Babel wasn’t sure but he felt himself nodding his head. He tried to stand and although his legs were wobbly from fear, he managed to stand upright. “I’m okay. Thank you.”
The woman looked at him strangely. “What were you doing in the cemetery?”
“I’m not sure. It seems like I ended up the wrong place.”
“Well, you’re lucky. That is definitely not the right place to be.” She looked at him closely. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Why do you keep asking me that?”
She gave a half-smile before she answered. The smile had the effect she hoped. Babel was disarmed and could listen to her. “It’s just that…and this may sound strange…you don’t look like you’re from around here.”
“No, I’m not from around here.”
“Really? That’s hard to tell by looking at you.” Babel smiled at her sarcasm. “Are you from the Outerlands?”
Babel smiled. “I’m not really sure what you’re talking about.”
“Okay...well anyways, I’m glad you’re okay. I entered a cemetery once when I was younger over a stupid bet.”
Babel returned her sarcasm. “Well, it looks like you made it out.”
She looked at him seriously. “I did, but my friend did not. As I said, you’re lucky to make it out of there.”
“Sorry to hear about your friend. By the way, I’m Babel.” He rose and stuck out his hand to shake.
She looked at him strangely. “What are you doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean why do you have your hand out?”
“I was trying to introduce myself.”
“So you introduce yourself by putting your hand forward? That’s very strange. Interesting but strange. Anyways, I’m Triana.” She stuck out her hand also and laughed. “There, now we’ve introduced ourselves.”
“Not yet.” said Babel. He took a step forward and grabbed her hand. She started to pull back but then relaxed. Babel couldn’t explain it but when their hands touched he could feel what she was feeling. He could feel that she was taken aback by him grabbing her hand but she must have felt through him that he meant her no harm. Babel shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Triana.”
Triana shook Babel’s hand back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Babel.” She started to let go of his hand but something came across her face and she gasped.
Babel looked at her concerned. “What is it?”
“You’re Chokka.” Triana said amazed.
“Chokka? What are you talking about? Isn’t that some kind of fish in Africa?”
“Africa? I don’t understand.”
“Never mind. What do you mean Chokka?”
“You don’t know? Chokka is your family. The Chokka were killed many years ago.”
Babel thought back to what his mother had told about his father and what she knew of this world. His grandparents had been important people of some sort and his father had escaped. “They are all dead? Are you sure? A member of my family came here only a few days ago, my father. Have you seen him?”
Triana grew quiet and still. “What is it?” Babel asked.
“A Chokka was discovered a few days ago. People were amazed to see a Chokka after so many years.”
“What do you mean discovered?”
“He was captured by the Klopph.”
“Who are the Klopph? What do you mean captured?”
“The Klopph are those who keep order. They report to the Keeper. He has ruled since the Chokka were killed.”
Babel considered what she was saying. He would catch up on the ruling order of this world later. “After the Klopph captured my father, what happened to him?”
Babel could tell that Triana did not want to answer but he pressed her. She did not answer, instead she looked at the gate behind them and nodded. Babel was not sure what she meant at first but then he looked at where she stared: the cemetery.
“My father…”
“Was killed by the Klopph.” Triana finished reluctantly.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Babel looked at Triana for a moment. “You’re lying.” His anger grew. How could she say such a thing? Why would his father be dead? How could anyone know who he was?
“I wish I was.” Triana answered.
Babel studied her for a moment. “She knew who I was. If she knew that, others could have known who my father was. Why would she lie? She has no reason.” Babel knew she was telling the truth. His father was dead.
His rage flared and flames ignited the air behind him. Triana stepped back in surprise and fear. Finally, the rage peaked and sorrow began to set in. Then, grief. He fell to his knees and the flames died out. His father was dead. He was alone.
The grief consumed him and he fell forward and wept at Triana’s feet.
When he finished, he looked up at her. He was embarrassed but his rage had returned to overrule his shame. He expected her run. After all, she had just met him. Babel looked up at Triana through tear-stained eyes and saw compassion. “You’re not afraid?”
“Am I afraid of you?”
“Not me, the fire that came from me. Does it not scare you?”
“We all have our own ability. I have never seen someone with your ability but it appears to be a good one. Should I be afraid? Do you plan to use your ability on me?”
Guilt crossed Babel’s face. “No, I would never… Look, I’m sorry. You took me off guard.”
“It is I who should be sorry. Forgive me for intruding on you in such a private moment.”
“It’s okay.” Babel replied as he stood.
