The Phoenix King #1 Bed of Ashes

Chapter 2 Wounds and Old Runes

In the garden underneath a huge oak tree with reddening leaves sat Rhea, she was a small elven girl with long orange hair. She had delicate features and bright, curious eyes that shone like emeralds. She was sat feeding birds and squirrels with nuts and seeds. She wore a long red gown with flowers stitched down the seams and a gold trim. Her ears were pierced with large gems carved by dwarven hands. On her hands were three rings: one, the symbol of the House of Jöithelm, depicting a fierce frost giant standing atop a mountain, representing the power and strength of the House and their connection to the ancient, magical forces of nature. The other was a gold band, and the last was her birthstone, a sapphire. On her lap sat an open book, The Rise and Fall of the Great Elven Capital of Hogan, Brynrigan.

An autumn leaf falls into her hand as she finishes feeding the last of the nuts and seeds to the birds. Admiring its vibrant colors, Rhea twirled it between her fingers before the wind blew it out of her hand revealing her brother, Űnin, and Vaelon approaching rapidly.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, my prince?" Rhea asks, bowing her head slightly.

Űnin grimaces. "Ugh, don't do that, Rhea. You know I hate it when you're all proper with me."

Rhea stood and gracefully brushed off her hands and gown. "Well, some of us royals like to play the part and uphold the dignity of our station," she said with a gentle smile.

Űnin looked to Vaelon, who was bowing to the princess. "Gods above, can't I have one ally in this palace? Someone who doesn't constantly remind me of my duties and responsibilities as a prince?" he said, frustration evident in his voice.

"Űnin, we are your allies. I'm your sister and Vaelon will one day be the leader of the king's guard," Rhea said, walking over to him and resting a hand on his shoulder. "But as our allies, it's our duty to help you become a strong and capable leader for the people."

"If the people want strong, they should be ruled by a knight, and if they want capable, they should be ruled by the Coin Master. But I'm not allowed to be either!" Űnin exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration.

Rhea sighed and rubbed her temples. "Why did you disturb me, Űnin? Simply to whine about how unfair your life is?"

"Mother wants you," Űnin mumbled, avoiding his sister's gaze.

At that moment, Vaelon chimed in. "Distant nobles are coming for a feast, and she wants the two of you there."

"Excellent! I'll finally get to wear my new banquet gown," Princess Rhea exclaimed in excitement, before turning and walking away.

Vaelon followed her. "I'm sure you'll look lovely, Princess. Come, my prince," he said, gesturing for Űnin to follow.

Űnin yelled back "I'll be right there." Űnin stood in the garden, looking up at the autumn leaves on the tree, he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and anger. He was the prince of Jöithelm, but he felt like he had no control over his own life.

He took a deep breath, his eyes tracing the fiery red and gold of the leaves, feeling a pang of longing for simpler times. The weight of his responsibilities was heavy, and the constant scrutiny left him feeling suffocated. He wandered through the garden, his footsteps light on the stone path, until he reached his favorite spot.

Just between two perfectly trimmed hedges, on the stone ground, was an intricate circle of scripts etched deep into the stone. The runes hadn't been powered since his father's death, but they still gave off the same sense of power Űnin felt when he was younger. He knelt down, tracing the lines with his fingers, remembering the times his father used to bring him here.

His father used this circle to take him to the river just north of the kingdom. The two of them would drift down the river, trying to catch fish for hours, until they flowed into Lake Eternum. Then Ulysses would turn them around, and they'd row back. It was those fishing trips that made Űnin love the simple life, the tranquility of the river, and the joy of spending time with his father.