Page 86 of Wild Fires

I wasn't a man who focused much on myself. I would sacrifice anything to protect my town. Why would I expect my mate to do anything less? Be anyone less?

She was inspiring others into action, and I couldn't be prouder of her.

“Do you think there are others from the Grimes Flock who would be willing to help?”

“Yes,” the first one said. “There are a lot of us desperate to help in any way. We just thought you'd think it was silly of us to think we could make a difference.”

I dismounted the bike trying not to think about how shallow I'd been thinking they were coming over to flirt with me. That thought was ridiculous. But this wasn't silly at all.

“No. This isn't silly, it's an incredible offer and may make all the difference in the world. I'm going to make an announcement and see if anyone else would like to help. If we pull our stronger powers together, we just might be able to control this fire.” I pointed to the first two who had spoken. “I'm going to need the two of you to step up and help lead this campaign. Can you do that?”

“Us, sir? Surely you have more capable people for that sort of thing. We're Grimes.”

I scowled. “I hate hearing you say that. In my experience the Grimes Flock is among the best of all of us. And if you can think up this plan, then you are fully capable of managing it. I know you can and am counting on it.”

They both stood a little taller and nodded.

“Yes, sir. We can do it.”

“Come with me.”

I walked back into the gym and whistled to catch everyone's attention. The room immediately quieted.

“It's easy to be stuck here feeling helpless while wanting to do anything you can to help. My own sister fought me on this just earlier today when I tried to shut down her beloved diner because it sat on the evacuation line. She said she had enough common sense to move on when true danger knocked, but in the meantime, there were people who were going to need food, and she refused to leave in order to help provide that.”

As if it had been planned and executed right on cue, David opened the door juggling a stack of to-go containers as Kim and Gia walked in behind him.

I chuckled and pointed them out to make my point.

“The truth is, they just wanted to help. And maybe there are others of you amongst us who feel that way too. Maybe you aren't part of the volunteer crews and therefore just don't know how to help. My sister found her own way and so have several of our ladies from the Grimes Flock who have courageously stepped up to help us battle this fire.”

I held out my hand and turned to acknowledge the six water witches who had approached me.

“We are ravens. We are highly intelligent and good with puzzles. There is a raging fire at our doorstep threatening our homes and our lives. We have to figure out how to put this thing out and fast. Six ravens. Six powerful water witches can use their gifts to make a true difference. If anyone amongst us would like to join their effort, please come forward as we help our first responders and volunteers in their courageous efforts to save our town.”

A thunderous applause went up around the room as dozens of people came forward wanting to help. This included nearly the entire Grimes Flock, two of which could manipulate the weather and make it rain down on the fire. We had Earth wielders who could erect new berms and scatter dirt to help smother the flames. People were getting creative and even merging powers amongst themselves ready to tackle this beast. Some of the Pierces even volunteered, who advised they could use their wind powers to direct the water where we needed it most.

I had an unsettling feeling when speaking with the Pierces, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why. Pushing that thought to the back of my mind, I proudly led them out and helped assist with organizing the efforts until a few people stepped up to take over.

We had a plan, and it was a good one.

I made a call over to Clarence to give him a heads up.

“Clarence, how are things heating up down there?” I asked, trying to make a pun that fell flat the second it left my tongue.

Still he chuckled. “The second Gracie returned without you, I knew I'd be hearing from you soon.”

“Gracie's back to work then?”

“She is.”

“Good.”

“Good? I thought you'd be freaking out. Did I misread things? You were very much acting like a mating male. I thought the two of you . . .”

“Oh, I am,” I confessed. “But she's amongst our best and we have a fire to put out. Speaking of which . . .” I dove in to quickly explaining our new reinforcements plan.

“They're amateurs, Ryan. They may think they're helping while being counterproductive.”