"The Obsidian Phoenix Chapters 1-5" by Ann Baker

THE OBSIDIAN PHOENIX

By Ann Baker

 

CHAPTER 1

 

 

 

The Northern Plains were beautiful in the summer.  The tall grass spread out like a cool green sea, crisp and fresh.

I crouched under a shady oak and studied the apprentice as he moved gracefully around the sparsely scattered stones and trees like a giant cat hunting his prey.  He was careful to remain undetected to the giant bear as he stalked it.  The beast was injured and would likely lash out if he went too close. 

I gave him a short whistle signaling him to stop.  He set an arrow and waited for my signal.  Another whistle and his arrow flew home.

I smiled inwardly.  I was proud at the progress he had made with my assistance.

 I approached the apprentice, still hunched in the tall grass.

“Perfect shot.  I’m impressed Jerrik,” I said, patting him on the back.  The arrow penetrated the beast’s hindquarter but was superficial.

“Your restraint is getting better,” I said.

“Getting better?  I would have said that shot was pretty close to perfect.”

I shook my head at the apprentice’s lack of humility.

“You’re good Jerrik, but don’t forget your place.  Arridor doesn’t welcome overconfidence from his students.”

He shook his head in agreement and remained silent.

“It’s important to be good, but when you’re as good as you think you are, it won’t matter who knows,”  I repeated Arridor’s words.  I had heard them many times.

“Go, take care of the bear.  I’ll watch your back.”

He raised an eyebrow and smiled.  He was about to speak but thought better of it.

He had a thing for me.  I knew the look, but I also knew nothing could happen between us.  It would be irresponsible of me, being the bowmaster’s daughter and assistant.

I watched him move as he walked away.  His sleeveless vest showed off his muscular arms.  A bowman’s arms, sleek and firm.  His golden hair blew in the wind as he reached down and pulled the drugged arrow from the sleeping bear.  He looked over his shoulder and smiled at me.  I motioned for him to get to busy.

He was meticulous with the care he gave and didn’t finish until the bear started to wake.  He grabbed his things and ran to where I stood.

“Good timing,” I said, trying not to sound overly praiseworthy.  “Were its wounds severe?”

“He’ll be up and around as soon as the drugs wear off.  His injuries were identical to all the others we’ve seen.” 

I shook my head.  “This is all wrong.  We’ve seen dozens of attacks over the past few weeks.”

 I caught myself pacing and stopped.  I chastised myself for my blatant show of emotion.  I was worried and now he knew.

“Ghouls don’t usually attack the living.  What’s going on?” he asked.

“I’m not sure, but we need to find out.”

“Well I’ve seen enough ghouls lately to turn my hair white,” he said running his fingers through his hair, revealing his pointed Elven ears.

“Are you making fun of me?”  I asked.  He was referring to my lack of Elven features.  I was born with stark white hair and was not an elf by any stretch of the imagination.

“No.  No, I like your hair.”  He reached out to touch the long braid at my back. 

“Don’t touch, if you want to keep your fingers.”  

He pulled his hand back.

“Focus on the task at hand Jerrik.  Focus,” I said looking him in the eye.

He looked away, drew his longbow, and pretended to inspect it, not wanting to meet my eyes. 
“I’m sorry.  I was out of line,” he said.

I nodded.  I understood his feelings.  We had been on this training mission for three weeks.  An apprentice could spend months at a time out on training sessions.  The craving for companionship could become overwhelming sometimes, but focus was essential for survival. 

“We should go back, I feel uneasy about all the sightings and attacks.”

“I don’t think Arridor would be pleased with us returning a week early,” Jerrik said.

“He’ll understand.” 

He put his bow away.  “When do we leave?”

“Now,” I said.

“Why the sudden urgency?  Ghouls have always haunted the graves and crypts around here.” 

“Do you see any graves or crypts nearby?”  I asked, waving my hands around.

“No.”

“Someone is attempting to control them.  I don’t know who would do such a thing but monsters like that can only be controlled through the dark arts.”

“I say we go, now.”  The urgency in his voice now matched my own.

 

 

I led the way back to the White Forest.

I looked to the horizon.  It was getting dark and I did not have Jerrik’s superior Elven night sight.

“We aren’t going to make it home today, the sun has already set.”  We were still about an hour from the edge of the forest and six from the Elven village we called home.

 “You look worried,” Jerrik noted as he stretched his tired muscles.

He caught me pacing again, one hand on my sword and the other on my chin.  “I can’t shake this feeling.” 

He shrugged.  “What feeling?”

“I can’t explain.  My father and the elder mages need to know what’s happening out here.”  Everything about me told me there was evil nearby.  It tasted, smelled, felt evil.  The air was prickling.

“Should we rest here tonight?”  I knew he was trying to tell me he was tired but formed the question so I would not think he was weak. 

“We probably should.  Go find a tall tree to rest in for the night.”

 “I think this one will do nicely,” he said, pointing at the one over our heads.  “There’s room for both of us.”

“I’ll be over there.”  I pointed to a tree about a hundred feet away.  “Climb high, ghouls can jump.”

He looked uneasy.  “Why are you going over there?” 

“I’ll be within bowshot.  Just go high and try not to snore,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

He laughed.  “I don’t snore.”

“Yes you do.  I’ve been putting up with it for three weeks.”

“Well at least I don’t talk in my sleep,” he mumbled.

