Chapter 16

• Ashes •

Freedom.

It was a simple word, but to Gwyl, it meant everything as he flew above the forest floor.

Shepaud appeared in the trees halfway home. "It worked," he said simply and Gwyl nodded once.

"They'll be looking for you now; they won't go away until they think you're dead or gone."

Gwyl nodded sharply, he knew exactly what Shepaud was trying to tell him, and he wasn't about to return to the castle and the humans. No, he'd have to leave his home and get far away from them where they couldn't find him. The forest was far too close to them.

"We must leave," he said with some feeling of regret. He wasn't sure exactly where it was they could go, but it was going to be a long journey.

"I have spoken with the council," Shepaud said carefully, "and they have asked that you come to council with them so that they may help guide you safely."

Once more Gwyl nodded, he appreciated the efforts of the centaurs a lot and he knew that one day he would have to repay them.

"Can we pack?" Stray asked from behind Gwyl. "There are things we need to bring with us."

"Dog? Silver?" Gwyl asked as he noticed they were waiting to move further on. He wasn't about to leave them behind, not after everything they'd gone through. The leopards were also something Gwyl was wondering if he could leave behind. He hadn't known them for all that long, but in some strange way they had become a sort of family. They seemed to think the same way about he and Stray as well.

"Will we be able to take the pack?" Gwyl asked finally, unsure if he could leave any of them.

Shepaud sighed, looking up to the sun that had risen almost directly above them, before he looked back to Gwyl. "Tomorrow night as the moon rises we will discuss all these things and more with you."

"We must go," Stray growled in an undertone. "We will come tomorrow evening and speak with you about leaving, but for now we must leave, the wizards will not be held back long."

A silent nod was enough for the pair of Demons and they swept past him like the breeze. When he turned they were already disappearing into the shadows of the trees.

Ahead of him Gwyl glanced to Stray. "We go home?" he asked and Stray nodded. "The centaurs say the wizards will not find us there even with their magic."

In the trees above, the monkeys followed chattering endlessly. Gwyl was happy; they were friends, and they had been extremely helpful.

Hours later, at the outskirts of the clearing, Gwyl stopped abruptly. Since his awakening, when he'd felt magic like a breath on his skin, he'd never felt magic like he felt it now. The castle that he'd been trapped in had been full of it, overflowing with it like a storm. That was before he had gotten used to it. Stray, Silver and Dog were all magic too, but a different sort than the castle; wand-sticks were the same way, they each had magic and all of them different, some stronger than others. Now, standing in front of his home of over two years, it felt as if there was a whirlwind sitting in front of him reaching out and trying to catch him inside it.

"Come," Stray said when she saw Gwyl pausing behind her.

Still Gwyl would not move forward. Carefully he sniffed the air and then opened his mouth. Magic flowed through the forest like wind, it was in the ground and the trees, in the water, but nothing like the warm wind that was waiting for him a step ahead… what lay ahead was too much to even think about.

It occurred to him that someone had changed it; maybe some wizard had come with his magic and found where he'd slept. The centaurs weren't always right, he had found that out, but he trusted them. They had told Stray that no wizards would come. It was a great risk to take and he wondered if perhaps wizards were waiting on the other side of the magical wall.

The feeling faded a little, as if his body was getting used to the magic that was in front of him. The faint echo of the magic that surrounded him already filled him again. A quick yip sent both Silver and Dog away on opposite sides, disappearing like shadows. Hidden, they checked to see if they could sense anything suspicious.

The breeze picked up ruffling his now soft hair around his head. Gwyl almost growled thinking about what they'd done to him, when he'd awoken from the first escape attempt he'd been completely washed and clothed, and he looked human, he hated it. It was unforgivable that they'd done, that they thought they could get away with it. When he'd woken he'd torn his clothing away in a matter of seconds, including the band, which had held his hair behind his head so it didn't fall into his face.

Silver emerged from the right side followed by Dog from the left, both yipped softly that it was safe. Gwyl nodded, taking a deep breath and stepping forward into the torrent of magic. Nothing changed at all, just a continued feeling of unease. Even though the magic bothered him he sniffed and found nothing out of the ordinary. With a rough bark he sent the rest of the pack on their way, he planned on greeting them properly later. Someday he would show his thanks to them.

Stray didn't say anything as Gwyl moved into the small shelter finding that his old bed had been untouched. When he lay down to get some sleep, Stray curled up next to him with a smile on her face. Gwyl didn't fall asleep though, not immediately, he was having a hard time dealing with the magic that he continued to sense. It surrounded them, ran beneath them, flowed around and above them.

Sleep did finally overcome him and for several hours Gwyl slept content while Stray was curled up against. Silver and Dog slept at his feet. It had been a long night and a long day for all of them.

