Ignited Inquest

The breeze blew through the mystic forest. The sparkling magic of glittering colors showed in the air with its bright rainbow colors. Osiriely was growing old, and his time had come.

“Even magic does not stop death,” weighed in the old leader.

He had brought the brightest young and old in these beautiful trees for a meeting that few rarely see. The shimmering light through the branches and branches filled with crystals was about. It was a magical place for the most crucial test of all time. A new one must be chosen whenever a leader feels the end is near. It was a momentous invitation to be in the running of such an outstanding achievement. Jasp, Galk, and Axim all gathered together in a large group.

Osiriely was relaxing at the front of the group. The whisper of songs swept through the air of tales of old. It was a long-forgotten language, and many stories were lost to the wind. So long-lost leaders of old had passed this test, but so many have been forgotten. It has been at least one hundred years since this test chose Osiriely. Most said from those who have passed on that he was not the best selected, but his heart was in the right place. Like so many want, the power and the test remain secret to those undertaking it. The forest remained off-limits any other time to preserve its majesty and beauty. Creatures seem spectacular, with no fear of man and his evil deeds. The large opening had fluorescing magical wood benches with encumbering trees around. All so tall with glimmering leaves falling around old Osiriely, the great leader, just sitting quietly. His weakened body was showing with his glossed-over eyes, but he still seemed to read right through someone. His calm demeanor was still powerful to dictate the daily needs of the small village and even over a few other towns. He was rumored to be an old man, easily over one hundred, but no one knew. All were dead when he started his rule; now, he would join them eventually. The first time for all to even enter the forest, yet the test seemed like it would be trickier than ever imagined.

Osiriely stomped his staff on the ground, and the magic dust flew up. The whole group was startled when the magical bursts of light appeared in the middle of everyone.

“Now, all of you have been chosen to find a new Heir of the Phoenix Feather.” “This new leader will resume my duties when I finally pass on,” Osiriely remarked.

All of the competitors sat with sadness and were ready to cry. Everyone was born under this leader, and to see him go was saddening. Even the beauty of the Mystic Forest could erase a reign of such a man.

“A set of tasks will prove your worth as a leader, be careful of personal advancement over the betterment of the group,” replied Osiriely, smiling broadly. “It will be more difficult than one thinks, so may the Phoenix choose the next great leader of the land.”

The confusion was felt across the group when Osiriely just walked out of the forest. His last statement is, “Best of luck to all of you, but your journey must remain a secret.”

Osiriely limbed out on his staff, leaving the crowd in the Mystic Forest alone. Laughing, he was returning to the human world as many were left to their new fate. The forest became scary with great bursts of light, and suddenly, a large fiery bird blazed into the site. The great fire surrounded it, and its mighty fury was felt throughout the forest. All cowered in fear at such a sight. The colors became alive, and all felt the grand bird heat. The wings shined brighter than the sun with a screech that shook the trees. As the fires calmed, all became afraid.

The flaming bird spoke in a booming voice that went through the forest. “This is a test for the next leader of Stonewall. “It will make you endure the essence of your very being.” “Be careful of this test; it will reveal more than you want to know. “Let the test begin for the Heir of the Phoenix Feather.” Fire flamed everywhere, and the bird ascended into the trees with a mighty force of wind and flame. It disappeared as it appeared to the contestants.

Paper falling from the sky with seared edges fell to the ground. Axim came from the background, heart pounding and scared even to become a leader. He carefully picked up the burnt paper and read, the one who can tame the flame of my feather will win this game since it is hidden somewhere in this forest. Others started to rise and come out the fear of such a powerful creature. The charred black earth began disappearing with new beautiful, magical flowers. The calm air settled the forest as if nothing had ever happened. Jasp ran to Axim, much paler than he had ever been.

“What in the world just happened here!” Jasp explained in his loud manner.

Axim just sat there smiling in terror. The laughs disturbed even the greatest of them around.

Jasp interrupted, “What is your problem, you goof?”

“I am not mad or completely lost it,” Axim just stood up with relief. “Just getting used to what is going on here. Will you all just cool off a little?”

