Keeper of the Phoenix

by Aleesah Darlison

  “Right. Yes. No time to stop,” Ash said. “Now we have a bridge we may as well use it. Go!” Ash pushed Rhyll, Taine and the others onto the rock platform while he and Duncan brought up the rear.

  Gwaam and Suela took off into the sky, the only ones capable of flying across the ravine.

  Ash glanced over his shoulder. The goblin army was almost at the bridge. “They’re going to follow us to the other side,” he said.

  But their spell had been a perfect one. As soon as the goblins stepped on the bridge, it vanished beneath their feet. Some fell into the ravine below while the others were left standing on the cliff, shouting angrily after the escapees.

  Ash was the last one across the bridge. He had to run hard so the platform didn’t disappear beneath him. When he reached the other side he jumped the final distance onto safe ground. He lay where he landed for several moments, panting and heaving as he got his breath back.

  Strong hands pulled him up. He found himself surrounded by Taine, Rhyll, Duncan and the men, their heavy thuds of thanks on his back. Ash grinned with relief and pride.

  “We made it,” he said, hardly able to believe it himself. “We actually made it.”

  With a flap of their giant wings, Gwaam and Suela landed beside the group. The circle of men broke apart respectfully as Gwaam stepped forwards to address Ash.

  “If it please you,” Gwaam said, “Suela and I will go now. We must first ensure Wizard Zadoc’s exile then finally return home to nest.”

  “Of course,” Ash said. “You have important matters to tend to.”

  Gwaam nodded.

  “Who will take care of you?” Rhyll said. “Don’t you need a Keeper?”

  Gwaam shook his feathered head. “Now that Zadoc is defeated, we will return to our homeland in peace,” he said. “There is a place no one else knows about. We will go there and re-learn all we have forgotten these past centuries since we have been bound to Keepers.

  “Ash Rover, you have saved our kind from destruction. We will never forget your kindness or your bravery.” He turned to glance at Rhyll and Taine. “Nor that of your friends.”

  Rhyll blushed and chewed her lip while Taine beamed with pride.

  “Should we ever need you,” Gwaam continued. “I will come for you.”

  The men gave Ash three cheers while he stared at his boots, embarrassed by all the attention.

  “Good luck,” Ash said. He knew Gwaam had to go, yet he couldn’t help feeling sad at their parting. Finding a phoenix had changed his life. He wasn’t sure he wanted things to return to normal. “I won’t ever forget you.”

  “Nor I, you.”

  Gwaam and Suela flapped their wings and took to the sky. Everyone lifted their hands to wave farewell.

  The phoenixes circled overhead, dark majestic shapes in the moonlight as they flew back to the castle to collect Zadoc.

  Then they were gone.

  22

  HOMECOMING

  It took over a week for the travellers to make their way back to Icamore. Because Lord Belgrave was so ill, they had to make sure he rested throughout the journey. The men, too, had been weakened by their imprisonment so they couldn’t rush the trip home.

  By the time they reached Icamore, their village had well and truly returned to normal. Gone was the black snow that had frozen everyone and everything. In its place was a town alive with activity, the residents bustling about as if nothing had happened. And for all the villagers knew or could remember, nothing had happened. Zadoc’s spell had ensured that.

  Ash felt an enormous rush of pride and relief as he strode through the village streets. He was glad to be home. Right now, Icamore seemed like the best place in the world. He couldn’t wait to see his mother again, but he knew he had business to attend to first.

  As he led the bedraggled group to Lord Belgrave’s manor, an excited crowd began to gather around them.

  “Is it them?” the villagers whispered. “They look so different.”

  The group stopped at the manor gates. The gatekeeper, a grumpy old man named Denzil Garton, greeted Ash. “Is that you, Master Rover?” he asked.

  “Yes, it is,” Ash replied. “I’m here to see Lady Belgrave.”

  “What be your business, lad?” Denzil peered blindly at him. “Do you have news of the war, then?”

