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Chapter 1
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I hurt. My body hurts. God, what a headache. Phoenix opened her eyes slowly, flinching away from the light. To her surprise, she found her younger brothers crying uncontrollably and rushed straight to her when they saw her that she was awake. Feeling a little bewildered by their behaviour, she looked and found her mother and sister, eyes wide with frantic.

"What…what happened?" she managed to croak out.

"You were struck by lightning," Sue, her elder sister said in a hushed voice. As if her words were a password, she recollected her dreams in an instant.

Light. Pure magical energy infused through her soul, bringing her to the OtherPlace. Three Beings stood before her; a man suffused with golden light, a dark-complex lady, with eyes of midnight black with stars, another man, dressed all in white, with a glowing blue aura. They told her things and she absorbed their words into her soul.

Phoenix was aware of the lightness of her body and was astonished to see locks of silver hair tumbled over her right shoulder. Shooing off her brothers, she got up into a sitting position. What in the name of all Gods happened to my hair? Getting up shakily, she was bemused when her sleeping pants dropped off from her waist.

"I can't lost that much weight!" she demanded incredulously. Her cry was abruptly cut off when someone knocked on the front door. Everyone stood motionlessly and Phoenix gave a careful probe. To her relief, it was just her boyfriend, Gabriel.

"Sis, open the door quickly. It's my boyfriend." She said hastily, grabbing up a towel and dashed unsteadily towards the bathroom.

Sue opened the door and motioned Gabriel in.

"Is she all right?" he asked worriedly, looking around for Phoenix.

"She's okay. She's bathing right now."

Gabriel waited impatiently in the kitchen, waiting for his girlfriend to emerge from the bathroom. He was shocked speechless when she finally came out, looking very much like a drowned Persian kitten at the moment. Regaining his composure, he embraced her warmly, not caring that his clothes were getting wet.

"You okay?" he whispered in her ear. She nodded her head.

"Let me get dressed," she murmured in return and he let her go, watching her disappear into her bedroom and firmly closed the bedroom door.

Gabriel went ahead to the living room and lay down on the couch. He had changed drastically over the past fortnight or so, he looked at the world with fewer skepticisms and now watched everything and everyone around him carefully. How it happened? It was when Phoenix did something so extravagant that it was impossible not to believe her. Finally, she got out from her room, wearing a blue dress that he had bought for her three years ago. She looks great, and her silver eyes are so unique, he thought proudly, watching her with a smile. He continued watching her combing her hair. Little did they know, that this was the last time they will ever spent time together again.

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A little group of people had assembled in an isolated Church. Rayden was arguing heatedly with Phoenix.

"I don't care! She's coming with us!" he insisted rudely.

"Okay! Whatever! I'm not going to waste my breath!" she raised up her hands in defeat.

"The rest of you, listen. You guys have to head out to West Coast by eleven a.m. No matter what. I've been assured that your passage will be safe. Go now." She said hoarsely. Silk looked at her in bewilderment.

"Don't look at me like that! I wish you people had taken the time to read books," she halted, as a series of cries resonated through her soul. The carnage had started; beginning with her own family.

"Get moving!!!" she gave a strangled cry, then dashed through the doorways of the Church. When her friends rushed towards her, to their amazement, she was nowhere in sight.

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She soared above the city, heading towards her home. She knew with a deadened certainty that her parents were already dead. She suppressed a keen that was tearing at her throat; she did gave an anguished cry when she saw the Demon hurtling Gabriel's body against the wall. She heard several sickening cracks and dived madly towards the Demon, finally engulfing the creature with solid Fire. Returning to her human form, she knelt beside her boyfriend whom was held on by the man in whites.

"He hasn't enough time, Lady," the man's voice echoed hollowly.

: Dear, I'm sorry for everything. : Gabriel whispered in her mind, and she choked back a sob.

: Please, dear, hang on. : She thought back frantically, trying to Heal him but was blocked by the man. She looked at the man tearfully, but he shook his head.

: Take care of yourself, and get the hell out of here quick. Do what you have to. I love you. : He said, face scrunching with effort and pain.

: I love you too. : She steeled her heart from her grief and nodded at the man. He looked at her with pity, then gently, He led Gabriel away, leaving an empty husk of human flesh and bones. Clamping down her sorrow, she used her Fire to burn the bodies of her parents and her boyfriend, created an urn, and Translocated their ashes into it. She handed it to her sister. Quickly she hugged Sue and her two brothers. Five Demons appeared and made a grab for the two young boys. Phoenix carelessly incinerated them with blue fire.

"Inter their ashes for me, and Sis take care of these two and yourself, okay?" Phoenix said tiredly, her voice tight. Carefully she built a portal where the Seleighe was waiting patiently for the arrival of the mortals.

"Hurry!" Phoenix urged them, as she Felt the Hordes of Demons coming in their direction. No doubt they had felt the disturbance of the Portal.

Her sister grabbed both of brothers and ran towards the Portal, getting to the other side in an instant. The youngest of the brother looked back towards the Portal, hand stretched out to Phoenix.

: I love you guys! Don't forget that! : And she closed down the Portal. She felt something slice at her back and winced sharply when a Demon held a rapier in its hand, grinning maniacally at the trapped girl. Demons were crowding all around her now, and the only way out, was that if she jump straight over the ledge.

Think you're going to have me for lunch? Forget it! She thought murderously at the unwholesome Evil. Using one Demon as a stepping block, she jumped, quickly transforming herself to her true form before she decorated the carpark with her blood. Using her Mage-Sight, she flew towards one of the Gates that the Gods had erected so survivors could proceed on to the OtherWorlds. The Demons below shrieked insanely as she glided above them. They had discarded off their human disguises and were roaming all around creating havoc.

