Ashes (The Firebird Trilogy Book 1)

by Stephanie Harbon

  Interrupting his ramblings, I cut him off. “You told me this was important. You were right. If Lynk is up to something, he’s been planning it for years, probably before my mother even took me-“

  “You aren’t going,” he stated unambiguously. “It’s too…“ His words halted abruptly when he saw my expression.

  “Too what, Kieran?” I snapped, “Too dangerous?” I probed bitterly. “Since when have you given a damn about my safety?”

  His face was so unapologetic that it made me even angrier. “It’s too dangerous for you.” His angelic face was smooth and expressionless, confident that he was right in his arrogant superior way.

  “I just tamed a damn wild wolf,” I snapped. “I’d like to see you do that.”

  We were almost out of the main city now, heading east towards Ebony’s. The forest we had to cut through to get to there was nearly upon us. Grand coniferous trees soon loomed ahead. As we travelled deeper into the trees the convoluted path thinned and dissipated.

  “I can handle Lynk just fine. He is my father.”

  “You don’t know everything.” Kieran shot back irritably. “You don’t know that after you ran away, Lynk slaughtered everyone in his house.”

  That silenced me. “What?” I said eventually.

  “A Palace usually has around two hundred souls in it, including Swartettes. He killed most of your cousins and your grandparents.”

  “That’s how most of the Swartettes were wiped out,” I murmured softly to myself. “Wasn’t he arrested?”

  Kieran was gazing forwards distantly again, as if his mind was elsewhere.

  “Most who were murdered were slaves, and they don’t really matter because they’re not technically Phoenix. It’s the people who never Changed who become slaves. It’s sad but true. This is why no one can know about Adrian. But yes, he should have been punished for his actions, probably executed. When he went to the Council he convinced them of his innocence and blamed it on someone else.” He glowered menacingly at the sky. “Despite the blood on his hands they believed him and, because he’d killed one of the two Swartette Elders on the High Council, he was given that position.”

  I gasped in shock. They gave Lynk even more authority because he’d murdered half of his family? How twisted was that? Kieran nodded. “Most say that Sirens are cursed, not gifted.”

  I shuddered at that. Trying not to think about it, but I couldn’t help myself. “What happened to the person he blamed it on?” I asked finally.

  “He was executed.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said determinedly, “But I still have to go. I have no choice.”

  I was now even more anxious about it; knowing what Kieran had just told me. I heard a snap of a branch somewhere behind me, I turned, eyeing my surroundings suspiciously then, satisfied we were alone, continued forwards. The wolf growled unexpectedly, frightened, then dashed off into the trees. I stared after it, confused.

  “Don’t be stupid,” Kieran hissed harshly, oblivious, “you have a choice.”

  He was angry again when I glanced across at him. Why was he being so stubborn? He was the one who’d convinced me to try and get information about Lynk in the first place. Obviously it didn’t quite go according to plan, but still, I would be a lot more help where I was going.

  “I’m not being stupid,” I objected. “I’m being responsible. You were the one who told me to find out what my attacker was talking about. Can’t you see this is the best way?” Another rustle of leaves; I frowned sceptically as I turned. Am I being paranoid? Kieran was too busy moaning to notice.

  “Not like this. You’ll go mad over there.”

  Purposefully not meeting those persuasive eyes; I said, “I’ll be fine.”

  “No, you won’t,” Kieran argued antagonistically, “you aren’t going.”

  I was about to say something else but my lips paused. Kieran had stopped suddenly. Becoming totally immobile, he listened attentively. I heard a whistling sound coming very close. Before my slow mind could register what was happening, an arrow was shooting towards my chest, whistling as it flew…I flinched back immediately.

  Kieran’s reactions were faster than mine; he unleashed a long knife from his belt immediately, in a flash knocking it from its course with the blade.

  “Run!” he commanded.

  Adrenalin pulsed erratically in my veins, my heart hammering loudly. An instinct triggered in my spine, compelling me to Change and to fly away for protection. But I knew that wouldn’t help, I’d just be a bigger target. Plus I’d never get through the trees alive.