Galk had returned with his light brown hair covered in ash and ran to his friends. His darkened face was brought to a more golden color when the ash was wiped off.

“What exactly is this test? I am considering not competing.” Galk responded.

Axim just shook his head and started to investigate the surroundings.

“I guess that finding a new leader will be more complicated than finding that Phoenix feather,” Axim remarked angrily. “I just wanted a simple test, not a game of hide and seek with a feather.”

“Well, we can look around, and this will end faster despite the mystery,” Galk remarked.

“I guess you are right, and being a leader might just be worth this mess,” Axim declared, swirling his blonde curls. The dark ash disappeared from his head as he started his journey into the woods.

The meeting site was abandoned with the fear that the Phoenix would return. Axim quickly skewered the meeting area for any sight of the flames of the elusive feather.

“All the others have a head start on us,” remarked Jasp.

“I think we should look for it somewhere else,” replied Galk

“I just want to cover all the area if it is hidden in a simple place,” remarked Axim

“Still, I think it will not be that simple; nothing has been so far,” replies Galk

“Fine, we will move on and hope one of us can find this thing,” Axim responds.

Colors and butterflies were everywhere, as the woods never seemed to end. The forest was amazed by so many twists and turns. The trees always looked different, and seeing the other contestants took work. Usually, the forest would kick one out, but it would be an exception for this rare occasion. Still, the magical nature could not take away from the eeriness of the whole thing. Lost as they might have been, Axim kept his cool with the magical surroundings.

“You think one misses the feather after all,” Jasp announced.

“I would imagine how difficult of an item to hide,” Galk commented, gazing at the color-changing leaves.

“Ever wonder where we are at this point, considering the changing trees,” Jasp inquired.

“Not sure for the reasoning or if this is just a death trap,” Galk continued the conversation.

“Are you kidding? Do you really think they will play the game that way?” Axim interrupted from his green eyes reflecting the different colors. “All should be fine once we find the fiery thing.”

Suddenly Jon and Don ran across them, cutting them off. The middle-aged brothers ran as if for their lives. Their eyes were glazed as they cut off the boys.

“Hey, what are you running from?” Axim screamed at the men.

“The monster came out and started chasing us,” Jon replied exasperatingly.

“It was even nastier than the Phoenix’s fire,” Don responded, falling down.

“Monster in this forest,” Jasp replied, starting to cower in fear.

“Oh, please, once I find this fiery feather and become the leader, this whole thing will be over,” Axim declared to the group.

“There could be a monster hunting us out there, and you are worried about finding it,” Galk responded.

“There is no monster, and this is just another ruse to distract us,” Axim declared.

“Look for that feather, and you can do it alone!” Galk announced, helping Jon and Don to their feet. “We can work with them instead, and you can go away.”

“Fine, you think you can do better without me, then I will find it by myself,” announced Axim as he stormed off toward the monster.

Galk, Jasp, Jon, and Don started to head to the lighter colors of the ancient magic woods. The butterflies were flying, and the air had a sweet smell. The sound of humans could be heard in the distance. Rea hobbled through past the men. Her face looked paler than usual, and she kept pointing forward without speaking. Galk led his crew with his teacher and her greying hair. The woods were becoming less friendly, and the magic was scaring everyone. Between the golden-eyed monsters and the vast plants were not helping the endless hunt. Everyone gathered near a flaming object high in the trees. Caggs was upfront when Jasp pushed his way forward. She was trying to find her way up a tree, but a stinging burn had made her fall. Her skin was full of rashes and burns. The oozing was not making the situation better. Her breath became short, and she was doing well. The flame’s heat was felt above as the Phoenix picked her up with its fiery claws. Its healing tears slowly dripped over her body. Then, as before, the Phoenix disappeared. The fire’s heat could be felt, but no one was trying to climb the tree again. Sen came from the crowd.

“Hey, maybe someone could be lifted by rope instead,” Sen suggested. She had brought it just in case, but there was just silence.

“So many have been taken by the Phoenix already, including the leader’s son,” murmured Tern. “This place is crazy, and what seems innocent is deadly.” He just turned to get out of the forest.

