Reclaimed (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) (19 page)

Chapter 21

The days were getting longer and hotter. Summer wished she could attribute her bad mood to the smoldering sun but, she knew better. It was her inability to understand what the elves wanted. And to make it worse, everyone else seemed to get it but her.

At least her and the elves had one thing in common: she was frustrated with them and they were frustrated with her. In fact, she was frustrated with the entire training facility.

Her room had been trashed a total of three times now and no one cared. They continued to sweep it under the rug which infuriated Summer. Someone was breaking into her room, during the day, in a somewhat crowded hall, and no one could give her answers.

At least whoever this attacker was had focused on getting the book. She would take that over the killings. Besides, no one had been smart enough yet to look in the fireplace. She could continue to safely keep it there while they destroyed her room.

Summer pulled the door shut after the cleanup crew left and stomped over to her bed.

“That didn't take as long as before,” said Tracy.

“Whatever.”

“Damn, this isn't my fault. No reason to be angry with me.”

Summer folded her arms. “I'm not. Get over it and quit being so sensitive.”

Tracy threw her book down on her bed. “Let me know how that attitude works out for you.”

Before Summer could say a word Tracy stormed out of the room. Summer dropped her face into her hands and let out an angry scream. She sat that way for a while, lost in her frustration.

“This is getting ridiculous!” she yelled.

Summer jumped up and marched out of the room. She ran all the way to the council's tower where the elves were staying. The guard standing at the door didn't even bother casting her a second glance.

She knocked on the door at the base of the steps and tapped her foot impatiently while she waited.

“Summer,” said a surprised Nareh as she answered the door.

It was the first time she had ever seen her with her hair down and the elf was beautiful.

“I need to talk to you.”

Nareh moved aside. “Come in.”

Summer stepped inside and was impressed at how cozy they had made the room. There was one bed in the corner, a small wooden table, dim lights, and a tiny, clean kitchen.

It suddenly dawned on Summer. “Oh, are you and Van...together?”

“He is my mate.”

“Where is he?” asked Summer as she looked around the room.

“Speaking to Jasper. We need to get back to our people soon. The doors between our worlds are becoming weak and we can't let that happen.”

“How do you fix that?”

“You sway the power back into a fair direction.”

Summer sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “So this falls on my shoulders again? That's a lot of pressure to put on some eighteen-year-old.”

Nareh gestured towards the bench. “Sit and tell me why you're here.”

Summer sat down on the bench and stared at the ceiling. It was dark and muddy; like this room had been recently carved out when the elves agreed to stay.

“I feel like this training is getting me nowhere and I'm wasting everyone's time.”

“You sacrificed individual training to help your fellow wielders. That doesn't sound like a waste of time,” answered Nareh.

Summer locked eyes with her. “But if I'm supposed to be this leader then how can I possibly be the example of a perfect wielder if I don't even get what you guys are trying to teach us?”

Nareh sat down across from her; her long, silver hair hanging over her shoulders. She didn't sit gracefully like a woman of her beauty should. Instead, she sat with her elbows on her knees as she rested her cheeks in her hands.

Summer knew she was a fighter. She could tell just by her posture.

“How old are you?” asked Summer.

“In our land we live longer than humans. In our time I am forty-four years old. In your time I am twenty-two.”

Summer finally cracked her first smile. “Still young like me. That's good to know.”

“Why is that good?”

“I can relate to you. If you were two hundred years old, then I'm sure you would've had a lot more experience than me. Now I feel like your equal...sort of."

Nareh chuckled. “Everyone is an equal. You, the earth, the animals. All living things.”

“Easier said than done.”

Nareh shook her head sadly. “But it's not. That's what we're trying to teach you.” She grabbed Summer's shirt above her heart. “If you hold anger here then you will fail.”

Summer yanked her shirt back and threw her hands in the air. “Fail what? What am I supposed to be doing? No one is giving me any kind of direction.”

“The relics-”

Summer let out a manic laugh. “And those stupid relics. What are those about? I can't just blindly walk into something and hope it all works out.”

“I know,” said Nareh with a sympathetic look on her face. “It is said to be a rumor but, I think it's real and our only chance.”

