Risen (The Firebird Trilogy Book 2)

by Stephanie Harbon

  Kian and the rest of the High Guard sprinted towards us, and I could see the conflict etched onto Briseis’s face. She seemed to make a tough decision; realising that she was outnumbered ten to one in a narrow hallway. She took one last desperate look at the key, and then took off in the opposite direction.

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  Slowly reaching down to pick up the little silver key, I grasped it tightly in my hands. It was hot to the touch, like it had been baking in the sun, and was made of a shiny metal. The length of it was indented with a twisted incision and the end was jagged. It wasn’t particularly interesting; however the moment it touched my fingertips excitement flooded through me.

  The guards were returning now. They’d automatically chased after Briseis and had disappeared out of sight faster than it took me to stumble out of the way. After a few minutes one guard returned. I recognised him; I’d put him to sleep using Chyun’ju when Lynk still owned the Palace. He was tall and broad, but atypically thin for a Warrior; with dark orange eyes the colour of maple syrup. He signalled respectfully when he stopped.

  “My Lady,” he began, his voice was rough and slightly breathless. “High Protector Kian is still tracking the intruder but he isn’t very optimistic of the outcome; she has slipped far into the mountains now.”

  I nodded, expecting they wouldn’t be able to find Briseis; she was very good at disappearing. “Keep me updated,” I waved dismissively. “Thank you.”

  The guard signalled again, a special formal gesture, and then walked away and the hallway was empty again. It was early now; I could just make out the dull pre-dawn light casually breaking through the large windows at the other end of the corridor. Once again I hadn’t slept through the night.

  I glanced at the key again. Inspiration struck and I turned to Lynk’s office door. It was as if it were calling to me, a soft intriguing whisper. I edged closer to it, cautiously lifting the key towards the lock. It fit perfectly and a corresponding click sounded as I twisted the key. The door sprung back suddenly. Startled at the speed I jumped back, then carefully slipped inside.

  I’d never been in this room before, so I took the opportunity to really analyse my surroundings. It was a relatively small room, in comparison to some in the Fire Palace that notoriously devoured space. There was a desk at one end, storage systems lining every wall; cabinets, shelves and drawers piled high with all sorts of interesting stuff. However this wasn’t what my eyes initially settled on. There was a shining glass box underneath a square window, containing a small snake that was curled up in a knotted ball.

  The snake seemed exceptionally narrow; more a tape worm than a snake really; though its scales and forked tongue contradicted that notion. Its scales were really beautiful, red rings over yellow; with black scattered occasionally across its belly. As I inspected closer I realised that the black on its belly was actually inked on; they were ancient indecipherable symbols. Why would Lynk tattoo a snake? Bizarre.

  It moved with the curling grace of any snake, unravelling its contorted body as it explored in its lonely sanctuary; abruptly looking at me like I was a field mouse it intended to kill. I’d always been fascinated by snakes, but this one was different to any I’d seen. It looked viciously intelligent.

  Shrugging, I decided I’d think about what to do with the animal later. I then spent hours rifling through Lynk’s things, finally getting a little bit more insight into what kind of person he was. There were various enchanted weapons that I didn’t dare touch, which I figured I’d ask Adrian or Nik about. I discovered multiple orbs of varying sizes, containing coloured encased light; which I later realised were different types of fire. There were maps also, and not just of Kariak. Which was worrying.

  I continued rummaging around in Lynk’s desk drawers, instantly seeing a bronze key I recognised from my dreams. I remembered a younger me carrying this down into the slave quarters and placing it into the lock that sealed off that mysterious burnt door.

  I ran my fingers over its rough surface; there were artistic symbols of release etched into the gleaming metal. Excitement bubbled in my chest, mixing with an ounce of fear. I didn’t know what was past that door and I was curious to find out, but I wasn’t entirely convinced I’d like what I discover. For the moment I set the key down and continued searching.

