On the seventh evening of the wake, Jiro, upon whom Patriarch Nelariz entrusted the supervision of the youthful acolytes, was administering a batch of altar boys who were commissioned to watch over the corpse of the king until midnight. He was seated in their midst giving instructions when a squire about his age came in looking for him.
"I am Acolyte Jiro," the young man with the neck-long, copper-colored hair declared. "Who are you and what brought you to enter the hallowed palace of the patriarch?"
The squire, who retained his brave posture regardless the acolyte's fearless demand, answered: "Pax, Acolyte Jiro, my name is Adriel. I am one of the squires who serve the hon-orable Lord Xavier Roguery, Courtier of Gobhy. My presence here tonight is response to the request of the patriarch who happens to be in the royal palace with the courtiers at this very moment."
Hearing the dignified words of the knight-to-be, Jiro stood up from his seat and approached the squire with a hug, as it was customary for the nobilities of Ethyr. After the expected gesture of welcome, the religious assistant asked the stately aid: "For what reason did the patriarch ask you to come?"
"His Eminence requests me to bring you word about a scheme he had arranged with my master and two more of the royal courtiers. He asks for you and me to see them tonight because upon us they will entrust an endeavor. Whatever the task is, I do not know for they will not hand me any information unless I have returned with you aside me."
"I am in no authority to refuse the demands of my master," Jiro answered. "Yet allow me to excuse myself for a while. I will only finish a business I have already begun." After he spoke, he offered the squire a seat among his younger companions and disappeared behind a portal.
A moment passed and Jiro loomed from within the enclosed chamber together with an acolyte who is only as old as he is. When they were face to face with each other, Jiro introduced his company and explained the reason for his short disappearance. "Dignified sir," he addressed Adriel, "this is Acolyte Dmitri. He is upon whom I shall leave the duty of administering the younger altar boys while I leave as the patriarch sought of us. I searched for him, that was why I was gone but now I returned ready to answer my master's call." Dmitri and Adriel hugged each other and gladly introduced themselves.
After a short period of discussion between Jiro and his trusted comrade, the acolyte and the squire left the hall to the rear of the patriarch's home where a private entry to the royal complex is available.
Patriarch Nelariz was seated with courtiers Xavier, Argyle, and Miriam in the empty throne room as they waited for the return of the squire. While they eagerly watched the huge doors that separate them from the ballroom, they talked about matters that they whis-peringly argued over.
It was like this when the doors opened and the two assistants entered. They did not mind the gloomy interior of the throne hall rather they pursued to the center where their masters sat among lesser thrones lining the left side of the chamber.
They made a bow before the bold Adriel made his declaration, "Sirs and madam, I have come back and with he who you sought for. May we then ask what the reason for this unplanned meet is?"
"Surely," Patriarch Nelariz answered with a nod. "These three courtiers here have a task which must be attended at the most immediate. Whatever delay will cause all of us to regret over our mistake for the rest of our days." The weight of the ecclesiastic's delivery de-scribed how serious was the matter. Jiro knew the prelate very well and by the intonation of his master's words, he was assured that the objective of their assembly could not be a paradox. "However, since they are significant people of Ethyr, and that the court will need their constant presence, they will be unavailable for the feat." The patriarch continued: "With regard to this, Lord Xavier and I agreed to entrust the duty upon our most trustworthy aids."
"Yet," the young courtier added, "The choosing did not prove to be easy for us. In addition to the fact that the people we choose must not be fraudulent, the task is very dangerous, and if the people we send are not capable of survival, then the venture may fail. Furthermore, we prefer those who cannot be mistaken as heroes. These and some more realizations brought us to the finalization of our choices." After the two elders had spoken, the teenaged lads exhibited some gestures of apprehension.
There was silence.
A moment passed, the acolyte swallowed his uneasiness and interrogated, "If we are whom you consider worthy of the feat, may I please request for you to expose exactly what must be done?"
Before the inquiry was addressed, Lord Argyle made it sure that the vicinity was se-cured. He stood up from his seat and traversed the length of the hall. When he had reached the portal from which the two teens came, he assured that it was closed, and he barred the door from within. Only after he had done so, while he was on his way back to the group, did he speak: "You understand very well that our kingdom is continuingly pursued by Aglador and his army, do you?" Jiro and Adriel nodded their heads in agreement. "But do you know the real intentions of his attack?"
Adriel answered, buoyancy evident in his articulation: "Everyone in Ethyr and the neighboring state of Zapya knows exactly that the Lord of Vego intends to put the said dominations under the banner of Uxx. His principal purpose obviously then is the conquest of our kingdom."
"Very well said," the courtier responded as he approached his seat. "However, that is not all. I presume – since you both are learned individuals – that you are familiar with the legend of the ancient realms – those that existed before the establishment of this monarchy. You know of Faia, the enchanted fairy domination; of the ancient states of the Praeclian League and the Illuminati Elite, the first human settlements; and you know of Cyfu, the first united human kingdom, don't you?"