  More whistling noises pierced my ears. Arrows showered down around me. I panted as I ran, struggling for oxygen. My stomach churned; the muscles there tightened with unexpected pain, aching already. I pushed my legs faster. An arrow whirled through the air, cutting shallowly across my arm. Pain throbbed there, making it difficult to concentrate. The arrows were shooting from the trees, how many people were there?

  “You’re hurt.” Kieran shouted, his voice rising over the heavy thumping of my feet over rocky mud. His steps were light and agile; quicker by far.

  “Just a scratch,” I called back breathlessly.

  “Well, oh mighty wolf-tamer,” he glared. “You picked the wrong beast. It’s bloody disappeared; the useless bastard.”

  Another arrow missed us by inches, thudding to the frosted ground beside Kieran. I tried to look behind me but was afraid that if I did I’d stumble over my clumsy feet. We ran faster, my breath coming in rapid gasps. God I was so unfit. I felt like I was breathing in an ice mist, it clung to my lungs, freezing and burning simultaneously. My foot slipped and I nearly fell, but caught myself again in the nick of time. Fear pounded in my head, screaming.

  Eventually the arrows stopped falling.

  We didn’t slow down though. We raced out of the trees, feeling safer in the open. I soon recognised the familiar fields drizzled in snow like white icing sugar sieved onto a cake. Kieran’s breath came in fast shallow huffs. My breath was verging on hyperventilating. Calm down, I ordered myself. But I knew who’d shot at us, who nearly killed me.

  My attacker was back. And he was pissed.

  “It was my attacker,” I gasped as we climbed the white slanted land.

  “What, you mean the guy who was shooting arrows at us? Never,” Kieran said sarcastically. “God everyone really does want to kill you.”

  I gulped anxiously, ignoring him until we finally arrived at Ebony’s house. Then a thought occurred to me. Slowing as we travelled closer, I asked nervously, “Won’t he be able to track us here?”

  “Yeah,” Kieran answered certainly, “but I doubt it matters anyway. Both times this person’s attacked you, assuming it’s the same guy, you’ve been fairly alone. My thought is that if he wants to kill you, he’ll wait until you’re not in a house full of Ashaiks.”

  “Lucky me. You’re probably right though,“ I admitted reluctantly.

  “I’m always right. Jeez this guy doesn’t give up.” I didn’t bother to respond as we rounded the side of the house.

  I turned to Kieran. “Are you alright?” I asked insistently, though he looked perfect as normal, miraculously even his hair wasn’t messed up.

  He just snorted arrogantly, “Of course, Princess, I’m not dumb enough to be shot by an arrow.” He pointed to the shallow trench in my skin from where the arrow had sliced through; blood was rapidly pouring from the gash but I dismissed the pain. It wasn’t too deep, but it stung badly in the frigid air.

  My eyes narrowed into glaring slits. “Don’t be nasty. I was just checking.”

  “What, because you’re so worried about me?”

  “Just because you don’t care what people think doesn’t mean you can be so obnoxious.” I scolded, annoyed. “I just wanted to know if you were alright.”

  “Well I’m not all right,” he answered petulantly, stopping to glare at me with those beautiful ferocious eyes, a darker shade than usual. “I’m with you.“

  “If
you feel like that then why don’t you want me to go to the Fire Palace?” I responded frostily, glowering right back.

  “Because I don’t like being apart from you any more than I like being with you,” he answered in a rush, confusing me.

  “That doesn’t make sense, Kieran,” I complained. “You talk crap.”

  “I speak the truth and nothing more,” he retorted, storming off and swearing violently under his breath. I followed him grudgingly.

  We rounded the cute homey cottage, passing blooming red and white flowers frosted by snowflakes. Roughly yanking the front door open, Kieran let the wood slam dramatically against the side of the house. I rushed to catch it before it could swing back and hit me.

  “Kieran,” I snarled his name.

  He turned around, his expression honestly innocent. “Oh, didn’t know you were there Ruby. Next time you stalk me make it more obvious.”

  Sighing exhaustedly, I went into the living room. Everybody was conveniently together, squashed around the sprawling coffee table; even Briseis was clustered against Adrian. Then I realised why the room seemed significantly more crowded than usual. We had visitors. And judging by everyone’s faces; unwanted visitors.

