The trek back home wasn’t a long one, nor was it a difficult one. At least not for Velvela. She had not needed a trail like the band of outsiders. The forest was no obstacle. Her only obstruction was making sure her companion had followed her.

The village came into view all the same. Huts built into trees reigned over the canopies below. Domed buildings encamped the center of the village, and from where she stood, it seemed the elders stood guard for those domes. Across from them were soldiers, all standing at point as they waited for orders.

Despite their armor, she could see splashes of red and brown. It was the Vali then. What were they doing all the way out here?

She circled the outskirts of the village, barren of any citizens. Behind her, she could make out David’s form. His visage was hardly bigger than that of the trees, but she could see him. That was what mattered.

A Vali with a plume upon his helmet stood before the troop. “Those of Anima, the Vali require your assistance against the Doling. All of your young men are to fight in our army.”

An elder stepped forward, a staff bearing the head of a bird guiding his feet. “And if we refuse?” He leaned against his staff.

The dressed soldier gestured behind him. Every soldier behind him readied their weapon, from spears to swords, at the elders. “Then you shall witness the might of the Vali firsthand.”

He did not falter. “Is that all?”

“You get one chance.” The presumed captain unsheathed his blade. “So what’ll it be, old man?”

The elder looked back at his comrades. Each of them held a staff with the head of a different creature. Yet none matched the one wielded by Velvela. None were stylized with flames down their length, only the visage of a creature’s head at the tip.

He then looked around the village. From the huts, children peered down. Each dome was sealed by a curtain of scales. The canopies remained open as they hung between trees. And then there was her.

“Allow me to speak with my council,” spoke the elder.

“You’re staying where we can see you.”

“That can be done.” He and his men formed a small circle. Each of their staffs were staked between them, the heads of which loomed over them. Whispers erupted between the elders, none that she could make out.

Velvela disregarded that tidbit. She was behind the outsiders and they all had their backs turned. David was still on his way. Since he was traveling through the forest, she had some time to do something.

Both of her hands combed the length of her staff. Sing for me, she thought as she readied her magic.

----------------------------------------

The gathering of the staffs was always a large affair, but this time it was just the elders. Even then, they were missing one.

Wolf-staff spoke first. “Shall we hunt them down?”

Owl-staff, the man who spoke to the Vali, shook his head. “If we aid them, it may benefit us. Perhaps we can send a few men to help them.” The other three elders looked at him, perplexed. “Volunteers of course. They can bridge our tribes to the other nations.”

“Phoenix would kill us for doing that.” Snake-staff looked to the side. “Especially if we don’t tell her.”

“So what do we do then?” replied Wolf-staff, “They outnumber us ten to one.”

Snake-staff chuckled. “You didn’t see Phoenix then? Figures that the wolf would be too busy looking at the biggest piece of meat. Missed the predator behind it.”

Owl-staff sighed. “With Phoenix here, we can just sit back and wait.”

“And wait we shall,” added Snake-staff.

So they did. The elders did not leave their huddle, much to the ire of the Vali soldiers. Though the plumed one didn’t stop them. He had some manners it seemed.

But those facing the troop could see flickers of light behind them. Not enough to cause more than a brief flare in their vision, but it soon ignited.

Higher, further. A spire of flames roared to life. All of the soldiers scrambled into position, shaky hands guiding blades at the pillar. Those weapons were nothing against the ring of fire that burst out, cleaving a moat into the ground.

“Leave,” echoed a soft voice from above. Within the pillar, floating in it, was Velvela. Her gown kept its pearlescent shine. Her hair flowed in the fire as if it was a breeze. Not even her wooden staff was bothered by the torrent of heat that was cascading over it. “You get one chance.” Another swathe of flame bathed the ground, scorching an arc at the soldier’s feet.

One chance was all the soldiers needed. None had stayed behind, some had even ditched their weapons as they ran out of the village. The forest would greet them with its mysteries rather than the might of the one called Phoenix.

The only one who remained was the captain, his plumage drooping against his helmet. He had not even bared a weapon. Nor had he worn one ready to be drawn.

Phoenix rose in her column of flames, looming over the soldier. Her staff swung forward and flames followed it. White flames bloomed as they soared until they combed over the captain’s head.

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He frantically grabbed at his helmet. Safe in that he was not burned by the torrent that just flew overhead. However, his plume had been reduced to ashes. His proud plumage. The mark of his excellency. Now nothing more than grime to be swept away.

“Is this what you wish to do with your chance?” The question was almost sung out, melodic yet condescending to the lone Vali.

He too fled.

“Now.” Phoenix turned her attention to the elders, who had not flinched at her display of power.. “Explain.”

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With the outsiders gone, the citizens of the village came out from hiding. Huts were opened up for children to run free, many of which darted over to the scorched earth. The dirt was little more than ash and trenches had been made where the soldiers once stood. At the very least, it kept the children entertained. After the ground had cooled down that is.

