Christian Writing Contest

The 2009 Sojourner Leatherwork

Flannery O’Connor Award

Goes to Josèphe-Anne Rocke

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

Third Place

(Category: High School)

Bio: Born in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Josèphe-Anne has had a passion for writing since she was 11-years-old. In addition to fiction, she also enjoys composing poetry.

Now 18, her hobbies include drawing, figure skating, and studying nature and mythology. She is currently at work on her first novel.

To contact Josèphe-Anne Rocke you may request contact information through the contest administrators by sending an email to director@athanatosministries.org.

DISCUSS ON FORUM

Important Copyright Information

SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE STORY

---

SECRETS OF THE PHOENIX

by Josèphe-Anne Rocke

Copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved

Long ago, it was once said that a magnificent, gold-plumed phoenix protected the Gem Kingdom. His name was Milcham.

Very few had actually seen Milcham. But most of those who had seen him said that he had promised them a priceless gift.

In ancient times – before the Gem Kingdom even existed – Milcham vanquished the one known as the Ultimate Evil. He is usually referred to as Demogorgon; his influences were – and still are – quite strong. Yet, Milcham is stronger.

Demogorgon assumes many different forms, and he shuns all things good and happy. However, if Milcham is called on by name, the wicked one flees immediately.

One day, Milcham suddenly vanished. No one knew what happened to him or where he was.

Years passed since his mysterious disappearance. Eventually people lost hope and faith, until the point where many from the younger generations thought that the story of the golden phoenix was merely a myth.

* * *

The cave was dark and eerie, filled with nothing but a chilling silence. And then, the monster appeared – it’s horrid, bloodshot eyes piercing through the blackness. It’s bumpy, sallow face twisted into a terrible grin as it plucked the bird’s feathers out, one by one.

Tears rolled down the victim’s face while he cried out in agony…

At that moment the boy awakened, with the sound of malicious laughter still ringing in his ears. Shrugging off the effects of his nightmare, Daniel headed straight downstairs to his father’s room. Inside, he found his sister already spoon feeding the sickly, old man.

For the past two years, the aging man had been bedridden with an incurable disease. Daniel’s mother had died shortly after giving birth to him, so his older sister, Miriam had been the only maternal influence in his life.

Ever since Dad had taken ill, young Daniel had been forced to find employment, just as Miriam was obliged to stay at home and care for the invalid.

Right now, the boy stood in the doorway observing the ever monotonous scene. It took a while before Miriam noticed he was there. “Good morning, Dan.” she said, as the shut-in lifted his head slightly. “Did you sleep well?” she asked.

“Actually,” Daniel replied, “I didn’t.”

“Why is that?”

“I had a dream, last night.” he told them.

Miriam looked a bit concerned. “What sort of dream?” she questioned.

“The bad sort.” Daniel began to recall the horror he had experienced during his restless slumber. “I dreamt that Milcham was being plucked alive. He was pleading for someone to help him.” he explained.

At this, his father gasped and nearly choked on his porridge. Miriam just stared from one to the other with eyes wide open.

“Do you know what this means, my son?” the ill man coughed out the words.

“No.” Dan replied in all honesty.

“It must have been a vision, Daniel. Don’t you see? No one knows what ever happened to Milcham, and now you see in your dream that he is in great danger.”

The two siblings had no idea what their father was getting at, and so Miriam enquired, “What do you think we should do about it?”

All that their father said was, “That phoenix is the noblest creature in the universe. To be of any assistance to him would be a great honor indeed.”

Later that day, while Dan was toiling in Mr. Flint’s smithy, those very words echoed at the back of his mind. The young man was employed as the blacksmith’s apprentice.

Just as the boy was hammering out a sheet of stainless steel, someone entered the shop. It was “Pompous Percy,” Percival Quartz, who had recently been elevated to the rank of general. Dan tried to ignore him and pretend he wasn’t there, but it was no use.

Percival strutted straight up to Dan’s work table and demanded with the utmost authority, “Where is your master?”

Without looking up, Dan replied, “I’m afraid he isn’t here.”

“I see.” commented the general. “I just popped in to check on my new shield.”

“We’re up to our necks in special orders, Percival.”

“It’s General Quartz to commoners like you, Daniel.” Percy intoned. “Anyway, I take it that you haven’t finished it, as yet?”

Dan did not answer, but glued his eyes to the work in front of him.

Percy made to leave, then paused at the doorway, “Oh right,” he began, “I meant to ask you – Haven’t you tried registering for the king’s army, again?” he jeered. “I swear you’ve put on an ounce since last year.”

“Just get out of here, Percy! Your order will be ready by the end of the month!” the apprentice growled.

Percival shot him a self-satisfied smirk before departing on his black stallion, Obsidian.

Daniel loathed every second he spent in Percy’s presence, for their sour relationship went back a long way.

