Phoenix

Chapter 7

Small ship slowly sailed along wide river. Almost clear water reflected light of almost full moon. Soft breeze touched heads of passengers that watched fast changing scenery. Of course even with storm wind normal ship couldn't move as fast as this did. Transport moved by magic like this was very rare thought it was not because of it's hard construction or consuming power. When someone tried to make them function in all kingdom almost all mages started protest. Few of those who didn't made their own guild but sadly their power was only enough to make three functioning ships or, how they called them, navi.

This one was first of them all and it was called just so "The First". Of course it had no sails or anything like that. There would be no use for that on navi. It was in simple white color that appeared after constant use of magic in it. Navi had two parts. Lower part with magic engine in it and mage, watcher. Upper part was line of soft chairs and tables for noble, rich or sometimes lucky ones.

There were only six people sitting in upper deck. Three of them were drunk merchants that slept over table full with playing cards, golden coins, empty bottles and some well forgotten business papers. Woman that sat in corner had flashing red clothes and suspiciously looked like an elf. And all amulets around her neck told about big magical force and since female used navi not teleport she probably came from high priests that are completely against this spell of new time. So even when three men at table were awake they gave her only few glares and nothing more. Humans could never stand elves... though they could never stand shape shifters either.

Other two should be well known for you at this point. Golden haired youth in sand color traveling clothes. He had bag laying under his chair that was made from camel skin and few metallic details of some tools showing out from there. Book that laid on his lap seemed to have fully drawn his attention to itself. It was written in old speech of shape shifters and now Samael tried to remember everything that he learned about it in his short studies of history that ended with pretty big fail.

Other male that sat few seats away from his seemed to be full with worry. His white hair was completely mess now, after two hours of way. He seemed to have nothing with himself only pouch probably full with gold and rapier that was laying on chair next to him. His gaze followed fields that how were all around. He looked like person that really wants to be somewhere else. Or at least is very uncomfortable with his current situation.

Kamillo didn't expect him to be chosen one for this quest. If he will fail everybody will say that they aren't surprised. If he will run away prince will destroy his guild, or even watch how others destroy it. Everybody needed clerics so of course this science will stay in use but then it officially will turn into most humiliated profession. And success... Find out something while being alone in lads of elves, that was almost impossible.

Suddenly navi started to tremble and slow down. With clouds of sparkles all lamps that, like everything here, worked on magic turned out. Now it was almost completely dark here. Elven lady in corner (now there was no doubt that she is an elf) made her own magic luminary. It wasn't very bright, and that was surprising for elven magic.

Kamillo turned his head looking around. White haired man frowned softly and whispered.

-What the...?

Surprisingly for him he got answer.

-Magic flows.

Cleric turned his head to voice. It was golden haired youth that spoke.

-What they have to do with all this? Magic flows are unchangeable.

Young shape shifter sighed kneeling down and opening his bag.

-They once were.

-What do you mean?

Two men looked at each other one with curiosity (partly fake) other with calm facial expression (fully fake).

-Haven't you heard?

-Heard about what?

Samael pulled found few candles in his bag and lighted them up now looking at other in flashing light.

-Elf lands... Strange things that happen... And everything around... I though that everybody should have heard about it. They even don't hide anything.

Kamillo looked at him tilting head now really confused. He tried to remember everything that he heard from prince Paul and scouts about this "elven spell". But if it really was attack aimed for his kingdom they should hide it... No, something wasn't clear here.

-And what is happening?

All of sudden golden haired stayed quiet. He looked away clearly showing that he won't say anything more.

-At least can I know your name?

Shape shifter looked at him suspiciously but at last answered.

-Samael.

-Kamillo.

Cleric put his hand out and young member of Wing guild took it. They exchanged hand shake and looked away from each other again.

Only one thought now circled in mind of Kamillo. I will find you latter, little werewolf...