Damn, they're too damn close to the Gate. This is going to get me killed. She blurred to her human form and shouted furiously at the group that was frantically running towards the pulsating Gate.

"Guys! Can't you sprint any faster?" she shouted.

"We're trying to, Phoenix!" Hazel screamed back. "We're trying very hard!"

One Demon managed to launch itself onto her back, and she stumbled. She gasped in pain when hundreds of teeth bit on down her flesh. She called up an image of a sword and impaled the side of the Demon with it. The Demon got off her back, whimpering, but only after it managed to leave behind its many teeth at her back.

"He was so gorgeous, did you know girl? And he moaned with pleasure when we played. He never moaned when you are playing, hasn't he?" the Demons taunted her. She stood rigidly and remembered Gabriel's words. I'm sorry for everything. Ruby's screams managed to snap her out, and she looked back at the Demons defiantly. She lashed out bolts of fire around the Demons that managed to surround her group of friends and shielded the group hard.

Why must the Gate be so damn far? Absently, she activated the Gate. She then turned her attention inward, and the Phoenix emerged, spreading Her fiery wings wide.

"They have passed through the Gate." A voice echoed in her mind. Finally.

She incinerated the Demons by the dozens when they came too close to the Gate. She shut the Gate down and destroyed the nexus that she used as an anchor. That caused a major explosion alone. The Phoenix cried out its grief as it soared upwards until she was far out in the Galaxy. She build another Gate on the opposite side. With amazing speed she plunged down, passing through ozone, demons, earth, molten fire, earth, demons and ozone again.

A rumbling sound was heard and echoed eerily in the Galaxy. Because of the vacuum that she had created, miniature asteroids began plunging down into the Old World and in matter of moments, the World was torn apart, blasting off to bits. Exhausted, the Phoenix tumbled down into the Gate, automatically shutting off when she had passed through.

She stumbled from the Gate, her eyes watering at the sudden flare of light. Carefully, she disguised her wounds tightly, and stopped enough of the bleeding. She searched for her friends. A crowd of white had seemed to gather around the area. She finally noticed them, all huddling under the shade of a great oak tree. She managed to get as far as into the shade before collapsing on her feet. Gods, I'm as wobbly as jelly.

"You guys all right?" she asked, gasping for breath. All of them nodded vigorously. Dian seemed to be on the verge of a major case of hysteria.

Phoenix warned sharply, "Don't start screaming now. Scream at your own place and time. My nerves are only good up to a certain point right now."

A murmur of voices penetrated Phoenix's hearing foggily. One by one, her friends started to stand up. Hazel finally understood that she couldn't stand without help, motioned Wayne and together, they held her up and leaned on them comfortingly. A group of pure white horses stood a few feet away from them. Kai, Silk, Terrence, Rayden, and Ruby walked jerkily towards them, as if in a trance. Three of the white horses separated themselves from the main group and sauntered towards the group still remaining in the shade of the oak tree. Silk gave an exclamation, but Phoenix wasn't paying attention to her. Instead, she focused her eyes tiredly at a graceful, muscular Companion that seemed to be leading the other two.

: I Choose you, sister. I've been waiting for you to turn up for quite a while. : He said, pausing only a few inches from her face, his deep blue eyes gazing deeply into hers.

: My name is Feralas; that's a Karsite name. It means Storm. : He added.

"So which one do you want me to call you?" she asked him in a soft voice. "Feralas or Storm?"

: Storm, it's a lot more shorter than Feralas, and a great deal more masculine. : He Sent back to her. Phoenix was drawn into the depths of her Companion's eyes, knowing in her heart, she'll never be truly a loner again.

A tall, storky man approached them carefully, accompanied by his own Companion, and another who wore gray leathers but accompanied by another Companion.

"They're called Heralds, sister." A familiar male voice echoed in her mind, but she noticed that it wasn't Storm who said it.

Silk and the rest had receded back into the shade of the tree; it was a little crowded since the Companions were huddled close to their Chosens, and waited for Phoenix to take action.

: The behaviour of my friends seriously puzzles me. Why am I the one to take charge? : She thought to her own Companion. Storm just shook his head and snorted.

"I wonder if they even speak Valdemaran," the bird-like man muttered under his breath but Phoenix heard him clearly.

"Don't worry," she said, pitching her now-hoarse voice loud enough for the two middle-aged men to hear. "I think we do speak your language."

"That makes my job easier," the same man replied with a wry smile for the group. Phoenix liked the man immediately, but her heart clenched uneasily as she examined the solemn-faced man.

"I have to ask you this. How did you know we were coming?" Phoenix asked the Herald suspiciously.

"About two days ago, this lot of Companions demanded to be saddled, but what's more puzzling was that our own Companions insisted on having an escort for them. Secondly, there was a man, a butler rather, that informed us the Lady of the Maxwell House has come back to reclaim her place." The Herald looked specifically at her archly.

"I had forgotten about that," Phoenix swore. Storm looked at her quizzically, "Nothing I can't handle, Storm." She ignored the incredulous looks of the two Heralds. They clearly hadn't expected her to accept being Chosen calmly.

"Phoenix, do you really know what's happening to us?" Silk whispered urgently. Phoenix nodded, not replying as she heard someone shout in the distance.

"Lady Phoenix! Lady Phoenix!" a young man, seemingly in his mid-twenties came running towards her, bowed charmly to her, much to the amusement of all.