The decorated commander had begun life as a lowly peasant right here, in the village of Beryllium. The boy himself was barely a year older than Daniel, but had always been rather large for his age.

At the barely eligible age of thirteen, Percival Quartz became the youngest military recruit in the kingdom’s history. And mere months ago, he also became the youngest army general on record.

Poor Dan had been trying to make the cut for the past four years in a row. Each time, he had come home disappointed. He always aced the mental exams, but he continuously failed the weight requirement.

A lanky, string bean of a boy was Daniel. No matter how hard he tried to gain weight, he was doomed to be a runt forever, it seemed. And Percy’s favorite pastime was pointing out this fact.

That night, Dan was troubled by the same dream of Milcham and the troll. This time, it seemed even worse than before. He could almost smell the monster’s putrid breath, feel the bird’s pain… Then suddenly, he was jolted back to reality.

Unable to go back to sleep, he wandered out of his bedroom and into the kitchen. And to his surprise, he found his sister already there. She too, had been unable to rest.

He explained to her how exasperated he was. Dan was not sure what he believed at this point, but he knew he couldn’t continue being an insomniac.

“King Feldspar is a faithful believer in Milcham. I’m sure he’d be willing to help.” Miriam suggested.

* * *

Clad in nothing but his peasant rags, the boy felt completely out-of-place as he entered the king’s elaborate throne room.

Seated in his lofty perch, the king addressed him in empowering bass tones. “What is your name, young man?”

Dan dared to look up at the royal – a tall, burly man in his early 50s, covered in furs and velvet. But it wasn’t the king’s appearance that shocked him.

Standing right beside the ruler’s seat was none other than Percival Quartz. Why did he have to be here? Daniel wondered.

Percy was staring directly at him; their eyes locked for an instant. Yet, the apprentice managed to compose himself, and answer the king, saying, “I am Daniel Garnet, son of Jonah Garnet, Your Highness.”

“Well then, Daniel, why have you come to see me, today?” Feldspar enquired.

Daniel took a deep breath. “I believe I know where Milcham is.” he stated.

This news obviously roused the king’s curiosity, because he leaned forward in his seat slightly.

Dan felt obliged to continue. “For the past few days, I’ve been having visions of a cave in the Jade Mountains. I believe that Milcham has been kidnapped, and is being held there by a troll.”

With a toss of his bouncy, blonde locks, Percival spoke, “My King, surely we cannot trust the word of a mere peasant boy!” he sneered. “I mean, how do we know he isn’t lying?”

Daniel stood up, dumfounded by Percy’s accusations.

“May I remind you, Percival, that you once lived as he does.” Feldspar said to Percy, who humbled at once. Turning to Daniel now, he said, “However, my general has raised a valid point. Times are too uncertain for me to send even a handful of my men to accompany you, especially with the mysterious disappearance of so many of my horses.

Nonetheless, I am willing to commission you, Daniel Garnet, to do everything in your power to find Milcham. Therefore, I give you this,” he removed the pendant from around his neck and handed it to the young apprentice, “so that everywhere you go, people will know that you are on a quest for me.”

Feldspar then signaled a servant. “See to it that Mr. Garnet is given all the supplies he needs.”

When he returned home, Miriam and Dad were pleased to hear that the king was in support of Daniel’s mission. Dan himself was not so enthusiastic, but he knew that it was too late to turn back, now.

At least he was able to enjoy a good night’s rest, for he was not plagued by chilling shrieks or dreadful grins. Instead, he slept soundly until morning.

Ambling into the kitchen to have some breakfast, Dan did not expect to find Miriam and Mr. Flint waiting for him. So, he turned to his employer and asked, “What are you doing, here, Mr. Flint?”

“I came to see you off.” said the kindly blacksmith. “I also came to give you this.” He handed the boy an elongated and rather crudely wrapped parcel.

Dan accepted the gift from his mentor and carefully removed the wads of cloth. It was a sword, in its own protective sheath – his sword. His very own sword!

“This is unbelievable.” Dan breathed.

After eating his breakfast Dan was almost ready to leave. But he had to say goodbye to his father, first.

“In light of the circumstances,” the old man began hoarsely, “I see fit to give you a blessing before you go.”

Just as he had said this, Miriam entered the room with a shallow bowl of olive oil.

Dipping his thumb into the bowl, Dan’s father rubbed the liquid on his son’s forehead, lips, and chest. Dan bowed his head solemnly as the man spoke, “May you, Daniel Garnet, use your mind to think pure thoughts; may you use your tongue and your lips to speak them. And may you use your heart to guide your thoughts, your words, and your actions.”

