Page 78 of Red Dragon’s Flame

After the lines of soldiers came more Banarak, these wearing robes embroidered with magical symbols. There were only a couple dozen of them, and they went to the center of the cavern where the rows of shining vessels stood.

They lined up on either side—one per vessel, except for the large cauldrons in the middle.

They must be the special ones, Devon thought. The ones who were going to ‘fuse’ with the phoenix somehow.

The chanting grew in intensity. Devon’s spine twisted and her muscled cramped. The chant was calling the phoenix, compelling her, and she was beginning to push out of Devon’s body, trying to break free. Not yet, Devon tried to tell her. Hold on. Please hold on just a little longer.

Mikah’s necklace whispered to her: Keep the faith.

That she could do, she realized. She might be physically helpless, but she could still be strong. She could pour all her love and hope in to Mikah’s necklace, the heart of his hoard, trying to call him to her.

Believing he would come.

From an entrance near the top of the dome, a line of Allohim flew into the cavern. Some ranged themselves in rows around the perimeter, hovering in mid-air.

Three of them, wearing gold circlets on their heads, flew down and landed by the cauldrons. The chanting cut off into sudden silence.

The Allohim with the most ornate circlet turned and stared straight at Devon, his eyes glowing blue. “Bring her,” he commanded, his voice echoing through the cavern.

One of the soldiers turned and unlocked Devon’s cage. She tried to push herself away from him, against the wall, but the movement made her double over in pain.

Keep the faith, she told herself again, as they dragged her out of the cage. Believe. Mikah will come.

The other two soldiers were opening the male phoenix’s cage, unlocking the magical chain that kept him bound.

He was burning brighter now, the flames of his body streaked with dark red and orange. He stared at Devon, calling out to her.

Devon’s body cramped and twisted, but the soldiers held her tightly, their fingers digging painfully into her arms and legs. Behind her she heard Mikey growling, and willed her not to draw attention to herself. She might still be able to escape.

Mikah! she cried out silently. Where are you? I need you!

The soldiers carried Devon to the Allohim leader, still holding her tightly. He smiled down at her, and his smile was more terrifying than his scowl.

The other two Allohim chanted something short, that sounded like a magic spell. Another domed force field sprang up inside the first one, leaving most of the soldiers and other Allohim outside.

It was time for the ritual.

Time grew hazy for Devon. All she could think about was the pain—the phoenix being called out of her, and fighting the call. There was more chanting—calling and answering—and the lighting of the fire, its piled-up wood inscribed with glowing magical symbols.

Devon wanted to tell them they didn’t need the fire. All they had to do was take Mikah’s pendant off her, and there’d be plenty of flames.

But she couldn’t say a word. She felt like every muscle was ripping apart, and she was burning from the inside out.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, to be paralyzed again. At least the pain would stop.

The chanting rose once more, and agony ripped through her.

Mikah! she screamed.

And this time, he must have heard her. The outer dome winked out. There were ripping sounds as worldgates opened all around the cavern, their edges sparkling with magic.

People and dragons poured through, and the battle began.

Chapter 36

After one startled moment, the Allohim and Banarak turned away from the battle raging beyond the barrier, ignoring the slaughter of their people.

They continued the ritual, speeding up the chanting and raising their voices to be heard.