"Stop that," she chided the man. "And stop calling me Lady. I haven't been called that for so long now, it's bound to creak every time I turn round," She continued, laying a hand on the man's shoulder. "Who's in charge of the county?"

"The senior Lord Nolvine, Lady."

: Lord Mithren Nolvine? He's a good one, the man is. He takes good care of the villagers that's working for him. Your county has prospered well in his care. : Storm informed her.

"Then I see no reason why he shouldn't continue handling the business. I'm afraid that we're going to be very much busy in being students, again." She told the young man.

"All right, miss. Thank you, Lady." The man said profusely.

Suddenly, the wound that was made by the Demon's rapier seemed to sting. She gasped, and the bird-like Herald stepped forward in concern. She waved him off, and asked "Is there any place that we can take shelter? I don't think I can go on without resting." She confessed.

: You've used up all of your reserves. : Storm Broadcasted his thought accusingly at her.

"No choice Dearheart," she said, rubbing her temple tiredly. She tried to keep her expression bland when the solemn-faced Herald gave her a penetrating look. The man turned to look at his Companion.

"Might as well," the Herald in Whites, shrugged, looking at the newly-Chosens.

The Herald whose face looked much like a devastating hungry wolf spoke lowly, "There is a Temple not far from here. There, you and your friends may rest."

"How far is far?" Phoenix asked in a tired voice. Some of her friends looked just about ready to cry.

"I'm just as tired as you are, but in the Temple at least they will let us wash up a bit," Phoenix said, carefully moving forward to mount her Companion.

: Don't be absurd. : Storm chided her, and lay down on the ground and waited until she was seated on him securely before getting up.

"Sorry," she murmured to her Companion, one hand resting on his head.

: At least, she isn't as stubborn as you were. : Kantor sent a thought to his Chosen, Sending him images of the time when Alberich had gotten hurt badly, and was still keen on mounting himself up on Kantor. Kantor was feeling a little peevish today. Kantor had argued that he should at least wear Formal Whites for this occasion, but Alberich had stubbornly refused.

: You don't seem to have any effect on the girl, even when you scowl at her so. : Kantor observed. The gray-clad Herald gave a dark look at his Companion, but refused to respond. He mounted silently, and headed off, leading the way.

: Do you think we can go double? : Phoenix said to her Companion.

: Oh, I had forgotten that some of you are not Chosen. I don't see any problem. By the way, Silv, you weigh almost nothing. Didn't expect you to be so small. : Storm said, shifting his muscles a little. Phoenix rolled her eyes towards the sky.

"Hey, Isabel, come on up," Phoenix called to her friend. Her friend looked dubiously up and down the Companion, but bravely set her foot in the stirrup and mounted gracefully on Storm.

"You have a good seat," Phoenix complimented her. Then she counted heads and found that only Edwin was still on the ground.

"Don't worry about it lass," the Herald in Whites said to her, smiling kindly.

: Which way did he go? : Phoenix asked Storm.

: Which way who went? : Storm asked back, turning his head to give her a sidelong look.

: That implacable-looking Herald, : she described, : What's his name anyway? : They set off with a gentle walk, Isabel holding on to her waist lightly.

: That's Herald Alberich. He's a Karsite and is also the Weaponmaster, but retired. He only teaches the advanced students. His Companion's Kantor. : Storm replied, and soon they saw the Herald's back and a solid-looking Temple loomed up in the distance. Isabel sat silently behind her, and she piped out a question when she's sure that Phoenix wasn't communicating with Storm for the moment.

"You know, I'm as glad that we didn't walk. I don't think I could even walk steadily for a few feet," Isabel said, looking around curiously.

"You're not the only one. I fervently hope that that experience wouldn't happen again," Phoenix confessed.

"It sure was ugly. And passing through that Gate was damn unnatural," Isabel said in a small voice, while Storm flickered his ears to catch their conversation. Then she continued, "Phoenix, what happened?"

"I destroyed the World which we were born in. We couldn't risk those creatures find every anchor point and start transporting themselves into the OtherWorlds," Phoenix said mournfully. The Herald in Whites happened to ride by, and had caught her every word. He looked at Phoenix with wide eyes, and she turned to look directly at the man. He gulped, then turned his attention forward.

Isabel's eyes started to water, "But what happen to those people that did not…pass through the Gates?"

"Sacrificed, my friend. Remembered that time when we gathered around WM, and I started telling you to be careful when you meet strangers?" Phoenix asked, and sighed when they came closer to the Temple.

"Aha…" Isabel replied.

"The Demons were able to look like us, and were able to do things to us. Know anything about an Incubus?" Phoenix asked. Isabel gave a gasp and muttered, "Dear God. Dear God." And she hugged Phoenix from behind, Sending her comfort to her silver-haired friend. Phoenix managed to stifle her surprise, but took Isabel's comfort and forgiveness gratefully.

Herald Alberich dismounted off from Kantor and was greeted by a Sunpriest waiting for them by the door. He simply said to the Karsite Herald, "We have been told to expect them."

Her friend dismounted carefully, and Terrence rushed over to Isabel to help her down. Her wounds were stinging rather badly and some of them itched. Not yet, I have to wait until we get to the Palace. It's a good thing I have Healing abilities that I can prevent infection from setting in.

: But you have to be prepared getting screamed down by the Healers. : Storm pointed out.

: But only after they have treated me. : She replied impishly, carefully dismounting from her Companion's back on her own. She paled when she stressed her back a little too much. All the while, Alberich was looking at the curly, silver-haired girl covertly.