When he had finished, Dan lifted his head and turned to leave. But the old man grabbed his hand. “There is one more thing I must tell you before you depart, Daniel.” Jonah Garnet looked intently at his nearly full-grown son, and continued gravely, “As you embark on this perilous journey, I beg you to be wary of all the evil forces at work in the world. Beware the forces of Demogorgon; he and his followers will try to prevent you from accomplishing your goal.

“But if you find yourself in trouble, there is hope. For even though Milcham is in bondage, his power can still reach those who seek him.”

Dan nodded at the advice.

His father pointed to his nightstand, “Take the pouch with you.”

Dan did as he was told. He removed the royal-blue pouch and loosened the drawstrings to open it. Into his hand toppled several chunks of myrrh. “Dad, you need this for the pain.” said the boy.

“I can use other remedies for that. I want you to take it with you, and give it to Milcham as a gift when you meet him.”

Reluctantly, Dan put the sack away in his pocket. Then, his sister returned to the room. Without warning, she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Planting a kiss on his still-oily forehead, she half-sobbed, “Be careful, little brother.”

All too soon, Dan found himself at the top of Citrine Hill, overlooking his village – his home. Taking one last look, he was on his way.

Leaving the huge valley where he lived, Dan trekked through the rolling hills beyond with nothing but a battered, leather cloak wrapped around him. Slung around his shoulder was his bursting-at-the-seams knapsack, which was crammed with all sorts of necessities. From his wiry neck hung King Feldspar’s pendant, and from his belt dangled his sword.

Dan hiked for hours on end, following the path of Lapis Creek. It was mid-evening when the young blacksmith finally took a rest stop. Finding a large pear tree, he sat gratefully under its shady branches.

Absent-mindedly, he unsheathed his sword, glaring with disgust at his unappealing reflection. Once again, he felt doubt creeping into his mind. Dan heaved a huge sigh.

“What’s the matter?” asked a friendly voice, from somewhere behind him.

Startled, Dan leapt from the grass, and to his astonishment an enormous salamander emerged from behind the pear tree. “What is troubling you?” the amphibian repeated with a broad grin.

“Get back, beast!” Dan warned with a wave of his new sword.

“Please, don’t be alarmed.” said the calm, female voice. “I have no intention of harming you.”

“Do no lie to me,” Dan said, “everyone in the kingdom knows that salamanders are immensely poisonous.”

“Alas, that is true.” she admitted. “But I promise that I shall never bite you. I merely wish to know what is troubling you.”

Dan eyed the creature skeptically. She was gigantic; she could easily overpower him if she desired. But there was something about her that made him trust her. Maybe it was her warm, reassuring smile. “OK.” he said at last. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Grylio.” she replied.

“And I’m Daniel, but I prefer to be called Dan.” He said, lowering his weapon. He began to recount all the events of the past few days. He told Grylio everything; he even showed her the necklace that the king had given him. All the while, she listened intently.

Finally, when Dan was finished speaking, she said to him, “I will help you, if you will help me.”

“What do you need help with?”

I have longed to taste the fruit of this tree.” she responded. “But my feet are too slippery to grasp the fruit, and I cannot bite off the stem, or else the entire tree would whither and die.” Grylio explained.

Without hesitation, Dan plucked a pear from a low-hanging branch and tossed it to the salamander.

Grylio took a small sample then, she devoured the rest of the fruit with obvious relish.

Clearly contented after eating, Grylio spoke to Dan as he sat down, again. “So, you say that you are looking for a troll?”

Dan nodded.

“Well,” she continued, “I’ve been traveling in these parts since I was no longer than your finger. And the only troll that I know who lives outside of the Boglands goes by the name of Snorri. He lives in a hidden cave, way up in the Jade Mountains.”

“Do you know how to get there?”

“Certainly, but it will be dangerous. And it will take us at least a week to arrive.”

“No matter how far it is, I must go.” Dan told her. “But it’s going to be dark, soon. So, we should not continue until morning.”

With that, the boy began to pitch up his tent. As soon as he was done, Dan crawled inside. Weary from his long walk, he fell asleep in minutes. Grylio, however, chose to sleep outside.

The next day, Dan rose just as the morning sun was peeking up from the hills. Grylio was right where he’d left her – curled in a semi-circle near the roots of the pear tree. As far as he could tell, she was still asleep.

Dan washed up in the creek, and made a small fire in order to warm his dry provisions and make some tea. Grylio awakened just as he was removing the small pot from the fire.

She yawned loudly and – to Dan’s amazement – walked straight through the flames toward him. “Good morning.” she said cheerily.

Dan stared at her in awe. “Don’t the flames bother you?”

“Oh, no.” she said with a smile. “Fire has almost no effect on us salamanders.”

Dan ate with his new-found friend, and then they were on their way.

According to Grylio, the fastest path to the Jade Mountains was through the Agate Desert and the Living Forest, two infamous destinations.

