Phoenix of Hope: Complete Series — Books 1-4

by Zora Marie

  “Hm. Most of them are just earthen through there, so I might know which one. Just keep in mind that we might be walking into a hornet’s nest if it’s not the right one. Or perhaps even if it is.”

  “Can you describe where Raven should go?”

  “There’s a clearing we can land in a little way south of where you had Lumid drop you guys off. We’ll have to go on foot from there. Are you up for that?”

  Zelia shrugged. “I’ll have to be.”

  12

  They managed to walk for about fifteen minutes before they heard the distinct sound of a Darkan’s warning call. Zelia may have been concerned, if she hadn’t been able to hear Raven’s wing beats somewhere above them.

  “How good is your Darkan?” Zelia asked.

  “It’s a little rusty, but I can manage.”

  “Great, ask to speak to the elder Darkan who knows the common tongue.”

  Loboran negotiated with a Darkan hidden somewhere in the woods ahead.

  “He says that we’ll have to give up our weapons, but they’ll give them back when we leave.”

  “They kept their word last time, but I’m kind of relying on the staff to walk…”

  “You shouldn’t let yourself become reliant on it.”

  “I know. I’m using it too much, but even without the magic I’ve been leaning on it.”

  “Then when they come, give up the dagger in your boot and I’ll ask them to let you keep the staff.”

  Four Darkans came down the path. Though they held the hilts of their swords, they did not draw them. Loboran unbuckled his sword belt and wrapped the belt around the sword. Zelia leaned heavily on her staff as she pulled the dagger from her boot and gave it to Loboran. When he handed the weapons over, the Darkan pointed at her staff and rambled something off.

  Zelia couldn’t help but fidget as Loboran and the Darkan bickered back and forth for several minutes.

  “Just tell him that I’ll give up the staff when we get to the tunnel, but he can’t touch it. It’ll hurt him, so we’ll have to put it in something.”

  The Darkan glared at her but agreed. So, she and Loboran followed their escorts down the path. It didn’t take them long to get to the tunnel mouth. That same Darkan stepped into their path, his arms crossed. Zelia was tempted to run her finger across the healing rune one last time before giving it up, but Loboran was right. She’d let herself become too reliant on it already.

  Loboran slung off his pack and opened it for her to drop the staff inside. He gave her that look again, the one full of warning and concern. Not because of the Darkans, but because he knew what tempted her.

  She collapsed the staff with a flick of her wrist and dropped it in. The Darkan seemed satisfied that she had kept her word to give it up, but troubled that she now leaned heavily on Loboran’s arm.

  The Darkan said something and Loboran looked at her. “He wants to know if you need a walking stick.”

  “I’ll be fine, as long as you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. I can carry you if you need.”

  “I’m fine for the moment.” It was easier to lean on Loboran than use the staff.

  The Darkan nodded at Loboran’s response and lit a small torch for them to see by before heading into the tunnel. Zelia was relieved when they finally reached the small stone cavern and a familiar old Darkan greeted her.

  “Zelia, come, sit.”

  The Darkan who had taken their weapons and offered her a walking stick rattled something off to the older Darkan.

  “Why are you always hurt when you visit me?” The Darkan held a hint of amusement in his tone as he settled down in his stone chair, his feet naturally settling in the hollows on the floor.

  “Well, it’s not just you. You know I never did get your name.”

  “You were… troubled when we last met. I’m glad you seem at least a little better in that regard. And you may call me Draksen. So, why have you come to visit me?”

  “I have a proposal for you that could be beneficial for your people, but it doesn’t come without risks.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “The Fenari are preparing to attack and the Elves are the only ones prepared. I’ve convinced Prince Connan to make rune weapons, but he doesn’t have enough people to forge weapons and mine ore.”

  “You want my people to mine the ore.”

  “There’s no light in the mines unless they light lanterns and you would be welcome to extinguish them. Connan has agreed to provide bedding, food, and water for fifty Darkans in exchange for help.”

  “What happens when he has enough ore?”

  “I’m hoping that with time that he will see that not all of your people are bad and that the working relationship is mutually beneficial. Your people would no longer have to suffer from light exposure to get food and Connan’s people can spend their time making goods from the materials.”

  “We tried relying on the light skinned Elves long ago when this all began, how will this be any different? What is to keep them from attacking us after what some of my kin did to his people?”

  “I would personally check on you and your people from time to time and he has given his word that you will be safe so long as you do not attack them. I ask that you consider the risks and that you choose whom to send, if you decide to go forward with it. Connan will expect you in two days.”

  “Will we be allowed to keep our arms to protect ourselves?”

  “Yes, but please don’t go into this expecting a fight. If they do try to take your weapons, ask them to send me a message.”

  “And where will you be?”

  “I’m staying in the Drakeon Empire.”

  “Why are you staying there? King Erolith is a stubborn old fool and will not see the merit in this agreement you have made.”

  “Princess Linithion is my soulmate. I stay there for her.”

  “I see. Just watch yourself with him. He can be… rather set in his ways.”

  Zelia nodded. “So, you’ll consider this proposal?”

