 CHAPTER I 

What is Darkness without Light?

What is Hatred without Love?

Revenge and Forgiveness, one and the same.

All play a part, in Life’s cruel game.

Siann of Ilrion observed the celebrations in honour of her eighteenth winter with a small smile. A rainbow of coloured spheres created by Wind Adepts decorated the air amongst the trees, casting tiny shadows along the ground. Exhibition duels throughout the long morning had tired her, and she sipped a glass of plain water. A voice suddenly disturbed her thoughts and she turned curiously.

‘This is your last day, Sia.’ In the company of a close friend, she smiled widely. Luc looked at her keenly; his eyes were grey, the exact colour of an overcast sky, and his short brown hair was slightly mussed.

‘It is—but I’ll only be gone for a month. Phoenix is coming with me; we’re going home after all.’ She paused. ‘Where’s Nariel?’

Luc shrugged, opening his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word he was stopped short.

‘Congratulations Sia! Your exhibition was flawless!’

Siann grinned, her question answered. ‘Thank you, Nari. Luc and I were just talking about you. It seemed like you’d disappeared.’

Luc used the brief moment to admire Siann’s long black hair, currently pulled back into a simple plait. Her features were delicate and beautiful, her large aqua blue eyes warm.

‘But I told Luc to tell you that I had to check on one of the Adepts in the infirmary before I caught up with you!’ Nariel switched her attention to Luc.

Luc rolled his eyes, hastily raising his hands when her glare intensified. ‘I was just about to tell Sia when you came along!’

Siann laughed and was about to comment when any further conversation was abruptly halted.

‘Siann of Ilrion? It’s a compliment for her to be known as an Adept! She may have potential in the Element of Spirit, but what is the use if she cannot use her supposedly great powers? And I would say that her sword fighting also leaves much to be desired.’

Siann cocked an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth tilting up in amusement. Luc stiffened and was about to reply when Siann shook her head and laid a calming hand on his shoulder before stepping forward. ‘Shayara,’ she said pleasantly. ‘Blunt as ever I see. But really, if you were in the mood to censure rather than celebrate, I don’t see why you came.’ Silence met her words as the other Adepts began to gather.

‘Consider it constructive criticism, Siann.’

‘Unless my ears betrayed me, your words were anything but “constructive”. In fact, you seem to be resentful of something. Care to let us know what it is? Perhaps we can help you.’

Shayara gasped, her blue eyes blazing with fury. She tossed back her white-blonde hair. ‘You sound so sure of yourself. Is this because you are always able to fall back under your brother’s protection? The great Phoenix of Ilrion, Fire Adept extraordinaire,’ she finished mockingly.

‘That’s enough, Shayara,’ Nariel cut in, sick of holding her tongue. ‘Your words are completely groundless. You may be able to draw on Water, but I heard that you didn’t even make it into the exhibition trials.’

Reddening, Shayara reacted quickly, metal grating on metal as she drew her sword. ‘Why don’t you come and test them yourself? Oh—I forgot. You’re one of the Water Adepts who doesn’t believe in weapons training. Healing is your first priority. A pity you don’t see that it just makes you weaker. Perhaps Siann would oblige me instead?’

‘Is that a challenge?’ Siann questioned, her voice deadly quiet.

‘What, are you afraid?’ Shayara taunted.

‘No,’ Siann replied coolly. ‘I don’t fight anyone on a mere whim, so why should I waste my time on you? Instead, let me offer you this instead.’ Switching her half-finished water for wine, she raised the glass in a toast. ‘To you. So that our next encounter may be equally—maybe even more—delightful. Thank you for your gracious proposal to duel, unfortunately, I do not have the time or patience to play with you. Good luck Shayara.’ She turned her back to give Luc and Nariel a meaningful glance as well as a silent message. I think I should leave. I don’t want to make Phoenix wait.

