Chapter 44
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
PHOENIX
Four days later, we’re on the way to the mountains right outside Jaakii, where the Trial of Wisdom is to take place first thing tomorrow morning.
My skin is buzzing with anticipation. I could barely sleep since I received my invitation.
The smooth-timbered carriage we’re on is spacious enough to fit all three of us comfortably.
Vera’s next to me, and Jax sits on the plush silk bench in front of us.
So far, it’s been a silent journey. Vera’s looking out her window, lost in thought.
Jax is playing with one of those colorful cube puzzles, gnawing at his bottom lip.
His fingers are swift, and he finishes the puzzle for the third time before starting again.
Vera clears her throat. “We need to talk.”
I look at her. “I’m all ears.”
“Right before we left Jaakii, Oka Oya told me what the Trial of Wisdom will include,” Vera says.
For the first time since we met, she looks worried.
Which in turn makes me worried as fuck. “This trial is designed to test your strength against the strongest beings that walk the lands. Our tradition believes that only an Ezkai strong enough to withstand it can protect Ekios.”
That tracks with what Daegel told me before. Ancient beasts. I nod. “Did Kazh know who those strongest beings I’m supposed to fight are?”
“You’ll be fighting dragons. That’s why we’re going to the Killygano Mountains.”
At first, I think I hear her wrong. I glance at Jax. He’s stunned, eyes wide and lips parted.
“Are you for fucking real now?” I shake my head. “Dragons?! How am I supposed to fight a dragon?!”
Vera pouts. “Yeah, that’s why I said we need to talk. You need a plan. We need a plan.”
Jax snaps out of the shock and leans forward in his seat. “Dragons? Is that like a metaphor for something?”
Vera rolls her eyes. “No, it’s not a metaphor, Jax. When I say dragons, I truly mean dragons. The regal, lethal, magical creatures.”
Jax claps his hands. “That is absolutely wild. I don’t think even Decarios are strong enough to fight a damn dragon.”
My stomach is in knots. I think I might be sick.
Not only do I not stand a chance against a dragon in a fight…I don’t want to fight one. The sight of Kitajo’s dragon crying out from grief and dying together with its bonded Decario still haunts my dreams.
No way can I slay a dragon, even if I find a way.
“First, the damn spirits of the gods, now the dragons.” I breathe out the words. “This fucking country is absolutely wild.”
Vera pats me on the shoulder as if that can help.
“Dragons are rare, very powerful, and highly respected in our culture. They don’t like people, so dragons tend to stay away from highly populated areas to avoid curious eyes. Most live in the mountains all over the country.”
I try not to sound accusing, but I still do. “It’s been hours since we left Jaakii. Why haven’t you mentioned it before?”
“I was trying to come up with a plan,” Vera says. “When I could not find a solution, I thought it only appropriate we brainstorm.”
Jax claps his hands and rubs them together, his colorful cube puzzle forgotten. “Let’s talk game plan.”
“What kind of game plan can there be?” I fold my arms over my chest and look out the window. The path winding up towards the mountain is lined with low bushes that have red berries peeking through waxy deep green leaves. “You can’t help me. It’s on me to find a way to deal with this.”
“You’re a skilled fighter,” Vera says. “A Phantom Ranger, which is rare. As long as you find a way to put enough distance between you and the dragon you fight, there shouldn’t be any issues. Use the terrain to your advantage.”
I stare out the window, mute.
Vera clears her throat. “Phoenix?”
“She’s brooding,” Jax whispers to her, as if I couldn’t hear it.
I don’t even have to look at Vera to know she’s rolling her eyes at me.
“I won’t kill a dragon,” I say without bothering to look at them. “Period. Conversation is over.”
Both of them are silent.
“May I ask how do you plan on winning, then?” Jax asks. “I doubt you can outrun a dragon. At least not as a human Decar—”
I shut him up with a glare.
Vera doesn’t argue with me. I turn away to my window. The very tips of the mountains are snowy. The contrast of the reddish-brown rocks at the base of the mountain with the white is stark. If I look at it for too long it hurts my eyes.
We don’t speak for the rest of the journey.
We arrive at the monastery nestled at the top of the Killygano Mountains just after midday.
A group of monks dressed in white robes greet us.
The air here is fresh and crispy, and I can see my breath.
The view of the snowy mountain top rising above the red roof of the monastery takes my breath away.
Colorful birds line the branches of the trees all over the grounds of the monastery, and they chirp cheerfully as we follow the monks inside.
All of the participants are staying here for the duration of the trial. We are assigned a three-bedroom suite with a private bathroom and access to a little garden on the side of the building. The ceilings are high, with exposed wood beams.