  Ash grinned. “I’m here to deliver Lord Belgrave.”

  “You don’t expect me to believe one of this sorry lot is Lord Belgrave do you?” Denzil asked sternly. “I’ve never heard such nonsense.”

  Lord Belgrave limped slowly forwards. “Denzil, my dear fellow,” he said. “The lad is telling the truth. It is I, Lord Belgrave, returned at last.”

  Denzil’s rheumy eyes bulged. “Why, sir, I didn’t recognise you. A thousand pardons for my insolence.” The gatekeeper bowed low. “My mind hasn’t been the same these last few weeks. I can’t explain why. I barely know what’s going on any more.”

  Lord Belgrave waved him away. “Apology accepted. Open the gates, man. We’ve journeyed far.”

  Denzil hurried to open the gates and the party filed into the great hall. Servants scattered to fetch food and drinks, medicine and clean clothes. Lady Belgrave swept in moments later, Opal following in her wake.

  “Robert! Raymond!” Lady Belgrave flew into her husband’s arms then hugged her son close. “You’re home at last.”

  Lord and Lady Belgrave remained in each other’s embrace for several long minutes. Remembering himself, Lord Belgrave pulled away from his wife to address his followers.

  “Men and lady,” he nodded to Rhyll, “I know you must be keen to see your families. Once you have replenished yourselves with something to eat and drink, I give you leave to go. But I bid you, return tonight for a celebration in your honour, a celebration like no other.”

  Cheers went up from the crowd. Lady Belgrave stepped forwards. “Ashfield Rover, I see you and your companions fulfilled your mission.” She smiled warmly at each of the children in turn. “Thank you for doing what I asked.”

  Ash nodded. “Any time.”

  “You’re welcome, my lady,” Rhyll said, curtsying long and low.

  “It was nothing,” Taine said, his cheeks turning red with embarrassment. “Well, it wasn’t nothing, not exactly, but–”

  “Shush.” Rhyll grabbed his arm to stop him.

  Taine coughed into his fist. “Um, yeah, like Ashfield said. Any time.”

  Ash, Taine and Rhyll parted soon afterwards, promising to meet later that evening at the manor. When they arrived home, Ash let Duncan enter first. As usual, Amelia was at her stove. At the sound of boots scraping on the doorstep she looked up. “Duncan? Is that you?”

  “Yes, Ma.” Duncan grinned through the grime on his face.

  Amelia threw herself at Duncan, kissing him on both cheeks and hugging him. She caught sight of Ash standing behind Duncan and pulled him into her embrace. “And Ash. Last I heard, Lady Belgrave sent word that she sent you on a mission. I’ve been worried sick. You never even said goodbye.” Far from admonishing Ash, Amelia simply hugged him all the more fiercely. “Thank goodness I have both my sons back again.”

  Ash had never seen his mother so affectionate. “And your father?” She gazed at Duncan eagerly. “What of him?”

  Duncan’s voice caught in his throat. He stared helplessly at Ash.

  “He didn’t make it, Ma.” Ash choked back tears.

  Amelia’s mouth clamped shut. She nodded slowly. Tears trailed down the lines of her cheeks and her chin trembled.

  “It’s all right, Ma.” Ash led her to a chair. “It’s all right. Let it out.”

  Amelia slumped to the chair, her shoulders heaving as she sobbed for her husband. Ash and Duncan held her for a long time. They told her all that had been happening. About Wizard Zadoc and the Draygonians. About their father’s last moments.

  It was a lot for Amelia to take in. Worst of all, and hardest for her to accept, was the news that her husband was dead. She sat there for a lo
ng time weeping softly and shaking her head. No amount of consoling from Ash or Duncan comforted her.

  Ash knew it would be a long time before his mother would be well again. The thought saddened him, as did the knowledge that his father would never be coming home. He felt a deep emptiness at the loss of his pa, Trip and Gwaam. Life would never be the same.

