The Edelin Chronicles: The Search for Cindias

Chapter 23: Anger, Fire, and Power

My eyes feel heavy as I force myself to open them. Only to be met with metal bars at eye level, and metal apparently being the main resource used to make this prison. My eyes dart around as I catch my forehead, my skull throbbing so hard you'd think it was trying to break my skin.

"It seems that last stunt you pulled had you quite warn out," I hear a voice exclaim from behind me. I turn around to see the familiar bright orange eyes of the man I tried to save.

"Cindias!" I exclaim, before he silences me with a finger over his mouth, and a fiery hot glare. I look back at the cell door; to find two guards stationed outside the door, casually looking in on varying occasions. I crawl out of sight of the soldiers. "What did I do exactly?" I ask.

"Just look out of the window," he gestures towards the window behind me. Cautiously, I stick my head up to see through the window. To see the bright glow of a phoenix made of fire; burning just above the volcano, and the prison under it.

"I did that?" I whisper.

"It seems Professor Dracon wanted you to come to see me, so he got you angry enough to expend all your energy on that sign, and a powerful one at that," he remarks looking out the cage window as well.

"What does it mean?" I ask him. I see the smallest smile on his face.

"You should know, most in Mortealum have studied the symbolism of this bird, and here it is much more literal," he turns to me. The look saying I know you know the answer.

"The phoenix symbolizes rebirth, because of how it burns to death, but is reborn from the ashes," I state, looking at the spectacle in the sky, still ever bright.

"In a way, you could say it symbolizes strength and renewal, by sending the sign of a phoenix, you are saying you're strong and are not going to give up this war without a fight," Cindias grabs my shoulder and turns me to face him. "And that is why you were chosen to do this mission, because of your strength and resilience, you are able and willing to come and visit me every single night, even when we are both trapped, you are still able to fight, and that's why we'll win," he smiles, small laugh lines appearing around his eyes. But something else nags in my mind.

"But what will happen?" I ask him. "What will happen if Kaldoro manages to get the Fire Ruby?" I see the small light in his eyes turn dimmer as he goes to another window, facing the sheer mass of guards and soldiers outside this cell.

"It's hard to say what would happen," he mutters. "But I know it won't be good. Kaldoro would probably take the Ruby back to Serpenlupus, and restart the war; restarting his international conquest. All to fulfill his lust for power," he growled. Before his shoulders drop, "And I don't see why he'd have use for a fire alpha after he has the Ruby," he whispers.

I tense at the thought, Kaldoro having the Fire Ruby, and seeing Cindias as nothing more than an afterthought. Disposing of him like an old piece of clothing that doesn't fit anymore.

"Well... what if I got it?" I ask. I know the point is to save Cindias, but if we also need to keep the Fire Ruby away from Kaldoro. I think it would be better to get it off Cindias.

"I did say the world would be the better for it, but..." I could see his brows furrow, weighing the options I couldn't see.

"Did I do something wrong?" I ask. I hear him sigh before glancing at me.

"It's partially what you have done, but 'tis also what you could do," he gazes at me. His eyes locking onto mine, staring into my soul.

"You have done many things with fire; you have used it to protect yourself and others, but you have also let it get out of control, causing harm to many; your actions can be and are highly volatile, and the Fire Ruby will increase it tenfold; so you have to learn control," he explains. I sit down and think about it. The truth of the situation hits me, I have been able to protect my friends, but I've also caused harm to others; whether intentionally or not.