Chapter 1

An adventure is just an unplanned vacation

 

I stood amidst the bustling crowd that had gathered in the main square. There was a tangible excitement in the air. People of all shapes and sizes pressed in around me, a kaleidoscope of humanity united in their shared curiosity and eagerness to hear the king's proclamation. Yet amidst the throng, I couldn't help but notice the opportunity that presented itself—an opportunity to liberate a few coins from unsuspecting pockets amidst the chaos. With a subtle nudge of my elbow, I drew Leo's attention to the wealth of possibilities that lay before us, a silent agreement passed between us as we prepared to seize the moment and claim our meager share of the spoils.

“This will make our work much easier.” I whispered.

Leo grinned and rubbed his dirty hands together. “The ale will be flowing for us tonight, Owen.”

I was about to slide into the crowd when a gentle voice whispered into my ear. “Wait.”

Isabella stepped in front of me and gestured silently with her eyes.

Palace guards swept into the bustling square; the atmosphere of the crowd shifted perceptibly with a sense of apprehension. Within moments, a commotion erupted to our right, drawing our attention like moths to a flame. A guard's swift action thwarted a thief in the act of snatching coin purses, the culprit none other than Caden, a familiar face from the shadows of the thieves' guild.

The thieves’ guild, a rival to our small trio, epitomized the darker side of the underworld. They were driven by greed and profit rather than necessity. In stark contrast, we operated on a different code, stealing only what was essential for survival and carefully selecting our targets with precision and discretion.

I watched as the guard's armored fist descended with brutal force upon Caden's face. In an instant, he crumpled to the ground like a marionette with severed strings, his fate sealed as he was dragged away.

My gaze shifted to Isabella. Despite the smudges of dirt that marred her features and the unkempt tangle of hair cascading around her shoulders, there was an undeniable allure to her presence. Beneath the grime, delicate features and graceful lines hinted at the beauty that lay dormant, waiting to be revealed. With a touch of care and attention, she had the potential to blossom into a vision of loveliness. She didn’t belong orphaned and living with the likes of Leo and me.

“Thanks for the warning, Isabella. Why do the guards always have to ruin our fun?”

"The king seeks to shut down the city's criminal underbelly," Isabella explained, her voice hushed as we shifted back in the shadows. "To him, the activities of thieves and barterers alike are tantamount to stealing from the kingdom's coffers. The guards are growing in watchfulness, eager to meet the king’s orders. We must exercise caution."

Leo squeezed himself into our conversation. “We only have scraps left. I’m hungry.”

Leo, with his vertically challenged stature and his frame somewhat rounded, possessed a jovial appeal that seemed to perpetually radiate warmth and good cheer even when his mood was foul. His actions often lifted my mood, his laughter hearty was infectious. Yet, it was Leo's unwavering passion for culinary delights that truly defined him, his conversations peppered with enthusiastic talk about anything food. Whether waxing poetic about the perfect piece of discarded moldy bread or extolling the virtues of a decadent desert that the dirt could be brushed off, Leo's love affair with food was unmistakable, a constant reminder of life's simple joys and the pleasure that could be found in the most modest of meals.

“We will wait until the crowd disperses and the guards head back to the palace.”

Amidst the blaring of horns, Leo's attempt at a bow was more comical than graceful. "Here comes the grandiose King prodigious pompous himself," he muttered with a hint of sarcasm, his words dripping with playful irreverence.

Isabella rolled her eyes. “I wonder if Prince Casimir will be here today?” She stood on her toes to try to get a better view.

My eyes drifted to the raised platform as the king helped Queen Cordelia up next to him. To their right, Prince Casimir stepped up casually. He was a handsome fellow that the ladies all fanned themselves over.

Isabella swooned and put her hands clutched together over her heart. “Gods, he’s so gorgeous.”

It was my time to roll my eyes as Isabella was literally bouncing on her toes. “You’re drooling, Isabella.”

“I am not!”

Casimir reached behind and offered a hand to his sister, Princess Grace.

Leo put his hand on my shoulder so he could balance on the few loose cobblestones he had stacked together to give him a little better view. “Now that’s worth drooling over.”

Princess Grace was beautiful and stunning. Her long brunette hair cascaded down from her gem-encrusted tiara to her trim waist. The royal family exemplified everything we were not. Good looking, wealthy, and powerful. We were street rats. Orphans. We survived as a team stealing from the excess of others. The princess was so beautiful, it almost hurt to look at her.

I shut my eyes to avoid the distraction that was Grace. Enveloped in the quiet sanctuary of my thoughts, I felt a subtle, yet undeniable tug resonate within the depths of my spirit. This stirring had been a recurrent presence for months, its gentle pull gradually intensifying with each passing day. Its origin remained elusive, veiled in mystery, yet its persistence was unmistakable, tugging at the very fabric of my being with a sense of urgency. Though its significance eluded my grasp, its direction seemed to beckon from the west, a silent call amidst the vast expanse of the kingdom. I opened my eyes and stared at Princess Grace. Sadly, I recognized that the pull wasn't coming from her.

A herald quieted the crowd. “King Percival has an important announcement.”

Leo almost fell off his perch. “I bet you both a pint of ale that King Blowhard will announce the next grand ball and feast that we will be selectively disinvited to.”

Isabella smiled without taking her eyes off the prince. “I’ll take that bet, Leo. I say he will introduce a new tournament. Nothing is more important to the royal family than watching the peons beat themselves senseless. Are you in on the bet, Owen?”

“I’m in. The king will announce that I have been chosen as Princess Grace’s future husband.”

Leo poked me in the ribs. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Owen, but we are considered a blight on society.”

I puffed out my chest. “Yes, but I am a handsome blight.”

The king took a step forward. “People of Eldorath. I speak to you today with a heavy heart. There is a darkness in our world that is making its way towards us. To our far north, a blight is taking over the land.”

Leo grinned. “Hey, he mentioned us.”

“It is moving steadily our way, destroying crops, and killing livestock. Eldorath protects all the realms to the south. If we fall to the darkness, they will also fall. We are the last and final bastion in the world.”

He paused to let the murmuring crowd quiet. “Many centuries ago, a prophecy was discovered. It told of a time when the darkness would come. It spoke of a savior that would arise. One gifted by the gods with the power of the mightiest creature to have ever lived, the phoenix. This savior would push back the darkness and light the way to a glorious future.”

When the king spoke the word phoenix, my spirit tugged hard again.

“With the encroaching darkness, we believe the time for this prophecy to unfold is now. We have scoured archives and discovered clues that a phoenix feather is hidden and protected somewhere in our kingdom. The feather, when held by the savior, will grant them power to defeat the enemies that approach. I am offering one thousand gold coins to the person that finds and brings me the feather.”

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as the revelation unfolded. It was a fortune. Amidst the murmurs and whispers, the royal family departed, leaving behind a sense of anticipation in their wake. I instinctively delved into the depths of my pockets, fingers fumbling until they clasped around four humble copper coins. With a mixture of disbelief and awe at what king of fortune the king offered, I peered at the tarnished metal resting in my dirt-streaked palm.

“I’ve seen that look on you before, Owen,” Isabella observed, her voice heard above the clamor of the citizens.

I nodded in silent acknowledgment, a flicker of determination igniting within me. “Let's go.”

We navigated through the dissipating throng and made our way towards our humble abode nestled at the fringes of the city dump. Constructed from a haphazard assortment of wood and tattered fabric, our shelter may have been crude, but it provided sanctuary amidst the chaos of the outside world.

Leo, ever the imaginative soul, seized upon a battered basket with its bottom torn asunder. Placing it atop his head with regal flair, he proclaimed, “Hear ye, hear ye! King Sirtalksalot decrees a quest of unparalleled folly. Behold, a feather shall be our salvation against the impending army's onslaught. Alas, it appears the ale will remain unclaimed, though none among us possess the means to purchase it anyways.”

Gazing past the mound of discarded refuse, my eyes alighted on the western road. A contingent of knights marched purposefully, their destination shrouded in mystery to all but me. “Here’s my plan…”

 

***

 

“You’ve lost it, Owen. You’re as dumb as the king. Maybe you have royal blood after all.” Leo paced in circles.

“Leo has a point. Do you really think we can find the feather? A feather that probably doesn’t exist? Before anyone else?”

I stared at Isabella and turned away from them both. “We live on the discarded trash of others and what little we can steal. That’s not a life. I just…”

Isabella's gentle touch on my arm drew me from my thoughts. “You always seem to fall into this introspective mood whenever you see the princess,” she remarked with a knowing smile. “I can empathize. The chasm between their world and ours is vast. When I catch sight of the royal family, I can't help but entertain a series of 'what if' scenarios. What if I had been born on the other side of the city? What if my parents hadn't left me behind? What if I was beautiful?”

“You are beautiful.”

Leo and Isabella spoke at the same time. “What?”

Attempting to brush past my previous statement, I fixed my gaze upon the expanse of the valley below. “I understand it sounds improbable,” I began, my voice tinged with determination. “The guards' vigilance against thieves has only compounded the hardships we face in this place. Yet, all I propose is that we seize the opportunity. We are skilled with knives and bows. Let's break from this monotonous existence. Let's embark on an adventure, embracing the untamed wilderness, escaping the suffocating odor of this refuse dump. Perhaps, just perhaps, we might stumble upon something that could change our lives forever. Surely, it couldn't be any bleaker than remaining here.”

Isabella sighed. “You’re right. It wouldn’t hurt at all. We would probably eat better foraging and sneaking food from gardens than we would here anyways. But we need a plan. That mystical, fictional feather, could be anywhere.”

In my heart I knew why the knights were heading west. “Since we got back here, two groups of knights have travelled west. I think the king might know something. What’s out west?”

Leo pulled the basket off his head and tossed it into a pile of debris. “Mountains.”

“Ruins,” Isabella added.

“The ruins of Emberfall. What better place to hide a phoenix feather. The place was possibly named after the embers of a phoenix. I say we follow the knights. If they find something, who better than three thieves to get to it before they can?”

Leo grabbed a torn backpack and started tossing things in. “Let’s go.”

While he was packing things, I felt Isabella’s hand on my arm again. “You think I’m beautiful?”

 

***

 

We swiftly gathered our scant possessions, a meager collection of essentials. Among us, we counted one bow, a small cache of three arrows, and a pair of daggers to share. After a long day of walking and as night descended, we indulged in a rare feast—a plump chicken captured in the wild during our journey. It was the largest and most decadent meal we had in weeks.

I leaned back against a log and stared into the fire. Leo was gnawing on the chicken carcass, and Isabella unrolled her blanket and stretched out on it.

Leo licked his fingers. “This is the life. I’m glad you talked us into it, Owen.”

I stared up into the stars. “It is quite pleasant until Isabella starts whispering the prince’s name in her sleep.”

“I do not whisper Casimir’s name and, even if I did, it’s better than your snoring.”

“Casimir, is it?”

Isabella blushed and turned on her side away from us.

 

***

 

For two days we followed closely behind the knights. The weather had shifted, and it had rained almost constantly since our first night. Food was scarce and that had Leo complaining more.

“At least back in Eldorath I only had to contend with a few drops of water and puddles under my blanket when it rained. Why did I ever think this was a good idea? This is bloody miserable.”

Isabella shivered as she wrapped her thin blanket around her. “Not fun at all. We only have one arrow left as well.”

If it wasn’t for the constant tug on my spirit, I would have given up a long time ago. “We are close to the ruins. Give it one more day. The weather is bound to get better.”

 

Chapter 2

That’s not good

 

If anything, the weather had only become worse. Game had hunkered down and avoided the roads and the cold, damp conditions. We were starved, frozen, and soaked. I was about to admit defeat when we heard a clash of arms and shouts ahead.

With urgency pulsating through our veins, we sprinted ahead, rounding the bend of the road to encounter a harrowing scene unfolding before us. The knights, adorned in their resplendent armor, clashed against a horde of formidable adversaries—lizard-like creatures spewing forth tongues of searing flame. In the heart of the skirmish, they had managed to corner one of the beasts, their blades poised for the final strike. Yet, unbeknownst to them, another of these creatures lurked stealthily, poised to assail them from the shadows.

In the heat of the moment, my eyes fell upon a sturdy rock. Instinctively, I reached for it, my fingers curling around its rugged contours. However, before I could make a move, Isabella's hand clasped firmly around my arm, her touch a silent plea for caution, her eyes ablaze with determination.

“What are you doing?”

“Distracting the creature.”

“They are knights. They have armor and weapons, and do I need to remind you that never once has a knight done anything for the likes of us.”

“Isabella is right, Owen. We can get around them while they fight.”

“Someone’s going to die if we don’t do something. You both run up the hillside and try to get around the battle.”

When they didn’t move, I stepped back to the road, shouted, and threw the rock. The rock smacked the creature right on the head. It turned, roared, and gave a burst of fire that had us scattering in all directions.

The creature rushed directly for me. I backed up until I hit a rock wall. I had nowhere to go. I watched as it opened its mouth to cook its favorite meal, me, medium rare. I closed my eyes and cringed before hearing a swish and a thump. When I realized I was not turned into a flambeed chunk of meat, I opened my eyes. A knight stood over the now dead creature. His sword dripping blood.

The knight tipped his head. “Gutsy move, kid. You saved us.”

“It was obviously ill-conceived on my part as I was about to be dinner.”

“Next time remember that flamejaws can’t see well from their side. Always stay on their periphery.”

“I’ll remember that next time I kill one. I almost had this one. I’m sure the next rock I threw would have killed it. Thank you.”

The knight chopped off the tail. “Flamejaw tail is a delicacy. Take it home and cook it up.”

“We’re heading to the ruins.”

The knight crossed his thickly muscled arms over his chest. “These flamejaws are just the beginning of the dangers. Those ruins have all kinds of beasts inside them.”

I nodded slowly. “For now, it would be nice to just find someplace dry.”

“We’re meeting up with another group of knights. They have camp set up. Join us for the night and share our fire. It’s the least we can do.”

 

***

 

It was odd mingling with knights. We ate roasted flamejaw tail until we could barely move and found an out of the way spot where a partially collapsed building offered a covered and dry patch of ground. We were far enough away from the knights that they talked freely.

It was twilight when I saw one of the leaders of the knights and with a solemn reverence, he unfurled an aged and weathered scroll. As he spoke with the other knights and stretched out his arm tracing an invisible path, guiding our attention upwards towards the towering silhouette of an ancient dome.

“According to this map… feather… behind… altar. Plaguefangs…scorpions… flamejaws. We… inside… work our way… atrium.”

“Did you hear that, Owen?”

I nodded at Isabella as I stared up the mountain. Whatever was drawing me was pulling stronger than ever. “Why fight your way through monsters, when I am certain we can find a way in from the outside. Their ruins, after all.”

Leo bit into another large chunk of tail. “This is delicious. You sure you want to try and find the feather after today?” He stared at the meat in his hands. “This could have been you for that lizard.”

“We’re so close. I say we start climbing before dawn. If we can get to the feather before them, we’ll have more money than most nobles. It would change our lives.”

 

***

 

The climb, especially in the hours before dawn, was treacherous. At least the weather had turned in our favor. The ruins were built between steep cliffs and the only route to the top where the dome rested was via precarious ledges. We scrambled upward for half the day until we finally managed to get to the wall of the dome.

Unfortunately, it looked completely solid. We were breathing hard. There was no way in, and it was a very long way down.

“Gods!” Leo threw a rock at the wall.

I hung my head. How could ruins be so solid? I heard a crack and thought it was just another of Leo’s rocks.

“Owen…”

I glanced over at Isabella. She was staring at a point where Leo had thrown the rock. Plaster had fallen off the wall and a crack had appeared. I rushed over to it and began pushing. Nothing was happening at first, then slowly, the wall crumbled inward. I fell forward, rolled across the bricks, stones, and plaster that had dislodged, and landed on my hands and knees in a large round room. At the very top of the dome, light filtered through a crystal enabling me to see.

I slowly got to my feet and discovered I was standing on a balcony. As my eyes adjusted to the light in the room, a sense of awe overwhelmed me. The large circular room stretched out before me, adorned with the remnants of some long-lost grand civilization. At the pinnacle of the dome, a single crystal allowed a soft, ethereal light to cascade down, creating a gentle glow on the horrific scene below.

The once magnificent mosaic-tiled floor, a masterpiece of artistry, now lay mostly obscured by an undulating mass of six-foot scorpion-like creatures. Their sleek exoskeletons reflected the ambient light, creating an eerie dance of shadows. All the creatures were looking at me. The room slowly started to fill with clicking and hissing.

Isabella and Leo climbed in through the hole I had made. I pulled them both down next to me. Isabella peeked over the stone balcony railing.

“That’s not good.”

We shuffled along the stone balcony as the creatures hissed at us and clambered over top of each other trying to reach us. I leaned back against the wall and shook my head.

“This is useless. If we go down, we will get ourselves killed.”

Leo peered over the edge. “There’s an altar. I think there is a door behind it.”

I looked over the ledge just as the creatures turned away from us. The knights entered the room, and a tremendous battle began.

“Let’s go!”

We kept low and moved quickly to the spot where the balcony was directly behind the altar. As quietly as I could, I hung from the ledge, and dropped down. I helped catch Isabella. Leo shook his head.

“You guys go ahead. I’ll break my leg dropping from here I’ll try to find another way down to join you.”

A quick glance over my shoulder suggested we were somewhat safe from the creatures. I placed my hands on the large, ornate golden door. I pushed hard and the door swung inward with a deafening screech. Isabella and I slipped inside, putting our backs to the door just as a creature slammed into it. Its tail and stinger stretched through the narrow opening.

Venom dripped from the sharp barb onto the mosaic tile, burning the bright colors away. The creature on the other side of the door was incredibly strong. I leaned my entire weight against the door as Isabella scrambled about. I strained and felt my feet giving way when I heard a swish of air, a high-pitched wail, and saw the tail fall at my feet. The door closed abruptly.

Isabella was standing with a smile on her face as she held up a magnificent silver sword.

“Good thing it was still sharp.”

“Where did you find that?”

Isabella pointed behind her. A skeleton was leaning against the cut-stone wall of a hallway we had entered. It was adorned in rusty and weathered armor that had intricate designs carved into the metal plates. The tattered remains of cloth and what remained of the armor covered most of the skeleton. The hollow eyes of the skull seemed to tell a tale of horror.

“I guess we are not the only ones to seek the treasures that lay within these walls.”

I looked down the hallway. A light glow appeared at the far end. In the low light, I could make out intricate scenes painted on the walls.

Isabella stayed close to my side as we made our way down the hall. The paintings depicted a woman, covered in fire, with wings of flame, alone, and floating before an advancing dark host.

The hallway gave way to an open room. Another crystal in the ceiling bathed the space in a gentle glow. I was expecting anything but what I saw. I imagined a vault of treasure. A room full of golden chests. Possibly a catacomb. But not a bedroom.

The luxurious room looked untouched for eons. The walls were adorned with faded murals depicting scenes of fire and fierce battles. Golden motifs, once vibrant, adorned the intricately carved wooden panels that lined the room. Tattered remnants of rich tapestries hung from the ceiling; their colors muted by the centuries. The chamber exuded a regal air, as if the person that had lived there was royalty.

Centered against the far wall, an imposing bed, draped in remnants of luxurious fabrics, stood as a testament to the affluence of its long-forgotten owner. The bedposts, carved with delicate patterns, reached toward the ceiling like ancient sentinels guarding the secrets of the past. A weathered canopy, once richly embroidered, hinted at the grandeur that once enveloped this resting place.

Furniture, crafted with meticulous detail, decorated the room—a vanity with a cracked mirror, ornate chairs with faded and torn cushions, and several large wooden clothing chests. In an empty space of the room a short pillar of marble stone was capped by a bell of crystal glass. Under the glass rested a single red feather.

“This must be it, Isabella. Stand back in case there is some trap.”

Isabella stepped back. “Maybe we shouldn’t touch it, Owen. Don’t risk yourself.”

We could hear the door screech from the far end of the hallway.

I had no time to waste. “I have to try, Isabella.” My hands shook as I lifted the glass and set it aside. The feather was pristine and shimmered with an iridescent glow.

I heard steps coming. I looked at Isabella and then back at the feather. The feather called to me. I reached down and gently picked up the feather feeling a surge of warmth course through my veins. A knight and Leo rushed into the room, and I smiled briefly, knowing we had beaten the knights to the prize.

My smile faltered as a flicker of flames sprung from my hands. Initially, I didn’t feel any heat, but was mesmerized by the dancing flames. The air crackled with magic as the flames expanded and began to spiral around me.

For a moment, I was enthralled by the beauty of the flames until they suddenly grew hot, and I screamed. All I could see was fire all around me as my clothing and skin burned away. Fire poured into my mouth and began burning me from the inside out. How I was still alive was beyond me. The flames were white-hot, and I felt my body char and become nothing but embers and ash.

The flames began to shift. They undulated, twisted, and reshaped me. In a final burst of flames and light, I collapsed.

 

Chapter 3

This was not in the plan

 

I had the feeling of being lifted and placed onto something soft. I stirred and slowly opened my eyes. The air smelled like burned flesh and I recalled the flames. I was afraid to look at myself, imagining burned and blackened skin and charred bones.

Isabella’s face appeared before me. Her hair was singed and there were bits of smoke coming from her clothing.

“Owen… You’re still Owen… right?”

I blinked. Why wouldn’t I be Owen?

Leo squeezed in next to Isabella. “Gods… I’m so glad I didn’t touch the feather.” He reached out and touched my nose. “Seems real enough.”

Isabella growled. “Everyone out! Give us a few minutes.”

I heard the shuffling of many feet.

“It’s just us now, Owen.”

“How…?”

My voice faltered. It was softer and higher pitched than before. I moved my fingers, amazed I still had any. They didn’t hurt and as I rubbed my thumb and fingers together, I felt smooth skin.

I pushed myself upright and felt a blanket slide off. Isabella gasped and I closed my eyes before looking down. When I opened them, I was too stunned to scream. I was naked. My skin was perfect. But I had breasts. I tipped my head down further and long flowing hair fell in front of my eyes. It was blonde in color, with hints of red, orange, and yellow at the tips giving it an iridescent shine that reminded me of flames.

I looked up to find Isabella staring at me.

“Owen…”

I closed my eyes again. My racing mind settled just a bit. I felt connected to something ageless. Knowledge trickled into my mind. Understanding slowly unfurled within me.

I slipped from the bed, the blanket now no longer covering anything of me. Isabella scurried around me to grab the blanket and wrapped it around my shoulders. I looked around the room and realized I was still in the ruins and in the bedroom where we found the feather.

There was nothing left of the marble pillar but a few blackened pebbles. The floor looked to have melted away leaving a dark pit. I remembered the mirror and turned to face it.

My reflection revealed a vision of pure enchantment. Long, flowing hair framed a face that radiated a serene and captivating allure. The eyes that gazed back at me sparkled with wisdom and depth. They were blue like sapphires with hints of gold as if at any moment they could spark into fire.

I reached for the mirror but paused when I saw a feather-shaped birthmark on my left forearm. I stepped back and stared at my reflection again. I was beautiful with a thin waist, flared hips, and generous breasts. I was lean and tone, my skin appeared sun kissed in color. Not light or pale, but lightly tanned. It was flawless.

“Talk to me, Owen.”

“This will take some getting used to, Isabella. I’m still me. Owen. Sort of.”

“I thought you were dead, then when the flames died down, we found you lying naked in the bottom of the pit, completely transformed. What can I do for you? I don’t even know what to say.”

“I… I don’t understand it all, Isabella. I feel… right. Like I was supposed to be this way. For months I felt a growing sense of unease. A tug on my spirit to come west. I knew in my heart that change was coming. I was compelled to come here.”

“You look like the woman in the paintings.”

“Aria. That was her name.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because I am now her, reborn from the ashes.”

Isabella touched her hand to my forehead. “All feathers, flames, and magical transformations aside, are you sure you are all right?”

“I feel incredible, Isabella. I can’t explain it.”

“Gods… your breathtaking. Far more beautiful than Princess Grace. We need to find clothes because those knights in the other room could not keep their eyes off you.”

“Let’s look around to see what we can find.”

There were four large chests around the room. We found several items of clothing. Only one outfit was salvageable. It was a travel dress and boots, fitting me perfectly albeit musty, smelly, and more than a bit ragged with age. There was nothing else of value.

I paused before leaving the room and ran my hands reverently over the carved wooden bedpost. “This was her home. Aria’s home. I hope I can live up to her legacy.”

“What did she do?”

“She saved the world. There’s a lot missing. I just know I have become a part of a cycle of life and death, of growth and resurrection. I think it is best to call me Aria. It feels right.”

“I’m amazed you are not screaming. You seem so settled, Aria.”

“I am, and I’m not. Whatever happened transformed me completely. I don’t even know if I’m human. It feels like there are pieces of knowledge and understanding that I am missing. They should be there, but they are not.”

“We need to join up with the others. Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I’m fine. Really.”

We walked down the hallway and entered the large round room. Parts of massive scorpions were strewn everywhere. Several knights were being tended to, obviously injured in the battles.

Everyone looked up and stared at us, at me, as we stood there taking in the scene. I was drawn to the injured men and moved quickly to them. I placed my hands on one and green flames flickered across my hands. The man moaned as the flames crisscrossed his body. I heard swords being drawn and someone tackled me. For being smaller and lighter, I would have thought being tackled by a much larger man wearing armor would have hurt me, but I simply rolled to my feet unscathed. Swords were pointed at my chest when the man I had touched yelled at them to stop.

“She healed me!”

The swords lowered a few inches. The knight that seemed to be the leader, the one that saw me with the feather and the one that had invited us to stay with them the night before, pushed through the men and grabbed my arm. He pointed to Leo and Isabella.

“Come with me. Now.”

He took us back to the bedroom. Leo couldn’t take his eyes off me.

The knight paced, avoiding the charred crater. “I’m struggling with bloody well near everything. The king sent us here to recover a phoenix feather. Ever since we neared these blasted ruins, we have been beset upon by all kinds of beasts blocking our way. I lost men. Good men. When I found the feather, it was in your hands before you melted before my eyes and in a flash of flames transformed you. What is going on?”

Leo shrugged. “I don’t know about you, but Owen got one heck of an upgrade. Do we still get the thousand gold coins?”

I explained what I did to Isabella. That I had felt called to come find the feather and that I was confident I was supposed to be what I had become.

“The king said when the savior held the feather, they would be empowered to defeat the darkness. Who were you before? Were you a noble travelling in disguise as a beggar with these two?”

Isabella growled. “We did not disguise ourselves as beggars. We’re homeless and live off the charity of others.”

“That’s sounds like beggars to me.”

Leo peeked into the old dresser that began falling apart in his hands. “We are sort of more like thieves than beggars.”

“Thieves? A trio of thieves that followed us to steal the most important artifact of our time.”

I bit my lower lip and pulled long strands of hair behind my ear. “You make it sound so terrible.”

“Am I supposed to bow down to our mighty savior? You are a thief with no morals. You stole our only chance at survival and now the world is doomed.”

