or maybe it's something much stronger.
Ryka Henderson
Kodi and I spent the last two hours just admiring the cove's beautiful scenery. The calming sound of the waterfall was both romantic and relaxing. After a while we return to the village, now we walk the trail that leads to my house. We stroll together with hand in hand, I smile at the thought, for it's been a while since we held hands. I'm blessed with Kodi in my life, I never knew that someone can be so caring and loving towards me. One of his many great qualities, I appreciate Kodi for his honesty and sincerity, he knows what to say when it needs to be said.
Luka follows close behind, he seems disappointed that Serena isn't with us. I take my less occupied hand to pet him, "It's okay Luka, we're almost home and then you can see Serena." I encourage.
Luka's ears perk up at Serena's name, "Rawr!" he roars excitedly. He runs ahead with determination to see his dragon friend. Kodi and I exchange an expression of amusement as we share a series of heartful laughs.
"Luka can't stand to be away from her," Kodi remarks lightheartedly.
"Kind of reminds me with the both of us," I reply with preference.
"Yeah, I guess I'm stuck with you."
"I wouldn't want to be stuck with anyone else." Kodi raises his eyebrow, he beams his signature smile and he playfully bumps me with his hip.
"Ha-ha, hey." I laugh as I return the gesture.
We follow behind Luka with only an expanse of trail to travel, suddenly the happy dragon brakes an immediate stop. Kodi and I watch Luka who sniffs the ground, he appears to have tracked a scent of something. Luka turns his head to his right, "Grrr!" he lowly growls, I quickly and quietly make it to Luka's side.
Unsure of what or who is out here, I slowly prepare myself just in case I need to act quickly. Kodi crouches over to Luka's left side and he carefully pulls out a small knife from his boot. "What is it bud?" I whisper softly.
Luka focuses his eyes on a foggy area towards our right side, I fixate my eyes to see a shadowy figure lurking in the mists, just a few feet away from us. "Luka be ready." I speak quietly. I stand from my kneeling position and I walk forward. I attempt to put details to the mysterious person, so far, I know that the figure is short. "Who are you?" I below. "Show yourself!"
The mysterious person follows my instructions, when the figure steps closer; I make of female features. I slowly lower my guard for she appears to be alone. "Ryka, is that you?" a familiar voice speaks loudly. Kodi and I look at each other with puzzled expressions, when I swiftly put the familiar voice to memory, I immediately realize who she is.
"Luka, stand down," I encourage.
"I don't believe it," Kodi remarks astonishingly.
"Rawr?" Luka roars questioningly.
The female figure appears from the foggy mist, I stand in bewilderment. "Oh Ryka, it is you!"
"Mom?"
Wolf Henderson
"Wolf, are you sure about going through with this?" Ronin questions. "You and I can still find another alternative."
My brother Ronin and I stand on Wenslock's docks, the evening is slowly transitioning to night. The sun's rays almost touch the ocean's horizon, and the island's nocturnal creatures prepare for nightfall. One of our most trusted allies from Berserker Island, Oswald the Agreeable has offered to help complete our quest. The chief's ship has grasped into our waters and he'll dock the harbor. My heart is disagreeing to the idea, but my mind is telling me that this is the smart thing to do. "Yes, I must do this, it's the only way to keep them safe."
"Wolf, you've already sacrificed so much, you don't have to give up your family."
"Ronin, this is something that I'm willing to give up." I pause for a moment. "If I lose Octavia and Clarke because of Niles, I'll never be able to live with that."
My brother places a hand on my shoulder, I appreciate his efforts but we both know that this is the best course of action. "You would do the same if it were Eira and Ryka." I mention.
My brother nods his head, "You're right, I would."
When Oswald docks his ship, Ronin greets him with a friendly handshake. "It's good to see you again."
"The same goes to you Ronin," Oswald replies.
"How are Dagur and Heather?"
"They're growing and they are doing well."
"Thank you, Oswald, for doing this." I remark kindly. "It eases me to know that Octavia and Clarke will be safe."
"Anything for a friend, Wolf."
Soon Eira and Octavia make it to the harbor, Ryka follows close by her mother's side. Octavia cradles Clarke in her arms. Oswald's two guards collect Octavia's belongings onto the boat. Eira takes Clarke out of Octavia's arms, while Octavia delivers her farewells. Octavia kneels to Ryka, so that she can be level with her.
"Aunt Octavia, are you going away?" Ryka questions.