•

The next day, as evening fell, a small pack of shadows swept along the forest floor and through the trees until they came upon the centaur herd's encampment. Dia was standing at the door waiting for their approach and it didn't take her long to notice them. She was one of the few that would have, and only because she was so used to them moving around her already.

"Gwyl," she said happily when she first noticed him. "Stray," she added as Stray moved next to Gwyl smiling.

"Ronan would like to see you after you've met with the council," she said quietly. "He believes he has some things that might aid you in your travels."

Gwyl nodded and stood upright, walking slowly into the fenced area. Stray snarled at the leopards, commanding them to be still and await their return. She barked at some of the wolves, giving them the same command. Dog and Silver followed though, unwilling to leave Gwyl alone even amongst friends.

The walk across the camp was almost uneventful, Stray noticed a few wandering glares but didn't understand them totally. Gwyl growled at them and the older centaurs kept their distance, knowing he wasn't one to be taken lightly.

When they entered the cave two young centaurs, acting more like escorts than guards, met them. Gwyl was relieved that he was being trusted to some degree, though one of the guards seem to resent him a little.

"We have convened this evening because it has been proposed that we allow Gwyl, the Wolf-Demon to pass through the pathway and pseudothyrumi to visit the domain of another herd. We have discussed our decision for many hours. The council has come to a conclusion of how we may allow for him to pass through the sacred gates."

Gwyl glanced around, looking at the same group of centaurs who he'd met months and months ago. Only two of them had smiles on their face, the rest seemed to show no emotion whatsoever. The one who had spoken the most last time, the oldest centaur, was one of the two who smiled. "It has been proposed that we send Gwyl and his mate Stray on a coming-of-age journey that they may become more than foals in the eyes of the herd. Such journeys have not been undertaken for many years, but their existence is not unknown and for one taking this journey, they may use the sacred gates as they see fit."

Still unsure of exactly what was happening Gwyl just waited, listening to find out exactly what the ruling was and how it applied to him. The sacred gates meant nothing to him, and he didn't understand why he would want to go through them.

A murmur passed through the crowd. Whispers came from the centaurs as Gwyl and Stray stood quietly in front of them. There seemed to be an argument for a few moments and then all was quiet.

"Having brought this proposal to the council, and owing my sons standing within the herd to Gwyl, I take responsibility for any claims against the two. If they were able to be adopted by the heard I would do so, for now I hope this journey is enough," the elderly centaur said. Gwyl blinked, confused. His son's standing, what did the elderly centaur mean?

More time passed, whispers continued until Gwyl began to get restless, he did not like waiting like this unless he was hunting. "The council has agreed that Gwyl and his mate may use the pathway as long as he takes an oath of secrecy."

"What of the pack?" Stray asked. "Dog and Silver will not leave us behind, nor Will Lancelot, Galahad and Guinevere."

Eyes were raised and one of the centaurs stepped forward and whispered an explanation. Gwyl could just hear what he was saying over the other whispers. Heads bobbed across the table that the centaurs stood at and the old centaur spoke again. "The two wolves that are of your pack will be allowed to go, the leopard cats will be returning to a more familiar place, they may go as well. You are however charged with their safety, you must insure they can survive before they are let loose. The jungle ahead is a much different place than the forests of this land."

Gwyl simply nodded his acceptance, he didn't want to let them go anyway, but they were also free to do as they chose. It was important that they had clued him in on where they were going. The word jungles meant something to him, though it was a faded memory, and he would be very careful until he became more acquainted to the new place.

"When you feel the need to return you may petition the centaur herd beyond the gates, telling them that we have accepted and welcome your impeding return," a second centaur added. Gwyl glanced at Stray, who nodded understanding, and he nodded as well, hoping that Stray would be able to explain it to him later on.

"All that is left is the oath of secrecy," the elder centaur said. Gwyl wondered briefly if any of the other centaurs spoke in more than just whispers, there had only been a few that had ever spoken very loud before, but then he realized it was a sort of herd rule, that the eldest would be the one to speak most of the time the same way that Ink was the one to be met when dealing with the pack.

For several grueling minutes both Gwyl and Stray repeated an oath, which said they would never reveal the secrets they discovered, and that they would not betray the centaurs to anyone. Gwyl didn't mind; he owed them a lot for what they'd done and Stray just followed his lead.

When it was done the elder centaur nodded, touched Harry lightly and spoke in his ear. "Firenze is somewhere in the jungles where you are bound for. Please find him and bring him home with you so that an old horse can see his son once more." Gwyl turned, surprised, but didn't say anything, just nodded.

