NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: THE ESSENCE OF FIRE
CHAPTER 3 : "THE ESSENCE OF FIRE"
The clang of hammering echoed through Valerian Kingdom's arsenal, a rhythmic accompaniment to King Valtor's labored breathing. His ample frame trembled with each step, as he inspected the machinery of war, the scent of hot metal and sweat hanging heavy in the air.
"Mangonels, Ballistae, Scorpions, and Trebuchets," he panted, eyes gleaming with conquest. "Will these suffice to bring Kyrovia to its knees?"
His chief engineer, a stoic figure with a scar above his left eyebrow, bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, our arsenal will reduce their strongholds to ashes. The Mangonels' crushing force, the Ballistae's precision, the Scorpions' rapid-fire capability, and the Trebuchets' unstoppable siege power"
Valtor's gaze wandered across the arsenal, his mind consumed by visions of victory. His fleshy face split into a greedy grin, the folds of his chin trembling with excitement.
"Reportedly, Kyrovia's prince possesses... unusual abilities," the engineer ventured, his tone cautious. "Rumors speak of unexplained strength and speed."
Valtor's grin faltered, his brow furrowing. "We will crush him, and his kingdom, beneath our heel."
******
Thrain lay on his bed, surrounded by the warmth of the fading afternoon. His candle clock, with its carefully marked increments, showed three, the sun's rays still casting a golden glow through the windows.
Sleep eluded him, his mind racing with the day's events. The fight with Hitel and Cormac, the flames that didn't harm him, the maids' awestruck faces and the faint voice in his head swirled in his thoughts.
As he stared at the ceiling, memories of his confrontation with his brothers flooded his mind.
—-
Thrain's gaze remained unwavering, his voice low and even. "Leave."
The flames that had erupted around him dissipated as abruptly as they began. Hitel and Cormac retreated hastily, the maids fleeing in their wake.
Thrain stood alone, the fading embers casting an eerie glow on his face. His thoughts churned, seeking explanations for the enigmatic forces stirring within him.
"Thrain..."
A faint voice pierced the silence, calling out his name at the precise moment his unpredictable powers still lingered, simmering beneath the surface, powers he struggled to comprehend and control.
—-
Thrain rose from his bed, shaking off the tumultuous thoughts. "Maybe I'm just overthinking and starting to hallucinate. I need some fresh air."
He stepped outside, into the twilight shadows. The fading light cast long silhouettes across the grounds.
As he walked, his mind returned to the sudden surge of his powers since Ryker's passing. The memory stung, yet a spark of hope flickered within. Perhaps Ryker's death was the catalyst for his awakening.
"Look, it's the young prince," nearby maids whispered.
Thrain's ears perked up.
"Young Prince? What happened to the loser?" he thought, noticing the shift in title.
"I heard he beat his brothers without any ability," one maid said.
"And they were using their abilities and weapons," another added.
Thrain smiled inwardly. "Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it feels good being talked about this way."
He continued toward his favorite retreat, a rugged rock outcropping where he often climbed to clear his mind.
Unbeknownst to Thrain, an eagle-like bird with resplendent red, golden, and purple plumes swooped silently behind him. Its piercing gaze followed Thrain's every step, its majestic wings beating softly to keep pace.
—-
Thrain settled into his favorite spot on the rock, letting out a contented sigh. "Ahh, that feels so good."
The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers, and the rock's cool surface cradled his weary body. The soothing sounds of nature, rustling leaves, chirping insects, and distant birdsong – enveloped him, a calming melody.
As he closed his eyes, the tension in his shoulders began to unravel. The peacefulness of the moment washed over him, temporarily erasing the turmoil of his thoughts.
The eagle-like bird, still watching from a discreet distance, adjusted its perch, its vibrant plumes ruffling softly in the breeze. Its gaze remained fixed on Thrain, an air of quiet vigilance surrounding its majestic form.
Thrain started thinking clearly now, with his head no longer hurting about what's been happening. Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, he heard:
"Child..."
A woman's voice resounded, its tone commanding reverence, like a goddess speaking from the heavens.
Thrain immediately jumped to his feet, but his haste betrayed him. He tripped and injured himself slightly, yet he swiftly regained his balance.
"Who said that!" he exclaimed, his eyes scanning the surroundings, searching for the source of the majestic voice.
Thrain's gaze swept the area, but there was no sign of the woman. His eyes landed on a majestic eagle perched on a nearby branch, its radiant plumage glowing in the fading light.
"A beautiful eagle," he thought, "but eagles aren't typically seen around here. What brings this stranger?"
He shifted his focus, scanning the surroundings once more for the mysterious woman.
Then, the voice spoke again, its timbre resonant and authoritative:
"I am the eagle you beheld, child."
Flames erupted around the eagle, engulfing its form in a blaze of radiant light. The bird's silhouette expanded, its majestic wings spreading wide as the fire danced across its feathers. The intensity forced Thrain to shield his eyes, the brilliance piercing.
Fear gripped him, unsure what ancient power or beast stood before him. Instinct screamed to flee, yet his legs remained rooted. Something about the eagle's demeanor stayed his retreat, a sense that it didn't intend harm, only sought communication.
As Thrain's vision adjusted, he stole glances at the fiery spectacle. Beneath the fear, awe blossomed. The flames, rather than consuming the eagle, seemed to emanate from its very being. Iridescent hues of orange, gold, and crimson swirled in mesmerizing patterns.
The eagle's beauty, even amidst the inferno, captivated Thrain. He had never beheld anything so breathtaking. The flames, rather than destructive, appeared almost... elegant.
With a mix of trepidation and fascination, Thrain stood frozen, awaiting the eagle's next move.
...
"I am the essence of flame, the spirit of transformation, and the symbol of eternal renewal. You know me as the Phoenix, a being of ancient power and wisdom."
Her voice was like a warm ember, radiating gentle heat and comfort, yet commanding reverence and awe. Each word carried weight, as if spoken from the heart of the flames.
"Child, do not fear. I have watched you, Thrain, and seen the spark within you. Your inner fire burns bright, drawing my attention and earning my regard."
The Phoenix's gaze burned with an inner light, her voice weaving a spell of tranquility and wonder. Thrain felt his fear dissipate, replaced by a deep sense of respect and awe.
Thrain's mind raced with questions, but before he could voice a single one, the Phoenix anticipated his inquiry.
"Can she hear my thoughts?" he wondered, a shiver running down his spine.
The Phoenix's gaze locked onto his, her eyes burning with an inner fire. "Yes, child, I can hear your thoughts," she replied, her voice gentle yet piercing.
Thrain's fear spiked, his mind reeling at the invasion of his private thoughts.
The Phoenix sensed his discomfort, her expression softening. "I see it unsettles you. Fear not, child. I shall withdraw from your mind. My presence within your thoughts will cease, for now."
With an almost imperceptible nod, the Phoenix's gaze released its hold on Thrain's mind. The sudden silence within his thoughts was a relief, and Thrain felt his tension ease, replaced by a mix of wonder and curiosity.
Thrain's uncertainty was palpable as he struggled to find the right words. Should he speak or show deference? The Phoenix's divine aura left him hesitant, fearful of unintended offense.
With a deep breath, he chose humility, sinking to one knee. His eyes cast downward, he spoke in reverent tones:
"Great and revered Phoenix, I am but a humble servant. What purpose brings you to my presence?"
His words barely above a whisper, Thrain awaited the Phoenix's response.
The Phoenix's gaze settled upon him, her voice like a gentle breeze on a summer's day.
"I have come with a warning."