I was so very tired. I knew I wouldn’t last much longer in either worlds.
Before I drifted off completely I heard Jayson’s quiet laugh again; this time it was laced with sadness.
“I wish you had Kieran,” he said. “I wish you had.”
Chapter Nine
The next morning literally flew by. Last night was a blur in my head as we travelled all day through the air; flying fast and in formation. I tried to remember what had happened last night, what had been said between Kieran and Jayson, but bits of the conversation were missing so eventually I gave up.
I had never before realised how difficult flying was. Keeping pace with the others was exhausting. We flew constantly and by the time we stopped and made camp all I wanted to do was collapse and just sleep off my pains.
But I had things to do. As Nik said last night; it was my turn to hunt.
So while everyone else finished sorting our half-a-star accommodation, Jayson and I set off into the air in search of our next meal.
I spotted it northeast of a huge lake at the base of a valley.
With my sharp vision I could see the animals feeding on the few blades of grass that weren’t covered in snow. It was more isolated at the base of the valley and the trees there swayed in the chilling breeze. Some animals drank from the water that lapped gently against the muddy bank. It was the brave creatures that dared the shallows of the lake, the ones at the greatest disadvantage, that were my opportune target.
Zicora, Jayson enlightened me. That was what the animals were called.
Zicora were wild goat-like animals that lived in the mountains. They were slightly larger than a ram, with long sturdy legs that allowed them to climb the steep rock formations. They had no horns, but a cropped fleece of caramel stripes. They were apparently the perfect hunting material for a rookie, as Jayson pointed out a moment later.
Aim for the one deepest in the lake, Jayson instructed from a distance–probably watching high on a ledge. It’ll take the longest to struggle up the bank.
Okay, I replied -though I already knew that- and lifted my back, arching my spine to rise higher in the air.
Phoenix hunted alone or in pairs and they combined the stealth of the eagle, the patience of the owl and the speed of a falcon. Generally we were phenomenal predators. Me, on the other hand, was a devout believer in the supermarket and did not respond well to the notion of catching my dinner.
Nevertheless, I soared higher. There were no grumbling black clouds to camouflage myself in today; so I had to hide myself in the sun’s blinding rays. Being bright crimson didn’t help my case either.
My eyes locked onto my target, a foolish Zicora that had strayed from its companions deep into the lake. As soon as I’d positioned myself correctly I prepared for the dive. I cleared my mind of all nonsensical, irrational thoughts –thoughts telling me that this was crazy. I pulled my wings up with a powerful flap, then mechanically folded them in; allowing myself to freefall.
With my body flawlessly streamlined, I picked up speed as I plummeted towards earth. In a fragment of a second I was just metres above the chosen target. The Zicora turned as it heard my piercing cry and there was a flash of comprehension in its eyes as it realised my intentions. My limbs were automatically stretching out, talons extended in preparation, and before I knew it I was upon the defenceless creature. An agonised scream split the air as claws and flesh collided, but in less than a heartbeat it silenced.
I pushed off into the air using the strength of my massive wings; hauling up the lifeless carcass. Man, it was heavy. I managed to carry it for a few seconds but then Jayson appeared in the corner of my vision. He swept over, those incandescent wings whipping at the placid wind to keep him hovering.
His amber eyes glanced at my heavy load; Do you want a hand?
I laughed; Do you have one?
He laughed too, his bright chest visibly shaking. I guess not right at this moment, he considered and then rephrased. Do you want me to take it?
Please, I answered immediately, letting him grab a hold of the carcass and manoeuvre the weight off me. It weighs a bloody ton.
I think congratulations are in order, Jayson said as we flew northwards back to camp. You are officially no longer a fledgling.
I looked over to him as we fell into pace with each other. I thought I wasn’t a fledgling once I’d learnt to fly.
That’s only half of it, the other half is completing your first hunt, Jayson explained patiently, You are now classed as an adult Phoenix.
So how come Lynk thinks –or thought, I guess- he ‘owns’ me until I’m eighteen or married? I enquired.
