Phoenix of Hope: Complete Series — Books 1-4

by Zora Marie

  “Oh.” Zelia’s thoughts turned back to how Eleanor had ripped through her memories and she shuddered. It was then that Raven nuzzled against her, her smooth scales cool against her cheek and her hand.

  “I do not approve of what Eleanor did, but I understand why she did it. Please do not let our bond trouble you. It will come in time.”

  Lumid cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have other things I need to tend to this afternoon.”

  Linithion blushed as she pushed away from Orvi. “Sorry Lumid. Thank you for bringing them here.”

  “You’re welcome. Usually I would not rush you, but with Yargo still out and many of our guards on Mineria, I have far more responsibilities than normal.”

  Linithion nodded and Tregar stepped toward Zelia, but kept his distance.

  “What’s wrong?” Raven asked.

  “I can’t walk that far right now. Tregar carried me here.”

  Raven nodded. “Do you feel you can ride?”

  “Um.” She thought back to how much effort it took to get on, much less stay on, and she shook her head. “Maybe in a few days. I pushed myself too far yesterday.”

  “Then perhaps you should introduce me to Tregar.”

  “Tregar, this is Raven,” Zelia said and Raven nodded to him. “I don’t think I should attempt riding today, so would you help me back to the palace?”

  Tregar nodded his greeting to Raven, then lifted Zelia into his arms.

  “Does he not talk, like Senth?”

  “He does talk, just not very often.”

  “Come along Orvi,” Linithion said, joining Tregar and Zelia in their return walk.

  Raven stood back, to let Orvi leave Lumid’s home first. While the bridge back to the palace was large, it was not large enough for both dragons to comfortably walk side by side.

  “Zelia! Guess what!” Orvi said.

  “What’s that?”

  “Raven and Uncle Grono taught me to fly. Can I do it now to show Linithion?”

  “Hm.” Zelia hadn’t really had a chance to ask about limitations on what the dragons were allowed to do and where. “A short flight shouldn’t hurt. Just stay close and no flames. Alright?”

  “Alright, no flames.”

  “Linithion, Orvi has something she wants to show you.”

  As Linithion turned to ask for an explanation, Orvi jumped from the edge of the bridge and after a few flaps of her wings glided to the end of the bridge. Her landing needed a bit of work, but she stopped safely enough.

  “You learned to fly!” Linithion said as she took off at a sprint to catch up to Orvi.

  “She’s a quick learner, just needed a little push,” Raven said. “We will need to find somewhere I can continue to teach her though.”

  “I’ll talk to Zivu about that. And who’s Grono?”

  “An old friend. He’s generally not very social, so you never met him. He took to Orvi though.”

  As they reached the front of the palace, Linithion waved them to follow her. Zelia fiddled with the edge of her cloak and Tregar paused.

  “What is it?” Raven asked.

  “I need to go see Yalif, the healer. I can’t see as far as I could before… but I don’t want to interrupt their reunion.”

  “Just tell her. She’ll understand.”

  Zelia glanced over to see that Orvi had already nudged Linithion to a stop.

  “Linithion, would you go ahead and get them settled in? I want to go talk with Yalif.”

  Linithion nodded. “I’ll join you as soon as I finish.”

  “No. Please, take your time. I know you’ve missed Orvi.”

  “Alright, but I’ll expect you to let me know what Yalif says.”

  “Fine,” Zelia said and Tregar continued into the palace.

  When they reached Yalif’s office, Tregar set her down and with a bow of his head stepped outside.

  “Everything alright?” Yalif asked.

  “Um, well, I’m not really sure. While visiting Lumid, to greet Raven and Orvi, I noticed that I can’t see nearly as far as before. Linithion wanted me to see if it could be because of malnutrition or if this is permanent.”

  “How good was your eyesight before?” Yalif took a seat across from her.

  “I could see farther than Lumid, but I couldn’t see through atmospheres and such as well as he could.”

