Open my eyes.
Let go.
Time slows as the arrow whizzes through air and lands in the middle of Roman’s pyre.
Goodbye, my friend.
The water is still. Not even a breeze of wind tickles my wet cheeks. It’s as if the land itself is holding its breath.
Soon, all three pyres are lit aflame. The flame is cold, though. Out of nowhere, the wind picks up, tearing through my hair. The monks push the boats with pyres off the shore, and they slowly float away.
Once the pyres are just a tiny dot in the distance, the crowd starts to break up. I stand unmoving, my feet rooted into the ground. I’ll only move when I can no longer see Roman’s pyre.
That’s the least I can do. Keep him company while he finds his way to the otherworld. Wherever that may be.
“Phoenix.” Daegel’s voice is gentle. His fingers find the small of my back. “It’s not your fault, you know that?”
My voice has no life in it. “I could have helped him if only I was faster to react.”
“Phoenix, my love. It’s not on you, what happened. I’m sure Roman wouldn’t want you carrying this weight on your shoulders.”
I turn to face Daegel, ready to argue, but the General with his escort and the Taaslord approach before I can say anything.
“Ezkai Phoenix.” The General addresses me first. Then, he turns to Daegel. “Ezkai Daegel.”
I dip my chin and press my fist over my heart. “General. Taaslord.”
“My condolences, Ezkai Phoenix,” the General says. “I was told you were close with Ezkai Roman.”
I clear my throat. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”
My gaze flicks towards his fae companion at his side. She’s even more striking up close.
Luminous skin, steely almond-shaped eyes, long hair woven into thick braids that reach all the way to her waist. A luxurious black diamond choker glimmers on her lean neck.
Meeting my gaze, she says, “I’m Vera D’Argent. I’ve heard a lot about you as the first human Decarios to ever become an Ezkai. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” I choke the words out, my throat thick.
She’s odd… No proper greeting for us, as Ezkai. But I suppose one doesn’t have to obey all the customs and rules when one shares the company of the Ezkai General himself.
“We must speak, Ezkai Phoenix,” the General says. “I’m sorry this needs to happen while you’re grieving, but we don’t have the luxury of time.”
Immediately, my heart sinks. “Yes, sir. Of course. Whatever you need.”
The General looks at Daegel before turning to me again. “I assume Ezkai Daegel hasn’t briefed you yet about it.” I shake my head. “This morning King Francis, the ruler of Wetra, as I’m sure you’re aware, arrived in Ekios. He’s here to discuss politics, as he’s unhappy about a certain new law I’m about to pass. Tomorrow midday, we’ll sit down for a meeting. I’d like for you to be there.”
My sight goes red for a moment. It takes a couple of heartbeats to steady myself enough so I can answer calmly. “I have to ask—why, sir?”
“The political and economic relationship between our countries has been shaky recently. I’m afraid King Francis sees this new law as a threat to his country, which it’s absolutely not. Your position as a human Decarios serving the Order is important. I would like you to be in the meeting so King Francis can understand Ekios is no threat to Wetra.”
“Of course, sir.” I manage the words out. “I’ll be there.”
CHAPTER SIX
JAX
I make my way through the crowded streets of Kozem towards Lynx’s Den.