  Duncan nudged him with one of his huge fists. “Should we get ready for tonight’s celebrations? Do you feel up to going?”

  “Not really,” Ash admitted. “But I think Lord Belgrave will expect us there.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Duncan agreed. Ash bathed and put on his clean clothes. He fixed his mother something to eat then sat with her as she ate slowly.

  “Will you come with us tonight, Ma?” he asked.

  Amelia shook her head. “I’m not ready yet,” she sniffed. “Just give me a little time to come to terms with things, Ash.”

  “Do you want us to stay home with you, Ma?” Duncan asked.

  “No. Definitely not.” Amelia was adamant. “You boys go. It’s your duty and you deserve to be recognised for all you’ve done.”

  Ash and Duncan left soon after. They walked silently into the village, each lost in his own thoughts. When they arrived at the manor, they were greeted by Lord Belgrave.

  “I’ve reserved a place for you at the head table,” Lord Belgrave told Ash. “Taine and Rhyll will sit beside you, Duncan beside Raymond.

  “That’s very kind of you, my lord,” Ash said. “Thank you.”

  “After all your family has done for me it is the least I can do.”

  The great hall had been decorated with colourful banners and flags. Musicians strolled around playing tunes. Jugglers worked the crowd, entertaining everyone with their antics. The hall buzzed with laughter. Everyone was enjoying themselves.

  Everyone, that is, except Morgan. When Ash saw his cousin wedged between his mother and Mrs Tattle at a long table, he couldn’t help smiling. Morgan caught Ash grinning at him and scowled back. Ash shrugged. He knew Morgan would never call him small and weak again.

  When a blast of trumpets cut across the noise, the crowd hushed. Lord Belgrave rose to speak. Despite having bathed and dressed in fresh clothes, he was still pale and sick looking. Clearly, he was not the same man who had left Icamore twelve months ago.

  Before he’d left for the war he had been a stern and distant figure, known for his cruelty but never his kindness. Now, watching Lord Belgrave, Ash realised that what he’d been through had changed him forever.

  I guess what I’ve been through has changed me too, Ash thought.

  “Thank you all for coming,” Lord Belgrave began. Though his body was wasted his voice was clear and strong. “We owe our lives to three young people seated at my table tonight. Ash Rover and Taine and Rhyll Piggins.”

  Several men nearby gave a cheer. Ash blushed and shifted in his seat, embarrassed.

  “These brave adventurers journeyed far and faced great hardships to defeat the evil Wizard Zadoc and rescue my men and I. Not to mention, the rescue of two rare and rather remarkable phoenixes …”

  Much foot stomping and applause followed this announcement. Lord Belgrave held his hand up for silence.

  “So tonight, we honour these three courageous young people. Their tale will be recorded in our history, their story woven into our tapestries and our songs.” Lord Belgrave paused. “And in return for their bravery, I offer them a reward.”

  Three small but heavy chests of gold were carried in and placed in front of the table.

  Ash glanced at the twins. “Thank you my lord, but this is too generous,” he said. “It’s not necessary.”

  “Nonsense,” Lord Belgrave said, his firm tone brooking no argument. “You deserve it.” He turned to the crowd. “There is something else I need to tell everyone and that is, if it wasn’t for the help of magic, we would not have escaped Wizard Zadoc’s castle. I have learned much on my recent travels and so, from this day on, I revoke my decree. Magic is no longer outlawed in Icamore and I will strive to make amends for any I have wronged on that score.”

  Lord Belgrave’s gaze rested meaningfully on Jordie Piggins before he continued.

  “Now, I won’t bore you with any more formalities. While the war still rages in the north, for now we are home and we are safe. So, tonight I ask only one thing. That you enjoy this feast to honour our rescuers and those we lost along the way. I open my home to you all.”

  More thunderous applause and foot stomping. The music started up again and trays of roast lamb, turkey and vegetables were brought out.