‘And Shayara? You can say whatever you like about me, but do not denigrate my brother again. Next time I won’t be so nice.’ Siann paused for a moment before quietly saying her goodbyes to Luc and Nariel and leaving the Collegium Gardens.

……………….

Walking soundlessly through the long hallway, Siann reflected on her treatment of Shayara, deep in thought. She shook her head absently and continued outside, heading for the stables. Hearing the sound of crying, she looked around and found a little boy sobbing on the ground beside a broken wooden sword. At the same time she sensed his staggering ability as an Earth Adept. She approached him and crouched down on one knee, taking him in her arms. ‘There, there. What’s wrong?’ she asked softly.

‘Th-they broke my sword and h-hit me,’ he said, looking up to reveal a large and painful bruise on his right cheekbone. ‘And now I won’t be able to pr-practise anymore.’

‘Don’t worry,’ Siann said reassuringly, stroking his black hair. ‘I’ll help you. What’s your name?’

‘A-andri. Andrean of Calira.’ He straightened proudly.

‘Well Andri. If you go to the Gardens and look for someone named Luc of Faellanon, he’ll help you out and get you a new sword. Just tell him that Sia sent you.’ She paused and gently wiped a tear from his eyes, which were a pure violet the shade of clear amethysts. ‘He may even train you if you ask him nicely. He’ll also teach you how to use your magic.’

‘M-magic?’ he asked.

‘You mean you didn’t know?’

‘N-no. No one ever tells me anything!’ Andri said, gaining confidence.

‘Well Luc is an Earth Adept, Andri. Just like you,’ Siann added. ‘That’s why you’re here. And if you tell him who hurt you, he’ll make sure that they never bother you again.’

‘Wh-what does he look like?’

‘He has brown hair and grey eyes.’

‘O-okay. Thank you. Umm… who are you?’

Siann stood, helping Andri up at the same time. ‘Just call me “Sia”,’ she said.

He hugged her enthusiastically, and touched, she smiled down at him. ‘Thank you Sia!’ he cried happily.

‘You should go and look for Luc now,’ she pointed out with a cheerful grin. ‘And remember, if something bad happens then look up, and know that the sun will always shine and that there will always be someone there for you.’ Andri grinned back and ran to the gardens as Siann waved goodbye. Still smiling, she turned, once again heading for the stables.

…………………

Siann rounded a corner and was immediately greeted by the smell of hay and horses.

‘About time!’ Phoenix called. He was already waiting with their horses, an elegant cream coloured gelding and a dazzling white mare with a black star on its forehead. ‘As you can see, I’ve saddled Firebell for you and attached all your bags.’

‘Thank you Phoenix. I’m sorry I got held up.’

‘That’s okay. How was the party?’

‘I’ve had better,’ she said with a wince. ‘Shayara decided to challenge me.’

‘Did you accept?’ he asked.

‘Of course not!’

Phoenix reached into his pocket and smiled as he produced a small, plain wooden box. ‘Well, I’ve got something that will hopefully improve your day. Happy eighteenth winter Sis!’ he said, handing her the box.

Siann gasped as she opened it. Inside was an intricately sculpted glass phoenix on a slender gold chain. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she murmured, taking it out of the box. She turned it round and saw that there was writing on the back: ‘May the sun always shine upon you,’ she read aloud, ‘Till the end of time, know that I will always be with you. Love Phoenix.’ It glowed, almost as if a flame was trapped within.

‘I made it myself and instilled it with the essence of fire,’ he explained. ‘And now, I’ll always be with you.’

‘It’s wonderful. Thank you Phoenix!’ she cried, throwing her arms around him.

He returned the embrace and said, ‘I’m glad you like it.’

‘I didn’t know Fire Adepts could do that,’ she said, drawing back and looking into his handsome face, a smile still tugging at the corners of his mouth. Short black hair burnished in the sun’s warm rays came close to obscuring his brilliant blue eyes, the same shade of aqua as her own.