"Yes Ryka, just for a little while, but I promise to visit you soon." Octavia replies.
Octavia searches through her satchel on her shoulder, she pulls out a small, brass bracelet. "Ryka, this is for you."
Ryka's eyes observe the piece of jewelry, as Octavia puts it around her wrist. "Whoa, it's pretty."
"This bracelet means that you'll see Clarke and me again someday. Will you promise me that you'll keep it until we meet again."
"Don't worry I won't take it off."
Octavia pulls Ryka into her embrace, before she turns to Ronin and Eira. Eira and Octavia exchange a heartwarming hug, over the last few years they've become the best of friends. "Safe travels Octavia, our prayers will be with you." Eira speaks softly.
"You've become a valuable member of our family." Ronin remarks. "You'll always be welcomed here with open arms."
"Thank you, to the both of you." Octavia recites. "No matter where I go, Wenslock will forever be my home."
After their farewells, Octavia and I walk a few feet to talk in private. I delicately touch my wife's cheek, she slowly closes her eyes as she presses her face into the comforts of my palms. It is as she's sinking in the forsaken moment, to memorize the sensation we both share. When Octavia opens her eyes, tears slowly build that they glisten from the evening sun. We don't express words for they aren't needed, the silence that we exchange is sufficient.
For the words are nowhere to be found, I glance into her soft blue eyes, and she gazes into mine. Without much thought Octavia leans in as her lips delicately press against mine, we share our kiss for about a minute or two. My wife slowly pulls away from my face, she begins with a few tears streaming down from her eyes. "I love you Wolf."
I take my thumbs as I softly wipe the tears from her face, then I wrap my arms around her and I hold onto my wife, my love, I hold her tightly my heart is reluctant to let her go. However, inside of my mind is saying no. I know that for Octavia's sake she'll safer away from Wenslock. "I love you too."
"Wolf."
The sound of Hana's voice bounces me back into the present, we traveled to a private part of the household. I decided to speak with her about Octavia's letter, for she's the only other person who knows about the present situation. I've been patiently waiting as Hana was thoroughly reading the letter, "Wolf, the best thing for you to do, you need to tell Clarke."
"You really don't think that I want to tell her, it is just out of the blue that Clarke appears like this." I remark.
"It's not random Wolf, you knew that Clarke would come for you one day." Hana states. "I believe that she arrived at an appropriate time, when you tell Clarke the truth the better it'll be."
"I've been thinking about that, what if I didn't tell her about Niles?"
"Wolf."
"Hana, I mean what would it hurt if she didn't know about this?"
"Wolf, I don't think that's a great idea." Hana remarks with concern. "That's a dangerous thing you are doing, you shouldn't keep this secret from her."
I don't respond so quickly, Hana continues to speak her mind.
"Wolf, Clarke is going to find out one way or another, it might be better if the secret came from you."
"If I tell her about Niles being her father, it will poison her the same way…"
"The same way Niles poisoned you and Octavia, Wolf this isn't going to be an easy task, but if Clarke doesn't hear it from you. She may find out the hard way, and that can be the thing to get her hurt or killed. Do you really want to take that chance?"
"No, that won't happen and I won't let it."
Hiccup Haddock
The entire household has been uplifted, despite of all that has happened tonight and with Eira's safe return to Wenslock. The last time that I last saw her, it was when I made an appearance to Ronin's funeral. The day that Ryka and I returned from our dragon training session, the day when we found out that her mother had left Wenslock. According to Wolf, she had needed the time to properly mourn over her husband's death.
Now, Eira is here before us and Kodi along with Wolf explained to her all that has happened since she's been gone. Hana is overjoyed to have her daughter back home, with Eira we'll have an extra pair of healing hands; which will come in handy. Ryka is grateful to have her mother again, for a while we thought that she was missing and we weren't sure of her return. I'm glad that none of those ideas were realities.
I've spent the remainder of my night sitting by Astrid's side, Hana's antidote has proven effective as it's curing abilities have taken a fast turn out. Astrid almost seems like her normal self again, and all the symptoms from the poison have mostly subsided.
"Hiccup, you look exhausted." Astrid remarks slightly concerned. "Hana says I'll be just fine and so will the baby, we caught just in time."
"Yes, thank Thor for that," I reply with relief. "That was really close Astrid."
"I know Hiccup, it's going to be all right, I promise."
