Kayin's Fire Read online

  Kayin's Fire: Birth of a Fire Child

  Published by AMJ Publishing 2015 at Smashwords

  Copyright 2015 by ALICA MCKENNA-JOHNSON

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  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Cover and formatting: Sweet 'N Spicy Designs

  KAYIN'S FIRE

  Birth of a Child of Fire

  Alica Mckenna-Johnson

  Children of Fire come into their Phoenix powers on their fifteenth birthday. For some the change is celebrated. Kayin wakes to a nightmare. His black curls have turned bright red, and fire dances in his eyes. His mother, convinced that he’s become a demon, casts him out of his village in Zimbabwe. Feeling confused, scared, and abandoned, Kayin is saved by other Children of Fire, who take him into their family. He learns to control his power, adjusts to the energy and excitement of New York City, and copes with his desire to return to the home he loves.

  I’d like to dedicate this book to:

  Kelley Ulrich from Zimbabwe who answered all of my questions and read over chapters for me. Thank you for helping me make my book and Kayin richer and more authentic.

  And

  Amber, Leslie, Selina, and Kenneth Seowtewa for their help with information about Zuni witches which I used to create my witches, and also for translating a line for me into Zuni.

  Devin, Josh, and Michael, I’m sorry, your sisters made me do it.

  Chapter One

  Bird calls filled the air. Kayin groaned, his body stiff, but at least the fever had broken while he slept. Relaxing into the straw pallet below him, he smiled as an elephant trumpeted in the distance. Today was his fifteenth birthday. His mom had promised to make his favorite meal of peanut stew and pumpkin sadza, and he’d seen her hide a present under her Sunday dress. Excitement bubbled in his stomach as he wondered what she’d gotten him.

  His little sisters whispered to each other in the dim light of their one-room hut. Their mother sighed as his baby brother fussed, her blanket rustled, and the baby made a contented slurping sound as he began to nurse.

  When his baba came back from safari, he would present Kayin with a knife passed down from father to son for generations. As Kayin dressed for the day, he imagined running his fingers over the yellowed ivory knife handle. The animals carved into the elephant tusk were so old they could barely be seen, and the metal blade’s dark gray surface was freckled with black dents.

  Rubbing the thin scar on his first finger, Kayin remembered the first time his baba let him hold the knife. The edge of the blade looked as thin as the paper he used in school. With childish foolishness he’d run his finger over the blade. Bright red blood dripped down his ebony skin as tears welled in his eyes.

  “Come here,” his baba had said and held him in his lap to tend his finger. When the bleeding stopped, his father pointed to a faint scar on his own thumb. “I tested its sharpness on my thumb the first time I held the knife. My baba said the blade needs to learn each of us by tasting our blood so the knife knows who we are and what we will become.”

  His mother groaned and stood, bringing Kayin back to the present. He’d have to go soon to milk the goats and feed the chickens before breakfast, then walk with his sisters to school.

  He sat on his bed pallet and grabbed his shoes. “Good morning, Amai.”

  “Good morning, my son. Happy birthday, do you feel more grown up now that you’re fifteen?” His mom’s face paled as she looked at him. Reaching behind her, she grabbed a broom.

  Kayin froze. Was there a snake?

  “Demon,” his amai yelled and hit him with the broom. “Demon, be gone. Get out of my son!”

  Stumbling away from his amai, Kayin kept his head down to protect his face.

  “Kayin,” his sisters cried, reaching towards him.

  Their amai stepped between them. “No, he is possessed by a demon.” She began to chant the Lord’s Prayer and advanced on him.

  His baba wasn’t religious and didn’t care for his wife’s conviction. When his amai would start preaching about demons and the minions of Satan, his baba would roll his eyes making Kayin laugh, but it didn’t seem funny now. Turning, he pushed himself up and ran out of the hut into the courtyard.

  “Help me banish the demon from my son. Please help me save my son,” his amai yelled.

  The other villagers turned. Some grabbed their children and ran, others picked up small stones and began throwing them at him, more intent on protecting their own children than saving Kayin.

  He ran for the gate. His friend Mudiwa opened it for him and stepped aside.

  “What’s happening?” Kayin asked, his voice cracking in fear.

  Mudiwa shook his head and looked at the ground.

  A stone hit his back. Crying out, he stumbled then shivered as hot, sticky liquid dripped down his spine.

  “Come here,” a man called, holding out his hands and urging him to hurry.

  Kayin ran towards the man with milk-white skin and hair so red it looked like grass on fire. Was he salvation or the source of the problem?

  A rock hit his head and he fell to the ground. His sisters cried and screamed his name.

  “Stop,” the white man said, holding up his hands as he ran to Kayin. “Stop, and I’ll take him away.”

  The villagers stopped throwing rocks and screaming at him. Prayers were chanted by some as others talked among themselves.

  The man helped him up, his hands strong and steady. “It’s okay, let me help you.”

  Kayin obeyed, not knowing what else to do.

  “I will save you my son. I will find a way and save you from this demon.” Tears ran down his mother’s cheeks. She clutched his sisters and brother to her as the gates shut.