  “I told you before that we’re desperate. My kin in the Darkan Mountains threw away thousands of lives for Xander’s promises. What is fifty on a plan that may actually work. I’ll have a group on their way by nightfall.”

  “Just, make sure someone knows the common tongue.”

  “I’ll go with them. I would not send someone into a situation that I would not put myself in. Though I will say that I will not be much help when it comes to mining. These old bones do not move so well anymore.”

  “Being able to communicate is just as important as mining.”

  Draksen smiled and Zelia had a feeling that he didn’t make the gesture very often. She knew that feeling, she had spent too many years not smiling, not finding joy in the little things. Of course, with the war against the Fenari coming, there would be fewer smiles all around if they couldn’t get everyone to prepare.

  “I can tell that you have other matters that need your attention. Do not worry about us, we can handle ourselves.”

  “Thank you, Draksen.”

  “No, thank you for seeking solutions for us.” Draksen turned to the Darkans who had led them there and rattled something off to them. “You may have your staff back now. I do not see a point in keeping it from you.”

  As they descended into the Drakeon Empire, they watched Erolith pace between buildings. Orvi watched him from the clearing, her head tracking his movements.

  “What’s wrong?” Raven asked the young dragon.

  “Linithion went with Rogath and Erolith is, well…” She continued to watch him go.

  “She did what?”

  “She didn’t feel Rog could succeed on his own. They left shortly after you did last night. She knew you would disapprove.”

  Raven landed and Erolith marched up to them. “Did she tell you what she was planning?”

  “Do you think I would have left if I had known?”

  “Wait… she left?” Loboran scanned the buildings, as though he could
see through them to where they might be. “Where’s Starling?”

  “He managed to go with them, but…” Erolith sighed and reined in his anger with a deep breath. “If they are not back by tomorrow morning we’ll go after them.”

  “Why not go now?”

  “Because we risk revealing them if we go now, but if they are not back by tomorrow then they are in more danger if we do not go. Please tell me you have good news.”

  Zelia chewed her lip. She wanted to drop everything and go after Linithion right then, but Erolith knew more about the Fenari than she did. Still, she felt sick at the thought of Linithion being there without her. “I do and I would like to tell both you and Eleanor, together.”

  “Alright. We were planning to meet this evening, but I can send a request to talk sooner.”

  “Would you?”

  “Yes.” Erolith looked her up and down. “I want you to go see Donavain and I will send someone for you when Eleanor is available.” He turned and walked away before she could give a response, leaving her and Loboran alone in the snow.

  “Was he like this while we were gone?” Zelia asked.

  “No. He was worried, but not like this.”

  13

  Zelia fidgeted as she worked through the various stretches Donavain insisted she do. What if something happens to Linithion because we decided to wait? What if I just get in the way? Her thoughts ran rampant as she struggled to do some of the mundane exercises. What good would I be in a fight like this?

  “Zelia, I need you to focus,” Donavain said. “I know you have a lot going on right now, but you’re pushing yourself too much. I don’t want you to take the pernion juice in the morning. You’re straining your muscles too much right now to be building them this fast. You could set your mobility and range of motion back for months, or even years.”

  “What? I don’t even have a day, Donavain. If Linithion isn’t back by tomorrow morning,” she shook her head to clear the thoughts of all the horrible things that could go wrong. “I have to be ready.”

  Donavain sighed and sat in a chair across from her. “No one is ever ready to face them, but your ability to use magic has not been altered by your new body. For now, let us help you with the physical stuff until your body is ready. I spoke with Loboran and Starling before you left yesterday, the two of them would bend over backwards to help you, so let them. I can tell you didn’t while you were gone and that has already set you back.”

  “Fine.” Zelia sank back in her own chair. She hated relying on others. She had refused Loboran’s help because she needed to keep up the façade around Connan and his people, but Donavain was right, she needed to accept Loboran’s help.

  There was a knock at the door and at Donavain’s response, Loboran stepped in. “Erolith is ready. Would you like help getting there?”

  Zelia glanced at Donavain and the challenge in his gaze dared her to refuse Loboran’s help. She was tempted to, just because of that little rebellious streak she’d adopted from Rogath, but no. She couldn’t keep doing this if she wanted to help Linithion. “I would. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Loboran scooped her out of the chair and she could have sworn he winked at Donavain before heading out the door.

  Loboran set her down just outside the chamber. He knocked as Linithion had and opened the door for her. Erolith leaned over the pedestal. He glanced up to watch her shut the door.

  “Hello, dear,” Eleanor’s voice echoed faintly from the water in the pedestal. “Erolith says you wanted to talk with both of us.”

  “Yes. I’ve convinced Connan to make rune weapons in exchange for help, but he’ll need more food and other resources since they will all be forging and etching runes.”

  “I thought King Gregory had sent enough to get them through until harvesting time.”

  “He had from what I understand, but Connan will need supplies for the Darkans that I have arranged to help them mine the ore.”

  “You did what?”

  “Erolith,” Eleanor warned, “let her explain.”

  Zelia watched the muscle in Erolith’s jaw twitch.