  “Really?” Yalif’s eyes widened with surprise. “That is an unusual gift. I am honestly not sure what would have caused your eyesight to be different in this body. It could be from malnutrition, lack of use, or any number of things.”

  “I figured that would be your answer. I just wish I knew what all else was different in this body.” When Yalif didn’t say anything, Zelia decided to ask the other question that had been bothering her. “I know you’ve been spending a lot of energy healing Yargo, but is there anything you can give me to help rebuild faster?”

  “I wondered when you would ask. My sister is working on something for you, she should have the first batch finished later tonight.”

  Zelia gave a slow nod as she appraised just how tired Yalif looked. His Elven glow was dimmer than normal and the shadows under his eyes had deepened since that morning. She wondered if the Hyperians didn’t notice because he and his sister were not like them, or if they did and just chose not to say anything. “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

  “No, I just need some rest. Thank you, though.” He studied her for a moment. “You want to know how Yargo is doing, don’t you?”

  Zelia gave a slight nod. Having grown up with Eadon, she knew most healers wouldn’t talk about their patients, so hadn’t bothered to ask. “I haven’t seen him since Xander stabbed him.”

  “You saw it?”

  “I’m the one who broke the spell Xander was using to suspend them, but it took me too long.” She thought back to the battle and what all had happened. Xander had frozen time around him and when he saw her, he had started another spell as he moved to kill Yargo. “I think he knew you would be able to heal him from that, that’s why he made me explode. Either that or he thought he could control me better in this body.”

  Yalif studied her for a moment. “If things hadn’t ended as quickly as they did, we wouldn’t have been able to save him or Eleanor. In fact, if it weren’t for Erolith neither of them would have made it here. As for how Yargo is doing now, we are waiting for his heart to heal the rest of the way before letting him wake up. He is just as stubborn as you are and would hurt himself if we let him get up now.”

  Zelia couldn’t help but smile a little. “I guess I know where I get it from then.”

  “Yes, it does seem to be genetic. Now go on, my sister will bring you her brew when she is done.”

  2

  Zelia woke the next morning to find a cup of purple liquid with a note on her bedside table. The note was written in Elven and read:

  ‘Drink this before breakfast. I know it tastes horrible, but it is the best thing we can make to help you. I suggest drinking it fast. The cooks will give you something to cleanse the taste before you eat.’

  “Oh, I read about this,” Linithion said as she swirled the liquid in the cup. “It is a fruit that we couldn’t get to grow on Mineria. It is fantastic for rebuilding muscle.”

  “Bottoms up then.” Zelia took the glass and drank it in one long draw. She shuddered as soon as she swallowed the last of it. Not only was it bitter, but it was slimy with little fibers floating in it. The drink left a thick coat of gunk in her mouth. She ran her tongue across her teeth in hopes of scraping the slime and taste from her mouth. “Please tell me I don’t need to drink that more than once.”

  “I wish I could,” Linithion said.

  The amusement in Linithion’s tone drew Zelia’s attention and she glared, but that’s all it took for Linithion to break out laughing.

  “I’m sorry. Really,” Linithion said between sweet little giggles. “I know it tastes horrible, but your expression…”

  Zel
ia couldn’t help but smile. She hadn’t realized she’d made a face, but given the taste, it wasn’t surprising.

  A knock disrupted Linithion’s laugh long enough for them to hear Rogath. “You two better not be having a pillow fight without me.”

  “Of course not Rog, we leave that to you and Terik,” Zelia said.

  “Mhm. Well, Mother sent me for you as it is almost time for breakfast.”

  “We’ll be there as soon as we get dressed,” Linithion said and sighed as she opened the armoire.

  Breakfast went as expected with Yargo still missing from the breakfast table. Zivu told each of them what the plan was for their day, and asked Zelia to let her know how the dragons were settling in. Even Tregar must have known Zivu would press her to see the dragons, as he waited for her in the hall, her cloak in hand.

  “Good morning,” Orvi said as Zelia entered a huge building that she did not recall seeing before.