“What?  What do I talk about?”  I was curious.  I listened as he climbed the tree. 

“Usually about hunting monsters, sometimes you sing, but last night you were talking about me.”

  I couldn’t see his face but I hoped he was teasing.  If I denied it and he was speaking the truth, it would make me look evasive and insecure.  One does not usually dream of things that were not on their minds.  I couldn’t admit I had looked at him in that way.  I thought he was attractive but he was not my soul partner.  I hated courting when I knew it would go nowhere, although I didn’t think he would mind.

“I was probably frustrated with your longbow technique,” I said, covering myself in case it was true.

“No, actually it was something about my physique.”

  He loved making me uncomfortable.

“Physique, technique, you must have misheard.  Just go to sleep and keep out of arms reach.”

“Out of reach…of your arms or the ghouls?” he asked as I walked away.

Why am I always stuck with the good looking ones?  I said to myself as I walked away.  I wondered if my father was trying to set me up.

 

I found the tallest tree I could and climbed high.  I kept an eye on Jerrik as I removed the bow from my back and made a quick inspection.  The black obsidian sparkled in the moonlight.  The bow was given to me upon reaching certain milestones in my training.  The same was true of the sword I kept safe at my side.  They were sisters, bow, and blade.  Each engraved with a beautifully intricate phoenix and were made for only me.  Nobody else would be able to get the full potential from my magical weapons. 

I caressed the black obsidian as I cleaned it.  The longbow glowed with the magical fire it drew from my body, filling the carved phoenix with deep red.  It channeled the energy from within me. 

I had been able to control the element of fire for as long as I could remember.  It formed and bent to my will.  It flowed through me and into my sword and bow.  The fire was part of me just as the phoenix birthmark on my back.

My birthmark was amazing to see and occasionally too conspicuous.  I always wore clothing to conceal it, yet privately took pride in its possession.  The silver and black phoenix flowed from my shoulders down the curve of my spine and past my hips.  It was perfectly aligned with the curves and valleys of my back.  It marked an unknown heritage, one that had always made me wonder who I really was.  Except for my white hair and strangely silver and blue eyes, I appeared human, but I knew it was only part of who I was.

 

I put the bow in my lap and lay back in the tree.  When we arrive in the White Forest tomorrow, I would talk to my father and arrange a meeting with the elder mages.

  I loathed speaking with the council.  The mages never fully accepted my presence in the forest.  Their resistance had always been evident, lying beneath the surface of our every encounter. 

I remember the day I stumbled upon a kind elf in the Northern Plains.  I was alone and lost.  I hid and watched from behind an outcropping of rocks as he knelt next to a stream and drank.  His bow was at his back and his eyes were on his surroundings.  I had thought I’d seen elves before but none of them looked like him.  His long golden hair blew in the breeze, revealing his pointed ears.  He held himself with dignity. 

This man must be a king or prince, I had thought to myself.

His name was Arridor and he was kind and calm, not concerned with my heritage or appearance.  He called the elder mages to the edge of the forest and requested I be permitted into their home.  They always had the final decision when it came to matters of the forest.

“Arridor, you can’t bring her here!  She’s not an elf, the forest will kill her,” said the old withered elf.

“I feel something about her, she’s different,” Arridor objected.

“Different?  Yes, I can see.  She can’t be more than ten years old, Arridor, and her hair is as white as snow,” he exclaimed.  “And look at her eyes.”  He shivered.  “They pierce me to my very soul.  I don’t even think she’s human.”

“She’s just a little girl.  She’ll be coming with me into the forest and that’s final.”  He stood tall and was confident in his answer.

“Her blood will be on your hands,” the mage said with a red face.

“No, my blood is mine,” I said as the mage turned his back.

He turned and looked at me with disdain in his eyes.

I had made up my mind.  I had no memory of who I was before, but I knew I was going to do whatever I pleased now.

The mages walked away without protesting further.

Arridor sat on his knees and put his hands on my shoulders.  I looked into his deep blue eyes and could see his intentions.  I saw honesty and kindness; his eyes were full of love and compassion.  He took my hand and we started the preparations for my first encounter with the deadly forest. 

“The White Forest sings for us,” he explained.  “It’s deadly for all but the elves who live here.” 

“How am I to enter then, I don’t think I’m an elf?” 

He pointed at my heart.  “I feel something in you, and your will is strong.  You can do it, I know you can.”  His confidence was reassuring and his voice was magical.  It was like listening to a flowing stream of water.  I closed my eyes and let his voice wash over my soul. 

“Teach me to hear the music,” I whispered.

 

Two weeks went by before I was ready to penetrate the invisible boundary between the Northern Plains and the White Forest.  Arridor spent countless hours teaching me to focus.  He said focus would be important when we entered the forest.  He said it sang a tune for the elves.  One that made any outsider unwelcome.

                “The song is deadly, Sweetheart.  If you can’t focus and become one with it…it can kill you,” he warned.

His voice was as soft as silk.  “Are you ready?” 

I was eager to see my new home.  “Yes.” 

How could it be possible?  I thought to myself.  Trees don’t sing.  I had no idea the trial I would face.

I put my hands up to my ears as we entered the forest.

“The trees…are like…wind chimes,” I said to Arridor as we entered the glistening forest.  Each leaf glistened silvery white.  Like thousands of coins dangling off each branch.

“Yes, but you must focus.  We are just entering the forest.  It will get much more difficult to withstand,” he said.