As they walked, the scenery changed from green to brown; while the air became hot and dry. They knew that they were entering the desert. The place was arid and desolate; it seemed so empty. A few smooth rocks and towering cacti served as the only landmarks around.

However, the desert was not much of a challenge. For Grylio had devised a clever plan to keep them out of the heat. She proposed that they travel underground.

As they made their way through the tunnel that the salamander was continually digging, Grylio told Dan a bit about her past.

She – like most trolls – had been born in the Boglands. There she had lived with her parents and her 11 brothers and sisters. Their life had been a happy one, until the time of the Troll Revolution. During those days, not only trolls, but all other creatures of darkness had attempted to take over the land. They began first in the Boglands.

Trolls, goblins, and other wicked creatures wiped out Grylio’s entire family. Desperately, the girl fled in a passing elf caravan. The compassionate elves took her in and raised her as their own.

“But what ever happened to the Troll Revolution?” Dan had to ask.

“Squabbling among themselves, the various groups disbanded, and the idea of world domination was forgotten.” Grylio reminisced, sadly. “Trolls are heartless creatures, and Snorri is even more so. If they were to rise to power like that, again,” Grylio shuddered at the thought, “we’d all be doomed. That is why I’m coming with you. I’ll help in any way I can to prevent that from happening, and I believe that Milcham is the only one capable of stopping them.” she concluded.

Crawling through the tunnel by day and sleeping under the stars by night, in only three days they made it to the edge of the Living Forest.

Grylio gulped audibly as she glared at the dense jungle before them. “I hope you’re ready for this.” she said in almost a whisper.

“Why do you ask?” Dan wondered aloud.

“They don’t call it the Living Forest for nothing.”

Now it was Dan’s turn to gulp with anxiety yet, putting their fears aside, the pressed onward – into the unknown.

The pair ventured through the thick overgrowth for a total of five days. By the fourth day, they could see the end of the forest, and so far they had not encountered anything potentially dangerous. All they had seen were some mimic insects – which looked too tasty for Grylio to ignore – and a barometz emerging from it’s vegetable home. Other than that, there was really much to report.

On their final night in the forest, while Dan was fast asleep in his tent, he began to experience another disturbing nightmare.

In the dream, he was sleeping in his own bed. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a black, scaly, clawed hand wrapped itself around the boy’s neck.

The strangling fist wrenched him from beneath his blankets, and Dan came face-to-face with his attacker. All he saw were two big, orange eyes with slit-like pupils glaring at him, maliciously.

He could not see the beast’s mouth, thankfully. But he heard it’s booming voice rumbling like thunder. “HOW DARE YOU MEDDLE IN MY PLANS, FOOLISH PEASANT?!” It increased the pressure around Dan’s neck and his lungs began to scream for air. “GO TO THE JADE MOUNTAINS, HELPLESS HUMAN,” it roared, “AND YOU WILL NEVER RETURN!”

Everything went blank…Then, Dan opened his eyes. Phew! It was a dream! He ran a hand gingerly across his neck, trying to convince himself of that.

He glanced around the tent. Right away, he realized that Grylio was gone. She was probably off chasing mimic bugs. He was almost ready to dismiss the thought, when a piercing scream split through the stillness of the night.

Dan rushed outside in a flash, only to find his friend struggling with…a plant? It looked sort of like a Venus fly-trap, though it was much larger. The spiky trap part was closed around Grylio’s flank like massive jaws. And what one might have mistaken for leaves acted as arms, pinning the defenseless animal to the ground.

Dan ran to help, at once.

Grylio saw him as she was attempting to bite the overwhelming creature. “I can’t… reach!” she gasped. “Cut it!” she yelled to Dan. “Cut it!”

Dan whipped out his sword, and hacked furiously at the thing. But every limb he thought he’d chopped grew back in seconds! His efforts were useless. This plant – or whatever it was – was indestructible.

Grylio continued to yell frantically, “It’s root! Cut off its root!”

The monster seemed to have understood her, because it lashed out one of its leaves, knocking Dan’s sword from his hand. With another swift move, it grabbed the boy’s ankle, throwing him to the ground, hard. His weapon was out of reach; there was nothing he could do.

But there had to be something, anything. And there was. But was it even worth a try? Dan had no time to contemplate it. So, he bawled at the top of his voice, “Milcham, MILCHAM!”

Grylio joined him and the two of them continued to cry for help, hoping to be answered.

Just then, Dan glimpsed something moving out of the corner of his eye. It was his sword! It seemed to be drifting toward him of its own accord.

As soon as it was close enough, he grabbed it. And in the blink of an eye, the plant’s sole root had been severed. Releasing them both, it crumpled and fell with a dull thud.

Still panting from the effort, Dan looked up at the heavens through the canopy of leaves above them and whispered, “Thank you.” Then, he turned to his friend to make sure she was all right. Her thick skin was able to withstand most of the monster’s strikes, but she did get a small cut on one of her front legs. “Are you OK?” he asked her.

