The Phoenix soul: A legend Arises

Chapter 17 "Midnight summons"

The night air was crisp as Thrain and Daelan walked across the castle grounds, their footsteps crunching on the gravel path. The darkness was only broken by the soft glow of torches scattered throughout the courtyard.

Thrain's curiosity broke the silence. "Why the throne room? I thought it was destroyed. And why at night? Who summons someone under the cover of darkness?"

Daelan's stride remained unhurried, his silver eyes glinting with amusement. "You mean you destroyed it," he mocked, his tone laced with sarcasm. "And, yes, it's been repaired already. The king's patience wears thin. He wants to settle matters with you once and for all."

Thrain's gaze narrowed. "What matters?"

Daelan's smile hinted at secrets untold. "You'll soon find out."

As they approached the castle's central keep, the imposing structure loomed before them. The throne room's grand entrance came into view, its heavy wooden doors adorned with the kingdom's crest. Torches flickered, casting shadows on the stone façade.

Their destination was near, and Thrain's unease grew with each step. "What awaited him within?"

….

Daelan's voice remained casual, but his words carried weight. "So, Thrain, you possess the blue flames, and I've heard rumors of wings – an extension of your flames, yet seemingly with a mind of their own."

Thrain shot Daelan a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. "You're well-informed."

Daelan's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "I make it a habit to stay informed."

As they approached the throne room, Thrain's pace slowed. "We have a lot to discuss," he said, his tone low and even.

The guards, resplendent in their formal attire, stood at attention beside the grand entrance. With a synchronized bow, they pushed open the heavy wooden doors, revealing the opulent throne room.

The king, seated upon his throne, commanded attention. His piercing gaze locked onto Thrain, and the air thickened with anticipation.

"Enter," the king's deep voice resonated through the chamber.

Thrain stepped forward, Daelan at his side. The doors closed behind them with a soft thud, enveloping them in the throne room's charged atmosphere.

—-

King Arin's piercing gaze shifted, his eyes boring into Daelan for a brief, weighted moment, a silent reprimand for not following protocol. Then, his attention returned to Thrain.

"Thrain, you have been summoned to answer for the unprecedented chaos you unleashed upon our kingdom. Your destruction of the throne room and significant portions of the castle has left us without precedent. No enemy, foreign or domestic, has ever breached our walls in such a manner. As a result, no punishment has been ordained for such an offense, and thus, it shall be set aside... for now."

The king's expression turned stern. "However, the damage to civilian homes will not go unchecked. You will provide compensation for the destroyed properties. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the calamity, a fact for which we are eternally grateful."

King Arin's eyes narrowed. "Witnesses, including myself, attest that your Pyrope mode was awakened, and you lost control. To prevent future catastrophes, you will be sent to the Academy, where instructors will guide you in mastering your power."

The king's voice took on a grave tone. "...Your refusal to depart and subsequent combat with my guards warrants severe punishment," King Arin declared, his voice stern. "By law, disobeying my command and resisting the king's guard is punishable by death or lifelong imprisonment."

The councilors exchanged uneasy glances, their faces pale. They knew the standard penalty all too well. However, the king's next words surprised them.

"However, considering the circumstances... I have commuted your sentence to 10,000 lashes."

The room fell silent. The councilors' eyes darted toward each other, their expressions a mixture of shock and understanding. They knew the king's mercy was a rare occurrence, especially given Thrain's actions. The unspoken truth hung in the air: the king's son had been spared the ultimate punishment due to his lineage.

Daelan's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his expression neutral, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of relief. The king's advisors and councilors, however, remained silent, their faces masks of obedience. No one dared question the king's judgment, especially when his temper was frayed.

The tension was palpable as the guards moved to secure Thrain to the frame. His wrists and ankles were bound, his torn clothing offering no resistance. The king's decree would be carried out, and Thrain would face the painful consequences of his actions.

The silence was broken only by the soft rustling of fabric and the quiet murmurs of the councilors, their whispers indistinguishable. King Arin's gaze lingered on Thrain, his expression unyielding.

"Let this serve as a reminder: our kingdom will not tolerate defiance. Your Pyrope power will be harnessed, and your actions will be held accountable."

Two burly guards stepped forward, each wielding a peculiar whip with five short, braided tails. The air seemed to thicken as they cracked the whips, the sound echoing through the chamber. Thrain's sentence: 10,000 lashes. But with two whips, the true tally would be 100,000 searing strikes, leaving no inch of his back unscathed.

