Fire Born, page 15
“Oh, please.” Gillian sneered at the man he was forced to call his brother-in-law. “Even the King’s mighty Royal Supreme couldn’t find her! She’s been taken! I know she has.”
Phoenix hissed, glancing furiously at the Sephora, who, to Phoenix, seemed to stare upon both men in curiosity. He didn’t know how he knew that was so, he just did.
The Royal Supreme had looked for Aurelie – well, the soldiers that were posted near Phoenix had. Not a single clue to her disappearance had been found. It was concerning, for he needed the alliance that Gillian would bring, and the army that he possessed.
It was utterly frustrating. Aurelie must be found, but Phoenix would much prefer for his weakness to not be displayed in front of men who could destroy them with a single swipe. They certainly held enough skill to do so. It appeared Gillian’s fear, on the other hand, had slowly dwindled, as these men weren’t with them to kill.
Phoenix narrowed his eyes, boring his long fingernails into his pale flesh. His anger left behind tainted marks on the palm of his hands. Surely Gillian didn’t believe such a pathetic myth. The Faeries didn’t truly come in the night and steal young maidens away. A man who believed in such tripe held a pathetic excuse of a mind. Phoenix looked upon him in disdain.
Gillian huffed, shuffling on his long legs. He had always been a superstitious man. “She’s been taken. I heard her screams. They were only of terror.”
And perhaps they were, as Phoenix had heard them himself. He was no stranger to the terrible, but even he, Phoenix Volun, felt much worry about the prospect of his sister facing a fight for her life. She was of high pedigree. Aurelie didn’t deserve such a fate.
“Do you mean the Faeries?” Gian said. Even though his face was covered, the excitement that was expressed couldn’t be more visible. He bounced on his toes, thrilled at the thought of meeting a creature that possessed much beauty.
“Yes, what do you know of them, Assassin?” Gillian asked, his body trembling with nerves.
“They eat babies and steal pretty women.”
Phoenix bit his lip, barely resisting the temptation to scoff in derision. He feared that he were to display such a behaviour, the young assassin would be insulted. That was the last thing he wanted to do, as the men were as dangerous as the blades they carried. Nobody wished to fall upon one of them – even suicide would make a more favourable option.
“Gian,” huffed James. “I think they’ll be mighty insulted if they knew of your beliefs.”
Gian rolled his eyes. His Master was always such a downer. He never believed in the thought of upholding traditions or celebrating certain myths that formed great stories over time. It was all rather dull.
He sighed. “Master James,” he said. “I don’t think they will be. It’s highly unlikely. Anyway, if the stories are true, wouldn’t they be more offended if someone was spreading lies?”
James shook his head, the black cloak shifting.
“For all we know, they mightn’t be real,” James said with a slight tilt of his head.
Phoenix stared in surprise, for to him, in this exact moment, they appeared to be normal.
“You might not believe in them, but I do,” huffed Gillian.
“Gillian,” snapped Phoenix, “We’ll find my sister. I can promise you that. But right now, our focus is on the war agreement between the crown and the Black Temple. Concentrate on the important factors, please.”
Gillian scowled. Phoenix had done hardly anything to recover and find his wife. While he didn’t love Aurelie, his social status would gradually decline the longer she was missing. Ultimately, enough time would pass that their marriage would be split.
Aurelie would take everything, leaving him with nothing. He knew Phoenix would prefer that, but the man currently needed his men. And as long as that remained, he was safe. Finding his wife before the rebellion was crushed could only be his highest priority. Perhaps he should refuse to send his soldiers, should Phoenix need a little reminder about the loss of his sister. Perhaps the threat of his family reputation falling would be enough to worry the bastard.
Gillian bitterly scowled, eyeing the two Sephoras in suspicion. Despite the assassin cloaked in grey only being a young age, that didn’t lessen the danger they were in. Gillian hadn’t even arrived in the study for a meeting with the Sephora. He knew nothing of it.
“The Ministry will have to grant you and the King an appeal if you wish to hire us. It’s not as easy as you might think. We’re servants of the Serpent God. And we must serve him, if he doesn’t agree with this, you will not have our help.”
Phoenix thought it to be utterly ridiculous, and he had to rely on the strange opinion of a man who didn’t exist. Death was the end of all things, that much was true, but he certainly didn’t believe in death being a Serpent that flew up in the clouds, demanding atonement to all those who had fought him mercilessly. He frowned, as the thought of defying death was puzzling. How could such a thing be done?
“I see,” Phoenix said aloud. “I understand.” Although he clearly did not. These men were strange, as he had expected. They were assassins, men who knew nothing of passion but only death. It was a desolate lifestyle, and Phoenix would rather die than join such a cult.
Phoenix had never been a believer in the Gods, for not once had they smiled back at him. No beaming light of prosperity to send him on his way to joy. Such a thing as beautiful as that had never occurred.
He could only pray.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Glena knew her son wasn’t home most of the time, but she knew not where he went. She wasn’t quite so sure that she wanted to know the truth of his current location. No, his secrets would remain exactly that. Perhaps it would be better off for them both in the long run. She knew her son was a mess; the truth of it was clear enough to see.