  Eventually I reached the bookshelf. There were more dusty books about developing unique gifts -some specifically about Chyun’ju- but they didn’t send my brow furrowing. It was the books on anatomy, with very graphic drawings of disassembled bodies and peeled back flesh; that worried me. There was information about both human anatomy and Phoenix anatomy. I didn’t understand Lynk’s bizarre fascination with the muscles and bones of the body. Why would he be reading these books, for what purpose? There was even one tiny hardback devoted entirely on the Lurah.

  Then I saw a book that really shocked me. Inscribed on the side was the single word, Ruby.

  Quickly opening up the book I read into the history of my life before I left Kariak with my mother. There were accounts of my ‘progress’ with Chyun’ju; the horrid tasks Lynk had me do; from making a victim think it was choking to controlling two victims simultaneously. Everyday were extracts from my routine training; improvements and drawbacks.

  There were passages entirely focused on my physical fitness and even the way I looked. The contouring of my face was described in explicit detail, and I read about how Lynk had deliberately burnt my face with High-Fire to demonstrate that a vulnerable and innocent appearance made Chyun’ju work even better. I couldn’t even remember him doing that?

  There were my measurements too; like I’d seen written in Lynk’s caves. I didn’t recall Lynk ever wrapping measuring tapes around my body, but according to this he did it often. There were various calculations involving my measurements too, though I had no idea what for. It wasn’t written like a diary, more like notes a scientist makes while experimenting in a laboratory.

  There was everything about my childhood with Lynk in there; my flaws involving my gifts, my improvements regarding blocking mind invasions, my fighting abilities, even how fast I could run a mile.

  I didn’t understand. It didn’t make sense. It was like I was a project. He was developing me, training me, but for what? I couldn’t remember.

  And why was he so fascinated by my measurements? What did it mean?

  The bronze key caught my eye again and I picked it up. Maybe the answers were beyond that door.

  I stood up determinedly and made my way downstairs to the slave quarters. Almost instantly I could feel coldness settle deep under my skin; increasing strength with each step I took. I felt goosebumps rise on my arms and crossed them over my chest, ignoring the nervous pangs in my stomach.

  As I came closer to the blackened wood door, criss-crossed with chains that appeared from holes in the wall, held together by a single lock; I stood in silence for a moment. I felt like something was terribly wrong.

  My arms were shaking as I lifted the key like I had in my dream.

  Kieran had been in that dream. I gulped. Kieran. I still hadn’t heard from him, how many days was it now? Too long. Even Adrian had to admit he’d been gone too long. I didn’t know if he was alive, injured or even dead.

  Shaking these thoughts from my scattered mind, I lifted the key again, carefully placing it in the lock. If I expected a struggle I didn’t get one. There was a swift and immediate click and the lock fell loose in my hands. The chains were next, slipping from the lock’s hold and swinging violently before clattering to the floor in a loud heap. I cringed away from the sound and watched the door, as if expecting something monstrous to jump out and snatch me with blood-stained teeth.

  There were deep crevices in the grain of the wood that were light; obviously untouched by whatever substance had blackened the rest of the door. Fear of the unknown shot through me like a lightning bolt, but I forced myself to raise my arm.

  My fingertips barely brushed the handle when a loud intrusive voic
e called my name. It had previously been so silent that the noise scared the crap out of me. I jumped, dropping the lock onto the floor, where it smashed into two pieces.

  “Jayson!” I yelled, turning on him with a glare that could turn water to ice. “Don’t sneak up behind me like that!”

  He ignored my comment, gazing anxiously at the chains dangling freely off the wall. “You got it open?” he asked, his voice apprehensive.

  “Nearly,” I said, and turned the handle.

  Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I tried again, I attempted to push it open and to pull it open but nothing worked. I stared closer at the door handle, finally seeing the small circular hole underneath it. Damn. I needed another key. I picked up the bronze key and tried that, but it didn’t work.

  I huffed in irritated exasperation, “Oh crap. I really thought I had it then. There is definitely no other key in Lynk’s office. I’ve spent all morning searching through his belongings.”

  “How did you get into Lynk’s office?” Jayson wondered confusedly.

