Marikai traveled to the north side of Sapherial and beheld the Blueblight Forest. The silent forest of blue oaks and evergreens was very serene even with the frequent chatter of jays flying overhead. Red squirrels climbed oak trees and chewed on fallen acorns. Their beady eyes watched Marikai wonder deeper into the forest as he walked alone on a dirt path. Marikai felt like he was being watched by many pairs of eyes.
Was it the forest animals that made him feel uncomfortable? Was the fierce hydra from the Phoenix Temple out hunting for defenseless prey and was watching his every move? Marikai folded his arms and shook slightly. He didn’t want to be Hydra food, but something inside him was telling him that he needed to go to the Phoenix Temple. One voice in his head that was telling him to go to the Phoenix Temple was Ashaedia’s innocent voice and Deathclaw’s soothing voice, whispering encouraging thoughts into his ears. The other was Firoh, warning him not to go and muttering threats that the hydra and chimera were going to swallow him alive and whole. Marikai listened to Ashaedia’s voice, and knew that that was the right way to go. Soon after traveling what seemed like an hour, Marikai spotted two rows of bright red maple trees. The path ended in a large grey pavement path and medium-sized statues of Elves wearing robes and grasping swords stood between the great maples. Marikai stared down the large aisle of stone and trees and at the end was a large white marble building that almost looked liked the Parthenon in Greece. The Phoenix Temple steps were guarded by two enormous ruby phoenix statues. The phoenixes watched the walkway with burning eyes of scarlet red.
“This must be the Phoenix Temple.” Marikai whispered to himself. He proceeded towards the front steps and entered the temple doors.
The inside seemed larger than the outside. The temple walls had ancient symbols and pictures of phoenixes expertly carved into the walls that would sometimes glow emerald. Flickering torches hung on the walls in golden holders and golden chandeliers hung down from the ceiling. A long scarlet carpet led down a dark corridor. Beautifully painted pots had pretty red flowered plants that seemed to shimmer with an eerie red light stood by curious looking doors. Marikai’s footsteps echoed throughout the dim temple. He would sometimes hear ghostly whispers calling out to him from the looming shadows.
Could it be him?
Ah, a young elf.
Is this the new Phoenix King?
Child, move faster to the Phoenix Staff. It’s crying out to you.
Don’t be ridiculous. He’s too young.
Stay hidden from Xryx. He is a mighty foe.
The faint whispers were beginning to become clearer when he came to a brown oak door at the end of the grand hallway. Marikai grasped the doorknob and the whispered stopped immediately. A sudden chill ran down his spine. Paralyzing fear struck him unexpectedly. What had made the whispers stop their mindless chatter? He turned the doorknob and opened the door.
Marikai opened the door and stepped into a room with a large dark lake. The shore was made up of grey sand. A long stone bridge extended out across the lake and to the other side. Marikai was surprised that a lake was in the Phoenix Temple, and he knelt down to feel the sand. It was very soft and silky but the feel of the sand filled Marikai with fear. Why did he feel this way? He looked out towards the lake. Maybe the hydra was waiting under the murky lake water for unworthy guests to cross the bridge. Marikai drew his sword and walked towards the bridge.
Once Marikai had got to the middle of the bridge, the room was filled with earsplitting screams and the still waters were rippling. The hydra rose out of the lake, its nine heads screeching and belching fire at the roof, igniting a silver chandelier larger than a full grown elephant that Marikai hadn’t notice because of the dim lighting. The hydra was dark green and the heads were a dark shade of purple and their eyes varied from many colors. A head in the middle of the screaming ones were light blue and easy to see. Marikai was so frightened by the shrieking hydra that he ran as fast as he can to the other side of the bridge and to another door but this one was green. The hydra stopped screaming. Marikai turned around and saw that it was staring at him with a confused look on its faces. And then the hydra walked slowly out of the lake and leaned its heads forward just close enough for Marikai to touch its snout. He didn’t know what to do, so Marikai brought his hand up and closed his eyes. He reached out to put his hand on the light blue hydra’s snout and placed his hand on its snout. Marikai opened his eyes and looked at the blue hydra. It purred like a lion and stared at Marikai, a smile creeping up on its face.