“We still have to find the new leader despite all the setbacks and running from the monsters,” answered Boton. “I will climb the rope to get the feather even if I get hurt.” He hoisted the rope over the branch and tied himself to the harness. His fellow contestants pulled him higher towards the blazing, but it was not even the feather as he arrived. The small flaming creature awoke and, with a mighty fire, burst and hit Boton till he lay limb. Doom hit fast, and his body was dropped to the earth as the stragglers ran for cover. The grey-scaled small dragon unleashed its fury on those it could find. Galk was alone with the dragon on his tail when Jasp grabbed him. Infuriated, he started the hunt of the two when he was distracted by Ply and his limb leg. Just as all seemed safe, the dragon came out, and another burning body of the teen boy Ply. Suddenly the Phoenix came in with many contestants in his claws, dragging them off. Jasp and Galk sat on the ground as the dragon flew off in a fit from his would-be victims.

“You know that if I do not make leader, that will be fine with me,” remarked Jasp

“I agree with that, and this place is crazy between finding the feather and the many things that can kill in this evil place,” responded Galk

“I heard some others talking, and many have already been maimed or almost dead in just a few hours of entering here,” Jasp stated.

“If only we can navigate our way out of this maze, then I think we both should let another be the leader,” remarked Galk

A blustering of color-changing leaves was Axim running across the way. Stomping followed him as the mass of scales rushed past him. Galk and Jasp laid still again from the awful creature, and Axim had been a jerk this entire time.

“Maybe we should help him out since he doubted the existence of that beast,” Galk suggested smirking.

“Fine, we should not leave our friend in danger,” responded Jasp.

Jasp and Galk jumped up and trekked carefully in the direction of Axim. Each turn was a risk due to the number of creatures hunting them. The woods’ beauty was evident, but more creative than the monsters were everywhere. They could hear Axim from farther off in a part of the forest they had not been to. Suddenly Jasp was hanging in the air with the claws of a giant spider. Galk grabbed a stick with thorns and swung at the spider, repeatedly hitting it. The ooze flowing from the spider made it limp, dropping Jasp to the ground. The spider screeched in pain and wobbled off anger till the reptile came along. The last screech was a horrifying sound. Suddenly Axim ran in the same direction. He was out of breath. Passing out on the ground, he just looked up.

“Now, about those monsters that did not exist,” Galk remarked.

“You know that this forest is crazy, and that feather will never be found,” Axim responded.

“I hate to bear some bad news that the lizard thing is eyeing us now,” Jasp explained.

“Run as fast as you can!” Galk started with his friends in tow. The pounding feet of the lizard was not far behind, and the threat was not far behind. As Galk grabs another stick and falls to the ground. As the lizard was about to jump on him, he stuck out the branch. The reptile fell limp as it stopped moving. The other young men came back astonished at the monster’s defeat. Jasp’s face was stunned. Axim was ready for the break.

“How did you do that? Axim inquired.

“Well, let someone think they are going to win, then pull your dagger,” Galk answered eagerly.

“Let us keep moving before another creature sees us as a threat,” Jasp continues getting up.

All young men start to head to a sight never seen. They followed the sound of thunder and flashes of light. The presence of the odd pool was memorizing to the eyes. Cunot had found her way to the area. The strange beauty was shown, but its danger was evident. Feeling the force of nature was an incredible feat. All who watched could not move at the spectacular sight. She pointed out to the fiery light in the lightning.

“Could that be the Phoenix’s feather out there,” Cunot acquired?

“I hope it is not another dragon; I am too tired to be chased again,” Jasp remarked.

“Did not the Phoenix say to tame it?” Galk started to question.

“Yeah, tame the feather and get it out to the lightning pool,” answered Axim.

Axim stretched out his arm with control, but the feather never flinched.

“Come on, you think I cannot be tamed you,” yelled Axim.