  Two of the biggest men I’d ever seen were positioned in a dominating, military stance in the centre of the small room. They both had shortly cropped hair the colour of cheese puffs –nothing like mine, before I even go there-and were both surprisingly attractive considering they were built like rugby players and subsequently had Orc-ish tendencies. They were identical twins.

  I’d seen the Earth Warriors before, but I had no idea that the Fire Warriors could be just as intimidating. They certainly wouldn’t be picked on for being ginger. To be honest they would probably eat whoever tried.

  “Who the hell are you?” Kieran demanded, breaking the silence. Kieran never, ever seemed vulnerable with that overconfident attitude of his, but these guys even made Adrian look small. They must have been at least seven foot tall. I felt like a midget.

  “I am Kian. This is Finn,” grunted one of the twins, in curt, clipped sentences. “We are here to escort Lady Ruby to the Fire Palace.”

  Oh my God. It was happening already.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Try and take her,” Kieran growled challengingly. “I’ll break all of your fingers if you lay just one on her.”

  I glanced at Kieran, unable to hide my astonishment. Now he wanted to protect me? After everything he said last night. I shook my head. I knew these guys would resort to violence if necessary so I reluctantly volunteered, “I’ll go, but I’ll need my things.”

  Glancing purposefully at Chara and Nik I asked, “Could I have some help?” Kieran glared furiously at me, fire smouldering in his emerald eyes.

  Nik’s kind, handsome features were nodding understandingly as he nudged Chara forwards. “We’ll help,” he offered.

  Then one of the guards held up his hand, palm forward like he was stopping traffic, “Wait; the Lady has an injury that needs attending to.” I looked down in surprise; having forgotten the skin-deep wound on my arm from the arrow’s slicing tip. It had stopped bleeding and the pain was fading into a drunken numbness; though healing it without Kieran would require stitches. Before I could protest a warrior stepped forwards, reaching up behind him to retrieve something from his metal wing brace.

  I shook my head decidedly. “It’s just a scrape. I’ll be fine until we reach the Palace.” The man grunted but reluctantly agreed; I guess I kinda had some authority.

  Nik, Chara and I went upstairs, leaving the intimidating company. We didn’t speak until my bedroom door shut. I noted with surprise that the knife Kieran had given me last night, which I’d left in his room, was sitting shining on my bed. I frowned at it, confused but oddly touched. Then Chara’s patience burst and questions exploded out of her frantically.

  “What happened? What did you do? Why are strange men here to take you away? Do you want to go? Don’t you like us anymore?” Her lovely hazel eyes were wide and very upset.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, of course I don’t want to leave.” I quickly assured her then dropped my voice because I knew just how brilliantly Phoenix can hear when they concentrate –even from downstairs. “Remember what I told you about my attacker, that he knew Lynk was forming alliances or something…”

  She nodded, and I continued. “This afternoon Lynk found out that I’m living with you guys and was pretty mad. He said he lawfully owned me until I’m Bound or eighteen or something.”

  “Here, that’s true, actually,” Nik admitted. “Did he take anything from you?”

  “My freedom; he’s demanding that I move into the Fire Palace with him, but it’s probably going to be the easiest way of getting information, so…” my tone twisted bitterly, “I’m going to go and find out as much as I can.”

  “But Ruby, what if your attacker was lying?” Chara asked worriedly. “I mean. Then you’ll be stuck with Lynk for no reason.”

  I hadn’t even thought of that.

  Eventually I shrugged, “I don’t know. I guess I’ll just deal with it, but to be honest I don’t think this guy was lying. And oh,” I’d almost forgotten, “me and Kieran were just ambushed by him again. He shot arrows at us on the way here.”

  Chara’s eyes went wide again. “That explains your arm.” Then slowly she said, “I don’t like this; surely there must be another way?”

  She seemed honestly concerned. I withdrew an uneasy breath, “I’m not running away again. I need to do this.”

  She still didn’t seem convinced but Nik said, “I don’t like this anymore than you Chara, but I think Ruby is right. We need to know what Lynk is up to; I mean, the High Council isn’t exactly going to do anything about it.”