The quartet left the elders and headed for the place where they had been told to meet Ronan. Ronan was not alone; Shepaud was with him, looking worried. Whatever it was that had gone on had caused a lot of contention within the herd. "We have some things for your travels." Shepaud said quietly, far from his usual self. Gwyl watched him without a sound as he turned and led the way down the path. Ronan took the end of the group, trailing further and further as they neared their destination.

The area was unnaturally dark and Gwyl tensed as he sensed heightened magic. But, he had become used to the forest and its magical surprises already. Wizard magic was different and he could feel it. Stray was like them in some ways, but she was a lot different too, so it was easy to distinguish them in Gwyl's opinion. Still, looking into the magical darkness Gwyl shuddered.

"It is a sacred and exiled place," Shepaud said, trying to explain to Gwyl and Stray why they were feeling uncomfortable. "Here is where the relics of wizards and muggles are kept. We do not partake of such worships, though we once did. Each clan has their own way of ridding themselves of such items, our herd hides them from the world."

Pausing, Shepaud entered the shrouded darkness. Stray and Gwyl exchanged looks, but followed soon after. Shepaud was one of the few centaurs who had gained their trust through his actions, Dia was the only other they both trusted.

Inside the light grew stronger and Gwyl had to catch his breath. Silver and Dog sniffed the air and then moved away from their positions next to the demons, taking their time in examining the room.

There was a small stack of things that were sitting in the center of the room, Shepaud moved directly to this pile. "We give you these gifts with the approval of the council, that you may be able to use them on your journey."

Each of them received a second belt. They were larger, with material hanging from them almost like a skirt, but not long enough to be trouble. Each was patterned differently, but made with the same dark material. "Dragons-hide," Shepaud explained as Gwyl looked them over. "They are designed to be worn with those..." he pointed out a small stack of what looked like shirts. "We know you've no need for clothing like that, so we only give you what you will use."

From a small bag Shepaud pulled small thin knives and handed one to Gwyl who examined it, testing the way it felt in his hand. "Good throwing knife," he observed as Shepaud handed him the small bag, which held several dozen of them. Gwyl nodded a thank you.

There was also a strange bag. Gwyl stared at it for a long time, trying to decide what it was for until Shepaud stuffed the belts and the smaller knife bag into it, and still there was room. Gwyl smiled, he would be able to fit his blanket in it as well. Shepaud offered Stray a quiver filled tightly with arrows, he knew she used the crossbow and though she made her own arrows, the centaur made ones were far superior. "These were made by centaurs and enchanted by wizards to help them last much longer."

The last item was curious; it held Gwyl's attention completely as soon as the cloth had been lifted from it. Shepaud took a moment before speaking; the swirling red and oranges enthralled him as well. "This was presented to the centaurs as a symbol of friendship from the wizards of the far east." Gwyl glanced over to Stray, who was also enraptured by the object.

Gold had been painted on top of the egg-object and it glimmered every swirl to make them even more enjoyable. "It has been thought of as a ball which inspires luck, and that is why we give it to you, to show that we wish you well on your journey."

Gwyl took the ball into his hands, examining it closely. He could feel warm magic seeping from it, and it touched him, reaching inside and making him warm as well. The ball was tiny, but it was beautiful, and Gwyl wanted to take it with him wherever he went so that he could always have the warm feeling with him.

Dia was waiting outside and Gwyl saw that she had been crying. "You're coming back, aren't you?" she asked as they neared her. "Firenze said he'd come back, but even after father went to look for him… they never found him."

Stray smiled and moved forward, wrapping her arms around the centaur. Gwyl didn't hug people regularly, but as soon as Stray had let go he also hugged Dia, he would miss her a great deal.

"Now collect your other possessions so that we may take you to Austri Silva."

Both of them nodded, knowing that the longer they stayed in the forest, the more likely the wizards would find them. Immediately they bound off, followed closely by Dog and Silver.

Entering the clearing for the last time, Gwyl had to stop and look around. He was leaving his home and it angered him slightly. However, the adventure of a new place filled his heart and made him tingle all over. There was an odd sound from the bag he wore over his shoulder and he slipped it from his arm, checking it.

It was odd, but the sack started warming extremely fast. Dog barked and then backed away, frightened. Silver stood, staring transfixed at the bag as it burst into flames. Stray seemed transfixed as well, not doing anything as the fire spread along the ground around her and through the clearing. Gwyl tried to step away from the flames but could do nothing; his legs seemed to have locked into place. Then, the flames increased even more, filling everything, the trees and rocks; even Silver and Stray seemed to turn into fire in an instant. Gwyl knew he too was on fire, he could feel it touch his skin, though it wasn't because of the burning feeling. The fire was magical, and burned inside of him as well as outside, but it didn't produce extreme heat, it was producing magic.