Jiro smiled as he recalled the mythology they have learned in the monastery of Mount Gratis. He was confident that he recognizes everything that Lord Argyle was telling them. Such evident expression of knowingness was also found in the face of Lord Xavier's squire. Nevertheless, they allowed the elder to continue for they knew he had not yet dis-closed their duty.
As he sat down his lordly throne, Argyle stated: "It is recorded in mythology books and stated in different ways that when the humans increased in number and the two congregations of states merged as one kingdom named Cyfu, they advanced far north, under the leadership of Lord Jericho, reaching the woods of the fairy realm. There was conflict that occurred in the borders of Faia, along the mythical plains of Omar, for the defense of the for-ested domination. To ensure the stability of Faian peace, Monarch Marco II, then the king of the fairies, bid a treaty to the human conquerors. The humans settled after Jericho received the offer of the fairy monarch. Such gifts, as scribbled in the Iorus Canicus, are five of Faia's most treasured pets – phoenixes. Lord Jericho and his comrades however resorted not to publicize the existence of the mythical birds, which is why they did not happen to become a part of your knowing. They agreed that this actuality would be forevermore veiled by the banner of the oligarchic nobility. Thus the fact was kept behind the banners of royalty since the establishment of the Cyfic oligarchy up to this very day."
There was silence after Argyle ended his account. Then he signaled for the intelligent Lady Miriam to continue the tale. The stately woman who was seated in between the Solatrixian courtier and Xavier wet her lips and related, "Beyond the knowledge of Cyfics, an ambitious kingdom of forever-young people existed west of the enchanted Faian woods. This kingdom is Quso, the land of youth. Common history proclaims that the Qusors discovered Cyfu by accident but the Iorus Canicus, the well-kept record of royal secrets, discloses that the true intention of the Qusors was to capture the phoenixes."
Looks of confusion overpowered the confidence of Jiro and Adriel. They listened attentively to the apprehensions of the elders that called for them trying to link these with those they already know.
Realizing the puzzled expressions of the two guests, Patriarch Nelariz precluded Lady Miriam to speak further. Instead, he told the youths: "The things you hear right now would probably sound odd for both of you. However, let me clarify before we continue that these are all verities. You were learned with the knowledge that the earlier authorities agreed to disclose to their subjects but you should have thought that there is also information that was banned from all but those the authorities chose. In Ethyr, we have many history books that tell about how the kingdom came to be and all the struggles it had come across. These books were created for educating the people. However, a history book holds the true story of Ethyrian history. This book is not open to all since it contained the greatest secrets of the royalties; such is what we refer to as Iorus Canicus or the Book of the Royal Poet. Now you are hearing the entire history not basing on the common books, which were published to please the citizenry, but basing on the single manuscript that tells the true story. Do not con-fuse yourselves for it is hard to find the links between common and royal knowledge. Your teachers taught you that such are mythology but the Iorus proves that these are history."
When the patriarch was done speaking, Lady Miriam continued her statement: "It was not in the knowing of the human authorities that the five phoenixes offered by the fairies were actually the last of the mystical creatures pursued by the Qusors. The offertory was ac-tually the fairies' way to save their treasured pets from the hands of the greedy race. This truth was only revealed after Quso first assaulted the borders of mortal Cyfu. Later, the fairies and humans worked together to keep the phoenixes from Qusors. Then the first Great War in history occurred. The conflict cost the termination of two phoenixes and the downfall of the ageless yet vulnerable empire. The victory gained resulted to the unification of Faia and Cyfu into one kingdom – the more powerful monarchy of Ethyr."
Recognizing his role in the delivery, Lord Xavier requested Lady Miriam to allow him to finish the history. "The first kingdom of Ethyr lived peacefully and happily," he made his apprehension. "However such golden age did not last for long. A number of Qusors survived the Great War and settled in the merciless mountains to the west of Ethyr, the doomed Candis Range. Centuries passed and this number grew. Then they were ready to avenge the massacre of their ancestors. It was by trickery that the Qusor leaders were able to deceive some Ethyrian states resulting to the division of the united realm. Also by this deception, the Qusors did not only break the solidity of Ethyr but also took hold of one phoenix. War broke out again. Once more, the joined forces of fairies and humans alike won and the phoenix was recovered even if the Qusor leader, Sylvester, escaped. After the war, however, fairies lost their confidence in the loyalty and promises of men. They sought for the return of the three phoenixes to Faia but the human monarch who was then King Kriston III refused. This resulted to a feud between the two races. The fairy leaders tried to snatch the phoenixes from the men but were only able to bring home one. The human king secured another of the phoenixes while the third mysteriously disappeared. It was after the death of Kriston III, when his successor, King Kyle I resorted to declare the establishment of the present kingdom with its new culture and the deletion of all information about the human and fairy alliance."