Summer stopped throwing a fit and stared at Nareh with new interest.

“There's a story that Geoff created six relics and gifted them to the council. They were of that element and were told that they could be used together to keep the wielders safe.”

Summer gulped loudly. She already knew where this conversation was headed. She could see the drawings in the book and the maps that outlined her inevitable journey.

“Where are these relics?” croaked Summer.

Nareh looked sad. “No one knows. They were supposed to be handed down. But,” she said, holding up her finger, “In our history it says that Geoff left a book. The book had the locations and descriptions. It was written in a code that only a few could read.”

Summer felt the blood drain from her face. Nareh must have noticed it too because her brow furrowed.

“I know you think this all sounds crazy because the wielders are all so new to you but-”

Summer stopped her with a raise of her hand. “If this book existed,” she whispered. “Would the people hurting us want it too? Could they benefit from the relics?”

“If they have someone powerful enough to use them.”

Summer bit her lip. Nareh was the first person to ever mention the book but, she wasn't sure if she could trust her. What if the elves had been looking for it so they could selfishly help their people?

She didn't have much time, though. It was either she trusted someone with the most knowledge or continue to walk around blindly and hope the answer just came to her.

Summer sighed in defeat. “I have the book.”

Nareh smiled. “Summer, I have no doubt that you are the Phoenix but, no one has ever seen this book. If it's real, then that means a lot is going to change.”

“Like what?”

Nareh sat up straighter and eyed her curiously. “All the races would have to admit that there really is a problem.”

“I can show you the book.”

Nareh jumped up and rushed over to Summer. She pulled her off the bench, their noses almost touching.

“You're not lying?” whispered Nareh.

“Doug died because of this book. It's not something I would lie about.”

She let go of summer and took a step back. “Where is it?”

“In my room. Don't worry,” she said when she saw the panicked look on Nareh's face. “It's in the fireplace. The book can't be burned.”

“Of course!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up. “The book needs a fire wielder. Please show me.”

Summer was shaking when she got to Nareh's door. She hoped she was doing the right thing.

Nareh rested a hand on her shoulder. “Act normal.”

Summer spun around and pointed to Nareh's head. “Then you might want to put your hair back in its braid. I've never seen you with it down.”

Nareh blushed and put it in the fastest braid Summer had ever seen. She threw it over her shoulder and nodded.

“Thank you. Now I'm ready.”

Summer opened the door and followed Nareh out. She wanted to run as fast as she could to her room but, that would draw the attention she was trying to avoid. Instead, she matched Nareh's pace, who was strolling through the training field like she was enjoying the weather.

“Smile,” whispered Nareh.

Summer laughed so loudly it sounded like a mixture between a bird being strangled and a moose.

“Whatever that was,” said Nareh, gesturing towards her, “Do the opposite.”

Summer let out a long breath and ran a hand down her face. “Sorry I'm nervous. I'll just smile.”

They calmly walked all the way back to Summer's room without anyone stopping them once. It was a good sign since Summer was certain she was sweating enough for five people.

She unlocked the door and pushed it open. To her relief it wasn't destroyed and Tracy was nowhere to be found.

“Hang on,” said Summer.

She walked over to the stone and pulled it out. The book was resting inside with its familiar leather binding facing her. She pulled it out and held it towards Nareh triumphantly.

The elves hands were shaking as she gently grabbed it. “I can't believe you've had this all along.” She began flipping through the pages. “We can do this. We have a chance!” She whispered more to herself than Summer.

“Do you know what the maps say?” asked Summer.

Nareh sat down in the chair, her eyes filled with hope and wonder. “Some of it is in Elven and the other is a very ancient language.”

Summer sat down next to her and looked at the pictures. The same saying popped up again and stared mockingly at her.

“
In light there is darkness and in darkness there is light.”

“How do we read it?” asked Summer.

Nareh ran her fingers across the page. “With some kind of magic. That's all the old stories say.”

“Lame,” grumbled Summer. “Now what?”

Nareh closed the book and handed it back to her. “Keep this safe. You've been doing a good job so far. At the end of the week we'll be leaving for the Elven kingdom. I'd like for you to come.”