Isabella got right up in his face. I was stunned at her courage.

“Who do you think you are? You think only nobles that ride horses and play with swords have honor and morals? We are survivors. Abandoned, orphaned, and left to find our own way while you ate succulent meats from silver forks. Yes, we’re thieves, but only by design and the hand that we were dealt. I will remind you that Owen distracted the flamejaw that was about to tear into your asses. He did so without armor or weapons. That took courage and honor. He… She might not exemplify all what you think a savior should be, but if what King Pufferfish said was true, she is your only hope.”

“That’s your king, King Percival you are slandering.”

“When he is king to all citizens, including those like us, then he will be my king. He ignores the plight of those in his own kingdom.”

“And you!” He pointed at me. “What was that in there with those green flames?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I felt like I could help and that just happened. You should let me heal the others.”

The knight ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m taking all of you back to Eldorath to see the king. I would be grateful if you can do what you can for the injured.”

“Do you have a name?”

“Sir Richard. The three of us are the only ones that know about your transformation. The rest of the knights were cleaning things up in the other room when I came to find you and the feather. In difficult times, people look to something, anything, to find hope. Like it or not, if you are the risen phoenix, you are our hope. Try not to disappoint them. What do we call you?”

I pointed to my friends. “Leo, Isabella, and you can call me Aria after the last phoenix.”

Sir Richard shook his head. “Let’s go.”

We entered the larger room and Sir Richard wove a tale saying he found me, the risen phoenix and savior with the other two people. He made the story sound rather uplifting and compelling.

I whispered to him as I stood next to him. “You missed your calling. You should have been a bard.”

He gritted his teeth. “They are to be treated with respect. We head back at dawn.”

I moved over to the injured and one by one healed them. I left them staring at me with wide eyes. When I was done, I was aware of the looks that followed me. I was anxious and paced the large room while avoiding stepping in scorpion guts. Several knights came in with firewood and struggled to get a fire going.

I hadn’t even realized it was cold, but I looked around and saw people shivering.

“Let me help you with the fire.”

The knight looked up from the pile of firewood. “That’s not your place, ma’am.”

“People are cold. They need a fire.”

“The bloody wood is too wet from the rains. They’re knights. They will survive.”

I placed my hand on the pile of wood and with a thought, it burst into flames. I stood and walked away. While I was calm on the outside, inside I felt every nuance of my new body. I did feel right, as if my change was meant to be, but every move I made reminded me I was now a woman.

I sat down next to Isabella and Leo. Leo kept looking at me.

“You’re wearing a dress. It’s a bit ratty looking.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers, Leo. It was all we found. It’s got to be at least several hundred years old, maybe even a thousand.”

“You’re really Owen in there? Owen would never wear a dress. Not that he was overly manly, but he was still a man.”

“What do you mean I wasn’t overly manly? Yes. I’m still me, Leo. Me with dozens of lifetimes worth of fragmented knowledge. That knowledge is helping me cope. All phoenixes have been women.”

“You should have let Isabella take the feather.”

I cast a sideways glance at Isabella. “She would have died.”

“How do you know that?”

“It’s a part of me now. One day, when I die, I will leave behind a feather for the next phoenix. When the world needs it most, the feather will call to the one. While this place had monsters protecting it, the feather also protects itself. Anyone without the calling touching the feather will burn to ashes.”

Isabella stared into the fire. “That’s why you felt led to follow the knights, why you insisted on climbing the mountain. You were called.”

I nodded slowly. “Richard the Bard was right about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m not worthy.”

 

Chapter 4

The reward for all our trouble

 

I managed to sleep some that night and woke with surprisingly little dichotomy. I didn’t expect my changes to have been a dream and if anything, I felt more comfortable as Aria than I ever had as Owen. While I still felt like me, my life as Owen was a blip in time compared to the lives of phoenixes.

We ate roasted meat from scorpion claws and with the first sign of light, packed and left for Eldorath. We spent hours moving through the old ruins and it seemed like every large room we passed through had evidence of battles with monsters of many varieties. The knights had fought hard while we had come away unscathed.

We travelled quickly and in two long days we arrived on the outskirts of Eldorath as dusk settled in. My gaze lifted to the heap of refuse marking the location of our humble shelter, and it seemed as though an eternity had passed since we last laid eyes upon it. With determination, we pressed forward into the city, wasting no time. Sir Richard dispatched a messenger to inform the king of the retrieval of the feather, arranging to speak with the royal family at dawn.

As the knights scattered, Sir Richard stopped to speak with me. “Aria, I need to know where I can find you to bring you to the king in the morning.”

“You mean us. Leo and Isabella found me. They should be recognized.”

He frowned. “They aren’t needed.”

“Then neither am I.”

“You are going to be the death of me, Aria. Fine. They can come. Where are you all staying?”

“You can find us at the garbage heap. That’s where we live.”

“You’re joking.”

“I’m not.”

“How will you clean up and change before meeting the royal family?”

“Does it matter if we show up as we are?”

“Yes!”

“Then you better find us someplace to stay that has a bath and some spare clothes because everything we own is on our backs.”

“That dress you’re wearing is threadbare and coming apart.”

“We found it in the ruins.”

“I’m going to regret this.” Sir Richard scribbled a note on a piece of paper and handed it to me. “Go to the Rogue Inn. Hand the owner this note. He will give you all a room with baths and I will send someone to fit you with clothes. All I ask is that you are clean and presentable when I come get you in the morning.”

I raised an eyebrow. “The Rogue Inn?”

“It’s an upstanding establishment.”

“The name just screams upstanding, Sir Richard. I am certain, however, it will be marginally better than digging through the garbage for a new blanket.”

“Go.” He pointed up the street. “It’s that way.”

Leo patted his stomach. “What about dinner?”

Sir Richard started counting silently. “They serve food at the Rogue Inn. Use the same note.”

Leo bowed. “Much obliged, kind sir.”

Sir Richard stormed off.

We walked through the city until we came upon the Rogue Inn. It was far more upscale than I could have imagined. We stepped inside and the noisy common area suddenly became quiet.

A large man wiped his hands on a cloth and stepped in front of us. “We don’t serve your kind here. Be gone with you before I call the guards.”

“What exactly is our kind? Humans? Because I see quite a few in here already.”

“We don’t serve beggars. Now get out.”

“I have this note from Sir Richard. He said you were an upstanding establishment. I guess he was wrong.”

We turned to go when the man tapped me on the shoulder. “Let me see that note.”

I handed him the note and he read it over carefully.

“It says you are guests of the royal family and to treat you as such. That payment shall be forthcoming from the coffers of the knights. What do you need?”

Isabella smiled sweetly. “Three of your best rooms and baths. Hot baths.”

“Might I enquire as to your names?”

“Aria, Isabella, and Leo.”

“Follow me.”

 

***

 

We were each given a room with a wonderfully soft bed, and we kept the staff hopping as they filled up our tubs with hot water. I scrubbed myself and soaked in the hot water and when it began getting cold, I encouraged the heat back into it. At least some of my phoenix powers came naturally to me.

I wrapped a blanket around me and stared at my filthy dress wondering what to do with it when a knock sounded. I carefully opened the door and two ladies stormed in carrying a dozen sets of dresses between them.

“We’re told you need a complete outfit. What is the occasion?”

“Visiting the king in the morning.”

“Gods… look at you. I’ve never seen anyone with such distinctive features. You’re so beautiful. I’m Anne and this is Kailey. Let’s get you fitted.”

An hour elapsed before I descended the stairs into the common room. Despite the simplicity of the dress bestowed upon me, it made me feel like a princess. I had never worn anything that was new before. Anne even took extra time to style my hair. Every gaze within the room seemed fixed upon me. Leo sat beside Isabella, his mouth agape, while she appeared beautiful all cleaned up and in her dress.

Leo stood as I approached.

“You look positively dashing, Leo. I don’t think I have ever seen your face without dirt on it.”

He nodded. “The only difference between us and them, is we can act civilized where they would never fit in where we come from. Shall we procure some dinner, ladies?”

I curtseyed to him and giggled. Leo surprised me by holding a chair for me.

The owner came to our table. “I won’t ask what you three were up to, dressed as you were. What can I get you?”

Leo leaned back. “Meat, and some vegetables, but not enough vegetables to fill us up. We want to fill up on the meat. Oh… and a round of your finest ale.”

“Coming right up, sir.”

Leo clapped his hands together. “He called me sir. Did you hear that?”

We had altogether too much ale and food, but these were luxuries we never had a chance to indulge in. None of us had been to an inn. We never had a hot bath, new clothes, or ale. When we finished our meal, we made our way back to our rooms. Isabella pushed me inside my room and closed the door behind her.

“I wanted to find out how you are doing, Aria. You seem so comfortable as a woman.”

“It’s a huge change. I never expected this, and yet I’m not uncomfortable. The dresses are a bit bulky.”

“What about sex?”

“I don’t know what you mean, Isabella. I’ve only been a woman for a few days. It’s not like I’ve had time to have sex.”

“Sorry. That’s not what I meant. Have you thought about sex?”

“With you? I did. I used to. All the time.”

“You did?” Isabelle shook her head. “I mean now.”

“I don’t know why we got two rooms if you wanted to have sex with me, Isabella. But sure. I’m willing.”

Isabella’s eyes went wide. “I’m clearly not communicating well right now. Too much ale, I think. I am surprised you had feelings for me as Owen. I wish I had known. However, under the circumstances, I am not attracted to women. What I was asking is if you had thought about sex as the new you. Are you interested in men or women?”

“Oh… I don’t know. Although the earlier phoenix knowledge is somewhat incomplete, I do not know if they married or had children. As for me, I haven’t given it any thought. I am, however, rather disappointed.”

“Why?”

“Because I should have taken advantage of the fact that I was male before, and you and I could have…”

Isabella sighed. “Tomorrow, we get to meet the royal family. I wanted to know if you were interested in the prince or not, because I am, and I don’t think I could compete with you.”

“I don’t know enough about me yet to consider a relationship, Isabella. All I know is that any guy that you fall in love with will be very lucky.”

Isabella threw her arms around me. “Thank you, Aria. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Our conversation had left me more confused than I already was. I looked in the mirror and saw the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Even though I felt comfortable, it still had not fully registered that the regal woman in the reflection was me.

 

***

 

I didn’t sleep very well that night. I wasn’t used to a soft bed, and I spent a lot of time thinking about my preferences and examining myself with my roaming hands and fingers. Having my own room was the first privacy I could remember ever having.

Luckily, my hair had stayed mostly in place, and I met Leo and Isabella just as Sir Richard stepped into the Rogue Inn.

Sir Richard stood there, his mouth agape, his eyes widening in sheer astonishment as he scanned over our transformed appearances, visibly taken aback by the remarkable change in our presentation.

I smiled sweetly. “Are we presentable enough, Sir Richard?”

“I would have thought the last transformation would have been the most astonishing one I would see in my lifetime, but I stand corrected. Let’s go see the king.”

I walked next to Sir Richard. “What’s going to happen?”

“I don’t know, Aria. The king will do what the king wants to do.”

“Do I curtsey?”

“That would be wise.”

“You realize the king is not one of our favorite people?”

“I would have never known, Aria.”

“He would be more likeable if he wasn’t such a…”

“Don’t say it.”

Evidently, Sir Richard commanded significant respect, as we strolled past the guards who greeted him with deferential nods, acknowledging his authority. As we proceeded to the throne room, Leo's eyes widened like saucers as he beheld the lavishness enveloping him. I could sense his fingers twitching with the urge to seize trinkets as we traversed through the palace's corridors.

A herald readied himself to announce us to the royal family.

“Sir Richard, your highness.”

I guessed we were not important enough to announce.

Sir Richard bowed and I took that as my cue to curtsey, which, I might add, was very well performed.

My eyes instantly gravitated to Princess Grace, and I felt a blush come to my cheeks, but as I gazed at Prince Casimir, I was a little startled to consider him handsome.

The king stood. “I understand your quest was successful, Sir Richard?”

“It was. The knights followed the letter and map, and we found the feather.”

“Wonderful. Show it to me.”

“It was consumed, your highness. When I reached the room where the feather was, I found someone already holding it.”

“I assume you killed them so they would not get the reward and took the feather into your possession. You said the feather was consumed?”

Sir Richard faced us. “These three citizens found the feather and this one…” He pointed to me. “… was the one holding it. I was about to intercede and secure the feather when she burst into flames and transformed before my eyes. When the flames died down, all we found was her.”

The king scowled as he walked around me slowly. He stopped and stared into my eyes. “Who are you?”

“Aria, your highness.” I despised adding his title.

“Aria what? I assume you are nobility, but you must be from another kingdom because I don’t recognize you. A princess, perhaps?”

“I have no last name. I have lived in Eldorath my entire life. I felt called to find the feather. My friends and I…”

“No last name? How can that be?”

“It’s rather easy to not have a last name when you are an orphan. We all are. We live in the streets.”

“No! The one chosen by the feather must be royal blood. I suspected my son Casimir would be the chosen one. Does he not look like a hero?”

“He’s handsome and fit looking, but a hero?”

The king slapped me. Hard. I barely felt it but it sent a strong signal as to who was in control.

“I did not intend for you to answer that question!”

“Your majesty, if I may say something.”

The king glared at me. “Of course, Sir Richard.”

“I saw the transference of power to this young woman. The fire was so hot, it left a five-foot charred crater in the stone floor. She has the power of a phoenix. She healed my knights.”

Still staring at me, the king gritted his teeth. “You were an orphan, and obviously a thief. You stole from our citizens to earn your food. You heard about the reward and stole the feather. You do not have the character to be the savior.”

I was incredibly angry, and I felt my phoenix flames touch my fingers. “If I don’t have the character to be the savior, you certainly don’t have the character to be a king.” Probably not the wisest thing I had ever done.

“Sir Richard!”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Kill her. Upon her death, a new feather will be generated. Then we can find someone worthy. Once that is done, get rid of those two as well.”

“Wait!” Queen Cordelia stepped forward. “If she is indeed the risen phoenix, then can we truly kill her? If by trying we incur her wrath, then when the darkness comes, will she defend us? I see the flames on her fingers. I believe we need to test her.”

The king looked at the flames flickering across my fingers then stared at me with obvious hatred. “Show us. Destroy that stone statue of my father. I have always hated it.”

I swallowed. “I can tell you that I am not fully connected to my powers. The knowledge of the phoenixes was not passed down to me complete. I can create fire and heal.”

“As can any sorcerer or healer. You are supposed to be the supreme weapon of the world. It is clear to me that you were the wrong person to absorb the power of the phoenix.”

“Father?” Princess Grace touched his arm.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“What if you put Aria to death, the feather is returned, and no one is called to be the savior? It is a risk, and we can’t say for certain that Aria is not the savior. We must trust the prophecy and trust the calling. None of us have experienced a time when the phoenix was alive. None of us know whether the risen phoenix had their full powers the moment of their transformation. All we know is that whenever darkness threatened the world, the phoenix rose and saved the world. I agree with Mother, but I also think any test need to demonstrate character and courage. We have some time before the darkness hits our border. Let’s be sure we don’t eliminate the only chance we have.”

I had never heard the princess speak before, but I was impressed, and I saw the king’s face soften. A little. Barely.

The king, however, still looked none too pleased. “Sir Richard. We have an issue with the hamlet of Calleron. It seems like the leader of the hamlet has refused to pay taxes. You will escort Aria there to have her resolve the situation. You are only there as an escort. It is Aria’s task alone. Grace, you will travel with them and report back to me as a royal observer.”

Leo put up his hand.

“Who are you?”

“Leo, your highness. I was wondering about the reward for finding the feather.”

“The reward was to bring me the feather. I don’t see a feather, so no reward.”

I watched the prince’s jaw tense. “I should also go to Calleron, Father.”

“No. We can’t risk more than one of the family out of the palace at a time.”

“But…”

“My answer is final, Casimir. Sir Richard, get them out of my sight.”

Sir Richard escorted us out of the palace. No one said a word until we were well away from any guards.

Isabella stomped her foot. “Why that pompous piece of dried-up cat dung! Who does he think he is? He’s an arrogant, lying, bast…”

“Shush!” Sir Richard spun on us. “He is the king and like it or not, his word is law. You are lucky to have left with your lives. Grab your things and go change for travel. Meet me at the stables in an hour.”

“Change? Into what? The only other item of clothing I had was a thousand-year-old rag and falling apart. The clothes Leo and Isabella were wearing were throw-away scraps. Do you think we can resolve an issue as the king’s emissaries dressed like street urchins?”

Sir Richard put his hand to his face. “They don’t need to come.”

“We are a package deal. If not, we walk and leave the world to the darkness because from what I have seen so far, there is nothing much worth saving of this kingdom.”

“You are going to be the death of me. Do you still have the note?”

I nodded.

“I’ll send the ladies over to your room. Would you like gold stirrups as well?”

“How about some food for the road?”

Sir Richard fixed a stern gaze on Leo. “Since the princess is riding with us, we will have a full contingent of knights. There will be food, Leo. Isabella, do you have any requests since that seems to be the theme here?”

“No. I’m good unless you can arrange a date for me with our handsome prince. We need to learn all we can about the encroaching darkness, and I think that can be my job.”

“No! It’s bad enough we have a thief for the savior of the world. We don’t need you bending our prince’s ear. I’ll see you all in an hour.”

 

Chapter 5

Traveling with royalty has its perks

 

Sebastian, the owner of the Rogue Inn, was kind enough to store our latest clothes since they would be impractical for our journey south. All I had to do was wave the note and he was all smiles.

Anne and Kailey found me a lovely travel outfit that consisted of leather pants, a loose-fitting top, and a riding cloak with boots. Isabella and Leo were also dressed well by the time we left our rooms. We managed to get to the stables in time to find the knights already prepared.

With the three of us, Sir Richard, the princess, and the contingent of knights, we were nearly twenty in total. Leo, Isabella, and I had never ridden a horse before. Leo was scared. Isabella was excited.

“This ought to be good.” The words were whispered nearby.

I noticed my hearing, along with my vision and other senses had greatly improved since my transformation. Two knights were laughing and softly chatting as Sir Richard handed me the reins of my horse.

“Sir Richard has been a bit testy lately. I think it is because of that girl. She seems to upset him.”

“He’s giving her Thunder. No one can handle that horse.”

I looked up to Sir Richard. “Any tips? Do they steer themselves?”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never been on a horse before.”

“Okay, I won’t, but I haven’t.”

“You’ll figure it out and if not, you might wind up on your ass. I will give you this recommendation. Horses don’t like fire. Keep your flames to yourself.”

I saluted him. “Gee, thanks, Sir Helpsalot.”

I reached up to pet the horse’s head when it pulled back and snorted. The two knights kept snickering.

“You must be Thunder.” I spoke in low and soft tones with an expectation the horse understood me. “I’m Aria. These men here think you are a bad horse.” Thunder snorted. “I think you are a magnificent horse. Handsome and strong. You are a horse that should be the envy of all other horses.” Thunder pressed his nose into my hand. “I’ve never ridden a horse before, but I can tell we will be good friends. I will treat you well if you treat me well.”

There was a commotion off to my right. Leo had climbed up into the saddle and promptly fallen over the other side of the horse.

I patted Thunder and a knight came by to offer me a hand. With his help, I slid up into the saddle.

“I’ve never seen Thunder take to anyone so well before. You must have ridden a lot.”

I turned my head to find Grace. She looked spectacular in her traveling clothes and riding a white mare.

“My first time.”

“Do you mind if I give you a few pointers?”

“I would be very grateful. Thank you.”

“Hold the reins with a relaxed but firm grip and sit upright in the saddle with heels down. To stop the horse, pull back on the reins. Applying pressure with your legs or a light tap on his side with your heels will tell him to go forward. Pull the reins left and right to steer the horse. Try to keep a balanced and centered position and be mindful of your surroundings as you would not want to be hit by a branch.”

Sir Richard pulled his horse up next to mine. I ignored him.

“Thank you, Princess Grace, for the helpful tips.”

“You look stunning, Aria. I’m envious of your hair. It’s breathtaking.”

I blushed twenty shades of red. “Coming from the most beautiful woman I have ever seen I will cherish the compliment. Oh… sorry. I have never been in the presence of royalty before this morning and… I would not wish to offend you.”

Grace laughed. “Just be yourself around me. Please.”

“Mount up.” Shouted Sir Richard. “I will lead. The rest of you know your places.”

Leo’s horse suddenly bolted forward with him barely hanging on. Sir Richard raced after him cursing as he went.

“Looks like you and I get to ride together, Aria. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”

I watched as she nudged her horse and began moving forward. I did the same and Thunder was perfect for me. “What should I call you?”

“Grace. You’re very polite for being a thief.”

I winced.

“I’m sorry, Aria. That was rude of me. It couldn’t have been easy growing up on your own.”

“I’m not proud of what we had to do to survive, Grace. We weren’t completely indiscriminate. We didn’t steal for profit, we stole to provide food, no more.”

“You were bold to stand up to father.”

“Do you believe I should be put to death? Perhaps you might think that someone else is better suited to be the risen phoenix? Someone with more character?”

“Put to death? No. But, I also need to keep in mind the greater good. Is one person’s death acceptable to save thousands? Being royalty doesn’t mean we are better than anyone else, but it does mean we have a larger responsibility to take care of those in the kingdom. Sometimes our decisions seem overly harsh.”

“If I put myself in your father’s shoes, I can understand his perspective. However, please forgive me in that I have a hard time believing he wishes to look out for everyone in the kingdom. No one provided shelter for me or my friends. We were not given food. We were not given jobs or an education.”

“Part of the taxes collected go to provide food and shelter for people just like yourself. There are homes that will feed you and give you clothes and education. Have you not seen them?”

“We avoided those places. The matrons that run them are very harsh and seem to live a life of luxury while treating those less fortunate like slaves. Many of my friends were beaten to death in those homes.”

“What?”

“If you ask me, I suspect those homes are taking the taxes and doing the bare minimum. They have no love for those they help if you would call it that.”

“When we return, I will personally investigate this. This upsets me greatly.”

“You are not what I expected, Grace. You seem genuinely kind and compassionate.”

“When I hear about your plight and what you had to endure, it grieves my heart. It makes me feel like I have failed you and others like you. To hear you call me kind and compassionate only makes me want to strive harder to do the right things.”

 

***

 

We rode for hours, and I talked at length with Grace. She was not the stuffy, snobby, entitled person I expected her to be. Of course, I could forgive those things for her looks alone. I envied her poise and natural beauty.

It was dusk and we were nearing an inn to stay the night.

“Kill the princess!”

With the shout from the forest, dozens of arrows flew towards us. Several were heading straight for Grace. It was as if time stood still. I leapt from Thunder’s back and tackled Grace from her horse into the soft grasses on the side of the road. I felt several arrows hit me in the process.

“Are you all right, Grace?”

“Yes… I think so.”

As my worry for Grace’s safety escalated, it ignited into a blazing rage within me. I rose to my feet, feeling the heat surge through my veins until flames burst forth from my outstretched hands. A man appeared from the forest and charged toward us, his sword gleaming menacingly in the air. Without hesitation, a searing ball of fire erupted from my palm, engulfing him in a swift and merciless inferno. His figure, including his metal sword, disintegrated into embers that floated with the breeze.

“They have a sorceress! Retreat!”

The knights chased them into the forest. I looked back at Grace and found her staring at me with wide eyes. My flames died instantly, and I reached to help her to her feet.

“Gods, Aria. You saved my life. You’re hurt.”

“I’m not hurt.”

“Stay still, Aria.” Her hands touched my side and found an arrow snagged in my top. The head was loose, my skin untouched. The shaft was nothing but a charred nub. “You were hit but I don’t see any blood.” She pulled at my top, exposing my side. She ran her fingers over my skin. “You are, indeed, the risen phoenix.”

“Aria!” Sir Richard was calling for me.

“Here, with Princess Grace.”

Sir Richard appeared. “We’ve got injured. I will watch the princess. We need to move and get to the inn quickly. We are too exposed here.”

The first person I found was Isabella. She had an arrow in her thigh. “This is going to hurt.”

Isabella moaned as she held onto her thigh. “You mean worse than watching you fawn over the princess?”

“Obviously you’re not that injured.” I pulled the arrow and green flames leapt from my hands.

“Son of a… Ohhh. That’s better. That’s bloody well amazing. Help the others, Aria.”

I healed four in all, and they were completely recovered and able to ride moments after I healed them. We regrouped and were on our way quickly, getting to the inn an hour later after a fast ride.

The inn wasn’t a large place and only the women got rooms. Isabella and I shared a room and Grace got her own. We all met for dinner in the main room and Isabella, Leo, and I found an out of the way table to sit together.

Leo squirmed in his seat. “I’m not complaining, but I’m not sure what would be worse. Walking all that way or sitting on a horse. My butt is so sore I was tempted to give the cook my horse so I wouldn’t have to ride it tomorrow.”

“Do you mind if I sit with you all?”

I couldn’t help but smile as I looked up to see the princess. “Please, Princess Grace.”

“I thought we agreed you would call me Grace. I wanted to hear more about you all and check up on Isabella. I heard you got hit by an arrow.”

Isabella stared at Grace before finding her tongue. “My first war wound. Aria patched me up so I’m good as new. I just wish I had a bow with me. I could have helped.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I wanted to thank you, Isabella. Everyone who fought today deserves my gratitude.”

“Who were they?” Leo looked a little awe struck with the princess sitting with us.

“Sir Richard said they were likely a scouting group from the north. Their clothing was not from this area.”

“Are they part of the darkness then?”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell us more about the threat?”

“No. Not tonight. Tonight, I want to hear all about the three of you.”

 

***

 

Isabella and Grace were laughing so hard they were holding onto each other to keep from falling off the bench.

Leo was scowling. “It wasn’t that funny!”

I giggled. “It was funny, Leo. You risked everything to get that silver coin in the latrine so we could eat. You slipped and had to bathe in the icy creek before we would sit with you, but it took a lot of courage.”

“Courage on our part just to sit near you. Gods, you stank to high heaven, Leo!” Isabella was laughing hard again.

“My bedroll is calling me. You ladies enjoy the comfort of beds.” Leo was chuckling as he left. I was grateful he didn’t leave too offended.

“We should get some rest. We have another full day tomorrow.” Grace stood and we followed. I watched her thank the owner with generous compliments. He beamed with pride and that made me smile.

When we got to the top of the stairs, Grace paused. “A word, Aria?”

Isabella headed to our room as Grace invited me into hers.

Grace took my hand and sat me down on the edge of the bed. “You were very heroic today. Do you feel fully connected to your powers?”

“It’s like they are trickling in. I’ve seen the murals and memories of Aria, the phoenix before me. She was flying on wings of fire casting a fireball the size of the palace at the enemy. I won’t lie to you Grace. I felt called by the feather, but I struggle believing I’m good enough. I worry that my character is flawed like your father suggests. Maybe that’s why I failed today.”

“Failed?”

“I should have sensed their presence. I should have shielded the entire party. I should have blasted the entire forest.”

