The Rising Pheonix

Chapter 26

Jacobe POV

Watching all three men jump on fright made me grin, which I did not hide. Then one of Mark's companions step forward and begin to speak.

He is a young man, probably the same age as me, 17. He has a lightly tanned complexion with a scar on the side of his face. The scar ran from his left cheek and slightly curved to his bottom lip. His arms were rippling with muscles, not to big to be grotesque, but still impressive. His face looked friendly enough, so hopefully he is an ally.

"Hi, my name is Stanley. We were traveling with a caravan when the caravan leader felt it wasn't safe to travel further. I don't know how she does it, but her senses are what kept the caravan safe for years." Stanley said whilst laughing, trying to lighten the mood.

"So I gathered a few men and came to investigate. Imagine my surprise to see all those men attacking you! Honestly, I had no idea who was wrong, but when I saw the size of your group against theirs, I had to help." Stanley continued.

He had this sheepish grin, but I couldn't help but wonder if he was hiding something. Most people would find a different route, especially if traveling with a caravan full of women and children. Yet he came and fought beside people he doesn't know nor does he know who was in the wrong. I'm suspicious of him, but if there is another attack of that caliber, we won't be able to defend ourselves a second time.

"Stanley, if you don't mind me asking, where is your group headed? If we are headed in the same direction maybe we could travel together," I suggested with a light hearted laugh. Nancee and Grant both eyed me trying to understand my question.

Stanley took a moment before answering me. When he finally answered, it was with a strained smile.

"Well absolutely, I would have to ask the Caravan Master, but I don't see why not. We are headed to the capital of Tarnithia for a festival. How were you traveling before? I don't see a wagon or any belongings."

"What an uncanny coincidence, we are traveling in that direction as well. As for our carriage and belongings, it's right behind us. Mark actually walked on it when he claimed over to help me fight. If the Caravan Master has her concerns about us, we can stay in our own carriage and not mess your your people, if that will ease her mind." I offered.

Stanley seemed pleased with my solution, however confused he may be to the statement I made about our carriage.  Seeing no need to keep the carriage hidden any longer, I walk up to the wall behind us and place one hand upon it. Focusing only on my breathing, I close my eyes and let the magic flow through me. In doing so, I lower the wall I erected around the carriage while sending waves through the earth to push the dead bodies further in the woods. Effectively hiding them from any travelers. After both tasks are complete I stay standing in that position with my eyes closed, to give them enough time to stop glowing green and red. Once my eyes no longer burn, I open them and turn around to the group behind me with a smile plastered on my face. Their faces had a mixture of shock and awe.

Not wanting to waste anymore time I walk to the other side of the carriage, and by the sound of footsteps behind me I'm being followed. However, that is not my concern right now. Right now I only cate about the people in the carriage. Mainly Elnora, but if I'm being honest, I'm worried about Emily  and Nico a little as well.

However, what greeted me when I opened the door, was the last thing I thought I'd see.