The Phoenix King #1 Bed of Ashes

Chapter 17 Guardians of the Golden City

As the airship glided through the sky, drawing closer to their destination of Corivam, Rhea's curiosity finally bubbled over. She approached Lady Kaela, who was manning the control panel with focused expertise. Her usual regal poise momentarily forgotten; Rhea's eyes shone with wonder as she asked questions about the magic powering the airship.

"So, how do the crystals work? Are they enchanted with elemental magic?" Rhea inquired; her voice filled with excitement.

Kaela smiled warmly at Rhea's eagerness. "The crystals, known as Aura crystals, are created by the earth using magic. It's an incredibly rare phenomenon," she explained, her voice carrying a melodic tone. "They harness the elemental energies of gravity, allowing the airship to soar through the skies."

Rhea nodded, absorbing the information. "And how do you control the airship with this panel? It looks so intricate and fascinating!"

Kaela gestured towards the control panel, which was adorned with a multitude of buttons, levers, and dials. "Each control corresponds to different functions of the airship, such as speed, altitude, and direction," she explained. "It requires a deep understanding of magic and aerodynamics to operate, and years of training to master."

Rom, who had been listening intently, could no longer contain her excitement. Tugging at Kaela's sleeve, she pleaded, "Can I press some buttons? Please, please, please?"

Kaela chuckled at Rom's enthusiasm, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not all buttons are meant to be pressed, my dear," she said, ruffling Rom's hair affectionately. "But I can show you some safe ones." She pointed to a row of buttons labeled "Lights" and "Communications" and demonstrated how they worked.

Rom's eyes lit up with joy as she pressed the buttons, causing the airship's interior lights to dim and a soft glow to emanate from the Aura crystals outside. She giggled with delight, thrilled to be part of the airship's operation.

Űnin watched his friends, feeling a surge of warmth and contentment. Seeing Rhea and Rom so engaged and happy filled him with a sense of purpose. He didn't know what awaited them in Corivam, most likely there were many challenges still ahead, but in this moment, he felt ready to face them all.

Vaelon, who had been observing the exchange with a bemused smile, approached Lady Kaela with a more serious question. "Lady Kaela, how long until we reach Corivam? We need to be prepared for what awaits us there."

Kaela checked the navigation instruments and replied, "We are nearing Corivam. It won't be long now. I suggest you all make your final preparations and be ready for anything."

Űnin, who had been silently taking in the exchange, held the egg to his chest. It pulsed with his own heartbeat as if they were one. "Not long now, little guy," he whispered to the egg, his voice tender.

Vaelon noticed the look of deep concentration on Űnin's face. He approached the prince with a hint of concern. "Is everything alright, my prince—er, Űnin?" Vaelon was still adjusting to the informality with the royal siblings, and occasionally, his old manners resurfaced.

Űnin looked up at Vaelon, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I'm fine," he said softly, his gaze returning to the egg. "It's just that... I feel a connection to this egg. It's as if it's a part of me already."

Vaelon's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. He had always been close to Űnin and Rhea, but lately, it seemed as if Űnin's attention was solely focused on the egg. Vaelon didn't want to admit it, but he envied the bond Űnin had formed with the egg.

"That's fascinating," Vaelon said, trying to mask his jealousy with intrigue. "Have you ever felt anything like this before?"

Űnin shook his head. "No, never," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "It's like the egg is a part of me, and I'm a part of it. I can't explain it."