  I went over to my bed, only just realising that I actually needed to pack. Chara saw my hesitation and instinctively pulled out my heavy gold wing brace from last night and began stuffing all my important things in its numerous hidden pockets, including my new weapon. She explained she’d send my clothes and stuff over in the morning. She packed enough clothes for two days though and my mother’s necklace.

  “Okay,” I said when Chara finally finished. I was straining under the leaden bulk of the wing brace Nik had hauled over my shoulders; it weighed me down like chainmail underwater. “How am I going to carry all this?” I could barely stand and the brace wasn’t even full.

  Chara carefully clutched my other bag. “You’ll probably be flying to the Fire Palace. You’ll be stronger once you Change.”

  I cautiously arranged the heaving brace, attempting to straighten up and gulping anxiously. “You mean I have to Change in front of them?” I asked.

  She frowned, “I guess so. Is that a problem? Don’t you remember how?”

  “No, no,” I assured her quickly, “it’s just I don’t particularly want to run around in the snow completely naked until I turn into a bird.” Now that is a sentence I never thought I’d have to say.

  “It’s the whole naked thing, isn’t it?” Chara asked.

  I nodded, “Yep, it’s the naked thing.”

  She sighed, almost frustrated; but not quite because Chara was far too dignified and patient to get annoyed. Then she said, “If you’re that bothered you’ll just have to sacrifice some clothes. But it is ridiculous and impractical. You need to learn to embrace this way of life, Ruby, and part of that involves being naked in front of people from time to time.”

  I rolled my eyes, “Well, it’s a good job these jeans are old.”

  It was only at that point when I realised Nik was laughing.

  Chara frowned, “What’s up with you?”

  He shook his head, “You two just make me laugh.”

  “Nikolas Ashaik,” Chara warned, “now is not the time.”

  He stopped chuckling but still couldn’t demolish his cheeky smile. I couldn’t help it, smiles were infectious, and I grinned too.

  Chara sighed maternally. “Come on you too, we need to go.”r />
  Though, as I clambered back down the stairs, nearly falling under the incredibly straining mass on my back, I thought I saw Chara smile.

  Downstairs, it didn’t surprise me that Kieran was having a rant. What did puzzle me, however, was that he stopped as soon as he saw me return.

  The ambiance abruptly turned awkward and uncomfortable.

  Then thankfully Chara came to my rescue. “She’s ready,” she announced, purposefully turning to hug me goodbye and whispering in my ear, “Good luck, Chick; keep your head. We’ll see you soon.”

  Ebony bounded forward, fiercely wrapping her arms around me. It was so easy to love Ebony. “If you don’t come visit very soon,” she warned, “I will personally come and fetch you.” She released me.

  “I’ll come see you as soon as Lynk lets me,” I said, glancing at the apparently oblivious twins. They were both starring off in different directions, their strong sharp features looking vaguely bored.

  Nik smiled, “See you soon,” and gave me a quick hug.

  I got a hug from Briseis and an indifferent nod from Adrian. A glare from Ebony’s annoying husband whom I’d barely seen, and then I finally turned to Kieran, feeling nervous.

  “Bye Kieran,” I whispered.

  He smirked arrogantly, “I hate to ruin your meaningful goodbye before you even begin, but it isn’t my thing, Princess.”

  Then he turned, and walked off.

  I waved to everyone else as the men led me outside. It was snowing again, but it wasn’t pretty flakes that were falling now, it was almost a blizzard. One of the twins said to me, “Are you alright with flying?”

  I wanted to scream, no I bloody wasn’t okay with flying! There’s a storm brewing and I don’t want to rip this top! Instead I just nodded, “That’s fine.”

  As soon as I thought they weren’t looking –they were busily Changing their pale muscular bodies into Phoenix-I regretfully thought of fire.

  The familiar energy gushed instantaneously down my spine while my limbs stretched and contracted to correspond with the ill-fitting wing brace. I heard my clothes rip. When I once again opened my eyes, I had that brilliantly focused vision. I stretched my wings, dripping in bulky metal links, taking in the wonderful atmosphere only visible in this bizarre body.