‘Neither did I until I tried,’ Phoenix replied. ‘You should wear it.’ He took the chain and unclasped it, fastening it around her neck. ‘It looks good on you.’

‘It would look good on anyone!’ she said, grinning as she put the box into one of her bags. ‘You should give up magic and become a jeweler.’

‘Not in this lifetime,’ he replied, tossing her a cloak. ‘If we don’t go now we’ll never make it home before dark.’

Siann nodded and mounted Firebell, watching as Phoenix launched into the saddle of his magnificent white horse, Gemlight. ‘Let’s go!’ she shouted exuberantly and galloped towards the Collegium’s gates.

………………….

Together they raced through the city, taking shortcuts and avoiding the busiest streets. At last they made it past the city gates, breathing in the clean, fresh air with relief. Following the appropriate road to their home, Phoenix and Siann slowed to a slightly more leisurely pace. Side by side, they rode in a companionable silence.

‘Phoenix?’ Siann asked.

‘Hmm?’ he answered.

‘Do you think you can help me? I can’t seem to get the hang of mindspeech!’

He paused and thought for a moment, her sudden question not fazing him in the least. ‘Well you know how it works don’t you?’ He continued without waiting for her reply. ‘It’s essentially the same thing as talking, except you use your mind instead. Only Adepts have the ability to do it, and usually, only Adepts will be able to receive your messages.’ His brow furrowed in thought. ‘Can you sense or trace messages being sent?’ Siann nodded. ‘Okay. Give me a brief outline of how it’s done, and then I’ll tell you whether or not you’re correct.’

‘Um… alright. You think of what you want to say, and then try to direct your thought at the person’s mind. For sending images, you form the picture in your mind and then, once again, direct it at the person who you’re trying to talk to. Is that it?’

‘Yeah, pretty much. You don’t seem to be having any trouble with the technique, which means you must be having difficulties with getting your message past the person’s mindshield. Tell you what; I’ll hold my mind open to you, and then you can try to send me a message.’

‘That sounds sort of risky Phoenix. What happens if someone attacks you while you’ve got your shields lowered?’

‘Don’t worry Sis—nothing’s going to happen!’

‘If you say so…’ Siann concentrated, a frown creasing her brow. Hey Phoenix, can you hear me? she asked tentatively, sending the thought to his mind.

Yes, but barely. Your voice is like a whisper—it hardly reaches my mind. Try again. She felt the words clearly inside her head.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, Phoenix?

You’re almost there Sia; your words are a lot more distinct. Let’s try it again with my mindshield up this time.

Hello? Phoenix? she waited, but received no response.

If you just sent me a message then I didn’t receive it Sia Phoenix said. My mindshield is nowhere near full strength. You’d better send me another one, okay?

Siann unconsciously tightened her grip on her reins as she prepared herself to attempt the process again. Can you hear me now?

Not really Sis. Your voice is still really faint. Concentrate!

She scowled, muttering something darkly. Can you hear me NOW??

Phoenix started in his saddle. ‘Sia!’ he said, speaking normally, ‘There’s no need to shout you know. My ears are ringing and your message is reverberating in my head!’ He paused briefly, contemplating the situation. ‘Something tells me that we don’t need to try this anymore. With a bit of practise here and there, you’ll be a master before you know it.’

Siann grinned broadly, pleased at her success. ‘Hey Phoenix, one more thing, do you know how you can feel thoughts being sent? Is it possible to shield the message?’

‘Uh huh,’ Phoenix replied. ‘Remember how I taught you to shield your mind?’

‘Yeah, I remember. You told me to imagine a wall sealing my mind from the outside world.’

‘That’s right. Shielding a message is very similar. All you have to do is extend the wall around your mind so that it covers the thought you’re trying to send. And since the shield around your mind prevents people from reading your thoughts and probing them, it will have the same effect on your message. Of course if an Adept strong enough to break your shield comes along, they’ll be able to read your message and your thoughts.’

