Curse of the Phoenix

Ch.37 -Voice From the Past

~Dru

I woke on the ground. I thought that if we were flying, I would at least be able to tell. The world was a wall of golden scales. I didn't know where I was, just that I was with Loth. I softly crept out from underneath his wing, attempting to not wake him. Then I realized, we were in a clearing, Not the one where we had taken off, I had no idea where we were, just that we were in the forest. One of Loth's eyelids rose, and he snorted.

I've been awake, just waiting for you.

Oh. Thanks. What were you waiting for?

You to wake up of course.

Why?

Your dream. I remembered something, something I need to show you now.

That sounds ominous.

Far from it, truthfully.

Then.....what?

Your mother. She left a message. And I believe it's time you knew.

How?

She told me. And I can show you the memory. Would you like to see?

...of course.

Then let your eyes be opened.

I felt Loth immerse my mind in his, and I did the same. I felt him take a moment to remember what had happened, then he recalled. And suddenly we were no longer in the forest. The desert...the sand..that desert. That one. Then..this wasn't that long ago. I saw the bright sun, and it was setting. Nightfall. Then a voice, and Loth's head turned around. And I saw her. Mom...she was smiling, but nervously, and kept glancing behind herself, over her shoulder. I could see the flicker of a fire, and several figures, as well as a single wagon and many, many horses.

"Dru..it's me. Your mom. Listen, if Loth is showing this to you, then I'm most likely dead, so I won't be around to tell you these things myself. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to save you from all of this...Now, remember this closely: you need to keep your siblings safe... I've also made sure Loth only shows you this once you know what's coming. Be prepared, stay safe...keep the others safe as well, please. When you're lost, or in need of help, find an old friend of mine by the name of Solembum. You can probably trust him, he may ask for payment, just show him your necklace and tell him you're Sharissa's son. He will do whatever he can then."

She paused again, as the voices rose and I could hear the laughing voices of men. The voices made me remember something else...another buried memory. Those voices..the voices of the slavers. How had mom gotten away? Even for a brief time? I was amazed at her courage. She would've been killed if they found out. She looked back over at Loth.

"I have to get back soon, so you'll be alive when you see this." Her brown hair was greasy, her blue eyes wary...almost as if she was scared. She got down on her knees behind a few rocks. Loth must have been watching from behind them as well. "Dru, my son...you can overcome this. Stay strong. Remember who you are...and realize who you can be. I love you." She gave one last smile before standing up and turning back towards the camp. Loth ended the memory.

I returned to my own body and found I was sobbing uncontrollably, my body shaking with the effort. I was in the fetal position. I managed to get to my feet and stand, regaining my sense, at least to where I could see once again. I rubbed the tears away with my sleeve.

Dru? Are you okay?

I'm fine, just sad and scared...

Should I have waited?

No, I'm glad you showed me now. I sat back down, and leaned back, resting against his side. At least knowing that she knew, that made me feel better. But it made me fear, as well. She knew something we didn't. Whatever it was, I doubt I was prepared for it.