“It’s…it’s … I’m…”  Was all I could say before falling to my knees in agony.  My head was throbbing.

I thought I must have been going insane.  It did not sound like music, it was chaos, and I felt it destroying my mind.

I thought to myself, this is what a banshee must sound like.

“Focus!  Feel the music!  Feel the harmony of the music.  Don’t block it out, let it flow through you,” Arridor pleaded as he looked into my eyes.

I took my hands off my ears and listened.  I focused on the music of the forest, and his eyes.  His eyes were penetrating and deep and so beautifully deep blue, like the sky at dusk.  The pain surged and I cried out to him.

  He put his arms around me and held me tight.  “It’s alright Sweetheart.  Focus.  Just focus,” he whispered.

I listened with my mind and heart and slowly I started hearing.  I came to understand that the forest did sing.  All forests had a song to sing, but this particular forest was a little more intense.  It played a magical symphony.

That day the White Forest became my home and Arridor became my Father.

 

I sat back in the tree losing myself in my childhood memories.

A loud noise brought me back to reality.  I looked toward the sounds. 

Two ghouls were beneath the tree that contained Jerrik, still sound asleep and snoring.

The monsters had not noticed me in the faraway tree.

                They twisted and stretched their gray, leathery bodies toward Jerrik but could not reach him.  He had climbed high enough to be out of reach of their long clawed fingers.  Their inhumanly wide mouths contained enough razor sharp teeth to tear the flesh from your body.  If you were lucky, you would die immediately.

They stopped for a moment and seemed to be considering their predicament.  Their mouths oozed with a mixture of diseased saliva and rotting flesh.  One bite from their kind could leave you horribly ill and disfigured. 

  I picked up my bow and set an arrow.  I put myself into the deepest shadow I could and let my arrow go. 

The smaller ghoul fell to the ground; the arrow penetrated its skull and protruded from its eye.  A bulbous mass sat atop the arrowhead. 

Shrieking filled the night.  The remaining ghoul was enraged.  It scanned the landscape, attempting to locate the source of its companion’s demise.

I looked across into the tree.  Jerrik was awake and on his feet.  I watched him set an arrow and pull back with all his strength.  The beast was too preoccupied to notice its impending death.

Jerrik stood over the ghoul with his bowstring stretched tight and aimed directly between his spread legs.  His movements were as fluid as the music that flowed through the forest.  I smiled at the comparison my mind had drawn.  He let loose his string and the ghoul froze.  The arrow penetrated the top of the ghoul’s skull and embedded itself into the monster’s body.  A shot I doubt anyone could repeat.

I looked for others as I jumped from the tree and met Jerrik halfway.  He seemed pleased with himself.

“That was impressive.”  I put aside my usual modest praise.

He stood tall.  “Thank you.”

“You can tell all your friends about it soon.  We leave now.” 

I knew he was still tired but we were fortunate that we were still in one piece.

“Are you ready?”  I asked

“Yes.” 

“Keep your bow out, don’t look back, and run.  We have company.”

 We could hear the ear piercing shrieks of the ghouls behind us.  I looked back and saw the grass parting as the ghouls cut a path through the plains.  I was grateful my father chose Jerrik for me to train on this mission.  He was fast and kept up without effort.  I knew he could outrun me, but he would never leave me behind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 2

 

 

 

We were deep within the safety of the White Forest within a few hours. 

The sentries had sent word ahead and Arridor was waiting for us at the edge of the village.

“Crimson, what’s wrong?”  He knew I would not have returned unless it was urgent.

“Father, we need to speak.” 

He took the black bow from my clenched hand. 

Jerrik bowed.  “Master Arridor.” 

Arridor nodded. “Jerrik.” 

“Jerrik, go home and rest.  You did well.  I’ll give my recommendations to Arridor,” I said.

He nodded to me and bowed a second time to my father.

“Come, Crimson.” 

My father led the way to the training room.  We would normally meet there after a training mission and discuss the apprentices’ performance, but today we had other matters to discuss.

He laid my bow on the large table.  “What’s wrong?” 

“Something evil is taking the land around the forest.  We were over a week out when we started to notice a large increase in ghoul signs.  They’ve been attacking live animals and travelers.”

He ran his hand through his golden hair.  “I don’t understand.  They usually prefer dead flesh.”

“Yes, I know, but I’m also concerned about their numbers.  Normally I see one or two in three months.  We were out there three weeks and have seen two dozen or more.”

“What?  How can this be?”  He seemed as confused as I was.   

I continued, “We camped in the trees last night and almost got eaten anyway.  Jerrik deserves commendation for the way he dealt with the situation.  He handled himself worthy of his teacher.”

He put his hand on mine.  “Are you alright?”

I shook my head.  “I’m just tired.”

“When did you sleep last?”

I took a deep breath and let it out.  “Two days.” 

“Go home; I’ll call a meeting with the council,” said my father.

I stood and straightened my leather jerkin.  “No Father, I’ll come with you.  They need to know the seriousness of what’s happening.”

He nodded his head in agreement.  “I guess it wouldn’t do much good to argue with you.”

“No, Father, not this time.” 

 

 

The council of mages greeted us an hour later.

The seven old elves sat around the moon-shaped marble table.  The displeasure of an early morning meeting evident on their faces.

“What seems to be the problem Master Arridor?”  The mage was gruff and seemed upset to have been bothered at such an early hour.

