The Decoder - Chapter 13

Avery

Avery drove the plane over the sea and banked to the right over an uninhabited island called Oaken Island, an island that was free of reign from any kingdom. Located at least twenty kilometres north of Rayard and Hathage, it was an island of freedom and Avery often spent his leisure time on this island, away from humankind. He had discovered it during his adventurous scouting in the air when he was bored and wanted to be left alone. This was his island, his solitude, and now, he was sharing it with Edith. Though, the honest reason he brought her here was so, he could speak to her in private and clear the misunderstandings between them.

Avery maneuvered the biplane and landed it expertly, without so much as a slight bump. He switched off the engine, took off his goggles and flight helmet before turning to find Edith was already standing in her seat, goggle and flight helmet in her hand. She scanned their surroundings before her gaze was fixed on the loch before them.

“Where are we?” Edith asked.

“Oaken Island.” Avery smiled and took her hand, helping her down the plane. Once they were on the land, before Avery could speak, Edith rushed to the bank of the loch. He watched her taking in the beauty of the scenery before them. Her overcoat flapping wildly behind her and the tail of her navy-blue satin ribbon he had gifted to her fluttered in the cold wind behind her crown braid. The moment he’d seen her standing at the doorway of Uncle Vern’s kitchen this morning, he was overcome with relief and joy, and she had looked every bit lovely in her navy-blue dress and crown braid. He wanted to pull her in his arms so badly and never let go but caught himself when he was reminded of Uncle Vern’s presence. He had been worried sick when she hadn’t regained her consciousness the next day after the traumatic episode, but Uncle Vern had assured him that it was normal.

As he watched her now, he recalled a memory, she had stood by the lake in the forest, silently watching and feeling the stillness of mother nature around them, appreciating the beauty of mother nature has to offer. Edith was doing the exact same thing now for a long quiet moment before she came bounding back to his side.

“This island is beautiful! It’s so peaceful and I will never get tired of the scenery.” She exclaimed excitedly, her eyes glinted in the dark and her cheerful smile gave his stomach flutters.

“How did you discover this island?” Edith asked.

“I was flying over Rayard and decided to do some exploring.” Avery eyed the entire island, clasping his gloved hands behind him before he did anything indecent. There was a small wood behind them, some trees were barren and skeletal while some were withering away, and there was a narrow pathway into the woods, which Avery had explored, and it led to a small bunker. How the bunker came about, he wasn’t sure.

“This is a lovely surprise. Thank you, Avery.” She beamed and flopped down onto the grass, her legs outstretched before her, smoothing her skirts as she watched the stillness of the loch before them. Then, she closed her eyes and tilted her head heavenward, a smile plastered on her sweet-looking face. Her expression was serene and calm, lovely even. The corners of Avery’s mouth quirked up and an idea crossed his mind. They were alone together afterall.

Avery slid down next to her and lay his head on her lap, which earned a startle from her, but she did not push him away. Hadn’t they done this before when they were younger? By the lake, no less.

“What are you doing, Avery?” Edith asked, glancing down at him, he could see her cheeks turning pink and he liked it. He gave a devilish smile in return.

“Just enjoying the moment.” Avery winked and rested his hands on his abdomen and crossed his ankles, relaxing himself. Edith blinked and returned her attention to the loch. He could feel her warmth under him, and he longed to bring those hazel eyes, which often danced with mirth and cheerfulness, back to him.

“Edie.” He whispered.

“Yes?” She looked down at him again. That did the simple trick. Now, he just needed to hold them while he studied the smooth planes of her face, her heart-shaped lips, and her rich hazel-brown eyes.

“I’m sorry for keeping from you about…my betrothment.”

Edith was silent for a moment as she stared at him, her expression unreadable. She bit the bottom of her lips and smiled.

“She is a lovely lady.”

Avery did not expect that reply. His stomach twisted in ways he never knew was possible.

“Not as lovely as you are.” He tried and he meant it. That earned him a pair of widened eyes. She opened her mouth, closed them, then chuckled, a soft feathery sound he very much adored.

“You and your flattery.” Edith brushed his thick tousled hair, her fingers grazed against his temple and he felt a chill. Her fingers were cold against his skin, so cold. He took her free hand and brought it to rest on his muscled abdomen, his strong hands clamped atop hers, so he could warm her cold fingers.

“You know I’m never good with flattery.” Avery smirked. Oh, how he was enjoying this moment. The thought of the man he had seen Edith conversing with lay somewhere in the back of his mind, waiting to be released, but he couldn’t bring himself to spoil the moment.

“Oh? With your charming looks? I doubt it.” Edith continued to play with his hair, twirling short strands around her fingers. The desire to taste her lips at this moment was overwhelming and Avery had to fight back that urge. Not yet.

“You think I’m charming? With this hideous scar? Now, I’m flattered.” He laughed.

“I truly think you are charming, Avery. Despite the scar.” Edith grinned and traced her fingers over the scar that was inflicted by his older brother. Memories from eleven years ago came rushing back, but Avery pushed them away immediately. Now, he just wanted to kiss her.

“You know, I have always wondered how you received this scar.” She said softly as her eyes, filled with compassion, bored into his. He felt something pulled at his chest at her tone, but Avery had no desire to share his painful past, it was not even worth mentioning, so he will not mention it. He had been very skilled at dodging topics concerning his past over the past eleven years.