“Yeah.” she said. “I’m fine.” She waved her leg around to demonstrate.

“So, what was that thing, anyway?” Dan enquired.

“A jidra. The only way to kill one is by slicing off its only root.”

After that ordeal with the jidra, the adventurers decided to keep on moving. In mere minutes, they encountered an immensely high wall. They thought they could find a way around it, but there was none in sight. The barrier spread for miles in either direction.

“I guess we’ll have to climb it.” said Grylio. She gripped the edge of a low, protruding stone and tried to pull herself up, but couldn’t. Her cut began to bleed sluggishly.

“Not in your condition.” the young man objected. “Let me take a look at it.” Dan wrapped her wound in a piece of cloth that he had torn from the end of his shirt. He had attempted to apply some myrrh to the wound, but Grylio protested, saying that salamanders were allergic to the resin.

Once her injury was sought after, Dan set to work making a harness. And when that was done, he began to climb the wall.

At the top, he let down the rope and Grylio climbed into the harness. Not putting any pressure on her lacerated leg, the giant amphibian climbed up the wall with much help from Dan, who half-hoisted her. When they landed on the other side, they understood why the Living Forest had been cordoned off.

They had just entered the village of Tourmaline, according to a sign stuck into the dirt just a few feet from the wall. Tacked onto one corner of the wooden greeting sign was a map of the town.

Studying the map with interest, Dan saw an inn located not far from where they were. He also read that there was an apothecary due south. “Take my bag and go to the inn. Pay for a room for us with the change in the pocket.” he instructed Grylio. “In the meantime, I’ll go to the apothecary and try to find something suitable for your cut.” he added.

Dan took some of the money from his backpack before giving it to Grylio. Then, they split up, Grylio with the sack strapped to her back and Dan off to find the medication.

The path to the apothecary’s shop led the boy into the heart of town. Soon, the store’s sign came into view so, Dan made for it. He was turning out of a side street when he noticed something peculiar.

Outside of a tavern, a man was tethering three horses to a post – two were white, one was black. But there was something oddly familiar about the black horse. And the white ones were selectively bred colts, a fact which was strange in itself. But all became clear when Dan saw who was leading them.

Dan was stunned to see General Percival Quartz leaving the animals and striding into the tavern.

Dan knew that Grylio would be waiting for him, but he just had to find out what Percy was up to. So, he pulled his hood over his head and followed the general.

Inside, he found Percy seated at the counter with an untouched pint in front of him. Dan kept his head down and sat at a vacant table in the far corner. From there, he could see and hear Percy without being noticed.

As Dan watched, Percy took a few sips of his drink. He appeared to be completely nonchalant of all the activity surrounding him. The general looked distracted. Someone could have slapped him in the face, and he would not have been aware of it.

He continued to drink airily, ordering another beverage when his first was finished. By the time he was on his third glass, he had attracted the attention of a few of the pub’s regulars. He was made numerous offers by people who were interested in buying one of the horses. However, the general refused them all.

Although he was aware of Percy’s aggravation, the bartender found it difficult to contain his own curiosity. “You’re a knight from Diamond City, aren’t you?”

“So what if I am?” Percy questioned.

“It’s just – We don’t get too many of your type in Tourmaline.” the man – who was similar in stature to Percy – said. “If you don’t mind me asking – Have you any news from the king’s palace?”

“Ha! The king…” Percy laughed. “Yeah, I know some things.” he replied to the drink-server. “I can’t tell you much, but I will tell you this: Old King Feldspar’s reign may soon come to a rather abrupt end. His convictions are too weak, and I say it’s only a matter of time before he’s overthrown by someone greater.”

Dan had heard more than enough. How could that jerk be so bold and disrespectful to the man he owed everything to?! It was obvious that Percy was not the loyal, patriotic hero everyone thought he was!

Infuriated, the apprentice bolted out of the tavern and onto the dirt road without a second glance. He made a bee-line for the apothecary and stepped inside.

Minutes later, he emerged from the shop, holding a jar of some weird, foul-smelling concoction.

As Dan neared the inn, he saw a large curled mass lying outside the door. To his dismay, he realized that the heap was his friend Grylio. Her eyes glistened with tears as she spoke. “I’m so sorry, Dan.” she sniffled. “It’s all my fault!”

“What are you talking about, Grylio?” Dan asked, softly. “Where’s the knapsack?”

“That’s just it!” she wept. “As I was walking to the inn, I was robbed by bandits. There were so many of them I…”

“Calm down.” Dan told her. “Did they hurt you?”

The salamander shook her head. “Not really.”

At least that was good news, Dan thought. But he felt like kicking himself for leaving his injured friend alone.