“If what I saw today was a mere fraction of the power you might come into, then heaven help our enemies. You saved my life today without regard to your own. I will never forget that. Never.” She wrapped her arms around me, then kissed my cheek. “Good night, Aria.”

I made my way to Isabella and my room. Isabella had stripped down to her underclothes. I saw the blood stains on her thigh.

“How’s your leg?”

“Fine. Do I need to ask you about what’s going on between you and Grace?”

“There’s nothing going on, Isabella.”

“She seems quite taken by you.”

“I’m certain she is merely getting to know us so she can report back to dear old dad.”

“You don’t believe that.”

“No. She seems very genuine.”

“I like her, Aria.”

“She kissed my cheek to thank me for saving her.”

“Gods… You’re blushing, Aria. You have it bad for Princess Grace.”

“As if she would ever… She’s a woman. A princess. Has a piece of horse crap for a father.”

“Stranger things have happened. I seem to remember a young man named Owen being transformed into the most beautiful woman the world has ever seen. Are you going to sleep like that?”

I stripped down to my underclothes and slipped into bed next to Isabella.

“No snuggling.”

“I can sleep on the floor.”

“No way. I need your body heat. Goodnight, Aria.”

“Goodnight, Isabella.”

 

Chapter 6

From the trash heap to Emissary of the King

 

We were up and riding again shortly after dawn. Sir Richard decided to put Grace in the middle of the knights while I rode next to him.

“Grace told me how you saved her. You have my thanks, Aria.”

“She’s worth saving. Can’t say I would do the same for her father.”

Sir Richard laughed, then stopped himself abruptly. “I shouldn’t laugh at that.”

“You’re too serious, Sir Richard.”

“What have you done to your horse?”

“I haven’t done anything to it.”

“Thunder never behaves. Nastiest horse I have ever met.”

Thunder snorted derisively.

“He doesn’t appreciate your comments. You’re a great warhorse, aren’t you, Thunder?”

Thunder nickered.

“You have bewitched him. Have you done the same to Princess Grace?”

“I’m not a witch, Sir Richard.”

“That fireball you shot was impressive. Have you had any training in fighting?”

“No. Just what you get on the streets. Why don’t you like me?”

“I don’t dislike you, Aria.”

“That’s not what I asked. That’s like me saying I don’t dislike turnips. I eat them because it is food, but they’re disgusting.”

“I dislike that you got to the feather before I did. While my knights risked their lives, you used the distraction to steal the feather, all for money.”

I bit my lower lip. “I’m not proud of the fact I used your knight’s distraction as an opportunity. For the record, I did not go after the feather for the money. My primary motivation was because it called to me. That there was a reward was like finding a discarded piece of sweetbread that isn’t moldy. That reward would set Isabella and Leo up for life.”

“It was greedy.”

“People do crazy things when they are starving. The king offered the reward all the while knowing he had a probable location for the feather. He never intended to give anyone the reward, did he? There could still be people scouring the kingdom looking for the feather. How many might succumb to monsters or get injured? I also recall hearing the king ask if you killed the people that had the feather so they would not get the reward. And when pressed about the reward, the king played semantics. So, tell me. Who was more guilty of greed? My friends and I who merely wanted to change our lives, or the king who had no intention of giving a reward?”

“I see your point.”

“Would you have killed me if the king ordered it?”

“I don’t know. It is a difficult position to be in when you swear an oath to the king. I was grateful the order wasn’t pressed.”

“I overheard the other knights suggest you were testy lately. They thought it was because of me. I’m sorry if I get on your nerves.”

“Our backgrounds couldn't be more disparate, Aria. In my world, people do as they are told. I issue commands, and they're swiftly followed. Your independence and lack of appreciation of authirity... it's perplexing and, frankly, exasperating to me.”

“When you have nothing, taking care of yourself usually means looking out for yourself first. We don’t have shelter, food, money, or clothing. I will make you a promise. I’ll try to not be so glib about getting free food and clothing if you try to cheer up.”

“Cheer up? I’m the highest ranked knight in the kingdom. I can’t be happy-go-lucky. People must respect me.”

“One thing I have learned while living in the streets is not to take life seriously. You take joy in the things you can. Even little things like when people throw out a bucket of rotting apple scraps from making their pie.”

“I will take your infinite wisdom under consideration.”

“What can you tell me about the situation in Calleron?”

“The leader of the hamlet is named Lief. He’s an old mercenary. He is a huge and powerful man and an exceptional fighter. He never saw eye to eye with the king and has refused to pay the hamlet’s taxes for years.”

“He doesn’t like the king. Someone I already have something in common with then. What’s his justification for not paying taxes?”

“He says the taxes should be relative to production, not a flat rate per person.”

“That makes sense to me.”

“Every person is taxed the same amount.”

“Hypothetically, let’s say every year the king taxes every citizen one silver coin. That silver coin is nothing to a noble, but everything to a farmer. It’s not equitable.”

“It is fair if everyone pays the same amount. That’s what equity is.”

“Equity should be based upon percentage of income.”

“You’re a thief. What do you know about percentage of anything?”

“I taught myself to read and have read many discarded books. You can learn a lot when all you have to do all day is find food and read. Stop interrupting.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Let’s say I am a baker.”

“That would be more productive than being a thief.”

I grabbed a rotting apple from a tree as we rode by and threw it at him. It smacked him on his helmet and splattered nicely.

“You little…”

“Behave.”

“How dare you tell me to behave!” Sir Richard grabbed an apple from a different tree and threw it at me. I saw it coming, ducked, and watched it hit one of the other knights. Sir Richard cracked a smile. “Wake up over there!”

“Smooth one, Sir Richard. Did I see you smile?”

“No.”

“I won’t mention it to anyone. Now that I have your attention, let’s assume I am a baker. After all my expenses, I earn ten silver a year. Whereas the noble who runs a trading business earns 1000 silver a year. One silver coin for me is one tenth of everything I must live on. To be fair, the noble should pay one hundred.”

“That sounds reasonable.”

“A farming community that has a bad year, should not have to pay the same taxes as a good year. All the king’s taxation does is create disparity, anger, and crime. When people can’t live on what they earn, they will resort to criminal behavior.”

“None of this matters because you are not king.”

“What’s right is right, Sir Richard. Just because King Buffoon thinks it is right doesn’t make it so.”

“Well, Miss know better than the king. We’re here.”

The road into the hamlet was blocked by a massive and intimidating man holding a double-edge broadsword.

“Well, well. I heard rumors the king was coming to collect taxes. Is that all you brought with you?”

Sir Richard got off his horse. “The king sent someone to resolve the issue. The knights and I are only here to escort the princess. This one…” He pointed back at me. “… is Aria. The king’s emissary who has been charged with resolving the dispute.”

Sir Richard grinned at me. “You’re up. I’ll get everyone settled to watch the festivities.”

I got off Thunder and patted his head. “If this goes badly, will you drag me someplace nice to put me to rest?”

Thunder shook his head.

“Go find some nice grass.”

Thunder walked over to a field and started scratching at the dried grasses. I walked towards the giant man and extended my hand. “I’m Aria. I’m very pleased to meet you.”

The tip of his sword pressed against my cloak. “King’s appointed emissary or not, you don’t get to talk. At least not yet.”

I frowned. “That will make it hard for me to understand what is happening.”

“You have to earn my respect before I will talk to anyone that is sent from the king.”

“What exactly do you have in mind?”

“You’re a pretty little thing. Did the king think by sending you to me that you would simply bat those eyelashes at me, and I would do anything you ask?”

“If anything, I think he hopes I won’t come back. At least not alive, anyways.”

Lief scanned the growing crowd and paused on Princess Grace. “What are you doing here, Princess?”

“I’m here to observe and review any resolution Aria proposes making sure it is acceptable on behalf of the kingdom.”

“And these knights? They are not to interfere?”

“They won’t interfere.”

Lief grinned as he turned to face me again. “To earn my respect, you will need to prove you understand us. We are simple folk and live by our grit, determination, and the sweat on our brows. It would not be fair to test you myself. Varla!”

A woman that was equally as impressive as Lief strode forward. Although she was not his size, she was tall and muscular. Varla held two large wooden staffs in her hands. She tossed me one.

“You want me to fight?”

Lief smiled. “If you want to earn my respect, you need to show us the metal you are forged of. Win or lose, your spirit will be on display for everyone to see.”

“I’m not a fighter. I don’t have training.”

“Fine. Then go away and don’t come back. If you want to talk to me, then you fight.”

I slipped out of my riding cloak and handed it to Isabella. The people formed a large ring around us.

“A word, Lief?”

“Yes, Princess?”

“I recommend you don’t get Aria angry.”

Lief laughed. “Varla will fight Aria. There is no time limit. The fight will not stop with first blood. The fight will end when someone yields, however, if you yield too early Aria, you and the king’s minions will be sent away. The object is not to kill or main and to protect that pretty face of yours, no hits to the head.”

Varla smiled showing she was missing several teeth. It made her even more menacing.

“Begin!”

Varla leapt forward and slashed viciously with her staff hitting me in my side. It was a strong blow that sent me rolling end over end. It hurt, but I had already determined I had some unique ability to block pain.

By the time I got to my feet, Varla was already swinging at me again. This time, she hit my knuckles, then spun, and hit my legs out from underneath me. I fell hard onto my back. I stared up into Varla’s determined face and watched helplessly as the end of her staff descended towards my face.

As it had with the arrows, time slowed to a crawl. The fighting experience of dozens of phoenixes before me suddenly fit into place like a wooden puzzle. The combination of centuries of training became mine. My hand reached out and grabbed the end of Varla’s staff, stopping it as if it hit a stone wall. Time shifted back to normal as I pushed back with seemingly little effort.

Varla’s eyes widened as she fell backward. I got to my feet as she stared at me, then her staff. She rushed me, swinging wildly. I met every attack with a block and pressed my own attack. I spun my staff like a seasoned warrior. I used only a fraction of my speed and power, and I pushed her steadily back, landing blows on her thighs, arms, and legs.

She became desperate and put all her strength into an overheard smash. I stopped it with my hand. The crowd gasped. I held it there as Lief jumped forward with a staff in his hand.

“That’s not fair!” Leo’s voice shouted as he ran forward and tackled Lief.

Lief was a huge man and barely moved an inch. He reached down, pulled Leo off him, and brought his staff down on Leo’s shoulder. Everyone heard the snapping of Leo’s bones and Leo’s cry of pain as he crumpled to the ground.

I rushed over to Leo and placed my hand gently on his shoulder. Green flames erupted from my hand and healed him. I lifted his chin, so our eyes met.

“Thank you, Leo. Are you good?”

“Yes. All better. Thanks, Aria.”

I pulled him to his feet then turned to face Lief and Varla. I fought to keep my flames from burning the place to the ground.

“That was uncalled for! We’re done here!” My staff flashed with fire and turned it to ashes. Lief and Varla took a step back. “I am not a fan of the king, and I came here hoping I could help you. You asked me to fight. I did. But when you harm my friends, heaven help you. You’re on your own.”

I spun around and faced Leo. “You are a brave and good friend, Leo. Thank you for defending me.”

“Wait!”

I spun back towards Lief.

“What are you? You said you were untrained and yet you fought like no warrior I have ever seen. You have speed and strength beyond what you should. You healed your friend.”

“Does it matter what I am?”

“It does. Did the king send you to destroy us for our rebellion?”

“The king does not control me. I see your hamlet. I see the rags your people are wearing. I sense the barrenness of this land and all I want to do is help.”

I spotted a young mother cradling a very sick baby. I brushed past Lief and watched as the woman, in tears, held out her baby to me.

“Can you heal her like you healed your friend? Our wells have gone dry. Our crops have failed. We have no food and no money to survive.”

I cradled the baby in my arms and felt my own tears. Tears of sadness over the frail, helpless child in my arms. Tears of anger that the king had ignored the plight of the people. I squatted down while holding the child in my arms. I slammed my hand onto the dusty ground. Green flames exploded outward from me. I called to the water deep beneath the surface. I sent energy into the earth to renew the crops, I poured healing into the livestock and people. The flames pulsed and rippled outward for a mile in all directions.

When I lifted my head, all eyes were on me. I stood slowly, gently touched the smooth cheek of the baby, and handed her back to her mother. She held her cooing baby to her chest and her voice cracked with emotion as she thanked me.

In the distance, we all heard shouting.

“Water! Our well has water!”

“The crops are flourishing!”

People around me began falling to their knees. “Goddess.” They mumbled over and over.

“No! I’m not a goddess. Stand. Please! Do not worship me for I am not worthy.” I had to start pulling them to their feet before they all stood again.

A heavy hand rested on my shoulder. I turned and looked up into Lief’s moist eyes.

“Forgive me, Aria. I was angry. Anyone coming from the king is not welcome here. Last year he sent his soldiers and took twenty of our cows in payment of our taxes. I wanted a fight and I wanted to take out my anger on you, the king’s emissary. You have more than earned my respect, but you have also earned my sword. You have my eternal gratitude, Aria. The least we can do is offer you a place to stay for the night.”

I started to walk away and paused. “I understand your anger and your plight more than you know. Your actions against Leo were wrong. I have some ideas about your tax situation if you would care to listen to them. I doubt, however, that the king will be happy with what I have in mind.”

“You say you are not a goddess. You are not a sorceress. Might I ask what you are?”

Princess Grace responded. “Aria is an orphan. She survived on the streets of Eldorath by stealing and finding what she could to survive. She was ignored by the king and considered a blight on society. The phoenix feather called to Aria and when she held it, she was transformed into the risen phoenix. You ask what she is. She is the savior of our world.”

“You’re the risen phoenix… Now I know why Princess Grace suggested not getting you angry. Why are you here and not stopping the approaching darkness?”

“I’m not sure there is any written history on what happens when you become a phoenix, but I can say that there are gaps in my abilities and knowledge. I didn’t lie when I said I had no fighting training, but during the fight, those skills were unlocked within me. Our king sent me here to test me. He believes I stole the phoenix powers from someone more worthy. He thinks my character is not acceptable and that is why I have gaps.”

“What she is not saying, is that my father believes killing Aria will regenerate the phoenix feather so it can go to someone better.”

“Your father’s an ass.”

“Try living with him.”

“Any chance the crown can be passed to you, Princess?”

“They don’t call it a kingdom to pass the rule on to a princess, even if I am older than my brother. I’m not sure I would want to rule anyways. Don’t get me wrong. I do love my father, but I don’t agree with many of his decisions.”

“I want to hear your ideas, Aria. Let’s get everyone settled. I’m going to make amends to Leo.”

 

Chapter 7

A garden of grief

 

 

The air buzzed with jubilation. Melodies danced through the air, ale poured freely, and the grand banquet laid out before us was a marvel, especially considering the hamlet's recent destitution. I had long envisioned the phoenix as a harbinger of ruin, yet I now realized my error. The phoenix symbolized not only the power of destruction, but also renewal renewal—the eternal cycle of life. It was a beacon of regeneration, a concept made clear as I wandered through Calleron's gardens, once barren, now vibrant with life—all brought forth by the very power within me.

I cast my gaze around the room. Leo was smiling and laughing while talking to a pretty, dark-haired girl who listened to him like he was worldly and wise. He had food in both hands that danced about as he animatedly spoke. Isabella was telling grand tales to some of the citizens. Sir Richard was leaning back on a cushion with a large ale in his hand and talking with Varla. Princess Grace was sitting next to me with the baby I had healed in her lap. The baby’s mother sat next to Grace. On the other side of me was Lief.

“This is official?”

Grace leaned forward to make eye contact with Lief. “I think the plan has merit. I signed it as a royal designate of the king. He won’t like it, but it would look bad for him to declare it null and void. It will need to be renewed in four years but should give your community ample time to rebuild.”

“Thank you, Aria. With my signature, consider my act of rebellion ended. And Princess, Calleron’s doors are always open to you. We are a small community and have no inn but I’m sure we could find a room and a bed for you, Princess.”

Grace handed the happy baby back to her mother. “I don’t need coddling, Lief. I also won’t put anyone out of their own bed for my comfort. It’s a warm night. Sleeping under the stars is a wonderful way of contemplating how insignificant we all are.”

I stood and stretched. “We have a long ride tomorrow. Sir Richard wants us to return to Eldorath in a single day. We leave at dawn. I think I will retire early. Thank you for the hospitality.”

Lief stood and clasped my hand in his. “I have no doubt you are the right person to be the risen phoenix. If you need anything, you have my full support.”

I nodded and slipped away. I called Thunder to me and fed him an apple. “I get the feeling hard times are coming, Thunder. I might need you at my side.”

Thunder nudged me. I grabbed my bedroll and found an isolated garden glen away from everyone. Where nothing had been growing before, flowers glistened in the gentle embrace of the moonlight. I looked up into the night’s sky to find the soft glow of thousands of stars.

“Aria?”

I turned to find Grace standing a few feet from me. A gentle breeze played with tendrils of her long brunette hair, framing her face like a halo.

“You found a beautiful spot to sleep, Aria.”

“Please forgive me for being so forward, Grace, but I have never seen a more beautiful sight than the one that is before me right now.”

“Neither have I.”

As we stood silently together in our private enchanted haven, the rest of the world faded away. Grace’s eyes were filled with warmth and kindness. She stepped forward and I felt the delicate touch of her lips against mine. It was a magical kiss that shattered the barriers between us. It spoke of promises untold and a heart-bound connection beyond words.

Grace stepped back. Her hand firmly clasped in mine. She stared into my eyes with such vulnerability. I reached for her with my free hand, cupping her face and pulling her back to me. My lips tingled as we kissed. It was a kiss full of passion and love.

As our kiss ended, I felt the air between us become a chasm too great to cross. Realization dawned on me, as I believe it did for Grace. Tears fell from my cheeks. What we had done was forbidden.

In the aftermath of our forbidden kisses, a heavy silence hung in the air like a shroud, suffocating the fleeting euphoria I had. The taste of her sweet lips lingered on mine, and as reality crashed upon me like relentless waves, torment consumed my soul. The weight of our respective situations, the insurmountable obstacles that fate had laid before me, pressed down on my heart like an unyielding burden. Our eyes locked in a silent exchange; the gravity of our choices etched lines of sorrow on our faces.

The garden glen, once a haven of stolen moments, transformed into a haunting backdrop for the emotional turmoil that ensued. The beauty of the moonlit night now mirrored the bittersweet ache within me. Each stolen glance became a poignant reminder of the unattainable, and the whispers of my heart seemed to echo the painful truth – our love was forbidden.

As we pulled away, the chasm between us widened, fueled by the awareness that society, duty, and circumstance stood as barriers to our shared passion. Her fingers slipped from mine. The remnants of our kisses became a painful memory, a reminder of a love that could only exist in the shadows. The torment of yearning and the agony of knowing that my heart was tethered to a love condemned by the world became an indelible mark on my soul, leaving me suspended in the cruel limbo between desire and a stark reality.

I took a step away, then sat heavily on the ground. My arms wrapped around myself as I shook with grief.

“Aria…” Grace’s voice was breathless and choked with emotion. She sat down next to me and leaned so our bodies touched. “There are things I need to say. I was drawn to you from the moment I saw you. Your beauty… Gods, I can’t look at you and not feel my breath catch in my body. I love that you are not pretentious. You see the world in a way that brings me hope. Today, as we rode and were separated, it was the longest day of my life. I feel I can talk to you like no one else. I was jealous of Sir Richard being next to you.

“When I see your passion for justice… it reminds me of who I should be. In every way, you have taken hold more and more of my heart. When I saw you here tonight, I needed to touch you, to kiss you.”

I sniffed. “I have watched you from afar for years. For obvious reasons, I knew I would never meet you. We are worlds apart. I am the lowliest of the low and you are a princess of the largest kingdom in the world. You are far from the person I expected you to be. You are kind, compassionate, and truly care for people. You defied your father to protect me, someone you didn’t even know. When the attack happened and I saw the arrows coming for you, I had no idea they would not harm me. The only thought that crossed my mind was that you were worth protecting, even if that meant my own life.

“I know it can never be. You probably have many suitors. Your father… Gods, he would kill me for sharing the same air we breathe. I cherish you, Grace. I know I will always cherish you. I have seen it, Grace. I have seen the deaths of every phoenix. I know in my very bones that is what I am here for. I’m here to sacrifice myself so the rest of you can live. I would do it for my friends. I would do it for Lief and the people here. I would even do it for Sir Richard. But I would do it for you alone.”

“That’s the most humbling thing I have ever heard. It’s also the most heartbreaking.”

“Princess Grace?” Whoever was looking for her was still far away.

Graced sighed heavily. “We must never speak of this. It will not go well for either of us. Know, for the rest of my life, you have my heart. I will always remember the fire of your kiss on my lips.

“Princess Grace?” The words were closer now.

Grace stood and wiped her tears, then straightened her shoulders and smoothed her dress. She took one long lingering look at me and stepped back to her world.

“I’m here. I was just taking a stroll.”

“We need to keep you safe, Princess.”

“I understand. Good thing we have Aria with us.”

I stared off into the night, laid out my bedroll, and cried myself to sleep.

 

Chapter 8

Oops… Wrong statue

 

I rode near the back of our group next to Isabella and Leo. Leo bounced uncomfortably in his saddle as he dozed. How he could sleep while riding a horse and stay upright amazed me.

“You’ve been quiet all day, Aria. I see you staring at nothing, but then your eyes always drift back to Grace. What’s going on? Did she say something? Did she threaten you?”

“It’s nothing. I’m just tired.” My eyes drifted back to Grace, and I swallowed. As if sensing me, she looked back.

“Gods… You love her. I’m not surprised, really. You adored her from the first day you saw her.”

“Shhh. I do. But we both know nothing can happen.”

“I get that. Does she reciprocate your feelings?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“She keeps looking back at you. Someone is going to figure things out. Go ride next to her. It will make things less obvious.”

I nudged Thunder a little faster and slid in next to Grace.

Grace smiled, but I could see the weariness in her eyes. “Thank heavens. No one wants to talk to me.”

“What would one say to a princess? You can’t criticize her by saying her tiara is crooked. The weather is what it is and would be a mundane conversation. Telling her she is spectacularly beautiful would be a good way of being thrown into a dungeon. I will say I admired how you connected with the people and won their trust.”

“You won their trust by healing them all and restoring their lands. It was easy after that for me to win their trust.”

“I gave them what they needed. You have a way about you they can relate to. You are a natural leader. You would make a good queen.”

“That is a fine compliment, Aria. But a queen can only be her best with the right person at her side.”

“I will be happy to vet any prospects you have, for I would hate to see you saddled with the wrong partner.”

“I have the perfect challenge for any suitor. They must beat you in combat to win my heart. Only the very best will do.”

“Any suitor?”

“Any.” Grace lowered her voice. “Man, woman, or phoenix.”

 

***

 

It was late when we arrived back in Eldorath. Isabella and Leo were not allowed to meet the king this time, for which they were grateful. They headed back to the Rogue Inn, and I promised to meet them there as soon as I could.

Sir Richard, Grace, and I were ushered into the throne room. The king, queen and prince seemed to have been waiting for us.

The king snarled as he looked at me. “She’s still alive, I see. I would have thought Lief would have taken care of that problem.”

Grace was upset. “I am happy she is, Father. I have seen things that make me believe, without a doubt, that Aria is the savior. She saved my life when we were attacked.”

“You were attacked? Why didn’t you return? You could have at least sent one knight back to me for reinforcements.”

Sir Richard bowed. “My king. We were set upon by over a dozen Morvainians. They seemed to have been waiting for us. They retreated after Aria burned one to ash. We managed to kill half a dozen in total, but we felt it safer to keep our numbers to protect the princess. Besides, it would have taken over two days for someone to return and come back with reinforcements.”

“They are getting bold. I am grateful you are safe, sweetheart.”

“Thanks to Aria.”

“What of Calleron?”

Grace smiled. “Resolved. Aria was masterful. She fought Varla and Lief, healed their land, and drew up an accord which they have agreed to.”

“You fought Lief?”

I shrugged. “Not technically. He yielded before we fought, but I did fight Varla.”

“Lief yielded. To you?”

“When he saw Aria’s skill, strength, speed, and was ready to burn the hamlet to the ground, he yielded, Father.”

“And what of the accord?”

“We will return the twenty cattle we took from them last year. In return, all taxes will be paid for the last year and the next two years. From there on out, we will adjust their taxes to ten percent of their annual profit.”

“That’s absurd. It’s a terrible precedence to set.”

“With their lands healed, and the addition of their cattle back, we anticipate the taxes forthcoming to the kingdom will double on year three.”

“They should have been killed. If they can pay three years of taxes, they were intentionally withholding their wealth and robbing the kingdom.”

I handed the king a note. “They aren’t paying the taxes. They don’t have any money. I’m paying the taxes for them.”

“You don’t have any money!”

“Take a better look at the note. It says I owe you sixty gold coins out of the thousand you owe me. That’s nine hundred and forty you have left to pay.”

“I don’t owe you a copper!”

I showed him my feather-shaped birthmark on my left forearm. “I believe you said that you would reward anyone that brought the phoenix feather to you would receive one thousand gold coins. I know we left this unstated at the end of our last meeting. We had an urgent quest you were sending us on and, of course, there is the pending end of the world.”

“You just stole sixty gold coins from the kingdom! This proves you do not have the right character and need to be put to death immediately!”

“You are being ridiculous, Father!”

The king moved to strike Grace with a viscous slap. I grabbed his hand and held it back.

“Don’t. You. Ever strike Grace!”

I could see the fear in the king’s eyes as I held his arm.

“We have more important things to worry about.” I pushed him away.

“You dare defy and threaten your king?”

“You are not my king!”

“Sir Richard! What are you standing there for? Kill her!”

“I don’t think I can, your highness. She has been struck by arrows and beaten with a staff without taking a scratch. She is a phoenix, like it or not.”

“Father?”

If the king’s look could kill, I would be dead a thousand times over.

“What, Casimir?”

“The archives suggest the phoenix has always had her bow when confronting the darkness. We know where it is located. I suggest we send her in alone to retrieve it. If she makes it out alive, then we know she is the one.”

Grace huffed. “Alone? That’s in Morvainian territory! Aria has not fully come into her powers, and you want to send her into the hands of the enemy?”

“It is a good plan. You leave in the morning. Casimir, you will go with them up until the Abyssal valley.”

“I’m going too, Father.”

“No, Grace. You will stay.”

“I am the best archer in the kingdom. We will be sending our knights into dangerous territory. If Aria fails, we will need to recover the feather. If she succeeds, then we need to hold ground until she can return. Time is running out and we need to recognize Aria is our hope and give her all the support she needs.”

“No. Sir Richard and Casimir will lead this quest. You will stay back where it is safe.”

I took a step forward and Sir Richard’s sword unsheathed.

“I’m not going to harm the king, Sir Richard. I just need him to know that I do not report to him. I have seen the phoenix bow in my memories. I agree that it has importance. I will go retrieve the bow and see this enemy for myself. For I need to judge if they are indeed the darkness that I need to prevent. There seems to be a lot of it here already.”

