Fire's Flame [Elements Book 1] by C. L. Scholey Page B

called forth Terra. His somewhat more grounded brother stood by his side in seconds. Terra flashed Ignis a broad grin which animated his handsome face. Dark green eyes and earthy richly dark hair with a multitude of highlights shone in the light of the moon as the wind picked up.
    “Brother,” Terra said in way of acknowledgement. “Is it my turn to babysit?”
    “I would ask a favor.”
    “Of course, anything for my big brother.”
    “Escape and retreat are cut off for the woman and her children. It’s safer. But they will need to eat. Her reserves are gone, I heard the rumble in her child’s belly, there is only one reason her child would be hungry,” Ignis waved his hand at the empty overgrown garden filled with weeds. “I am in need of your help, or rather they are.”
    “A trivial dilemma—at least for me.”
    Terra planted both feet firmly on the ground. Vein-like, bright green roots shot from his heels and toes, weaving their way into the garden. His eyes closed for mere seconds before opening. The depths of his gaze churned with a rolling intensity as he focused upon the withered mess before him. The earth churned like Terra’s eyes and the soil began to roll, the weeds were turned under and were ripped to shreds. Hunter green buds unraveled within the dirt and stretched heavenwards. Long vines crept like awakening fingers up and around a small wooden fence. Buds opened and yawned life-like, called from their slumber when summoned and nurtured.
    Cucumbers and tomatoes grew and ripened beside strawberry and raspberry and blackberry bushes. Squash and turnips lined up as soldiers. In another corner grew carrots and potatoes and lettuce. Celery shot up as though loathe to wait their turn. There was no space left untouched as Terra worked his magic on the earth. When finished, he took a deep breath and his finger-like veins retreated back into his feet. He strode to a tree, waved his hand and soon lush apples were in abundance, on yet another tree were pears. With the flash of a cheeky grin, Terra winked at his brother and a new tree formed with lush peaches. The vine growing on the side of the house was covered in grapes.
    “That should keep them busy for a while,” Terra said with a smile.
    “Just one more thing?” Ignis asked. “They need something more than just fruits and vegetables.” He was remembering Flame’s stuffed cheeks of meat and the many fires where he had roasted a fresh kill.
    Terra sighed as he walked to the flowing creek. With a wave of his hands, fish began jumping until the water was bursting with them.
    “There, any moron could catch these, even without a fishing pole,” Terra said.
    “They could also use…”
    “Eggs,” Terra finished for him. A small flock of chickens clucked their way into the small open area near the water. Ducks quietly floated on the river and waddled near the banks. “By morning they will have eggs for breakfast and, I’ve rounded up a few turtles and crayfish if they feel enthusiastic. The woman might or might not be suspicious of the mussels and clams. They can roast a chicken if they don’t mind doing the dirty work of killing and gutting, I can only provide—I can’t force feed them.”
    “Thank you,” Ignis said. “Come morning, I’ll have Ventus send a teasing wind with the scent of food to encourage curious exploration. I’m certain they will all be delighted with the discovery of your hard work.”
    “Sure, but you owe me.”
    “Of course.”
    “There is an out of control forest fire in a particular area I’ve been cultivating. Your minions have run amok.”
    Ignis sighed. “They’re not my minions; fire has no thought, or malice, no mercy. But I will put a stop to it—I can’t be everywhere at once. You of all should know that.”
    “Yes I know, neither can I,” Terra said. “It would be nice if more humans took a more active role in the planet they live on. How would they like it if I went into their homes and dumped