Fantasy

Sometimes I dream about the fire people.
I dream about the people with grayish skin, the color of twilight. About their red war paint and their mighty purple steeds with fiery veins and embers for eyes. About their big, fiery, pointy swords and maces, and their long silver chains.
I also dream that they're coming for me.
I have nightmares about them coming to the tavern and finding the trap door, storming through the halls and ripping the door off of its hinges before stomping into the room and dragging me back with them to the city, where they would torture me before they would finally kill me.
The first time I had a nightmare about the fire people I climbed out of bed quietly and tip toed down the hall, leaving the door halfway open. I opened Reuben's door slowly to find that he and his roommates were still awake, sitting on the floor playing poker and talking quietly.
Hey there Ruthie, Reuben said. Are you okay?
I shook my head. I had a nightmare about the fire people.
Well would you like to tell me about it? He asked. I nodded. Come here.
I walked around the other two boys and sat on Reuben's lap.
The fire people took me, they ripped through this place and broke down the door and took me. They brought me to the city and to the officials, and the officials said, "Kill the girl, but make sure it's a painful death." And then the fire people took me to a dungeon and chained me up, and they beat me and told me I was worthless, and then they cut off my head and then I woke up. I took a deep breath. It hurt.
Who're the fire people? One of Reuben's roommates asked.
A race of people her mum told stories about when she was real little, Reuben replied. He turned and took a paper from on top of a small table. They look like that.
Whoa, the guy said. Who drew this?
Ruthie. Reuben turned to me. Well if the fire people come I'll keep you safe, okay?
I nodded. Thank you Reuben.
Do you want to go back to bed or stay here? He asked.
I want to stay here, I said.
Okay. This is Brett, Reuben gestured to the guy who asked about the fire people. And that's Zack.
I smiled briefly at them before the poker game continued. A couple hours later I started dozing and the poker game had ended. Reuben brought me back to my room and put me to bed.
Now whenever I have nightmares about the fire people I go to Reuben's room and sit with him, Brett, and Zack while they play poker and when the game ends Reuben brings me back to my room and tucks me in.
Eventually I did run into someone in the hall on my way to Reuben's room. The fifth time I had the nightmare about the fire people taking me away, I had just reached Reuben's door and was about to push it open when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
Why are you going into Reuben's room? Nathan asked.
I turned. Because I had a nightmare.
Nathan laughed quietly. Poor little Ruthie had a nightmare. I suppose you're too young to teach us then, if your biggest problem is nightmares, because in case you haven't noticed there's actually a war going on out there and we don't need you to w-
What are you trying to do, Nathan? Reuben asked.
She's had a dream and thinks it's important! Nathan said indignantly.
Reuben picked me up. She's a child and she's braver than you, Nathan. Her "dream" was actually a nightmare in which she was tortured and killed, something you probably can't comprehend. Leave Ruthie alone.
Nathan snorted and turned to walk away. Reuben brought me into his room and sat me down between Brett and Zack, whispering, Stay here.
He left and a moment later I cringed when I heard someone get punched. After a minute of silent waiting Reuben returned and I let out the breath I'd been holding when I saw he wasn't hurt.
Then Reuben sat with me while the boys played poker and later he carried me back to my room and tucked me in.
In the morning Reuben came to check on me and walk me to breakfast to make sure I didn't run into Nathan on the way.
When we walked into the dining room hand in hand Nathan snarled as I passed and then I stared closely at him.
You think the fire people are a fantasy.