: She seems to be in pain. : Alberich Sent his thought to his still-grouchy Companion. Kantor's eyes narrowed when he too, saw Phoenix's shivering hands and her pale face.

: I can't find anything wrong with her. I think you have to watch over her carefully. : Kantor suggested.

: Why me? : Alberich asked disgustedly.

: Because Elcarth has to pay attention to all of them. He can't just spend every minute scrutinizing the girl. You're the sidekick anyway. Sidekicks were meant to do this kind of thing. : Kantor pointed out slyly. Alberich swore in his birth language under his breath. A horde of boys came out from the temple and took the Companions' reins steadily with the young butler handling his own horse, and Storm and led the Companions to the stable.

: Don't worry about me. Get some rest and I'll see you when we're ready to set out to Haven. : Storm said comfortingly, while Phoenix watched him wistfully. She had expected the Karsite Herald to lead the way in to the Temple, but he clearly had no such intentions. To make things worse, her friends seemed to wait for her to make the first move. She frowned at them blackly and shook her head in disgust. Alberich was amused by her reaction and watched her control her expressions gracefully. When she turned to the Sunpriest, her face did not bear any frowns but what surprised Alberich more was the way she smiled at the Sunpriest. He smiled gladly at her and nodded, entering through the wide doors of the Temple. Pausing at the threshold, she bent and neatly took off her shoes.

Not looking back at her friends, she said in a clear voice, "Don't be rude; remove your shoes first." Alberich and Elcarth exchanged a startled look but followed her directions as well, taking off their leather boots.

: How did she happen to know the customs so well? : Elcarth Sent his thought to Alberich, not hiding his surprise.

: That, I do not know. She seems to be well informed on the peculiarities of being Chosen. But her friends are bewildered. : Alberich replied.

: That is an understatement. : Elcarth remarked, at the wide-eyed looks some of her friends were giving Phoenix. Phoenix was calmly washing her face, hands and feet at a nearby pipe, and one young Sunpriest handed her a towel, smiling.

"Go ahead and wash," she called out to her friends. Silk got up shyly, but the idea of cleanliness made her more enthusiastic than being encumbered by her shyness. Phoenix handed the now damp towel to a girl holding a laundry bag, and thanked the girl softly. She then looked around for a place to sit, finally sitting down with her back on the wall, facing the golden statue of Vkandis, looking at it tranquilly. Alberich's heart twisted at the sight and he wondered at his own reactions. The Sunpriest whom had met them at the door handed Phoenix a glass of apple juice and she accepted it with a smile, murmuring a thank you to the priest. The Sunpriest, whose name was Henricht, turned his attention towards the rest of her friends.

Just then, a Sunpriest wearing a black robe with simple ornamentation came into the Hall of the Temple. He made his way briskly to the sitting girl, kneeling quickly before she could get up and stand to greet the Priest. Something passed between the two of them, and the Priest laid his hand on her shoulder and squeezed her comfortingly. Then he stood up and approached the Heralds.

"Heralds," the Priest nodded to them, his eyes lingering over his fellow Karsite. "Thank you for escorting the newly-chosen. They are a special batch, this ones are. Take careful note of that young one over there," he pointed at Phoenix with his chin. Herald Elcarth looked archly at the Priest.

"Suicidal?" he asked apprehensively.

The Priest looked at him with shock, "No, not suicidal. Just that she won't trust anyone easily. You have to make your way soon to Haven."

"Why is that?" Alberich asked quietly.

"She's in trauma and shocked," the Priest gave an unpriestly snort, "All of them are in shock. But she did a lot of magery, and she's wounded, unlike her friends." Elcarth started to say something, but the Priest raised his hand, cutting off whatever the Herald has to say.

"No, Heralds. They need to rest tonight. Here. You will go on at dawn tomorrow," he advised the Heralds and left them. Some of the younger novices had laid out pallets, and some of Phoenix's friends thanked them gratefully and lay down on the makeshift beds.

"Why am I taking the lead?" Phoenix demanded. Terrence, already lying down on the nearest pallet, stared up above the ceiling and answered her.

"Because you seem to know this place," was all he said.

Silk asked her curiously, "How did you know? I mean how did that young man know you?" Her friends looked at her as one.

: This is embarrassing. : She Sent her thought out to Storm whom was drowsing lightly in the stable.

: Get used to it. :

Exchanging a glance, the Heralds sighed, and the two men began to take a seat down on the floor. Before they could do that, Phoenix glanced sharply at them, "Just because we all are sitting down, that doesn't mean you have to," she said bluntly, and Elcarth shot her an indignant look. Elcarth liked the girl even more when she said that. Phoenix frowned in concentration and Translocated two padded chairs right in front of the Heralds.

"Bloody Hell!" Elcarth yelped. Phoenix gave him a disgusted look and turned her attention back to her friends.

"Do you recall that discussion we held at your house, the one when we were busily setting up our FYP poster? The one when I kiddingly asked you to do a Tarot reading for me?" She mentioned to Silk, as she thought hard.

"That talk about you feeling like an old soul?" Silk hazarded. At Phoenix nod, she mouthed an oh.

"What are you girls talking about?" Herald Elcarth asked, feeling puzzled. The way they're talking in Valdemaran seemed strange to both the Heralds. Their slang is much more… .funkier, I think. "And by the way, I'm Herald Elcarth, retired Dean of the Collegium, and this is Herald Alberich, our Weaponmaster."