  “Briseis broke in last night,” I explained. “She had the key. I guess she was getting something for him; as the Daemons keep failing to get into the Palace. When I saw her she dropped this key before bolting when the guards showed.”

  He thought about that for a moment. “What else did you find?”

  I quickly explained about the book about me, the cursed weapons, the snake and several other artefacts I’d discovered in my ramblings and when I was finished he said, “There’s never a dull moment with you is there?”

  I laughed. “Probably not. Are the others here?” I asked. He knew I meant Anya, Flint and the others we’d convinced to rent rooms at the Palace.

  He smiled his usual happy smile. “Yeah, actually I better go help them settle in.” I nodded. “And also,” he said. “The High Priest will be will be arriving soon so do make sure you stick around. He’s the guy who will do the ceremony tomorrow.”

  I tried not to show my pessimistic expression, instead keeping my face cool and emotionless. “Good. I need to contact Chara.”

  He nodded, as if already guessing as much. “Kieran still not back yet?”

  I shook my head, trying to hide the sudden pain in my eyes, “I’m worried. This isn’t the kind of thing he does. I think something’s happened.”

  Jayson came forwards and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, trying to be comforting. I knew the Kieran situation made him feel awkward, so I knew it took a lot for him to try and be supportive. He truly was a good guy.

  “Come on,” he said encouragingly, “Let’s get out from down here. It’s creepy. You can contact Chara and she can come over.“

  She arrived thirty minutes later and the moment I saw her I knew she was worried too. Her hair was tossed back into a messy braid, her eyes were lined from sleepless nights and her clothes were rumpled. We sat down in one of the many living rooms and she grasped my hands, “Have you heard anything?”

  I shook my head, “I hoped you had. Adrian?”

  She shook her head too, “I contacted him before I left. Nothing. Nothing from Ebony either.”

  “Where could he possibly be?” I asked.

  She sighed, “I have no idea.”

  “You don’t think he’s… injured or something, do you?” I asked anxiously.

  She bit her lip, “I hope not.”

  We were silent for a moment, both enraptured by our own concerns.

  Eventually I said, “Will you stick around for a little while? I’m supposed to be getting bound tomorrow and the High Priest will be here soon. I need some moral support.”

  She looked at me with those dark, serious eyes. “You know I totally disagree with all this don’t you? It’ll only end badly.”

  “I know,” I muttered, then spoke up. “But it is my birthday so be nice.”

  Her eyes widened, “Oh of course! I’m so sorry Ruby I totally forgot. It’s just been so manic at the moment. I haven’t got you anything-“

  “Don’t worry about that,” I waved her off. “Just stay for a while.”

  She nodded, “Okay, I will.”

  I felt relieved and for the next few hours we searched Lynk’s chambers. I’d explained what happened with Briseis last night and she agreed that Lynk would be back soon if he needed something that desperately. Chara explained what a few things were. I showed her the book about me and she flicked through it with a slightly unnerved expression. Both of us knew, however, that I was just trying to buy time before the High Priest of Fire arrived.

  Chara left just after lunch, promising to return later, and I toured the new arrivals around; all thirty six of them. Apparently word had quickly spread about renting the rooms. I let Jayson sort out the finances of it all. I was too busy dreading what was coming later. My body was getting sweatier and shakier by the hour. To be honest I didn’t even know what actually happened when you got Bound. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do or say; it was very worrying.

  The High Priest of Fire arrived at seven and he wasn’t alone. With him he brought seven men carrying drums, two men struggling with an impressive carved wooden archway, intertwined with flame-like patterns, and a man who I guessed was his assistant. The High Priest himself was quite small, standing only an inch or so above my petite frame, with a shaven head covered in thick tribal tattoos drawn in red ink. His eyes were deep red and he wore a dark crimson robe that was enlaced with bright gold thread.

  He stared at me silently, as if waiting for something, and then Jayson stepped forwards holding a small drawstring bag which he then handed to him with a straight face; I assumed the bag contained gems. From where Jayson had conjured the money I had no idea. I’d have to ask him later, as there’s no way I would let him pay entirely for this. He’d done enough.