“Crimson and Jerrik just returned from the far side of the Northern Plains, and they were followed by a pack of ghouls.” 

I could hear grumbling among the mages. 

Arridor continued, “She said there were dozens of sightings in the three weeks they were out training.  They’re attacking the living animals and humans in broad daylight and are relentless in their hunger.”  

I stood beside him with my arms crossed.  I was proud to be his daughter.

The old mage pointed at me.  “May we speak to your student Arridor?”

“You know very well Crimson is not my student.  She has equaled my skill with the bow.  Give her the respect she deserves.”

The old mage was resistant to the idea of giving me title.  “Master Crimson, please, is all this accurate?” he grumbled.

“Yes.  We ran for nearly an hour before we entered the safety of the White Forest and another five to get here.  Something evil is at work here.”  I shook my head.  “I can’t shake the feeling that something horrible is about to happen.”  I tried to sound calm.

“True enough.  We have sensed something as well.  We have not been able to discover a source, but we are working on it.  We will be more vigilant.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Arridor.”

“Thank Crimson,” he said, pushing me forward.

He seemed reluctant to acknowledge my status.  “Hmm…Master Crimson, thank you.” 

My father and I bowed to the mages council, and walked out.

“Father, why did you do that?”  I asked.  

“Sweetheart, you’ve been an expert marksman for a very long time.  You were my youngest student ever to master the bow.  You deserve respect and honor.”

“I only want your respect, they don’t matter to me,” I said as we walked the path to our home.

“You have my respect.  None of my students have equaled your skill.” 

I smiled.  “You’re a brilliant teacher.” 

“So, Jerrik did well?” he asked.

“Yes, you would have been proud.  I’ll let him give you the details though.”

He glanced at me subtly and grinned.  “How did you two get along?”

“We got along great, but I have a feeling you tried to arrange something.” 

“What’s wrong with wanting to see your daughter happy?  Jerrik is a fine man.” 

“Yes, he is,” I said, “but he isn’t the one for me father.  I’m sure it would be nice but he would just be a fling.”

He seemed a little embarrassed.  “Crimson, you may not be a child anymore but I’m still your father; I don’t want to hear this.” 

“Father, thank you for your concern, but I’m a grown woman.  I may or may not find the one for me, but apparently have a long time to figure it out,” I said, referring to my age.  I was a hundred and one and did not look a day over twenty-five.

He put his arm around me.  “Sweetheart, you win, no more meddling.” 

“How is Alyssanna?” I asked.

“She’s been in her room for two weeks.  She’s up to something.”

I laughed.  “I’ll get to the bottom of it.”  She was a private person and if she did not want you to know something, you didn’t know.

He shook his head.  “I won’t be sending you out on any more training sessions until you’re done with your sword training.  It’s too dangerous out there right now.  Master Loma is getting impatient with me for keeping her student away for so long.”

“I’ll see her first thing.” 

He shook his head.  “No, tomorrow, after you rest.”

“Yes father.”  I put my arm around his waist.

“I love you daddy,” I whispered to keep my endearments private.  Some would think it odd for a woman of my age to call her father, daddy, but it expressed the warm feelings I had for him.  He didn’t mind either.  I think deep down he cherished the expression as much as I did.

He squeezed me tight.  “I love you too Sweetheart.”

 

Alyssanna was preparing breakfast when I walked through the door.

“Crimson, you’re back early!”  She was frantically preparing something for me to eat.

“Yes, I’m afraid so,” I said, subdued.

She walked over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.  “What’s wrong Sis?”  She held her hand over her nose and backed off.  “You need a bath.” 

“I’m tired.  I’m going to go get cleaned up, I’ll be out later.”  I didn’t tell her the truth.  It would just worry her.

She waved a spoon at me.  “I’m making something for you to eat.”

“Thanks.”

I cleaned up and was out in less than an hour.

“Here you go.  I made your favorite.”  She put a plate of sweet bread and honey in front of me.  

She stood next to the oven with a hand on her hip and watched me eat.  Alyssanna was beautiful and graceful, even in her cooking apron.  She wore her long black hair loose.  It flowed over her back and chest like an onyx river.  Her skin was as fair as mine was and her eyes were deep blue, the same as our father. 

I used to be envious of her when we were children.  I adored our father and resented that I had none of his blood in me.  I realize now that I have much more of him than I could ever have hoped.

She stood there, covered in flour with a frown on her lovely face.

“What?”  My mouth was full and muffled my words.

She threw her hands up in the air.  “No wonder you haven’t found a man.  You eat like a cow.” 

“I’ve found plenty of men Sis, they just can’t handle me.” 

“So, you and Jerrik didn’t get along?”

“I can’t believe you two!  There’s a line and I wouldn’t feel right crossing it.  When he is under my tutelage, he will remain that way.”  I paused to see her reaction.  I smiled.  “Maybe later when he is not under me, I can be under him.” 

She rolled her eyes at my crude humor and pointed the wooden spoon at me.  “Be serious Crimson, and don’t let father catch you talking like that.”

“Men are too intimidated by me.  They might be willing to spend time with me as long as they don’t have to look me in the eyes.”

“What are you talking about; you are a beautiful, smart, strong woman.”

“You forgot strange, disturbing, and not an elf.  That’s all they see.”

“You don’t need to find an elf you know.  There are plenty of places to go find human men.”

