She came to ask which trial I would want to avoid most, though in all honesty giving me little information on what each trial entailed. She only explained that one trial would test the body, one the mind, and one character.
I had thought it though quickly, but knew in my heart which I would be least successful at. If the test of the mind had anything to do with what I practised every morning with Adrian; I had absolutely no hope.
So it was -with grudging surrender- that I choose to skip the mind-trial.
Once she left the hours seemed to fly by and before I knew it I was lying in bed, the night before the opening ceremony of the Garatourii; wishing I could sleep. I tried not to think about tomorrow as I lay there, but sleep avoided me and little else occupied my thoughts.
I constantly tossed and turned; trapping myself in my own bed sheets and becoming hot and flustered as a consequence. An endless stream of panicky thoughts invaded my mind and when I did finally drift off I had a nightmare about being chased through the woods by men with guns.
When Jayson came to wake me up it was still dark outside. We’d packed my things already; my weapons lined up in preparation at the bottom of Jayson’s gigantic wing brace; borrowed for the occasion. Not that I had any idea what I’d be doing with them; if I needed them at all.
As I dressed in Gear and lassoed a weapons belt around my hips, I yawned constantly. I had never realised how ridiculously early dawn is; and it was thirty minutes away yet. I brushed my teeth habitually, despite me finding the idea of breakfast at this time repulsive, and yanked my hair up into a braid. I glanced in the mirror before I left and froze in surprise.
How did I look so different?
I wasn’t the same person who left the Lake District all those weeks ago. My features had hardened, deformed with scars, and a map of tiny veins navigated the surface of my eyes. There were bags under my bloodshot eyes too; unhealthy purplish circles; almost like bruises. What had this place done to me in such little time? Sleep deprived and wound-ridden; I looked like I’d been dragged through a hedge backwards…by a chainsaw.
“Ruby,” Jayson called from the other room. “We need to hurry; are you nearly done?”
“Yeah,” I answered. “One minute.”
I took one last glance at the girl in the mirror.
I flattened down a few wispy strands of hair that had escaped the wrath of my hair band, but it was a pointless gesture. Disobedient ringlets still bounced on the nape of my neck and caught on my eyelashes.
I huffed, surrendering and making my way into the common room. Despite the earliness, it wasn’t just Jayson who was stood waiting for me. Anya, Elena and even Flint had roused to come with me.
“You didn’t all need to come you know, I wouldn’t have been offended if you didn’t.” I said tiredly to them all.
“Are you kidding? I can’t wait. The Garatourii a huge deal! Plus every night of the trail is basically one massive party!” Flint grinned excitedly, “I wouldn’t miss it even if you weren’t in it. Though it does begin a little too early for my liking.” He rubbed his face; sleep still in his eyes.
I nodded, my nerves making speech impossible. I accidentally met Jayson’s gaze and his amber eyes were filled with sympathy. Unlike Flint, who took almost everything as a game, Jayson knew the harsh reality of the Trials and just how severe the consequences were; whether I won or not.
He came over and took both my hands in his, forcing me to look into his serious eyes. “It’s going to be okay Ruby.” He promised knowingly. “If you can’t outrun what’s coming; outsmart it. If you can’t hide; fight. There won’t be any morals during these trials; so if you need to use your gift, then use it and use it properly. Don’t back down, okay?”
I nodded uncertainly, still unable to speak.
He pulled me in for a hug and I let him; gripping his body desperately and wishing he could come with me. “That’s my girl.” He told me softly as he released me. “Now come on; relax. You’ve got this.”
I nodded again, a little more confidently, and he smiled and kissed me lightly on the lips. I didn’t protest. At that point I was too worried to care.
Eventually we left the building and slowly made our way towards our destination; my heart thumping harder with every step.
To my surprise the streets were heaving with people, all making their way to the gardens behind the Gemstone Tower; where the Winter Festival Pavilion had been erected in ice only a few weeks ago; long since destroyed. Now, I guessed, there would just be the large, flat, upraised Foundation.
