Phoenix

Chapter 5

   Now let me show you third place of our travel. Pretty big town but still too small to be called city. Made in luxurious manner with all buildings even smallest stone houses and taverns shining with gold and precious metals. All windows here were big and made from colorful glass. Town was marvelous even in port that usual is dirty and stinks from distance. But since this wasn't port of fishers or merchants it was kept clean and almost lacked swearing or smoky pubs. Almost.

   If we would look at ships that were here it would be easy to say what town it is. These ships were made for fast traveling or fighting. They were full with guards or noble looking people in fine clothes with many golden rings, necklaces with precious gems, even tiaras and crowns. Yes, this was Melissort, town of politics and only port between two greatest fortresses of men- Galna and Nerviss. Not looking at that Melissort remained peaceful and quiet because queen of humans Melissa made this town as political center of country, trying to escape from never ending intrigues that surrounded Capital.

   People here were quiet, of course not counting warriors that never stay quiet, always in hurry they didn't notice anything around including all beauty that always was around them. Artists, minstrel or poets never visited this place because that could affect people that came here for important councils and meetings. Melissort was home of heir to throne till he reached age of ruling or till king died (very often killed by throne prince). At this moment prince Paul lived here. That's why palace had flags with his escutcheon: golden sun on red water. They were on every tower and every knight had it on his helmet. Shields were fully given to their escutcheons because that is dignity of knight.

   There was something strange about town at this day. Calm as always it still seemed too quiet. There were always some louder voices or even screams that could make it alive as any living place. But in this evening everything was dead.

   Only one thing could explain it. For answer we need to give look to Small throne room. It was called "Small" because only princes sat here and nobody wanted to see anger of king himself for stepping on his rights of ruler. In this room that was rather large to be called "small" sat many people. There were dozens of wizards, knights and even few people in black clothes that could be only assassin, thought human assassins were known as worst of all races. They all were talking some in full voices, some only whispering.

   In middle of all this mess, on silver throne sat man. He had royal clothes and look in eyes that only aristocrats have. Mockingly arrogant and forever meant to stay bored and tired from all world. Without doubt it was prince Paul. He wasn't well known in people but livers of palace called him air head or simply fool (of course only in deepest and darkest corners at most quiet hours of night). Sometimes he was very lucky but in all other time there were only problems from his decisions. That isn't anything surprising for crown prince in peaceful time. They become lazy and stay naive for very long time.

   At this moment Paul looked around even more tired than usual. He could never stand these kinds of meetings and now everything took serious turn. At last his voice cut air.

   -Shut up!

   Not best phrase to say at important meeting. But it made everyone look at him with shock and, of course, shut up.

   -Ray could you please explain it all to these wise lords... this time only Ray speaks or some heads will fall. And no I won't accept minotaurs here Irmao so don't even try to use this case.

   One of mages huffed quietly. While then leader of scout corps Ray stepped forward. She was all gray as all scouts and mostly all information from outside town came from her. Of course I mean information that you could believe. Stories, tales and legends travel faster than men but they tend to loose truthful memory faster as well.

   -Thank you your majesty. Few days ago we received messages about strange activities at elven borders. Our magical shields showed reflections of strange aura, it sure was spell of first level or even out of classification. Center of it could be North Forest but it's moving without any logical reason. We don't know anything about what could it be but elves show surprising calmness. No attacks or even political protests. If I could suppose...

   Prince arched brow looking at gray haired female with thoughtful face. After few seconds he nodded.

   -Go on.

   Ray took deep breath then spoke again in even more cold and sharp tone.

   -It could be magical attack that they plan to aim at us. Or even aim at this moment. Our defense couldn't hold it back.

   There was deadly silence in room. Everyone looked at each other trying to ask something without words. But then Paul spoke again this time almost amused.

   -Yes, very well. That's why we're here. I will send one of you to elven lands!