The background had been stated. It was now the moment for the lads to learn about the results of the long confusing history they have heard. They remained in silence as they waited for the elders to agree upon who will tell the next part of the disclosure.
"Lately," Argyle ended the eerie silence, "the mountains of the Candis regained its power. An ambitious and greedy mortal who was the aid of the last Qusor established a realm of his self-created beasts. He garnered all his abilities from his master, Sylvester, whom he himself killed. That man is the mad scientist, Aglador, now known as the Lord of Vego, and his fast growing kingdom of monstrous armies is named Uxx."
"Aglador did not only inherit his master's abilities but also his ambitions." This the youngest courtier added. "Why he now pursues our kingdom is because he wanted the phoenix – the one phoenix he can put his hands on."
Then Miriam appended, "He is very well aware that his army of monsters cannot pursue the Faian woods for he had not enough force. Thus Aglador has the phoenix of Ethyr as his last resort."
By then, the acolyte could not hold anymore of his curiosity. With respect, he raised his hand aiming for the attention of the four elders. When he was recognized, he questioned, "What is in the phoenixes that the Qusors then and Aglador now wanted? You have re-counted that the hidden agendum behind every assault is connected with these mysterious birds. Why?"
Argyle responded: "Since the death of Kriston III, man had never again known the answer to that query. Many of our historians and scholars aimed to suffice that missing part of the puzzle but it always ended up that only the fairies could justify. And as we have stated, the fairies have secluded themselves – away from the rest of the world."
"And the very reason why we have called for you," the patriarch stated, "is in a way connected to that inquiry."
Lady Miriam stood from her seat and approached the lads saying, "Presently, you know that our kingdom is beginning to weaken. Zapya and Fypto are now independent from us and these two states hold the strongest armies of Ethyr. Our kingdom honestly may not be able to defend itself from the fast growing force of Uxx."
"The late monarch realized this before he died thus he called for us and asked for one final request." Lord Xavier crackled his knuckles as he continued: "Regardless King Troy, only seven other people know about the Iorus and everything else regarding the phoenix. By now, there are nine of us. The king, unaware that you will become a part of this feat, prayed for us to deliver the phoenix back to the safest place where it could be – Faia."
Patriarch Nelariz stood and stated, "It is the first time since the reign of Kriston III that the human king agreed to surrender the mystic bird to its original guardians and so I firmly believe that this is no paradox. King Troy meant what he said and his request must be granted."
"Adriel, Jiro," Lord Argyle addressed the lads very seriously: "into your hands, we will commit the duty that the king asked of us. You two will bring the phoenix secretly back to the realm of enchantments and from there you should garner the most reports about the long-forgotten information that stands at the back of true Ethyrian history."
When the brief throne room discussion was over, Lord Argyle led the two lads together with his fellow courtiers to the secret part of the royal palace where he knew the king kept the kingdom's greatest secret. In full authority, they traversed the silent halls of the huge abode dismissing the attention of curious onlookers. Soon they reached the door that was hidden among the library shelves.
Carefully, the group made their way down the darkened steps. Lord Xavier lighted the torch with the candle he was holding when they were in the bottom. With sufficient lighting, the company walked through the dungeon until they found the king's secret quarter.
Jiro was unaware of the existence of such hidden places. He observed carefully in the same manner as his chivalric companion does how the darkened hallways led to the empty room. There was nothing that he can see well when Argyle first opened the door. However, when Xavier came in with the lighted candle, he perceived a room clad in cedar wood from floor to ceiling. There was no window or any opening besides the door. On the center of the chamber, there stood a wooden circular table, over which was a golden cage containing the pacifically asleep bird.
The creature had features contrary to what Jiro expected. He assumed the phoenix would be far from normal however then he proved the bird was not very different. It was as big as a common falcon, its beak was golden, its feathers glimmering emerald, its plumes and crest magnificently mythical in their shape and beauty.
The company made no delay. Immediately after they discovered the strange creature, Lord Argyle removed the bird from its nest and into a bag Lady Miriam prepared for that purpose. When the loot looked nothing more than a bag of fruits bought in the streets, the eldest courtier handed it over to Adriel.
"Here is the phoenix that had shaped the history of this kingdom," the elder said as he gave the treasure to the squire. "Boys, I pray you take responsibility over this. Do not worry; it will not wake up until the sun appears."
Lady Miriam added, "We will not require you but it is a necessity that you protect this wonder with your life."