“Why?”

“Our King will have more answers for you and we have a library with some books that mention this one. I've seen them for myself. Maybe we can find something.”

Summer but her lip. “But my friends.”

Nareh rested a hand on her leg. “The boy can come but, he won't. He hates us. You know this.”

“He'll come if I ask.” Summer fought back the wave of emotions that hit her.

Nareh shrugged. “The invitation is there. Does that mean you accept?”

“Yes,” croaked Summer. “It's the only lead I have.”

Nareh stood up and patted her head. “You're a lot stronger than you think. Do I have your permission to tell Vanrhyn about this?”

“Yeah you can tell that grumpy old man.” Summer attempted to smile. “And you can tell him I said that too.”

Nareh returned the smile with one of her own. “Good. Then you may let your friends know you're leaving but, no one else. We don't need you to get attacked.”

Summer nodded and watched Nareh leave. She had an uneasy feeling about all of this but, the worst thing was knowing in her heart that Ash wouldn't come. She wasn't sure how she was going to handle that.

**

As the door shut Nareh glanced around the hall and hurried out of the building. Once on the field she was calm again but, her Elven senses hadn't picked up the figure in the hall.

He grinned wickedly under his hood and pulled out a small, cheap phone. “Hello?” he whispered. “Summer has the book and she showed the elf. It's time to move in.”

The other end went dead as he slipped the phone back into his pocket. He was proud of himself for finding this information out and knew his master would approve. Now all they had to do was talk Summer into coming with them and bring the book.

The man's green eyes were glowing with excitement. He knew exactly how to do that. With the promise of seeing a family member, there was no way Summer would say no.

Chapter 22

It had been exactly forty-nine hours since Summer had spoken to Ash. Not only was she unsure of how to begin the conversation of leaving with the elves but, she just knew she was going to burst into tears. She hated crying but, to see the hurt and betrayal she knew would be in those broken purple eyes made her want to crawl in a hole.

What she was hoping for was that he would freak out and storm off. After a day he would see the error in his ways and beg to come with her. That's how she kept playing it in her head; almost willing her dreams to become reality.

“What's wrong?” asked Tracy.

There were so many things Summer wanted to tell her. That the elves knew about the book, she was going to break Ash's heart, or that she was leaving and she didn't want anyone but Ash coming with her.

She was still struggling with that too. Ash and her friends meant a lot to her. They were the first people she could actually call her friends. Could she really put Ash in danger for her own selfish reasons? Maybe it was better that he said no and was angry with her. It would be easier to leave.

“I'm fine,” Summer finally said. “I'm just frustrated with all this training and not really getting it.”

Great, now she was lying to her best friend
.

“You’ll get it,” said Tracy as she kicked her leg. “It took Petar a while but my gentle giant finally understood what the elves were saying.”

“And that is?”

Tracy shook her head and smiled. “To not force it. You're trying so hard to make everyone happy that you can't even help yourself.”

Summer pointed to Tracy's head. “That's deep. I'll think about what you said.”

There was a knock at the door and Tracy jumped up way too quickly for Summer's liking. She tripped over her own feet as she rushed forward.

“Gotta go!” waved Tracy.

As the door shut Summer felt her stomach drop. Ash was coming towards her like an animal stalking its prey.

“No more avoiding me,” he growled. “We're going to talk about why you've been dodging me for two days.”

“Forty-nine hours,” she squeaked.

He sat down on the bed across from her, their legs touching.

“This isn't funny. What's going on?” asked Ash.

Summer let out a long breath and pushed back her hair with a brush of her hand. It was so long and wild now that she normally wore it in a ponytail or braid. With it down she felt more feminine, more vulnerable in front of the man that she cared about. It was making the conversation just that much harder.

“I went and talked to Nareh a few days ago,” she said. “I was angry and needed to ask them about what direction the training was going.”

Ash raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“We started talking and she mentioned the book. She told me everything she knew without me asking. That's when I told her I had it.”

“Why would you do that?” he demanded, his voice rising.

