Free Origins by Jambrea Jo Jones Page B

downtime. Kir should settle in and you need time to adjust.”
    “I need to—” Dji bowed his head and placed his hands on the ground. He began to chant, using some of his own magic to help seal the spot.
    He slumped over, but righted himself. Not needing any help, he stood. For the first time in weeks, Dji looked like his old self, the man Zareb remembered from his youth.

    * * * *

    “Please, Dji, let us go to the river. I want to swim, it is too hot.”
    “We have duties to attend to. Classes for when we become guardians. You need to take this more seriously—soon it will be our responsibility to watch over the masses.”
    “We have time, Dji, all the time in the world to learn what we need to. How often will we be able to go for a swim at our leisure? Those days are coming to a close. Much sooner than either of us is ready for. One afternoon is all I ask.”
    “You always tempt me. One of these days you might regret leading me down the path of wickedness and laziness.”
    “I do not think so because by then you will have beaten all the fun out of me.” Zareb grinned at his friend, the brother of his heart.
    And Dji would. Once they became guardians, the mothers of the tribe would try to have them mate with their daughters in hopes of raising the next generation of guardians. Their time for fun was coming to a close. Dji was always too serious and looked at the big picture. Zareb figured it was his duty to bring some excitement to their lives.
    Later he would get Dji to go into the jungle. Something was singing out there and it begged him to find it. He wouldn’t do it without Dji, they were brothers until the end of time.
    “We cannot stay long, but I will go with you.”
    Zareb tugged Dji behind him until they reached the edge and he pushed his friend before jumping in after him. It was a great way to spend the afternoon. They didn’t know exactly what was in store for them. No one really did until after the ceremony took place. The last guardians did not share. It must be grand, though, to be revered by everyone. It was a great honour and Zareb did take it seriously, most days.
    He laughed when Dji went to dunk him under, but he was too fast.
    The sun started to set on their day of play. A few more days and they would be on patrol, watching over their people. The responsibility rested heavy on his shoulders, but he would do what needed to be done.

    * * * *

    If it was the Ancients causing these flashbacks, he’d have to thank them for the last couple of good memories. That was the last afternoon they had been together. The next night the disaster with the Vessel had happened and their lives had gone down different paths.
    It should have been me.
    “No, my broer. It was as it was meant to be.”
    Zareb didn’t realise he’d said it out loud.
    “You were the serious one—the man who the tribe looked up to. I was the joker, the one who tempted you into all the trouble.”
    “Do you not see? That is why we were perfect to be guardians together. It was a balance.”
    “How can you forgive me?”
    “It was not your fault and you need to forgive yourself. Our paths are once again in line.”
    “I see you are feeling more like yourself, It is good to have you back.” Zareb hugged Djimon close.
    “We should go now. I’m sure the others are getting impatient to leave,” Kir broke in.
    “It is good to be back. I am ready to get to know who I am again and it seems along the way I have acquired a mate.”
    Zareb threw back his head and laughed.
    “Yes, you have, as have I. Now we have to get Kir squared away and life will be good.”
    “That is not nice. I am fine without a mate. I am just happy the evil is buried and gone. Too long have we wallowed in misery.” Kir slapped him on the back.
    The three left the clearing and went to join the others.

    The trip to the plane was uneventful. Zareb was thankful for that. The private airstrip was the one good thing Dmitri had done while taking over Dji.