‘Thanks for teaching me Phoenix,’ Siann murmured.

‘Any time Sia,’ he stopped to glance at their surroundings. ‘It’s getting really cloudy—looks like a storm’s coming in… fast. We’d better pick up the pace, Sis.’ He nudged Gemlight into a gallop. ‘Hurry up!’ he called. ‘At this rate we should be home in an hour.’

……………..

The rain was pelting heavily upon their backs and Phoenix and Siann pulled their cloaks closer to their bodies in a futile attempt to keep warm, the hood over their heads doing little to shelter them from the downpour; Siann shivered as icy drops of water dripped down her nose. Somewhere in the distance an owl hooted, preparing for a night of hunting. Almost home they rode in silence, concentrating on keeping their horses’ footing on the slippery road.

A short while later they reached their house, thinking nothing of the open gates, swinging back and forth forlornly in the storm. After all, they were expected. Unable to see clearly through the rain and darkness, they closed the gates and headed to the stables.

Siann gasped in horror at the sight which welcomed them. She could smell the acrid stench of burnt flesh, which had previously been suppressed by the rain. The stable was a charred and blackened ruin; any horses that had formerly inhabited it were long gone, perished in the same fire which had taken the building. Siann looked at Phoenix; his face was a mask of shock and horror.

Wheeling his horse around, he rushed in the direction of their house and home. Siann was barely a step behind him.

Phoenix hurled himself out of his saddle, swiftly tethering Gemlight to a post undercover. He ran through the open door, drawing his sword. Siann followed suit and joined him inside, her own sword held tightly in her fist.

‘Mother? Father?’ Siann called hesitantly. Hearing no response she turned to Phoenix.

‘Check the house,’ he ordered, striding towards the kitchen.

Siann nodded wordlessly and hurried into the dining room. Finding nothing, she continued on to search her room and Phoenix’s. Still nothing. Her face tightened in anger as she saw the ruined furniture and other signs of needless destruction. Carrying down the hall, she looked into her parents’ bedroom and halted. She staggered back and sagged against the doorframe. ‘No,’ she whispered hopelessly as a strangled cry escaped her lips. Her mind dimly registered a loud clang as her sword slipped from her lax grip.

Phoenix was beside her in a moment, his expression mirroring her own as he, too, dropped his sword.

Their parents’ bodies lay lifeless on the ground beside each other. They were lying in a pool of blood and a sword was protruding from their father’s back. Their mother’s throat had been slit, and she was still holding a beautifully engraved wooden case.

Siann turned and buried her face in Phoenix’s shoulder, her aqua blue eyes filling with tears. Phoenix held her comfortingly, his own eyes misting as he absorbed the shock and pain. Siann shook in his arms, refusing to believe the sight behind her.

After a long while, she gathered herself and withdrew from Phoenix’s embrace, wiping away her tears.

Phoenix took a deep breath and numbly approached the bodies. Siann followed and stood beside him. He hesitated before gripping the bloody sword and pulling it from their father’s corpse. Viciously throwing the blade away, he gently rolled the body over with Siann’s help. He looked at their father’s stunned expression with sorrow. Reaching out, Siann brushed her fingertips over the eyelids, closing them. She turned and did the same with their mother.

Stretching his arm, Phoenix took the case from their mother’s lifeless grip. He stared at it quietly before unclasping the latch and opening it. He glanced inside and silently closed the lid, passing it to Siann. She took it, puzzled, and looked within. She gasped in awe. The case contained a wooden flute with a silky smooth finish. Upon close inspection, it was made of a particularly rare and unusually dark cherry wood with subtle tones of red running through it. Siann lifted the flute from its padding and noticed a note tucked unobtrusively in a corner of the box: ‘To our daughter Siann. Happy eighteenth winter! We love you and hope that joy fills your life. Take refuge in music and walk in Light.’