As quickly as it had started it was gone. Gwyl stared, feeling different, somehow worse, and yet better. Stray collapsed to her knees, taking deep breaths, and Silver did the same thing. In the background Gwyl could see Dog peaking through the bushes at the edge of the clearing, trying to decide if he was safe yet.

A small pile of gold-flaked ashes lay at the top of the bag that Gwyl had set down and when Gwyl moved the ashes moved as well. Curious, Gwyl pulled his knife from the scabbard and gently pokes the ashes that had been left behind until there was a squawking sound that made Gwyl jump back in surprise. He really hadn't expected anything to be alive in there. A tiny head poked out through the ashes and stared right into Gwyl's eyes. To Gwyl it was perhaps the ugliest thing he'd ever seen, bright red, almost pink, and wrinkled, but he stared at it unable to look away. It stared at Gwyl just as Dog had when they had first met, Gwyl smiled, knowing that it was not there to hurt them. For a brief second he wondered if it would be something to eat, but the bird opened its mouth and a soothing song left its beak, making Gwyl feel warm again.

"A phoenix," Stray said, as she was finally able to move forward. "It's just a baby."

Slowly Gwyl reached out for the head and it squawked awkwardly. Gwyl simply ignored the protests and dug it from the bag as slowly and as carefully as possible. He tried to replicate the squawk but was able to do little more than gurgle awkwardly. His efforts were not in vane, because a second later the small bird hummed a different tune, soft and beautiful, it made Gwyl feel really good inside. After considering what to do with the bird Gwyl decided to keep it instead of eating it. He liked the soft tune and he wanted to hear it over and over again.

The small bird trilled in Gwyl's palm and he smiled. "Ashes," he said, proclaiming the name to the three other onlookers. Stray smiled and when she offered her hand, Ashes was past on to her. She examined it thoroughly while it simply sat, quietly watching her. Then Silver took her turn examining it from Stray's hand. Dog was last, and he didn't seem to like the creature in front of him at all, not because it was dangerous, but because it seemed to offend him. When Dog growled a challenge to the bird Stray snapped it away from him barking back and making Dog lower his head in shame.

The whole scene went on without Gwyl's interruption and he was proud of Stray when it was over for asserting her dominance and not making Gwyl do it for her. Even if it was only Dog, she was still doing it a little at a time.

Not long after, the group returned to the centaur camp, Ashes was nestled in Stray's hands the entire time.

Shepaud was waiting for them at the entrance and he nodded a hello as they approached. He noticed that Stray was holding something and asked Gwyl with his eyes what it was; after all, the council had only made allowances for the wolves and the leopards. Gwyl turned gently, taking Ashes from her hands and then meeting Shepaud directly. "She born from the gift you give us," Gwyl said quietly, presenting the phoenix for inspection.

No one else was present, or Shepaud might have felt slightly embarrassed at his gaping.

"A phoenix?" he asked finally, after the surprise had worn off. "The egg was a real egg? And even after so many hundreds of years it was still born?" he gaped again then gingerly reached out to stroke the tiny bird. "This is a great day," he whispered quietly. "Gwyl you must take care of this bird as if it were your own child, a newborn phoenix is naturally a good beast, but it is also easily corrupted. Keep it safe from the outside until it has grown enough to escape on its own."

Methodically Gwyl nodded, he had planned even more – he wasn't going to let the Phoenix go at all until it had been trained properly. It would be a free animal after that, but Gwyl hoped that it would return of its own free will. All of his family had, Dog and Silver, Stray, Lancelot, Galahad and Guinevere, there was nothing stopping them from leaving.

"You will need to be careful what you feed it too," Shepaud whispered. "Find a clean spring for it to drink from and only feed it freshly killed meat. Many foods do more harm than good for Phoenix's; they may end up poisoning the beast. When it learns to perform magic itself, it can find food, but you will be responsible until then."

Stray laughed lightly. "We will be careful with Ashes Shepaud," she said when Gwyl and Shepaud glanced at her. "I am well aware of what a phoenix eats and will insure it is cared for as well. It was a great gift you honored us with and we thank you," she added, bowing slightly. Gwyl would have liked to bow, to show his thanks, but he rarely did it; besides, he was carrying Ashes and the backpack they'd been given.

"It is time?" he asked, trying to get on with the process, it was getting light and every moment longer was one more moment that the wizards had to find him. He refused to be caught by them again.

It didn't take more than a moment for Shepaud to understand why Gwyl was pushing – he bowed slightly and turned away. The walk was quiet and Gwyl watched the forest move, touching every tree he could, he would miss their whispers.

•