The hydra likes me? Marikai thought. He rubbed the hydra’s snout. The hydra sat down, all of its heads resting on the grey sand. The hydra closed its eyes and snored loudly. It was asleep with a great smile on its face. Marikai snuck quietly towards the green door without making a sound. He opened the door and walked down yet another corridor. The corridor’s wallpaper looked like it had claw marks in it and when Marikai walked further down the hallway; he saw that some large beast had clawed away a large portion of the wallpaper. Soon Marikai came upon a black door. He turned the handle and the door opened.
The room that Marikai had stepped into had tall evergreens and oaks that seemed to form a forest. The ground wasn’t carpet but healthy green grass. Several large holes in the roof gave some light to the forest-like room with golden rays of sunlight. The grove had small fireflies that silently floated about. Marikai walked towards the forest but stopped instantly when he heard a low growl. Threatening hisses filled his ears and then a bleating gloat sounded somewhere in the room. Marikai set aside his fear of what awaited him and proceeded forward.
Once he entered the forest, a lion bounded forward. It was a green lion with an emerald mane and jade-colored body. Its gold eyes scanned Marikai with caution.
“Why are you here, Shadow Elf?” The lion said, its voice echoing around the forest. Deathclaw hadn’t mentioned he would have to face a green lion.
“A griffin named Deathclaw told me to come here. He wanted me to go to Fira’s Library.” Marikai responded. The lion circled him, sometimes sniffing at his feet and hands.
“Ah, yes. Deathclaw the Royal Griffin. Yes, I know him very well. His master is a good friend to my caretaker. He sent you here to do an errand, so I will allow you to pass and tell the chimera that you are not a threat.” The lion said, and turned around. It opened its mouth and roared. A roar, several hisses, and a bleat responded.
“The chimera now knows that you are not a threat. You may precede, young one,” The lion said, and stepped aside. “And if you see Deathclaw again, tell him Grassmane says hello. Please be wary around the Naga warrior, he does not take too kindly to any visitors. A serious Naga he is, and he is stronger than the hydra and chimera combined.” Marikai nodded and walked past Grassmane the lion. He saw the chimera prowling the grove, its tail of snakes swinging ominously. The chimera had spotted him, but it, to Marikai’s relief, did not attack. Marikai soon approached a dark purple door. He twisted the handle and went inside.
This corridor Marikai strode in was rather longer than the other ones. It stretched as far as twenty yards and the width was about twenty feet. The white walls had engraved designs and pictures of phoenixes just like entrance hall. The maroon carpet had some brownish red stains on it. Blood, Marikai thought. He knelt down and examined a rather large stain. It smelled like blood and Marikai looked up and down the corridor. Did the Naga warrior drag its victims down the hallway while they screamed in agony and bled? He stood up and continued, ignoring the fact that this may be the reason for the blotches of blood.
He finally reached the door at the end of the corridor and twisted the bronze handle. The door opened to reveal a large white room. Other rooms were connected to this one but white stairs led to them. The walls had the same engraved phoenixes and Elves on them like the entrance hall. Large potted plants stood near the entrances of the rooms and next to the door Marikai had stepped through. A large oak tree stood in the middle of the room, a ring of moist grass circling it. The leaves were the greenest leaves Marikai had ever seen and possibly the largest oak he’s ever seen. At the base of the trunk, red, white, blue, orange, purple, and hot pink flowers surrounded the tree. In the tree’s shadow, a man with long blonde hair and translucent pink eyes rested against the tree, honing a sharp sword and polishing a long spear. The lower half of his body was that of a light green serpentine body coated with small white spots. He had gold armor on his bare chest, and a series of ancient looking designs were on his arms that looked similar to Nalia’s. A red cape with a phoenix on it was connected to his gleaming armor. The man looked up at Marikai; suspicion became visible in his eyes. He sheathed his sword and slithered towards the middle of the room.