The thieves had taken everything: their money, their food, their equipment; they even had Dan’s spare clothes. “Maybe, if we go in there and explain the situation, they’ll let us stay for the night then, in the morning, we could work for our board.” Dan suggested.

“I already tried that. And the innkeeper told me to get my venomous hide out of her establishment.”

Even after Grylio had told him this, Dan insisted on trying.

“I’m not a charity!” screeched the crabby, old woman behind the check-in counter. “And even if what you and your little friend,” she looked contemptuously at Grylio, “say is true, I can’t afford to give you a room for free!”

“Please, she’s wounded, and I’m willing to work for you as payment.” the blacksmith pleaded.

The ill-natured innkeeper merely scoffed and pointed her finger in the direction of the door.

Dan hung his head dejectedly, and the pendant he was wearing slid from underneath his cloak. He and his comrade were about to leave, when the woman called out to them.

“Wait!” she exclaimed, bustling up to Dan and taking hold of the pendant. “This is King Feldspar’s crest!” she exclaimed in disbelief. “He sent you, didn’t he?”

The apprentice and the salamander nodded simultaneously. “He commissioned me.” Dan said.

The innkeeper stood, slack-jawed. Then her mannerism changed at one. “Any servant of the king is welcome, here!”

After having said that, she quickly found them the best available rooms. Then, she ordered her chef to fix them a warm pot of soup. Lastly, she invited Dan to take whatever he needed from her tool shed. And she did all this without making them pay a cent. She also made sure to apologize for the way she had treated Grylio, earlier.

While the two of them were sipping their soup in the dining room, Dan only then remembered the poultice he had bought for the amphibian. He dressed her wound as best as could with it. Then, he went to his room and turned in for the night. But before he did, he gave thanks to Milcham, once again.

Because of all the excitement of the previous night, the pair slept deeply until midday.

Grylio claimed that she was healthy enough to travel. And Dan had to admit that the lumpy mixture had helped her wound improve sufficiently. So, they thanked the innkeeper and her staff before departing.

In the broad daylight, they could see the village clearly, now. However, there was no time for sight-seeing.

The thought of what he had learned about Percy, yesterday, nagged at the back of Dan’s mind; though he knew he must continue his mission.

The friends walked to the outskirts of this extremely remote village. They passed the barbed wire fences and warning signs which led to a steep cliff.

From their elevation, they saw a small, wooded area below them and in the distance laid the distinguished greenish-grey peaks of the mountain range they had so tirelessly searched for.

Tying ropes around a nearby tree, Dan and Grylio wasted no time in lowering themselves down the cliff.

The cliff was not as high as they had thought. Once on the ground, they pushed pass the handful of trees and shrubs blocking their path. Then, they were able to behold the remarkable mountains in all their glory.

It was late evening when they arrived at the foot of the mountains.

“Which peak does Snorri live in?” Dan asked.

“His cave is near the middle of the highest peak.” Grylio answered.

“So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” the boy exclaimed.

“Trolls are nocturnal, and it’s almost sunset.” Maybe, if we wait until morning, we’ll be able to sneak in while he’s asleep.”

The apprentice thought for a moment. “I suppose, we could do that. But Milcham’s life is at stake!”

Grylio gasped. “You’re right, Dan! We must hurry!” And so began their long, tedious hike. For hours they climbed and climbed, without a moment’s rest. In the last rays of the setting sun and in the eerie light of the moon, they journeyed upward.

Several times they heard noises that neither of them had made. But they dismissed any concern when they looked around them and saw no one.

Finally, in the early hours of the morning, they stopped. Hidden between a small crevice, they ate some sandwiches that the innkeeper has sent with them. As they were eating, they heard an unmistakable coughing noise.

Grylio jumped up to see what it was. She peeped over the ledge above them. “There’s a man up there.” she told Dan.

Dan too, began to peer above the ledge. “That’s Percy!” he said to Grylio. “He’s King Feldspar’s general. But I found out yesterday, that he’s disloyal to the throne.” he whispered to her.

Together they watched as the general pushed a hidden lever behind a pile of rocks to reveal a door. Leading the horses inside, he followed them. Seconds later, the door slid shut.

Having seen all of this, the friends gathered up their belongings and clambered over the ledge and onto the landing. Imitating Percy’s example they were soon inside.

Snorri’s lair was exactly the way Dan had envisioned it. It was almost completely dark a few flaming torches provided the only illumination. Dan quickly grabbed one of these, as he and Grylio tried to navigate their way through the cave.

Grylio spoke softly. “I’ve never actually been in here, so…”

She trailed off when they came across a plunging spiral staircase.

Taking the stairs two at a time, they ran all the way down to what was obviously a dungeon. To the right side, there were two barred cells. One of them contained the skeleton of a large animal. At the far end of the room stood a fireplace, and over the flames hung a large cauldron of bubbling water.