  “Good morning Orvi. Linithion will be practicing magic at the pavilion down the hill if you would like to watch.”

  “Really?” Orvi asked and darted outside.

  “I take it you wanted to speak alone.” Amusement laced Raven’s tone.

  “I wanted to explain why I left you the way I did.”

  “I said that you don’t need to do that.”

  “No, I do. I just… I need to talk.”

  Raven settled down in a way that silently invited Zelia to sit under the warmth of her wing. “Then I will listen.”

  Zelia settled down against Raven’s smooth, broad scales.

  “When I left you, I was lost. I didn’t know if I had anyone to go back to, but I never would have forgiven myself if I hadn’t tried to save Alrindel. I was terrified that the wizards would capture or use me again. Actually, part of me still is, even though they are all dead.

  “I knew you would be safe if I left you on Dragon Island… I never should have let Kafthry and Keller come. Maybe Keller would still be alive if I hadn’t given in, in my rush to get to the mainland. Of course, I don’t think I would have made it there without their help.”

  “And Kafthry wouldn’t have met Saria,” Raven said. “Everything happens for a reason, remove one piece and everything changes. Besides, the past is the past and each of us must learn to move forward. Yes, the past helped make us who we are today, but it does not define what we do tomorrow.”

  “But it does. My purpose has changed, but I’m still not in control of my own fate.”

  “Then what is it that you want to do?”

  “I don’t know. I’m just tired of fighting, but this is what Linithion wants to do and I can’t let her face it alone. I can’t stand by and watch the Fenari kill everyone around me.”

  “How often do you think the wizards have actually had to fight?”

  “I don’t know. I really only recall them fighting in the war with the Darkans.”

  “How do you think Xander had enough time to scheme up everything that has happened? Zelia, the existence of the guild, the dragon riders, and the other safeguards have always been enough to keep beings from other realms away. They tested them in the beginning, but that was several thousand years ago. That is why you don’t know of them fighting anything off.”

  “But with most of them gone, won’t they try again?”

  “More than likely, which is why Linithion will need you by her side.”

  “And I you.”

  Raven seemed to smile down their bond. “And you shall have me, but perhaps you should go study as Linithion seems to have a bit of a head start on you.”

  “It’s not a competition, but you’re probably right. Just call for me if you or Orvi need anything.”

  “I will.”

  Zelia spent the rest of the day on the bed, surrounded by Tregar’s books. Occasionally she’d set them to the side and do the stretches Yalif instructed her to do and wonder what Linithion was doing.

  3

  That night, Zelia saw the warriors on Mineria again and she made herself study the warrior’s features in hopes of Zivu being able to tell who it was. She’d been too fixated on the strange blue skin, tails, and wide eyes of the Fenari to describe the warriors. Now, her stomach turned at the thought of searing another dead man’s face into her memory, but knew she had to if they were going to save him. Whatever Zivu had done thus far hadn’t been enough to change the vision, but if they could send reinforcements to that area, perhaps then they could change the fate of this fight.

  Anger rose within her as she wondered what Zivu had done to try and prevent this as not a single thing had changed, even the bodies of his fallen companions were in the same positions.

  “Zelia. You need to wake up.” Linithion’s voice tugged Zelia from her dream.

  “You shouldn’t have woken me up,” Zelia snapped and regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth. Their blankets crunched as Linithion clenched her fist and it was then that Zelia noticed the thin layer of frost that covered their blanket and pillows.

  “You were using your powers in your sleep,” Linithion said with a forced even tone, her words clipped as she kept her own emotions in check.

  “I—I’m,” Zelia stammered. She forced herself to take a deep breath and calm the emotions that lingered from the dream. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. I was having another dream about the warriors.” She absently trailed a finger across their blanket and melted the frost, their bedding left cold and damp. “I was frustrated and must have reached for my powers without realizing it.”

  “I’ll get Zivu.” Linithion let out a long sigh and left the room.

  What have I done? I could have hurt Linithion. She hugged her knees to her chest.