"We will not wait for tomorrow anymore," she told them. "The scheme must be put to action as soon as it can possibly be and beyond the suspicion of any other. Thus tonight, while the moon is full and the rest of Gobhy busy itself over the wake of the late king, you will bring this creature out of the city gates. You will not be provided with any aid to prevent suspicion. By your own selves, you will carry this loot away from the sleepless city. You shall bring it to the southernmost part of Princepolis, the Monastery of Mount Gratis. There you will find abode. Do not worry for someone in the monastic hill, Brother Daniel, knows about this secret. Present to him and only him the purpose of your quest, only then will he grant you the procedures for the next attempt."
Jiro made his preparations for the sudden journey. After the three courtiers signaled for their leave, he returned with the prelate to the latter's palace. There he arranged himself and everything else he knew he would need in the adventure.
When all was ready, the acolyte borrowed one of the horses from the patriarch's stable. He bade farewell to the ecclesiastic who handled him wishes of good luck. Then he left the palace, making his way through the crowd that envelope the grand cathedral, to the northern city gate where he will be meeting with his new company, Adriel the squire.
The trip from the cathedral to the gate did take much of Jiro's time. It was lengthy however; he remained calm so as not to attract attention. In his calmness, he forgot about the time and realized that he had spent so much even if he thought such was only a while. Then he was with the squire and they were making their exit from the capital.
Outside the city walls, there were less people. The roads were dark and empty. However, that night, the full moon illumined the path of the two adventurers. The trip was also very quiet; only the steps of the horses and the whispering chat of the riders disturbed the callous tranquility.
When they were as far as where the noise of the busy streets faded into nothingness, Jiro spotted a group of horse riders coming their way. Immediately, he raised the matter to Adriel who braved to recognize the strangers.
The silvery light of the moon revealed the group to be a squadron of the royal guards. Like the patrols they are familiar with inside the city and squires such as Adriel, the group was uniformly dressed in green tunics and golden mails. The mark of Nevel Ethyr was evi-dent in their gleaming shields. This actuality eased the worried duo.
As the group approached, the squire and his comrade confidently arranged a rationale for their midnight stroll. They were very ready when the captain of the guards signaled for their halt. Jiro and Adriel stopped their steeds; the former then secured the loot by holding it close to his trunk.
"I see we have a squire and an acolyte," the captain remarked as he recognized the vestments of Jiro and Adriel's armor, which was almost similar to his. "But who are you and why are you out while everybody is asleep?" the thundering voice of the huge horse rider dis-turbed the evening silence. He circled the two lads while waiting for their justification.
"I am Jiro, acolyte of the Patriarch of Gobhy," the brave cassocked teen replied. "I am with my company for an errand requested by my master. We are to journey to Mount Gratis to seek for the immediate aid of the monks in preparation for the funeral of the late king. With great respect then, we beseech of you not to delay our hastened trip."
There was silence after he spoke. The captain continued to move around the teens trying to figure out something that nobody can tell. Then, he stopped in front of them, pointed at the load that Jiro held and asked, "What is that which you bring?"
Jiro gripped tighter on the wrapped treasure as he answered, "A gift from the patriarch for his close friend, the abbot of the monastic hill."
The captain did not look pleased with the answer. He eyed the loot keener and realized how the acolyte pressed his fingers against the mysterious gift. Immediately, without hesitation, he commanded the arrest of the two young men.
Jiro and Adriel were surprised with the captain's response. They were assured some-thing went wrong. However, no words came out of their lips; there was only the drive to escape the arrest.
As the men closed over them, the two lads led their horses into a quick run. They escaped the group but it followed them. A chase ensued. Amid the darkened background, the courtier's squire and the patriarch's acolyte, mounted each on their noble steeds, scuttled through the risky road toward the north. Behind them, a squadron of fierce royal guards fol-lowed. This continued until the well-trained regiment overran the escapees and had the latter cornered.
The lads were assaulted on the bed of the great Vasa. With no better choice, the duo was forced to defend themselves against the squad. As the men closed upon them, Adriel drew his sword and commanded Jiro to stay close behind him. Then the slimmest of the guards commenced the assault. Adriel blocked him and fenced aptly. It was strange though but the men did not attack all at once rather they enjoyed watching as the member sword fought with the amateur. However, when Adriel proved his expertise by catching the man off guard, the captain ordered the rest to move together.
Upon realization that their abilities cannot overpower that of the guards, Adriel demanded the acolyte to take refuge as quickly as he can.
Jiro did not want to agree to Adriel's command but he considered the usefulness of the suggestion. Thus, leaving behind his new friend and the drive to aid such friend, the cassocked teen led his horse in a rush away from the point of assault towards the west. Half of the men followed him but he did not stop. He continued his search for a safe haven where he can hide himself and the phoenix. Yet his attempts were to no avail.
For the second time that night, he was overtaken by the royal guards. Then, without anybody or anything to help him, the acolyte was captured. The bag containing the bird was snatched from his grasp. He was bound tightly and beaten in such gravity that he lost his consciousness.