"I'm just explaining some things about how I came to know by this World," Phoenix told him patiently, then continued talking to her friends. "I have always been around. But I came here since after the death of Herald Vanyel. But at that particular time, I posed myself as a Bard for the duration, disappeared into the OtherWorlds, came back sometime way before the war with the Tedrels, to reestablish my claim on my county. But then, something came up in the Old World. Do you know that the Druids weren't meant to vanish?" she said abruptly to her friends. " So I had to deal with that. However, this is the first time I had ever been Chosen."

"Was it tough? Being you, I mean," Ruby asked quietly, and Phoenix stared blankly at them.

"It is tough. Sometimes I wish I could be a normal human being. However, I am not. The sad thing is I can't even retire," Phoenix told her tiredly, then smiled sadly at her friends.

"But you can get hurt." Alberich stated, looking penetratingly at her.

"Yes, Herald. I get hurt, millions of times." She said simply, staring at the serene face of the Sunlord.

"Get some sleep while you can. I think we'll be in the saddle for quite some time." she told her friends, smoothly ending their conversation. She watched her friends crawled over to the pallets, settled themselves comfortably and drifted off to sleep.

"Who's Kai's Companion?" she asked aloud.

: Kai? Oh Zephyr. : Storm replied.

"Them two should get married," she observed Kai and Whitedove, smiling obliquely.

"Exhausted, you said you were. Why aren't you resting?" Alberich asked, while Elcarth moved his chair nearer to her.

"It's afternoon just about now, and I'm not the kind of person who takes naps easily unless I'm exhausted. But I'm afraid I'm way past exhaustion," she smiled gently at the Herald.

"What are the rest of your friends going to do, the rest whom are not chosen?" Elcarth asked her.

"Well, two of them are going to be Healers, three of them will be Bards; if they're given proper education, most of them wants to go ahead and be in the army or something. And one, who is not chosen," she pointed to the slumbering form of Edwin, "I think I can sponsor him off to the White Winds," she told him. "Wondered how he controlled his powers all this time. The school is still around right?" She gave a sigh of relief when Herald Elcarth nodded his head.

"What about her?" Elcarth asked again pointing at Dian.

Phoenix sighed ruefully, "I don't know. Put her with the Blues I guess. She still has to study in order to survive here in Valdemar. But seriously, she won't suit living here. However, Rayden insisted that I take her along. She's his lady. I just hope she learns to adapt." She buried her face in her hands. Elcarth looked at her then at Alberich. Alberich did not respond so Elcarth sighed to himself and took advantage of a pallet. Alberich continued looking at the girl, torn between the indecision to like the girl or not. She looked terribly young, but the way she had spoken, and the way she looked out with her eyes seemed to be carrying the burden of years of age. The shaking shoulders' of the girl caught his attention. He quickly got up from his chair and knelt before the girl. He touched her elbow gingerly.

: You are tired. Make use of the pallet and rest. : He said in the depths of her mind, shielding his other thoughts carefully.

: But what about you? : She asked in the same manner, not trusting her voice, still hiding her face. : There's only one left. :

Alberich looked carefully behind him and found out that the girl was right.

Kantor snorted at the back of his mind and told his Chosen acidly, : Share it then! There's nothing wrong with that, you know. :

Storm was saying about the same thing to his Chosen, : You could share, like everyone else is doing. Nothing wrong with it. :

Phoenix asked the Herald bluntly, : Would you care to share the pallet? :

Alberich did not reply; he just helped her up to her feet, revealing her face that was streaked with silent tears. He remembered what the black-robed Priest had told him, and guided her to the pallet, lying near to the feet of Vkandis. She sat down and lay on her side, and grunted a little at the pain her wounds were creating. Alberich crawled behind her, and lay down beside the girl carefully. Why am I doing this? He thought wonderingly. Usually, his normal actions will dictate him to go outside, and spend his time with Kantor. His Companion Sent a wave of amusement at his Chosen, but Alberich ignored him.

"I wonder if gryphons visit this Temple?" Phoenix asked softly.

"Why do you ask?" Alberich asked just as quietly.

"I'm glad the Hall is spacious. The Temple has a high ceiling. No chance that I get a case of claustrophobia," she answered.

"Yes. They do come by. Especially the gryphons from Iftel." He said, but the girl was already asleep. Alberich tentatively rested his hand on the girl's waist and dozed off.

Alberich woke up to the sounds of conversation and the smell of warm food.

: Hope you had rested well. : Kantor greeted his Chosen. Alberich sat up stiffly, moving his hand reluctantly off the girl's waist. Elcarth was looking at him with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Phoenix's friends had already eaten and were going about the Temple, examining everything. Kai and Whitedove were with Priest Henricht, whom was talking animatedly at the couple.

"She must be very tired," Elcarth said to Alberich, when they headed out to the stable for a midnight conversation with their Companions. Phoenix had slept through dinner and showed no signs of waking up.

"I'm afraid we'll be saddling ourselves with a complete company of trouble," Elcarth sighed resignedly, but gave a charming smile at his Companion.

: Didn't expect them to be boisterous. : Kantor observed wryly. Rayden's Companion, Rain snorted indignantly at him. He responded by giving her a condescending look. Storm shook his head hopelessly and screened Rain's glaring eyes with his muscular body.

"Placing them in classes might prove to be little difficult. How old are they anyway?" Elcarth asked worriedly.

: They're all in their twenties. : Storm replied helpfully.

"I think I ought to go back in and start giving the interviews now," Elcarth decided, taking out a pencil and a scrap of paper he dug out from his saddlebag.

"Do whatever you want to," Elcarth called out as he started off back towards the Temple.

