The Chronicles of Phoenix Bloodheart I: Turning Red

Chapter XV: Going home

"I was angry with my friend

I told my wrath, my wrath did end

I was angry with my foe

I told it not, my wrath did grow"

William Blake

"Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed."

William Ernest Henley

Trixie offers Phoenix and Seven a seat around the table, pours them each a mug of wine and offers them some bread. A large map of Silvermoon City and Eversong Forest is sprawled out across the table.

"There's someone who's attempting to prevent our trade of imported mana crystals in Silvermoon," Trixie says with a mouthful of bread, while flexing her wrists. "Or at least take it from us."

She makes eye contact with Phoenix and Seven, speaking coldly: "That does not happen on my watch.

"The guy's part of the nobility, has connections with magisters, the whole shebang. Bought a box of powerful mana crystals from us, paid half of the fee up front, some 100 gold, but we haven't received the full amount. And now he's giving us the silent treatment. I'm starting to think he's either turning us in, taking our trade, or just refusing to pay.

"It's been a few weeks now and he's ignoring the trader we're using to sell in the city. I want you both to give him a... reminder... that manners are important. Take the crystals back and recoup whatever part of the payment you can. Find out what ya can about his motives."

Trixie slides a large sack for the mana crystals along the table towards Seven.

"Wait," Phoenix starts. "You want me to go back to Silvermoon? The place I risked my life escaping? I'm not doing that again."

Trixie raises her eyebrows in mock shock at her authority being challenged.

"It's no big deal, redhead!" she responds. "This time you'll be moving in and out of the city while the elfgate is open. Plus, ya now have some muscle by your side."

Trixie smirks proudly and flicks her eyes towards Seven, who sits silently. He wears an expression that seems to indicate his eagerness towards the mission. Phoenix wonders if he sees this as a challenge, keeping the crew's new firecracker in check. She likes the orc, but sees no reason to go easy on him.

Phoenix leans back, sighs and turns to face Seven, as if reading his mind. If it wasn't for him, she would probably flat out refuse Trixie's orders and go her own way. Oblivious, Seven returns the look and simply shrugs in response.

"But I'm wanted by the Royal Guard," Phoenix protests anyway. "What if I'm caught?"

"Then we get ya out," Trixie promises. "Like I said, it's no big deal."

Phoenix bites the inside of her mouth before downing a few large gulps of wine.

"You'll meet our trader contact, Hace, outside Fairbreeze Village inn tonight," Trixie says, tapping part of the map with her finger before marking it up in black ink.