I turned to Sir Richard. “I’ll meet you at the stables in the morning. I’ll see myself out. Oh… one more thing… Last time you asked for a demonstration.”

To the left of the throne was the stone carving of the king’s father. To the right was a carving of King Percival. With a thought, King Percival’s carving burst into white-hot flames and disintegrated into ashes.

I smiled. “I’m doing better.”

I saw Grace’s mouth twitch up in the corner. She was doing her best to remain stoic.

I left the palace and headed for the Rogue Inn, finding Isabella and Leo just getting some food and ale. I sat down next to Isabella and as soon as I was sitting down the owner placed a plate of food and a mug of ale before me.

“Great service. Thank you!”

Leo had a long drink of ale. “We ordered ahead for you but told the owner to keep it in the kitchen in case the king decided to kill you.”

“You were not far off. He wants to kill me all right. Especially since I melted his statue.”

Leo spit out his ale all over the table. “You what?”

“He asked for a demonstration last time, so I gave him one. I just chose the wrong statue. By accident, of course.”

Isabella waved to the owner. “Can we get more ale, please?”

“Don’t overindulge. We ride out again first thing tomorrow.”

Leo moaned. “My butt is so sore. I will never envy the life of knights again.”

Isabella bumped her leg against mine. “Is Grace coming?”

“The king ordered her to stay. Casimir is coming this time.”

Isabella became suddenly giddy. “Really?”

I nodded. “It sounds a little dangerous. Neither of you need to go if you don’t want to.”

Isabella had a far-away look. “It’s important I am there with you to show my support.”

Leo nodded. “We stick together. We’re a team. I met a lovely girl in Calleron.”

Isabella giggled. “Sheep don’t count, Leo.”

“She was not a sheep!”

“Baaaa. Baaaa.”

 

Chapter 9

Humble beginnings

 

I got up before sunrise and put on my travel clothing. It needed a wash, but I didn’t have the luxury of getting anything new. I still owned nothing, and I wasn’t expecting the king to be forthcoming with any reward gold.

I stared at myself in the mirror and marveled that I had not thought much about my old life as Owen. I loved what I saw. There was something wonderful about being a woman. I ran my fingers over my lips and sniffed as I put on my cloak. I was in love with Grace.

Before dawn's first light painted the sky, I slipped away from the inn, hastily scribbling notes for Leo and Isabella, letting them know I would meet them at the stables. As I navigated the winding streets of the city somewhat blindly, lost in my thoughts of Grace. My steps led me inexorably toward the place we once called home.

When I arrived at where we had lived, I traced the rough contours of the stone wall, weathered by time and neglect, that marked the boundary of the city. A makeshift shelter, cobbled together from tattered scraps of cloth and gnarled branches, greeted me. As poorly made as it was, it was our refuge where the three of us had sought solace amidst the harsh realities of our existence.

Running my fingers over the frayed edges of the fabric, bound together by bits of twine, a flood of memories washed over me, transporting me back to a time when our struggles were simpler. It felt like an eternity had passed since we were last here, trying to find joy as our friendly words mingled with the whispers of the wind. I stepped inside and turned over a few broken pots and cups that had filled with stagnant rainwater.

“I saw you walk through the city, and I wanted to see where you were going. This is where you lived?” Sir Richard kicked a broken piece of pottery with his boot.

“Yes.”

“It stinks.”

“You get used to it.”

“Why didn’t you find things to sell or start your own business. You’re smart enough.”

“All businesses need to be registered so they can be taxed. All business owners must be citizens. To be a citizen, you need to be verified. We had stolen enough to be known and thus would have been thrown in prison at best. Our hands might have been chopped off as an example. We tried to barter. We have a few contacts that would give us a few coppers for something we found worth a silver. They risked being caught dealing with vagrants, but they enjoyed the profits. Thanks for not killing me, by the way.”

“I didn’t lie to the king. I don’t think I can kill you.”

“Did you know a phoenix draws life from those they love and care for? They don’t drain life from them, rather they gain strength. A phoenix with no one will die.”

“Why are you telling me this, Aria?”

I patted him on his polished breastplate. “I’m just saying I don’t dislike you. You’re a good man, Sir Richard.”

“The feather chose right Aria. The king is wrong. Oh… I took your advice. I laughed and smiled as I told the knights how you cooked the king’s statue. That was priceless. The knights take their cue from me and the king, but you’re growing on them.”

“I appreciate them.”

“About you and Princess Grace… Don’t let the king ever hear I said this, but I approve. I have known the princess since she was born. She loves you.”

“How did you know?”

“It’s obvious. To me anyways. She lights up when you are around. I’ve never seen her smile so much. But I also know it can never happen.”

“Why say anything?”

“Because if you break her heart by dying, I’ll find a way to resurrect you and kill you myself.”

“Duly noted, Sir Richard.”

“We need to get to the stables. When all is done, I’ll find a way to make sure the three of you have a home. You never have to come back here again.”

“Thank you.”

 

***

 

When I got to the stables, I whistled, and Thunder came out to greet me. I checked the saddle and talked to him.

“Have you been getting into trouble with the mares?”

Thunder shook his head.

“I think you should. To be honest, they need more horses like you.”

“Don’t encourage him, Aria.” Sir Richard was holding the reins of Isabella’s horse.

“He’s the best horse here. By far.”

Thunder shook his head up and down.

“Is that a phoenix thing? Being able to talk to animals?”

“I talk to you all the time and you seem to understand. I guess it is.” I smiled sweetly.

“Mount up!”

I got up onto Thunder and Prince Casimir rode up next to me.

“We need to talk. You’re next to me.”

“Okay, but make sure I get some time to verbally joust with Sir Richard. We need to keep his mind sharp.”

“I will keep that in mind, Aria.”

I looked back and Isabella gave me a swooning look then pointed to the prince. Leo managed to get onto his horse without falling off the other side. I considered that progress for him. Sir Richard led the way out of the city gate, west, then north.

“You leave quite the impression, Aria.”

“With your father?”

Casimir nodded.

“You can’t get along with everyone. It’s rather hard to like someone that thinks I am no better than pond scum and keeps suggesting I should be reconstituted back into a feather.”

“Do you know that his statue was a gift from me for celebrating twenty-five years as king?”

“Oh… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I was told I had to get him that gift. I despised it as much as he despises his father’s. I’m sorry about how you have been treated. Grace speaks very highly of you and so does Sir Richard.”

“May I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Why suggest I retrieve the bow on my own? Do you also want to get rid of me?”

“I believe you are the savior of prophecy. My father doesn’t. I have no intention of sending you to retrieve the bow on your own. The path to Ember Tower is up a box canyon in Morvain territory. Like the ruins where the feather was found, there are numerous monsters. As you get closer to the tower, Morvain’s soldiers will be present. It’s a death trap. Even for you. My father knows this and believes I am supposed to be the savior. By suggesting this quest, I hope to keep you on our side. It buys us time for you to come into your full powers and makes my father believe his wish for you to be destroyed will be fulfilled.”

“That sounds reasonable enough in a creepy sort of way.”

“Your powers are not yet complete?”

“I can’t say for certain. I have not sprouted wings and my memories of some powers have not manifested.”

“I’ve studied what I could find of the phoenix. You could consider me more of a reader than a fighter. It has been approximately nine centuries since Aria last walked in this world. I was the one that found the location of her home at Emberfall. I must admit, it is like a dream come true to be riding next to a phoenix.”

“We all have nightmares from time to time. I need to check with Sir Richard about something. I recommend you speak to Isabella.”

I moved up through the group to ride next to Sir Richard and glanced back to see Casimir riding next to Isabella. I wanted to smile, but I couldn’t. The further north we travelled, the heavier the darkness seemed to get.

“It’s not like you to be quiet, Aria.”

“Something feels off. It reminds me of a time I was going to steal a loaf of bread. At the last moment I got this bad feeling and stopped myself only to find I was being watched and would have been caught.” I looked back again at Isabella. She was talking animatedly with Casimir.

“Tell me about the darkness, Sir Richard.”

“When I was a child, my father told me about all the places he used to travel to as an emissary for the king. He was the chief trade negotiator for Eldorath. He told me about exotic places, oceans, incredibly tall mountains, and jungles. One day he arrived home after a very long trip. It looked like he had aged ten years since I had last seen him weeks earlier. He wouldn’t tell me what happened, but that night, I snuck out of bed, and listened to him talk with my mother.

“He told her he heard about a northern kingdom that was gathering resources from all the kingdoms around it. He was pleased, hoping to negotiate a large trade agreement. He traveled deep into Morvain. During his travels, he learned that Morvain was the surname of the northern kingdom’s king. A sorcerer king named Silvanus Morvain.

“The closer Father got to the capital city, the greater the devastation he found. What once were productive green fields, were all withered and black. The people were thin and frail as they toiled. Father came upon a rise and looked down upon the city. Dark wisps swirled about it. He saw a massive army being staged. The soldiers appeared more dead than alive. They just stood there like statues, waiting.

“As he gazed over the city, a wisp of darkness seemed to pause as if sensing him. It broke free of the other wisps and latched around Father’s throat. He collapsed on the ground, feeling his life being pulled from him. He told my mother he was certain he was going to die. It was at that moment that the sun broke through the thick clouds. The wisps retreated. He felt his energy return to him. He ran as fast as he could away from Morvain.

“In the years since then, what we have heard is that Morvain’s darkness is spreading. It is moving slowly, but steadily south. Entire kingdoms are being lost. We hear tales of an unstoppable dead army marching and defeating anything that tries to come against it.”

“That’s not very comforting to hear. The men that attacked us. You thought they were from Morvain and yet they were not dead looking.”

“There are people that pledge themselves to Morvain and in return Silvanus allows them to keep their humanity, such as it is. They are the soldiers that scout the way forward, can blend into cities and kingdoms that have not been taken.”

“How many people know about the reality of the situation we face?”

“Very few. They only hear of the coming darkness.”

“Do you believe I am capable of stopping such an overwhelming power?”

“I have heard tales of the phoenix. I believe you are the opposite of Silvanus Morvain. You bring light in an otherwise dark world.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“I would never.”

“Good. Just checking to make sure Sir Richard is still in there.”

I looked back at Leo, Isabella, and the knights I had come to know. I thought of the people of Calleron, how, after they trusted you, gave of everything they had.

I rode in silence for several hours, lost in my thoughts when Sir Richard called a halt. I hadn’t even been paying attention, but on the road before us stood Grace next to her white mare. My mood immediately lifted, and I felt a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

“Hello, fellow travelers.”

Sir Richard dismounted and bowed. “Princess… what are you doing here?”

“I decided to join the quest. I bring gifts.”

Prince Casimir galloped through the ranks and vaulted off his horse. “What is the meaning of this, Grace? You defy Father?”

She spoke to him, but her eyes were on me. “These are not times to live behind walls that will never keep out the darkness. We need to follow our hearts. You are heading into a dangerous place. I’m here to lend a hand and protect what’s valuable for all our kingdoms.”

Casimir moved very close to Grace. I became anxious and felt the flames about to erupt.

“You will go home. Now!” Casimir whispered it, but I was able to hear it clearly.

Grace finally turned her focus to Casimir. “You cannot order me, Brother. You are not king yet. Out here, without Mother or Father, I do as I choose. We are still a half-day ride from the inn. I suggest we get moving after I hand out my gifts.”

Grace pulled two bows, quivers, and a sword from the back of her saddle. I hadn’t noticed, but she also had a bow strapped to her back and a long dagger sheathed on her thigh. I felt a flush of warmth as she touched my thigh while handing me a bow and quiver. She gave Isabella a bow and Leo received a sword.

“All right, let’s go.”

“Go home, Grace!”

“I’m staying, Casimir. I’ll deal with Father when I return.”

I was a little stunned by the caustic exchange between the two of them. A few minutes later, we were underway again.

I slipped back into the group with Grace settling in next to me. Further back, Casimir sat brooding and scowling next to Isabella who was chatting away seemingly oblivious to the prince’s mood.

“I’m pleased you joined us, Grace. I hope it does not cause you any problems. I always imagined family dynamics to be harmonious. I guess most orphans picture it that way.”

Grace looked at me with such desire and pain at the same time. “I’m here because of you, Aria. I’m not sending you out alone. This isn’t your burden to singularly bear. As for causing problems, I will likely get slapped by Father and secured in my bedroom for a while, but I don’t care anymore. My place is here. I owe it to the citizens of the kingdom to not sit back and watch our world implode. I owe it to myself to know I did everything I could. And I owe it to you.”

“Thank you.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “Your presence brings joy and peace to my soul.”

“I couldn’t sleep last night and decided if I didn’t come, I would regret it for the rest of my life.”

“Why doesn’t your father or Casimir want you here?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps Father is worried about succession. Casimir has tried to be involved in every quest surrounding the phoenix. He was upset he could not join the knights to retrieve the feather.”

“He told me he has been fascinated by phoenix lore.”

“He loves to hide away with his books.”

“I asked Sir Richard about the encroaching darkness. It seems unstoppable. I’m worried.”

“I won’t lie to you, Aria. The people that come to update Father tell horrific stories. The darkness is spreading, and I fear Silvanus Morvain is only becoming stronger. I considered kidnapping you and taking you as far away as possible.”

“As wonderful as that sounds, Grace, I wouldn’t be much of a phoenix to run from what is coming. The truth is, I feel this is a chance for me to make amends for my life. I’m not worthy of a blissful, happy ending with someone I love.”

“What did you say, Aria?”

“Nothing.”

“What I heard was more than nothing. It made my heart leap for joy. It breaks my heart, however, to hear that you feel a need to make amends for your life and that you are not worthy. Gods, Aria. Your parents abandoned you. The system failed you. Somehow you managed to survive, and you are not the jaded person you could have become. I’m a better person for knowing you.”

Thunder moved us closer, so our legs just brushed each other’s. I wanted to reach out and grab what was forbidden. I wanted to be held and comforted by her.

 

Chapter 10

Commanding the flames

 

That night, the inn we stopped at was large and there were rooms for everyone. The knights and Leo shared three rooms. Isabella and I had a room. Casimir and Grace each had their own private rooms.

After dinner, Grace, Isabella, and I headed to our rooms. As before, Grace asked if we could talk privately. Isabella winked at me. A second after the door to Grace’s room closed behind us, her lips were on mine.

She took my hand and led me to the bed, where she lay down and pulled me down next to her. We held each other and kissed.

“I’m in love with you, Aria. You need to know that. You need to know that I will do everything in my power to be by your side. For now, with many eyes upon us and a darkness that is coming, we can’t demonstrate our love in front of others. We have a kingdom of people that rely on stability and knowing the royal family is there, intact, and of one accord.”

Grace kissed me and ran her fingers through my long hair.

“I understand. I don’t deserve you, Grace, and I would never do anything to harm you.”

“When you stopped Father’s hand from hitting me, I was so proud. My heart swelled within my chest. As much as I hate to be apart, I think you should head to your room.”

I nodded and moved to the door. Grace’s hands touched my shoulder, spun me, and pushed me back against the wall. She kissed me long and passionately.

“I’m hoping that will be enough to make sure you dream of me tonight.”

“I dream of you every night, Grace.”

I slipped out into the hallway and into my shared room with Isabella.

Isabella smiled knowingly. “Another private chat with Grace?”

“It was good.”

“Just good? You’re breathing hard. You’re flushed.”

“We kissed. But you can’t say anything.”

“I would never. I’m happy for you even though I know it is complicated and will never really work out.”

“The king wants to kill me and there is a good chance I won’t come out of this war with the darkness alive anyways. Then, there is the entire princess meets street urchin gap to overcome.”

“Well, you’re not a street urchin anymore. You’re the risen phoenix.”

“At the end of the day, Isabella, I own nothing. The only reason we are eating is because of all this. Sir Richard promised we would never have to go back to the dump, but I still wonder at the end of it all if we will have a home or food.”

“True, but who could deny the savior of the world a room for the night. I’m sure that legacy will give us food and shelter for a few days at least. Besides, we are survivors. We will find a way.”

“How was your conversation with Casimir?”

“I must say, he is even more handsome up close. Gods… how does that even happen when his father is short, balding, and stupid? As for conversation, he seems a little reclusive and far too interested in phoenix abilities. Only once did he ask a question about my life. It was all about himself, phoenixes, and the latest ball where he got to dance with Princess Vanessa from Mooreland.”

“No romantic sparks between you two?”

“I think I could easily find it within myself to take advantage of all his handsomeness. I would just need to put a gag in his mouth first. I seriously think he would chuck his dinner if he got dirt under his fingernail. It would never work out, even if I were a princess. I could never marry a guy that has been so isolated from life like he has.”

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

“I do sort of like Sir Gerard. He has been very attentive. I think he likes me.”

“I’ve found most of the knights to be very good people. I like Sir Gerard.”

 

***

 

The following morning, we were all up and out of the inn an hour after dawn. We rode at a steady pace. Leo was finally looking more comfortable in the saddle. I spent some time talking with him before finding my place next to Grace.

It was nearing midday when we spotted smoke rising ahead. We took that as a warning, readied weapons, and repositioned ourselves. We rode slowly until we came upon a scene of complete destruction. An inn and several homes were engulfed in flames.

A woman was screaming in the middle of the road. “Hy husband! He ran inside to get our children. Please, someone help!”

I dismounted and ran to the woman. She pointed to a house, and I rushed inside. The home was a blazing inferno, and it took a moment to register the flames and heat seemed to shy away from me as if they knew I held dominion. I lifted my hands to the side and watched the flames twist and dance, but with a mere thought, they bent their will to my own. It occurred to me that if I could control the fire, then I could also end it. With a mental command, the flames vanished. I went from room to room, finding the husband and two children in a back bedroom. They were barely alive, and the husband was badly burned. I washed them with green healing fire then lifted the two children into my arms and brought them out to their mother. I went back inside and carried the husband out.

I didn’t wait around, but moved towards the other buildings, stopping the flames. I could sense the dead among the ruins.

Grace placed a hand on my arm, then pulled the ends of my hair toward her. “You’re not burned. Your hair isn’t even singed. I couldn’t get near the building. The fire was too hot. I was so worried about you.”

There was something amiss. My phoenix powers were awakening, and my perception had expanded greatly. I could feel the ominous presence of those that burned the homes nearby.

An arrow sliced through the stillness, hurtling towards Grace with deadly precision. Instinctively, I grabbed it out of the air. My hands tingled with newfound power that stirred with my anger. The arrow disintegrated into ashes in my hand.

More arrows were fired from all around us. In my rage against those that would threaten those I cared about I unleashed a force of energy that not only protected our group with a shield of fire but also wrought havoc upon those unseen archers that were attacking us. The flames responded to my will, swirling around us, and instantly burning any arrow that touched them.

Fingers of fire reached into the surrounding forest seeking our enemies. The archers, caught off guard by the unexpected retaliation, faced the wrath of an angry phoenix. Fire consumed their cover, and the forest echoed with their desperate cries as they tried to flee the relentless inferno. My flames pursued them with determination.

When all but one of the attackers were consumed by fire, I let the fires dissipate.

“Sir Richard. I left one alive. He is in the forest behind a large tree.” I pointed in the direction the attacker was.

With several movements of his hands, knights rushed into the forest.

“Aria!” I heard Isabella calling me.

I found Isabella kneeling next to Sir Gerard. He had an arrow that had punctured through his armor and pierced his chest.

“The arrow must have made it through just before your shield came up around us. It looks bad.”

I knelt next to Sir Gerard and placed my hands on him. “As I heal him, I need you to pull the arrow out.”

Isabella nodded. Green flames engulfed Sir Gerard. I could feel them moving deep into his body and repairing the damage. “Now, Isabella.”

Isabella pulled the arrow and Sir Gerard gasped. More green flames closed the wound and when all was healed, they vanished as I stood and stepped away.

Sir Gerard’s eyes fluttered open and locked on Isabella’s worried face. He reached up and moved hairs from her eyes. “I’m being ministered to by an angel. I must be dead.”

“I’m no angel, silly, and you are not dead.”

“All the better.” Sir Gerard smiled and pulled Isabella down to him for a kiss. “I can’t kiss an angel, but I can kiss you.”

I smiled at the interaction and even though Sir Gerard was healed, everyone backed slowly away from me. Everyone but Grace who had stood by my side throughout the attack. She looked at me with a mixture of awe, gratitude, and unyielding love. In the reflection of her own eyes, I saw the flames that still flickered in my own.

We turned as the knights dragged the lone remaining attacker back to the road.

Sir Richard began interrogating him.

“Why were you here?”

“You get nothing from me, infidel!”

Sir Richard slapped the man with his gauntleted hand. The man’s head snapped back, and blood dripped from his mouth. After several minutes with no results, I asked Sir Richard to let me try.

I squatted in front of the man. “Do you know what I am?”

“Our enemy.”

“I wouldn’t be your enemy if you didn’t torch homes, kill innocent people, or attack us.”

“None of you are innocent, least of all, you.”

“Was the attack on the homes and families here merely to draw us in for you to surround us and attack?”

“It doesn’t matter. You all deserve death.”

“By your lack of denial, it suggests this was a coordinated and planned attack on us. Who told you we were coming?”

“You get nothing from me, cursed creature.”

I grabbed his wrist and began to heat up my hand. He cried out in pain.

“Tell me, or your hand will be ashes.”

He screamed and looked like he was about to say something when a sword passed through his back.

I looked up to find Casimir holding his bloody sword.

“We’re wasting time. We know Morvain’s army is making forays further and further south. Aria needs to get the phoenix bow. That’s our priority.”

Grace was not happy with her brother but shifted topics. “Do we need to discuss the fact that Aria walked into a burning building, controlled and stopped the fires, healed the family and Sir Gerard from mortal wounds, created a shield of fire, or blasted a dozen enemy soldiers?”

Casimir wiped his blade on the dead man. “It is obvious she is connecting with more of her powers which is why we need to get the phoenix bow and regroup so we can take the fight to our enemies. The sooner we can attack the growing strength of the darkness, the better off we will be.”

I stepped away from the group, letting my emotions settle. No one dared approach me. I had become something dangerous. I was no longer Aria with a few abilities. I was a mythical creature with the power to give or take life by my thoughts alone.

Everyone waited for me and as I turned to face them, it seemed they too felt this new gulf between us. I was an outcast once again. It was Grace that moved towards me and took my hand in hers while the group watched us carefully.

“Once again you saved my life and possibly the lives of everyone here. I see that look in your eyes, Aria. Yes, we are all in awe of the power we just saw. But I want you to know I don’t fear you. I will never be afraid of you because…” New resolve flickered in her eyes. “Because I love you.” She cupped my face with her hands and kissed me.

“Grace!”

Casimir was livid. “How dare you defile yourself with that creature! You have a responsibility to the kingdom. Father has plans for your marriage. We need strong alliances. He will not allow it, and neither will I.”

Isabella came over to me and hugged me. She looked over her shoulder at Casimir. “I never saw the resemblance before this moment. You do resemble your father, Casimir. You’re both asses.”

“How dare you, you little garbage pile throw away! You cannot speak to me that way. I am your prince!”

“And a mighty fine looking figure head you are, Prince. Stupid, like your father, however. I think Princess Grace and Aria make a wonderful couple and you would be even more of an idiot if you didn’t see their bond as being beneficial to the kingdom. Gods, who would want to go up against a phoenix? Talk about a beneficial alliance.”

“You’re just another garbage-loving rat that understands nothing. Sir Richard. You will arrest these two pieces of trash for slandering the king and prince, and this one…” He pointed to me. “… you will put to death for stealing the phoenix feather and for high treason of touching my sister.”

I stepped towards Casimir, but Sir Richard placed his hand on my shoulder to hold me back.

He spun to face Casimir. “I gave an oath to your father, Prince Casimir. That oath is to protect the royal family and the kingdom of Eldorath. In the absence of the king, I take orders from the eldest royal family member. Princess Grace, the knights, and I are at your disposal. What will you have of us?”

Grace stepped away from me and stared into her brother’s eyes. “We are members of the royal family, little brother. We do not rule by might, but with generous and kind hearts. We bear the weight of our decisions that affect the entirety of the people of our kingdom. Every day we fail our people, and we need to learn that our place is to serve rather than to be served. Aria has taught me that.

“So, when you stand here and whine about someone calling you an ass, you need to grow a thicker skin and ask yourself how you can improve and be a better leader. We are at war. This is not a time for petty rants and grievances.

“I know my confession of love for Aria is not what Father or you would like. However, I can no longer act like she is a simple companion on these quests. She has won my heart, fully and completely.”

“She has bewitched you with her phoenix powers. Can’t you tell she has enchanted you?”

“Aria did nothing of the kind. I pursued her, not the other way around. You have two choices, Casimir. If you choose to return home, I will send two knights with you. If you choose to stay and see this quest through, you will do everything in your power to ensure this quest is a success. What is your choice?”

“I am the future king! Who stands with me?” No one moved or spoke. “This will not go well for any of you. This is not over!”

The prince got on his horse and rode south.

Grace addressed everyone. “It is my belief that Aria is our only hope in defeating the approaching darkness. I believe she was called to be the risen phoenix and I have not seen anything to dissuade me from what I know to be the truth. She is our savior, and we need to provide her with our full support. The war is not on her shoulders alone. We all must fight. However, this is not something I can order. What awaits us is great hardship, pain, and many of us may die. This is your decision. I’m not asking you to stand with me. I’m asking if you stand with Aria.”

Sir Gerard stepped forward. “Aria. The power you demonstrated today shook the very fiber of my being. It is a frightening gift you have, and I would not want to be the focus of your anger. That said, I have watched you carefully and you have my full support. You also have my friendship.”

Isabella smiled and leaned into Sir Gerard. “And you have mine. Always. I may not be gifted as a soldier, or trained as a fighter, but I will stand with you until I can no more.”

Leo offered a clumsy bow. “What would our trio be without me to find every morsel of food for us? You know I will be with you.”

One by one, the knights spoke their hearts, reflecting the others’ thoughts.

Sir Richard took my hand in his. “I’ll just say I don’t dislike you, Aria.”

That made me laugh.

Grace, who seemed more regal than ever, gave the order to Sir Richard. “Make sure the family has what they need, then let’s regroup and head north.”

“Yes, Princess.”

 

Chapter 11

Into the Abyssal Valley

 

There would be no more inns along the way and that night, we made camp to sleep under the stars.

“Aria. A little help, please?”

I stepped over to one of the knights that was struggling to light the campfire. “You do realize if I keep doing this for you that you will lose the skill of starting a fire?”

“Leo is hungry. Your help will just reduce the time until we can get dinner. You know how he gets.”

With a thought, the pile of firewood burst into flames. “Can’t have that.”

“Can’t have what?” Leo was carrying an armload of firewood.

“We can’t have you hungry, Leo.”

“Consider me as a canary in a coal mine. When I am hungry, everyone else will be soon.”

Leo placed his firewood near the fire, and we sat down together on a log.

“Your eyes rarely leave her, Aria.”