She smiled at Lily, her new consistent companion. The girl had spent most of her days with Glena over the past week or so, mostly due to her sour attitude when she gazed upon Lord Doreen. Glena knew not why this had occurred, but as Lily’s infatuation slowly faded, relief or sadness couldn’t be decided upon. Love was a rare emotion to be found, and Glena prayed the Gods hadn’t destroyed sweet little Lily’s chances.
“My Lady,” Lily said, ”are you sure this is a good idea? I’ve never known you to travel to the market. It mightn’t be safe.”
Glena sighed. “Don’t be silly, Lily. I used to attend all the time before Edgar...”
She cleared her throat from the pain that seemed to constrict around her very soul. “Before Edgar controlled my life completely,” she finished. “Child, if you ever fall in love, make sure it’s true. No matter the man, peasant or elite alike. We’re all human in the end, right down to the bone.”
Lily seemed surprised. “I would’ve thought you’d disapprove of such a thing,” she said. “I’m the butcher’s daughter. I can’t afford to fall in love with a noble. Neither can anyone else who doesn’t have a father that is a Lord.”
Glena nodded, for it was true. Society had always been rather harsh on those who carried little money and no titles. “I never used to believe in prejudice against those with no money. My father despised me for it. And Edgar, well, he made sure it looked like I believed in such snobbery.”
Lily giggled, and her bright blue eyes lit up in delight. “My Lady, most wouldn’t consider it to be snobbery!”
Glena smirked. “But it’s the truth nonetheless.”
Lily turned her gaze to the old, wooden carriage that would carry them both. It was a delight to travel with her Lady, especially when it involved the markets. But she couldn’t help but feel like a fool, for underneath Glena’s mask stood a kind woman who adored all those who possessed flesh and bone.
She nodded somewhat reluctantly. Lily was not the type to disagree with her Mistress.
“My Lady, your son mightn’t agree with this adventure of ours,” she said.
Glena huffed, outraged at the prospect of needing to ask her son for permission if she desired this and that. Nothing could be worse than that, it was a form of slavery that wouldn’t be condoned. Glena was utterly disappointed that Lily thought she was so shallow.
Lily jumped into the old wooden carriage, attempting to run from the scathing glare that she knew was being directed her way. The seat was uncomfortable, old wood and no pillow for comfort. She feared Lady Glena wouldn’t be impressed. The carriage had no roof, and all could be seen, including the vast country hills.
It was a beautiful sight, and even Glena admired it now and again. The old stone walls were just as marvellous, ancient but sturdy. The forest lingered beyond the hills, towering up and into the clouds. An endless spiral of green.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it, Lily?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Lily said. It seemed as if the great giant trees were whispering to one another, and even from a distance that could easily be miles, they would still be heard.
Glena had always admired them, while her husband was convinced they’d be much better off as firewood. Aidan didn’t hold much of an opinion on them at all, and perhaps the beauty of the woodland was the only thing Chen and her mother had agreed upon. There certainly wasn’t anything else they shared. The two women were completely different, and nothing could change that.
“The Sephora can walk through them blindfolded, or so they say. It’s rumoured that walking through the Fie Woodlands is a training session. They must memorise the land, of course.”
“My Lady, would that even be possible?” Lily asked tentatively. “Most of the legends surrounding the Sephora are faulty at best. I know so! My grandmother told me plenty of them, and mostly all of them make little sense within the mind. Sometimes you can’t trust a story. You can never be sure whether it’s a lie or a truth, so father claims. I don’t know much; I’m only a girl. If I agreed with such stories, I’d be believing silly tales like the Ten Lives. And that’s the most ludicrous of them all. I’m not a fool. I doubt they can walk through the woods blindfolded.”
Lily froze, her bright blue eyes widening in barely concealed fear. “Please forgive me. I-I fear I’ve spoken too much.”
Glena smiled softly. “No, my dear, you haven’t. Every word you spoke was the truth. I cannot judge you harshly for that.”
“Thank you!” Lily gasped. “I-I, I’ve never met a noble like you, my Lady. You’re so kind.”
“Now, child,” Glena said kindly. “You mustn’t be so harsh on yourself. We’re both blood and bone. I dare say our blood looks exactly the same. I could never quite understand the belief that nobles had superior blood when it is all the same in essence. But maybe that’s just me...”
Lily didn’t quite know what to say to such a thing. She was speechless, and rightfully so, for her whole world had been turned on her head. Not a single thing made sense. It seemed Glena Doreen, the woman who casually wore a frown as if it was a fashion statement, thought all humans were equal. And surely that couldn’t be? It simply didn’t add up. Was the world that easy after all?
Glena took Lily’s trembling little hand into her own.
“Now,” said Lady Doreen, looking upon the young maid with fascination. “Tell me all about this... Ten Lives. I’ve never heard of it. Another Sephora tale? One of a dastardly romance? A scandal perhaps? Pray, do tell!”