  Kayin’s heart broke as the thick wooden bar they used to lock the gate at night slid into place. Was he as dangerous as a lion, or hyena? He didn’t feel dangerous.

  “Is he a chosen one?” cried the faint voice of an elder. “Bring him to me, he could be a chosen one, a blessing for our village.”

  “It’s too late, a demon has stolen his body,” Kayin’s mother said. “Only a N’anga, a divine healer, can help him now.”

  “Come here,” the white man said, leading him to the other side of the jeeps. He opened a white plastic box and began treating Kayin’s wounds. His father would have chewed plants and spread the paste on his back, but this man used chemicals which burned and made his nose wrinkle. The smell reminded him of the cleaning fluids the maids used at the lodge. He wanted his father. Tears blurred his vision.

  “My name is Gavin, and this is Brian. One of my colleagues dreamed about you. That’s why we’re here.”

  Kayin didn’t say anything. He watched four other men pack. Kayin knew people camped outside the village now and then, but he and the other children were forbidden to bother them. Had these men camped in front of his village just for h
im?

  “Where is your father?” Gavin asked as he taped gauze to Kayin’s back.

  “On safari. He won’t be back for two weeks.”

  “I met him at the lodge,” Gavin said as he spread thick white ointment on the side of Kayin’s head. “I remember him introducing us. You're Kayin right?”

  Kayin nodded. “Yes, he’s the best safari guide. He always takes out the film crews.”

  Gavin sighed and looked at Kayin, his pale green eyes full of concern. “Should we wait for him?”

  “No,” said Brian. “Gavin, you know there are Sons of Belial in the area. The Dreamer said we needed to leave quickly.”

  “I know, Brian, but look at him,” Gavin said. Turning his attention back to Kayin, he asked, “Do you want to wait for your father?”

  “No, we shouldn’t wait.” Kayin shook his head, he couldn’t bear it if his baba cast him away as his amai had. “Why? Why, does she think I’m a demon?”

  Gavin rubbed his face. “I’m making a mess of this, aren’t I? Just a second.” He came back with a mirror and held it out.

  Kayin looked into the glass. He looked the same as before, didn’t he? His nose wide and flat like his dad’s, his eyes the same dark brown, and his mouth reminded him of his mom's. Sighing, he looked at Gavin.

  “Your hair.”

  Frowning, Kayin tilted the mirror and gasped. His black curls, which his mother cut for him a few days ago, now had red curls scattered through them. He poked a red curl, it felt the same as the black ones. Rubbing didn't make the color go away. Looking over the edge of the mirror he saw that the red in his hair looked the same as the shade in Gavin’s hair.

  “Did you do this to me?”

  “No, I’m like you,” Gavin said. “When I was little my hair was brown, and when I woke on the morning of my fifteenth birthday, my hair was this color.”

  “Why? Are we demons?” Kayin asked.

  Gavin shook his head. “No, we are the descendants of an ancient Phoenix King and Queen. We call ourselves Children of Fire.”

  Kayin raised a dark eyebrow. “The birds whose feathers are flames?”

  “Yes. Four thousand years ago the Phoenix King Shamash turned into his human form in order to marry a human woman. They had six children, all with powers from their father. Phoenix powers were passed from generation to generation becoming weaker and more diluted, until recently.”

  “What kind of powers?” Kayin asked.

  Shrugging, Gavin began to put away the first aid kit. “Some Children of Fire can feel people’s emotions, some can heal, some have powerful voices, some can control fire.”

  “What can I do?”

  “We don’t know yet, but for a dreamer to find you I do know that you are powerful and important.”

  He didn’t feel powerful. Looking into the mirror, he froze. Fire danced in his eyes. His chest felt tight and he couldn’t catch his breath. The mirror was taken from his hand as pale green eyes filled his vision.

  “Listen to me. Breathe nice and slow. I know this is a shock, but I will do everything I can to make this okay.” Gavin grabbed Kayin’s hand and placed it on his own chest. “Follow my breath, calm down, and match your breath to mine.” Gavin exhaled loudly as Kayin gasped.

  Kayin’s vision blacked out and he slumped over. Gavin gathered him in his arms.

  Brian snorted and grabbed a blanket and pillow. “Good job,” he said.

  “Shut-up.” Gavin sighed as he picked Kayin up.

  “We need to go,” Brian said as he threw the first aid kit in the jeep. “You get in the jeep with the boy, and I’ll get our stuff.”

  “I don’t like the idea of leaving before we can talk to his father.”

  Brian swung into the jeep and turned it on. “The boy said we shouldn’t wait for him, and I don’t fancy dealing with a walk-in or something worse.”

  Gavin buckled his seatbelt. “Okay, but if Kayin changes his mind, we’ll bring him back.”

  Brian nodded. “Of course. Once it’s safe I’ll be happy to bring you back out.” Dust covered the jeep behind them as they drove away.

  * * *

  Kayin sighed, and his body bounced against a car seat. Wait, where was he? Images of a turquoise sky and a bird surrounding him with fire faded as he sat up. The red-headed man, Gavin, sat in the passenger seat, his head swaying as they bumped down the road. The driver, Brian, tapped his fingers along with the Beatles. Why were they headed to Harare? Or were they? His father had taken him to the city before, but other roads connected to this one.

