Dael 5

First days at the orphanage went quite well for Dael. He had picked up a bed as far as possible from anyone else in a corner. He had, of course, complained about the food a bit at first, but stopped when he realized there was clearly nothing better. Some of the other children had tried to make friends with Dael, but he had rejected them outright. He didn't even tell anyone his name. He had merely told them it was none of their business and get lost.

It was very understandable that Dael's behavior began irritate other children quite fast. They didn't like him at all, but Dael couldn't care less. Especially the slightly older children had thought to show Dael his place.

"Hello there, scarface", said the older children.

"What do you want?" Dael asked with a stern face, clearly unimpressed.

One of the older kids stood out.

"I think I want that necklace", he said. "Perhaps without it your ugliness goes past unbearable and we will get to see how many faint when they see you."

After that the kid took just a few stops forward. Dael didn't wait. He simply light up in anger and jumped at the kid not caring, if his opponent was stronger either physically or magically. Dael punched the kid right in middle of the face.  The kid fell down and Dael mercilessly continued beating shouting expletives most of which meaning he had no idea. It had been so fast that only by that time other kids came to help.

"Get him!" They shouted and jumped at Dael.

Dael was a tough opponent. He didn't seem to care even, if he got hurt and exchanged punches without hesitation. He was alone against the group and the fight would have – possibly – ended with him losing hadn't Tarhi come stop the fight.

"What is happening here", Tarhi asked angrily with her fists clenched. She was quite angry too.

"He punched Roag", said one of the kids and pointed at Dael, who was slightly bleeding from his nose.

"I want an explanation, Dael", Tarhi demanded.

"Roag tried to take my necklace", Dael said. "I told you I would fight and stop anyone who tries to take it."

"And I told you keeping it would cause trouble. Hand it over."

"Do you want to fight too?" Dael asked and stood up with his fists ready.

"Not much", Tarhi replied. "Just to inform you that Eklara comes back tomorrow and I'll leave this matter to her decision. She can do whatever she wants and there is very little you can do about it. Regardless, you and Roag are going to kitchen and clean the dishes. Is that clear?"

As Dael had done similar jobs back home, he decided to accept it without any further incidents.

"Bah…I'll do it", Dael said.

"And no food for any of you until evening", Tarhi said and walked away.

The kid, Roag, who had attempted to take Dael's necklace, was actually ten years old too, but just slightly older and taller. This came up when he tried to ask Dael things like what was his problem.

"How old are you exactly", Roag asked Dael.

"Ten", Dael muttered after pondering for a moment, if he wanted to answer. Roag had given a good fight so he decided to reward him a bit. Dael had decided that such fights were good practice.

"How come you fight like that. It was like you were much older and stronger. I'm sure you would have beaten me completely, if others hadn't come. Also why don't you tell anyone your name? Tarhi said something…Dael?"

"Because I don't have to", Dael replied.

"Why? We have to call you something, if you don't want to be called Dael. I'm sure you don't want to be called "Scarface" like everyone are saying when you are not around to hear it."

"Perhaps it gives good description, but it is not like there are any better", Dael decided to say. He didn't care much what people called him. He sure didn't know most of their names and didn't as such call them anything.
  
"How about something else? How would you like, if I call you Redstone. You don't seem to part with that thing even by force."

Dael looked at his necklace. The name sounded slightly corny in Dael's ear, but he kind of liked it. Redstone. Dael Redstone. It was a fine name.

"Well, that is just fine. You can call me Dael Redstone or just Redstone, if you want. I don't mind, if everyone start using it either."

"Good", Roag said. "So, Redstone, why is it so important to you. The necklace I mean."

"It is the last thing my parents gave to me. I don't want to ever forget it. I will keep this as a reminder that I will one day have my revenge."

"Ok, why are you so scarred?" Roag continued now that he had managed to make Dael talk. "I don't think it is just your face. Even your hands are scarred. Is it everywhere?"

"Pretty much. I almost burned to death when druids burned the house. That's when my parents died."

"My parents died in the war", Roag started. "My father was …"

"Save it", Dael interrupted. "I don't care. I don't want to hear. Perhaps you all will leave me alone now that you know things about me."

"Fine then", Roag said and shrugged.