Astrid has been sitting up from her medical table, while I've been sitting in one of the dining room chairs. I watch as Astrid glances at me, she then grabs ahold of my hand and she gently places it onto her stomach. At first there is nothing for me to feel, within a few seconds the kick of a tiny foot meets my hand. I can't help but smile at the sensation, it is one of the best feelings I've encountered besides when Toothless touched my hand the first time.
"You see Hiccup, this baby is a Haddock and he or she will come out strong like a Haddock." Astrid encourages with an assuring smile. "Everything is going to be just fine."
Toothless saunters to us, he tilts his head with inquisitiveness as he carefully sniffs Astrid's abdomen. The curious Night Fury gently places his head onto her stomach, when he feels the baby kick, Toothless reacts with bewilderment. "Guru." he purrs softly.
Stormfly nestles her head against Astrid's, "Rawr." She roars lightly. Astrid's eyes beam with satisfaction with all the love from the dragons. She takes my hand as she kisses it, I feel the smile on my face grow wider from cheek to cheek.
"Hiccup, as long as we're together, there's nothing that we can't overcome."
At that, the four of us embrace into a hug, the dragons purr with content and I can hear the relieving sound of Astrid giggling with delight.
Ryka Henderson
It's late in the spring night of Wenslock, the ocean waves crash along the sandy shores, the cool, sea-salt breeze sends chills across the island. The mountain tops stand firm, protecting the island at its highest points, the moonlight glimmers across the forest of trees that go miles and miles along Wenslock. The village is silent, the people restful in their homes, for their prayers to the Gods have reigned true. While many were lost, my people remain strong at their cores. The night stars glitter across the dark blue sky, some twinkle and sparkle their beauty, while others remain still.
Luka and I flew to one of the more sacred places, it's Wenslock's highest point where every Henderson chief has ventured. The past chiefs have climbed, hiked and they have even flown to the top, this spot has a perfect view of the entire island. I glance at the brass bracelet around my left wrist, I've kept it just like I promised Octavia many years ago.
I was told to wear it until I would meet Octavia or Clarke again, I now know that Clarke is my cousin that I met when I was a toddler. When I returned to the household, with Kodi and my mother, Wolf walked me to a private room and he explained to me the situation. He made me swear to not mention anything to Clarke, he wants to break the news to her himself.
I continue to stare at my bracelet, it is as if I'm seeing the piece of jewelry for the first time.
"Mom, why is my name Ryka the Relentless?" I question. We are sitting in my bedroom; my mother is sitting next to me. My mother glances at me for a moment before she speaks. She offers a warmhearted smile for an added measure.
"Because your name reigns true, you're Ryka and you're relentless."
"Come on, why was I given that name, I don't feel like I live up to it very well."
"Oh Ryka, you live up to the name, more than you may realize."
"Really? What exactly makes me so relentless?" I reply with a slight sarcastic tone.
"You know, your father and I have wondered the same thing." Mom chuckles. "All these years, we could never figure it out, we thought that maybe you have learned it from me or your father. That's when we realized that this special aspect of yours…"
My mother pauses for a moment.
"What? What did you realize?" I ask.
"Well, we soon realized that this relentless spirit, you were born with it." She responds. "It seems no matter how hard things may or may have gotten for you. You refused to give up, it is like you would rather die than to give in."
"Yes, I suppose that is true."
"I mean look at that bracelet on your wrist, you could've easily taken it off when you realized that Octavia and Clarke would be away for years. And yet, you still wear the bracelet and you keep your promise to Octavia. You still hold out hope that they will return one day."
I don't respond right away, instead I listen to her words carefully.
"They were many chances that you could've given up, to surrender when times were tough and you could still do that." Mom remarks. "However, your name is Ryka the Relentless because for even when you can give up, you just don't."
I look down to my wrist, the brass bracelet as it glistens with the moonlight, "You are not a burden Ryka, in fact you are a beacon of light. You are the spirit, you are the hope, and you inspire those around you. Always remember that Ryka."
I continue to stare at the bracelet, as a smile beams across my face, with just a couple of blinks. I am back onto the mountain top, the cool breeze brushes against my face and the consciousness is sensational. I stare down to see my village, my island, my home, my lips form a smile from cheek to cheek.
My soul and heart feel lighter suddenly, as if all the burden from tonight has lifted from within me. My heart ready to sing with the fresh air in my lungs.
"When the sharpest words want to cut me down,
I'm going to send a flood; going to drown them out.
I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be
This is me.
Look out cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen, I make no apologies
This is me."