“Who are you? Why are you here, Shadow Elf?” The serpent-man asked, his voice echoing throughout the temple. Marikai stood still and spoke in a calm manner.
“I am Prince Marikai. I am the grandson of Aenarion the Great and Shadow Elven Prince of Aelia. The Royal Griffin Deathclaw sent me here to study in Fira’s Library.” Marikai said. The man did not crack a smile to the mention of Marikai saying that he’s the grandson of Aenarion.
“And I am Venomfang. But how am I to believe that you are the true grandson of Aenarion? Any elf could walked in here and tell me that they are Aenarion’s grandson. I am perhaps the strongest of my kind, but I have read many history books about Aenarion and his family. He had two sons, Malikinth and Contius. Contius became married to a young maiden and had two children; a son and a daughter. Am I to believe that you are his son?” Venomfang sneered. Marikai’s cheeks had become red with frustration. What was this thing saying that he is not Contius’ son?
“I am the son of Contius! I carry his sword that he left me before he departed for a meeting with the Council!” Marikai shouted. The serpent-man chuckled.
“I suppose you have any proof that you are his true son? Very well. King Contius has taught you his blade techniques, has he not? We shall cross swords and see if you are a descendant of Aenarion!” Venomfang said, unsheathing his sword and pointing it at Marikai. Marikai drew his sword as well and pointed it at Venomfang. A rather noisy wind seemed to materialize out of nowhere as if someone turned on a fan. The wind surrounded them, making their long capes flap and turn.
Then Venomfang made his move. He slithered towards Marikai with great agility and speed, ready to pierce his heart. Marikai dodged this attack and attempted to stab Venomfang’s back, but failed as Venomfang pushed himself away from Marikai’s sword. He spat on the tip of his own sword, a clear purplish fluid staining the blade. Marikai saw that when Venomfang spat on his blade, he saw the long threatening fangs that replaced regular canines. Venomfang sped towards Marikai and their swords clashed, making a small shower of hot sparks. Marikai pushed with all his strength, but Venomfang seemed to be more powerful. He was starting to bend backwards and was almost touching the floor. His back ached, and his feet slipped and Marikai now lay on his back, struggling to keep Venomfang’s sword away from him. Venomfang grinned evilly, but Marikai knew he can’t give up. Not now. Not ever! Venomfang seemed to see the confidence in his eyes and his grin faded. Marikai stared hard into those cold translucent pink eyes, and with a great battle cry that his father taught him, pushed Venomfang off of him.
Marikai became filled with unbelievable strength and dashed towards Venomfang, his sword held high. Venomfang pushed himself up on his elbows and saw Marikai coming at him. He grabbed his poison-tipped sword and blocked the incoming attack.
“You have high spirits, Marikai. You do not give up easily.” Venomfang hissed. Marikai used his free hand to grab the handle of Venomfang’s sword and threw it off to the side. He held his sword there in the air, pointing the sharp silver tip at Venomfang’s chest. Marikai was ready to slay him, but felt like he couldn’t do it. Venomfang smiled.
“You know how important I am to this temple, correct?” Venomfang said. Marikai nodded slowly and released him.
“Marikai, you have shown me that you are the true grandson of Aenarion. Only those who know the swordplay that Aenarion used can defeat me. You are allowed to come into the Phoenix Temple anytime, and I will not stop you.” Venomfang commented, and Marikai helped him up. The Naga warrior led Marikai towards Fira’s Library, which was the room to the left side. As Marikai passed into the library, a tingling sensation shot through his whole body and a sudden chill ran down his spine. He stopped and folded his arms hard and goose bumps appeared on his arms. Venomfang stopped slithering and turned toward Marikai.