: You might as well go back to sleeping. : Was all Kantor said. Alberich mutely took up a brush and began brushing his Companion. Kantor leaned against his strokes with pure contentment. When Alberich returned into the Temple, the young people were already curled up in their pallets. Phoenix was still sleeping. Elcarth was sitting on a chair, biting down on the pencil as he thought carefully. Alberich joined him and looked expectantly at Elcarth.

"Well, they sure don't have to be placed in figuring classes. Can you believe that this people have trained minds of most graduated Artificers? I think even she's likely to be in the same elite group. The only classes they have to handle are the equitation classes, weapons and most importantly the history of Valdemar and the eccentricity of our cultures." Elcarth sighed with satisfaction.

"I'm done. Better get some shuteye. The Priest will wake us up when it's time to move." Elcarth announced, already moving towards his pallet. Alberich walked silently towards Phoenix and slid down on the pallet cautiously. He was utterly shocked when she gave a strangled cry and buried her face in his chest. Alberich peered down carefully at her, but she was asleep.

: Sorry about that. She's dreaming. : Storm said apologetically. Holding Phoenix cautiously in his arms, Alberich fell asleep.

********

The statue came to life, shocking a passing Priest while he looked after the comforts of Phoenix and the others. The Priest looked at the face of his God in wonder, as He stepped down from the dais and knelt beside the slumbering form of the silver-haired girl and the Karsite Herald.

"All will be well, sister," Vkandis murmured, touching their brows lightly, banishing Phoenix's nightmare. He beckoned towards the Priest and bestowed him a blessing, going back up the dais. The statue remained still.

********

Alberich woke up to bright light shining down from the windows of the Temple. He kept his hold on to the awaking girl. She seemed surprised at her position and blushed prettily.

: Good morning! : Storm greeted cheerfully.

: Morning, Dearheart. : She sent back. Alberich finally released her, and she got up into a sitting position.

"Get moving people," Elcarth's voice called out. Before they knew it, they were back in the saddles and were riding hard away from Horn. Phoenix had prudently strapped herself on to the saddle, with Isabel following suit before they started their ride. They rode past villages non-stop for three straight days, only stopping for a few minutes to eat something or do whatever business. Phoenix, and like some of her friends, were dozing when Elcarth woke them up with his clear voice.

"Welcome to the Palace. And this is where your education is going to commence," Herald Elcarth said.

**********
Chapter 2
**********

Phoenix and her friends looked at the walls astonishingly.

"Impressive isn't it?" Terrence breathed. The two Heralds leading them looked at their company with suppressed mirth. Elcarth then led them through a shortcut and then they came to a Field where several Companions along with their Heralds were waiting anxiously for them. Phoenix's group of Companions stepped easily towards the crowd, stopping inches from the Queen standing with her Consort and their Companions respectively.

Those who were riding double quickly dismounted leaving the newly chosen still on their saddles. The two Heralds dismounted and walked gracefully to the Queen and Elcarth whispered something to her.

"Welcome to Valdemar, young ones." The Queen welcomed them in a gentle voice warmly. Phoenix dismounted slowly, gripping Storm's reins tightly as she was swarmed with dizziness and he swerved his head to look at her with concern. She gave a little shake of her head and smiled tenderly at her Companion.

Walking slowly towards the Queen with Storm matching her step by step, she finally stood about two feet from the Queen. The older woman gazed deeply into the young girl's eyes and then looked at the girl with astonishment that the Queen hid quickly. Her eyes! How could one so young possibly look so wise and burdened?Phoenix bowed her head respectfully and greeted her Queen, "Your Majesty."

Alberich was looking at the girl with suspicion. She's a stranger to the land and yet, was prepared to submit to the Queen. Phoenix turned to look at her friends who was watching them uncertainly. Phoenix gave them a look and they repeated her actions gracefully.

: Storm, do you mind telling the Queen's Companion to get out of sight before I collapse on the Queen's feet? :

Phoenix asked her Companion desperately as her vision faded in and out. The Queen's party headed off indoors while their Companions remained in the Field. Phoenix waited until she was sure that the Queen's company was far enough that they won't be able to Feel her pains.

She waited long enough until she was sure they're out of range before she went down on her knees. Alberich moved towards her with lightning speed and caught her in his arms and gently lowered her down to the ground. Her friends watched her with alarm as her control of her illusions wavered and finally disappeared and Alberich looked at the silver-haired girl he was holding with shock. What now appeared in his arms was a disheveled, bloodied version of the neat girl. She was breathing heavily and clutched at Alberich's arms, when her wounds stung.

: Get the Healers! : Storm's strong Mind-voice called out.

: Phoenix! : Storm turned his attention to her, lying down beside her. In her mind, she saw Storm as a dark-haired man, with silver blue eyes and the face that marked him as a Karsite, kneeling down beside her, grasping for her mental hand. : Chosen, stay! : Phoenix was fighting hard not to succumb to unconsciousness but she was too tired to hang on. : Where are the Healers? : Storm cried out frantically. Phoenix knew nothing more as darkness filled her mind.

**********

Blackness. She couldn't see; couldn't hear. Empty and silent. But it doesn't have to be. She soared in the darkness, taking on her true form and in the darkness was filled with blue fire. The man in Whites approached her, unflinching even from the intense light of her Fire.

"Who are you Herald?" The Phoenix settled on the ground before him, changing into her human form, but her Fire still glowing about her.

The man gave her a warm smile and looked longingly into her eyes. "I'm Death, my lady."

Death. The only lover who wouldn't court her. She faced Him. "Why am I here?"

