The Phoenix and the Lamb

Chapter 94

Disclaimer: I do not own Cult of the Lamb. I am simply a fan of the game. I was inspired by Jbrine061. Please check out her story. She is amazing. Now onto the story.
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In the days that followed Edan's leaving from Noonveil, as well as the rest of his party, something would change in Phoenix Clan. Nox was no longer Wielder of the Crimson Stone. The torch had to be passed onto the next one who would be its holder. The stone gave Nox a hint as to who it would be. It didn't say who specifically, it merely said someone around his greatest of greats niece's age. Nox had a hunch that it was Ebany, but just in case, he called a family meeting to see if anyone else had been chosen instead. Richy had been the first to try and hold the stone, but when nothing happened, that eliminated him from the list.

Richy had been rather overworked the past few days and discriminated for being a phoenix shape shifter... Shape shifters had been severely mistreated to the point of their lands and homes taken away or destroyed. When Ebany heard what he was going through thanks to his brother, she couldn't believe it. Noonveil was a place where everyone could have a home and not hide who they were. What did being a shape shifter of all things had to do with anything? Ebany was among those who had been called to see if they would be the next wielder. Being distracted, she went last.

Benjy snapped her out of it and Ebany walked to the box where the stone was placed. All she had to do was pick it up. If nothing happened, then they would have to keep looking. Ebany picked it up and upon making contact with her, the Crimson Stone glowed brightly, blinding everyone who failed to shield their eyes. Ebany felt the stone connect with her as her eyes went red before glowing white. She felt her magic grow stronger and more powerful than ever before! It was over in a little bit, but felt longer... Ebany blinked to see clearer and looked at her uncle...

"The Crimson Stone has chosen a new wielder. Ebany, use the stone well and for the good of the Clan. I know you can do it. What you must do now is to find something that will help you channel its power. Merlin will help you, my dear." Nox said to her.

Ebany couldn't believe it... She now held the most powerful object in her whole Clan... The Crimson Stone... the very stone that Rose used more than a millennia ago... The others present, being the family, praised and congratulated her. At that moment, Ebany wanted to hide from the crowd. She didn't get to as she felt someone hug her from behind and saw Richy. Richy was supposed to be resting from overworking! In his opinion, he was better rested whenever he was with his firebird. Ebany couldn't help but blush as he helped her out of the room and on the way to Merlin's castle.

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Merlin felt so please and very proud of his apprentice being chosen as a wielder. He could see Ebany's nerves as they radiated off her. Merlin reassured his apprentice that all would be well and he would always be there to help her. Ebany hugged him as a thanks and because she needed a hug. Merlin smiled and hugged her back gently, patting her head as he did so. They had a lot to talk about and learn about the Crimson Stone. First was to make something that would help Ebany control the power and use it much easier. It could be attached to her amulet, but Merlin felt that a staff would better assist Ebany to utilize her abilities.

They looked at a book of various types of staves. Ebany figured her uncle could help make one. At least the base and parts of it. Merlin agreed, being a customer of Karrus himself in the past. He knew the dwarf was an excellent craftsman and wouldn't cut corners when it came to Ebany. She was his precious goddaughter after all! Ebany would normally go alone, but this time, Merlin joined her. They went to Karrus' workshop where the dwarf and his employees were hard at work. Karrus grew up underground like many other dwarves, but he wanted to venture out. It was how he met Lumen after all. Karrus met Lumen a good few decades ago while traveling. They joined each other's travels and the two grew close. Even teasing each other about the typical dwarves and elves being enemies trope!