The Rising Pheonix

Chapter 35

Nico POV

These past few days have been the most chaotic days of my entire life. Being ambushed like that was something I didn't think was going to happen. When Everett told us of the dangers, I laughed it off.

I mean, there is no way that somebody like him the Great Protector! We're around the same age and it was said that he was left to fend for himself for a week in the Forest of Death at seven. Honestly, how could a seven-year-old boy survive alone in a forest for a week., let alone in the Forest of Death?

There were so many spectacular feats he accomplished at such a young age, to protect the future Queen.

It was foolish of me to disregard the warning I received from the Generals of Heartreach. I was so careless. In Heartreach, I am the most skilled at tracking and detection, yet I was caught unaware of their presence.

When the arrows rained down on us I felt true terror. But more importantly, I felt a strong admiration for Everett. The way he was able to cut those arrows down was amazing. Then he stood in front of me and protected me when I was helpless. If he hadn't, then I would certainly be dead and he wouldn't have sustained those injuries.

The stories I heard of him fighting alongside Nancee only prove what I denied. Everett is Prince Jacobe, the Great Protector. That means the baby he is with is the future Queen.

While I was injured, I knew I was dying. I deserved it, I am no fighter, and ill bring everyone down. If I had done the only thing I'm good at, we would have been able to escape. Everett gave us free roam to check our surroundings just to be sure and I never did.

When it was my turn to check the woods, I trailed behind the wagon and just relaxed. Being out of the village for the first time was exciting. Out here it was so quiet, an amazing change from back home where it is always noisy.

Now that I'm thinking back, there were a few times when I thought I saw someone staring at me. When I looked, there was nothing there. I simply thought it was a forest animal. It happened a few times on either side of me. Only when I started to feel uncomfortable did I decide to catch up with the group.

Not wanting to look like a fool for being frightened by the forest, I decided to stay quiet. Now I know, it was the enemy spying on us. And I was the one who led them directly to us!

The realization made me sick. It's good that I'm dying. They won't have to worry about being attacked anymore if they make it out alive.

All kinds of negative thoughts flooded my mind as my life ebbed away. The arrows have been removed from my back, so the blood is racing to fill the space. Unfortunately, it only oozed out of my wounds.

Just before my life completely went away, I saw a faint pink light. Gradually that pink light grew brighter and a purple light was added. The light was so soft and warm, that it felt like I was receiving a hug.

It also chased away the pain I was feeling. I could feel my wounds closing up. They didn't close up all the way, but the pain was much more manageable.

Then I saw a silhouette in the pink and purple light. At first, I couldn't tell what it was. Then suddenly, I knew who it was. It was the princess. But this Princess was different.

The princess I know is a baby. The one before me looks to be fully grown. She is only a silhouette, so she cannot speak. However, I know what she wants me to do.

She wants to live and fight. I will be needed for an important task in the future. She let me know that these weaknesses I feel will only keep me down if I do not do anything about them. My true strength has yet to be shown to me. It will not be an easy path that I'll walk, but it will be necessary for me to discover my true self.

Even though I cannot see her face, I can feel her smile. That's when I know I will not die today. Even with all the blood, I lost.

After my realization, her light starts to fade, and with it so does my worry. I know I'll have a lot to work on, and I will dedicate my life to serving and protecting the princess.

She is destined to become a great queen. Perhaps the greatest queen we have ever had. I've never heard of a magic that allows one to do what she just did. Even though she is a baby, she was able to heal me, show me her future self, and tell me of an important task I'll complete in the future.

That was when I decided I will stay with Everett and the Princess in Tarnithia. I know I will not be able to contact my family, and they'll think me to be dead. However, it is something I must do.

If I were to leave, after they are safe, there is a chance I could be captured. Then I'll become a liability to them as I could disclose their location. Me staying is the best course of action. I just have to convince Everett that I'm needed here.

Then my work truly began. When Grant and Nancee found me alive in the wagon, they persuaded Everett to allow me to get medical attention. He didn't think I would survive, because he knew the extent of my wounds.

At least he did before I was healed. When the Caravans doctor came to the wagon, I was relieved. Briefly, I thought Everett would wait until I had succumbed to my wounds before sending a doctor in. Now I know he is a man of his word.

The doctor, Doctor Lashmar, and I had gotten a little close during my healing sessions. Which is to be expected as he was with me the majority of the day. There were points in time when he would leave, to survey the camp for injuries or illnesses. After he was done, he would come back to me. He stated that he felt should he be away from me for too long he would find me dead upon his arrival.

Then he had his carriage travel next to ours. That way, should I need something, even during the night, he would get to me quick enough. To say he was clingy would be an understatement.

After I was able to stand and walk, I later found out that Dr. Lashmar rarely had to treat any members of the Caravan. That made everything click in place. He was worried he'd become obsolete. The most exciting thing he treated, before me, was a scrapped knee of a little boy.

On the third day, when I barely felt any pain, I told him I no longer needed him to check up on me. Upon hearing that, Dr. Lashmar shrunk into himself. He started to pack all his equipment and medicines.

Seeing him feel useless reminded me of how I felt not too long ago. I quickly reached out and put my hand on his shoulder. I told him, that even though I do not need to be treated I still need your assistance.

That's when I told him that I'm interested in learning about medicine and healing. Dr. Lashmar's entire demeanor changed instantaneously. He stopped putting his stuff away and pulled out even more.

He and I both knew our time was limited so he taught me the basics and provided me with books about plants and their properties. I was with De. Lashmar all day. Either we were in his wagon making medicine or we were walking in the woods identifying poisonous and healing plants. That's how I spent my time with the caravan and where Grant found me when it was time to leave.

Dr. Lashmar was upset we were leaving earlier than planned, but we both knew it was coming either way. For a parting gift, Dr. Lashmar presented me with a big package. Inside it had all kinds of tools, vials, plants, books, and pre-made medicines.

When I told him I couldn't take his equipment, he assured me those were all extras and they were taking up space. He had wanted someone in the caravan to become interested in medicine so he kept it around. Then he hugged me and told me I was the best apprentice he could have asked for.

With our farewells completed, I walked to my group happy that we joined this caravan.