"You need to rest, and someone wishes to see you." He backed away, and a familiar person stepped forward. He looked the same as he always had, and her throat constricted with grief that felt too painful to bear. They did not say anything; she just stepped into the circle of his arms, and led the man she loved to hold her. They did not speak but she showed him the emptiness where his presence had always filled her being.

"You must go." She looked at him, and he searched wonderingly into her eyes. He gave her a brief kiss and left her with Death walking towards the Darkness and never looked behind.

Strong arms suddenly penetrated her awareness and she found herself being shaken awake gently by Elcarth. She couldn't breathe; her throat closed so tightly with grief. A woman in Whites reached her arm to touch and held Phoenix's hand until her grief subsided. Phoenix quickly rebuild her mental shield and clamped down as much negative feelings as she could from the lady Herald with Empathy.

"She can't stay here. She needs a place of her own; this is the third time she'd lost control and managed to affect those within her range." A man in a green robe voiced out.

"The ekele. Only Gesten's living and tending the place. If he wants to have her, I don't see why she couldn't stay there for the time being." A lizard-like creature spoke up. Phoenix tried to pay attention to what they were saying, but she faded in and out of consciousness.

Another voice, this time spoke scornfully. "I can speak for myself Healer," she opened her eyes to see another lizard-like creature peering down at her. "Your friends say that you are Phoenix, is that your name?" She nodded weakly. "Well, I'm Gesten and from now on, I'll be taking care of you. Now, you must sleep," and he reached out to touch her temple. Phoenix went into slumber almost immediately.

She was dreaming again. Not precisely dreaming, for she was studying. Storm was beside her, teaching her the history of Valdemar. They were interrupted, when He entered their domain. Phoenix gave the Sunlord a warm welcome. For an endless time, the Sunlord had remained with her, banishing her nightmares away, and Healed her emotional wounds while she slept. He was telling Storm that it was time for her to wake and Storm nodded his head in agreement. He touched her cheek tenderly and went on His way. Storm gave her a brief hug and left her on her own to find her way back.

Phoenix lifted her face against the bright sunlight and opened her eyes carefully. She stayed in place and carefully studied the room. It was bare except for the bed, a small round table and a drawer. She looked to her left to look out the window. It was mid-morning and she sat up on the bed shakily. She paused for a moment to examine herself, and found that her reserves were back to full strength. Hell, I sure feel as if I've been doing a marathon. How long was I out? My head itches and I think I'd really like to bathe. She carefully planted her feet onto the wooden floor and stood up and carefully stretched. So far, so good. She walked several steps towards the entrance of the room. There should be a water source in the kitchen. She turned to her right and the space that looked like a kitchen. She didn't notice the other room beside the one where she had been sleeping. She determinedly walked to the sink she found and splashed her face with clean water.

"You're not suppose to be out of bed you know." A voice that said from behind her and she swerved her head and saw a familiar snout.

"I see you recognized me. Well I'm Gesten and you'd be living here for the time being unless you wish to move out of the Heralds' Wing. Let's just see how you like it here and then you can decide." The hertasi said, handing her a face towel and a toothbrush. Phoenix looked at it, relieved and squirted the liquid that acts like toothpaste. When she was done, she looked pleadingly at the hertasi.

"Please, I would really, really like to bathe."

Gesten looked at her, his eyes filled with surprise. "I'm not sure you could do that."

"My head itches and I feel…well, unclean."

The hertasi looked at her and nodded his head. "Wait at the entrance; I'll help you wash." Phoenix sighed gratefully at him, her fingers raking her itchy head. At least I know I could walk without falling on my face. She waited patiently for Gesten to appear. I wonder who carried me up the stairs? Phoenix looked out into the garden of the miniature Vale and breathed in the fresh scent of the plants that were growing all around. Gesten suddenly appeared beside her and led her carefully down the ladder-like stairs of the ekele. He laid the towels on a rock and motioned her to undress. She was secretly relieved that she was just wearing a robe and took it off.

"Now, slowly go in. I will wash your hair for you," he instructed in a business-like manner. Phoenix dipped herself in the lukewarm water and sighed contentedly. Gesten took a bowl and dipped in the water as Phoenix braced herself as he poured the water onto her head. I can't believe I'm sitting around naked. In the Old World I dare not even wear a swimsuit to go swimming.

: Who's going to watch you here anyway? The ekele now is off-limits until you are feeling better. : Storm said, his Mind-voice filled with love and happiness to find that she's wide-awake.

: I've missed you. :

"Gesten, what is the season now?" Phoenix asked him, as he handed her a bar of soap to scrub herself, and then continued working his fingers into her itching scalp.

"It's nearly the end of summer now. Phoenix! I'll scrub your back for you!" Gesten screamed at her as she was reached behind her to soap her back. She paused scrubbing herself as Gesten poured water over her shampooed head. Taking a long stick, he rolled her wet hair into a bun and stuck the stick to secure her hair. Phoenix began scrubbing herself again and felt his hands slowly lathering the soap onto her back. I was afraid of that, she thought as she felt the hertasi's hand going over the stitches that held the rapier-wound.

: You're afraid of stitches? : Storm asked her incredulously.

: You can't blame me. I asked my sister about the procedure once and I promised myself not to get any injuries. But then, being what I am, I guess that I'm hoping too much. :

Gesten had gotten her to wear a simple Kaleda'in robe much like the previous robe only that it's blue in color. They had stayed in the garden all the while Phoenix was brushing her hair and pulled her hair back to a simple ponytail. Gesten handed her a pair of black sandals that fitted her feet nicely.

"I wish to see Storm. There are a couple of things I need to handle before I go back to my rest," she said implacably to Gesten.

