The Phoenix King #1 Bed of Ashes

Chapter 19 Clash of Mind and Might

Űnin's patience waxed and waned as he sat focused on the phoenix egg, the color of which reminded him of a blade being forged. However, unlike a blade this egg didn't seem to slowly cool as he had expected, if anything it had gotten hotter as the bright orange intensified into a blinding yellow, almost white light coming from the shell. The light emanating from the shell was so intense that Űnin almost had to squint just to keep his eyes on it.

It had been almost an hour Űnin was sure, he had remained patient, Rom even taking a few laps around the room to ease her restlessness. Meanwhile, the king, Aurhekh, had reverted to his human form, a transformation Űnin saw as a positive sign. He had trusted Aurhekh's words, but with every passing minute, doubt gnawed at him. When the king returned to his lesser form, he assumed that meant they no longer needed a dragon for what came next.

The egg's blinding light remained undiminished, and Űnin wondered if the phoenix inside sensed their doubts and hesitations. He could almost feel the sacred creature's presence, that is until the doors flew open.

Everyone's attention snapped to the figure entering the room, it was prince Amunhekh. "My king, we have a problem," Prince Amunhekh exclaimed, his voice tinged with wariness and urgency.

Aurhekh, the king, was clearly displeased by the intrusion and scolded the man, "Brother, what is the meaning of this? You know when I have those doors closed, they are to remain that way until I open them."

Prince Amunhekh's face showed signs of anxiety, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I apologize, my king, but I would not have entered if this was not of the utmost importance. We are under attack by an army from the Eastern Territories, they're advancing towards the palace. They're armed and seem determined to breach the city's defenses."

The news sent a wave of concern rippling through the room. The already tense atmosphere now carried an added sense of urgency and danger. Űnin glanced at his companions, and their expressions mirrored his own, a mix of worry and determination.

Aurhekh's face hardened as he absorbed the information. "Gather the palace guards and prepare for their arrival," he commanded, his voice unwavering despite the imminent threat.

Just then a loud crash echoed through the palace, rattling its walls, and sending shivers down the spines of those present. Prince Amunhekh's eyes widened with dread as he realized the severity of the situation. "Gods above," he whispered, his voice filled with fear and desperation, "they've breached the gates."

"Go now Amunhekh," the king demanded. Prince Amunhekh nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He quickly turned to leave but hesitated at the threshold of the room. "My king, what of the children and the egg?" he asked, glancing at the radiant shell with a mix of awe and concern.

Aurhekh's piercing gaze turned to the egg, and then to Űnin, who was now surrounded by his companions. Űnin hadn't even noticed their approach. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on his shoulders as he looked at the king, awaiting his command.

"Űnin, take the egg and return home," the king ordered, his voice firm yet filled with concern. "Tell your mother what's happening here."

Űnin's heart raced with conflicting emotions. He understood the urgency of the situation, the need to protect the precious phoenix egg and relay the dire events to his mother. But his loyalty to the mission and the promise of the bond of fire tugged at him.

"B-but what about the bond of fire?" Űnin asked, concern etched on his face. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving now, not when they were so close to achieving their goal.