“Ah, yes. A magical barrier separates Fira’s Library from my post, and the barrier is supposed to keep out unwanted visitors and keep my challengers in combat if they ran to cower in the library and other rooms. If someone is allowed in here, they will feel a cold chill and a tingling feeling as they enter. But don’t worry; the effect will fade in about five minutes.” Venomfang said. After five minutes passed, the tingling and coldness went away. Venomfang left Marikai in library to guard his post. Marikai looked up and down at the enormous library. It was bigger than the library at Pameni Church. The ceiling had a portrait of a flaming phoenix that was soaring high into a dark sky, its ruby eyes glittering in the faint lighting of the lamps. Large bookcases stood in wide rows that were filled with large books. The regal carpet had a picture of a blue, gold, and white dragon belching blue fire. Its large wings were outstretched and the burning sapphire eyes seemed to glow like a bonfire. The walls had selves and books were stacked on them. A couple of armchairs and sofas were in the middle of the library along with an oak table.
“Hmm . . . I see you have made it.” Said a sudden voice. Marikai jumped and unsheathed his sword. Deathclaw materialized before him, the griffin had a large grin on his beak.
“Deathclaw! How did you enter without getting passed Venomfang?” Marikai asked.
“You see, Venomfang and I are great allies along with the other guardians here. Grassmane had given me access to all the rooms here, including the room that holds the Phoenix Staff.” Deathclaw said, dropping his voice to a low whisper. He led Marikai towards the fifth bookcase.
“The book you will need to find is in this row on the left. It has a cracked red leather binding and it’s called, ‘The History of Aenarion the Great’. You need to read it, for it may reveal a new chapter in your life.” Deathclaw said, and right before Marikai was going to ask his question, he disappeared. Marikai was starting to feel cold again. Why did he feel like he was being watched? Was there a spirit watching him from the shadows? Why did the temperature in the library drop so suddenly? Marikai shook off his fears and walked down the row, searching the left side for the book that Deathclaw had told him to find. He searched the large bookcase up and down, but he couldn’t find it. At last when he got to the end, he found the book. Marikai smiled thoughtfully and pulled the heavy book from its spot. Suddenly, the room temperature rose dramatically. Marikai gasped as he felt someone touch his shoulder. He spun around. No one was there. And then the ghostly whispers returned.
Oh, he found Aenarion’s history book.
He better put it back. The Wraith will not allow him to read it!
He needs to read it! Go on, read it child.
Yes, please, young one. Read and learn of Aenarion and where his precious staff is.
DON’T READ IT!! THE WRAITH WILL DEVOUR YOUR SOUL!!
The hairs on Marikai’s neck stood up. That shout sounded very clear. But what was this Wraith? Deathclaw didn’t say anything about a Wraith. And then in the corner of his eye he saw a black shadow race across the room towards him. Marikai ran, screaming for Venomfang.
“VENOMFANG!! VENOMFANG, HELP ME!!” Marikai screamed. The Naga warrior slithered in, his sword drawn. When Marikai saw him, he raced towards him and embraced him. Venomfang looked down at Marikai and saw that he was crying.
“Marikai, what’s wrong? What happened?” Venomfang asked. Marikai sniffed.
“G-Ghosts . . . a ghost . . . it tried t-to . . . hurt me! They sp-spoke to me! They said a W-Wraith would kill me if I read . . . this . . .” Marikai sobbed, showing Venomfang the book. Venomfang sat down on the white stairs with Marikai and examined the book. It looked timeworn and dusty and smelled of mothballs. A gold title was sewn into the front.
“’The History of Aenarion the Great’? Marikai, you shouldn’t be afraid of what’s in there. They’re just Light Elven spirits that want to protect this book from Shadow Elves. We can talk to them if you want. But in all my years of standing guard here in the Phoenix Temple, the founders had never put a Wraith in the library. They knew how young you were and wanted to scare you off.” Venomfang explained, grasping Marikai’s hand and guiding him to the sofas and armchairs.