"Devan's going to skin me alive."

"Don't worry, I'll tell him it's my own idea. He's the one who Healed me right? Well, I owe him a lecture." Gesten looked at her despairingly but kept silent. Phoenix gave the hertasi a little smile and walked out of the miniature Vale and stopped at the threshold. She lifted her face to the wide blue sky, and let the wind caress her face. She heard something on her left but remained still.

"The stranger awakes." A voice said and she turned to look at the speaker. She smiled when she saw it was a gryphon. The gryphon looked at her with mild surprise as if he didn't believe that she reacted calmly to his presence.

"There you are. I had wondered where you had landed," a female voice spoke up. Phoenix waited patiently as another gryphon joined the first. The female gryphon looked at Phoenix with amusement. "She doesn't seem surprised to see our kind, don't you think?"

"No doubt about it. This is my mate, Leitha and I am Keenath. We're gryphons from Iftel and came down here to see the leader of the new group of peoples that just came into Valdemar."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow at the word leader but did not speak.

"We should have tried to guess how you will react. One of your female friends whom I think her name is Ruby actually looked at my mate here and exclaimed incredulously," then Leitha began to mimic what happened in a voice that sounds much like Phoenix's friend. "Oh my God! Oh my God! They're gryphons! God! They do exist! I can't believe they are here!"

Phoenix chuckled softly as her Companion trotted towards her. "Let me guess what she did next. Instead of being intimidated by the fellow over here, she demands to spread his wings wide and began to study his feathers."

Both the gryphons laughed at her accurate guess. Keenath spoke up, "We'll leave you to your business then. It's nice to meet you, Lady Phoenix. I do believe we'll be seeing more of each other."

"I hope so too." And she watched as the gryphons launched themselves back into the air.

"Well Dearheart, care to walk with me?" she asked her Companion lovingly.

: It will be a pleasure for me to do so. By the way, your friends are at the common room. :

They walked slowly towards the stable where she found a brush and spent some time with Storm before she went into the Heralds' Wing in search for the common room. The corridors were silent as Phoenix made her way to the common room. She heard Hazel's laughter rang out from somewhere on her right and she saw her friends all comfortably sitting down on the benches except for Dian, whom was watching the group with distaste. However, her friends were not alone in the common room. She focused her attention towards the other group and saw a familiar face with deep green eyes looking at her. The face belonged to a man wearing Healer Greens and after a brief confirmation with Storm, she found out that he's the Healer Devan. She saw Elcarth and smiled warmly at him and he gave her a thumbs-up just as her friends spotted her. They scrambled all over the benches, with Silk and Ruby reaching her first to give her a bear hug.

"Wait," Phoenix yelped, jumping back. The other group looked at the commotion with amusement. "Guys, no hard hugs all right!" And then she was totally enveloped by her group of friends except for Rayden and Dian. Rayden walked up towards her and just said, "Welcome back." Phoenix understood why he did it but his smile more or less made up for the bear hug. It feels as though we're a class together again. Almost feels like they're family to me. Silk fetched her a glass of plain water and Phoenix began a discussion that was much more important to those that won't be Heralds, especially to Edwin. They assured her that Elcarth had sorted it all out and Phoenix looked gratefully at him. She stayed for a while with her friends and then she got up and deliberately seated herself beside the Healer who was watching her grimly.

She looked expectantly at him and the Healer began a silent lecture and nagging. They spent half a candlemark that way, with the people in the common room looking at them curiously. Finally the Healer gave an explosive sigh and embraced the small silver-haired woman warmly.

"Since you're here anyway and I'm here, could you please remove the stitches?"

"I'm sorry Silv," Healer Devan began, "But I'm afraid it has to stay for a few more days." He looked sympathetically at her as she gave a disappointed sigh. She was totally unconscious of Alberich's presence but noticed it when Silk handed her forgotten drink. She met the solemn Herald's gaze and it was he who looked away from her penetrating eyes. Phoenix abruptly jerked her head up as she Felt the familiar presence of the Shadowlover. She stood up involuntarily as he Called to her. People were looking at her quizzically. It quickly changed to bewilderment when they saw an unfamiliar Herald waiting at the end of the room, holding out a brown parcel. He handed the parcel to her after giving her a brief kiss and walked out of the room. Phoenix held the parcel shakily in her hands and resumed her seat beside the Healer.

"What is it?" Wayne whispered to her. Phoenix shrugged and began untying the knots that bound the parcel. She opened up the parcel and gasped with surprise as she took out something that turned out to be a gown.

"Cool!" Rayden breathed. Phoenix gulped her amazement and wrapped the gown back. Suddenly exhaustion settled in and she found herself unable to get up.

"Will you now rest Silv?" Healer Devan asked her. "Good, I'll walk you back to the ekele."

Her friends quickly said their good-byes as Devan escorted her back. Both of them were surprised when they found Alberich attaching himself to their rear. Phoenix deliberately slowed down until the grim-faced Herald had no choice but to either walk beside her or in front of her. Storm had come to her rescue and was trailing at her back. What is so attractive about him? Why do I think about him when I have absolutely no reason to? That face should have probably frightened me out of my wits, but here I am looking at him, and now I'm feeling very weird things in my heart.

They neared to the ekele and to her horror, she found herself nodding off to sleep but managed to catch herself by holding on to Alberich's arm. Alberich looked at Devan in resignation and scooped her up into his arms and carried her back to the ekele. Phoenix was too tired to act accordingly; she simply fell asleep and pressed her cheek against the Herald's beating heart.