Well technically he does, Jayson answered reluctantly, You are now classed as an adult Phoenix, but not an adult human. It’s complicated, I know. If you want adulthood as a human before you’re of age you have to appeal to the High Council. Not, he added, that I think the Council are likely to do you any favours after your trip to Ephizon.
You do believe me that I was forced into what I did, don’t you? I asked, suddenly worried that my friend thought me a thief or a liar.
I know you wouldn’t willingly do something like that, he said with absolute conviction.
Good, I replied, feeling relieved.
We landed and Jayson left the animal outside the tent. I made an announcing cry to let the others know we were back, then went off to Change and get dressed with the clothes from my borrowed wing brace. Once I was finished I ran back. Everybody except Kieran was stood admiring my kill.
“Good job, Ruby,” Nikolas complimented, jabbing at the animal with interested fingers; looking for wounds I guessed. Either that or he had a seriously weird fetish and probably ought to see a psychiatrist. “I can see it was a clean kill.”
“It was,” Jayson agreed. “She snapped its neck on her first dive. Not bad for a beginner.”
“Not bad,” Adrian repeated, glancing at the carcass with a lazy, unimpressed expression. “But I hate to say I’m sick of meat.”
“We need the protein,” Chara said. “And you know we can’t get much else up here. Not in the middle of winter anyway.”
“I’ll cook tonight if you want,” Jayson offered.
“I’ll skin it and whatever,” Nik volunteered.
The rest of us, including Jayson, went inside the tent while Nik sorted out the animal carcass. I didn’t particularly want to watch.
Kieran was already in there, lying on the floor on his back; looking speculatively at his chain. As he dropped the chain he frowned at his brother.
“You better not be turning vegetarian, Adrian,” he said seriously. “Real men live off meat and beer. Next you’ll want to wander through meadows making daisy chains and skip around loving everybody,” he glanced at Jayson innocently, “No offence intended.”
“We do need plenty of meat,” Jayson agreed, whilst glaring spectacularly at Kieran. “After all, as Phoenix we are born carnivores.”
“But as humans,” I quickly interfered. “We’ll get scurvy on meat alone.”
“So I’ll stay a bird indefinitely,” Kieran answered, sitting up.
“No you won’t,” Nik disagreed loudly, having heard our continued conversation from outside.
“You don’t think I could?” Kieran raised one eyebrow in challenging disbelief; though Nik obviously couldn’t see his expression.
“No,” was Nik’s called response.
“Why not?” Kieran demanded.
“One word,” Nik replied, “sex.”
“Ah,” Kieran leaned back onto the canvas wall. He raised his muscular arms over his head; instantly relaxing. “I see your point. Actual animal sex is no fun.”
My mouth gaped open in astonishment, “Phoenix mate?”
Jayson laughed; the sound ringing pleasantly in the air. “I like your terminology,” he smiled, reaching across to unexpectedly ruffle my hair -which was highly irritating as I wasn’t five years old. “And yes,” he said. “We do have sex as birds as well, but as Kieran
rightly pointed out, it’s no fun.”
“Why?” I was still flabbergasted, but partially intrigued. I felt slightly uncomfortable because I was obviously very innocent compared with my surrounding, more experienced, friends. My cheeks were red; I knew it.
“Let’s phrase it your way,” Kieran suggested, grinning at my embarrassment. “When animals ‘mate’ it is for one thing; to continue the existence of their species. It’s a necessary, natural thing only done for that one reason alone. Humans, however, get frisky for pleasure; so it’s an entirely different thing. Not that you’d know much about it,” he winked.
“Just because I’m not a slut like you,” I bristled.
“I’m not a slut,” Kieran laughed, mock-appalled.
“You’re about as virtuous as I am,” Jayson muttered, rolling his eyes.
“See?” Kieran said, “If I’m the same as Jayson I’ve only ever held hands with a girl; and that being with my own sister.”