“She’s a dream come true for me, Leo. I just don’t know what the future holds. I’ve learned more about the darkness, and I wonder if any of us will survive it. The king will never allow my relationship with Grace. I’ve been thinking that maybe you and Isabella should go as far south as you can.”

“You don’t think we can contribute?”

“It’s not that. Not at all. You both deserve to have a chance at living a life.”

“What’s life without your friends, Aria? I might not be the greatest fighter, but I will always be your friend. You, me, and Isabella are survivors. I would rather fight next to the both of you than know you are on your own.”

Not far away, Grace was giving Isabella some pointers with the bow. Sir Gerard was offering encouragement.

“You should see if Sir Richard will give you some training with your sword.”

“I bet you could do that.”

“I’ve never held a sword in my life.”

“You never fought anyone with a staff before either.”

A smile ticked up at the corner of my mouth. “Let’s try. Sir Richard? May I borrow your sword?”

Sir Richard’s face twisted. “I should ask why first. I like my sword.”

He handed me his sword and Leo pulled his from his scabbard. We tapped our swords together lightly then slowly became more aggressive. The knights stopped what they were doing to watch and proceeded to laugh at us.

“Stick with fire, Aria.”

“They’re leaving themselves more open than a barn without a door.”

Leo became a little overzealous and the sharp part of his blade hit my wrist. He stopped and apologized. My wrist was perfectly fine, but the hit triggered a release of more fighting skills within me.

“Try again, Leo. Don’t worry, you can’t hurt me.”

Leo swung and I easily blocked him. He attacked quickly with more swings, but I met his attack with blocks.

“Adjust your stance, Leo. Make sure you are balanced with every swing. Don’t overreach as you will lose power.”

“She’s very good.” I heard the knights whisper.

Little by little Leo improved. Once Leo was tired, we stopped, and I gave Sir Richard his sword back.

Leo sat down heavily. “Is food ready? I was hungry before, but now I’m about to die from starvation.”

Eventually, dinner was served, and I found an out of the way place to sit. Grace sat next to me.

“It’s been the hardest thing ever to not be constantly with you, Aria. We don’t have a lot of privacy. I don’t want you to feel like I am ignoring you.”

“I’m grateful for whatever time we can get together. Was it wise to profess your love for me in front of everyone?”

“Not likely. I should have asked you first. You disapprove?”

“Not at all, but I am very unfamiliar with relationships and how this works. Can I kiss you?”

“Mmmm. Anytime you like. Of course, sometimes will be more appropriate than others.”

“Have you always been attracted to women?”

“I have not been attracted to anyone until you came along. I was worried there might be something wrong with me.”

“You’re perfect, Grace. Your brother will cause trouble. I know it.”

“I’m fully prepared to abdicate my role and leave my family so I can be with you. That won’t stop Father from finding a way to punish us. He has tried to marry me off for an alliance for years.”

“What fool prince would not want to marry you?”

“You’re so sweet, Aria. I’m no prize.”

“You are. You are intelligent, and kind. You have a gift for dealing with people and are a natural leader. Your beauty…” I reached up and stroked her cheek. “… ignites the very fires of my soul. I can lose myself in your azure eyes. Your lips…” I let my thumb brush her lips lightly. She moaned at my touch. “I cannot look at your lips and not wish to press mine against yours. You are more than a prize. You are life itself, the very sustenance that makes my life worthwhile.”

Grace set down her food and her lips crashed into mine. “That was…” She kissed me again. “… the most…” Another kiss. “…wonderful thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“Enough of that you two. We are close to Morvain’s front. We need to stay alert.”

Grace kissed me again. “You’re ruining all my fun, Sir Richard. We will be vigilant.”

“For threats, not each other. Besides, I think you might be making the knights a bit jealous.”

Princess Grace smiled. “We will aim for a modicum of decorum that will not make people blush.”

 

***

 

The next day we rode into the afternoon before coming to a border marker.

Sir Richard faced the group. “This marks the northern border of Eldorath. There is a large gap between us, and the land considered Morvain occupied territory. We head north, then east off the main road to reach the Abyssal valley. Be on the alert. We are entering enemy territory.”

It was dark when we made camp at the entrance to the Abyssal valley. The roars of monsters echoed through the night. The group rolled out their bedrolls and ate their supper in silence.

I walked away from the camp and into the mouth of the valley. A sense of anticipation coursed through my veins, mingling with the cool night air that enveloped me. With my enhanced vision, I strained my eyes against the darkness, and there in the distance was a solitary tower standing proudly at the far end. Its silhouette was stark against the rugged cliffs that framed the valley. As if reaching for the heavens themselves, the tower soared into the night sky, its ancient stones whispering tales of bygone eras. A flicker of fire danced in the uppermost windows, casting eerie shadows that darted across the cliff faces far below it. It was the phoenix bow, a beacon of life amidst the desolate landscape.

A warm arm slid around my waist. “You have made me selfish, Aria.”

I stroked Grace’s hair and kissed her. “How have I done that?”

“I’m afraid of the future and my heart tells me I would rather keep you alive than risk you not being with me the rest of my days. My mind tells me we have no future without the darkness being destroyed. Usually, my heart and mind are in accord, but no longer. I want a future with you. I want you safe.”

"When I close my eyes, I envision our future. I see a quaint home nestled by the ocean, a sanctuary far removed from the influences of Eldorath, your father, brother, and all those who seek to control and harm us. It would be a haven where you and I could reside peacefully for the rest of our days. Although it may seem like a mere dream, the thought of it fills me with hope. And yet, I know neither of us could bear the thought of losing anyone we hold dear, especially if their loss could have been prevented."

Grace slipped her hand into mine and brought me back to the campfire. We lay down next to each other on our bedrolls and held each other through the entire night.

The morning came all too soon, and I found myself standing at the edge of the forest looking up the Abyssal valley. The sky was overcast. I turned around to see everyone staring at me.

“Stay here. I believe Casimir was correct in suggesting I should complete this quest alone. There is no need to risk your lives and I need to learn what I am capable of.”

Sir Richard stepped forward. “When the day comes and you face the darkness, you will not be alone, Aria. Nor will you be today. You need to understand that I will not stand back watching you fight for me. Your best chance at succeeding will be with people at your side. People you can trust. I’m coming with you.”

Isabella hugged me. “As am I.”

Leo took several times to pull his sword from the scabbard. When he finally got it free, he held it high. “You think I will let you have all the fun and leave me out of it. Not a chance.”

Grace moved to me, cupped my face, and kissed me in front of everyone. “Where you go, I’ll go.”

One by one the knights walked up to the line with the others.

I nodded. “Let’s go then.”

We left the horses knowing that they would be a liability with the monsters that awaited us within the narrow, rocky corridors of the valley. It wasn’t long before we came across the first creatures keeping us from reaching our goal.

Flamejaws attacked us from three sides. Sir Richard shouted. “Don’t approach them straight on!”

Arrows did nothing against their thick, scaled bodies. I ran forward straight into the searing flames of one of the creatures. The fire wrapped around me. I leapt over the flamejaw, spanning a good twenty feet with my jump, grabbed the tail and swung it so its head crashed against a bolder.

“Nicely done, Aria. A little help with the other ones, please?”

With a thought, the flames of the monsters vanished giving the advantage to the group as they could move closer for their attacks. I was about to help them kill the rest of the monsters when the ground shook behind me. I spun to find the mother of all flamejaws bearing down on me. It was a behemoth, ten times the size of the others.

With a roar, it breathed out a blast of flames fifty feet wide. Grace screamed as the creature’s flames swirled around me. I raised my hands and controlled the flames, pulling them into myself. My hands were covered in white-hot fire as the monster flamejaw charged me and snapped its massive jaws.

I should have been afraid, but calm enveloped me. I held my ground and as the razor-sharp teeth tried to crush me, I grabbed the jaws and held them open. Several arrows flew past me into the mouth of the flamejaw. The creature thrashed, and I held it, amazed at my own strength.

I pushed it back and away from me. Rocks and dirt filled the air as it clawed to stop its backwards momentum. It stopped and made a deafening roar, opened its jaws again and rushed towards me. With a shout, I held up my hands and a pure white blast of fire crashed into its mouth. The monster flew back a hundred feet into the side of a rocky cliff and exploded into pieces with a massive fireball.

I turned back to see the others staring at me. Grace was already at my side. I was so proud of her.

Leo put his sword back into his sheath. “That was awesome! There’s enough meat from that one alone to feed us all for a week and it’s already cooked!”

Everyone snapped out of whatever trance they were in and laughed.

 

***

 

It was afternoon when we approached the base of the tower. We fought numerous monsters along the way and each battle helped grow my skill and abilities. My confidence had increased immeasurably.

The tall black basalt tower was far larger than it looked from the other end of the valley. The entrance was a heavy stone door nestled between steep cliff walls. The cliffs rose nearly forty feet straight up from the path we were on.

As we stepped towards the door, a shout arose, and arrows were launched at us. Nearly fifty Morvainians leaned over the clifftops and shot their arrows into our group.

Before a single arrow could land, a shield of fire surrounded us. I let the flames push up the walls over the cliff, then spilled over the tops. I closed my eyes to sense the enemy positions and within a minute, their screams died down.

Sir Richard stepped up next to me. “I’m very glad you are on our side. Let me check the door. I need to feel like I’m needed for something.”

Grace sidled up next to me and kissed my neck then whispered into my ear. “I hope when we make love, you can control those flames, darling.”

I blushed as Sir Richard pushed with everything he had. The door didn’t budge. He called up several others and together they managed to swing the door open. The grating sound of the door echoed through the vast darkness that lay beyond.

Seven of us slipped inside. I cast a fireball that hovered before us illuminating the enormous, tiled room. I spotted torches around the walls, and they burst into flames.

Suddenly the door slammed shut behind us and from several dark doorways, Morvainians stepped forward. These were dressed differently than the others we had fought. These wore dark black robes. There was nearly a dozen of them. I stepped towards the middle of the room.

One of the robed people stepped closer, then removed his hood. Casimir smiled evilly at us.

“I must admit, Aria, you have impressed me. Your powers are great, but they are not complete. You are still vulnerable.”

“Casimir! What is the meaning of this?”

“My darling, misguided sister. Silvanus is the future. Nothing can stop him.”

“You’re with them?”

“I have been all along. Who do you think arranged for the attacks on you when you went to Calleron and on the way here? This creature you fawn over, cannot be tamed. It needs to be destroyed. One day you will thank me, dear sister.”

Sinister wisps of darkness coiled and writhed around Casimir's fingers, a malevolent energy pulsating with ominous intent. In a macabre display, the other Morvainians followed suit, their hands ensnared by the same shadowy tendrils. Within moments, a multitude of these dark appendages surged forth from their forms, converging upon me with terrifying swiftness.

Caught within their grasp, I felt a primal fear grip my heart, and an agonized scream tore from my throat. The oppressive darkness enveloped me completely, extinguishing any flicker of my fiery abilities. Suspended in mid-air, I struggled against the suffocating embrace of the shadows, each tendril tearing at my essence with relentless force, threatening to rend me asunder.

Grace shouted for our group to attack. She shot an arrow at her brother, who merely laughed as the arrow fell harmlessly at his feet.

Isabella, Leo, Sir Richard, and Sir Gerard drew their weapons. More wisps of darkness grabbed them by their throats. I could only look on in terror.

Casimir stepped closer to Grace and wisps of darkness wrapped around her throat. The darkness dragged her across the stone floor towards him.

“As you can see, Grace. The darkness is too powerful for your little plaything. It will rip her apart, piece by piece. Say the word, and I will spare your life. Silvanus has heard of your beauty and wants you by his side. Give up your fantasy, sister.”

“I… would… rather…” She gasped and struggled for air. “… die you… sick…” She pulled her dagger and lunged at him, but he smirked as the dark wisps lifted her off the floor and held her dagger back.

I watched in horror. Casimir slowly closed his fist and Grace screamed. I tried to reach my fire. Her screams ripped at my heart.

Grace’s eyes were on mine. “I…” She screamed again. “I love… you, Aria.”

I screamed so loud I thought the foundations of the tower would shatter. I found a spark of fire within me. I pulled it from the very depths of my soul.

“Release… them.” I managed to get out as I nurtured the growing flame within me.

Casimir smiled. “What would be more fitting? For Grace to see you die first, or you to see all your friends die one by one?”

The tendrils loosed slightly as my fire grew in strength. “How about… I melt the skin off all your bones.”

“Poor little phoenix. The darkness is too great. Your light has no place in this world. You are…”

Fiery wings exploded from my back as I burst into flames. The dark wisps withered in seconds and retreated from me.

Grace fell to the floor, looked up at me, and smiled. “Leave my brother alive, my phoenix. But he doesn’t have to be uninjured.”

The Morvainians flashed with white flames leaving nothing but ashes floating to the ground where they stood. Casimir turned to run. A rope of fire grabbed him around his waist and held him firm as I flew down and stood before him. I grabbed him around the neck with my hand and lifted him off the ground.

Green fire consumed him. His dark robe fell to the ground as ashes. The darkness inside him, forced out by my healing fire, stained and dripped from his hands. He screamed as the darkness left him. I let him go and he stood weakly before me. He shook with fear. I could see myself from the reflection in his eyes, and I looked like a maelstrom of fire with wings.

I let my fire subside and I returned to normal.

Isabella rubbed her neck, and she approached us. “Princess? May I…?”

Grace nodded and Isabella slugged Casimir in the face. I heard his nose break.

Grace looked over at Sir Richard. “Get the door back open and secure my brother.”

I was at Grace’s side and green flames ignited around her as I helped her to her feet and kissed her as tears fell down my cheeks. “I failed you. I wasn’t strong enough to keep him from hurting you.”

Grace wiped my tears with her thumbs. “You didn’t fail me. You will never fail me. The darkness was so painful and yet I only had one tendril on me. I can’t imagine how much that must have hurt you.”

“Nothing hurts me more than seeing those I love in pain.”

Sir Gerard tightly bound Casimir, then kissed Isabella. Sir Richard got the door back open, and we were all grateful that the other knights were alive and well.

I looked up and cast a fireball, letting it light the long way to the top of the tower. There were no stairs, just a hole in the uppermost floor. “Looks like there is only one way I can retrieve the bow.”

With a commanding voice, Grace called for everyone to step back. My wings came out and their flames created a halo of light around me as I flew up the inside of the tower and through the hole leading to the windowed room at the top. As I dropped lightly onto the stone platform, my eyes fell upon a basalt altar. Standing and spinning on end, encased in red-hot flames, was the most intricately carved bow I had ever seen.

With hesitant fingers, I reached out and grasped it, feeling the scorching heat dissipate upon contact. I slipped it over my shoulder as I gazed northward into the enveloping darkness. A surge of clarity washed over me. Every fragment of knowledge, every facet of power, coalesced within me as I realized the truth. I was the phoenix reborn, resurrected in all my glory, armed with an arsenal of skills and abilities honed over lifetimes.

Casimir tried to kill me before I came to full power, but it was him that unlocked that power within me. I flew back down to join the others. They stood and waited for me to say something.

“The darkness is coming. We need to get an army together.”

Grace’s hand touched my arm. “How long do we have?”

“No more than a month.”

“Can you defeat it?”

“I don’t know. The darkness has never been this scale. That’s why we need an army. It might take everything I have just to contain the darkness.”

“Good luck with that. You’re all going to die.”

Leo kicked Casimir in the balls. “What a waste of air.”

Grace stood tall. “Let’s get moving. If we hurry, we can make it back to Edlorath in three days.”

 

Chapter 12

Back to Eldorath

 

It was dark when we made it back down the valley to our camp and horses. Leo and several knights cooked some flamejaw tail for dinner. The next day, we raced through the countryside and stopped at the inn we stayed at on the first night.

After a hearty meal, we made our way to our rooms. Grace invited me into her room and told Isabella not to wait for me. Isabella just smiled and told us to have fun.

Once inside the room, Grace’s lips were on mine. A large tub was filled with hot water.

“I took the liberty of asking for a bath. We could both use one. I presume much. I want you to stay with me tonight. I never want to be away from you again.”

“What about your father, Grace? The pending war with the darkness? The fact that I am no one and you are a princess?”

Grace kissed me. “Let our love be our rebellion. Father can’t do anything to me if you are there to defend me. I am willing to give up everything. I will give up my family. My status as a princess. I will leave everything behind to be with you.”

“I may die in the war, Grace, then where will you be?”

“If you die, then I would rather be dead. I look in your eyes and I see fear, Aria. Not fear for what you are going to face, but fear that somehow you will leave me without a future. I’m telling you that you are my only future.

“Whatever comes our way, whatever the future has in store for us, I vow to you that we will face it together.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Unless you don’t want me.”

I took Grace’s hand and led her to the bed. I sat us both down and stared into her fathomless eyes. “I feel a connection to you that transcends words. It's like you're the melody to the song my heart has been composing all along. Each beat echoes your name, and every pause yearns for your touch.

“In your presence, I find a warmth that surpasses the sun's gentle rays, wrapping me in a blanket of comfort and security. You are the constancy in my life, the anchor that steadies my ship in the stormy sea of uncertainties. You are the air that sustains me, the breath that gives life to my every moment. Without you, I would be like a bird with clipped wings, unable to soar to the heights of happiness that your love has allowed me to reach.

“When you touch me, time seems to stand still, and the world fades away, leaving only the two of us in a timeless dance. Your touch is a gentle breeze, caressing my soul with a love so profound that it feels like the universe conspired to bring us together.

“I will love you until the day I die and beyond, Grace. You are my forever, my always, and in your arms, I've found a home where the deepest echoes of love resonate eternally. I find myself unworthy. A thief. A beggar. An orphan with no name and nothing to offer you but my very soul. I cannot live without you and yet I fear that being together will harm you. For the darkness wants me dead and all those that stand with me will be at risk.”

Her gentle fingers tucked some stray hairs behind my ear then lingered on my cheek. “I didn’t hear anything but your love for me and fear that I may be hurt. We should not fear the future when it isn’t written yet, but I don’t want to miss the chance to be happy now. Stay with me tonight, my thief, my phoenix, my love. For I want to set you on fire with a different type of flame.”

She pulled me to my feet and slowly began removing my clothing.

 

***

 

I woke to kisses along my neck and nibbling of my earlobe.

Grace’s lips brushed my ear with a soft, gentle whisper. “Good morning, my love.” She pressed her naked body snuggly against mine. “You were amazing last night. I wish I could indulge myself further with you, but we have a long day ahead of us.”

I guided our lips to meet. “You would make a good thief, Grace.”

“Why would I make a good thief?”

“Because you have stolen my heart, my body, and my soul.”

“Today will not be an easy day, Aria. Mother and Father will not only be confronted with Casimir’s betrayal, but our love for each other as well. It will not go well for me since I disobeyed Father to be with you on this quest.”

“What do you think will happen?”

“I don’t know, Aria. All I ask is that you only intervene if necessary. We need to let this play out. Father has never intentionally hurt me. Whatever the outcome, I will remain by your side.”

“Even if he throws me in the dungeons?”

“I seriously doubt there is a dungeon that could hold you, but if that is where you are, I will be there too. We need to get up and get ready.” Grace kissed me. “I love you, Aria.”

It didn’t take long for us to get dressed and meet up with the others. Isabella gave me a knowing smile that made me blush.

After a quick breakfast, we mounted our horses and made good time back to Eldorath. As we reached the city walls guards were waiting. Things got a bit chaotic when the guards saw that Casimir was bound.

“Arrest this group on charges of treason. I was attacked by them!” Casimir shouted.

Sir Richard and Grace tried to reason with everyone. The guards were confused as to what to do. Things didn’t get any better when the king and queen arrived.

“What is the meaning of this! Why is my son bound like a prisoner?” He turned to Grace. “And you! Get to your room! I will deal with you later.”

“Father, Aria has bewitched them all. She is dangerous.”

“Arrest her!”

I dismounted and stepped to the side as the guards moved to grab me. I let my flaming wings erupt and they all took a step back.

I looked at the king as I spoke. “Stop this nonsense. Unless you want the kingdom to see the greatest folly you have ever made, you will tell the guards to stand down. I suggest we take this to the throne room so it can be discussed in a civilized way.”

“Are you threatening me?”

My wings retracted. “It isn’t a threat. Darkness is coming and you need to understand all that is happening and has happened. Don’t make rash judgements. What needs to be shared with you should not be done in a public space.”

The king’s face turned a bit purple. “I am the king! I will be the one making the decisions! I…”

“Father!”

The king spun angrily towards Grace. “What?”

“Aria is right. What needs to be shared and what decisions need to be made should not be done here. There are… sensitive family matters we do not wish to make public.”

“You disobeyed me and will be punished!”

“You’ve been warned, Father! If this is the way you are going to be, then everyone watching will hear and see what has taken place.” Grace started to walk towards me. “The reason I disobeyed you is because it is my place to protect the people of Eldorath, and…” She took my hand in hers, then kissed me. She turned back towards her father. “… and to be with the one I love.”

The king opened his mouth to shout something but was stopped as the queen placed her hand on his arm.

“Percival. Let’s hear what Grace has to say.”

Grace stayed at my side holding my hand. “Casimir betrayed us all. It was he who send Morvainians to attack us on our way to Calleron and on our way to the Abyssal valley. As much as it pains me to say this, he is in league with Silvanus and attacked us with a dozen Morvainian sorcerers with dark magic. Look at his stained hands, father. That is the residue of dark magic as Aria burned it from him. He tried to kill us all and Aria before she reached her full powers.”

“She lies! These are not stains but burns caused by that foul creature that has bewitched Grace and the others.”

“Check his hands, Father. They are not burns. The Ember tower was nothing more than a trap. I’m sorry, Father. I’m sorry I left against your orders, but we live in difficult times, and we must do what we feel is right, not for ourselves, but for the good of the kingdom.”

The queen ordered the guards to check Casimir’s hands.

“Stains, my Queen. They are not burned.”

The king looked sadly at Casimir, then at Grace. He turned and walked silently towards the palace.

The queen took command. “Sir Richard. Have your group stay together. Get them rested, cleaned up, and fed. Guards. You will lock Casimir in a guest room. He is not allowed to leave until I command you to bring him to me. Grace. Come with me.”

“Mother, I can’t leave Aria.”

“She’s not going anywhere, and I need to speak with you privately. I will be speaking to everyone privately.”

“Yes, Mother.” Grace squeezed my hand and stepped away.

The queen walked away towards the palace. Grace fell into step next to her. She looked over her shoulder at me several times.

Sir Richard gave orders to our group to head to the stables, then to meet at the Rogue Inn.

 

Chapter 13

An unexpected conversation

 

For hours we sat at the inn. Leo, Isabella, and I had changed into our other clothes while one by one the members of the group were sent to the palace. I was the last one to be called.

A pair of guards warily walked me to the palace and to a small room next to the throne room. Queen Cordelia looked tired as she pointed to a seat across from her.

I sat down and squirmed in the awkward silence and the intense scrutiny of the queen.

Finally, she spoke. “You’re nervous, Aria?”

“A little.”

“From what I have heard, you could level the palace. No monster, beast, or enemy can harm you and yet you shake in my presence. Why?”

“All my life I wanted to find something that I thought was unobtainable. A family. I can’t explain what happened when I met your daughter. I have never experienced anything like it before. It was as if my heart chose her before my mind could fathom what it all meant.

“Grace is my life. I love her beyond the most eloquent words I could speak. I shake because I know what I am. I know I am not worthy of your daughter’s love. I’m a thief. A beggar. An orphan with nothing to my name. I can’t provide for her. My presence in her life will possibly destroy the fabric of her own family, something that I desperately wanted my entire life.”

The door opened and the king entered. I immediately stood and curtseyed to him.

“Sit, Aria. Enough of the curtseying stuff. Today has been the most challenging day of my life.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about. We… I am the one that needs to apologize to you.”

“You don’t need…”

“I’m going to interrupt you, Aria. I do need to do this. Casimir confessed. He really didn’t have a choice since the guards found dark magic books in his library, carefully hidden inside other book covers. We found correspondence from Silvanus to him. When the centuries-old documents were uncovered about the possible location of the phoenix feather, Casimir did everything he could to take possession of it and destroy it prior to the savior getting hold of it.

“I listened to him at every turn. He was the scholar I turned to about the phoenix. He told me he had been called by the feather so when you showed up, I was rightfully angry. Your past fueled my belief that you were not the true savior. I’ve wronged you in word and deed. I’m sorry, Aria.”

I was about to say something when Grace entered the room. I couldn’t even look her in the eyes, and I felt the wetness on my cheeks.

“About you and Grace.” The king continued.

There was a lengthy pause.

“I would like to publicly affirm you are Grace’s betrothed. There is no denying the bond I see you both have and while I have tried… numerous times… to marry Grace off for strategic alliances… Let me just say that Grace lives by her heart and no suitor has ever stirred her. As a father, I could never force her into marrying someone she never loved.

“Since she has publicly proclaimed her love for you, it would only cause great dissent in the kingdom. Grace is well-loved by the masses. This public affirmation on my part has a few conditions tied to it. You would need to become a recognized citizen of Eldorath because you would become a princess. Until you are officially married, you will be called Lady Aria. In addition, the marriage can only take place after the darkness is dealt with. We can’t afford the distraction of a royal wedding while dealing with Silvanus.

“Your friends… Leo and Isabella. As a Lady of the kingdom, it would be helpful if your friends were considered upstanding citizens. Leo and Isabella would be your responsibility. I can’t have a potential daughter-in-law in cahoots with thieves.

“Finally, you need to understand that I can no longer pass the reins of Eldorath to Casimir. After the darkness is dealt with, I will be stepping down as king. Grace will become queen. I just want you to know what you are getting yourself involved in.”

I looked up into their eyes. Grace’s hands were clasped tightly together.

“That’s a lot to absorb. I cannot deny what my heart has already given. It’s strange that I find dying to protect Grace is a lot less frightening than becoming a lady or princess. If Grace will have me, then I accept.”

Grace threw her arms around me and kissed me. “I love you, my fiery angel. Lady Aria.”

The king interrupted us. “It is very late, and we need to reconvene the knights first thing in the morning. I will need you here at that meeting, Aria. We will also make the proclamation tomorrow. Welcome to the family.”

“Father?”

“Yes, Grace?”

“About sleeping arrangements…”

“Have I not already granted you your heart’s desire?”

Grace’s voice dropped to a whisper. “You have, Father.”

“Don’t make me reconsider my decision. Aria can stay where she has been until you are married.”

“Yes, Father.”

“One more thing. Aria will be presented as your future wife tomorrow. Make sure she is appropriately dressed.”

“I will send my dressmakers to her before the meeting with the knights in the morning.”

The king and queen left, and Grace waited patiently for the door to close before smothering me in kisses.

When we parted so I could catch my breath, I held onto Grace’s hand. “I was not expecting this.”

“Father was devastated by Casimir’s betrayal. He took some time to absorb all the news, then joined Mother with the interviews. The knights all love you. They told tales of your bravery, strength, and passion for justice.”

“Are you certain you want me as your wife?”

