A Game of Chi Book I: A Crown of Blood

Chapter 8: Eris II

ERIS

Eris had decided to hide away in her room for the rest of the day. She knew that she would have to return the firedream book during the night, just like when she had taken it. She had skimmed through the following section on nightmares; for the first time in her life, something was more important than knowledge.

That night, Eris did not sleep. Instead, she repeated the procedure she had done just the previous night. She lit a candle, covered its glow, grabbed her book and slid outside her door. To her surprise, she immediately came face-to-face with an eagle holding a torch. Eris immediately hid the book behind her, but it was no use.

"The Eagle Council would like to speak with you," the eagle said menacingly.

"Can this wait until morning?"

"It wasn't a request." The eagle grabbed her hand and took off, leaving Eris no choice but to flap her wings as well. She recognized him; he was Equila, a burly eagle of few words. He had white feathers and wore a golden breastplate over his chest, and he wore black goggles with red lenses. She had heard that he had once tried to study the sun extensively, but his experiments left him nearly blind. He could only see while wearing his red-tinted goggles.

Equila flew Eris all the way up past the ninetieth floor and through the glass top of the Great Library. The Great Library was between several other mountains dotted with houses and structures; the Eagle Council had taken residence in a neighbouring building named the Spire. Ewald lived there with the other councilors, though they would often fly back to the Great Library to study and give lectures. The Spire was a tall, pointed structure, made of white marble and decorated with gold and blue banners. Many eagle sculptures lined the interior and exterior, and it was considered among the most beautiful sights in the land. The inside of the Spire, meanwhile, was very open for easier flying. The summit was where the Eagle Council met to discuss matters of great importance. Tonight, the Spire was illuminated.

They're waiting for me, Eris thought nervously.

Equila landed in front of the door and opened it for her. "They're inside." He watched her go in before following her and closing the door.

Eris found herself at the summit of the Spire, with Ewald and the other councilors sitting in a circle around her. Equila took his place next to the other guard, Ewar. Ewar was nearly identical in appearance to Equila, except he didn't have goggles and the feathers on his head were pure white.

"Face us," intoned Ewald.

Eris turned and recognized the older eagle. Ewald wore a golden eagle helmet on his head and had flowing blue robes. His eyes were small and sunken, but there was a sharpness to them that betrayed his otherwise complacent look. When he spoke, he drawled.

Eris recognized the other four eagles as the other members of the Eagle Council. Every one of them looked at her with the same disgust in their eyes.

"What were you thinking, taking that book from the restricted section?" Ewald demanded.

Eris realized with a jolt that she was still holding the firedream book. She suddenly felt a rush of impulsiveness and anger, and dropped the book at her feet. "You told me my dreams meant nothing!" she exclaimed.

Ewald motioned with his chin, and Equila picked up the book off the ground.

"You lied to me!" Eris continued.

"I did it to protect you, Eris!" Ewald countered. "Nowadays, being part phoenix is dangerous. The king and his allies intended to wipe them out completely, so they don't need to know that a number of half-phoenixes could still be running around in his kingdoms!"