Reclaimed (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) (7 page)

“Where did you go?” Asked Tracy.

Summer shrugged. “Just walked around. I needed some air.”

“I thought you left.”

Summer cocked her head to the side. “And wandered around Ireland? How am I supposed to get home if I just leave?”

Tracy smiled. “No idea.”

Summer pulled her sweatshirt off and sat down on her bed. She briefly stared at the phoenix before looking up at the stars. The pulsing of their milky white lights brought a calmness over her.

She closed her eyes and smiled. “I'm staying.”

Chapter 8

The weekend had passed and Summer was irritated by the amount of visitors she got who were shocked that she was staying. She didn't see why it was such a big deal. She truly had nowhere to go so why wouldn't she live somewhere that was offering free food, clothes, and a place to sleep? It really was a no brainer.

Once she agreed to stay they gave her more information about the castle and the training she was going to be doing. Included in that was a map of the place and the surrounding area. They also gave her a very loose schedule on what she would be expected to do during the week.

Monday and Tuesday were a breeze. She was able to work out with everyone the first day and then the second was testing weapons.

Today, her third day, was what she was dreading. It was the same class with Mario and she was terrified. She felt like passing out was almost a guarantee. It just took too much energy out of her and she wasn't sure how to fix that.

“Nervous?” asked Tracy, nudging her.

“More like waiting for the inevitable,” she grumbled, pushing her eggs around.

“You'll get better,” said Troy, winking at her.

Summer hated herself for blushing. The last thing she wanted was a relationship in this place. She couldn't help but like him, though. His boyish good looks and playful grey eyes were enough to make most of the girls’ grin like fools when he spoke to them.

Tracy nodded. “He's right. You came here pretty weak and inexperienced. It's only been a little over a week. You gotta give yourself some time.”

Ash, who had just been sitting back and observing, cleared his throat.

“It'll be easier once you turn eighteen. Your power won't be so wild.”

Summer held up two fingers. “Just two more weeks. Eighteen really makes that much of a difference? I just get older and all my problems are solved?”

He folded his arms. “Just easier.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Right, sounds reasonable.”

Ash grumbled and left the table. He stormed off outside, leaving everyone else to stare after him.

“He is so moody. Is Petar his only friend?” asked Summer.

“Friend?” chuckled Tracy. “If that's what you want to call it. They tolerate each other. That's the closest thing that Ash can call a friendship.”

“Why?”

“Why what?” asked Troy.

“Why is he like that?” asked Summer as she gestured to where he had been sitting. “I get that there are people out there trying to kill wielders and that the powers are dying but, walking around angry isn't going to do much except make a person not want to help you out.”

Tracy shrugged. “It's just his personality. We got here at the same time. He's been like that since day one.”

Troy leaned forward and gestured for Summer to move closer. She hesitated before finally just giving in and listening.

“I heard that he argues with the council a lot.”

Summer pulled back. “Well that's his problem. I don't really care. I was just curious.”

“Yeah,” nodded Tracy. “I'm sure a lot of people are just on edge because of everything happening. Ash included.”

Summer nodded and pretended like she knew what they were talking about. The reality was she had no clue just how bad it had gotten. No one had told her who their enemy was, why they were being attacked, and if there was a solution. She guessed that would all happen with time but, who knew how much of that they had left. Being here was a gamble and being on the streets was a gamble. Staying in a big castle with magic was just less of a gamble.

“Time to go,” said Troy. He winked at Summer. “See you out there.”

Tracy clicked her tongue. “That guy flirts with every girl here. Pretty soon he's going to get himself into a situation that a few nice compliments won't get him out of.”

Summer smiled. She liked Tracy. The girl had a personality that matched her element. Hot headed, quick witted, and dangerous. She was also easily diffused by others if her emotions got the best of her. She was meant to be a fire wielder.

Summer still questioned if the power she was born with was real. She was awkward and clumsy with it. Granted, she was new but, every time she used it she had to hibernate like a bear. Her weakness was frustrating.

They headed towards the field together where Summer did her best to keep her anxiety at bay. This time it wasn’t due to using her ability but, the attention it brought because of the last time she was out here. She knew people would be watching and talking. She just didn't expect every pair of eyes on her again.

“I'm a celebrity,” she whispered.

Tracy laughed, her braids swaying with the sudden movement. “Looks like it.”

“Hurry up, girl!” Shouted Mario.

Tracy grinned. “Good luck.”

Summer grumbled and waved bye as she headed towards Mario. The short man was still just as intimidating the first time she met him.

As she approached the group the other students slightly backed up. It was like she had some kind of invisible shield around her or the plague. She was going with the plague. That scenario was more interesting.

“Come in,” growled Mario. “She doesn't bite but I will.”

The new students reluctantly stepped closer to her until all of them formed a half circle in front of Mario. He looked over each one of them; his purple eyes just small slits against his pale face.

“You will be paired with someone today. Defense is just as important as offense. Don't forget that.”

Summer was partners will a terrified boy named Josh. He was a water wielder and had the biggest blue eyes she had ever seen.

“I'm nervous too,” she said as they walked to their own part of the field.

He glanced over at her. “I'm more nervous that you'll kill me.”

She was stunned as he continued to walk ahead of her. Josh stopped and spun around to face her. He wasted no time in summoning a spear of water from the wet grass surrounding them and launching it at her. She rolled to the right, barely avoiding the bullet of water.

