“It was Talia,” Thaddeus affirmed. “I talked with her. She was with a company of Elves and a Middling. She asked if we’d seen or heard where the dark warrior had taken the Sorcerers.”
Anna gasped, feeling as if the air had been sucked from her lungs. “The Hellhounds. Do you think she got away?”
Thaddeus looked away. “I don’t know. She could have. She was talking to my father before I left with Kira.”
“Mom,” Anna whispered, praying, hoping she’d made it out of there before the attack.
The only thing keeping her together, and from running out to find her, were the words Lavinia had spoken before they left. Her mother was a powerful Sorceress and could take care of herself. Besides, she was with warrior Elves and Mr. Hobbs. They would help protect her. She had to believe her mom was still alive, and that she’d see her again soon.
“I abhor those fiery beasts.” Thaddeus’s voice cut into her thoughts, his fist hitting a branch. “I must return to the glade to search for my parents and any others who survived.”
“Not tonight, lad,” Tobin said. “Dem Hellhounds are still out dere, waitin’.”
“It was cowardly of me to run during the attack. I should have stayed to help them. I have to know if they’re still alive.” He turned back, his face wet with tears. “What if they’re injured? What if they’re in need of help?”
“We can’t risk any more lives,” Tobin said. “If ya didn’t run, ya might’ve been dead. We’ll leave at first light an’ head for da glade.”
“What—what’s going on?” Will slurred. His bloodshot eyes were trying to focus on Anna before turning to Thaddeus.
“Will, he saw mom.” Her finger aimed at Thaddeus. “He said she was with them before they were attacked by the Hellhounds.”
“What?” Will slowly propped himself up on his elbows. His eyes were droopy, then snapped wide as he noticed Thaddeus’s legs.
“He’s a Satyr,” Henry blurted. “And his name is Thaddeus.”
Will blinked his eyes a few times and tried to sit up. “You saw our mom?”
“Yes,” Thaddeus replied. “But the attack happened so fast. I didn’t have time to see who got away.”
Tobin hobbled back to his sleeping spot and settled down. “Malzador gave strict orders not ta kill any Sorcerers. He wants ta use dere powers for his evildoings.”
“How would they know if she’s a Sorcerer?” Henry asked.
“Misterians know when a Sorcerer is in dere midst. Dey can feel it,” Tobin replied.
Anna’s eyes met her brother’s. “If that’s true, do you feel anything when you’re around me or Will?”
Tobin nodded. “From da moment ya stepped into Misteria. An’ it’s growin’ stronger now.”
Anna didn’t feel anything strange or different, aside from the light that shot out of her amulet, and Will’s burst of strength. “Do you think our mother is alive, Tobin?”
“I do, child,” he answered with a tired smile. “We best be gettin’ some sleep so we can leave at first light.”
Anna knew sleep was far from her. Especially while her mother was out there, possibly fighting for her life, and her brother was injured and in pain.
“How did those horrible creatures get into Misteria anyway?” she asked.
Tobin straightened out his cloak. “Malzador,” he replied.
“Yes,” Thaddeus sniffled, settling down in a corner of the tree. “Malzador still has a connection to Misteria through the dark warrior. He’s the one who summoned the evil beasts to roam here. It’s been a dark time for our land.”
“Who is the dark warrior?” Anna asked.
Thaddeus shook his head. “No one knows. Some say Malzador summoned him directly from the Underworld. He wears a dark, wicked mask to instill fear in others. His eyes are blacker than midnight and hold an endless darkness, just like his soul. He bears no remorse for the death and destruction he’s caused across our land and continues to carry out Malzador’s orders from the Underworld with great urgency. Especially now that the alignment is near and he’ll soon be released.”
“How does he get his orders from Malzador in the Underworld?”
“There are whispers saying the dark warrior possesses an enchanted looking glass which allows them to communicate through the realms.”
Anna sighed. “Is there any way to stop him?”
“Some have tried, but all who have, perished.”
“If he’s that horrible, do you honestly believe our mom will be safe?” Anna asked, still terrified knowing her mother was out there with those horrible creatures.
“Dere is always uncertainty, but fate brought ya back ta Misteria. Brought Talia back too.”