“It’s not worth mentioning.” Avery turned his head away from Edith’s gaze, the desire to kiss her forgotten. He had expected her to press on the topic, but to his surprise, she remained silent and stroked his head. Her touch was gentle, and it evoked a memory he thought he had long forgotten. It reminded him of his mother who used to cradle him on her lap by the fireplace and stroked his hair lovingly when he was at the age of seven, a year before she passed away of an illness. It was one of those rare moments his mother had showered him with affection. Unexpected tears filled the corner of his eyes and he quickly wiped them away with his fingertips.

“It’s late. We should head back.”

* * *

Upon their return to the Militia, the journey had been filled with silence. Edith gave his hand a gentle squeeze before wishing him good night and returning to her dorm. Avery sighed. The night had been splendid, and he had enjoyed every moment. His mood often turned sour and moody at the mention of his past and he didn’t like it. He didn’t wish to spoil the mood, but he couldn’t help it. They had come to an understanding of his engagement, but he couldn’t help feeling there’s a void between them now. A gap that lacked something vital. Was it trust?

Avery raked a hand through his hair and returned to his dorm. As he closed the door shut, he was startled by a feminine voice in his room. He turned to find Ira sitting on an armchair by the fireplace, a book in her hand. He sighed and shrugged off his overcoat and leather gloves, tossing them on the edge of his bed. He had given a spare key to Ira, so she could access his room anytime she wanted, and she had requested that key.

“You’re back late. Where were you?” Ira asked, closing her book and placed it on the side table.

“I was out with Edith.” Avery said. There was no need to lie to Ira because he had a premonition that she would find out sooner or later of his relationship with Edith.

“Edith? The woman who is friends with Caden and Merille?”

“Yes.”

“Alone?”

“Yes. Before you jump to conclusions, I will have you know that there’s nothing between us. Edith is my childhood friend.” It pained Avery to say it. It was obvious to him that there was something between him and Edith. Blast, he loved her, and he wasn’t sure if Edith felt the same way towards him.

“I see. You have never mention that you have a childhood friend.” Ira said, approaching him. He was unbuttoning his cuffs and shirt when Ira sidled up to him, resting a slender hand on his chest.

“And I wonder if she’s just a childhood friend?” Ira looked up at him, her emphasis on “just” implying a hidden meaning.

“Yes, just a childhood friend.” Avery said and another silent blow was delivered to him.

Without a word, Ira stood on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. He was momentarily caught off guard, but he returned the kiss, nevertheless. Her arms snaked around his lean waist and she deepened the kiss. A groan escaped from him. Ira was beautiful and she felt good against him, but something did not quite measure up. He did not the excitement, only felt empty.

Ira pulled away and gazed at him, eyes that were filled with love, a love Avery couldn’t reciprocate, and he felt guilty. He couldn’t find in him to wonder why of all the men in the Militia, she had chosen him.

“I will be on an assignment on the day after tomorrow. I’m to assist Shay at Yvyle Forest.”

Avery knew what kind of assignment she was in, and he knew it involved gathering information from Hathage, a dangerous assignment. He doesn’t approve of this assignment and had even brought up his objection to High Commander Ekker, but Ira had stood strong and insisted. Her stubbornness rivaled his need for vengeance against his elder brother.

“Be careful, Ira. I will keep tabs with Merille on your well-being.” He said, genuinely caring for Ira’s well-being.

“Good night, Avery.” She smiled and left the room without another word.

Avery sighed and sat at the edge of the bed, suddenly feeling exhausted. Was there a way to break the engagement? No. He couldn’t bring himself to do it, not when Ira had been nothing but kind and caring towards him. He couldn’t bring himself to hurt her feelings.

He brought his fingers to his scars that extended from the top of his right eyebrow to the bridge of his nose, barely missing his right eye. A hideous scar that was inflicted by his elder brother. Feelings of hatred and loathe filled his heart and he fisted his hand. However, it wasn’t truly the scar that caused the hatred and animosity he had towards his brother, but the betrayal and misplaced trust, and he would never forgive his elder brother for it. And, when he gained the power to give his elder brother a taste of his of betrayal, he will do it without mercy. At that moment, memories of that night fought their way to the surface when he had entered the throne room.

“Father!” Avery rushed to his father and stood before him, unable to carry his feet forward to his father’s side. The shock was overwhelming, and bile threatened to rose to his throat. His mind refused to his body.

At that moment, his older brother, Noel Sykes had stepped into the room and took in the entire scene. He roared, anger surging through his veins and without a second thought, he had grabbed Avery by the collar and hurled him to a wall. The back of his head connected with the wall and impact was jarring. Momentarily, he saw stars blinding his vision.

“You kill father! How dare you!” His voice boomed throughout the hall and Avery flinched. The shock he had felt earlier was replaced with fear, a fear so deep he no longer felt the strength in his knees.

Noel had brandished a short knife from the sheath strapped to his right hip and…A blinding shout and cry echoed throughout the throne room, Avery wasn’t sure if it was his or Noel’s agony that screamed the loudest at that moment.

“Stop!” Avery yelled and realised he was in his room. He was sweating profusely, and his breathing was labored. It took him a moment to calm his nerves down, focusing his mind on the happy moments, of Edith and their childhood days, and the days he spent with Lucien in the Militia. When his nerves finally calmed down, his breathing stable, he allowed himself to lie on the bed. Avery will need to be patient with High Commander Ekker, waiting for that ‘promotion’ which was promised to him eight years ago, which will give him the chance to strike back at his brother.

And they said, ‘patience is a virtue’.

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