“I’m ecstatic. However, Father did leave out one tiny tidbit of information. Once he proclaims you as my betrothed, you become a lady, a princess by marriage. Once he abdicates the throne to me, you become queen.”

“Queen?”

“As heir, I will hold the rule of the kingdom with my wife and queen at my side.”

“Good thing there is a high likelihood I will die.”

“I know you are just joking, sweetheart, but please don’t say things like that.”

“It’s just a lot to consider going from gutter rat to queen.”

“Don’t forget savior of the world.”

“That’s far less responsibility.”

“What does this all mean for Leo and Isabella?”

“I have ideas. For now, let’s make sure they are taken care of. They love you. As difficult as things may get, I know they will not want to be anywhere but at your side. You better get what sleep you can tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”

I pressed Grace against the wall and kissed her long and passionately. “I love you, Grace.”

 

Chapter 14

A brave new world

 

I groaned at the knock on my door at an ungodly hour. It felt like I had just closed my eyes. I got out of bed and opened the door to find Grace with three ladies in tow.

Grace kissed me and gave me a look that she wanted to strip me from my underclothes right there on the spot.

“Aria, this is Harriet, Kate, and Elizabeth. They have been sworn to secrecy. Ladies. I need you to turn Aria into a princess.”

An hour later, Grace clapped her hands. “That’s the one! We need it ready by noon.”

“We will have it ready, Princess. Where shall we bring it?”

“Bring it to the palace.”

Harriet looked bashful. “I always considered you the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, Princess. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but Aria… Gods, she is stunning. I’m envious.”

“No need to be worried, Harriet. I already know Aria is the most beautiful woman alive.”

The ladies left and Grace kissed me before leading me down for some breakfast.

Isabella and Leo were just starting their meals when we showed up together.

“Ha! Pay up, Leo! Aria is still alive.”

Leo stood and bowed to Grace. “I never lost, Isabella. You said the palace would be burned to the ground. I said we will likely never see Aria again. Why is Princess Grace here at the Rogue Inn?”

Grace sat down next to Isabella and patted the seat next to her for me. “I’m afraid that is top secret, Leo.”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “How did everything work out, Aria?”

“We need you both to come to the palace for a meeting this morning.” I looked at Grace. “Things are good. Right?”

“Yes. They are perfect.”

Leo scrunched up his face. “Perfect? The last few times Aria met your father, he wanted her to be put to death. I can only imagine after…” Leo waved his hands everywhere. “… everything yesterday, that he wouldn’t just up and changed his mind. Am I right?”

I bit my lower lip.

Grace just smiled and leaned forward. “All I can say at the moment is Aria is not going to be thrown in the dungeon or be killed.”

The owner came out and stuttered when he saw Grace. “Your highness. I didn’t know you were here. You honor me. How can I serve you?”

“Aria and I would love some breakfast.”

“Coming right up, Princess.”

I pressed my thigh against Grace’s. “Do you always get that type of service?”

“Most of the time. Isabella, do you have any interesting stories to tell me about Aria?”

Isabella beamed. “There was this time… we called it the great bacon caper.”

I paled. “No. You can’t tell her about that.”

Grace grinned. “Now my curiosity is piqued. I need to hear all about it.”

 

***

 

By the time we all left for the palace, I was thoroughly embarrassed and quite excited. While Isabella and Leo shared tales about me, Grace’s fingers, well hidden under the table, caressed my thigh and played with the edge of my dress.

We entered the main hall that had been set up as a room with a large table and many chairs. Sir Richard and all the knights were present, about thirty in all. The king and queen were there, and the four of us.

The king had us all sit.

“Thank you all for coming. We have much to discuss. What is said in this room stays in this room.” The king paced back and forth. “It pains me to say this, but Casimir has confessed to conspiring with Silvanus. He is in our dungeon awaiting my final disposition. Unfortunately, his correspondence with Silvanus has put us at a disadvantage. Silvanus’ dark army is pushing south. Our best opportunity to stand our ground will be at the Plains of Taalum. If we can organize and get there before his dark army, we will have higher ground.

“We need to build an army and we need to build one quickly. The map on the table shows the various kingdoms around us. Each of you will be given a kingdom to bring our message to. We need every able-bodied person to take up their sword and meet us back here in Eldorath. Once organized and assembled, we will march north to fight the darkness.

“Sir Richard will oversee the united armies. I will be guiding the battle strategy. Aria, as the savior and risen phoenix, will fight alongside all of you.”

The king sat down. “You will all be gone by the time I make a public announcement later today, so I will share this with you now. Princess Grace is now officially betrothed to Aria. Aria, from this moment on, will be considered a member of the royal family. Her title until their marriage will be Lady Aria.”

I couldn’t look at Isabella or Leo. I kept my head down.

“Assuming we survive the war, Grace and Aria will be married at the soonest opportunity. Right after that event, I will be stepping down as king and Grace will become your new queen. Questions?”

Leo put up his hand.

“Yes, Leo?”

“So… if Grace becomes queen, what does that make Aria?”

Grace answered. “I fully intend to share my rule with Aria as queen, however, I will be the official ruling queen because I am the heir.”

“Lady Aria will become queen. That’s a lot to absorb. Will Isabella and I get invited to the wedding and ball?”

The king put a hand to his face. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The important thing is that we focus on the war. Sir Richard. I need you back here the soonest. You will head south to Calleron to see what support Lief and his allies can bring.”

“Oh!” Leo bounced in his seat. “Can I go too? I know people there and they all love Aria and since I am Aria’s best friend, they by association love me. Because you will want me there to help persuade Lief to join the war effort and…”

“Enough. I will let Sir Richard decide. The rest of you, here are your assignments.”

 

***

 

The meeting went quickly, and I was whisked away by Grace before I could talk to Isabella and Leo. She led me to her rooms, and I was awestruck by the lavishness and how grand the space was.

“This is your room? No other people live here?”

“Just me.”

“I’ve… I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Large windows overlooked the gardens. Fresco paintings adorned the vaulted ceilings. There was a bathroom larger than the Rogue Inn’s common area. A sitting area with hand-crafted carpets. A space near the window and a balcony that could be used to serve meals. There was a bed that could fit four people covered in luxurious linens and blankets and a room filled with clothes.

I sat down heavily in a plush, ornate chair.

“Aria? What’s wrong?”

“I… It’s just… Do you remember my room at the Rogue Inn?”

“Yes.”

“I had never seen a room so luxurious before. I love you, Grace. I love you with every fiber of my being. I lived at the trash heap. The three of us huddled together for warmth under a threadbare and torn blanket. How can I fit in here? How can I be lady anything? How can I be queen with you?”

Grace knelt at my feet and took my hands in hers. “You deserve all this and more.”

“I don’t.”

“My place is with you, Aria. Once we are married and you see what it means to be royalty, the responsibilities we have, then we can decide our future together. We can sell it all. We can abdicate and find a cottage on the water somewhere. But I want you to think about something. With position comes authority and ability to make changes. You can be a voice for the orphans. We could devote an entire wing of the palace to providing education, training, food, and a beautiful place for orphans to live. I know you have a heart for people. You will make the best queen this world has ever known.”

“How can you believe that?”

Grace placed her hand on my chest. “It is because you came from nothing and see injustice where most of us can’t.”

A knock sounded at the bedroom door. Grace held my gaze as she ignored those that waited. “Are you ready to be my wife with all my faults and baggage that come with me?”

I laughed. “You don’t have faults, Grace. I can’t consider my life without you. Yes, I am ready.”

Grace kissed me and stood. “Come in.”

Harriet, Kate, and Elizabeth entered the room. They curtseyed to us both which made me feel awkward.

“Make Aria gorgeous ladies.”

Harriet giggled. “I don’t think anything we can do will make her any more gorgeous, but we will try.”

I was led into a changing room and the ladies worked their magic on me. When I stepped back into the main bedroom, Grace was waiting for me. She was more beautiful than I had ever seen her.

Grace looked at me with such desire that I began blushing. She reached out and gently touched my hair that had been lightly curled and bound partly up. Her nearness caused my breath to hitch, and I felt the bodice of the apricot-colored silk dress lightly constraining my chest.

“Well done, ladies. She looks every bit a princess.”

Another knock sounded at the door.

“That will be our escort, Aria.”

On a whim, I turned and hugged the three ladies. “Thank you.”

They all smiled. “Our pleasure, Lady Aria.”

Grace took my arm in hers and when we stepped out into the hallway, two guards bowed. One took the lead and the other followed us. We were led through the palace to the main city square where we met up with the king and queen.

It was so ironic that only a few weeks earlier, I had watched the royal family making the announcement for the search for the feather. I remember how much disdain I felt for them and how I would soon be one of them. I glanced down at the long flowing gown that shimmered in the light and pulled in a deep breath to help settle my nerves.

A horn sounded and the gathered crowd quieted. The king stepped up onto the raised platform, then reached back to offer the queen a hand. I could hear the hushed murmurs of the crowd.

Grace stepped up and moved to her right leaving a noticeable gap between her and her parents. I heard whistles and people shouting we love you, Grace. She reached back and offered her hand to me. With my arrival the whistles increased in volume and the announcer struggled to gain control of the crowd.

I spotted Isabella in the crowd near the raised platform. Her mouth was open as she stared at me.

“King Percival has an important announcement.”

The crowd quieted as the king stepped forward.

“Citizens of Eldorath. We are living in times of great change and the future will remember us as those that stood against the darkness. These are days of legends, and our actions will reverberate through all time.”

“The new girl is certainly legendary. I can think of a few actions I…” I heard a thump as a guard smacked the man in the crowd across his head.

The king continued. “If you recall, with the encroaching darkness, we set upon a quest to recover the phoenix feather. A feather that would bestow upon our savior the powers of a phoenix. A weapon the darkness will not prevail against. I give you, Aria, the risen phoenix.”

The king motioned for me to step forward.

“She hardly looks like a weapon!”

“Will she blind the dark army with her beauty?”

“She may not be the risen phoenix, but I feel something rising!”

The king whispered to me. “Now might be a good time to show them your wings.”

“You might all want to step back a bit.”

“Are you going to dance for us, sweetness?”

“It’s getting hot in here!”

My wings thrust out and I rose from the platform to hover over the crowd. I allowed myself to be consumed by flames before floating back down.

“I stand corrected. It’s really hot in here!”

The king stepped forward. “Aria has already proven her strength, single handedly killing dozens of Morvainian fighters and epic monsters. She will lead us into battle against the darkness.”

I stepped back and closer to Grace as the king shared more.

“You will notice our knights are gone. Earlier this morning, I sent them to the surrounding kingdoms to build an army the likes this world has never seen before. Over the next weeks, the armies of the world will unite to fight the darkness and, in the weeks ahead, we will march north.

“You will also notice the absence of Prince Casimir. It is with a heavy heart to share with you all that my son was found guilty of treason. He was empowered by Silvanus Morvain with dark magic that corrupted his soul. He organized attacks against our people, including Princess Grace. I have given him two weeks to swear an oath of fealty to me or be put to death.”

The king let that news sink into the restless crowd. “The darkness is pervasive and deadly. It corrupts all it touches, including Casimir. Now is not the time to cower, run, and hide. Every person that can fight will be needed.

“I admit my failures and I was blind to the corruption happening so close to me. I have been a king for too long. The weight of the possibility of having to put my own son to death is great. When this crisis is gone, I will be stepping down as king and handing the kingdom to my daughter, Grace. Until the time of her coronation as queen, she will henceforth be titled Princess Regent.”

“Long live the future Queen Grace!”

Shouts repeating that phrase echoed throughout the square.

The king put up his hand. “Princess Grace will not be alone, for she is in love with our risen phoenix, Aria. Princess Grace has asked Aria to marry her, and this will occur right after her coronation. Aria, is henceforth given the title Lady Aria.”

The queen stepped forward. “Lady Aria. We welcome you to the royal family.” She turned and placed a diamond tiara on my head.

Grace took my hand in hers as the cheers and chants grew within the city. We all left the platform and when we stepped back into the privacy of the palace, the king shocked me with a hug.

“It would be good for you and Grace to mingle with the citizens. They need to see you both together and it will help solidify in their minds there will be no gap in the leadership of the kingdom.”

I nodded. “I’ll try not to mess anything up. About Casimir. I’m sorry.”

The king’s face darkened. “He has remained defiant. I’m angry at myself that I never saw through his ruse. He met Silvanus in Eldorath. He has been a spy for years. I am resigned to the fact there will be no recourse but death for him.”

The queen hugged me. “As a member of the royal family, we rethought your living situation and have rooms for you in the palace. Don’t let us catch either of you sneaking into each other’s rooms at night.” She took the king’s arm and together they headed further into the palace.

Grace touched the tiara on my head. “It looks good on you.”

“That might be a deal breaker.”

“What, darling?”

“No sneaking into your room.”

Grace smiled with a mischievous glint in her eye. “If you think I am not going to find ways to make love to you, you obviously don’t know me very well. Let’s go mingle and… we need to stop by your room at the Rogue Inn.”

 

Chapter 15

Preparing for war

 

Grace and I walked slowly through the city stopping at various shops and markets. It was clear to me that the news Grace would become queen was considered a positive direction by the citizens. There were many questions about the upcoming war, but by far, the conversations focused on me.

For those people that had not been at the announcement, word had spread quickly about my demonstration. Many wanted to see me fly.

I was surprised that few questioned our upcoming marriage. Those that did, were mainly complaining that it was unfair that the two most beautiful women in the world would deny access to men like themselves.

When we got to the Rogue Inn, the owner, Sebastian, greeted us warmly.

“Princess Regent Grace and Lady Aria welcome to the Rogue Inn. How may I be of service?”

“We need to bring Aria’s things to the palace, but we would love to stay a bit.”

“Of course. I must say, Lady Aria, that you have come a long way from when I first met you.”

“I will always remember the great service here.”

Isabella practically tackled me, then gave Grace a lung-squeezing hug that had our tag-along guard starting to draw his sword.

Grace put her hand up and the guard quickly backed away. “Always good to see you, Isabella.”

Isabella grabbed my hands and grinned. “Gods… do you clean up nice, Aria. I still can’t get over the fact that you’re going to be our queen one day.”

“I’m only doing it because I can’t bear to be away from Grace. Where’s Leo?”

“He convinced Sir Richard to take him to Calleron. He told me to remind you not to forget about us.”

“How could I? You are my best friends. Apparently, I’m moving to the palace.”

“I suspected that would happen. Things working out between you and good old dad?”

“When he hugs me, I still expect to feel a dagger in my back. We were not the best of friends and now I’m going to be his daughter-in-law. It makes it difficult to be snarky.”

“Which is your natural state.” Isabella pulled us to a table and several men came over to ask questions.

One burly man asked if he could sit. He introduced himself as Heath.

He glanced at Grace but kept his focus on me. “Lady Aria…”

“Just Aria, please.”

“I saw your wings, but wings are not going to save us from the darkness. I’ve seen it. Just a touch of those dark tendrils and you will suffer and die.”

“We’ve all felt them, Heath. Isabella, Grace, and I with Sir Richard and Sir Gerard were attacked by Casimir and a dozen Morvainian sorcerers.”

Others gathered around.

“I won’t lie to you, Heath. The darkness is strong and dangerous.”

“And yet you are all here.”

Grace took my hand in hers. “Aria had not yet come into her full powers and Casimir and the sorcerers took us by surprise. Aria had no fewer than a dozen of those tendrils on her. That’s when her wings first appeared and with nothing more than a thought, the sorcerers were ash drifting in the wind. We witnessed Aria take on a flamejaw behemoth all by herself. She held back the jaws with her own hands and was untouched by the flames. She knocked the beast a hundred feet into a cliff wall, and it exploded in flames. I can only imagine the devastation with her now at full strength. She is as strong and skilled as she is beautiful.”

“Prove it.” Heath put his arm up on the table. “No one has ever beat me in an arm wrestle.” He wrapped his much larger hand around mine. “Ready?”

I nodded and Heath gave it everything he had. I barely even felt the pull of his massive muscles.

“Quit acting, Heath!”

“I’m not!”

He was sweating as I pushed his hand to the table with no effort.

Heath tipped his head. “I’m impressed, Aria. Silvanus has an army that is tens of thousands strong. How will you stand against it? You can’t stop them all one by one.”

“I have memories from dozens of phoenixes before me. I have seen them battle in my mind. Imagine a wall of flames a thousand feet across.”

Heath nodded. “You will be our queen after the war?”

“Grace will be queen.”

Grace nudged me. “We will co-rule as equals.”

“Can’t be any worse than your father. No disrespect to either of you. He has made a lot of decisions that have hurt the people of the kingdom. Take my brother Lief for example.”

“Lief? Of Calleron?”

“You have met him?”

Grace giggled. “The king sent Aria to Calleron to resolve a tax dispute. By the time we left, Lief called Aria his friend and laid his sword on the ground in front of her. Not only did Aria resolve the tax dispute, healed their lands, but she paid Calleron’s taxes for three years, got his cattle back, and established a new tax method to never burden the town in the future.”

Heath gave me an appraising look. “You look rich like a noble. I guess it was nothing for you to pay the taxes.”

Isabella called for some ale. “I grew up with Aria. She is not a noble. We lived at the trash heap with no money. She paid the taxes out of the king’s own pocket, and he couldn’t do anything about it.”

“If you have done this for my brother, then you have my thanks.”

“Will you fight in the war that is coming?”

Heath looked at me. “I had not planned on fighting. The darkness is just the outcome of another greedy leader.”

“The darkness is more than that, Heath. It will destroy the world and if we don’t defeat it, everyone will be slaves at best.”

“I won’t fight for the king… but I would be honored to fight by your side.”

I reached across the table and offered my hand. “Good. Because I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

 

***

 

Once Grace and I retreated upstairs to my room, I was surprised how long gathering my few possessions took. Not that I minded in the least as I left the inn with a healthy glow and slightly disheveled hair.

My rooms in the palace were spacious and luxurious, but unfortunately on the far side of the palace from Grace’s bedroom.

We ate dinner with the king and queen, and I felt badly that Isabella was not with us. I was determined to find her the next day to make sure she was being well cared for.

The days began to blur together, and Grace and I visited the people of Eldorath every day. For those that would be fighting, we offered sword and archery training. As people funneled into Eldorath, huge meadows on the outskirts of the city became staging grounds for the armies that were joining together. The city was near capacity and war planning meetings were a regular occurrence.

I began to understand what Grace had told me about the responsibilities of royalty and how having people manage much of their daily lives was necessary. There just wasn’t enough time in the day to clean our own clothing and make our food.

As the armies slowly organized, scouts were sent to help us map the movements of Silvanus’ armies. It was clear they were on the move and consolidating forces making slow, steady headway towards the Plains of Taalum.

Leo and Isabella had become celebrities as their friendship with Grace and me and their experiences dealing with Morvainians had people gravitating to them. Leo, who had been training with his sword daily, was leaning out his body. He was still clumsy, but I was impressed that his skill was improving.

Sir Gerard and Isabella had officially become a full-blown relationship and Leo brought back to Eldorath a pretty girl from Calleron named Lillith.

Two weeks had passed and there was much planned for the day. Grace was working with the archers, and I was working with the swordsmen. I had recruited Lief and Heath and as the large group of soldiers formed more of a team, friendly rivalries formed. I was the constant focus of attention and rumors were flying about my abilities.

“It’s time to put the rumors to rest, Aria.”

A large group of people formed as Heath made his statement.

Lief patted Heath on the shoulder. “It’s clear, brother. I’m the best swordsman.”

Sir Richard laughed. “Not a chance, Lief.”

I chuckled. “There’s an easy way to find out, boys. Let’s see who the best man standing is. Of course, the best man may indeed be a woman.”

“Here, here!” Shouted Varla.

I spun my sword lightly in my hand. “What are the rules? First blood?”

Sir Richard shook his head. “You don’t bleed, and we can’t cut you, so no. We need strike judges. When you have three strikes against you, you’re out.”

“We can be the judges.” Grace and Isabella stepped through the crowd. “We came to find out why no one was training over here.”

Heath bowed to Grace. “No offense, Princess, but you are hardly unbiased.”

Isabella pointed to Leo. “He can judge with us.”

Leo almost tripped on his shoelace. “No way. I’m going to show them all. I’m in the fight.”

Sir Richard called out with a booming voice. “We will use our beautiful judges in combination with the deep honor we each have. We will self-eliminate if we get hit three times. Who is fighting?”

Leo, Sir Richard, Heath, Lief, Varla, and several champion fighters from other kingdoms stepped forward.

“Spectators, make a large ring. Three hits against you and you’re out. Princess? Care to tell us when to start?”

“Begin!”

I used my full speed and senses to weave through the group. By the time I made it to the far side, I had hit every one of them.

Isabella shouted. “It’s hard to see because Aria is so bloody fast, but I counted a hit on all of you. No hits on Aria so far.”

I stood off to the side and no one dared come near me. Several fought each other and eliminated two. Leo was out early, but I was smiling at his courage.

“Is no one going to come fight me?”

I ran back through the middle of the group, dropping low under swings, jumping over them, and swatting them all with the flat of my sword on their backsides.

Varla raised her hand. “I’m out.”

After my second pass, only Lief, Sir Richard, and Heath were left. They all had two hits on them.

“Kick their butts, Aria!” Varla shouted.

Lief lowered his sword as I stood off to the side again. “We make a pact. The three of us will attack Aria together. Once we remove her, we will continue our fight until we have a winner.”

“Let’s do this.” Heath nodded.

Sir Richard agreed and they all positioned themselves in front of me.

“Sir Richard. I’m shocked you would team up with others to prove you are the best. Where’s the honor in that?”

“There is honor in banding together against a common enemy, Aria.”

The three approached and launched their attack all at once. One high, one low, and one in the middle. I jumped up and over them, their swords swishing in the wind where I was.

“Nice moves. Well-coordinated.”

“Stand still and fight like a…”

“A phoenix? A girl?”

I stood my ground this time and my sword flashed from side-to-side blocking all their attacks. I let Heath hit my side, grabbed his arm, then pulled him into Lief. Heath couldn’t control his blade and Lief got hit.

“One hit against Aria, but Lief is out.”

That left Sir Richard and Heath. I took Heath out with a flourish then focused on Sir Richard.

“Do I still frustrate you, Sir Richard?”

“More than ever.”

“Do you like me yet?”

“I have to like you since you will be queen one day.”

“You don’t have to like me because I’m anything. You should like me because I have a sparkling personality. Just ask Thunder. He likes me.”

“Thunder and I are not on speaking terms. Quit playing with me, Aria.”

He swung, I grabbed his wrist to stop the swing, then put the tip of my sword against his chest.

“I yield. Good match, Aria.”

I batted my eyes at him. “Do I get bragging rights now?”

“No. You do not. You’re not even human.”

Grace laughed. “Sir Richard. I can vouch for Aria. She feels very human to me.”

Sir Richard blushed a much as I did.

A guard approached us. “Princess Grace and Lady Aria. We need to get you ready for the announcement.”

“At least we don’t have to change this time.”

 

Chapter 16

A moment I will never forget

 

Not having to change was a blessing because to look officially princess-like, it took some work. The royal family had made certain I was properly dressed and that included my training gear. With war looming, all citizens were encouraged to wear weapons and be ready.

The main square had never been so filled with people and dignitaries. The population of Eldorath had swelled to nearly three times the normal population with the added armies.

The noise of the crowd was enough to make my more sensitive ears hurt. We stepped up onto the platform and the herald made a motion for the crowd to quiet.

The king stepped forward and waved his hand to guards waiting behind us. They dragged Casimir forward.

“Citizens of the world. Today is a difficult day for me. For weeks we have tried to get information from Casimir, my son. He is charged with treason for working with Silvanus and attacking our own citizens. Today, I pass the final judgement on him.”

He turned towards his son, and I swallowed. I couldn’t imagine how difficult this would be, but I knew a judgement of treason could only have one punishment. I edged closer to Grace and did my best to look discreet as I held her hand. She offered a gentle squeeze that spoke volumes.

“Casimir, you have confessed your crimes. Are you willing to…”

Casimir’s face was a twisted caricature of what it once was. He was so filled with darkness and hate. “You are a clown, Father. While you cling to the hope that this little girl will save you all, I know who will win. I despise you all, but especially you, Father. You should have stepped aside years ago. You will rue this day. All of you will die!”

The king looked like he could barely stand but pulled on a shaky breath. “By the authority I have as king, I sentence you to death.” He waved a guard forward who kicked Casimir’s back of his knees to force him to kneel.

Suddenly, a shout and screams were heard just outside the square.

“We’re under attack!”

I jumped up into the air, my wings of fire unfolding. I flew above the crowd, over the square wall, and landed in a scene of utter chaos. Several Morvainian sorcerers were casting their dark tendrils into the crowd. Archers up on walls were firing blindly into the crowd. Enemy soldiers were pulling back their cloaks and drawing their swords.

I dealt with the archers first since there were no citizens near them. While they fell to the ground as ashes, I needed to pluck the sorcerers out of the crowd. I grabbed the first one and flew up while burning him then headed to the second sorcerer. He tried to wrap his tendrils around me, but they couldn’t penetrate my fire.

I grabbed him by the collar and threw him into the air while turning him to embers. All that were left were the Morvainian soldiers. I dropped to the ground and pulled my sword, then weaved through the crowd until I could reach them. One by one I attacked them mercilessly until they were all dead.

I stood in the middle of the crowd. At least a dozen was dead and there were many injured. I closed my eyes and pushed a healing blast of fire outward from me. With the screams and moaning subsiding, I could now hear the screams coming from inside the city square.

I flew up and back over into the square. Thick dark tendrils streamed from the north and slid around the palace towers as they reached for Casimir, infusing him anew with dark magic. A dozen more sorcerers were feeding darkness to Casimir while inflicting as much harm as they could on the panicked crowd.

I sent a fireball at Casimir who looked up at me and smiled. He snapped his bindings and held up his hand. A wall of darkness stopped my fireball. He spun, grabbed the guard’s sword that had been intended to end his life, and kicked the guard sending him twenty feet into a solid wall. In a smooth motion, Casimir continued his turn and slashed the sword down across the king’s chest.

There were too many people crowded together and it was clear that Casimir was the main threat. I flew down and crashed into him. The sword he held skittered away. I struggled against his strength as he slugged me repeatedly. Gods, he was strong.

Using my wings, I lifted us both, dropped Casimir, then dove at him again. My fiery fist slammed into his face. He fell back onto the platform. His nose was bleeding profusely. He rolled and came to a stop. His eyes snapped up to mine.

“Silvanus believes I am worthy. He poured his dark magic into me so I can kill you.” He sprouted black, oily wings.

The crowd pushed back and away from the platform. Only Isabella stepped forward. She drew her bow and fired two quick shots at Casimir. The first one caught him in the shoulder, the second was stopped by a shield of darkness.

Casimir roared and tendrils of darkness exploded out from him. They wrapped around Isabella and lifted her off the ground. Isabella screamed.

“You can’t defeat me, Aria. Kneel at my feet and I will spare Isabella.”