When the Foundation came into sight I gasped. Literally thousands of people were making their way up the stone steps towards the highest point of the structure; the stage in the centre. I could just see Cecelia stood alone; waiting. I checked the skyline, I was on time. Dawn was still a good few minutes away. Only lit torches and the occasional bonfire brightened the blackened sky.
As we made our way through the crowd I could hear my name being whispered and I suddenly noticed that everyone here strictly belonged to Fire. There wasn’t one single, lonely Phoenix from another Tribe. I didn’t know if I felt accepted for once in my life -as being a Firebird made me a part of something sacred and much larger than I’d previously thought- but from some of the looks I was receiving I still felt like an outsider.
Eventually I found myself at the base of the stage, looking up at Cecelia Swartette; now appropriately titled ‘High Elder’. I glanced back but Jayson had disappeared into the crowd; which was currently shuffling away from the main platform; leaving a gap between me and them. There were several others who remained by the stage also, among them a face I vaguely recognised. There were four others as well, two woman and two men; probably all distantly related to me.
Suddenly the High-Elder spoke, raising her voice into a ringing bell-like sound as she shouted: “Children! Today begins a new age, for out of these six candidates you see surrounding the great stage, one shall be picked to join the High Council with their chosen.”
The crowd roared with applause; shouting and cheering enthusiastically.
The High-Elder held up her hand to silence the crowd, continuing with an enchanting, powerful voice. “I’d like to call up here Louree Swartette.”
It was in that moment when a regretful recognition hit. Louree Swartette was the man who I’d thought looked familiar. He was my cousin and also the man I’d used Chyun’ju on when Briseis had forced me to enter Ephizon. As he glanced my way it seemed he remembered me too. Not good at all.
He stood up and climbed onto the stage while the crowd abruptly exploded into applause. Next the High Elder called Selena, Ryan, and Amias Swartette. I waited, rapidly growing impatient, as she called Freya Swartette and the audience continued their applause. I would be the last one wouldn’t I? I thought agitatedly, praying the crowd would cheer for me too.
“And finally, Ruby Swartette is the last candidate.”
I froze as the crowd quietened for a millisecond; as people heard my name. With my heightened hearing I could just catch the uttering of my father’s name as it spread throughout the crowd. Dread filled me at the prospect of being associated with Lynk. Then thankfully, after a few intense seconds, I heard my little circle of friend’s nervous acclaims, and uncertainly everyone else joined in. I carefully climbed up onto the stage, standing beside Louree, who glared unapologetically.
I looked out over the crowd, only now really comprehending the phenomenal, bewildering turnout. There were tens of thousands of Firebirds. The majority must have travelled from Ephizon; despite the short notice.
“You all realise the enormity of this occasion.” Only just, I thought as I listened to the High-Elder as her voice rose. “It is my decision as to who will inherit the open position, however I look to you also, my fellow brothers and sisters, to distinguish whom you deem true and worthy. Choose your candidates, children, for they will soon need your prayers.”
I gulped.
“As for mine,” she called, somehow e
ven louder. “My prayers will be with Ruby Swartette.” There was a gasp of shock and everyone I looked at had wide, astonished eyes and disbelieving expressions. Not one person anticipated that Cecilia would want me, the daughter of the avenging predecessor, to take the remaining position on the Council.
Despite the crowd’s obvious reaction of displeasure, Cecelia continued without hesitation. “My favour is bestowed upon Ruby and I have every confidence in her success, so a winning position during the second task has already been assured. Unless, of course,” she stopped suddenly, glancing at me with a smile that had the teeniest edge to it. “She doesn’t secure a place during the first trial; in which case my favour was granted with false confidence. To all other candidates, I give my blessing.”
So basically, she would only let me skip the mind-trial if I first won a place in it; by winning the first trial. Well that was sneaky of her.