Summer glared at him. “What else was I supposed to do? Sit here in this training facility and keep hoping that whoever is looking for it, doesn't find it.” Summer briefly closed her eyes and opened them again. “We're running out of time and she's the only one who has given me answers.”

“You cannot trust them!” shouted Ash. He grabbed the comforter until his knuckles turned white. “How many times do I have to tell you that?”

Summer shook her head sadly. “I'm sorry about your father but, they had nothing to do with that. You can't keep blaming them.”

Summer could see the fear in his eyes. He was that boy reliving his father's disappearance all over again even though he claimed it had hardly affected him.

“I can't believe…” he sputtered.

“I'm leaving with them,” Summer blurted out.

Ash dropped his head into his hands. He was silent for a long time. Summer was too afraid to speak. She didn't want to break him anymore than he already was.

“When do you leave?” he asked, not looking up at her.

“Tomorrow night.”

He finally looked up, his eyes red. “And what do you want from me?”

She leaned forward and cupped his cheek. “I think you know and I think I already have my answer.”

Ash stood up. “I'm sorry,” he said, his voice gruff.

Summer just nodded, afraid that speaking would only make her sob. He walked out and didn't say another word. A small part of her wished he would turn around and come running back but, he was stubborn. There was no way he was going and there wouldn't be enough time for him to reconsider.

Summer stood up, her body numb as she began packing her stuff. The elves told her just to take what she needed. They would provide her with clothes and everything else. She wasn't very fond of leather so Summer made sure to pack a good amount of clothes.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed since Ash left but, Tracy came back into the room. She walked in smiling and it quickly morphed into a frown.

“Where's Ash and where are you going?”

“I'm leaving with the elves and I think you know Ash's answer.”

Tracy walked forward and wrapped her arms around Summer. “I am so sorry.”

Summer dropped her things and let all of her hurt out. She cried into Tracy's shoulder and hung onto her like she was the only thing keeping her from sinking into oblivion.

Tracy ran her hands down Summer's hair and just let her cry until there was nothing left. She wasn't sure how long they stood there for but, when Summer pulled back she could feel that her face was swollen.

“I'm sorry,” said Summer as she wiped her face on her arm. “You're a good friend.”

Tracy gave her shoulder a squeeze. “So are you. Do you really have to leave? Can't we figure this out together?”

Summer shook her head and bit the corner of her lip. “No. I wish we could.” She collapsed onto the bed. “It's better if I do this alone. You guys won't get hurt.”

“None of us care about that. I'd go if you would ask.”

Summer blinked back tears again. “I know. Thank you.”

Tracy just nodded and smiled. “Why don't I help you finish packing. When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow night. Van and Nareh are telling the council today. They won't be happy but, I can leave whenever I want. I'm not a prisoner here."

“Yeah. I think Jasper will freak. That old man is clinging to you like just you being here is going to save everyone.”

“Well I am pretty awesome,” said Summer as she attempted a smile.

Tracy tossed her a hair brush and shampoo. “Not as cool as me but, I guess you'll do.”

“Have you ever been to the Elven Kingdom?” asked Summer.

“Nope.” Tracy laid two pairs of shoes on the bed. “I've always wanted to but, ever since this whole losing magic business happened they're very picky about who they let in. Hopefully that'll change soon.”

“Hopefully,” mumbled Summer. “Why do I need three pairs of shoes?”

“Because you'll be doing a lot of walking or horseback riding there. Maybe even some unicorn riding.”

Summer stared at her in disbelief. “Unicorns? You're joking, right?”

Tracy acted like it was no big deal. “People claim that the fairies ride them but, no one knows for sure because the fairies usually stay hidden.”

Summer pictured these beautiful creatures coming down the mountains with iridescent wings while riding unicorns. Their flowing, silver manes would light up the mountain side like falling stars.

“Why do they hide? Are they secretive?”

“Ha!” Exclaimed Tracy. “The Fae are super violent things. They'll tear you to pieces with their own hands. You want them to stay hidden.”

Summer blinked a few times. “Seriously? I pictured these beautiful-”

“Oh,” said Tracy, holding up a hand. “They are beautiful. That's their most deadly feature. Not many people have escaped them.”