“Humans are even worse Alyssanna.  They’re more superstitious than elves.  They take one look at my back or look me in the eye and they run crying to their mothers.  Not to mention the age difference.”

“Yes, you’re silvery blue eyes can be intimidating.  I bet you can get a spell to change them though,” she said.

“Alyssanna, what kind of man would I find by hiding who I am?”  I was serious now and she was getting uncomfortable.

“Oh, stop.  You will find someone.  You just have to assert yourself properly.  Maybe I can give you some tips.”  

“I just don’t want to think about this right now.”  I pushed my plate away.

She threw her hands up.  “You win.”

“I’m going to lie down.  Don’t wake me till tomorrow morning.”

“You’re going to sleep for twenty-four hours?”

“I haven’t slept in two days and ran for six hours without stopping.  What do you think?”

“Have pleasant dreams Sis.”

“Thanks for the sweet bread and honey.”   

I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 3

 

 

 

I woke before dawn.  My father was gone and Alyssanna was still asleep.

I put on a sleeveless leather jerkin and a tunic, light bracers and greaves.  A marksman could never afford to lose mobility.  I didn’t expect to be in a fight, but trouble seemed to be on the horizon. 

I was feeling uneasy.  The forest was calling out to me.  The song never changes in the forest, just its tone, and there was an urgency to it now that begged for action.  I set out for the perimeter of the forest and walked to the place where Jerrik and I had entered the day before.  I found the sentries and took their reports.

“Any news?”  I asked the young woman who stood at the post.

She bowed.  “Master Crimson, we’ve spotted several ghouls and a large black dragon flew over a few hours ago.  We sent word to Arridor and the Council.”

“A dragon?”  I exclaimed.

“Yes, he seemed to be scouting.  Is something happening?” 

“Keep a sharp eye and don’t let your guard down.” 

“Yes, I’ll be vigilant.”  She bowed.

I made haste back to the village; I knew what kind of dragon was scouting overhead.  I had been in Shadow too many times to count and was fortunate enough not to run into any.  The shadow dragon was a beast of legend and feared by all.  They were able to move between the Shadow and the Prime and were able to move armies through en masse.

Not to be confused with the shadow that is cast when the sun strikes the earth.  Shadow is a strange yet wonderful place full of solitude and quiet.  Most people do not even believe it exists.  They are told that Shadow is a place of terrible horrors and monstrous beasts.  They are happy to have such things haunt their nightmares but not to believe in them.  I’ve spent enough time there to know there are just as many monsters living in this world, the world that shadow walkers call the Prime or solid plane. 

Shadow walkers are rare and nobody knows how or why they receive their abilities.  Being the freak that I am, I stepped into Shadow and looked around.

The forest was similar here but sang a different song, although equally deadly.  Here the song was lonely and mournful and it pleaded for me to stay every time I stepped back into the Prime.

  I looked up.

  Damn, I said to myself as the dragon circled overhead.

His black scales seemed to absorb the light around him.  His leathery wings spread out to an impressive sixty feet or more and his five horns formed a perfect diadem, which was fitting for the so-called king beast of the Shadow realm.  They were the most feared inhabitant of Shadow.  He looked down at me, his yellow glowing eyes locked onto me.  He whipped his long spiny tail in a show of his masculine prowess and let out a deafening roar.  He watched but did not attempt to penetrate the canopy.  He knew it would kill him. 

 I should have been more vigilant.  I was the only shadow walker in the forest and I had neglected my duty to keep watch over it.  The dragon soared over the White Forest.  He seemed to be looking for a way in or perhaps waiting for something to happen.

I ran back to the village and found my father as he was leaving the council of mages.  He looked strained and worried, not expressions that shown on my father’s face often.

“Father, what’s happening?”

He wouldn’t look me in the eyes; he knew I could read him well.  “I need you to go on a training mission Crimson.”

“I just got back from a training mission.  I’ve been out on missions for months now without a break and you’re going to send me out again?  Something is going on here father, and I’m being kept in the dark.  Would you send me away when I might be needed here?  That is a shadow dragon up there father.”  I pointed up at the sky.

He put his hands on my shoulders.  “Crimson, take your sword and bow.  Alyssanna has gathered your things for the trip.  Trevin will be guiding you to where you need to go.”

“Trevin?  Father, Trevin’s a mage not a guide.  Anyway, you know I’ve never needed anyone to help me find my way.  Just tell me where you need me to go.”

He lifted his eyes to mine and looked at me, knowing what I would see.  “Crimson, please accept that I know what’s best for you.  Sweetheart, I love you.  Now go, please, and say goodbye to your sister.  You may be gone for a while.”  I perceived worry and desperation in his eyes.

“Yes father.”  I hugged him tight and he squeezed me back.

 “I love you, Sweetheart.”

“I love you too, father,” I whispered.  I kissed his cheek and made my way back home.

 

Alyssanna was sitting in the kitchen waiting for me.

“Father’s sending me away again,” I said.

“I know.  He had me put your pack together.  He said to prepare your things for two weeks.”  She handed me my bags.

“He didn’t happen to tell you where I’d be going did he?” 

“No, not this time.  He’s been quiet about it.”

“He’s sending Trevin with me.”

She tilted her head and wrinkled her brow.  “Huh, odd.  Why would he do that?” 

“He said Trevin would be my guide.  Whatever that means.  Trevin couldn’t guide himself to the forest because there are too many trees in the way.  Something’s going on.  The only thing Trevin knows how to do is cast spells.  He’s a mage, not a guide.  Anyway when was the last time I needed to be guided anywhere?”  I asked.