The tendrils tightened and Isabella screamed again. I turned my angry gaze back to Casimir and flames erupted all around him. His darkness shielded him.

“Bad girl, Aria.”

Isabella was crying out in pain as a tendril wrapped around her wrist and sliced her hand completely off.

“Your fire isn’t strong enough, Aria. Kneel or Isabella will die.”

Tears fell freely down my face. Isabella rasped out. “Never… kneel… Aria.”

“Too late!” Casimir shouted.

The tendrils crushed the life out of Isabella. I heard all her bones snap and watched the life disappear from her eyes. He dropped her in a heap at my feet.

I didn’t know if I was strong enough to defeat Casimir, but my flames grew white-hot. I dove at him, and his shields faltered as I gripped his neck and flew him up into the sky. He struggled hard, beating me with his legs and fists. My fires grew hotter and hotter. His skin burned under my fingers.

“You can’t defeat me, and you won’t defeat Silvanus.”

“You can tell him how wrong you were when you meet him in the afterlife.” I poured all my anger and hatred into my flames. White flames exploded from me. They ripped and burned Casimir’s wings and dissolved his skin, then muscles.

He writhed in my hands and shouted in excruciating pain before bursting forth with my fire. Only ash and red-hot embers was left of him. I looked up towards the sun and cried. I didn’t want to go back down. I had failed. I did not protect Isabella.

Out of all the commotion, I heard Grace calling my name.

I dropped back down to the platform and collapsed at Grace’s feet. I was crying uncontrollably. Her gentle hands touched me.

“I’m so sorry, Aria. I know this is hard. There are people that need your healing touch. Father is dead. Isabella… Gods, Aria. I’m so sorry.”

“I failed.”

“Look at me, Aria.” Her fingers lifted my face so I would look at her. “You did not fail. This was a well-organized and well-planned attack. I need you to get up and help the people. We’ll then mourn for our losses and go beat the tar out of the darkness once and for all.”

I turned to look at Isabella’s crumpled form, but Grace held my head steady.

“Please, Aria.”

I nodded slowly then got to my feet. I saw Leo draping a cloak over Isabella’s body and I forced back the bile that wanted to leave me. I was completely broken. I moved into the crowd that parted for me.

“Who needs help?” I said and people silently pointed and stepped away. I moved without thought from person to person and healed those I could. Only those that were dead were beyond my abilities.

Everyone was in a state of shock. When everyone was healed, I stood in the middle of the square. People all gave me a wide berth.

The queen, who was obviously distraught, began to speak. Her voice was choked with emotion. “Today… The king is dead. It was his wish to pass the kingdom to our daughter, Grace. Henceforth, she is now your queen.” Cordelia slumped a little as if that was all she could muster.

Grace stepped forward. She stared at me a moment before speaking. “People of Eldorath and citizens of the world. Our enemy has hit us with a mighty blow, but this war is far from over. This was a calculated attack. I feel it was carefully designed to pull Aria away from Casimir so he could be strengthened by the darkness. They knew Aria could not use her full power when our own people might also get injured.

“It was an attack designed to weaken our resolve.” Grace looked at me with love and compassion. “It was an attack to shatter our courage and make us feel defeated. But we will not allow our losses, great as they are, to break our spirits. We must turn our anger into resolve and take the fight to our enemy.

“What is clear to me is that this is not one person’s fight alone. We must work together. Aria, as powerful as she is, will need us to keep the enemy from mingling with our people. She needs to focus on the core of darkness while we deal with Silvanus’ minions.

“I need the leaders with me in the palace in two hours. Tomorrow, we lay our dead to rest. The following day, we march.”

Grace stepped off the platform, came to me, and led me away from the people and into the palace. When we came to her bedroom, we fell into each other’s arms and cried.

 

Chapter 17

Isabella is dead

 

An hour later, we wiped our tears, and with new resolve, headed to the throne room. Sir Richard was the first to arrive. He bowed.

“Queen Grace. Lady Aria. I have a casualty report. We lost twenty-two people in the fight. We can only assume numbers of our enemies because at least a dozen was turned to ashes and scattered to the winds. I heard stories of how Aria fought the enemy outside the square. The people are proud of you, Aria. You fought well and saved many lives.”

Tears sprung to my eyes once again. “I let Isabella die. I couldn’t save her or the king.”

Sir Richard placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to tell you something because I like you, Aria. Even the most powerful of us have weaknesses. Silvanus knew your weaknesses because I believe Casimir was communicating with him. He knew your weakness is the love you have for others. Look into the lives of the phoenixes. How many failed before they destroyed the enemy?”

“All of them.”

“Isabella loved you, Aria.”

I choked at hearing her name.

“Without training, she stood by your side through numerous battles. She died a hero. In war, we do our best to stay alive and keep others alive, but people will die. That’s why we need to come together. If the darkness overwhelms us, then the lives of those that died will be in vain because none of us will survive.”

“Logically, I can understand what you are saying. Isabella was the best of us. To see how she…” I couldn’t finish. “Casimir… He was so strong. I don’t know how I can defeat Silvanus.”

“We’ll figure it out together, Aria. In days of old when huge beasts roamed the lands, with little more than spears people took down the largest creatures. It was through many small injuries that eventually would bleed them dry. Maybe that will be the trick with Silvanus.”

Leo arrived next and I couldn’t look him in the eyes.

“I’m sorry, Leo.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about, Aria. I… I just wanted to let you know that Isabella is placed in a spot of honor next to the king. Queen Cordelia would not have it any other way. The people recognized that in the face of terrible odds, Isabella stood her ground against Casimir and died with honor. They are emboldened by her sacrifice. I know I will not back down now, no matter what the size of the enemy. We’re gathering people together tonight at the Rogue Inn to celebrate her life. I hope you can make it.”

“Of course, I’ll be there.”

Grace nodded. “I will too.”

Leo turned to leave. “I better go.”

Grace took a few steps towards him. “Please stay, Leo. You have been with us from the beginning, and you have earned your place.”

Leo stopped and faced Grace. “I have earned my place?”

“Sir Richard. May I borrow your sword?”

“Of course, my Queen.”

Grace took the sword. “Please kneel, Leo.”

Leo knelt.

Grace touched the top of Leo’s shoulders with the sword. “By the power invested in me as Queen of Eldorath, I hereby title you Sir Leo, knight in training. This will come with a salary and land. Arise, Sir Leo, and take your place with us.”

Leo stood tall and pushed out his chest with pride. “You honor me, my Queen.”

“Sir Richard, I expect you to take care of your new recruit.”

“I will be happy to. He’s growing on me.” Sir Richard left after Leo gave me an awkward hug that felt rather nice, leaving Grace and me alone for a few minutes.

“That was very kind of you to do for Leo.”

“Father would have never done it for them, but I was planning on recognizing both Leo and Isabella once I became queen.”

“How are you doing? You lost your father and brother today. I’m so sorry.”

“Casimir and I never got along well, but it was difficult to learn of his betrayal. Father… I will mourn tonight and, in the days ahead, but the world needs me to be a queen first.”

“Has anything changed between you and me?” My hands twisted together, and I looked down.

“Gods no, Aria. I fully intend on making you my wife and co-queen. It was Father that demanded we stay apart until we were married. I don’t believe he ever intended to let us marry. I know that sounds terrible, but he wanted you to focus on the war and didn’t believe you could do that if you were kept separate from me.”

“What about your mother? How is she? Did she feel the same way about me?”

“She was rather fond of you from the beginning and loved the idea of us getting married. She is, of course, devastated by Father and Casimir’s deaths. We need to make sure she has everything she needs, then we need to go meet with the leaders. Our message is clear. We will move our armies the day after tomorrow.”

 

***

 

After the meeting, Grace and I met with Cordelia. She was broken. We sat quietly with her, and I was surprised she pulled me into her arms.

“I lost my husband and son today. I’m counting on you, Aria, to keep me from losing Grace as well.”

“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she is safe.”

“Promise me another thing, Aria. Grace has never been so happy as she has been with you. Promise me you will keep yourself safe as well.”

“I’ll try.”

“Will you be all right, Mother?”

“Only time will begin to heal my broken heart. I know you both need to do other things. Aria?”

“Yes, my Queen?”

“For the ceremony tomorrow, will you send Percival off with a special fire tribute? We normally use a funeral pyre, but I think you might be able to make it unique and more honoring.”

“Of course, my Queen.”

“I’m no longer a queen, Aria. Lady is the proper title, but you may call me Cordelia, or I was hoping you might start calling me mother.”

Tears sprung to my eyes again and I hugged her tightly to me. “I’ve never had a mother before.”

“You have one now and I could not be prouder to call you my daughter. The darkness has taken much from me. Ram that fire of yours down their throats. Show no mercy.”

“It will be a pleasure, Mother.”

We left and made our way through the city to the Rogue Inn. Sebastian welcomed us and Leo called us over to a table with Sir Gerard, Lief, Heath, and Sir Richard.

Seconds later, we had ale in our hands. Sir Gerard was obviously shattered by the death of Isabella. People I didn’t even know raised a glass and spoke words about Isabella, speaking about her courage.

Leo stood and held his mug high. “I have known Isabella since my first memory. We spent time together in an orphanage before we ran away together with Aria. She was a steadfast friend, and I will deeply miss her. To Isabella.”

I took several large sips of my ale.

Grace stood and raised her mug. “I only knew Isabella for a few weeks. I saw the love she had for her friends, and her tenacity in the face of danger.  She was a ray of sunshine for me, and I will never forget how the crowds backed away from a powerful enemy and yet she, an untrained warrior, stepped forward. There is no doubt in my mind that her sacrifice saved many lives. Isabella is a hero of Eldorath. To Isabella!”

I took more sips from my ale with perhaps a little hope it would deaden my emotions.

Sir Gerard stood next. His eyes brimmed with moisture. “To Isabella, my angel. I was planning on asking for her hand in marriage.”

I drank deeply from my ale hoping it would give me courage as I stood. I hugged Sir Gerard. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t save her.”

“No one blames you, Aria.”

“I do.” I wiped the tears from my cheeks. “I would like to raise a glass to someone truly extraordinary – to Isabella. I have known Isabella my entire life and…” I started crying all over again. “I don’t know what I will do without her. As I stand here tonight, reflecting on the countless memories we shared together, it's impossible not to feel a deep wellspring of emotions. Isabella was more than a friend; she was a beacon of loyalty, courage, and inspiration in my life.

“In the face of adversity, Isabella's loyalty shone like a guiding light. Whether the seas were calm or turbulent, she stood by our side with unwavering devotion. Her loyalty was the bedrock of our friendships, the kind of steadfast companionship that is rare and precious. Isabella's courage, oh, how it inspired me. She faced challenges with a tenacity that left me in awe. Her fearless spirit, a testament to the strength that exists within a truly remarkable soul. In moments of doubt, she stood tall, reminding us that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.

“She was the confidante who held my deepest secrets, the listener who understood me without judgment, and the friend who celebrated my victories and lifted me in my own failures. In her, I found not just a friend, but a kindred spirit – someone who believed in me even when I doubted myself.

“So, let's raise our glasses high in honor of Isabella – a friend, a confidante, and a beacon of loyalty, courage, and inspiration. Though she may not be physically present with us tonight, her spirit, her laughter, and her indomitable strength will forever echo in the chambers of our hearts. To Isabella, may her journey ahead be as magnificent as the impact she has had on each of us. Cheers.”

I broke down completely, weeping uncontrollably. Grace and Leo held me tight.

It was late when Grace and I arrived back at the palace. She led me to her bedroom, and we fell asleep in each other’s arms.

 

***

 

“Was it difficult for you, Grace? Last night? People toasted Isabella. They toasted you, the new queen. I don’t remember anyone toasting your father.”

“Thank you for asking, love. Running a kingdom is a thankless job and Father was not well-liked. He was harsh and demanding as was his father. You felt his wrath many times. I hope we can change how people view us. I like what you did with Calleron’s taxes. That will win many hearts.”

“Maybe you could hold community forums and talk with the people. Ask them what they would be willing to pay taxes for.”

“We, darling. I don’t want to do this alone, and I need you by my side. Last night, I kept thinking about what it would be like if it had been you instead of Isabella. I know I would not survive your loss. Please, when it comes to this war and Silvanus, make sure you survive. Don’t risk yourself.”

I snuggled into her arms. “Do you know that you are everything I ever wanted?”

“I do because you are everything I ever wanted.”

“I know I will be at risk, Grace. There is no possibility of confronting Silvanus without the high likelihood of something going horribly wrong for me. I head into this with the hope that when it is over, I will have a life with you. I fight to avenge those we have already lost, and I seek vengeance against those that took my friend from me. When I think of Isabella, I must fight to control my flames. Silvanus won’t know what hit him. You don’t need to be fearful of losing me. Sir Richard told me if I ever hurt you by dying, he would find a way of resurrecting me so he can kill me himself.”

“Good. That should be enough warning for you to not do anything rash. Let’s meet Mother for breakfast, then we need to perform the ceremony for those that were lost. After that, we have strategy meetings.”

 

***

 

Cordelia barely ate anything as we sat with her. She looked lost and I felt her pain. We were escorted to a spot on a hill, just outside of the city. There, on raised wooden piles, rested the king, Isabella, and the others that had lost their lives.

Grace addressed the crowd. “Good people of Eldorath and surrounding kingdoms. It is a sad day for us to say goodbye to our friends and family. Yesterday, we all saw the darkness. If we do not act, and act quickly, there will be many more ceremonies like this one.

“Our world is on a precipice. Rest assured I will not retreat from our enemy and will do everything in my power to end the darkness. Aria has been asked to pay special tribute to those we lost.”

I stared at the king and let a kaleidoscope of colorful flames envelop him. The flames rose high into the sky, and at my will, transformed into his likeness. I turned my attention to the lifeless body of my beloved friend.

“This may be goodbye for now, Isabella, but you will forever be in my heart and one day, we will see each other again.”

The flames erupted from her pyre, and I shaped them to look like Isabella as she defiantly shot the arrows at Casimir. For the rest, the flames lifted their bodies into the heavens only to have them rain down as glowing embers. In mere minutes, everything had been fully consumed.

“Thank you, Aria. It was a beautiful tribute. To those that will fight, prepare to march with us tomorrow!”

 

Chapter 18

A moment alone

 

The rest of the day was spent gathering information from our scouts and planning our battle strategy based upon the movements of our enemies. When evening came, Grace brought me to her room again. Neither of us wanted to be apart from the other.

As we entered her room, I was amazed to find it had been transformed into a place that I could have imagined only in my dreams. Flickering candlelight danced across the ornate walls of Grace's royal chambers, casting a warm glow on the finely set dinner table. The aroma of a delectable feast wafted through the air, and rich red wine sparkled in crystal goblets. As the door behind us closed, I looked at Grace and reached for her hand. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination as she motioned for me to take a seat.

As I settled into the plush chair, my gaze met Grace's, and in that moment, the gravity of the impending war hung in the air. Tomorrow, we marched to a battle where the fragility of life would be starkly apparent. Yet, tonight was a moment suspended in time, a sanctuary of love amidst the chaos.

"Aria," Grace's voice was a soft melody, "tomorrow is uncertain, and the weight of the united kingdoms rests on our shoulders. But before we face what lies ahead, I want you to know the depth of my love for you."

She reached across the table, her fingers delicately intertwining with mine. The vulnerability in her eyes intensified, and I felt the connection between us deepen.

"Aria," Grace continued, her tone steady, "I have duties to this kingdom that will make it challenging for us to be as close as I would like. As queen, for now, that rule and certain decisions will fall on me. But tonight, I want to rule with my heart. I want you by my side in every sense, not just as a lover, but as my wife, my equal. I know it has been unsaid, but I want to do this right. Will you marry me?"

In the soft glow of the candles, time seemed to pause. The gravity of the question hung between us, and for a moment, the impending war faded into the background. It was just us, alone, in that intimate space, where love and vulnerability intersected.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and with a heart full of emotion, I nodded. "Yes, Grace. A thousand times, yes."

Grace's eyes sparkled with tears of joy as she slid a delicate ring onto my finger, a symbol of love amidst the uncertainty. In that quiet moment, with the taste of the future's uncertainty lingering in the air, we found solace in the commitment we had just made. Love, a beacon of light that would guide us through the darkest of times, as we faced the unknown together.

I stared at the ring, worth far more than had passed through my fingers in my lifetime. The flames of the candles reflected the flames I felt inside me.

I smiled and moved next to Grace, kissing her passionately. “You humble me, a thief, a lowly person that came from nothing. I have nothing to offer you in return except to let you know how I feel. When I look at you, my heart swells with an overwhelming tide of emotion, and the weight of the words I am about to speak is both a privilege and an honor. From the depths of my soul, I want to make you a promise – a promise that transcends time, circumstance, and the uncertainties that may lie ahead.

“I promise to cherish you, not just for who you are today, but for the person you are destined to become. In every step of our journey, I will celebrate your growth, your dreams, and the beautiful evolution of your spirit. I vow to stand by you, unwavering, through the seasons of change, adapting and growing together as life weaves its tapestry around us.

“With each beat of my heart, I promise to love you fiercely. Through the laughter that echoes in the halls of our joy and the tears that may dampen the fabric of our days, my love for you will remain a constant, an anchor in the ebb and flow of our shared existence. I promise to be your refuge, a sanctuary of warmth and understanding, where you can find solace in the embrace of my arms.

“I promise to be your partner in every sense of the word. In times of challenge, I will be your confidante, your advisor, and your unwavering support. I will share in the burdens that may weigh on your shoulders, and together, we will navigate the storms that life may throw our way.

“To you, I pledge my trust. I will trust in your intentions, your decisions, and the choices that shape the course of our lives. I will trust in the strength of our bond, knowing that it is resilient enough to withstand the tests of time. My trust in you will be unyielding, a foundation upon which we can build a life filled with shared dreams and aspirations.

“And, my love, I promise to be your constant reminder of the beauty that lives within you. In moments of doubt, I will be the mirror that reflects the strength, resilience, and incredible person that you are. I will hold up the mirror, not just on days when you feel invincible, but especially on those days when the world seems to doubt your worth.

“This promise is not just a declaration, but a covenant – a sacred vow that binds my heart to yours. Through the highs and lows, the mundane and the extraordinary, I pledge to love you with a depth that knows no bounds. In you, I have found my partner, my confidante, and my greatest love and I will find a way to always return to you.”

The food was momentarily forgotten as she threw herself into my arms and kissed me with a fierceness that left us both gasping for air.

Grace lifted her glass, and I held up the crystal goblet to match her. “You say you have nothing to give me, but your heart and words are more precious than all the gold in the world. All my life I had people vying for my hand in marriage because of my status and wealth. I love that you are unassuming and could care less about position and status. You are a creature of the heart. I will hold you to that promise. No matter what happens, you will return to me. To our future together.”

We touched our glasses, and I sipped the first wine I had ever tasted.

“I’m tempted to forego dinner and satisfy myself with you, but I know many people worked hard to make this meal and we will be eating from campfires for the foreseeable future. I would hate to see it go to waste.”

We held hands as we ate and talked about everything but the war. It was a beautiful respite amid all that was happening. When we finished dinner, Grace and I danced to our own music of our hearts. Then, she slowly removed my clothing and led me to bed.

 

Chapter 19

We march to war

 

It took four long days to march the combined armies to the Plains of Taalum. The further north we travelled, the darker the skies became. Every breath seemed to take more effort and even the trees seemed to be shedding their leaves far earlier than normal.

According to our scouts, Silvanus’ army was another day away, giving us a chance to set up our camps and spread out along the hillside that overlooked the plains.

“I have something for you, Aria.”

Grace led me into the tent set up for planning meetings. On a chair was a set of fighting leathers, an ornate silver dagger, and a similarly designed silver sword. The leathers were dyed crimson red.

“In the event that you find yourself fighting hand-to-hand, I wanted you as protected as possible. I thought metal armor would weigh you down.”

“They are beautiful, Grace.”

Grace smiled. “You’re beautiful. Now go change.” She patted me on my butt.

I changed and held up the dagger as a mirror. My long blonde hair fanned out and down my back. The form-fitting leather accentuated my feminine shape. With my bow that flickered with fire from time to time and my silver sword on my hip, I looked beautiful and deadly.

Grace was waiting for me when I stepped from the tent. “You look incredible, Aria. I could only imagine what that would look like on you. Now, I see you in all your glory. The risen phoenix. The most beautiful woman in the world.”

Grace was dressed in a similar outfit that had been tanned to an off-white color.

“We make a great pair.”

“I like reminding others that we are together. Let’s make our rounds.”

We walked from one end of the camps to the other, stopping to encourage the soldiers and speak with their leaders. Grace was well-known but I was surprised how many people knew who I was. With Grace, they were reverent. With me, they were in awe.

We found Leo practicing with Sir Richard. Leo was dressed in the full armor of a knight.

“Sir Leo. You look dashing and handsome in your armor and your swordsmanship has greatly improved.”

Leo bowed and Sir Richard smacked Leo on his helmet. “Stay focused. You can’t let beautiful women distract you.”

Grace laughed. “I do believe Sir Richard called us beautiful, Aria.”

“He’s called me many other things before. He’s warming up to my charms. He even said he liked me the other day.”

“I’m rather certain I did not say such a thing, Lady Aria.”

“And here I thought knights had honor. It’s so sad when they fall to lying. My heart will forever be dashed.”

Leo snickered. “I would never lie to you. I’m a proper knight. I must say, you both look wonderful. Have you tried your bow yet, Aria? I’m not comprehending how it can benefit you when you can cast a ball of fire.”

“I have memories of how it was used. Would you like to see?”

“I would love to see it if only to get a break from Sir Hitsalot.”

Sir Richard smacked Leo across his helmet again. “Respect your elders.”

“Of course, old, slow, wise elder-type person.”

I smiled. “I love how knighthood hasn’t changed you, Sir Leo.”

Grace and I tended to gather a crowd wherever we went, so a demonstration of my phoenix bow was enough incentive to considerably grow the group of people we had around us to more than a hundred.

Sir Richard pointed to a tree down the hill about fifty feet away. “Try to hit that tree.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of that lone tree out there on the plains.”

“That’s twice the distance of a long bow. You have people that look up to you. Don’t let them down by missing something you can’t possibly hit.”

“Hmmm. Maybe you’re right.” I grabbed my bow and a flaming arrow magically appeared ready to fire. People gasped. I looked back at Sir Richard. “You’re sure?”

“The much closer tree, Lady Aria.”

I sighed. “I don’t think so.” While still looking at Sir Richard, I let the arrow fly. It hit dead center of the farther tree and exploded with a ball of fire fifty feet wide. When the smoke and flames cleared, the tree was gone.

“I’m just going to say it… I’m glad Aria’s on our side.”

“Thank you, Sir Leo. Any comments from you, Sir Richard?”

“I’m glad I didn’t bet you that you couldn’t hit the closer tree.”

 

Chapter 20

The darkness

 

The day progressed slowly, and we continued to receive reports from our scouts. You could feel the tension in the air and just as we were finishing our breakfast the next morning, we heard the shouts that the enemy was spotted.

Grace and I left the tent and stood looking towards the horizon. We could hear the approaching army well before we spotted them. A shroud of ominous clouds gathered on the horizon, obscuring the rising sun, and casting a pall of dread over the land. The ground trembled beneath their heavy footsteps, echoing the pounding of my own heart as fear coursed through my veins.

Out of the dark mists that surrounded them, they appeared. Their ranks stretched as far as the eye could see, an endless sea of shadow and steel that marched relentlessly towards us. Banners fluttered in the wind, emblazoned with sinister insignias that seemed to mock our defiance. The air grew thick with the stench of malice and decay, a harbinger of the devastation that lay in their wake.

I watched in horror as the dark army advanced, their movements synchronized with chilling precision. The dark army’s warriors were clad in ebony and brandished rusting weapons. With my enhanced eyesight, I could see their soulless, dark eyes that sent a shiver down my back.

I held Grace’s hand. “I think it is time for me to get acquainted with our guests. I don’t know what will happen, but you need to make sure our armies are ready. Keep their focus off me and have them stay alert.”

I felt Grace’s hands on my face. She kissed me. “Stay as far away from them as you can. I’m holding you to your promise.”

“I love you, Grace.”

I stepped back and flew up into the sky as Grace shouted her commands. Our army rose and shifted into position. I flew towards the dark army. My heart pounded with a mixture of determination and fear. The scent of decay was overwhelming and as I got closer, I could see the army was made of the undead. Their skin was falling from their rotting skeletal frames.

They ignored my presence and marched steadily forward. I pulled my bow from my back and shot a flaming arrow at the front line. Flames exploded and a hundred dark soldiers turned to ash. A cheer sounded behind me.

As the dust and smoke cleared, I was dismayed. The army was massive, and it was as if my flames barely made a dent. They moved forward in unison, filling in the gaps and stepping over the remains of soldiers that were not fully consumed by the flames.

With a deep breath, I steadied myself and notched another arrow, my fingers trembled slightly as I took aim. The tension in the air was palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on my chest as I prepared to unleash the full fury of my bow upon the advancing front line of the undead army.

As the first explosion erupted from my arrow, a wave of raw power surged through me, sending shockwaves rippling across the plains. The ground trembled beneath the force of the blast as thousands of undead soldiers were consumed by the inferno, their twisted forms crumbling to ash in its wake.

But even as the flames consumed their ranks, the relentless tide of darkness continued to advance, undeterred by the devastation in its wake. Thick bands of darkness, released by their destruction, coalesced around me, wrapping me in a suffocating embrace that threatened to snuff out the very essence of my being.

A scream tore from my throat as agony seared through every fiber of my being, my wings faltered as the darkness tightened its grip. With a sickening lurch, I plummeted from the sky, the ground rushing up to meet me with terrifying speed.

The impact was bone-jarring as I crashed heavily into the midst of the undead army, the weight of their twisted forms crushing down upon me. I struggled to draw breath as I fought to find my flames amidst the darkness that threatened to overwhelm me.

The undead soldiers turned towards me. Their hollow eyes gleaming with malice as they raised their weapons in unison. With every ounce of strength I could muster, I pushed myself to my knees, even as the weight of hopelessness threatened to drag me down into oblivion.

As despair gnawed at my resolve, I heard Grace’s scream over the advancing soldiers. Her anguish resonated deep within me providing the spark for my flames. A rusty sword slashed down upon me, not penetrating, but with enough force to cause my collarbone to shatter. I dropped again to the ground under the onslaught.

“Get up, Aria! Avenge me!”

I saw Isabella’s face in my mind as I heard her voice. Her image tossed fuel onto the spark. With a defiant roar, I summoned all my strength and prepared to face the darkness head-on, knowing that the fate of the world hung in the balance. I launched myself upward into the sky sending undead bodies flying in all directions. When I hit the clouds blocking the sun, I exploded outward with a wave of power. The clouds were torn from their place and scattered to the winds. Sunlight poured down onto the battlefield. The darkness withered and the undead army stopped in unison.

The burst of energy had healed me. I flew down to Grace. As soon as my feet touched the ground, her arms were around me.