Dael's real name became common knowledge among the children soon enough, but by that time the moniker Redstone had already taken hold. Some said Dael Redstone while some just said Redstone. His real name was in fact somewhat rare and only adults used it and even they didn't always use it – especially when they wanted to make something absolutely clear they said "Dael Redstone" instead of Dael. It was almost like a last name.

Dael didn't have many real friends. Actually it was Roag who always hanged around with Dael. They had not met in very friendly manner, but for some reason it worked out. Roag being normal had slight calming effect on Dael too.

The day after the fight Dael happened to be watching out of the window. It was a bit windy day and it was going to start raining soon. Fortunately all days work was done and there was free time for everyone so they could stay inside. By then he noticed carriages come into yard. There was something familiar about them.

"Oh, it is Eklara", said Tarhi who suddenly appeared behind Dael. "It might be that she wants to meet all newcomers. If that happens, please, mind your manners. Even, if she likes children, she expects certain respect and doesn't tolerate everything. Don't do anything to offend her."

Dael didn't answer, but decided to go with Tarhi who went down to welcome back Eklara. Dael wanted to have a better look at this mysterious woman. He stayed behind at the door while Tarhi walked all the way to the carriages. Dael watched first some young woman coming of the carriages and Tarhi went to greet her – it must have been old Eklara's assistant or something. No one else came out, though. Maybe such old hag got sick on the way, Dael thought.

Tarhi stayed out talking for a while. They came inside only when it started raining. When they stepped inside Tarhi motioned Dael to come.

"This newcomer is Dael", Tarhi said. "Most call him Redstone. It must be because he is very feisty and his face goes quite red each time he gets angry. He is also as stubborn as a rock. Now, Dael, would you greet Eklara."

Tarhi's expression was such that it wouldn't take "no" for an answer. There was, fortunately, no danger of that at the moment. Dael was quite confused.

"What?" Dael said. "I don't see any old woman anywhere? Where is Eklara?"

"I am Eklara", the young woman laughed.

"But… weren't you at founding of this place something like sixty years ago?"

"Yes, I was", Eklara continued.

"Dael, it seems you don't know Eklara is a level ten wizard", Tarhi added.

Level ten? LEVEL TEN?! Dael began panicking in his mind. Very powerful wizards and, on the other side of the continent, similarly powerful druids aged very slowly. Ten was highest level there was. They were obscenely powerful; it was almost ridiculous. There was very little they couldn't do. If Eklara wanted something, Dael knew he wouldn't have any say in it.

"I'm eighty six years old, if it clarifies anything", Eklara said.

"How … how come you are not then at Tharana at the ruling council?"

"I don't care about politics. Politics is what causes such great need for places like this."

By that time a man stepped trough the door. That man Dael knew and it also was clear why the carriages had felt so familiar. As they noticed each other, the man grinned. It was the man who Dael had insulted and then stolen his money after that little fight…and also insulted the passenger who, of course, couldn't have been anyone else but Eklara. Regardless, it wasn't going too well for Dael.

"Oh…if it isn't the little troublemaker", the man said while still having the grin. "That eye trick was neat. Care to tell what happened to my money bag?"

"It was him then?" Eklara asked. "I didn't get to see all that well."

"Yup, it is him. You don't forget that face easily."

"In that case", Eklara said and turned to stare Dael. "Would you like to apologize now? You forgot to do that last time."

Dael took a few steps backwards.

"Excuse me", Tarhi interrupted looking confused. "What is this all?"

"Oh, not much", Eklara said. "It is just that our little Dael Redstone here bumped on my carriage not so long ago…almost literally. He actually managed to take down Jared for a moment and took his money. He also called me…what was it again?"

"I believe it was "fat douche bag" ", Jared said.

"I'd have given him a lift here, if I had known", Eklara continued. "After apologizing, of course."

Tarhi covered her face with her palm. "Aww, why must this happen. Just before you came I reminded him to behave at least with you. So far he has successfully insulted or angered just about everyone here. I wanted to make sure you would be the exception, but now you are telling me he managed to do that before even getting here."

Dael had taken yet again few more steps backwards.

"I see", Eklara muttered. "So, Dael, how about saying sorry now?"

"Sorry!" Dael said immediately. It wasn't the time to fight. That was first time Dael had said "sorry" after the fire.

"Well, I suppose that will have to do for now", Eklara said and walked away.