“True.  You do seem to know how to find your way home.  Remember when I took you out to the falls and left you there?”

“Yeah I remember.  I had cut up all your new silks so I could make banners for my make-believe fortress.  You were so mad at me.”  I laughed.  “You blindfolded me, took me to the falls, and left me there, alone.  You were so cruel.”

“No, actually, you just thought I left you there.  I was following you the whole time.  I knew you’d never been there before so you’d be lost and scared.”

“I was never lost.”

“Well, sorry anyway Sis.”  She took a deep breath and put her hand on mine.

“It’s alright.  I learned something that day.”

“Oh you did?  It’s not like you couldn’t find your way back.”

“I learned how much your things meant to you, how much you valued your privacy and the lengths you’d go to so I’d learn a lesson.”

She smiled at me.  “You’re too smart for your own good.”  She took a deep breath.  “Please come back in one piece.  I don’t need my head maiden to show up all bloodied and bruised.”

“What?  Why didn’t you tell me sooner?  Does Father know?”  I asked.

“Tonight, Falwyn is asking father at dinner this evening.  We’ll be wed as soon as you return.”  She was radiating joy.

“I knew Falwyn was the one for you.”

“Oh?”

“Yes.  You know all the men in the village look at you with desire in their eyes Alyssanna.  Falwyn has always been different though.  He looks at you with great respect and deep heartfelt love.”

She shook her head.  “All that just from looking into someone’s eyes, you have strange abilities Crimson.” 

“If you look into someone’s eyes long enough you can even see the things they keep hidden.  Sometimes feelings or motivations even they didn’t realize they had.”  I looked at her in the eyes and smiled.

“You’re too serious sometimes, you know that?” 

I knew her heart well.  She and Falwyn would be very happy together.

“Well, I’ll be there Sis, as long as I can wear my armor,” I joked.

“You would too!  No, I have your gown almost completed.  It’s a beautiful shade of the palest blue and has silver accents.  It will match your eyes perfectly.”

“Great just what I need, a piece of clothing that draws out my most intimidating feature.”  We both laughed.

“Alyssanna I am happy for the two of you,” I said, hugging her.

“Hurry home Crimson.”  

 

                I stopped at a nearby wine seller on the way out and picked up the oldest bottle of Elven wine I could find, it was almost two hundred years old.  Elven wine aged well and it would be a wonderful gift from me to the newlywed couple.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 4

 

 

 

Trevin was waiting for me at the mages hall. 

He was an impatient old man.  “It’s about time.” 

He had put his long graying hair into a braid and changed from the traditional silver robes to travelers gear.

“Let’s go, Master Trevin.”

“We’re both masters of our skills Crimson.  Let’s dispense with the formalities.”  He was more appreciative of my skill and hard work, more so than the other mages.

I shook my head.  “Something’s happening and leaving now feels wrong.  I have a chill creeping through my spine and I can’t shake it.  I don’t suppose you can enlighten me?”

He started walking.  “No, we have our reasons.  You cannot be here right now.  We must go.” 

“Where?”

“Just follow me and keep an eye out.” 

“Keep an eye out?  You mean for things like that shadow dragon that’s flying overhead right now?”  I pointed up at the black beast.

“They can’t penetrate the forest.”  He was smiling, but I was not convinced that he believed it. 

I put my hands on my hips.  “That’s what you said about me, and here I am.”

He stopped and turned to look at me.  He nodded his head.  “True.”

 I didn’t feel good about this.

 

Trevin’s endurance and agility surprised me.  For an elf of his years, he was impressive.

  We arrived at the edge of the forest in about eight hours and noticed there had been attempted penetrations.  Ghoul bodies littered the ground around the perimeter. 

“Trevin, they’re testing our borders.  They’re going to find a way in.”

“Nonsense.  They’re just mindless beasts.”

“True, but who leads them?  Whoever keeps sending them obviously expects the forest to be open at some point or they wouldn’t keep trying.”

“We’ll camp here tonight, go give backup to the sentries.”  He changed the subject and ordered me away.

“What are you going to do?”  I asked.

“I’m an old man, I’m going to rest,” he grumbled.

I mumbled a curse under my breath as I walked away. 

I found the sentries a short distance to the north and took their reports.

The sentry greeted me.  “Master Crimson.”  She bowed.

                “Lystanya, good evening.”  I nodded.  “Do you have anything to report, besides the obvious?”  I pointed at the dead ghouls.

                “Nothing, it’s been quiet for the past hour or so.”  She tried to appear calm, but I could tell she was worried.

I sat with them for a few minutes before their shift change.  The young sentry didn’t have much to say and kept her eye sharp.  The sentries were trained well, my father was their teacher, and I had personally assisted most of their training.  

A sudden chill went up my spine.  I was being watched.  I quickly stood and pulled my sword turning to face the source of my ill feelings. 

“Damn you Jerrik.  You’re making my hair stand up, get over here where I can keep an eye on you.”  I sheathed my sword and sat down.

“I was just keeping watch.”  He tried to sound innocent.  He sat down next to me and made small talk.

“What are you doing out here?  Are you and Master Trevin doing something special?”

“If I knew, I’d tell you.  I’m being left in the dark.  Let’s talk about something else; this subject is just going to get me angry.”  I was already angry; I just didn’t want it to start to show.