“I’m sure your dad’s all right too, Henry,” Will noted.
Henry nodded, his brow furrowed with worry.
Anna had forgotten Will was still conscious because he’d been so quiet. But his eyes were still heavy and glossed over from the medicine Tobin had given him.
“We’ll just have to believe they’re all safe,” she replied, attempting to cover her aching uncertainty.
“We’ll find them tomorrow.” Will was shifting, trying to find a comfortable position for his leg.
“Do you need help?” Anna asked, standing above him. Even though he didn’t show it, she knew he was in a lot more pain than he showed. She knew him better than anyone.
“You don’t look so good,” Henry added. “Don’t die on us.”
“I can’t. Something about a prophecy.” Will tried to laugh but it came out in a moan. “I’m sure I’ll be better tomorrow.”
“Ya just need ta sleep, child,” Tobin said, settling down. “Give da medicine time ta work.”
Anna grabbed her cloak and settled down next to Will. She was exhausted from the long day, but the floor was hard and uncomfortable. For a moment she wished she was back home, sleeping safely in her soft, warm bed. But then she thought about her mother and Will, and it made her feel selfish. She had to be strong. For them.
“Will,” Anna whispered, nudging him after his loud moaning woke her. She touched his arm and noticed his body was shivering. Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead. “Will, are you okay?” It was a stupid question because he obviously wasn’t.
Pulling back his cloak, his shirt was soaked. Trembling, Anna laid her palm against his forehead. “You’re burning up,” she gasped. She nudged Will’s arm, but he wouldn’t respond. “Tobin. Henry. Wake up. Something’s wrong with Will,” she said with urgency.
Tobin groaned, but sat up and rubbed his eyes. “What in da Fairy fog?”
“Will needs help. He has a fever and he won’t wake up,” Anna pleaded.
Tobin took the little rock from his pocket and whispered Illume, instantly lighting their area.
Thaddeus came over and knelt next to Will, resting his hand against his forehead. “He’s burning with fever. The medicine isn’t working. If we don’t get him help soon, he’ll die.” His concerned eyes found Anna’s.
“Who can help him?” Anna wept.
“Dere is only one who can help him now. But no one has seen her in a long time. She must’ve gone into hidin’,” Tobin said.
“What about the Lady of the Lake?” Anna questioned.
“The trip to the Crystal Lake is a whole day’s journey from here, and a treacherous one at that,” Thaddeus noted. “He won’t last that long.”
“We have to save him. We have to try,” Anna sobbed, holding Will’s hand. “Please. Somebody help him.”
Tobin nodded, standing before he made his way toward the edge of the tree. “I’ll try an’ summon Phaedra. If she’s near, she can help us.”
Tobin cupped his hands around his mouth and sent out a loud, mellifluous whistle in every direction.
“Who’s Phaedra?” Henry asked.
“A magical bird who belongs to the Lady of the Crystal Lake,” Thaddeus answered.
“Hopefully, she’s out dere, an’ hasn’t been captured by da dark warrior,
” Tobin muttered, his eyes desperately searching the night sky. He repeated the whistle over and over.
Anna waited, anxious for a sign. But the darkened sky remained empty and silent.
Will moaned as Tobin whistled again. But when the sky didn’t reply, he sighed and headed back toward them with deep sadness in his eyes. “I’m sorry, chil’ren.”
“We can’t give up,” Anna cried.
A shrill caw blared in the distance. Anna watched Tobin’s eyes widen, a smile grew on his face.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Tis her!” Tobin hobbled over to the edge, holding his glowing stone high into the air, whistling again.
A brilliant blaze of fire soared over the forest, leaving a trail of golden embers behind it.
“Wow.” Thaddeus exhaled loudly. “I’ve only witnessed Phaedra from afar.”
Her large wings were set ablaze, and when they dissipated, a magnificent bird appeared. It flapped and lowered onto a nearby branch before hopping down to the center of the tree.
“Phaedra,” Tobin announced, strutting over to her with open arms.