“You think by commanding it will listen,” announced Jasp. He held out his hand softly and tried to guide it back. The fire moved slowly but stayed in the lightning bolts protecting it from human corruption. The fluttering flame teased the youth looking at it. Cunot held out her hand gently and more consistently. The feather flipped and flamed, coming closer to the young ones. Galk, thinking, just stood there with his arms close to him. The wet ground was not inviting, but maybe the feather would find it that way. Friendly and more inviting, the feather came out of the pool with heat drying everything around it. Each stood not to anger such a dangerous feat.

It floated in the air with ease as it was studying the strange creatures. Taking a deep breath, Axim tried to grab the feather for himself. A burst of flame glared as they all fell to the ground. Axim screamed as fire consumed him, and no way of quenching it meant he was done for. The Phoenix showed up and picked him up with his tears on him. The others kept an eye on the feather not to provoke it again. Cunot tried to move it gently, but it grew angrier and threw her to the ground knocking her out cold. She was still breathing, but before anyone could help, the Phoenix returned for her. Galk and Jasp glared at the feather floating, feeling hopeless that it would avenge the both of them. Jasp raised his hands just as it seemed to spread its vengeful flame.

Galk calmly said, “Cease and calm.”

The feather’s fire settled and left Jasp unharmed. Jasp held out his hand, but the flame heated again until Galk spoke,” Calm, he means no harm.”

He gently sat back down, stating, “Come in front of me and be calm, for this vengeful game is over.”

The flaming feather did as he said, and with the gentlest touch, the feather stayed calm. Jasp’s heart was beating as he decided to keep his distance from it. It had listened to Galk by peaceful persuasion, not commands. A large heat was felt as the Phoenix arrived at Galk holding the feather without recourse.

“I see you have found the secret of taming my feather,” the Phoenix declared.

Galk stood gently not to arouse the feather. He handed it back to the Phoenix with a smile. The Phoenix gently took it back into its fold. His warmth could be felt for miles around. His beak cocked and then flew into the air.

“To survive and tame the feather means you have a strong heart for others,” the Phoenix declared. “For you, Galk Eggolt, are the Heir of the Phoenix Feather.”

In his loud voice announced to the entire forest, “The Heir of the Phoenix Feathers has been found, the light will guide you out of here, and the beasts will leave you alone.”

His majestic wings rose above the trees again and were seen for the last time. Jasp crept out, constantly watching for any other problems. Galk was laughing again, to the amazement of his friend.

“Well, I guess you are the next leader after all, and all will want to know the journey,” Jasp whispered as they followed the light outside the magical forest.

“No one can know what happened here. Do you hear me, Jasp?” Galk as he gazed directly into his friend’s eyes.

“I understand, Heir of the Phoenix Feather,” Jasp answered.

The Mystic Forest was a beautiful place but deadly, and no one wanted to return. Galk and Jasp left the forest with memories that could never be told, not even to their families. The sweet smell of juniper and sage rang in the free air of the fields of men. Jasp just looked at the typical sky, giving thanks for his survival in that sick game. Basking in the sun, Galk was ready for a break from the formal announcement. The regular world was more welcome, and gladder not seeing the crazy forest was good enough. Axim suddenly appeared in all health.

“There you two are; I have been worried if the feather went after you,” Axim declared.

“The key was to guide it, not command since it is sensitive,” Galk answered.

“The Phoenix healed all of us; no one was lost,” yelled Cunot as she ran up to see the two alive.

“That is good news after all the danger we walked through,” Jasp replied.

The two arose to see all those who were injured were completely healed. Everyone reunited with gladness and joy. Spirits were lifted to see that families were waiting for them. Fear was no longer on their minds, and Galk just appreciated the journey out of the forest. The bright sun was welcome without the fear of getting eaten by one of the many beasts. Only touching the grass or a regular tree will be a delight. Walking around, others seemed to survive despite the horrific injuries. All survived, after all, despite the forest’s danger.

Osiriely stood in front of the participants. His eyes had grown old as a leader this long, and his body could not keep going. He was ready to join the dead from so long ago. His voice was still strong, yet he asked no help from the Phoenix.

Clearing his throat, Osiriely started to speak in his calm speech.