A lone iron cage hung in a corner. In it, the once brilliant bird perched. Naked but for a single tail plume, Milcham’s head lolled and his body was motionless. The only indications that he was alive were his unsteady breaths.

Dan and Grylio were heading toward him, when a voice from behind stopped them dead in their tracks. “I knew I smelt some do-gooders!” it said.

They spun around to see Snorri and Percy standing at the bottom of the staircase. Snorri was obviously the one who had spoken.

Before the friends could react, he pulled out a pair of tiny darts, and launched them at the duo. It happened so fast. One second the darts were flying through the air and the next, Dan and Grylio were on the cold, stone floor.

“Take their weapons, would you.” the troll instructed Percy. Dan tried to stop him, but his arms felt like lead. He could not budge, or even speak. And neither could Grylio.

Dan slowly began to lose consciousness.

When he awoke, he realized that he was locked in a cell with Grylio beside him. He saw Percy dealing with the troll.

“I’ll see you same time next month.” Snorri said to Percy, giving him a whole bar of gold.

Dan was appalled at what he was seeing. He summoned all his strength just to speak. “No,” he screamed at the departing Percival. “How can you do this?”

Percy paused, but said nothing.

Dan continued to rant, though. “How could you betray your own people, for a sneaky, old troll? Do you think he’s going to help you get what you want? How do you know he isn’t just using you?”

“That’s enough from you, boy!” Snorri threatened. “Percy’s on the powerful side now!”

When Dan glanced at the doorway, again, Percy was already gone.

Snorri grinned. “Enough talk. It’s time to get down to business. His Wickedness will be here any moment, and I must be prepared.”

Dan and Grylio watched fixedly as the troll hobbled over to Milcham’s cage and yanked him out. Chuckling sinisterly, Snorri said to him, “I’ll ask you one more time just for fun: What is the secret to eternal life?”

Milcham did not answer.

Snorri mocked him, saying, “Some say that the phoenix is immortal. But perhaps he can’t reply, because he too, must die!” Slowly, the monster reached over, and pulled out the bird’s final feather.

Milcham’s eyelids dropped and his body went limp. “No!” said Dan and Grylio, as they watched in horror while the troll put the body back in the cage.

Placing the cage beside their cell, he sneered at them. “Go ahead; mourn for your beloved protector!” With a laugh, he set about preparing his meal.

Dan observed Grylio crying again, and he felt like doing so himself. Milcham had just been murdered, before their eyes. Their journey had been in vain. Worst of all, he might never see his sister or his father, again.

On that note, he remembered the pouch of myrrh in his pocket. Pouring the contents around the lifeless body, Dan said, “I know it’s probably too late, but Dad wanted you to have this.” Then he and his companion continued to sulk in silence.

Shortly after they had paid their tribute, the crestfallen pair heard a small flapping noise. When they turned to the direction it came from, they saw a tiny bat flutter down from the chimney, through the fireplace and into the dungeon. It alighted on the hard, stone floor. And to their horror, it expanded; shifting it’s form from a harmless insectivore into a bloodthirsty gargantuan dragon.

Dan recognized the monster from his last dream.

But it took no notice of him or Grylio. Instead, it focused its attention on Milcham’s cage. He thoroughly examined the figure within, as if to make sure that the bird was truly deceased.

With a smirk, the terrifying beast ridiculed the phoenix in his guttural tones. “Why, even the marvelous savior must succumb to the power of death!” he exclaimed. “Now, where is that troll?” he added before he too, mounted the staircase.

Minutes after his departure, the sound of a raucous conversation reached the two prisoners.

“You know who that was?” Grylio asked Dan.

He nodded, and then shivered. “I think I know.”

Shh! Keep quiet!

The effects of the darts had already worn off. So, you can imagine how vigorously they jolted at this unexpected voice. “Who’s there?” Dan demanded.

It’s me, Percy.

Upon hearing this, Dan lunged himself in the direction of the voice. He was ready to strangle that traitor, but Grylio held him back.

“I know you’re angry. You have every reason to be.” said Percy’s voice. “But I’m trying to help you now, so bear with me.”

The apprentice was just wondering if the general could be trusted, when the cell door swung open. In seconds, he and his comrade were free from their constrictions.

“I don’t really have much time to explain myself,” Percy began. But I think that what you said earlier is true and I’m sorry for creating this mess.”

Dan was speechless.

Yet, General Quartz kept talking. “Here, eat this. It will make you invisible, like me.” Several fern leaves suddenly appeared in front of them.

Without hesitation, the friends ingested the leaves. Now that they were invisible, Percy became perceptible to them.

Dan and Grylio were reluctant to leave Milcham’s body in that wretched place, but they knew there was nothing they could do about it. So, they followed Percy as he led them out of the dungeon.