“So, do you ever think about leaving the forest?  You know, go out adventuring?”  Jerrik asked.

I thought about Alyssanna’s suggestion to go outside the forest to find companionship.  “I hadn’t considered it seriously before, but lately I’ve been thinking about it.” 

“I think about it all the time.  What would you do?” 

“I’d thought about trying to find my real parents.  Not for their parenting skills, of course, but I’d like to know who I am or what I am.” 

“You could be part elf.  Not all elves have pointy ears.”  He pointed at his.

“No, I’m pretty sure I’m not an elf.”

He shrugged.

“That was an amazing shot yesterday,”  I said.

“Thank you, and thank you for the commendation.  Master Arridor was pleased.”

 I nodded.

Jerrik leaned in a little closer.  “Crimson, maybe we can go out adventuring together someday.”

“You still have years of training with the bow.  If you choose a second weapon maybe another ten or twenty after that.”

“You can teach the bow, you’re as good as your father.”

“No, it takes more than skill to teach, and there are attributes I lack.”

“Like what?” 

“Patience, for one.  I didn’t get my name for having a cheery disposition.”

“Good point.”

“Anyway, I’m still training with this.”  I pulled my obsidian longsword and watched him smile.  Its shiny black surface reflected the moonlight.  It was three and a half feet of pure deadly beauty.  The phoenix carved into it filled with my inner fire and glowed a deep red.  I held the sword out and noted his reaction.  He was enjoying watching me. 

“Why did you decide to train with the sword?  A bow master is already trained with a long dagger,” he asked.

“When I realized I was going to live longer than the average non-elf, I figured I would further my training.” 

“Why did the smiths make that particular bow and blade?  I mean, I know I’ll get my own bow soon, but yours is different than the others.”
                “  Because, I need to be able to do this.”  I lifted the phoenix sword and let the flames flow through me and engulf it. 

“You’ve seen me use it before.”

“I know.  I just love watching you do it.  It’s beautiful.” 

I put my sword back into its scabbard and shook my head.  “Are you flirting with me?”

“Of course.  You’re a beautiful woman.”

I started thinking about what Alyssanna and my father had been saying.  I needed to find some friends.

“It doesn’t bother you that I’m not an elf?”

“No, but I’m a little intimidated that you’re three inches taller than me and can light me on fire if I get you mad.” 

“Not to mention the Phoenix on my back, right?”

“Well, yes, there’s that, but I was never the type to let fear or intimidation decide my path.”

“Wise philosophy.” 

He shook his head in agreement.

I took a deep breath.  “I need an escort to my sister’s wedding.  Would you like to come with me?”

“Alyssanna’s getting married?”

“Yes, as soon as I return from this farce of a mission.”

“Are you asking me on a date?”  He was pleased with himself.

“I need to look my best, why settle when I can have you as my escort?”  I teased his ego.

He raised an eyebrow.  “Will you be wearing a dress?” 

“Of course, and I expect you to behave.” 

“That’s not what you said in your sleep.”  He scanned the forest as he spoke.

“What did I say exactly?”

He’s bluffing, I thought.

  “About a week ago we were sleeping in the plains and I heard you call my name.  I thought you needed help and I came to you immediately.  You said…”  He was blushing.

“I said what?”

“You said ‘that feels so good, kiss me Jerrik, kiss me hard’.”  He was trying to speak in my voice and made it sound sordid. 

“You didn’t try to wake me?”

“Are you kidding?  Your father told me to never wake you while you’re dreaming.” 

My father had attempted to wake me from a nightmare once and I had lit the room on fire.

“Yeah, I tend to act out when waking from…intense dreams.”

“Maybe I should have tried then.  I would’ve liked to see you act out on that one.”

“We’re going to stop talking about this now.”  This was not the time or place for this particular conversation. 

 I glanced over at the sleeping mage.  He rolled over and mumbled something.

“Do you really think we’re being kept in the dark about something?”  Jerrik asked.

“Yes, but supposedly for our own good.”

“Well, at least the company is acceptable.”  He was still flirting.

“Trevin and I move out in the morning.” 

Jerrik looked disappointed.

“I’ll keep watch with you tonight.”  I stood and moved over a few feet to find better footing and have a decent vantage point should something happen.

He smiled and nodded.

I wasn’t sure about courting him.  He was much younger than I was, but when you live a long life, what does age matter.  He was about fifty years old and I was double his age.  By the elves standards, he was just slightly old enough to date seriously.  Some elves didn’t date until they reached my age or older. 

On the other hand, he was handsome.  His light blonde hair and sky blue eyes were captivating.  I had seen him in action over the past few weeks and was impressed by his prowess with the bow.  Years of practice had given him the sleek, trim, and muscular physique, which turned many young girls’ heads.  Most importantly, his honesty was refreshing.  He admitted to being intimidated, yet was still willing to get to know me. 

“Why are you staring at me like that?” 

I’m doing a lot of that lately, I thought to myself.  I was losing focus more often and revealing my thoughts through my actions.

“Would you ask me that question if I were any other woman?”  I crossed my arms defensively.

“Probably not.  I just didn’t expect it from you.”  His ego was about to explode.

I was embarrassed.  “I’m going to scout the Shadow.  I’ll be right back.” 

I slipped into the Shadow plane and noticed the dragon.  I was sure that I was the one he followed. 

“So anything interesting in there?”  Jerrik asked as I came back to the Prime.