  There was a soft knock on the open door. “May I come in?” Rogath asked.

  “Yes.”

  Rogath gestured to the bed as he entered. “Mind if I dry it the rest of the way?”

  Zelia shrugged and a warm breeze that smelled of spring ruffled the edges of the blanket before Rogath sat next to her. “I saw what happened. If you ever need to talk, I’m here. I know I wasn’t there for you after Eleanor ripped through your mind, but I’m here now. No matter how far away or close you are.”

  “Did you see my dream?”

  “No, I don’t generally see them. Why?”

  “Could you look into my memory of it and see if you recognize any of the warriors?”

  “Maybe. Just close your eyes and think about the dream.”

  She let out a long breath and when she closed her eyes the dream played around her, only this time Rogath’s presence floated beside her within the vision.

  “It’s Rengal.”

  The warrior glanced at them and Rogath’s hold on the dream slipped, and cast them back to the present.

  “Why did he look at us? He never turned towards me in the dreams.”

  It wasn’t until then that she registered that Zivu and Linithion stood at the foot of the bed.

  “Rengal’s a dream walker, but why would a vision of the future react like that?”

  “He heard you in the dream?” Zivu asked and Rogath nodded. Zivu said nothing more as she shook her head and walked from the room.

  “Where is she going?” Linithion asked.

  “To see Lumid,” Rogath said it as though struck with a realization, and then he ran from the room.

  “What’s?” Linithion pointed after Rogath.

  “Grab our cloaks. It must be happening now.”

  “Raven, we need a lift.”

  Zelia felt what seemed like a yawn come down her bond to Raven before she heard, “Coming.”

  By the time they had their cloaks and boots on, Raven perched precariously on the edge of their balcony.

  “Where’s Orvi?” Linithion asked. “Never mind.”

  “I take it she answered?” Zelia asked as Linithion helped her climb onto Raven.

  “She’s just below. I don’t think she’s ready to take a rider just yet.”

  “Just as well, I don’t think I
’m ready to ride on my own.”

  “You’ve already made impressive strides, it won’t be too much longer.” As they reached the beginning of the bridge, Linithion pointed ahead, “Is that Rog and Terik?”

  Zelia stared at the two figures who ran ahead of them and nodded. It was in fact the boys and they both carried weapons. A moment after they disappeared out of sight the bridge activated and Zelia felt Rogath’s presence shift into the distance.

  “They left, didn’t they?”

  “Yes.” Zelia groaned her response. When she’d wanted to send backup, she hadn’t meant them.

  Raven seemed to understand her desire to go after them and sped up. They barely skidded to a stop as they entered Lumid’s home. Zivu stood ready to go after her sons when Orvi slammed into them and pushed them into the blinding light with Zivu.

  Zelia braced to hit the unforgiving marble floor as they fell from Raven, and hit powdery snow instead. She rolled to a stop a few feet from the rune covered sword Rengal had tried to get to in those previous dreams.

  “Let me go!” Terik screamed and Zelia turned just in time to see him stab a rune covered dagger into the arm of one of the Fenari. Blue blood dripped in the snow, but they didn’t let go.

  A swirl of darkness enveloped them, and they disappeared, Terik with them. Zivu drew some of those sparkling runes in the air. When the darkness faded Zivu fell to her knees, and just stared at the place her eldest son had just been.

  The sight of the loss and defeat so clearly written on Zivu’s face soured Zelia’s stomach. Zelia made herself turn and search for Rogath. He was near, she could feel his shock vibrating down their bond. He was on the far side of the tree, a dead Fenari sprawled at his feet. He stood staring at the place Terik had just been, much the same as his mother.

  Rengal lay in the snow, blood seeping between his fingers as he clutched his side. Snow sprayed as Linithion slid to a stop beside him. She didn’t hesitate as she cut off a chunk of her cloak and pressed it against his wound.

  That left Rogath to her. With a long, slow breath to calm her own nerves, Zelia walked to him.