The Song of a Phoenix

Prologue

  March 23, 1982. Iythia, Eastern Crathenia

  Meet with Cedric at Flastimer Bookshop, 10:30 PM. Do as I tell you and don't ask any questions. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.

  - Lauren

  The man stopped by the library with the note clutched in his hand, his blond hair glistening by the luminance of the lamp at the entrance. There was no sight of his two companions, who were known for their punctuality. He remained by the bookshop, solitary. Knocking on the door was quite a risk— it was one of the most popular local libraries in the vicinity, and there were several members of staff.

  It's an emergency, idiot, he told himself. Just knock on the door, for fuck's sake.

  The man took a deep breath and knocked on the door, waiting for a response. It slowly creaked open and the silhouette of a woman began to emerge from the shadows, handing him a key. Her pale brown hair was tied up into a messy low hair bun. "Hello, Alexander," the woman greeted him with a smile. "I've been expecting you. Feel free to come in— Cedric's waiting for you."

  "Thank you, Constance."

  "No worries."

  He approached the fifth row of the nearest bookshelf, searched for the keyhole, and turned it, revealing a hidden compartment. Ever since Lauren joined the Order, Flastimer Bookshop was Cedric, Alexander, and her hiding place. Iythia was a hotspot of activism and many advocated for Verethen's independence, making it a perfect place for secret meetings. On top of that, the bookshop was ran by none other than Cedric's sister.

  "Alexander!" Cedric exclaimed. "We have to talk. You can't let anyone know this, not even Constance."

  "What is it?" Constance was definitely not one to fight in the front lines if a war ever broke out, but they never kept any secrets from her. She harbored the three of them for years, gave them shelter in times of need, and never dared to disclose to anyone about the existence of the Order.

  "You have to run. Go somewhere remote, where nobody can find you. Trust me, Alexander. I care about you and Lauren more than anything in the world. I can't afford to lose you—"

  "What is this about? What happened? Where's Lauren?"

  "Lauren's with the kids at another city. Let's just say... we delved too deep. We saw things we shouldn't have. There are people after me and Lauren. They'll come after you too. And Constance. And the kids. I can't tell you any more. The less you know, the better."

  "Just tell me. I'm a part of the mission."

  "I can't. I'd love to, but I really can't. It'll put you in more danger. Go back to the base and take everything you need. I'm begging you. Please—"

  Knock, knock.

  Cedric's body whipped around towards the noise. "Hide. Now."

  Constance opened the door and the clanking of boots echoed across the bookshop. Military boots. They were all too familiar with that noise. Alexander opened his mouth to scream, but no sound came out other than a dry croak. He cupped his hand over his mouth, desperate to muffle any sound of his panting. What exactly did Cedric and Lauren do? He would never know. All he knew was that he was in danger.

  "Constance Whitfield," a gruff voice boomed.

  "Greetings, sir," Constance replied. "Yes, I am indeed. How may I help you?"

  "Tell us where Cedric and Lauren Whitfield are."

  "I'm afraid I do not know, sir. Perhaps they're at home."

  Even inside the compartment, the two could hear the clicking of a pistol. Constance gasped in horror, taking a step back. "I'm asking one more time. Tell us where Cedric and Lauren Whitfield are."

  "I do not know, sir. I have not seen them since—"

  A scream, then a bang. 

  "We know your brother and his wife have been conspiring against our nation. Have you taken part in it, you will meet the same fate as them."

  "Crathenian soldiers?" Cedric whispered. "But..."

  "We have been given orders," a second soldier adde. "Direct families and acquaintances of the ones taking part in espionage are to be arrested or executed. Unless you want us to kill off the vicinity's population also, I suggest you make this quick. You have thirty seconds."

  "I— I don't know where Lauren is," Constance paused, gasping for air. "But... Cedric's there... I'm sorry..."

  "So you have been harboring conspirers. Very well, that's all I need from you."

  Three more shots were fired at Constance. Cedric gasped in horror, petrified. "Crathenians? But..."

  The compartment's keyhole turned and the soldiers swung the door open. The first soldier stepped forward, scowling and pointing at Cedric. "Ah yes, Vincent Robinson. Why am I not surprised that Itramians are plotting against us? I guess it just runs in your barbarian blood, doesn't it? That's what your people are: vile and uncivilized. Now, tell me where your wife is."

  His mouth remained shut, giving no response. All Alexander could see was his eyes darting around, examining them suspiciously. "No."

  The soldier took out his pistol once more and fired five bullets into Cedric's head. He collapsed on the floor, a mixture of blood and parts of his brain spilling all over the ground. Alexander dug into his pocket, reaching for his gun, but the second soldier grabbed his hand.

  "And you, Alexander Davenport, are under arrest."