“My Lady,” laughed Lily. “I’m afraid it’s not that interesting.”
“Yes,” huffed she. “Well, I’ll decide on that.” The demand was met with silence, for Lily didn’t even know where to begin. The story was long and slightly delusional, even to those who truly believed in such legends. Lily had always loved magic, but not to that extent. For in the eyes of a Sephora, death was simply a passage of right.
“The Sephora believe that the Gods were all that used to be,” she began, “and from that, we are their descendants. As the blood of the Gods run through our veins, we’re given the gift of reincarnation. some, although very rarely, possess magic.
“The Sephora are convinced we live our ten lives, and each has a certain lesson before we can ascend to the heavens. Love, passion, strength, betrayal, honour, deception, truth, mercy, poverty, and wealth. They mean much to the Sephora. On the final life, the unofficial eleventh, the children are given to the Sephora to be trained as servants of death. All Sephora’s are taught to greet death with wide arms, ready to be taken home. Riding upon the light, as they say. She’s supposed to be their passage and path.”
Glena gaped in disbelief. “She?” she asked in bewilderment. The story was truly fascinating; something about it chilled her to the bone. As if the Gods were responding to a call that meant more than she knew. She couldn’t help but wonder if humanity were the servants of death at the end of all things to come. And if so, were all humans normal?
“The light,” whispered Lily. “She is the life of all of us. The essence that lives within our very soul. They say she is born every few thousand years, from fire and light. The child of the Serpent. But don’t worry, my Lady, it’s but a myth.”
“I’ve never heard a story quite like that,” murmured Glena. This was surprising, far more than it should be. Glena had heard many stories from her mother as a child, and plenty of them had surrounded a forbidden love of a Sephora and that of a noble Andriis Lady. Of course, most were tales and held no sense of reality to them whatsoever. And while mostly everyone knew this, a few citizens of the realm chose to believe it was real. That, however, was primarily due to an overactive imagination.
“It’s a fascinating myth,” said Lily, “far more exciting than the others. That’s for sure.”
Glena couldn’t disagree upon that, for it was the most thrilling tale she’d been told.
The mere prospect of magic and wonderment never ceased to be amazing. Glena knew it wasn’t real, and the disappointment was far from surprising. Believing in that particular myth would be similar to having faith in the rumour that the Valeens were born from Siren Blood.
Glena was absolutely sure her mother would’ve informed her if they were descended from the beasts that rode the waves, living amongst the sharks and numerous dolphins. Undoubtedly, the red eyes came from somewhere else. It simply couldn’t be.
Lily and Glena were jolted back to reality as the carriage began to pick up speed, the winter wind sweeping through their hair. Tugging and pulling, it was far colder than Glena was used to. Lily, however, didn’t seem to share this opinion, for she knew the cold well enough, as she didn’t possess the money required to keep warm. Her very own brother had died from the chill last year simply because he didn’t have enough clothing.
“I doubt we’ll all end up being assassins,” muttered Glena. “I certainly don’t have the heart for it.”
Lily laughed, for it was very much true. Although she’d always believed Lady Glena to be a typical noble, the Lady had never allowed her to think that she possessed the heart of a murderer. She was kind, perhaps a little strict, but such emotions had been taught to her as a child.
She smiled at Lady Doreen. “No,” she said. “I don’t possess the mind for it either. I don’t think I ever could; the idea is utterly horrendous.”
Glena nodded. “It’s a shame,” she whispered. “I can’t say the same for my son.”
“You believe he would be capable of such acts?” asked Lily in shock, though she knew Glena was telling the truth. She remembered the cold look of hatred in the man’s eyes as he bruised his father with fists of what looked to be iron. In those eyes, the serpent coiled, constricting around all that was good. Glena didn’t quite know how to live in a world where her son no longer existed.
“Yes,” she murmured, “I think he is very capable.” That broke her heart, for what kind of mother wished such a fate for their beloved child?
Maybe it should’ve been Aidan she sent away. Glena had never forgiven Chen for her sinful acts of lust, but she held no abhorrence within her heart. From the day she was born, only a sweet little smile had gifted her perfectly plump lips. But as she grew, it became clear to Glena that her darling daughter wasn’t as perfect as she’d liked her to be. Chen was a rebel, and in the worst of ways. She drank alcohol as much as her father did, but in the end, she was still standing. Those eyes, they would glitter ever so mischievously, alighted with the news of her new prank that seemed to have worked. The worst Glena could remember was when little Chen had pushed her brother down the well. It took them hours to find the mortified boy. Such wretchedness in a girl of perfectly crafted innocence!
Glena sighed in relief as she saw the city streets in the distance. The tall towering buildings of Shiaan were littered with life. She adored the great green vines that covered all that could be seen, the vibrant white flowers that lived upon the glowing green grapes. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and nobody could disagree with that! Glena had admired Shiaan as a child, and well into her adulthood. It was, after all, a marvellous place to be. As a young girl, she’d once been convinced the citizens sung in the streets when the days were warm, and all were happy.