“Then why don't the faeries help out with all of this?” asked Summer. “If they're so vicious I bet they could destroy some bad wielders.”

Tracy shook her head and shoved some more clothes in Summer's bag. “That's just not how they work. Their magic is older than the elves. They're selfish things who refuse to help anyone.”

“Well if we're all dead then will it really matter who has the oldest magic?”

Tracy frowned. “I guess not.” She sat down next to Summer and zipped up her pack. “Are you sure we can't go? I'm tired of being here.”

“I'm just going there to learn about the book. Oh crap, the book!” Summer ran to the fireplace and pulled it out. She raced back to the bed and shoved it in her pack. “Can't forget that.”

“And after you learn about the book?” asked Tracy.

“I think I'll be coming back here. Then we can see what happens after that.”

“Good,” smiled Tracy. “It's time we put this training to use.”

There was a sudden, loud knock at the door. Both girls looked at each other before Tracy got up to open it. Zach pushed past Tracy, his breathing heavy as he frantically searched the room.

“Hey guys,” he said. “Nora told me you'd be here. There's an emergency and the council needs to see you.”

“What emergency?” asked Summer as she stood up. She put her backpack on and walked towards him.

“He wouldn't say. Just told me to find you and that it was important.”

Summer rolled her eyes. She figured that maybe Van would slip and tell Jasper what their plan was before they could start the process of leaving. He must have just found out and was somehow going to try and persuade her to stay.

“Want me to go with you?” asked Tracy.

Summer shook her head. “I think the old man is blowing a gasket.” She frowned. “I'll be back soon.”

Tracy laughed. “Okay, I'll wait for you.”

Summer said goodbye and followed after Zach. He was zipping through the halls like his pants were on fire. When he completely missed the door to go to the field Summer became confused and began to worry.

“Where are we going?”

“The old science room,” said Zach over his shoulder. “He wanted it to be private and away from the elves.”

Summer smiled knowingly. So this was an attempt to get her to stay. One last plea from the council. She would hear them out and then let them down easy. If they really wanted to make this right, then they would understand why she needed to go.

Zach held the door open to the familiar room. Summer had been in here at least two dozen times. She liked looking at the old material they had lying around. It killed a lot of time when she had nothing else to do.

It was dark when she went in. The door slammed behind her and the sound of it locking echoed through the room.

“Hello?” she said loudly.

Summer produced a large flame and was confused by who she saw in the room. Standing in front of her was Jasper, Troy, and Zach.

Her heart began to pound when she realized the other council members weren't there.

“What's going on?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“I know what the elves are trying to do and it's time you learned the truth,” said Jasper.

Summer pushed her back against the wall and brought a ball of fire into her other hand. “What truth?”

“It took us a long time to find you,” answered Troy.

Gone was the sweet face that he always wore. Instead, his hair was a mess, his skin pale, and he had a crazed look in his eyes.

“For Ash, Tracy, and Petar to find me?” she asked.

“I sent them,” said Jasper. “We had two groups looking for you. The team of dark wielders and some of our students. Your friends were just cleverer that day."

Summer gasped. “You had those people chasing me for a year?”

Jasper shook his head. “Our master did but, we saw an opportunity to test you and train you here. You've come a lot further than we thought you would.”

Summer glanced at the door. She could try to run but, there was no way she could take on all three of them.

“You can't escape,” said Troy. “We'll have you knocked out before you even get the chance to scream.”

“You too Zach?” asked Summer.

“It's not what you think. Here them out,” he pleaded.

Summer turned back to Jasper. “What do you want from me?”

Jasper grinned, his white teeth and red eyes glowing in the small amount of light that Summer produced.

“I want the book.”

She pressed her back harder against the wall. “Not happening.”

Jasper rested his hands behind his back. “I'm not going to take it from you. In fact, I think you're going to hand it over to me.”

“Hmm,” said Summer, raising an eyebrow. “And why's that?”

“Because I'm not the one who wants the book.”

Summer slightly lowered her hands in utter confusion. “Who wants the book?”

Jasper's grin widened. “Your brother.”