Chapter 1

"Ren, are you awake?" inquired a rather lean and tanned Bain. "Come on, it is nearly noon."

Ren experienced a sense of vertigo as he rolled onto his stomach and pushed himself back onto his heels. His hammock lay undisturbed. The bright rays of the sun filtered down to the earth's surface, warming the coastline and spreading light to the darkened sky. The morning had heated up to a sweltering roast even before noon. He stretched and inhaled a strong whiff of the ocean's saltiness.

He gazed up as Bain climbed the narrow, bamboo ladder into his hut. Bain's wet dark hair had grown and it reached the small of his back. The smell of the ocean clung to him, no doubt from his daily swim.

"That water can kill you," Ren said grumpily as he stood up. There was a hammock, a few tin plates and cups, and a gun inside the hut. "How is everything this morning?"

Bain smiled, showing even teeth that seemed brighter against his tanned body. Naturally dark, his skin shimmered like burnt sand despite the drying heat of the sun.

"Fine. The ship hasn't arrived, so no messages. And you can use the exercise of a little swim."

The peacefulness of the morning loomed out from his grass house. The entrance to his home lacked a door, but gave an excellent view of the blue rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. From this height, he could see clear out across the water, where it seemed to go on forever. In the far away distance, he could make out the grayish smog of a floating city, where the wealthy and the poor lived in unsettled routines and perpetuated the cycle of daily life.

This quietness would be the only peace he would receive for the rest of the day. He knew he would be inundated with soldiers who would flock to him with the latest updates, strategic plans, and correspondence from the Resistance's leader. As the Resistance Army's second-in-command, his duties increased the more battles they won.

As a youth, he had sought the responsibilities he now held. He fought for the rank and won it. Now, only twenty-eight, he felt spurned on by the chaotic nature of war. Ren closed his eyes and released a long, slow breath.

"Then why did you wake me if everything is fine ?" Ren barked, still nursing his irritation at being disturbed. The mornings were his to enjoy and everyone on the island knew it.

Bain's smile broadened at his brother's irritation as it always had since they were children. Ren looked absolutely funny, at least to Bain, when he was angry. The way Ren's face became red and sweaty reminded Bain of a wet balloon on the verge of bursting. It puzzled him that some men feared Ren with a fright usually reserved for gods.

"Because today is a special day," Bain said slowly. "Do you know what it is?"

"No!" barked Ren, as he ran a thick hand through his limp, reddish-brown hair. Taller than Bain and heavier, Ren towered above most of the soldiers. His teeth were not as straight, nor did his hair cascade down his back, like Bain's. Ren's hair stopped just short of his shoulders and lacked curls. When wet, his hair became stringy and tangled. Although he didn't have Bain's handsome features, he more than made up for his lack of good looks with his courageous and unflinching demeanor.

Bain laughed. "It is obvious from your tone that you do, old man. Happy Birthday, brother!" With a swift scoop, Bain engulfed his brother in a huge bear hug, pulling Ren to him and squeezing tight.

At an utter lost for words, Ren allowed Bain to hug him. Yes, today is my birthday . A brief smile appeared on his face, and then it vanished like the smoke of an extinguished fire.

He extracted himself from Bain's embrace and said grudgingly, "Thanks." With his eyes diverted to the floor, he spoke softly, the grumpiness forgotten. "It means much to me that you remembered."

Bain playfully punched Ren in the arm. "What are little brothers for?"

"I have no idea. Maybe to torment their older brothers?" Ren shot back playfully.

Bain roared with laugher. "Come, breakfast awaits."

Copyright © 2005 Nicole Givens Kurtz