After travelling for whole day, they stopped at a place to take some rest.
Artag first thought that he will be only to visit the places, so he did not like taking a carriage as he preferred to travel fast.
But Sachi and Lori accompanied him. He was overjoyed at first because he was travelling with sister after a very long time. And his niece is also going to accompany them, so he wanted to catch-up on the things happened in their life.
So, he ordered for a carriage vehicle. However, Lori rejected it as she did not want to slow her brother. Also, she preferred open air travel. It will keep her senses alert, and it was faster.
Sachi also liked her mother's idea, and she rejected the carriage as well as she wanted to see the things while travelling and also it reminded her of journey they made previously.
Though they had faster travelling carriages, they wanted to travel like normal people as it was easier to blend in like normal people and escape in-case of dangers.
As Lori and Sachi dismounted the guards quickly arranged a campfire and then started unfolding the tents.
Sachi, Lori and Artag took a place around the fire as the tents were being setup.
"So would you like to explain what was all that in the afternoon?" he questioned.
Lori looked at her daughter.
Sachi nodded at her mother and spoke "This time, the man did not scam us, it really is a map of some ancient ruins. The only disappointing thing is it is only half the map. And if my guess is right, it is the second half of the map" she explained.
"And according to the map there is an ancient city inside the ruins, but i don't know whereas the map doesn't clearly state this. I do not know there is third map for this, but this parchment is genuine."
"How did you know about this, even I cannot read anything nor make heads or tails of it" he inquired. "Do you know the language written on the map?" questioned Artag.
"Well, it's not me who read the map exactly" said Sachi hesitating, she looked at her mother not knowing how much she can tell her uncle.
Lori nodded at her daughter as she understood her dilemma she turned to her brother "Do not ask too many brother, its better the less people knew about it. However, I think we can show him Queen" she said. "But not here, maybe inside the tent" she suggested.
Sachi nodded at her mother's suggestion. Artag also understood the gravity of the situation, so he did not probe any further. He knew his sister trusted him, but if his sister said that it should be kept secret means it is something grave and could bring disaster. So, he did not probe further as he understood.
Lori smiled at him and said "Thank you little Artag. But this is strictly something need to know basis."
Artag just nodded and did say further on this topic.
Then he started enquiring about their life from when her sister left with her husband to how they came back to Dyna family.
When he heard about the tough situations and hardships his sister faced, he clenched his fists to control his anger. If he knew her sister and brother-in-law were facing opposition and her niece was nearly sold out, he would have raided the family with his army and weeded them out.
Lori started preparing food with the rations they brought as she explained the situation. After the food was prepared, she gave it to everyone including the guards. Lori was a great cook, so everyone enjoyed the food she prepared.
One of the shadow guards was little envious as he saw the others enjoying hot food. He can smell the aroma, and it was mouth-watering. But he cannot reveal himself as per the orders from the king.
The others were fine as they were more experienced. They trained for all situations, so they kept serious and alert expressions all the time.
This forest was near to the kingdom it did not have many fierce beasts or the dangerous ones. So, it's fine to have food in the open, also the guards are present to defend if any unexpected situation rises.
Once the dinner was complete Lori took her brother inside her tent. Then she nodded at her daughter who quickly called out for Queen.
Queen was actually having dinner on the island she was eating the fruits grown in the farm along with some food prepared by Lori. She also enjoyed her grandmother's cooking.
When she was summoned, a fruit was dangling from her mouth which she quickly gulped seeing the people around.
Artag was stunned seeing Queen coming out of thin air, then his eyes became wide as he saw the legendary phoenix he read in books. He knew that there were phoenixes in the central continent, but he never saw them with his own eyes. Now there is one right infront of him, though it is different from the ones in the central continent as this one released cold attribute.
Still, it is shocking information for him. He looked at Queen then at Sachi and then at his sister again and again. He did not have any words to say as it dried up.
He quickly understood why his sister said that it was all due to her daughter's luck when they received one news after the other in the meeting hall regarding the mines.
Phoenix is said to bring luck. So, it was natural when his sister said it was due to her daughter, she was stating the truth. It really was because of Sachi.
"Her name is Queen; she is an Ice phoenix" introduced Sachi.
"Ice Phoenix" Artag was surprised to hear about it.
This was the first time he was hearing about a phoenix having other attribute other than fire. He looked at the bird sitting on Sachi's shoulder.
It was majestic and beautiful. Artag was mesmerized by its sight. It was pure white in color like snow. Its eyes were captivating also at the same time he was feeling little afraid as his hair stood on the end.
He was infront of a mythical beast of higher level which is equal to a dragon. In ancient times they were said to be rulers of the world.
Now this ruler is his niece's tamed beast. If anyone in the world or central continent knew about this, it will bring disaster to the family.
He completely understood now why his sister said to not ask too much. It is better not knowing at all so that the secrets cannot be leaked. The less people knew about this the better so it can be kept secret.
If this in itself has to be kept secret, then what about the one his sister said need to know basis. Is it more dangerous than knowing Sachi having a pet phoenix? His back was drenched.
"So, phoenix can have other attributes other than fire?" he asked after some-time. He did know what to say. He just asked randomly without thinking.