Upstairs, they retrieved Dan’s sword. Then, Dan and Percy commenced their escape plan by running to the entrance and making a racket. And as planned, Snorri and the dragon stalled their conference to see what all the noise was about. But as the men were invisible, the villains found it difficult to attack.

Unseen, Dan and Percy reined blows on the scoundrels.

Meanwhile, Grylio was trying to get the door open.

Beneath them all, in the dungeon, the myrrh which was surrounding the phoenix ignited, and his body burst into flames.

But up on the main level, the effects of the fern leaves were wearing off. The escapees were slowly becoming visible, again.

The black dragon took this opportunity to release a breath of fire on the two men. But Grylio threw herself in front of them, just in the nick of time.

More out of desperation that skill, Percy tumbled across the floor and kicked at the lever beside the door with all his strength. The boulder slid aside, letting in the first rays of the rising sun.

Snorri tried to make run for it, but he was much too slow. As soon as the sunshine hit him, he shrieked with pain, as his body solidified into stone.

The dragon’s attention was diverted for a split-second as he watched his minion’s agony. Then – rage renewed – he focused on the threesome.

So, they did their best trying to fend off the monstrous beast. They hit, they sliced, and Grylio even bit. Yet, the dragon stood tall; their volleys did not seem to bother this formidable foe in the least.

Right in the heat of the battle, they all ceased their blows as they saw bright flash of light streak past. Everyone whirled around to see the miraculous form of the golden phoenix, Milcham! He had somehow, resurrected from the dead.

“It can’t be!” the giant reptile roared.

The bird spread his vast, shimmering wings and landed at the epicenter of the battle ground. Milcham opened his hawk-like beak and let out a deafening screech.

Clearly conquered, the dragon vanished in a puff of smoke.

Astonished by what had just happened, none of the warriors said anything for quite some time. But they bowed low in respect to the legend.

The silence was broken by the awe-inspiring hero. “I would like to that you, Daniel and Grylio for your faith in me.” he commended the duo. “For this, I bestow upon you the gift of everlasting life.”

Dan and Grylio exchanged grins.

Percy – on the other hand – looked away from the scene in shame.

Milcham became aware of Percy’s discomfort and so, he approached him. “And what do you have to say for yourself, Percival?” he asked gently.

Percy looked from the floor to Milcham’s dazzling, hazel eyes. “All I can say is that…that I’m sorry.” Percy said in a trembling voice.

Dan had never seen the general so emotion; he actually felt sorry for him.

“Due to your remorse,” the phoenix resumed, “you shall have a second chance. However, because of your wrong-doing, you’ll find that your days will be a bit more difficult, now. Yet, as long as you believe, you too, will never truly die.”

All of this was still so confusing to Dan. “Glorious Milcham, forgive me, but I don’t quite understand why everything happened the way it did.” said the blacksmith. “Since you’re so powerful, why did you allow Snorri to capture and torture you? You could have stopped him.”

“Yes, I could have.” Milcham answered in his kind voice. “But my fate was already decided since the beginning of time. I had to die physically and then rise to prove that anyone can do so, once they have faith, even if it’s just a little.” The magnificent bird explained. He addressed both Grylio and Dan, “Is there anything else you would like as a reward for deed?”

Daniel shook his head in humility. In a way, he had already gotten what he wanted. He now knew the answers to the questions he had always pondered.

However, Grylio said that she was tired of people fearing her and her kind. Milcham said he would take care of that. He placed his wing on her head and produced a small corn stalk in mid-air. “Take a nibble at it.” he instructed the salamander.

When Grylio did so, she realized that her bite was no longer toxic. Now, there would be no reason for anyone to be afraid of her! Never gain would people run away when she tried to befriend them!

And so there journey concluded. Grylio went back to the Boglands, while Percy and Dan returned home.

When Percy arrived at the palace, he admitted to all his crimes. Naturally, he was demoted from his position as general. But the king chose not to banish him from the empire.

As for Daniel, he made it back to Beryllium with a new lease on life. He saw a spellbinding sense of purpose ahead of him. He was going to spread the good news of Milcham’s promise to every living thing with unwavering confidence. The best part of his homecoming: finding out that his father had miraculously been healed of his illness.

What about Milcham? He departed into the heavens the same day that Demogorgon and Snorri had been defeated. But before he left, he warned the trio that their plight was not over. Demogorgon would continue to lurk, until their final confrontation in which all evil would come to an end.

Until then, Daniel, Grylio, Percy, and all others who believe would be ready for anything, because they knew that Milcham was on their side.

Surely, the Gem Kingdom would never forget that. For below the “statue” of Snorri that King Feldspar had erected in Diamond City hung a frame which contained a single gold feather. The corresponding inscription read: Our Savior Lives. He Conquers All.

Tags: Flannery O'Conner, Phoenix, Trinidad author
Filed under: High School Award Winners