On the other hand, the elders were not entertained. Nor were the others that had gathered in the centermost dome. Velvela taking the lead in making the eldest among them shake in their seats.

Around the table, the elders had all been separated by various men and women who took seats between them. However, each had rested their staff on the table, the heads meeting each other at the center.

“So,” Velvela began, “Would anyone care to explain exactly why the Vali were trying to recruit from our village?” No one motioned to speak. “Last I recall, we were a neutral nation.”

The elder of the owl staff cleared his throat. “Well, we had spotted the outsiders only a few days ago. It was a small group, so even with a limited number of fighters around, we would be able to deal with it without casualties.”

“The Guardians do not sing for bloodshed, Owl.” The reminder came out as a snarl.

“They wanted blood,” said Dragon, “We will give it to them.”

None shall hurt our people.

She didn’t see his lips move. The message echoed in her head, ringing in her ears. Yet no one at the table seemed to acknowledge it. So she looked over at Wolf. “How long has this war been going on?”

“A few decades. I’d say 40 years, give or take.”

“Then I take it they have not approached us before?” This time, she gestured to Owl, who slumped down in his chair.

He did not answer, instead a man seated next to him did. “Twice here. But we have driven them back both times. Usually after making an example of their leader.”

Cowards, the lot of them.

“As detestable as the Vali can be, there is a fine line between self-preservation and cowardice.”

“How did you,” the man muttered before shaking his head, “Of course, Chief.”

She nodded. He had made sense given what Owl and Dragon have said so far. However, to be neutral one has to act neutral. “Have the other villages also encountered them?” Many at the table nodded. “So why has this never been brought to my attention?” A hard edge accompanied her voice, along with a flash of her teeth.

Despite representing the creature often linked to wisdom, Owl was the one to speak. “It has only occurred a handful of times. There was no need to tell you when you were busy guiding children through the Guardian Ceremony.”

Just stick to helping kids, you old hag.

“My job as a guide is not to just lead ceremonies.” She stood up. “You of all people should know that, Owl. After all, I choose you to delegate my responsibilities.” She grabbed her staff.

“Bitch! You read my thoughts!” The elder exclaimed, pointing at her.

Others began to rise out of their seats at the declaration. “Now, now. Why would there be a problem with that?” Velvela stood up, staring at the hunched over form of Owl. “After all, we elders are supposed to work together, aren’t we?”

The elder practically snarled at her. I’d sooner work with rats than you, shrew.

She hummed, hearing his thoughts reverberate inside her own skull. It was loud and grating, but at least she knew what it was now. That did not stop her from being disappointed though. No, it only justified her.

“Ponder this, Owl. After hundreds of years, the Guardian Phoenix has marked none but I. Don’t you think there is a reason for that, oh wise Owl?” Velvela tapped her staff against the ground, causing a series of sparks to fly from its shaft. Each spark flew around the room, fizzling out in the air. Everyone watched her staff. “Nothing? Then I believe I will have to find a new Owl.”

She waved her hand and a staff began kindling from its tip. Owl shook his staff, only for the flames to climb up the length of the wood. In mere moments all that was in his hands was ash.

“You can’t do this!” he screamed at her as he cupped what was left of his staff, “This is, this is mutiny! Betrayal!”

He attempted to lunge across the table, but a staff flew across the room and slammed him into the ground. Everyone looked at Velvela. She looked at Wolf. His staff was now across the room. It didn’t seem to disturb him, though the growing number of people looking at him was a cause for concern.

“Apologies,” Wolf began, “But a wolf defends its pack.”

There’s no room for traitors.

At the echo of his thoughts, a warmth filled her womb. “Thank you, Wolf. Your loyalty will always fill me with pride.” She threw a glance at Owl. “I’m glad I made the right choice sometimes.”

He bowed. “Of course, Phoenix. But what shall we do with him?”

Those in the meeting stared at Owl. The bald elder shuffled back, his chair long forgotten. He didn’t even dare to open his mouth this time.

“Owl, you are hereby stripped of your position as elder.” Velvela tapped her staff against the ground. Sparks flew, popping beside the now ex-elder. “I will leave the rest of your punishment to the Guardians. For now, I must ensure our sister villages are safe.”

“Phoenix? Are you sure?” asked Wolf.

She nodded. “Our sisters need protection as well. As Guide and Chief of Anima, it is my duty to protect those chosen by the Guardians. In the meantime, Wolf, Dragon, and Snake shall be in charge.

Wolf nodded eagerly. “Of course!”

Snake stroked his beard. “Will you be visiting every village?”

“Yes, all seven. Afterwards, I shall set out our plans for the future.”

“A sound course of action,” said Dragon, “We shall await your call.”

With a nod, Phoenix was ready to leave the village. She had confidence in who she had left behind. The elders in the village were loyal to the people of Anima and would listen to her orders. Owl, however, would have to be dealt with if he was unwilling to obey.

But that would have to wait. Her tale was not a solitary one, after all.

Lady Spirit would wait for her champion though. She had faith in her choice and would do as she always did: watch and wait.