“I thought I lost you!”

“I’m all right, but the clouds and darkness won’t stop. I must confront Sylvanus. It’s like Sir Richard said the other day. About small injuries taking out a larger prey, but the opposite. The more I destroy of that army, the more energy flows back to Sylvanus. I must attack him while he is leaching his darkness to power his army.”

“I’ll go with you.”

I shook my head. “You’re needed here. That army will start marching again. It needs to be kept occupied, or better yet, let it advance and stay out of its way. You need to keep the army moving while I tackle the source.”

Sir Richard stepped up to us. In his wake was Sir Leo, Lief, Heath, and Sir Gerard. “Aria’s right, my Queen. If you leave with her, it will be demoralizing for the army. We need you here.”

“I can’t let you go alone, Aria.”

Sir Leo stepped forward. “I will go with her.”

Lief and Heath said in unison, “I will go as well.”

Sir Gerard. “I will go. For Isabella.”

Sir Richard hugged me. “Don’t die, Aria. I like having you around very much. I must stay with the armies.”

Grace was weeping as she kissed me. “Remember your promise to me.”

“I will come back to you.”

“You better or I will never forgive you.”

 

***

Grace

 

I watched the love of my life gallop Thunder across the Plains of Taalum and head into the heart of Morvain. With her rode, Sir Gerard, Sir Leo, Lief, and Heath. With each breath I took, I felt her get further and further away and piece by piece, my heart shattered. She was everything worth living for and she was heading into the most dangerous fight of her life. It tore at me that I couldn’t be at her side.

Even as they raced north, the clouds that had been blown apart by Aria’s power, were consolidating again.

“We are under attack!”

The shout had come from our eastern flank. It was followed by a shout from the western flank saying they too were under attack.

Sir Richard nodded to me. “I’ll take the western flank.”

“I’ll handle the eastern flank.”

I vaulted onto my horse and raced east. As I approached, I heard the clash of arms. What I found completely disheartened me. At least five hundred followers of Morvain had managed to slam into us. A full battle was underway.

I pulled my bow and fired an arrow into the heart of a Morvain sorcerer. “Focus your efforts on the sorcerers. Don’t kill anything that is fueled by dark power from the north!”

 

***

Aria

 

The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and despair as we raced through the devastated lands towards the city of Morvain. Our hearts beat in unison with the thundering hooves of our steeds. Ahead, the imposing silhouette of Sylvanus Morvain’s city loomed like a shadowy specter over the once-thriving kingdom.

I gripped the reins of my trusty steed, Thunder, urging him forward with urgent whispers, his powerful muscles rippling beneath me as we tore across the barren landscape. Beside me rode Sir Leo, his usually clumsy demeanor replaced by a steely determination as he kept pace with effortless grace, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

Behind us, the hulking figure of Lief rode alongside his brother, Heath. Together, they formed a formidable duo, their weapons gleaming in the dark gloom as they rode with unwavering resolve.

Bringing up the rear was Sir Gerard, a seasoned knight whose weathered face betrayed the weight of countless battles fought and won. His gaze was fixed ahead, his jaw set in grim determination as he rode.

I counted them all as friends and I worried what they were getting themselves into. Every mile we progressed brought more heaviness to my heart. My mind was constantly on Grace, knowing the clouds would soon block the sun and release power to the undead army. As we drew closer to the heart of darkness that lay ahead, the land seemed to groan beneath the weight of Sylvanus Morvain's tyranny, the scars of his reign of terror etched into the very earth itself. But we pressed on, our spirits unbroken, our resolve unwavering in the face of overwhelming odds.

For we knew that the fate of the world rested in our hands, and we would stop at nothing to see justice served and peace restored to the land. With each passing moment, our determination grew stronger, fueled by the bonds of friendship and the fire of righteousness that burned within us.

We rode forth into the heart of darkness, ready to confront the enemy that threatened to tear our world apart and prayed to the gods we would emerge victorious.

 

***

Grace

 

The sun’s final rays were now blocked by the encroaching darkness and the undead army, fueled by thick bands of darkness from the north, began its relentless march once again. It was an army we couldn’t attack because its destruction would only strengthen Sylvanus Morvain.

Our army was pressed from both sides with living Morvain followers and now the undead army would also soon be upon us. My arrows were long since used and I stood my ground with my sword in hand as I slashed and blocked against powerful fighters.

I took a moment’s pause to look north, beyond the undead army to where Aria was. My voice, hoarse from battle and needing water, whispered a gentle prayer. “May the gods watch over your, Aria. May we hold out so that I might see you again.”

A sword sliced into my thigh and several of my soldiers pulled me back. I felt hands continue to pull me until a young woman laid me down on the grass. She tore strips of cloth and bound my leg tightly before pouring water down my throat.

“Rest, my Queen.”

“There’s no time to rest.”

I pushed myself to stand and limped back to my horse with a fresh quiver of arrows.

 

***

Aria

 

The gates of Morvain’s main city were wide open. No one in their right mind would ever enter there. I was surprised that I saw no sign of guards or soldiers. We slowed our pace, heading towards the center of the dead city. The darkness pervaded as if it were night.

We entered a large cobblestone courtyard that formed the entrance to a large palace. A single massive tower rose into the swirling darkness. We dismounted and moved on foot the final distance into the palace.

As we stepped through the imposing ebony double doors of the dark palace, a shiver ran down my spine, sending a ripple of unease through my veins. The air hung heavy with a suffocating stillness, broken only by the faint echo of our footsteps as we ventured further into the heart of the foreboding structure. I made a flaming ball that hung before us, giving us enough light to see.

With each step, the darkness seemed to deepen, swallowing us whole as we ventured deeper into its depths. Shadows danced along the walls, twisting, and contorting in eerie shapes that seemed to watch our every move with malevolent intent.

We entered the central chamber. Only the echo of our steps suggested there was any life. Having seen how Sylvanus used the darkness before, I was surprised we had not been attacked yet.

The absence of life by no means suggested Sylvanus was not here. I felt his presence and his cold, dark beating heart above us. The stairs that wound upwards towards the upper floors of the tower seemed to shift and sway beneath our feet, warped by the power of darkness. Each step forward felt like a descent into madness, the oppressive atmosphere weighing heavily upon us like a suffocating cloak.

As we ascended, the silence grew deafening, broken only by the faint sound of our ragged breaths and the steady beat of our hearts. The air grew colder, chilling us to the bone as we pressed on, driven by a sense of dread that gnawed at the edges of our sanity.

That sense of dread only increased as we moved up a floor at a time. At last, we reached the uppermost floor of the tower, the darkness pressing in around us like a tangible force. The air was thick with the stench of death, a foul odor that seemed to cling to every surface with unyielding tenacity.

The doors before us opened slowly.

 

***

Grace

 

 

Our situation was desperate. We had lost many fighters dealing with the Morvain followers that attacked us from our flanks. Our scouts had been killed allowing their warriors to approach us unaware.

Our army was effectively split in two as we dealt with the western and eastern flanks. As we killed the remaining Movain soldiers, we had half our own fighters left. I spun on my horse. The undead army had breached our camp, and now began to encircle us.

With my arrows depleted, I drew my sword once again. The undead army swarmed around us like locusts.

I looked north one last time before leading the charge west. If we could reach Sir Richard and his fighters, we might be able to hold long enough.

 

***

Aria

 

The air sparked with tension as we stepped through the doorway. In the center of the large space, a large, ebony throne drew our eyes. Sylvanus Morvain sat upon it like a dark lord presiding over his realm. His minions loomed ominously in the shadows behind him, their eyes gleaming with malice as they awaited their master's command.

I squared my shoulders and stepped forward with a mixture of fear and determination. Whatever was going to happen needed to quickly.

Sylvanus Morvain's voice cut through the silence like a blade, his words dripping with honeyed deceit. “Welcome, Aria. Would you like something to drink?”

“End this, Sylvanus.”

“End it? It is only just beginning. The world will be a better place when the darkness rules it completely.”

“Have you seen what the darkness has done to the world?”

“The world is filled with people that are both good and bad, Aria. Evil does not exist in the darkness like your naïve mind would believe. Wherever there is disparity, evil exists. You should know that more than anyone.”

“You are deluded, Sylvanus.”

“Not so, Aria. You grew up with nothing. Was it right that the orphanage stole the king’s taxes to not look after you properly?”

“I admit there is evil in this world. Just look at you and what you are doing to it.”

“This? This is not evil, Aria. This is cleansing. At the end of the day, when you have lost, the world will fall into darkness. I will own everything. The sun will return, the grass will grow back, the undead army will be gone, and those that are left will rebuild a new world. Join me. Make the world a better place. Be my bride.”

I stood firm, my resolve unshaken as I rejected his offer with a defiant roar of flames.

With a flick of his hand shadows surrounded him and held back my fire. The minions behind him moved with unnatural speed and precision as they closed in for the kill. As I fought to press my flames, I heard the clash of steel as those with me fought for their lives against the relentless onslaught.

Darkness crashed against my fire pushing me back towards one of the windows. Sylvanus rose to his feet.

“You can’t beat me, Aria. Like you, I have learned from my predecessor’s mistakes. You waited too long, and I admit my brilliance with Casimir. While he had the king sending you on wasted efforts, I grew in strength.”

He took a step forward and my heel hit the wall. I glanced around me. Sir Gerard's sword flashed in the dim light, each strike a testament to his skill and determination as he cut through the ranks of the enemy with deadly precision. Beside him, Sir Leo fought with a fierce determination, his movements fluid and graceful as he danced through the fray, his blade a blur of steel and death.

Lief and Heath stood back-to-back, their weapons a whirlwind of destruction as they cleaved through the enemy ranks with brute strength and unwavering resolve. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, their bond as brothers fueling their determination to protect each other and those they held dear.

And yet, they were failing. The dark minions were too powerful. Like me, they were losing ground.

“Give in, Aria.” Sylvanus thrust his arms forward and his darkness shattered my flames. The dark wisps swirled around me, thicker than they ever had been before. They entered my mouth and poured inside me.

I collapsed to my knees.

“Do you not feel it, Aria? Do you not feel the rage inside you? The anger over what was done to you? You were worth less than the trash people threw away. No one helped you. No one loved you.”

The darkness was overwhelming. It fueled my anger at the injustice of it all.

“You know I’m right, Aria. I will treat you like the queen you really are. You will want for nothing. We will rule together and build a world where pain, death, and disparity no longer exist. With my darkness and your light, we can forge a new world with no more suffering.”

I fell forward, my hands hitting the stone floor. Even within the din of battle all around me, I picked up the slight sound of my ring. I focused on the feel of my ring and the promises Grace and I made to each other.

“Even now, my army has surrounded what is left of yours. Yield to me now, and I will let you pick five people I will spare.”

Through the darkness and haze, I heard Leo’s voice. “Don’t listen to him, Aria. Fight back. Remember Isabella. Grace needs you!”

Leo screamed.

My anger melted away at all the injustices in my life. For all the evil done to me and us, I recognized good as well. It was the battle we all fought. Most people choose goodness over evil.

I pushed myself to my knees and managed to open my eyes. Leo had lost his sword and his hand clung to his bleeding chest. The others were bleeding and beaten. I could only imagine what Grace was fighting if she was even alive. I couldn’t fight Sylvanus here, not with my friends so close.

“You see the truth, Aria. Join me. I am too strong for you and the world…”

My wings burst forth and I slammed into Sylvanus, crashing us both out through a far window. Once I flew us up and away from the tower, I burst into white-hot flames. Tendrils reached out from me and back into the tower, grabbing the minions and dragging them away from my friends.

Sylvanus erupted in darkness with his own set of black oily wings. He pummeled me with his fists. With a defiant cry, I unleashed the full fury of my powers, flames exploding from my outstretched hands as I faced Sylvanus in mortal combat. The clash of our energies echoed through the skies over Morvain, a cataclysmic clash of light and darkness that threatened to tear the very fabric of reality asunder.

We threw each other apart, only to clash together again. But in the end, it was not the strength of my flames that would decide the outcome of the battle, but the strength of my love and the bonds of friendship that bound me and filled me with hope. I knew what I had to do.

With a final, desperate surge of power, I slammed into Sylvanus. My flames created a fireball like the world had never seen before.

 

***

Grace

 

Sir Richard fought his way next to me. “I’m sorry, my Queen. Aria must have failed.”

All my courage faltered in that moment. My heart shattered. Around us were dozens of our soldiers dead or dying and the massive undead army relentlessly pushing forward.

“Then I will take as many of these creatures with me. For if Aria is dead, then so am I.”

I faced the undead enemy and nearly collapsed as my leg nearly gave out. Sir Richard steadied me with a hand on my shoulder.

That’s when I saw it. Beyond the horizon, a blast of light so bright, I could see my bones through the flesh of my arm as I shielded my eyes. When the initial brightness dimmed, I lowered my arm and felt my eyes widen.

“Get down!” Sir Richard shouted.

He slammed me to the ground as a wave of fire crashed across us. I could feel the scorching heat, but it didn’t hurt me.

I dared to look up and only found blue skies and sunshine. The undead army drifted with the wind. I stood slowly, finding my leg healed. Soldiers that had been near death, were rising.

I walked over the ashes of Morvain’s army and looked down upon the Plains of Taalum. What caught my eye was something floating in the wind. It floated as if it was seeking for me. It landed at my feet. A single, red feather. I screamed and fell to my knees.

“No!” I choked out.

I went to reach for the feather, and it flashed into flames and vanished.

“I know this is hard, my Queen. We need to organize. Some of us should go into Morvain to see about…”

I stood and stared north. “You promised me…” I wiped my tears and turned to Sir Richard. “I’m going. I need to know what happened. Let’s get everyone organized, get out camp reestablished, take stock, then prepare a team to go into Morvain.”

 

***

Aria

 

Something was nudging me. I was completely drained and exhausted and didn’t want to be bothered. A large wet nose smacked against my face.

“Ugh…” I groaned, unable to move. I did manage to open my eyes to find Thunder pushing me with his nose.

“Aria!”

“Here! At least I think I’m here. Wherever here is. And hopefully I’m still in one piece.”

I heard footsteps running towards me.

“Gods… Aria?” It was Leo’s voice.

“I can’t move. I ache all over.”

“We’ll get you. Uhm… you’re naked again.”

A heavy cloak was tossed over me, and strong arms lifted me off the ground. I shifted enough to see Leo, Lief, Heath, and that left Sir Gerard to be holding me.

“You guys look like hell.”

Sir Gerard chuckled. “Says the woman the fell from a thousand feet in the sky without any clothes on. The minions did a number on us, but we are all healed up now thanks to you.”

“Did we win?”

Lief’s face came into view. “Yes. We won.”

“Gods… I feel horrible. Remind me not to explode like that again. Where are we?”

“In the Morvain courtyard. After our eyes adjusted again after the blast and found we were alive, we got to the window in time to see a fireball falling from the sky. You did a great job of emulating a comet.”

“No word about…” I swallowed.

“None.”

“I’m so sore and spent. It’s not possible for me to ride on my own.”

Heath looked around. “Looks like we have an entire city at our disposal. I suggest we try to make you as comfortable as possible while two of us ride to Queen Grace.”

“I’ll volunteer for bed duty.” I said weakly.

Sir Gerard handed me to Lief. “Take care of Lady Aria.”

Lief looked down at me. “Not so tough now, are you?”

I whined. “You’re so mean to me.”

“Heath. Please go with Sir Gerard. Sir Leo and I will find something close to here. Once we have Aria settled, one of us will keep watch.”

I promptly fell asleep.

 

***

Grace

 

I raced my horse at full gallop. Five knights rode with me. Sir Richard and I quickly got the army organized and, while we were not expecting another attack, set up rotating watches. They were to rebuild the camp and settled in.

I sent a pair of knights back to Eldorath to give them an update. That was as much as I could do. I had to discover the truth and so I pushed my horse as fast as she could go.

I fought tears, but it was no use. I was devastated and unsure of what I would find.

I looked up to see the first towers of Morvain come into view. On the road, two riders raced towards us. I slowed, concerned they might be Morvain’s men. I slipped my bow from my shoulder and readied an arrow.

I held my breath, then let it out when I saw it was Sir Gerard and Heath.

“Thank the gods you are all right! Where’s Aria and the others?”

Sir Gerard pulled up next to me. “I see the worry on your face, my Queen. Aria is alive as are Lief and Sir Leo.”

I burst into a new set of tears. “Alive?”

“Yes. She so drained she can barely move, but she is alive and without a scratch on her.”

Heath laughed. “She also doesn’t have a stitch of clothing on her either. How is the army? What of the undead?”

“After the blast that I am assuming was Aria, the undead army were burned to ashes. Our soldiers that were still alive and wounded were healed. They have set up camp and are keeping watch. Ride on and get settled. We will go on to find the others. Where will we find them?”

“We left them as they were trying to find someplace to put Aria. They were last positioned in the courtyard at the entrance to the palace. One of them will be waiting. We have seen no dangers about but keep your guard up just in case.”

I reached out and hugged Sir Gerard then Heath. “Looks like you all went through hell. Go get some rest and cleaned up.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

I didn’t wait for them to leave. I spurred my horse forward and raced to Morvain. Aria, my Aria, was alive!

 

***

Aria

 

Awareness slowly registered with my brain that I was lying someplace comfortable. My body still was spent and exhausted from the final battle and subsequent crash back to the cobblestoned ground of the courtyard.

I heard soft footsteps that seemed to speed up as they got closer to me. With a weary sigh, I opened my eyes to find her standing before me, her form bathed in the gentle glow of the moonlight that filtered through a window. Grace, my beloved, her eyes alight with concern and love as she gazed down at me with tender reverence.

For a moment, we simply stared at each other, the weight of the world falling away as we drank in the sight of one another, as if seeing each other for the first time all over again. And then, with a soft cry of relief, Grace rushed forward, her arms enveloping me in a warm embrace that banished the shadows of doubt and fear that lingered in my heart.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I buried my face in her shoulder, drinking in the familiar scent of her skin and the comforting warmth of her embrace. In that moment, all the pain and anguish of the past days melted away, replaced by a profound sense of peace and contentment that washed over me like a healing balm.

With trembling hands, Grace brushed a stray lock of hair from my forehead and brushed her lips against mine.

“Aria. Gods… I’m so thankful you’re alive.”

I groaned as I stretched my arms to pull her back to me. I needed her lips again. “I promised I would come back to you. I think that is the only reason I am here right now. Are you all right?”

“I am now. I was so lost without you and…” Grace began crying. “After the blast, I swear a red feather fell at my feet. It vanished in flames before I could touch it. I was certain you had died.”

“I feel a bit like I did. I think I did.”

“My Queen? Grace? Did you bring any food?”

I laughed, pulled Grace next to me, and fell asleep in her arms.

 

Chapter 21

Aftermath

 

I opened my eyes to find Leo staring at me.

“Welcome back, Aria.”

“I swear it was Grace in bed with me when I went to sleep, not you.”

“She got up hours ago. She left to find you some clothes.”

I reached out and let my fingers touch the bloodstained tear in Leo’s armor. “Are you all right? I’m sorry you were injured.”

“My first war wound, although your healing didn’t even leave a scar. How am I going to brag about taking on a death stalker all by myself without proof? That was a battle for the ages, Aria. You don’t need to apologize to me or anyone. I saw what Sylvanus was doing to you. That did not look pleasant.”

“You’re a hero, Leo. Worthy of bards’ singing your praises around the world. I could not ask for a better friend.”

“Neither could I, Aria. Who knew when you dragged Isabella and me along on your quest where it would all end. Look at you now, the risen phoenix, savior of the world, Lady Aria, and future queen of Eldorath.”

I smiled. “I hope Grace still wants me.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “Please. She worships you.”

“Speaking of changes… You have gone from the trash heap to Sir Leo, knight of Eldorath. Hero of the world.”

Leo grinned and held up a gold necklace studded with rubies. “Still a thief, but don’t tell Sir Richard that. Lillith will love this. We found the Morvain vaults.”

“I see our sleeping lady has finally woken. Give us a few minutes, Sir Leo?”

“Of course, my Queen.”

I watched Leo leave the room and close the door behind him. I smiled up at Grace.

Her hand stroked my cheek as she leaned down to kiss me. “How are you feeling, love?”

“Much better.”

“We will need to get going soon then. We have an army waiting for us.”

“And a kingdom, and people that have needs. Forgive me if I’m a little selfish, but the cottage by the sea sounds wonderful right now.”

“They need us and to be honest, I can’t wait to get back. We need to mourn, celebrate, then I am going to marry you and make you my wife.”

Grace stood and pulled me up. The blanket fell off me and Grace grinned. “Gods, Aria. You are so beautiful. Such a shame I found you a dress.”

“We could make things more equitable if you took your clothes off.”

“Mmmm. Don’t tempt me darling.”

 

Chapter 22

New beginnings

 

What followed was a long ride back to the army, breaking up the camp, and four days to reach Eldorath. Riders had gone ahead to spread the word and we arrived back in Eldorath to great fanfare and celebration.

It took two weeks to organize ourselves, send the army back to their respective kingdoms, and begin to slide back into daily routine.

I stood before an ornate mirror, the weight of my past and the magnitude of the moment set before me bore down upon me with crushing force. My reflection stared back at me, a stranger in the guise of a future queen, her features delicate and refined, a stark contrast to the ragged urchin I once was.

The intricately embroidered gown that draped over my feminine form shimmered in the soft glow of the candlelight, its rich fabric adorned with jewels that sparkled like stars against a night sky. I reached out my trembling hand, tracing the delicate lace that framed the neckline, the touch of luxury foreign and surreal against my fingertips.

It wasn’t the opulent attire that held my gaze captive, but rather the eyes that stared back at me from the mirror's depths. Eyes that had witnessed the depths of despair and the heights of triumph, eyes that had seen the best and worst of humanity and had emerged unbroken.

In those eyes, I saw the echoes of the past, the shadow of the young man who had once roamed the streets as a thief and beggar, his spirit battered but unyielding in the face of adversity. And yet, I also saw the glimmer of hope, the promise of a future forged from the ashes of the past, a future in which love and redemption were not merely dreams, but tangible realities.

As I met my own gaze in the mirror, a surge of emotion welled up within me, threatening to overwhelm me with its intensity. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, their shimmering trails tracing paths down my cheeks as I struggled to reconcile the disparate pieces of my identity.

But then, as if guided by some unseen force, I felt a sense of calm settle over me, a quiet assurance that all was as it should be. For in that moment, as I stood on the precipice of a new beginning. I knew that I was no longer defined by the scars of my past, but rather by the strength and resilience that had carried me through the darkness.

With a steadying breath, I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin, meeting my own gaze in the mirror with newfound resolve. For I was not just Aria, the beggar-turned-queen, but Aria, the phoenix risen from the ashes, ready to spread my wings and soar into the boundless expanse of the future, hand in hand with the woman I loved.

The softly spoken words of Harriet sounded from behind me. “We’re ready for you, Lady Aria. Might I say that you look breathtaking, and I have not heard of a single person in the kingdom that does not extol your courage and beauty. This will be the wedding of the century.”

I followed Harriet through the palace and smiled slightly at the difference in response to me. The first time I was here, my friends and I were all but ignored at best and frowned upon with disdain by most. Now, every person we passed tipped their head to me. Sometimes it was with awe, sometimes with respect, but always with a smile.

“Here we are, Lady Aria. May your marriage to Queen Grace be filled with love. I already know that Eldorath will be blessed because of you.”

“Thank you, Harriet.”

I ascended the polished marble steps that led into the grand ballroom. Soft strains of music drifted through the air, mingling with the murmurs of conversation and the rustle of silk as guests gathered to witness the union that was about to take place. I took a deep breath, the scent of flowers and candlelight filling my senses as I prepared to cross the threshold into a new chapter of my life.

With each step, memories flickered through my mind like fragments of a dream—moments shared with Queen Grace, the brunette-haired beauty who had captured my heart and soul with her unwavering love and compassion. I thought of the laughter we had shared, the tears we had shed, the countless hours spent lost in each other's embrace.

And as I reached the top of the stairs and took my first tentative steps into the ballroom, my eyes met Grace’s across the expanse of the room. Her gaze was filled with warmth and tenderness, a silent promise of the love that bound us together, transcending time and space.

Next to her stood her mother, smiling radiantly even if her eyes betrayed her own pain of loss. Sir Leo, dressed in his finest polished armor, smiled at me before winking at Lillith, his lovely and charming girlfriend.

Lief and Heath had stayed for the wedding, and they patted each other on the back receiving a glance from Sir Gerard that suggested they settle down. Even Varla was dressed in a fine gown. She picked at it like it was a foreign object attached to her body. Her toothless smile showed her true colors; she would rather be fighting than attending a wedding.

For a moment, I felt deep sadness at not having Isabella here with me but I knew she would always be with me in my heart.

Sir Richard stepped up next to me and I slid my arm into his.

“You do clean up well, Sir Richard.”

“I clean up well? You have obviously not seen yourself in a mirror.”

“Are you ready for me to be queen?”

“Heaven help us.”

I giggled, my eyes never leaving Grace’s. “If you don’t start walking me down the aisle, I will leave you behind.”

I felt Sir Richard’s head turn to me, his tone growing serious. “This is the best day of my life, Lady Aria.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

“I finally get to hand you to someone else so they can take care of you from now on.”

I slugged his arm, and everyone laughed.

“Just wait until you get your bill. It took a lot of money to make Sir Leo look so handsome.”

“I might have to sell Thunder to pay the knight’s debts.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“Thunder is yours. A gift from the knights to you for your wedding. Now, if you have delayed enough, I think our queen is getting impatient.”

With a smile that trembled on my lips, I walked in step with Sir Richard. When we got close enough to Grace, he bowed low to her, and then to me.

“Thank you, Sir Richard. I’ll just say, I don’t dislike you.”

I smiled and reached out a hand to Grace, feeling the familiar warmth of her touch as our fingers intertwined. Together, we walked up the final steps to the raised dais where the priest waited. It was heartwarming being surrounded by the loving gaze of our friends and family, our hearts beating as one in perfect harmony.

Grace squeezed my hand. “I will love you all the days of my life and beyond, Aria.”

We turned to face the priest and exchanged our vows of love and devotion. I knew that this was not just the beginning of a new chapter, but the continuation of a timeless love that had spanned lifetimes. For in Grace's arms, I had found my home, my sanctuary, my everything. And as we sealed our union with a kiss, I knew that our love would endure for eternity, a beacon of hope and light in a world once filled with darkness.

 

*** The End ***

 

This is one of those stories that simply rolled out of me. I think from start to finish it only took me sixty hours to write over a span of three weeks when I got the chance to get back to it.

I apologize for Isabella’s death. It tore me apart to write those scenes and I was crying as I had Aria go through that pain. I didn’t want to do it, yet it was a crucial part of Aria’s life.

Thank you for taking time to read this story. You are my audience, and you are my kindred family. I write stories like this for my own outlet, and I hope as you read them you find a moment’s grace in your own intrepid walk.

Please take a moment to leave a comment. I love hearing from you.

Avia Conner