The others immediately began to shuffle into a loose circle. The High-Elder broke through the loop to stand in the middle of us, like the centre of a flower surrounded by protective petals. She glanced at each of us individually, asking: “Do you all agree to enter the Garatourii? And do you, by adding your signature, understand that by entering the Trials you potentially risk your life and limb?”
Instantly everyone responded ‘yes’ and I automatically followed suit, feeling nervous butterflies tickling up my windpipe as I agreed.
“Then let the Trials commence!” She cried, dramatically throwing her arms into the air and letting the crowd roar in turn.
She then directed us towards a nearby table, positioned slightly towards the front of the stage. I’d barely noticed it before. On the table was an ancient-looking stone basin adorned with the etched symbols of the old language. Satellites of bowls orbited the giant stone basin, six to be precise and all empty. Beside each bowl was a knife with a bone handle.
The other candidates followed the High-Elder as she gestured us towards the table, each soon taking up a position behind a bowl. I discovered one myself. It was nothing special, just a plain bowl carved roughly from some sort of common crystal. The knife, alternately, looked remarkably more daunting; and sharp. I grimaced; knowing that people round here tended to make promises and agreements in blood.
“Here I offer you one more opportunity, the last opportunity, to refuse to take part.” The High-Elder shouted, loud enough for all to hear.
I glanced at the others around me. All looked fiercely determined, with strong hard bones concealed under scarred flesh; marked eternally from a life of battle. I felt oddly young and delicate in comparison. Maybe this was a foolish idea after all.
A flash of memory sprung to mind; it was when I’d just resurrected and had been brought before the High Council for the first time, and Kieran had selflessly taken my punishment. I remembered watching Kieran’s back being sliced by the bone of a wing blade. I remembered the undeniable agony in his eyes, and that he did it for me. He deserved for me to save him from his punishment too. Then we’d be even. I had to do it.
The High-Elder swept forwards, standing beside Louree, which coincidentally was opposite me. She commanded, “Add your signature.”
Louree nodded, taking the knife beside his bowl and raising it high; as if searching for some invisible inscription. Next he slid it purposefully over his palm. Fascinated, I leaned closer as beads of blood formulated, merging together and streaming down his fingers, rapidly dripping into the bowl.
“I vow to take part in this prestigious event,” Louree nodded, taking a cloth that someone behind him offered and pressing it to his bleeding skin.
The Elder then made her way around the table as each candidate gave their signature and proclaimed their willingness to enter the Trials. In the distance light was breaking across the sky. I knew the sun would soon rise. As the girl beside me slit her palm I glanced nervously at the Elder.
“Your turn Ruby,” she told me seriously.
I nodded, my hands shaking as I forced myself to pick up the knife by its intricately-carved bone handle. I gazed at it fearfully for a moment, noticing just how thin and sharpened the blade’s edge was, and then finally mustered enough courage to press it against my skin. That was all it took; I barely showed my palm the knife before my flesh willingly succumbed and shallowly split open.
I looked down at my left hand -strategically cut rather than my right as I knew I’d use it more- and watched as the blood drained into the crystal bowl. The incision wasn’t deep, but the pain still washed over me like a treacherous flood. I successfully kept my face apathetic; if there was one thing I was always good at, it was concealing pain.
Across from me Louree’s neck snapped up sharply; his expression darkening as the Elder moved on to the final two candidates. Someone passed me a cloth, which I pressed to my hand instantly; resisting the urge to make a face. Louree’s eyes captured mine and there was something in his face that told me he doubted I’d be much competition. To be fair, I agreed with him.
Once the High-Elder had everyone’s signature she clapped her hands above her head; instantly silencing the noisy crowd. Then she walked purposefully to the edge of the stage. “The signatures have been given.” She announced. “So from the moment the sunrise touches the Gemstone Tower the candidate’s will have twenty four hours to complete their first task.”
She spoke with a calm yet firm authority, gesturing at a specific member of the audience. A man gingerly stepped forwards, obediently carrying six small glass tubes. The High-Elder took them wordlessly and turned to us.