Siann didn’t even realise she was crying until a tear ran down her face and dropped onto the note, smudging the black ink. Phoenix reached over and drew her into his arms again, consoling her and choking back his own haze of grief for her sake. The storm roared outside and Siann looked up at Phoenix, her eyes lost and bewildered. ‘What do we do now?’

There was a long silence before he answered. ‘We gather wood and build a funeral pyre. It will be tough maintaining it with wet wood and the rain, but it can be done. I’ll need your help though.’ He stood and pulled her up with him. ‘Come on,’ he said, his voice bleak.

…………..

Together they walked through their ruined home. Siann was just about to step out the door when something on the ground caught her eye. It was situated in the middle doorway and she leaned over to pick it up. ‘Phoenix,’ she called.

‘I’m here,’ he replied.

‘Look at this. We must have missed it when we went in.’

Phoenix came back and his eyes widened as he saw it. It was a stark black rose with an air that somehow felt … sinister. ‘This isn’t natural.’

‘What do you think it means?’

‘I don’t know,’ he replied grimly. ‘But whatever it is, it’s probably a message from the sick people who did this. Come on Sia,’ his voice was tight with unexpressed emotions. ‘We have to gather wood.’

Siann nodded and quickly tucked the rose in her pocket. She hurried to join Phoenix and walked through the pouring rain, heading for the bushes.

………

It was a few hours before midnight by the time they had collected enough wood. The pyre was placed almost directly in front of their house. Phoenix examined it carefully before walking inside. He came first with their mother, laying her gently on the wood. Siann rearranged her limbs while Phoenix went back inside. This time he returned carrying their father, whom he laid beside their mother. Stepping back, he created a light and left it to hang desolately in the air.

Phoenix and Siann took one last look at their parents, their hearts filled with sorrow. They combined their power and Phoenix drew on the Element of Fire, creating a spark in the wood. He concentrated, and the spark instantly increased in its intensity, slowly turning the wood into a blazing mass of fury. The rain crashed on them in merciless waves, but the flame seemed oblivious to this, kept alight solely by Phoenix’s will. Siann cried freely, her tears mingling with the rain.

Phoenix gradually allowed the fire to die down and he moved forward, collecting the ashes in a container. ‘Do you remember that cliff beside the caves? We used to play there all the time when we were small,’ he murmured, his face betraying no feeling.

Siann met his gaze and replied softly. ‘Yes.’

‘Then let’s move.’

……………..

They trekked for half an hour before reaching the cliff, almost reeling with fatigue. The storm had finally subsided, leaving in its wake a veil of thick, dark clouds shrouding the night sky. Phoenix and Siann stood at the edge of the cliff, looking out into the night at the land which their parents had taught them to love. For a while they simply stood there, a breeze ruffling their hair as it blew.

Eventually Phoenix opened the container, allowing the wind to scatter the ashes far across the earth. He closed the lid, and Siann placed a hand on his shoulder. He sighed wearily. ‘Let’s go back and get some rest. We’ll have to find a place to camp. I don’t think I can bear sleeping in the house any more than you can. In the morning we’ll head back to the Collegium… I just don’t see what else we can do.’ He turned sadly and Siann followed him silently down the rocky path.

Returning only to collect Gemlight and Firebell, Phoenix and Siann led their horses away from the sombre atmosphere of the destroyed house which had once been their home. They walked for a brief distance before taking shelter under a huge oak tree just off the road.

Siann set up camp, laying out their bedrolls, while Phoenix gathered more wood for a fire. He returned and arranged the wood in a neat pile on the ground. He focused on it, and a flame obediently appeared.

The weather was chilly; the wind whistled through the trees, and both Phoenix and Siann were soaked to the bone from the rain. They were infinitely grateful that it was barely the beginning of winter, and, so, was not snowing.