Phaedra was approximately six feet tall, with long sharp talons and a tapering beak. Her beautiful feathers shimmered like gold in the dim moonlight. Ruby-red eyes gleamed brightly, and her entire body emitted a soft glow.
“Isn’t she da most beautiful thing ye’ve ever seen?” Tobin gently stroked her feathers.
“Yes,” Anna whispered, her eyes fastened on the wondrous creature.
“Dis is Phaedra, da last Firebird in Misteria,” he said. He then turned and spoke directly to the bird. “We need yer help, dear friend. Talia’s son has been bitten by a Hellhound. I gave him herbs, but tis not helpin’. His wounds are too severe, an’ he’s burnin’ up with fever.”
“She can understand you?” Anna breathed.
Tobin glanced back at her. “Of course she understands.”
Phaedra dipped her head, then craned her neck backward. With her beak, she plucked one of her beautiful, golden feathers and gently placed it into Tobin’s open hand.
“Thank you, Phaedra,” he said, stroking the top of her head. She leaned over and nuzzled her head into his chest.
Will moaned, worrying Anna even more. She knew her brother was suffering, and she was helpless to do anything. Anna lifted the cloak around his ankle to examine it. Blood had soaked through the dressing and was pooling on the ground.
“Help him!” She panicked. “He’s losing too much blood.”
Henry’s face went pale as he noticed Will’s leg. “Oh man. That looks bad.”
“Will, can you hear me?” Anna gently shook his arm, trying to wake him, but he remained unconscious. “Will, please wake up. Answer me.” But he didn’t reply.
With Phaedra’s feather in his hand, Tobin knelt next to Anna. “I’ll need ya both ta hold him down again,” he said to Thaddeus and Henry.
Each of them came and sat on either side of Will, holding his arms down.
“What are you going to do?” Anna asked.
“Firebird feathers have healing properties. Dis,” he said holding up the feather, “is our only hope.”
Anna whispered a short prayer and held Will’s leg as Tobin carefully unwrapped the bandage. It was worse than they’d expected. Whatever was in the Hellhound’s bite had spread through his leg, traveling through his veins like a poisoned black web.
“Is he going to be all right?” Anna was trembling, trying desperately to hold herself together.
“We’ll see, child.” Tobin took the long, golden feather and shook it over Will’s wound. A fine, glittery dust fell from it, covering the deep lacerations. As soon as the dust touched Will’s skin, he shot up screaming in agony. His bloodshot eyes were wide with pain, and he was dripping with sweat. Henry and Thaddeus held him steady, then after a few seconds, Will’s eyes rolled back, and his body went limp.
“Will!” Anna cried. “What’s happening to him?”
“He’s still breathing,” Henry said, pressing his ear to his chest. “He just passed out again.”
The gold dust on Will’s leg fizzled and frothed. Anna watched the black poison which had webbed up his leg, slowly dissipate. Whatever was in the dust from Phaedra’s feather was healing him.
Then, a golden band formed around his wound, hardening like a cast.
“Dat should do it,” Tobin said, a look of satisfaction adorning face. He tucked the feather into his pocket and hobbled back to the bird. “Thank ya, dear Phaedra. Ya saved da child’s life.”
Phaedra nodded at Tobin then turned her ruby red eyes to Will.
“Dey are unique, Phaedra. Da two from da prophecy.”
Phaedra stepped forward and stood directly behind Anna.
“Chil’ren, I think ya need ta move away,” Tobin urged.
Henry took Anna by the arms and gently pulled her away.
“Why? What’s she going to do to him?” she questioned.
Thaddeus came and stood next to Henry and Anna. “I think she’s going to purge whatever poison is left in his body.”
“How?” Anna breathed. But no one answered. Their eyes fixed on Phaedra.
Anna’s insides shook and twisted as she watched the golden bird spread her wings over Will’s unconscious body. Then, in a split second, a raging fire consumed them.
Anna screamed, attempting to push away from Henry. But Thaddeus helped restrain and kept her back.
“Don’t worry,” Thaddeus whispered into her ear. “He’s safe. She’s healing him.”
“Healing? She’s burning him!” Fear coiled around her as she watched Will’s body engulfed in flames.