Today I have set many contestants in the Mystic Forest for the quest of being the next Heir of the Phoenix Feather. As you may ask any of them, they will not divulge any information to you. Each one went through their own journey to find the feather. Through many hours of searching, a group of young people eventually found it. Only one could control it through proper leadership skills throughout their journey. Not only did this young man protect his friends and coax the feather to stay calm. He was always a strong leader that was concerned despite how he was treated. His character stood out throughout the challenge. The lack of wanting power was different in this contestant. This attribute makes leaders unique. So today, I welcome my successor to the leader of Stonewall, Galk Eggolt. I know his age is still young, but he has promise. I encourage Galk to learn under me until I pass. Let us congratulate him on his victory. I was young too, but after some experience, I became better. Please give Galk the best try to learn and have some understanding with him. We have found a new leader, and there is cause for celebration.

The cheers became louder as Galk came to the front to join Osiriely. Galk could see his parents proud and his siblings cheering louder. Galk was on the most incredible adventure of his lifetime, but feeling like he did not deserve it. So many others were better at making decisions. Plus, the older gentlemen had more respect from the citizens. Now filling Osiriely’s shoes will be the most challenging job in his life. Galk smiled and accepted as if he did not have the choice anymore.

The grand parade was ready as he entered the town, and the city attended. The bright banners hung off the buildings. Filled streets for the celebration, and Galk could watch. The ride was smooth, but all happened so fast. Galk just wanted to run but held his nerves till the end. Everyone wanted to congratulate him on his success in the magical woods. His heart cringed to hear his name called out as some hero. He just wanted Jasp to stay safe, and doing so became what he was running from. Enduring the constant attention was challenging, but it was for the winner. He cringed as he finally arrived at the great feast at the parade’s end. His table was filled with his family, and yet an empty seat for a date.

So much had happened, and no time to find a girl to celebrate with after all this. Galk pulls Osiriely to the side of the banquet hall.

“I know I am not the best choice for this position,” stated Galk nervously

“You will be fine, son; it is very overwhelming at first trying to lead,” Osiriely stated.

“I have never led anyone in my life before this,” Galk sobbed

“I was also petrified and felt undeserving, but your selflessness made you stand out,” Osiriely stated

“I feel all this is going to be more difficult than expected, is it?” Galk questioned.

“Look, nothing in leadership is ever easy to do, but those who do not crave power can handle it best,” Osiriely answered.

“It is a disease to those who crave it and a curse to ones who do not want it,” Osiriely continues his advice.

“What if I wish not to be the next leader of Stonewall,” Galk confessed to Osiriely.

“There is always a choice in the end, but If I would reconsider till the shock wears off,” Osiriely offered. “Give it a chance despite being scary at the moment.”

Galk is breathing the best he can, staring at the old leader. Then, finally, he stated, “Do you think I can do this?”

“The Phoenix judges on character and the true ability to lead and has been doing it for a long time,” Osiriely responded. “I believe you have the capability, and you will be fine once you understand your duties.”

“Is there any other choice for me right now,” Galk responded

“It can also be rewarding to see this city succeed in the coming years; you are the right leader in the end,” Osiriely reassured the lad.

“Now, pick a pretty young lady to sit beside you,” Osiriely commanded.

Galk looked around the banquet room and saw Cunot sitting with her family. She was always pretty and seemed interested when he talked to her. Her braids had been fixed from being in the forest, and she had a new dress for the occasion. Calming his mind, Galk walked over to her table and squeaked out the words, “Would you like to sit at the head table with me?”

She smiled, glancing at her father, and replied, “Yes, I would love to sit next to you.”

Her father’s look was not as accepting, but her mother whispered in his ear. They both grinned, shaking their heads as the young couple approached the head table. Galk relaxed as the evening continued. The feast was great and never seemed to end. All celebrated the grand announcement. It had been a long day of bravery and discovery through it all. Now, the future as sure has been decided. Galk just looked at his leader and started to accept his future as leader. Galk could only think how good of a leader he would become. For now, Galk enjoyed the celebration and time with a girl he was too afraid to ask out.