  “I told you before I left for Dragon Island that I had met an older Darkan. He is choosing Darkans that he can trust to go with him to work with Connan. They will be there in two days.”

  “What makes you think this plan will work?” Erolith asked.

  “It is mutually beneficial for both the Dwarves and the Darkans. It was either that or Connan wasn’t going to make rune weapons. At least not for anyone but his own people.” Zelia turned her gaze to Eleanor’s image in the scrying bowl. “I was thinking that perhaps Koin could go talk with King Gregory since they seem to have gotten along well enough.”

  “Consider it done. I want both of you to focus on getting Linithion and the boys back. We cannot afford to lose any of them. Zelia, do you think you will be able to call to Rogath once you get there?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t control the connection, he does.”

  “I know, but you’ll need to try.”

  “I’d do anything to get them back here safely.” She could feel Erolith’s stare, but she chose not to meet his piercing gaze. She hoped he wasn’t thinking of that kiss she and Linithion had shared right before she left. “How are you and Eadon?”

  “We are fine. I should go speak with Koin so he can prepare to leave,” Eleanor paused to gauge the tension between them. “You two need to work things out before you leave. And Erolith, give the girls a chance. It is not like they chose to be soulmates.”

  Erolith let out a long sigh. “Are we still meeting this evening?”

  “No. You should use the time to teach Zelia basic shielding. I do want to speak in the morning…”

  The way Eleanor trailed off felt like she didn’t think Linithion, Rogath, and Starling could successfully save Terik and come back in one piece. But if they couldn’t, Zelia wasn’t sure what hope she had of helping them. She was more likely to get in the way than help at this point.

  Zelia could feel Erolith watching her as Eleanor’s image faded from the scrying bowl and she couldn’t help but fidget under his gaze. Erolith sighed and she finally lifted her gaze. For a moment he looked so… defeated. Worry and sadness filled his features, weighing him down. Then he straightened, his expression shifting back into that unreadable mask.

  “Eleanor is right. I have not been fair to you. If we get Linithion back, I will try to be more open minded.”

  “I understand why you don’t want her to be with me, but—”

  “No. Soulmates are soulmates. I should not try to keep you and Linithion apart. Now, how about you sit, before you collapse, and I’ll teach you the runes to make a shield.”

  Zelia sank down onto the floor as there were no seats in the room. The stone floor was cold and her heart ached at the realization that Erolith had said if, not when they got Linithion back.

  “Eroith, how am I supposed to help when I can hardly stand half the time? I’ll just be a hindrance.”

  “You are the only one here who can speak to any of them mind to mind. Without you we may not be able to locate them.”

  Zelia rubbed a hand over her face, to wipe away the worry and frustration that clawed at her. “Alright, then I’d better learn as much as I can. What’s first?”

  “We don’t have time for you to learn the root means and purposes behind each symbol, so make sure you don’t mix these up.” He drew a series of symbols in the air, the group started and ended with a triangle.

  “What happens if I don’t draw them correctly?”

  “It varies depending on how you mess them up. Most of the time messing this particular spell up just knocks you on your butt, which is part of why I wanted you to sit down. I would never have you practice something that could hurt you.”

  But you have. She knew he didn’t really have a choice that day, but the feeling of her powers ripping her apart that first time surfaced in her thoughts and she shuddered.

  “Zelia?” Ero
lith’s voice was soft, as though he knew what memory he had just triggered.

  “I’m fine.” She drew the runes in the air, and they pulsed for a moment, then fizzled out.

  “Hm. Not a bad start. Do you remember what I told Rogath about weaving energy from your surroundings into the rune?”

  She nodded. This time when she drew the rune, she let her energy separate from her. She made it pull threads of energy from the air and stone around her as she drew the rune in the air. It buzzed with energy and she turned it with her palm as Linithion had done. Linithion. She had to save her, get her back. That kiss couldn’t be their last. A domed shield of energy pulsed around her. Then expanded and pushed Erolith back across the smooth stone floor towards the wall.

  “Turn it off,” Erolith ordered, a hint of fear in his tone.

  She snapped her energy back to her. The act broke off the constant feed of energy to the shield and its growth stopped. “Sorry. I got distracted.” She turned the rune back right side up and the shield disappeared.

  “That’s you distracted? I have never seen anyone but the Fenari use their own energy to gather power that quickly. Eleanor was right not to teach you when you were little. Drawing that much power would have drawn too much attention.”

  “And now?”

  “We’re already headed into a war. Now it’s just a matter of whether or not we can get you ready for it in time.”

  “Linithion… before I left, she mentioned that the Fenari burn.”

  “Yes, they burn, but it has to be an extremely hot flame to do any good against them.”

  “Like the blasts I did at The Hold and dragon fire?”

  “Yes. That’s why a member of the guild didn’t need to be placed near the dragon riders. But we are not attacking the Fenari with Raven, she wouldn’t stand a chance in their realm where there are thousands of their magic users.”

  “And my powers?” she asked.

  “From what Saria told me, yes, I believe that would work. But that is a last resort. Especially one like you did when Eragon died.”