Free Soul

Chapter 2

     Ranan and Kendrik walked into the living room, pausing frequently to examine the various items on my shelves.  Ranan kept picking up all the different objects and tossing them up and down, while I stand there cringing. Kendrik is more reserved. He looks at everything, slowly turning in a circle to view the whole room. I fidget as I watch the two very different men examine my living space, suddenly nervous. I smile sheepishly when Ranan picks up my stuffed unicorn and looks at it quizzically, then turns and tosses it to me. I look at him after picking it up from the floor where I dropped it, and he seems confused as to what it is. "It's a unicorn," I explain, "A magic horse with a golden horn." He frowns. "Where is a... unicorn, then?" I giggle, unable to help myself. "They aren't real, just a story." He still seems confused but doesn't ask for more information. Kendrik grins mischievously at me, "He doesn't get out much." he stage-whispers. "I heard that!" Ranan says, playfully shoving his brother.

     I smile at their friendly banter, then sit down on my bed and ask them to explain who they are and why they are here. Ranan sits easily on the floor, and begins talking. "My brother and I are from Mairnne, the same kingdom you were supposed to rule. You didn't mature there because our home has been invaded by humans, and your mother, the Queen, sent you to Earth to be safe from them." I tilt my head questioningly. "But if humans invaded Mairnne, then why did she send me to live with them? You talk about humans as if you aren't one, but if you aren't human then what are you?" I ask. "Because they would never know you weren't one of them if she suppressed your abilities for the time being. The spell was set to wear off after 17 years so you could still rule your Kingdom. And no, we are not human. We are Free Souls, many souls in one body. Some of our kind have only two or three forms, but you have many, however many you wish." "Like what?" I question further. "Such as a fox or hawk. In theory, you could become any living creature or a mix of several different species." Kendrik adds in between our conversation. I look up, startled, "Can I really do that?" "That and much more." He continues, a rare smile crossing his usually composed face.