“You have until dawn tomorrow to travel to the Lava Spray south of the Cracked Valley,” she enlightened us. “Once there you will retrieve Caylic Fire from the pit of the volcano and contain it within your vial. The two candidates who return last, or empty-handed -or not at all- will never again get the chance to become a High Council Member.”
“You must do this task alone,” she continued fiercely. “And if you do not you will bring shame to your High Name and Tribe, and you will be immediately disqualified and punished. And do not think that we won’t know; as there will be spies planted everywhere along your journey.”
“You are also allowed no weapons, maps or any enchanted devices during this trial,” she said, suspiciously eyeing up the wing brace on my shoulder; which I dropped instantly with an irritated huff.
She handed each of us one of the identical glass tubes, then a wing brace to put our clothes in after Changing. When she passed me my vial I regarded it with apprehension. It seemed ridiculously fragile, about the length of a pencil and only three times its diameter. It was then that I noticed the skyline as the sun’s stretching rays began to pierce the dark sky.
There was an eerie quiet, then the High-Elder said. “You may begin.”
Chapter Eighteen
Immediately the others sprang into action, some transforming into bird form and taking to the air, however I decided that wouldn’t work to my advantage as I’d have no idea where to go. I needed to think. I needed to talk to people who’d know what to do. I needed the Ashaiks. I shook my head, hoping that silly idea would tumble out my ears, I wasn’t allowed help. I looked around on stage and to my surprise saw Louree staring directly at me.
“I’d check a map,” he said, seeing I was struggling with my thoughts and guessing their focus. His voice was darker than I remembered, with added bite. I knew he was my true competition. “It’d be much less embarrassing for you than following me in desperation.” He paused, “Oh wait, you aren’t allowed a map. Well… I’m sure you’ll figure something out. ”
I answered, “I’ll be fine, Louree. But thanks for the advice.”
He just laughed patronisingly, then jumped off the stage and disappeared into the crowd. I stood for a moment, glanced over at the High Elder who was looking right back at me with an intrigued, quizzical gaze. I then turned my shoulder, and stepped down off the stage.
I stood there for a moment, trying to think, but the crowd was putting me off, so inst
ead I headed off in an opposing direction to Louree. As I reached the audience people began to part before me, allowing me access under their piercing eyes.
When I was eventually free of the crowd and was alone, well relatively anyway, I sat down under a tree. I closed my eyes and tried to remember everything I could about the geography of Kariak. I cast my memory back to the map in the Fire Palace’s vast library. The Cracked Valley. It sounded like a desert. Yes, I recalled now, that it was a small desert way before Trigate. I think it was North West of Ephizon, around ten miles from the coastline.
That’s all I could remember. It was a start I guess.
It’s a giant-assed volcano; it can’t be that difficult to discover?
With that in mind I quickly undressed; simultaneously stashing my clothes in the given wing bag. Then I closed my eyes and thought of fire.
When my tingling muscles finally settled, I set off into the sky.
I flew relentlessly all morning, only stopping to drink. It was late afternoon by the time I realised I was lost. I landed, trying desperately to concentrate, gazing at the ground incomprehensively. I was still in the mountains, I should have been free of them by now. I took to the air again, deciding to alter my course more westerly. Eventually, from my elevated position in the mountains, just below the wispy clouds, I could just make out the sea in the distance, and I detected the faint scent of salt.
After a few hours I remembered that there was a landmark on my way. There was a particular flower that bloomed just before the Cracked Valley, at exactly the same distance from the sea. This species was called a Tamoon Blossom and was a radical purple colour and grew abundantly exactly nine miles from the sea. I had seen no purple fields, and I calculated that I was much less than nine miles from the sea. I had gone too far west.
I sighed impatiently, angry at myself for messing this up already, then focusing my vision on my surroundings. I thankfully spotted a land mark that I recognised on the map in my memory. I needed to continue further south, in a slightly more easterly direction. Setting off into the air, I beat my wings faster, positive that Louree was already miles ahead of me.
Risen (The Firebird Trilogy Book 2) Page 21