“Okay,” she nodded, mostly talking to herself. “This is how he wants to play.”

She assumed they were going to take turns attacking but, Josh had other plans. He formed another spear and hurled it forward again. This time Summer wasn't ready. She took a direct hit to the chest which sent her flying backwards. When she got up the front of her was covered in water and the back in mud.

Summer clenched her jaw and marched back over to where she had been standing. Josh was ready with another attack. The look on his face was determined and confident; something he had been lacking just a few short moments ago.

This time he pushed a wave of water forward. It cut through the grass like a long blade and headed directly towards her.

Summer held her hands up and practically begged the power to come to life. It briefly answered by igniting her hands on fire. This successfully turned the water into hot steam which rose in the air around her.

She hunched forward and grabbed on to her knees. After a moment she looked up and smiled.

“I did it.”

Mario, who had been watching, nodded his head once in encouragement.

Just that small gesture gave Summer the confidence she needed. She looked over at Josh who was visibly winded. It was obvious that he hoped his three attacks would knock Summer out. He hadn't expected her to actually defend one.

She smirked and held her hands up. Her eyes closed while she called on the same power that had just come to her defense. It started as a subtle heat in the core of her stomach and then slowly began to rise.

She imagined it going up into her chest and then moving to her shoulders. Now down her arms. Her eyes snapped open when she felt the heat in her hands.

She let out a loud grunt and threw her hands towards Josh. Two small sparks shot out in front of her. They fizzled like sparklers and died in the middle of the field.

Josh stared for longer than he should have and then burst into a loud, bellowing laugh. Just like Summer had anticipated, everyone stopped to see what was going on.

“This sucks,” she snapped.

“But you didn't pass out,” said an approaching voice.

Summer turned and was irritated to see Mario. She wasn't in the mood to be reprimanded.

“Yeah but I still suck.”

“Small goals,” he answered. “One defense and a small offense without passing out. You did good.”

She was surprised to hear him say that. It was the last thing she expected to come out of his mouth.

“It was still stupid,” answered Summer.

“Stupid is better than nothing. Now quit whining and go get a different partner. It's time to switch.”

In the beginning everyone was reluctant to test out their skills with her. Now there were people going out of their way to be her partner. It was what Summer had initially wanted but, having them ask to spar with her because she was weak really pissed her off. She just couldn't win.

Summer's next partner was Jessie, an earth wielder. The girl nodded her head once in greeting before getting into an offensive stance. Her body was relaxed as she let grains of dirt fall between her fingers.

The girl held her hand up and the ground below her began to shift. It lifted her high into the air. She smirked down at Summer; the sun behind her making her look more menacing.

“How is this fair?” shouted Summer.

“I practiced at home,” said Jessie.

“Must be nice,” grumbled Summer.

Jessie lifted her hands into the air and as she did shards of rock and dirt followed. They stood there, suspended in the air like birds searching for their prey.

Summer only had a brief second to try and summon her power before the pieces of earth were launched at her.

She panicked and once again begged the power to help her. It answered by offering her two small flames. She wished she knew how to make them into some kind of shield. Was that even possible?

Summer clumsily threw her hands forward and watched the fire pierce the air. It successfully took down a few pieces of stone but, that wasn't even close to what was still coming at her.

All she had time to do was protect her face as the attack pummeled her body. It felt like someone was punching her and using a knife at the same time.

Summer crashed to the ground, waiting for the onslaught to stop. When her ears stopped ringing she was finally able to open her eyes.

Troy was rushing over. She looked for Petar and found him healing another badly injured student.

“Pretty deep cuts,” was all Troy managed to say.

He bent down and held his hands to Summer's arms. A warmth filled her body that was like hot chocolate on a cold, winter day.

The sharp, razor-like pain slowly disappeared and was replaced with a dull ache. She gave Troy a thumbs up before rolling over and throwing up in the grass.

“Tracy!” Shouted Mario. She came running over. “Take Summer back to the room and make sure she gets cleaned up. The lesson isn't over yet.”

Tracy helped Summer to her feet and pulled her towards the large, wooden doors that led back into the castle. When they were out of earshot Summer let out an exasperated breath.

“I looked so lame!"

Tracy raised an eyebrow. “Who are you trying to impress? Troy? We’ve all been where you are.”

Summer waved her hand. “No, not Troy. He's crazy if he thinks we'll be anything more than friends. I'm a poor girl that was living on the streets. I didn't bathe for weeks and stole a lot. I have no idea what it takes to be in a relationship. I'm broken.”

She was broken. That statement held true for so many things in her life. She was terrible at interacting with people. Sarcasm was her only way to relate. She had no possessions, barely an education, no family, and was failing at being a wielder.

“Just give it time,” said Tracy. “You'll get stronger.”

Summer was about to reply when the loud creak of a door to their right made them both stop. Even after being here for only ten days she had never seen these single, metal doors open. They were always locked and she didn't bother asking what was in them.

“That's weird,” said Tracy.

She pushed Summer behind her as both of them crept towards the open door. Tracy lit a small flame in her hand and maneuvered her way into the room. She let out a loud scream and shoved both of them against the wall.

Summer couldn't believe what she was seeing. On the wall, written in blood, was the word, “LEAVE.”