  We led the men to the High Courtyard, where the actual ceremony would supposedly take place. Chara had already explained to me that this would be classed as a High Ceremony because of my bloodline, which meant that it must be open to the public; but Jayson was sorting all of that out. In fact, Jayson was sorting everything out. I was being extremely useless.

  The drummers set down their drums in an arch at the far end of the courtyard, which was already teeming with servants who were decorating and cleaning the area in preparation. Then the High Priest gestured both me and Jayson forwards. We stood beside each other nervously as the drums slowly began a low rhythmic beat.

  “The whole ceremony is done to music,” whispered Jayson when the High Priest had turned to his assistant momentarily. “Each tribe uses a different instrument to represent their element; ours is obviously drums.”

  I nodded, listening as the High Priest began to speak with a deep lulling voice. “You shall enter separately but leave as one,” he explained. “Throughout the Binding Ceremony there are several things that will happen. Lady Swartette shall enter first, followed by you,” he nodded sharply at Jayson. “From this point the drums shall begin and you shall spark a flame together which will then become sacred once I –and the Original Mother, of course- bless it. This is then put to one side while the Eternity Symbols are drawn. We shall practice this first.”

  He called for his assistant, who rushed over carrying a distorted black triangle about as long as a pencil; it looked almost like a sharpened tooth. At the end of the longest point was a tiny red tip which when touched leaked a bright red stain the colour of red M&Ms. My God I miss M&Ms, I thought distractedly. It’s been too long.

  Jayson went first, taking the triangle off of the High-Priest and asking for my arm. I reached out with my right arm and let him put his left hand underneath my forearm so he could touch the tip of the device to my wrist.

  A sharp surge of pain was there instantly, and I instinctively drew my hand back, surprised. “What the heck is that?”

  “It’s the Binding Ink that hurts; it’s venom. This is actually a fang,” Jayson explained patiently while I gaped at him, horrified. He quickly continued, “It burns the top few layers of
skin so a red stain is left; kind of like a tattoo. It’ll fade after a couple of hours. Tomorrow, when it’s lit with Sacred Fire, it’ll become permanent.”

  “I’ve never seen Chara with marks like that,” I pointed out, rubbing the swelling line of red on my arm. I was not expecting that.

  “I told you Earth Ceremonies are different.” He said.

  Finally I nodded and Jayson continued drawing; that death-stick burning my arm. I winced a lot but eventually the pain dulled as Jayson finished the design. It wasn’t perfectly drawn, but it was pretty, each symbol interlocked with circling patterns. It went from the bottom of my wrist and wrapped around my forearm to just below my elbow. He then passed it to me and I attempted –unsuccessfully-to copy his work on his arm. He didn’t flinch, despite the fact I knew I was pressing on harder than he did. When I was finished the symbols were messy but flowing.

  Jayson smiled. “Not too bad, we’ll have another practice before the Ceremony anyway, maybe just in regular ink,” he added.

  The High Priest frowned and said, “The Binding Ceremony shall happen precisely half an hour after sunset. Once you’ve drawn your symbols the Sacred Fire shall be touched to them; forever burning your promise to each other onto your skin. This fire should then be placed into a sphere which shall forever be yours to represent your love and commitment to each other.”

  The next hour dragged as the High Priest explained in explicit detail how everything should be carried out properly and how the different points of the ceremony were indicated by a change in the drum beats. Once he’d finally shut up the drummers packed their things and they all left.

  Feeling drained, I commented once they’d gone, “Wow, he could talk.”

  Jayson laughed. “I know right? I think I drifted off halfway through his speech about which direction the Burning Archway should face.”

  “How much did you pay him?” I asked.

  “A lot,” Jayson muttered. “He knew we were desperate and so totally ripped us off. By the way I used some of the deposit from your tenants to pay him. Hopefully we won’t have to give it them back any time soon.”