They huddled close to the fire, each absorbed in their own thoughts, Phoenix occasionally adding a branch to the fire to keep it going. They remained like this for some time, until Siann reached for the case containing her new flute. She opened it and took the instrument in her hands. For a moment she simply held it, admiring her father’s fine craftsmanship. ‘I haven’t touched a flute since the day I joined the Collegium. That was nine years ago,’ she murmured.

Phoenix looked up. ‘I know,’ he replied softly. ‘Mother and father must have wished for you to play again.’

Siann took a deep breath before raising the flute to her lips. It produced a sweet and mellow tone. The song Siann played was unbearably beautiful, and Phoenix listened intently. The notes lingered in the air, dispelling the horror they had experienced and the heavy darkness which surrounded them. The music gradually softened, fading into the night as Siann finished her piece.

‘That was amazing,’ Phoenix complimented as Siann set the flute down.

‘Thank you,’ she replied, closing the case.

‘Let’s get some sleep,’ Phoenix suggested after a while. ‘Otherwise we won’t be able to stay in our saddles tomorrow morning. Once we reach the Collegium we’ll decide what to do next. Maybe we’ll discover who did this and learn what that black rose means.’

‘Okay,’ Siann paused. ‘Phoenix?’

‘Yeah?’

‘I love you.’

Phoenix smiled tiredly and hugged her tightly. ‘I love you too Sis—I love you too.’ He turned and put the fire out with a single thought. They pulled their bedrolls over the warm embers and almost immediately fell asleep.

……………

Siann was jolted awake at midnight by a strange feeling of unease. She looked at Phoenix; he was sitting up and scanning the trees around them warily. His face was guarded. She opened her mouth to speak but Phoenix put a finger to his lips, frantically gesturing for her to keep quiet. She switched to mindspeech and shielded her message, hoping that it reached him. What is it Phoenix?

We’re being watched he responded.

Bandits?

Adepts. I can sense their energy.

Siann’s eyes widened as she focused her power. So can I. But why does it feel so strange? Twisted even. It doesn’t possess the purity of a true Adept’s energy.

I know. Strengthen your mindshield Sia. We’re in trouble. An arrow fletched with black feathers whistled through the air and embedded itself in the oak tree behind them, emphasising his words. Phoenix swiftly grabbed his sword and illuminated the area, crouching on one knee. Siann drew her own blade as a storm of arrows rained on their camp. Firebell reared and collapsed as an arrow pierced his neck.

Their attackers appeared, masked and dressed in black. One, who seemed to be the leader, raised his arm and shouted something inaudible at the other fourteen.

Another volley of arrows was aimed and loosed with a hiss; Phoenix incinerated them on the spot with a raging wall of flame.

Abandoning their bows and reaching for their swords, three of the Dark Adepts attacked Phoenix while two rushed at Siann. The rest remained behind with their leader, wielding magic and trying to weaken their defenses.

Siann fought valiantly, gracefully darting in and out, slashing with her sword. She and Phoenix were both exhausted—physically and emotionally.

Seeing an opening, Siann lunged in and, without thinking, sliced her attacker’s neck, decapitating him. Blood spurted, momentarily blinding her other opponent. Having no time to consider the gravity of what she had just done, Siann seized the opportunity and stabbed, piercing him through his heart. She jerked her sword out of his limp body and heard a sickening crunch as Phoenix threw one of his adversaries against the oak tree with a blast of pure magic, breaking his neck. Two of Phoenix’s attackers remained. Siann shook her arm and threw a dagger, lodging it in the throat of one of Phoenix’s opponents. Phoenix spotted a weakness and charged in, slashing the other man’s stomach. He fell to the ground, his hand over the wide opening in his stomach.

Two more joined the battle and Phoenix and Siann maneuvered so that they were now fighting back to back. Siann felt a sudden assault on her mind, momentarily distracting her. Her opponent sprung in and disarmed her, throwing her sword out of reach. He advanced on her, and, unable to retrieve her sword, she shook her other arm and slit his throat with her dagger before he could react.