“Just a giant, black shadow dragon,” I said silencing any more questions he might have had.

We stood vigilant for the rest of the night, me wondering why the dragon wanted me, and Jerrik wondering if I wanted him. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 5

 

 

 

“Good morning you two.”

“Good morning Trevin.  Did you sleep well?”  I asked

“No, we should be going now.”  He threw his pack over his shoulder and walked away.

“I’ll see you when I get back,” I said to Jerrik.

“I can hardly wait.”  He winked at me as I walked away.

Trevin looked irritated as he led the way south.

 

We walked along the border of the forest for almost twelve hours before Trevin decided to make camp.  The forest was huge and we stopped at every post to gather information.  It was the same everywhere we went.  The ghouls are being used to test the perimeter and the dragon circled overhead wherever Trevin and I went.

“The dragon wants me Trevin, doesn’t it?” 

He tried to appear innocent.  “Why are you asking me?” 

I moved into his path and forced him to face me.  “Trevin would you give me an answer and not another question.” 

“No,” he shook his head, “I can’t answer what I don’t know.”

“Not good enough Trevin.  You’re keeping something important from me, and now it may be too late.” 

He tried to step around me and I moved back in his path.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Don’t you feel it?  Something’s wrong.”  I was angry and I was warming up.  I had been having a hard time controlling my anger lately and with my anger came the fire.

“Trevin, don’t you feel something in the air, or hear something strange?  You’re a mage why can’t you feel it?” 

“What do you sense child, tell me.”

“My skin is clammy, I feel like throwing up, and the song has changed.”  I was panicking.

“Changed how?  It sounds the same to me.”

“It’s the same song Trevin, but it’s getting quieter.”  A sudden realization made his eyes grow.

“I’m going back.”  I turned to run.  It would be hours before I made it back.

“No don’t, you can’t!” he yelled.

 “You can’t stop me.”  Instinctively the flames appeared on my clenched fists.

He stepped in front of me, started mumbling something, and put his hands up.  I froze in Trevin’s magical hold. 

“Yes I can,” he said.

“How long can you keep that up?  You need to sleep sometime and I will find a way.  If we’re trying to hide, our efforts are fruitless anyway.  Surely the dragon knows who he follows and once he’s eaten you I’ll be free to go anyway.”  I painted a mental picture that Trevin could not deny. 

Trevin lowered his hands and dropped his magical hold.

“Please stay here.  There’s nothing you can do Crimson.  You’ll be needed but not now,” he pleaded.

“What are you talking about?  Tell me now, no more secrets!”  I yelled.  The flames grew hotter on my hands.  It didn’t take much to get me angry and I was getting to my breaking point.

I stepped closer to him, not meaning to intimidate him, but my body language spoke for me.  I looked into his eyes.  “I’ll know if you lie to me Trevin.  The truth, now!”

“The time drakes, they came to us after you and Arridor left yesterday.  You know how cryptic they are.  Some say they’re prophets, but you and I both know what they are.”

“Yes, a group of busybodies who don’t have anything better to do than wreak havoc in our lives.”

“Yes, well…they prophesied to the council and we decided to send you away.”  He paused; perhaps thinking what he revealed would be enough.

“Out with it, Trevin!”  I shouted.

He sighed in defeat.  “The drakes said that the four pieces of the Obsidian Phoenix would become one and destroy the Dark One.”

“The same Dark One that I’ve heard tales about for the past eighty years?  The one wiping out villages and destroying families?  I thought he was a myth.  Nobody I’ve ever known in a hundred years has ever seen anything to do with him.”

Trevin shrugged. “He leaves nobody to talk.” 

                “You knew he was real and didn’t try to stop him?  How many lives have been lost over the past eighty years because of our inaction?”  I yelled.

                “He’s been invincible, not leaving one single survivor.  Do you think us fools?”

                I closed my eyes and calmed myself. “What else did they say?”

“The drakes taunted him with the knowledge of his demise at your hand and now he seeks to kill you.”

“By my hand?  What kind of nonsense is this?  I can’t believe it.”

“It’s true, and the Dark One is actively seeking you whether you believe it or not.  The time drakes have made you a target.”

“What manner of beast is the Dark One?”

“I don’t know, they didn’t say.”

“But there aren’t four pieces; I have a bow and a sword.  Where are the other two?”
“  I don’t know, but…what were her exact words?” he said to himself.

 

                                                                “Four pieces become one

By the ring the bow will sing

                                                                By the bow all will see

                                                                The darkness becomes light

                                                                By the blade end to night”

 

“What?”  I looked at him in disbelief.  The time drakes were cryptic indeed.  They also found it necessary to make a game out of other people’s lives.

“She didn’t bother to explain.  She ended by saying that the Dark One would be brought to his end by the Blade of the Obsidian Phoenix.”

I started pacing.  “I have the blade, I have the bow…what do I do?”  I asked with my hands on my head. “I can’t sit back and watch my life destroyed.”  I pulled my sword and the flames from my hand engulfed the blade.

“I don’t know.  They said there would be four pieces, that’s why you were sent away.  The collection isn’t complete, and none of the smiths have been working on anything that could resemble a third or fourth piece.”

“Trevin, I’m not going to hide like a coward.  I’m going back; it may already be too late.” 

The mage raised his hands again but instead of casting his hold spell, he mumbled something else.

“Go; be at it with all haste, and please be careful.”