Page 63 of The Throne Seeker
“I put it there because I’ve been training with it. Come on. We need to reach them before they get to the boats.”
Tristan still paused, eyeing her like he didn’t know who he was looking at. But he dismissed it; there were more pressing matters at hand.
Rain battered the night sky as they raced toward the front gate, already drenched from the heavy droplets. Though the weather would slow them down, she prayed it would do the same for the phoenix.
Just as they were about to pass through the gates, a servant rushed to Tristan, startling his horse into an abrupt halt.
“I nearly ran you over,” Tristan hissed. “Move!”
“Sir, there is a woman here; she says it’s urgent,” the servant explained.
“I have no time.”
The servant didn’t budge. “But sir, it’s the caretaker of the phoenix.”
Rose’s eyes widened as she and Tristan exchanged awestruck glances.
It was a miracle.
She dismounted her horse at once.
“Take us to her,” Tristan ordered, following suit.
They entered the grand hall just minutes later, rainwater dripping a trail from their cloaks. Rose let out a breath in relief when she saw the phoenix perched at the head table with its caretaker beside it.
The woman had wild, curly black hair, save for the one white streak framing her face, the length of it almost reaching her hips. Her skin was so pale and smooth that it resembled porcelain. Her bright blue eyes seemed to hold the knowledge they would come in haste, unalarmed at their abrupt entry.
“Your Highness,” the woman greeted Tristan first with a respectful bow. “I am Ingrid, caretaker of the phoenix.”
“How did you know we’d need you?” Tristan asked.
“I didn’t.” Ingrid’s light, airy eyes glided to the phoenix. “He did. He wouldn’t let me leave. He sensed that after tonight’s events, he would be needed.”
Rose studied the creature with wonder. They were brilliant, majestic creatures, to be sure, said to roam the skies centuries ago. They possessed incredible healing and regrowth properties alongside their ability to cut or destroy practically anything. And, of course, they were best known for being capable of rising from their own ashes, born new again. The phoenix’s intense, vivid-yellow eyes stared back at her.
“He’s been waiting for you,” Ingrid said to her.
“We need help,” Rose explained, looking between phoenix and Ingrid, unsure who to address. “Tristan’s brother saved him from an arrow dipped in Dragonshade, but it scratched his arm. He’s growing weaker and weaker by the moment. I fear he’ll not last until morning.”
The caretaker knew what they desired. “And you want the phoenix to heal him?”
“Yes,” Tristan said. “Whatever your price, we’ll pay it.”
Ingrid raised an eyebrow. “I cannot speak for the phoenix, as he chooses to do as he wishes. But I can tell you he’ll require something in return. And only he will decide how that debt is paid.”
Rose studied the phoenix with hesitancy. “Does it speak?”
Ingrid nodded once, her mystical eyes glowing. “In his own way.”
Tristan addressed the phoenix now. “Will you help us?”
A heavy silence filled the room, holding their breath. Finally, the phoenix nodded, its brilliant, smooth feathers ruffling gracefully. Its curved orange beak sharpened to a lethal point.
“What is it you want in return?” Rose asked, knowing something so valuable as a phoenix tear would not come without a price.
The phoenix’s eyes rested on her, its essence brushing against her mind. She stepped back involuntarily at the contact.
The phoenix’s smooth, silken voice resonated deep within her mind.I know who you are, Rosalie Versalles,the phoenix said,even if you do not. I can see into your past, present, and future; your path is not easy, but vital for our realm. You and you alone will have to face an ancient enemy to safeguard the future of Vallor. You are a kindred spirit, Rosalie. For this reason, I require a simple favor. I grow near the end of my life cycle, and I need you to help me as I am reborn.
