Fireheart

Chapter 42

After emerging from the cave, Naomi has to duck back in. The sunlight burns her skin. I keep watch while she attempts to sleep the daylight away. Whatever it takes to keep the strongest of us two in fighting condition. Phoenix doesn't awake again. I begin to worry that whatever I had done to him would not be fixable.

When Naomi wakes, we walk back to the Yong'in territory.

Despite being told that the Yong'in and Shamol were shoved into the small territory, I am shocked at what I see when we look over the mountains.

Crude buildings have been erected to house the displaced Shamol. Shamol are sleeping in tents or sleeping bags under the stars. Babies and children cry out for their mothers. Mothers cry out for their lovers. The scent that carries on the wind is a mix of tears, sweat, and blood. But there are also showers that appear to have hastily been built. I figure the smell should be a lot worse than it is.

Among the despair are acts of true brotherhood between the Clans.

Yong'in keep fires lit for the Shamol that have no housing. The Shamol use their dragons to patrol the air and keep watch for any Muz that might innate a nighttime raid. Apparently they were common during the first few days. The Clan members share food among each other. Luckily, the Yong'in farms still stand.

Under the cover of darkness, Naomi and I are able to bring Phoenix into the mansion. We get him to our bed, under the warmth. He stays in the deep sleep he's been in all night.

"Do I need to see which poison is in his blood? So I can tell a healer what to bring?" Naomi asks me.

I fall in a chair. It takes me a moment to understand what she is asking.

"Yes. Yes please do." I tell her. She bunches her brows and falls into the chair next to me.

"What's on your mind?" She asks.

"Let's go over all the things that have happened to me in the last twelve hours. I am pregnant. My father has challenged me to a game that will end up with him dead, or my entire family dead. My husband died. And I guess I'm finally just letting the grief of Rebecca come over me."

"I'm so sorry, Fyre." Naomi says. "But if it costs anything, I do not think Garnet is dead."

I feel my ears perk at this.

"Why do you say that?" I ask.

"Because I am right here." Garnet says, entering the room.

I jump out of my chair, and run to her. I wrap her in a tight hug that I don't let go of for several minutes.

"Are you okay?" I ask her, my voice shaking. She nods.

"Yes. And I went to see Yonny. While I was bleeding for a while after falling, my baby seems to be just fine."

"I could've told you that." Naomi says, smirking.

"Tell me what has happened here." I tell her, motioning to the chairs. Naomi stands.

"I am going to inspect Phoenix as you talk." Naomi says.

When Garnet sits, I can see the tears in her eyes.

"Jerrik died. After getting impaled. He died. Naomi tried to hard to keep him from bleeding out, but it just wouldn't work. Then the Muz began to get the advantage. They pushed the Yong'in and the Shamol into the territory here. Then they came from the north. Apparently the Muz overthrew the government in the Neutral City. They've established Aspen as something called a King."

"I've heard that word before." Naomi said as she carefully made a cut on Phoenix's arm. "It means 'ultimate ruler"."

"But we have Clan leaders." Garnet said, looking over at Naomi.