Even, if Dael was kind of afraid of Eklara at first, it didn't stop him from getting into troubles and often even such big problems that he'd be sent to speak with Eklara. Dael was starting to become common visitor in there as soon as he got used to the punishments, which were often extra chores. Eklara didn't seem to believe in physical punishments, but instead work. Even she was soon getting tired of constant trouble from Dael. If there was trouble at orphanage, it was most often caused by Dael.

"This is tiresome", Eklara told Dael when he had been asked to come yet again. "Why is it that you can't be content with anything?"

Dael didn't say anything.

"You are damaged", Eklara said bluntly after a moment of silence. "Possibly beyond repair. The ordeal you have been trough has scarred you much deeper than just your body. I have been told you wish to become soldier one day. I'm sure military will be happy to get someone like you…that is, if you learn some discipline. You are stronger than other children, much stronger. You are relentless, aggressive and violent. These traits, unfortunately, do not belong here. Your heart is probably as hard as that rock you carry."

"I am me", Dael said. "I'm not about to change am I? It seems we are going to keep meeting like this much more."

"Unfortunately so, but I'm getting tired. Do you know why I told Tarhi let you keep that necklace? It is because, if anyone took it from you, you would be much worse. I need to help you get control of all that anger. This includes minimizing its amount and find a way to vent it somewhere. So…do you want something?"

"What do you mean?" Dael asked and was slightly confused.

"Is there something around here in orphanage that you would like to do?"

"Not really. I'd just want to be left alone sometimes."

"I'm sure we can arrange that", Eklara said. "At least you will not be picking fight with others at that time. Perhaps it will make you some good to be thinking a bit."

"Really? There is very little time each day for just to sit alone somewhere."

"I'm sure we can arrange something. But now, since you dropped Ganil's shoes in the toilet and had him go pick them up, I'm sure you can go now clean the place?"

Dael reminded himself at that point to never pull pranks at such places.

Eklara made sure Dael got to be alone a while each day. It actually seemed to help, but it didn't stop Dael. He was still having constant fights and trouble.
  
Then one day something was found that really worked on Dael. Winter was coming and outside winds were tearing leaves off the trees. Inside it was also getting somewhat cold, but this was easily countered by lighting up some fires. It was often much easier to light fires with use of magic. This way firewood tends to pick flame immediately everywhere with slight burst. Dael happened to be nearby and was scared immediately and stumbled backwards causing some commotion. He also ran as far as possible from the fire.

"What is it with you now, Dael?" Tarhi asked who happened to be nearby.

"Nothing!" Dael shouted with slightly wavering voice. He looked also a bit pale. "Go away."

"No, I don't think this is your usual troublemaking; there is something in your voice", Tarhi said. She looked around and suddenly her eyes rounded a bit as she connected several facts. She went and closed the door and stood in front of it. "I want to try out something."

Just above her hands appeared couple fireballs. They floated there, but then Tarhi made them float slowly closer to Dael who in return backed away. Tarhi made the balls slightly larger and fiercer looking. Dael was already about to panic.

"It just fire", Tarhi said. "It's just floating there and isn't going to do anything."

Dael didn't answer, but this time it was because he was shaking in the corner.

"STOP IT!" Dael screamed finally. "GET IT AWAY FROM ME!"

He was sweating and still shaking when the fireballs subsided and disappeared leaving nothing behind.

"Are you afraid of fire?" Tarhi asked. "I have never seen anyone act like that. Of course, you are. You barely survived that fire."

"NO I'M NOT!" Dael shouted. Secret was already out, though. "Everyone does that, if you shove fireballs on their faces!"

"They were floating closer to me than you", Tarhi pointed out. "They were also moving very slowly."

Dael didn't say anything and attempted to run out of the door past Tarhi. She let this happen. Very soon people started lighting up some fireballs or equivalent when they needed to stop Dael. At first it seemed like they just tested, if it really worked, but very soon it became a norm. It worked each time and Dael was left quite shaken and rarely tried anything afterwards. Regardless, Dael was still the troublemaker, but this time he was easy to stop. It wasn't abused either. For some reason, if done repeatedly Dael simply snapped and attacked in blind anger. Some of the older children once tried to bully Dael and they paid the price for attempting. Once was enough. Dael also started avoiding getting into such situations when he finally began learning some manners. Life actually settled down for a long time. Dael never forgot why he was at the orphanage. There was always a flame burning inside him that he wasn't afraid, but instead embraced – the burning hate.