Everflame by Dylan Peters

said Eveneye, nodding his head. “Still, I think I may have something to ease your mind even more. Follow me.”
    Evercloud looked at his father curiously, but heeded his words and followed him as he walked out of the arena.
    “What about Mother?”
    “She’s going to meet us at home,” said Eveneye. Evercloud foll owed his father along an upward-sloping path, away from the arena and back to the castle. They didn’t say much to each other on the walk, mostly because Evercloud was tired and because Eveneye didn’t want to give away his secret. Eveneye led his son into the castle and then down the hallway that led to the courtroom.
    “We’re going to the courtroom?” asked Evercloud.
    “We are,” replied Eveneye.
    Once they were in the room, Evercloud noticed a chest at the room’s center.
    “There’s something I want to give you.” Eveneye walked over to the chest and unlocked it. He took something out of it and made to hand it to Evercloud. “I had our finest metal-smiths make it for you. It should make defending yourself much easier.” Evercloud’s eyes widened as his father handed him the weapon. “Now, you too, have a claw.”
    The weapon Eveneye had given to his son looked like the claw was made of pure gold, yet it was hard as steel and light as a feather. It was a long piece of metal that extended from his elbow to his hand, and coming out of the end at the hand, were three eight-inch blades that extended like a claw.
    “Go ahead and put it on.”
    Evercloud saw that there were leather straps to secure it to his arm. He strapped it on and gazed at it in wonder.
    “I had the metal extended down to your elbow so that you could use that part as a shield, but it ties to your arm so that your hand is still free. Do you like it?”
    “It’s incredible,” said Evercloud, still in amazement. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
    “I know that men usually fight with swords, but–”
    “I’m not a usual man, Father. I don’t know what usual men do. I know what bears do, and that is as it should be.”
    Eveneye smiled at his son.
    “I just wanted to give you something to show you what you mean to me, Evercloud. You’ll never know how important you are to me. I owe you so much.”
    “It is I who owe you, Father. You saved my life and you made a kingdom of bears accept me. You owe me nothing.”
    “No, Evercloud, you don’t understand. You are my only son. The only son I will ever have. The only one that I can ever have.” Evercloud looked at his father, uncomprehending. “I and your mother are unable to have offspring, Evercloud. We tried for many years, unsuccessfully, and then you came into our lives and we didn’t need to worry anymore. You filled the void in our hearts that would have never gone away, had you not come along. You were a miracle for your mother and I. You saved us from sadness.” Evercloud still looked at his father as though he did not completely understand. “I tell you this now, Evercloud, so that you can see my motives for saving you were selfish. It was not for the greater good. It was what I wanted. It was a decision for me. I see you worry yourself everyday with what others want of you and how others will perceive you. Wanting to do good for this kingdom is noble, but it is not all there is to life. Don’t forget about you. Don’t ever lose yourself, my son.” Eveneye embraced his son. “I love you, Evercloud.”
    “Thank you, Father. I love you too.”
    • • •
    When Evercloud woke up the next morning, it was as if he had woken up as a different person. He felt surer of himself, less awkward. He wondered when he would leave. Evercloud crawled out of bed and made his way toward the kitchen where he found his mother and father eating breakfast. There was a plate, already made for him and he sat down, said good morning, and began eating.
    “How did you sleep?” asked Goldenheart.
    “Well,” said Evercloud with a stuffed mouth.
    “You’re not nervous