The king knew of this, but it was better than death.

"Begin," the king commanded, his gaze unwavering.

The guards positioned themselves on either side of Thrain, their faces expressionless. The first guard raised his whip, and with a swift, powerful motion, struck Thrain's exposed back. The crack of the whip echoed through the room, followed by the sickening sound of flesh meeting leather.

The punishment had commenced. Ten thousand lashes awaited Thrain, a daunting prospect that seemed to stretch on forever. The guards would show no mercy, their swings precise and relentless.

Thrain's body tensed, bracing for the agony to come. His jaw clenched, determined to endure the ordeal.

The whipping continued, each strike a testament to the kingdom's unyielding justice. The sound of the whip, the guards' rhythmic grunts, and Thrain's stifled gasps filled the chamber.

Daelan watched, his expression unreadable, as the king's decree was carried out. The councilors and advisors stood witness, their faces somber, yet silent.

The night wore on, the only sound the relentless whip cracks, each one etching a painful reminder into Thrain's flesh: defiance would not be tolerated.

Lynx shifted uncomfortably, surrounded by the Bijins in the dimly lit room. The air was heavy with tension, all eyes fixed on him.

"So, erm, what's up, ladies?" Lynx ventured, attempting a careless tone.

The Bijins responded by laying down, their gazes deliberately avoiding him. An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

Suddenly, the Bijins' serene expressions contorted in unison. They screamed, clutching their backs as if struck by an invisible force.

Lynx leapt to his feet, eyes wide with alarm. "What's wrong?!"

The Bijins' agonized cries echoed through the room, their bodies writhing in anguish.

____

The Bijins' screams subsided as abruptly as they began. They rose to their feet, confusion etched on their faces.

"What just happened?" Lynx asked, still alarm-ridden.

Akane rubbed her back, wincing. "I have no idea. I've never experienced anything like that before. It was as if... five lashes struck me all at once."

Hikari nodded vigorously. "Exactly the same here! The pain was intense, and it still lingers."

Emiri massaged her lower back. "I feel it too. Tiny jolts, like residual pain."

The three Bijins exchanged concerned glances.

"This has never happened to all three of us simultaneously," Akane said, her brow furrowed. "It's unsettling."

Hikari paced the room. "Was it some sort of dark magic? A curse?"

Emiri shook her head. "I don't know, but I don't like it."

Lynx watched the Bijins, perplexed. "You're all experiencing the same thing? No idea what could've caused it?"

The Bijins' worried murmurs filled the room, their eyes darting toward each other, seeking answers that didn't come.

As the Bijins continued to discuss their mysterious pain, a sudden realization dawned on them.

"It's coming from... that direction." Akane pointed toward the throne room.

Hikari and Emiri nodded in agreement. "The pain seems to be originating from the same place."

Lynx's eyes widened as understanding struck him. "Thrain!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with alarm.

The Bijins looked at Lynx, confused. "What about Thrain?" Akane asked.

But Lynx didn't respond. Instead, he sprang into action, dashing toward the door.

"Something's happening!" he shouted, before bursting out of the room.

However, his progress was swiftly halted. A blast of flames from the guards outside sent Lynx stumbling backward, his clothes singed.

"Get back inside!" a guard growled, his face obscured by a helmet.

Lynx retreated, his eyes burning with concern for Thrain. The Bijins surrounded him, anxious.

"What's going on, Lynx?" Hikari asked.

Lynx's gaze locked onto the door. "Thrain's in trouble. I have to get to him."

Lynx's words hung in the air, met with skepticism from the Bijins.

"Thrain?" Akane raised an eyebrow. "What does he have to do with this?"

Hikari shook her head. "It doesn't make sense."

Emiri frowned. "But at the same time... I don't have a better explanation."

The Bijins exchanged uncertain glances. They didn't understand the connection Lynx was suggesting, but they couldn't shake off the feeling that their pain was linked to Thrain.

Lynx's conviction only grew stronger. "I know it sounds crazy, but I'm telling you, it's Thrain. Something's happening to him."

The Bijins' silence spoke volumes – they were unconvinced, yet unable to offer an alternative explanation.

The Bijins formed a semi-circle around Lynx, their eyes blazing with determination. "Get up, we'll help"

Lynx cracked his knuckles, a fierce grin spreading across his face.

"Together, we'll save Thrain!"

Akane, Hikari, Emiri, and Lynx assumed fighting stances, ready to face the guards.