Phoenix

Chapter 4

*Pic of Clifton*

Morning meal is the only mandatory meal time of the day. We take attendance, eat, and discuss current events. Today, though, Sir Clifton is unwell, and breakfast is a little hectic. Actually, it is less hectic than usual, which is bothersome, but I cannot put my finger on why. I am so busy with the morning agenda, that I do not notice that I do not see Phoenix anywhere.

It is not until every one is dismissed, that I realize she had failed to show to the morning meal. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. What surprises me even more, is that it is not of fear, but of worry. I am worried that something is not right, and that she is, too, unwell.

Since I am in charge today, I decide to search the grounds. "Rainydayas!" I call over one of our newest recruits. He is scrawny, and no good in battle, but he is the most cunning of us all. He is like a miny Clifton, and never gets cold feet on the job. He bows for me. "My Prince, what can I do for you?" He asks. "Please, stand. For ai have a question." He does as I say. "I am looking for the new girl here, Phoenix. She has red hair. I am sure you have heard of her?" I ask.

"Yes, sir. But sadly I have yet to note of her today. However, this heads great concern, for Krea and Iseult are also missing from their chambers as well, and were not at morning meal." This is why morning meal was more peaceful as usual. Krea and Iseult were a two hot headed twins, who loved nothing more to cause trouble. They were usually followed by Althalos and Fendrel, the two stupidest warriors we had. But their brute strength was nothing to be reckoned with.

I did not even thank him, as I ran to the boys chambers. Off of the main hallway was a balcony like area, one big enough for at least one hundred of us. It, too, was made of flagstones, and was more of a parapet. As I suspect I hear voices when I reach near. "Look at this wench! So tough when training, but won't even scratch me now!" I hear Krea bellow. It is clear that he is benbosed, for he's hiccuping and slurring his words.

"Please, just let me go." Fe-Fe's soft voice holds nothing but a bleak command. She is not begging, or afraid. The doors to the balcony are closed and will not budge. "Krea! Open this door right now!" I shout, angry. "What do we have here?" The sound of fabric ripping travels. "Hey Iseult, think she has ever seen a man this big? You would like this, would you not you brown bess?" He chuckles.

"KREA!" As I put all my strength against the door there is a scream. The wooden panels break, and I charge right into Krea, knocking him off Fe-Fe. I do not care of his exposure, as I punch him multiple times in the face. Iseult pushes me off him with a growl. "What do you think you're doing, my Prince?" Krea snarls at me, distaste in his voice. He zips his pants back up, his brother along side of him.

"I will say the same of you, you bullfinch! You are claybrained if you gather I let this go!" I turn to see their followers pinning her down. Fe-Fe is shaking, though by her eyes it is more of anger. Her face is bruised, and her breasts are bare. Thankfully, her bottoms are still on. "Let her go." I warn at the two. I'm trying not to kill them all. "Prince!" Rainydayas pants. It is apparent that he had followed me, though he is not so fit.

Next to him is one of the instructors of magic and two guards. "My Prince!" They bow quickly. I hide exposed Fe-Fe from their view, but the tension is clear. "Take these men to the jail chambers! I don't want to see them for the rest of the week. They will get one meal a day, but as much water as they need. Sperate them in solitude. And let no one near them. I do not want word to spread about this. Sir Clifton will handle the rest." They was no time in retrieving them all.

"Send a healer to my bed chambers." I add. "Yes, my Prince." With that I am left alone with the girl. "I wish not to harm you," I say taking off my over coat. For a second her eyes are distant. I cover her up and offer my hand. "I assure you, think not of that of my kingdom. I would never allow that under my reign. Any clodpoll who thinks he can do that has no culls and is far from a man." I add nervously. Fe-Fe only faints. I catch her before she falls over, and pick her up to carry her to my chambers.

Clifton is already there, along with a healer. He takes a look at her, and determines the only injury was to her face. He can not waste energy healing the bruisw, which is fine, but he will wait till she is awake to see her mental state. "They were forcing themselves into her like stray dogs." I growl at Clifton outside my door. "Yes, this is to not be allowed. I will apologize to her when she wakes. I did not think our men would do this." He murmers.

"They are jailed as of now." I tell him punching the wall. "I will let you handle it." Clifton agrees. I tell him to go, for he still looks unwell. "Guard, walk him to his room, then you may come back." The guard bows and I turn back into my room. When Fe-Fe wakes it is with a start. "Phoenix, I am a healer. How are you feeling?" She takes a moment to look around and catch her bearings. "I am fine." She finally says. "Truly, I feel alright. I was startled as all, but I am now okay." He asks her a few more questions before bowing towards me, "my Prince." He leaves.