“He’s not burning,” Thaddeus replied. “She’s a Firebird. She has the power to either destroy or heal. If she wanted to kill him, we’d all be dead.”
Through tear-filled eyes, Anna watched Phaedra’s wings burn with a pure, golden fire, her eyes smoldering like red-hot embers.
Then, like a whisper in the night, she raised her wings and the flames died out.
Will’s body remained still as black tendrils of smoke rose and curled from his body.
“Phaedra’s flames have consumed the remaining poison in Will’s body, incinerating and releasing it through the smoke,” Thaddeus clarified. “I’ve only heard tales of her healing powers, but to see it firsthand is . . . well, it’s unbelievable.”
Will’s arm moved and his eyes slowly fluttered open, frozen on Phaedra.
“What is—” Will pushed back, trying to shuffle away from the enormous bird, but Henry ran over to stop him.
“It’s okay. It’s a friendly bird,” Henry noted, trying to keep Will still.
Will glanced around, disoriented. “How did it get here?”
“You were unconscious and sick, so Tobin called her,” Anna said. “Her name is Phaedra, and she came here to save you.”
Will’s eyes narrowed at Anna. “How do you know that?”
Anna knelt beside Will and touched her hand to his forehead. “Because you’re alive and no longer have a fever.” She pointed to his ankle. “Her feathers are magical. Just one of them cleaned and sealed your wounds.”
Will sat up and witnessed the golden cast around his calf and ankle. “Wow,” he breathed. “That bird healed me?”
Phaedra let out a shriek shrill and a small fire sparked in her eyes.
“She did. An’ she’s not merely a bird. She’s a Firebird,” Tobin said proudly, then leaned over to Will’s ear and whispered, “She’s like a child and very sensitive, so watch what ya say ‘round her.”
“Huh?” Will’s nose scrunched in confusion.
Anna stepped close and whispered in his other ear. “The bird understands everything.”
“Oh.” Will swallowed hard, then turned his eyes toward Phaedra. “Thank you for coming, and for saving me.”
Phaedra bowed her head.
Tobin hobbled over and hugged the bird around the neck. “We can’t thank ya enough. Ya restored hope ta Misteria.” P
haedra nestled her head on Tobin’s shoulder while he stroked her neck.
After everyone thanked the magical Firebird and said goodbye, Phaedra flapped her long golden wings and shot into the sky.
Will knocked on his golden cast, amazed the throbbing pain was gone. “How long do I have to keep this on?”
“It’ll dissolve when da wound is completely healed,” Tobin answered.
“William,” Thaddeus spoke. “Now that you’re awake and coherent, I’d like to thank you for saving my life. Not many would have been as brave as you.”
Will smiled. “You’re welcome. But it wasn’t only me.” He glanced over to Henry and Anna. “It was a team effort. I can’t take all the credit.”
“I am indebted to you all,” Thaddeus said, placing his hand over his heart.
“Ahhh, it was nothing,” Henry exhaled, with a wave of his hand.
“I have a feeling when we search the glade we will find nothing. The dark warrior is known to either kill or capture his enemies. He doesn’t leave wounded behind. If I am right, and no one is there, would it be alright if I accompany you?” Thaddeus asked.
“That’s cool with me,” Will said.
“Cool?” Thaddeus tilted his head slightly to the side. “Are you in need of a coat?”
Henry laughed. “No, Thaddeus. Cool is a human term that means excellent.”
“Oh.” Thaddeus shrugged. “Humans are baffling.”
“Yes, they are,” Henry sighed, quickly glancing over at Anna.
“We’d be happy ta have ya. Da more, da merrier,” Tobin added.
“I’m fine with you coming,” Anna added. “There’s safety in numbers.” She smiled at Thaddeus and he smiled back, making her cheeks blush.
Will caught Henry glaring at their little exchange, but didn’t worry. He knew his sister would never like a guy with goat legs.
Tobin laid out his cloak and settled down once again. “Dis time, I hope we can get some sleep. We have a long journey ahead.”
“Sleep sounds great to me,” Will said, pulling his own cloak back over him. His shivering and chills were gone, and his leg was no longer throbbing. Maybe he could finally get some peaceful sleep.