Phoenix was fixed in battle with his opponent. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Siann lose her sword, and his attention strayed towards her. His attacker noticed this and dived in, locking their sword hilts together. The fight became a show of brute strength, and Phoenix ended this by summoning a large, red-hot flame. The man fell to the ground, screaming in agony, batting at his clothes in vain. He turned to Siann and saw her adversary on the floor. He shook his head in disbelief as three more attacked, leaving five to wield magic. Phoenix raised his sword once again, continuing the battle.

Siann was leaning over to recover her blade when a man approached her quietly from behind. She detected a change in the air just in time to throw herself roughly to the side, barely moving enough to displace his attack. She rolled across the ground and his sword caught her arm instead. She gasped in pain and spun around.

Before she could react, the man stabbed her, his blade sliding neatly between her ribs. With the last of her strength, she took her dagger and plunged it into his stomach. She collapsed, her eyes widening as she saw four remaining Adepts combine their power, creating a large destructive ball which slowly descended upon her. She watched helplessly, unable to move.

Finishing off his opponents, Phoenix whirled around as he felt the magic’s devastating strength. He saw it draw closer to Siann and suppressed his fear. Without a second thought he shielded her, debilitating his own defenses. His shield absorbed the magic, reflecting it back at the Adepts who had cast the spell. Two of them died immediately, while the other two were thrown back by the forceful backlash of power. A bead of sweat ran down his face as he struggled to maintain his shields against such an immense force.

At that moment, the Adepts’ leader straightened, his soulless gaze boring into Phoenix’s. He called on the full potential of his power, creating a blast and directing it straight towards Phoenix’s vulnerable mind.

In that instant, Phoenix knew that he didn’t stand a chance. There was no way he could shield Siann and himself at the same time—not against such an incredible power. Phoenix didn’t even hesitate before he made the ultimate sacrifice. He lowered his own shields and concentrated only on maintaining Siann’s.

His barrier had just finished deflecting the attack on Siann when the mindblast reached him. He screamed in pain as it plowed a furrow through his mind.

Siann sensed the mindblast and felt Phoenix lower his shields. Her eyes widened as she realised what he had done, just as she heard him scream. ‘PHOENIX! NOOOO!’ she cried in anguish, desperately trying to reach him.

He turned, and his eyes mournfully met her aqua blue gaze for one last time. I’m sorry Sia he sent the message directly to her mind. I’ll love you… always.

Phoenix… no. Please don’t leave me!! She struggled to keep contact with his mind, but it was too late. His eyes closed as he collapsed, his mind fading. Siann watched in horror, Phoenix’s last words echoing inside her head. I love you Phoenix! He acknowledged her words with one sweet smile before sinking into Darkness. Time seemed to freeze as Phoenix’s body fell to the ground, lifeless.

Siann sobbed violently. By sheer force of will, she dragged herself across the ground towards him, leaving a bloody trail in her wake. She held his still warm body tenderly, pulling him close to her.

The leader gathered his power once again, forming another mindblast in Siann’s direction. She sensed it and turned. Giving up hope she lay still, awaiting the blow.

A thunder of hoof beats disturbed her awareness. She looked up and witnessed a stranger riding in on a gleaming white horse. A nimbus of glowing light surrounded him, and a sword shimmered in his fist. Moments away from her, the blast was blocked by a blinding white shield.

The leader howled in rage, and she saw him and all of his remaining Adepts suddenly clutch their heads, roaring in agony. Unable to hold on to consciousness any longer, Siann slipped into the blissful peace of oblivion.

The stranger completed his spell—only a mask remained where the three Adepts had once stood. He dismounted and stroked his magnificent horse soothingly. Still glowing, he approached Siann and leant over her, his aqua blue eyes filling with concern.

... Well, I hope you liked it. Please review and give me some feedback on what you liked and where I could improve!