“Give it up Kieran,” Nik chuckled good-naturedly from outside in the snow, still hearing the entire conversation. “I remember your First Flight party, and those three girls…”
“Now that was a long night.” Kieran laughed, dropping the innocent act. “It wasn’t even fun after a while. It was too much like hard work.”
Chara was staring straight at me; I could feel her gaze burning into me, as if to say: I told you so.
I looked away from her uncomfortably and glared at Kieran. “You are literally the definition of slut.”
“That was one time!” he protested. “At a party. For a dare.”
Jayson rolled his eyes. “What about Guy Ferah’s wife?”
“You can’t say anything Wanowa,” Kieran said. “Do you remember Nell and Keya. Those sisters.” He laughed suddenly at the memory; actually smiling. “Do you remember when they found out about each other?”
“Because of you,” Jayson frowned.
Kieran laughed again. “God, how long ago was that? We must have only been, what, sixteen?”
“Something like that,” Jayson smiled.
There was an odd exchange of glances between the two men, as if they’d only just realised that they were actually talking to each other like… friends. They both looked away awkwardly.
“Maybe I’ve changed.” Kieran said finally, staring seriously at nothing.
Jayson laughed, Nik practically cackled and Adrian snorted, but Chara was looking at Kieran with a peculiar, analytical expression.
“What makes you say that?” she enquired.
In a swift, almost effortless motion, his gaze shifted to mine; like a force more powerful than gravity moved it.
“Nothing in particular,” he said. “Just maybe I have.”
That night a voice whispered to me in my sleep. I was dreaming about nothing and everything, but this deep, rough voice was growing more intrusive. It invaded deeper into my consciousness; drawing me up with a seductive edge. My eyes flickered open, slowly adjusting to the darkness.
Through the fine canvas of the tent I could see that the dying fire outside had burnt down to ashes; still providing warmth but little light. I glanced around me but everybody was asleep; all except Kieran, who was probably outside, taking his turn at watching. We guarded the tent one at a time now. We all needed extra sleep and the benefits outweighed the risks; apparently.
Ruby, that voice called. It sounded like a mindvoice, but not as clear. Come outside Ruby, it uttered; barely audibly but with a persuasive intensity.
I frowned in confusion, I remembered that voice. I remembered the silkiness and the almost lascivious edge; like it was speaking to a lover.
How did I know that voice?
Come outside, it called again.
Who are you? I wondered mentally.
Come outside and see, it said softly. But alone. If you wake the others I’ll leave.
Why should I trust you? I asked uncertainly.
I only want to talk, was the only response.
You didn’t answer the question, I noted suspiciously.
There was no answer for a while and then the voice’s next words seemed to freeze my heart. We have your friend.
You’re bluffing, I accused, but nervously.
Come outside and see; it challenged.
I sat for a moment. After a few seconds I huffed and struggled up silently, carefully shoved on my boots and made my way outside into the snow. I looked around frantically when I realised that Kieran wasn’t there. Then it dawned on me that they’d been telling the truth.
What have you done with him? I demanded.
We won’t hurt him. That horrible, silky voice assured me. As long as you come alone. We just want to talk.
What happens if I’m not alone? I wondered anxiously, looking back at the tent where all my friends slept obliviously.
We’ll kill him.
I’d thought as much.
I didn’t know where to go, but then an image formulated in my head, flashing over my vision. It pictured a cliff ledge. From the ledge tumbled grey rocks; like chips of marble sprinkled in snowflakes. The landscape was so cold, lifeless, like a burnt romantic drowning in depression.
I glanced around once the image dissolved and spotted the real-life version just off to my right. I headed towards the ledge cautiously, then carefully climbed my way over the dangerously unstable rocks. I slipped once, and a mini-landslide erupted, tumbling down the slope and causing me to graze my knee. Once I crawled to steadier land another image burst across my sight. This one was of an entrance of what looked like a shallow cave. I glanced around, instantly focusing on the actual cave a short distance away.
I wasn’t stupid, at least not that stupid. I wasn’t just going to waltz into a cave of unknown possibilities. I halted where I was stood. I pushed my mindvoice out like a transmitting frequency, calling; I’m not coming any further until you tell me who you are.