  All the while, Ash couldn’t help thinking how lucky he was. Lord Belgrave was right: he had been on an amazing adventure. And he’d made it back alive.

  Ash was relieved that Lord Belgrave had revoked his ban on magic. Ever since he and Rhyll had used Zadoc’s wand to form the bridge, he had felt a new power was welling inside him. The thought both frightened and excited him.

  In time, he hoped to fully explore the gift Gwaam had bestowed on him. He would always remain a Keeper of the Phoenix, as Gwaam had said. Even if he wasn’t needed by his phoenix, he could still work on his developing powers.

  But only for good purposes, he thought. Always for good.

  Ash smiled to himself as he turned to study his two best friends.

  Taine was still in shock about the gold. So much so that he’d hardly touched a thing on his plate. Not even his favourite dish, the roast turkey.

  Rhyll sat with a grin plastered from ear to ear.

  Yes, I’m lucky, Ash thought to himself. My heart aches at the loss of Pa, but I still have Ma and Duncan. And I’ve got the best and bravest friends in the world. I think everything will be all right. I hope it will be.

  Later the three friends snuck out to Lord Belgrave’s garden.

  “You did it,” Rhyll said. “You really did it. All is good in the village of Icamore again.”

  Ash squeezed Rhyll’s hand. “We did it. I couldn’t have done it without you. You were great.”

  “What about me?” Taine pretended to be hurt.

  Ash held Taine’s hand and gazed at him dreamily. “You too.”

  “Get off me.” Taine laughed as he pulled away. Ash grabbed Taine in a bear hug, the two boys play-wrestling. As they mucked around they stumbled into an apple tree, causing something to fall and hit Ash on the head.

  “Ouch!” He rubbed the spot where he’d been hit.

  Ash stooped to pick up the object. It wasn’t an apple as he’d had expected, but a stone box decorated with intricate etchings of strange creatures with elongated eyes, flowing beards and long flowing legs. When Ash traced one of the etchings with his finger it came to life, its legs moving as if blown by the wind, its body glowing bright orange.

  “What is it?” Rhyll asked.

  “I have no idea,” Ash groaned. “But I’m sure we’re going to find out.”

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Aleesah Darlison writes picture books and novels for children and young adults, both in the contemporary fiction and fantasy genres. She also reviews books for The Sun Herald.

  When Aleesah isn’t working on her next book, she’s usually chasing after her three energetic children or her frisky dog, Floyd.

  Keeper of the Phoenix is the first book in the Ash Rover series.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me develop Ash Rover and make the story that started out as a seed in my imagination into a real book.

  I’ve been very lucky to have a supportive family, wonderful author and illustrator friends, an astute agent in Jacinta di Mase, a fantastic editorial team headed by Mary Verney and an awesome publisher in Walker Books.

  I can only hope that children, and adults, will enjoy reading this first instalment in the Ash Rover series as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

  All my best,

  Aleesah Darlison

  Published in 2014

  by Walker Books Au
stralia Pty Ltd

  Locked Bag 22, Newtown

  NSW 2042 Australia

  www.walkerbooks.com.au

  This ebook edition published in 2014

  The moral rights of the author and illustrator have been asserted.

  Text © 2014 Aleesah Darlison

  Cover Illustration © 2014 Nicole Onslow

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry:

  Darlison, Aleesah, author.

  Ash Rover: Keeper of the phoenix / Aleesah Darlison.

  Series: Darlison, Aleesah. Ash Rover; 1.

  For children.

  A823.4

  ISBN: 978-1-925081-36-7 (ePub)

  ISBN: 978-1-925081-35-0 (e-PDF)

  ISBN: 978-1-925081-37-4 (.PRC)

  To my nephew, Taine. Of course. AD

  Look out for other books in the

  ASH ROVER SERIES

  Taker of the Kraken

  Sentry to the Centaurs