  Taking a deep breath, Kayin tried to calm down. He wasn’t going to pass out like some coward, again. His fear and confusion turned into anger. He let the heat warm his body and strengthen his focus. He needed answers and to get to a healer. They wanted him to believe that his hair changed color because of a Phoenix ancestor. No, obviously these white men were crazy, and some evil spirit had tried to do something to him.

  Okay what first? Kayin thought, looking at his hands. He screamed.

  Brian cussed and the jeep swerved.

  Gavin jumped and turned. “Shit, Kayin breathe, you’re losing control. I can see you’re angry and upset, but if you calm down, you can stop this.”

  “My hands are on fire,” he screeched.

  “I know, Kayin. I know this is scary, but fire must be your Phoenix gift,” Gavin said, his hands twitching—he wanted to grab Kayin’s hands but the heat from the flames made him hesitate.

  Kayin whimpered. “Help me.”

  Gavin reached out and held the boys hands. Squeezing as the flames began to burn his skin, he said “Focus on me. I’m here, and you’re safe.”

  Kayin nodded and held on, letting the heat of his anger fade away. “Sorry, I’m so sorry.”

  “Everything is fine,” Gavin said his voice tight.

  “Your hands,” Kayin said letting go and crossing his arm, his hands tucked under his armpits. “I didn’t mean to. I’m so very sorry.”

  “You didn’t do anything,” Gavin said, curling his hands to protect the blistered skin as much as possible. “I did. I understand this must be very strange and scary for you, but we will get through this.”

  Kayin nodded. He could do better than this. His father had taught him how to hunt, how to control ones fears, and reactions. He was fifteen, a man, this was no place for childish acting out. Men don’t lose control of their emotions like this. “I was surprised. Now that I know I catch on fire, I’ll be more careful.”

  Gavin smiled. “I know you will.”

  “Do you need the first aid kit?” Brian asked. “I can pull over.”

  “No, just give me a minute.” Gavin leaned against the seat and took some deep breaths.

  Kayin held his breath as the red blistered skin turned black then fell apart like ash. Gavin brushed his hands together revealing soft looking white skin underneath.

  He held up his hands. “See? All better. It’ll take a bit for the skin to toughen, but I’m good as new.”

  “Is that your Phoenix gift?” Kayin asked.

  “Regeneration? Yes. I can heal myself but not others. I was shocked the first time I could do it. But I got used to my gift, learned how to control it, and you will too.” Gavin smiled. “We should be at the gas station in about fifteen minutes. I need food, water, and a bathroom would be nice too.”

  The sun hung halfway in the sky, and Kayin’s stomach growled, letting them know he hadn’t had breakfast.

  “Sounds like the boy needs some food, too.” Brian chuckled.

  “I have no doubt Kayin is very hungry,” Gavin said. “It’s been a crazy morning.”

  Kayin nodded. Crazy barely covered whatever this was.

  Brian pulled into the parking lot. “Come on, we still have a long way to drive today.”

  The other jeep with the three men following Brian pulled up alongside them.

  “I know Brian can be intense, but he wants to make sure we’re all safe,” Gavin said. “Once we get to Harare, we’ll
need his help to get your papers and passport. Then we'll go our separate ways.”

  “What’s going to happen to me?” Kayin asked.

  Gavin smiled. “Let’s freshen up, and then I’ll tell you everything while we eat.”

  Kayin frowned but nodded. Freshen up? What did that mean?

  After using the bathroom, which made Gavin feel decidedly un-fresh, they settled with sandwiches, fruit, and bottles of cold water under a tree. Kayin ate while Gavin explained about magical creatures, Akasha—the world where the Phoenix King and Queen lived—and how he, Kayin, a boy whose biggest dream was to become a safari guide with his father, would travel the world and save magical creatures that exist only in fairy tales. The information spun in Kayin’s head. He would never be able to remember all this. He wasn’t sure he even believed all this.

  “So, I’m the last one?” Kayin asked. Were there really others like him? “The other Treasures and the Jewel have already been found?”

  Sadness filled Gavin’s eyes. “You are the last Treasure. A few months ago a girl in Japan named Miu came into her magical inheritance as Healer. Sasha, a boy from Russia will be our Dreamer. The Jewel—her birthday is in six months on December twenty-first.”

  Kayin nodded and took a bite of a cheese and pickle sandwich.

  “My niece, Sapphire. I know she’s the Jewel, the one with the power to open the portals to Akasha, with your help. Her father was a Dreamer and told us when my sister was pregnant that their baby was the Jewel of Shamash and Aya, but the Sons of Belial found them and they went into hiding. I have no idea where my niece is. I hope the Dreamers will find her the way they found you.”

  Kayin frowned and took another bite of his sandwich.

  “The Sons of Belial are a group who steal the power and life from magical beings and little Children of Fire who aren’t careful. He should know the possible danger he’s in,” Brian warned before turning back to his friends.