“There’s no need for you to come any further,” said a deep voice. I jumped in shock, making a frightened squeaky noise.
Automatically I turned towards the direction of the voice but hands grabbed me from behind and tackled me to the floor. I landed face-first in the bitterly cold snow. I struggled to strain my neck up, spitting icy powder as I demanded; “Who are you? Where is Kieran? Kieran!” I screamed.
“I am called Blaze,” the voice answered calmly, an unsettling amusement saturating his tone as he pushed his knee harder into my back. I winced at the painful pressure, attempting to sit up. My efforts were in vain; he was too heavy. He continued, “And we don’t have your friend.”
I stopped struggling. A trap. I’d fallen for a trap. I’m so stupid.
“What do you want?” I said furiously. “Surely your ambition covers more than sitting on top of a defenceless woman so she can’t move.”
“I want what I wanted last time; and I hardly believe you’re defenceless,” he explained delicately.
Suddenly a cool hard piece of steel was pressed against my neck; smelling faintly of blood and sterilising liquid; nasty chemicals that stank of hospital. “Don’t you remember me little Siren?”
I listened to that horribly familiar voice but couldn’t quite grasp who it belonged to. “No, I don’t,” I snapped finally. “And I probably don’t want to remember you either.”
“Get up,” he ordered, slicing the blade at my throat half a millimetre through my flesh; just enough for me to feel a sting. I cringed and carefully rose to my feet. He pushed me forwards into the dark cave.
Looming shards of ice glittered around me. Tiny pearls of moonlight filtered into the cave and reflected off the ice; dimly lighting the majority of the cave. The ice terrified me because, like mirror, it only allowed me to see part of the cave, glimpses of movement; not the whole picture.
“Use Chyun’ju,” he warned, forcing his body against mine for a tighter grip, “and I’ll kill you.”
Something flickered in my memory. I was inches from remembering but not quite close enough to catch the im
age; it was like trying to trap a fluttering moth between your fingers. The man yanked me forwards, snatching a fistful of my hair and pulling. I tried not to show pain, but cracks were tearing apart my composed exterior. Why does this always have to happen to me?
And then I saw them.
In one of the ice shards, thrusting towards the ceiling like a medieval weapon, I saw something that had been haunting my dreams for weeks.
A pair of blood-red eyes.
I screamed as everything clicked, but a hand clasped across my mouth. Instinctively I opened my lips and sunk my teeth into the skin of my attacker’s finger. He gasped but I didn’t wait for him to respond any further.
I thrust my elbow into his stomach; the blow surprisingly powerful. He doubled over, the breath violently blowing from his mouth. Within a millisecond I grabbed his thumb –on the hand that still held the blade to my throat- and mercilessly pulled it, twisting it to an unnatural angle so my attacker was forced to drop the weapon. It clattered to the ground.
Without hesitating, I brought my knee up straight into his groin; just catching a view of him. The only thing I registered before I ran was that his head was covered in a black material that revealed only his bloody eyes; and that he was tall; very tall.
I rushed towards the cave entrance, adrenalin moving my legs faster than my mind could cope with. Just as I thought I’d be safe, a long wooden pole struck over my path. Before I had chance to stop, I tripped over it, unavoidably falling onto a nearby ice spike. It shattered under my weight, smashing to the floor in fragments that sounded like rain. I stumbled over, knocking my head and landing on the pieces of broken ice.
“Honestly Blaze,” laughed a cruel unrecognisable voice. “Must I always do everything myself?”
Blaze muttered something undistinguishable as my vision whirled nonsensically; dizzy from the throbbing at my temple.
Suddenly hands snatched my arms and I was being wrenched upright by my shoulders. I was gasping frantically, my mind spinning as I took in the sight of another figure. Her face was also covered, but I could see she was female from the curves of her body. She stood before me; Blaze was securing me again. My shoulders were screaming in agony, twisted so awkwardly that if a slightly larger pressure was added they would rip from the socket.
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