Phoenix

Chapter 11

As voice cut air everybody stopped in middle of their movements. Men could only look on at other with same confuse and surprise. They weren't even able to speak or make any sound. It seemed almost like magic, though, of course, for magic you need words much stronger than simple "enough". If you use words at all.

With soft rattle something small flew through air to giant like man. He caught it in one of his hands and with surprise found small, dirty and very old money pouch.

"You better watch your pockets while entering, youngster."

Samael quickly shoved hand in one of his pockets and after a second loud shout of surprise left his lips. While then giant surprisingly quick for his giant figure disappeared in hall giving brief look to something that seemed to worry and almost frighten him.

Kamillo who observed this scene from sitting position, now gripping thin hilt of his rapier. This weapon made him feel more confident, it was magical creation and very old gift... But now he had no time to go deep in memories. He leaned forward curious to find out who was this newcomer. With corner of his eye he noticed that young shape shifter made few unsure steps to door.

Stranger didn't make them wait for a long time. In next moment figure, all in black clothing appeared there. Very simple black cloth and leather meant for traveling large distances, not walking around in such large cities. They were made to lay tightly only cloth around waist and chest were hanging around figure freer. Clothes were very dusty but most of them all long boots that almost lost their real color because of grayish brown dirt. Or perhaps they could be beaten by long cloak that was worn off so badly that it was surprising how it didn't simply tear apart fully. Only thing that wasn't broken at all in this cloak was hood that covered face of stranger.

But as soon as newcomer made step inside of room it was threw back in one firm move, that revealed very pale fingertips that weren't covered by cloth. Samael, who slowly sat down on closest chair, almost jumped up again from this fast movement. Kamillo observed it rather calmly, only thing that could reveal his true feelings were fingers that became completely white in their grip around silvery metal of his weapon.

And thing that they saw made them even more surprised than before. At first face of stranger was halfly covered by very short and very dark brownish hair. With one quick shake of head they were thrown aside. Face that revealed to them was narrow, pale and sharp lined. Rather long nose, thin lips and two bright emerald eyes that were little bit softer than all other face. Two things could be said in same second, first it was face of female and, second such pale skin and mocking gaze could belong only to elf.

Known for their arrogance and slyness elves have very bad reputation. They love to pretend that they are just soft and gentle creatures that seek only peace and loneliness, especially while stealing your money and belongings. You can sort elves in two categories.

First ones are skillful at foul things as stealing, murdering and tricking humans. Shape shifters are folk that nobody like to mess with, their crafts are famous in all lands and their knowledge about nature and earth is great and often used by all people. These elves tend to be dark in both nature and appearance and so masterful at their profession that everyone fears them.

Second ones are even more locked in themselves than first ones. They almost never leave their lands and never open any of their secrets. I'm talking about mages, warlocks and priests of elves. They are known because they wield such force that skies them self tremble in front of it. Their knowledge is deep and ancient as land itself.

This is main reason why elves are envied by both humans and shape shifters. Humans can be good at all professions but they never manage true greatness of their fellow races. What about shape shifters, despite to their natural, wild magic, that is locked in their blood from very birth, witchcraft is forever locked for them. They have no power at all in it.

But now let me return to our little room, while we haven't gone too far in discussions. She elf sat down on one of wooden chairs, only sound that she made was soft breathing and cloth brushing against floor and wood. Her emerald orbs examined both Kamillo and Samael for a long while. Kamillo took his time to examine her. Samael... well something was sure going on in his head like a storm. At last young male managed to get words that whirled in his mind over his lips.

"Who are you to simply walk in here and even more who are you to steal from me and then talk about it in such tone?!"

Elf gave him long, stern look that made man lean back a little.

"I am I. And I won't be wrong to say that you stole it before me. Nevertheless it isn't something that should concern any of us, for I'm here because of completely different matter."

Kamillo arched one of his brows and decided that he won't be silent watcher anymore. He sure didn't look so sharp as these two even if he couldn't be called soft either. He was all pale almost as if drained from all colors and characteristics and how he thought few years older than elf, not to speak about shape shifter. And it was enough for him to be silent.

"And what would it be, if I may ask?"

Something in her tone reminded him of aristocrats of palace, that he constantly felt with and healed, so much that Kamillo started to speak almost in same manner as there not how he usually spoke in city.

"I though that you received my invitation."

Female arched brow questioning.

"Yes I did."

"It was you!"

Two man spoke in same time. Kamillo calm, Samael still with all youthful energy that he had.

"Yes, it was me, youngster. So, human, I hope that you do understand at least why I did it."

Kamillo finally leaned back in his seat, till then he sat completely straight. His hand relaxed a bit.

"I was looking for information."

Elf nodded briefly.

"And I'm willing to give it to you. At least some part of it."

Cleric couldn't help but become suspicious at these words. Elves never give information just so.

"What for?"

"That is one thing that I will open later. But you didn't say what kind of information you want."

Kamillo frowned in
incomprehension.

"I thought that it's obvious. Strange things are going on in your lands and some even say that my kingdom is in danger. Elves are planning something dark."

She elf nodden with quiet sigh.

"Just what I expected. Humans prove their ignorance once again. Then I'll ask you, youngster, why did you come here."

Samael shivered nervously and gripped side of his chair before saying one single word.

"Phoenix."

Female nodded satisfied by this answer. While then Kamillo frowned even more at sound of unfamiliar word. He seemed to be only one here who had no trace of what is happening and that angered him.

"What are you talking about? What is this phoenix?"

Elf gave him contemptuous look before she spoke again.

"Nothing more and nothing less than strongest magical force in our world. And, indeed, I invited you because of it."