“N-No . . . I don’t want to go! They will hurt me!” Marikai whined.
“It’s alright, Marikai. They won’t hurt you with me around. They all know me and know that if they hurt you with me by your side, I’ll banish them. So don’t worry.” Venomfang said gently. The sat down on the white sofa and Venomfang and Marikai closed their eyes. It was dead quiet. The room got suddenly cold again.
“Are there anyone with us?” Venomfang said, his voice echoing through the library.
Yes.
That was all Marikai heard before Venomfang spoke again.
“Okay, good, cause I want to talk to you. Why are you scaring Marikai? Don’t you know who he is?” Venomfang shouted.
No, but he’s a Shadow Elf. He is a disgrace to Elven kind.
Marikai’s cheeks burned and turned red with anger.
“Marikai is the Prince of Aelia, the land of Aenarion’s birth. He is his grandson, he is not a disgrace. He is a boy of great honor. In fact, he might be the new Phoenix King someday.” Venomfang said. The air grew tense and the temperature rose again. Marikai’s heart raced. He then heard a faint and angry scream.
No! Firoh will stay in his position! Marikai, you shall pay!
Then silence. Venomfang opened his eyes and Marikai did also.
“We must leave. Now. He’s going to attack you.” Venomfang said, and without warning, an invisible fist punched Marikai in the face. He toppled over, hitting his head on the oak table. Marikai struggled to stand up so Venomfang had to yank him off the floor. Venomfang dragged Marikai out of the library and towards the large oak tree. He tapped on a light brown spot and the tree lit up with gold light. A door appeared where the light brown spot was and Venomfang dashed inside. He placed Marikai by a large boulder that had ancient designs on them that glowed red and orange. The room they rested in was large and seemed to be the inside of the oak tree. It was unusually large, but golden rays of sunlight came down from holes in the ceiling, illuminating the room. A large plant known as the Elephant Ear stood by the doorway, casting a looming shadow on Venomfang and Marikai. Smaller plants dotted the dirt floor along with patches of perfectly green grass. A stone path led to a couple stairs that led to a landing. The landing had a smooth slab of stone in the middle and sticking out of the slab was a gold and scarlet staff. The head of the staff was a small figurine of a phoenix with outstretched golden wings and ruby eyes, while the rest of the staff was covered with ancient Elven symbols and runes. Scarlet lines encircled the staff’s shaft and curved and swirled into beautiful designs. A large ray of golden sunlight shone on it, making it shimmer and sparkle.
“Is that –” Marikai asked, taking in the sight of the beautiful staff. It seemed to glow with radiant red light.
“Yes, that’s it. The fabled Phoenix Staff, the divine staff of the gods. Its power is strong enough to fell even the most powerful of dragons. But its counterpart, the Dragon Blade, has the same power. The Dragon Blade is also able to defeat the greatest of dragons and possible even the most divine phoenixes. They are both items of great power, and where there’s that great power comes great responsibility.” Venomfang said, looking back towards the door.
“I’ve never heard of a Dragon Blade. Is that at the Dragon Temple in Faein?” Marikai asked.
“Indeed, Marikai, the Dragon Blade is in the Dragon Temple in Faein. And also in the Griffin Sanctuary in Ralkero there’s a weapon called the Griffin Bow. And –” But Venomfang stopped and it was silent for a while. Then Venomfang slithered towards the wooden door.
“I’ll be right back, Marikai. I need to do something.” Venomfang said before disappearing behind the door. Marikai eyed the Phoenix Staff, eerie wonder dancing around in his eyes. He was tempted to move towards it . . . he wanted to feel the smooth surface of the gold and scarlet shaft. Without thinking, Marikai slowly began walking towards it, tripping over a few stones on the way. He was half-way up the stone stairs . . . then basking in the warm sunlight . . . Marikai reached out to touch it. He was ready to grasp it until –
“Marikai? Marikai! Snap out of it!” Venomfang’s voice rang in his ears. Marikai blinked and escaped the magical trance and looked around. He was still in the heart of the oak tree, and right in front of him was the Phoenix Staff, glittering innocently against the golden sunlight.