“Did you see? There is a huge fountain!” Jax says, waving us over to the window.
With a roll of my eyes, I stalk to the window to see the damn fountain. It has a statue of two marble dragons frozen in a dance in midair. Water spouts from their open mouths. A chill goes down my back.
“Because I’m a gentleman, I’ll let you claim your beds first, ladies,” Jax says, flashing us a crooked smile.
I snort. “A gentleman? Do you even know what that means?”
He opens his mouth to answer, but I hold up my palm. “If you’re about to crack an inappropriate joke, spare me.”
Vera chuckles. She takes the bed in the middle. I take one next to the window, and Jax is left the with bed by the wall.
“You break my heart every time you open your mouth, Phoenix,” Jax says, plopping on the bed.
“How about we don’t talk to each other, then? Your heart won’t break, and my ears won’t bleed.”
“Great idea!” Jax props himself on his elbows. “I have about a thousand ideas that don’t involve talking. Shall we go through the list now or later?”
I roll my eyes, and Vera laughs.
“I’m going to strangle him in his sleep if he won’t shut up,” I tell Vera.
She shrugs. “I know just the place to dump the body.”
That makes me smile. Vera winks at me. Just like that, the tension between us evaporates.
“Ouch!” Jax complains. “Two against one is not fair.”
“Life’s not fair. Deal with it, pretty face,” Vera says. It’s a gentle tease. “I’m going to find Noire. Once I’m back, let’s finish our conversation, Phoenix.”
Jax yawns and gets on his feet. “Sounds good. I’ll go snoop around the place to see if I can maybe overhear some gossip.”
“Gossip will definitely help Phoenix win. Smart thinking, Jaxy,” Vera deadpans, walking through the door.
I don’t hear what Jax replies because they close the door and I’m alone. The silence is ringing in my ears. I look around the room. The walls are bare white stucco. Not a single painting, or a picture. I suppose the view through the windows is picturesque enough.
For a little while, I pace around the room. My mind runs a thousand miles an hour, and the longer I’m alone with my thoughts, the worse it gets. I’m about to die, and I have no clue what to do about it.
I have killed plenty in my short life. Yet, I know in my heart I don’t have it in me to slay a dragon. Even if my life’s at stake.
I stop pacing and close my eyes. This is not helping. Overthinking only feeds the anxiety. Suddenly, I wish Kazh was here with me. While a torture, training with her has become my safe space.
That’s it.
I know what to do.
The glass door leading to the side yard is not locked and slides open with ease. Cool air tickles my bare face, and a chill goes right through me. Ekios is much colder than what I’m used to in Wetra. I can only hope the summer will be warmer.
Behind the fountain, surrounded by wildflowers, is a flat rock. That’s where I settle for my meditation. I fold my legs underneath me neatly and place my palms on my knees. The first inhale is driven by anxiety, but the second one is much calmer.
It takes me a couple of minutes to clear my mind completely. The cool air starts to feel nice, a great anchor to reality so I don’t get accidentally lost within my mind.
Somewhere far away, the birds chirp. It’s a joyous sound, and there are so many of them. An image of a large tree, branches full of birds, forms behind my eyes. My chest swells with warmth.
A gentle breeze caresses my cheeks, and with each breath I take, my whole body fills with fresh mountain air. I can feel it energizing me from within. The beautiful sound of birds is accompanied by the rustling leaves of trees somewhere in the distance. It’s a symphony of peace and quiet.
Somewhere on my left, a tiny branch snaps. My eyes fly open and my whole body gets ready to fight.
A pair of dark brown eyes meets mine. A tiny smirk curls his sensuous mouth and it tickles something low in my belly.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I whisper-yell, looking around the garden.
“What a kind welcome,” Daegel says. “And here I thought you’d be excited to see me.”
I roll my eyes. “You’ve been acting like a stubborn asshole for the past few weeks. Why should I? Besides, this is dangerous. Vera can see us easily here.”
I unfold my legs and slide off the stone with grace. He pulls out a wicker basket from behind his back.
“I thought you might want to join me on a picnic for lunch. The weather is rather nice today.”
I don’t say anything. He sighs. “I’m sorry for acting like an asshole at the Starless Night.” When I don’t answer, he adds, “And before that.”
He looks at me, and pouts. It’s annoying how impossible it is for me to resist him.
“Alright,” I say. I glance behind him at the door leading to my room. Vera and Jax are still not back. “I’ll eat with you. We have things to discuss, anyway.”
His eyes sparkle. “Oh? I’m looking forward to that.”
I jerk my chin at him. “Lead the way.”