Free Run To Earth (Power of Four) by S Mazhar Page A

grip onto the edge to save themselves from toppling out of their chairs.
    “Skyler.” The girl with the blue streaks caught hold of his arm and pulled him back. She muttered something in his ear. It didn’t calm him, but the strange wind died down, leaving everyone with ruffled hair and concerned expressions.
    Aaron glanced across to see his dad was holding Skyler’s furious gaze, but there was no sign of annoyance or anger on his face, just quiet remorse.
    That’s when Mary arrived at the table, holding a large tray of food. Behind her, several boys and girls carried various trays and drinks. Mary looked surprised. Her gaze darted from the broken plates on the ground up to an angry-looking Skyler and the penitent Chris.
    “Skyler?” she questioned.
    But the boy only sent a scathing look at Chris and walked away. The girl and their assembled group hurried after him. Chris watched him before getting up from the table.
    “Chris, don’t,” Drake said. “He’s a hot-headed idiot; don’t mind him.” He gestured to the retreating form of Skyler. “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
    But Chris walked away, heading back to the cottage in which they had spent the night. Kate got up after him.
    “Kate, please don’t,” Drake tried, but she shook her head sadly.
    “Come on,” she said quietly to Aaron.
    Aaron got up. Sending Mary a look of apology, he hurried after his parents, hi s stomach rumbling with hunger.
     

     

5
    Difficult Decisions
     
    It was perhaps twenty minutes later when a knock sounded on the door. Kate opened it to find Mary standing there with a tray loaded with toast, eggs and a large serving of fruit. Ava stood behind her, holding a tray with a jug of juice, several plates and glasses on it.
    “It’s against usual practise for mages to eat inside,” Mary said, “but on this occasion, I think it can be overlooked.”
    “Thank you,” Kate said, taking the tray from Mary. A click of Kate’s fingers and the tray Ava was holding rose in the air. Kate carried her tray into the living room, with the second tray floating in after her. Aaron gaped at the sight, too shocked to make a sound. Kate knelt in front of the single rickety table and placed her tray on it. The second tray gently settled onto the floor next to her. Kate loaded a plate for Aaron and handed it to him, followed by a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Aaron took it warily, still gaping at his mum.
    “Eat, Aaron,” Kate said without looking at him.
    Balancing the plate on his knee, Aaron gulped down his juice.
    “Chris?” Kate held out a plate.
    Chris looked over at her and shook his head. Kate pulled back her hand, hesitating for a moment.
    “His anger is understandable,” she said. “Even if he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
    Chris nodded but didn’t speak. He sat with his head bowed, hands clasped together.
    Kate didn’t say any more. She set another two plates, filled two glasses with juice and balanced them precariously on the edge of the plates, and stood up. She left the room, heading upstairs to give Sam and Rose their breakfast.
    Aaron was left alone with his dad. He glanced at him as he chewed a mouthful of toast and egg. “Dad, you okay?” he asked.
    Chris lifted his head. Troubled eyes found Aaron but, regardless, a smile graced his face. “Yeah. I’m fine, Aaron.” He nodded. “I’m fine.”
    Aaron swallowed. “Why was that boy mouthing off to you?”
    An expression of pain flitted across Chris’s face. “His father,” he started quietly. “His father was my friend – more than that, he was like a...a brother to me.” He shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut as he let out a sigh. He wiped a hand down his face. “He died after I left this realm.”
    “I’m sorry,” Aaron said. “But why was that boy getting annoyed with you? You didn’t do anything.”
    Chris nodded, silent for long minutes. “Yeah,” he said slowly. “I didn’t do anything.”
    Aaron