“Good thing I came just in time. The Phoenix Staff can manipulate anyone’s mind and literally control them to touch its smooth surface, but doing so will trigger the fatal alarm system. If the alarm gets triggered, a second hydra will appear before your very eyes and kill you,” Venomfang said, leading Marikai down the stairs. “But never mind the alarm system for now. We have more desperate matters on our hands.” Venomfang motioned towards the door. A young girl was sitting on the doorstep, and Marikai saw that she was crying. She had long white-blonde hair, baby blue eyes, and pointed ears. The Light Elf girl wore a long white and green dress with scarlet slippers. On the front of her dress was a golden tree symbol that had small flowers surrounding the base. Marikai pitied her but didn’t know why she wept. He walked towards him and sat beside her.
“What’s wrong?” Marikai asked her. The girl looked up at stared at him.
“Why would you want to know? You’re a Shadow Elf. Shadow Elves don’t care about Light Elf problems.” The girl said. Marikai’s cheeks burned red again, but he did not protest. He knew what she meant, and she was right. His people didn’t care about Light Elven problems and disputes. But Marikai did.
“I am more different than the rest of my kind,” Marikai said, glancing at the girl. “And I am not a liar.” The girl covered her mouth. How did he know what she was thinking? She thought Marikai as a liar when he said he was more different than the rest of his kind, and Marikai read her mind!
“You read minds? Hmm . . . I see that you’re telling the truth. You are quite . . . unique. But will you care if I tell you my tale?” The girl said, putting one leg over the other. “And may I ask for your name?”
“My name is Prince Marikai. I am from Aelia.” Marikai answered. “And what is yours?”
“My name is Princess Lynis of Arylorn.” Lynis said. She held out her hand and Marikai shook it.
“Now, let me explain why I’m here,” Lynis chided, folding her hands. “I fled my kingdom when this army suddenly attacked. They were dressed in green outfits, but they carried black weapons made of steel. Their weapons were peculiar and we wanted to make sure they were safe, but before we can greet them their leader commanded then to attack us. Arylorn went up in flames, and they captured my mother.” Marikai gasped.
“Will they spare her?” Marikai asked, hoping the answer would be a yes.
“How am I supposed to know? She can be dead right now, but they might use her as a hostage like they did with many other Arylornians. My mother is the Everqueen, of course, so she is the perfect prisoner and – oh, Marikai! You’re bleeding!” Lynis cried. Marikai placed his hand on his forehead. He felt the cut that the oaken table had left when he collapsed. Marikai removed his hand and looked down at his blood. Marikai didn’t know he would have bled this much by hitting his head on a table, but when the unknown and angry specter had attacked him, it didn’t leave a cut or bruise. He looked up at Lynis, but his vision was beginning to blur and fade. Stars exploded and Marikai closed his eyes and sighed.
“Marikai? Are you alright?” Lynis asked. She placed her hand on his forehead. It was beginning to heat up.
“Venomfang, I think he’s ill. Do you know any remedies that can heal him?” Lynis asked Venomfang. He nodded and slithered away to get some medicine. Lynis looked up at the glinting Phoenix Staff. It quivered ominously, and it was pulled out of the slab of stone as if someone yanked it out. Then it began to float towards Marikai and Lynis. Lynis gasped as a gold and red aura surrounded the staff. It got closer and brighter, and soon it was suspended above Marikai’s body. The Phoenix Staff burned with red and gold radiance, and looked like it was about to explode. Lynis quickly ran and looked for Venomfang, but it was too late. The staff disappeared in a shower of gold and red dust. And Marikai disappeared with it.