226: Sun

Morlin and Sylverith’s comment went largely unnoticed, or at least I’d expect some reaction from the royal family if they knew we were about to have Alira visit us.

Everyone continued to eat their desserts, with Liane getting a second small tart for Lily and herself, and it was only interrupted by the sound of bells.

This did catch the attention of the royals, as Marcus leapt to his feet.

“Alarms! The city is under attack!” he called.

I was surprised to see armour appear on the man almost instantly. I had not seen an ability to do that before, as he was now wearing polished, shining red plate armour. The door to the dining room burst open as the familiar figure of Liam appeared, dressed head to toe in full armour.

“Your Majesty, there appears to—”

Sylverith stood up, talking to everyone’s mind, which spoke over all other noise.

“Calm yourself, it’s Alira. She’ll make a fiery entrance, I’m sure; she always does. Just don’t get in her way.”

Marcus sputtered. “The phoenix? Here?”

“Yes, dear,” Sylverith smiled.

“We’re not ready? We’ve not prepared any offerings!” Marcus sounded almost panicked.

I couldn’t help but find it amusing watching what should have been the most powerful man in the kingdom panicking over not having offerings to Alira, who will most likely ignore everyone anyway if her last visit was anything to go by.

“I really don’t think offerings will be necessary,” I said.

“It says in our tomes that the last time the phoenix visited, it requested treasures and gifts on every visit, or it’ll never return,” Kathrine said very seriously.

It was Sylverith who broke the mood, laughing loudly. “It’s her, not it dear, and Alira will be fine without you showering her with gifts this time; you have commissioned a grand statue after all by one of her new favourite elementals.”

A voice appeared in my head as Sylverith spoke directly to me. “Be careful, young Trevor. Their classes rest upon the view that Alira is almost a god. Destroying that belief could drastically alter their class.”

I had not considered this aspect at all, so with a nod, I didn’t push it any further.

My concern, however, turned to the presence of Alira herself. I vividly remember the aura she put out on her visit to Dunhearth. It even rendered people such as Liam and the party unable to move, and I doubt everyone was ready for that. I was especially worried about Clifford and his wife, Valorie.

“Her aura was particularly strong when she visited before. I think it’s best we give those who are unprepared for it time to leave,” I suggested, watching Liam at the doorway nodding in agreement.

Hari nodded as a serious look came over him, as he moved over to speak with Darren, Micca and George.

“Clifford, Valorie, you’re by all means welcome to stay, but I will warn you Alira’s aura is very strong, far stronger than Lily’s unless she’s really trying,” I explained.

I heard a huff behind me, clearly coming from Lily, who disagreed with my assessment.

Clifford bowed. “Thank you, Sir Trevor. We will absolutely take our leave. I want to thank you for this amazing meal.”

Crisplet burst over and appeared to be conveying a message to Sylverith as a flash of images burnt like a rapid wave in front of him.

“Crisplet is worried about you as well, but insists that you remain and present the statue together,” Sylverith said.

“I’m sorry, Crisplet, my wife,” Clifford said with concern in his eyes.

“Perhaps we can assist there,” Micca smiled.

“We’re heading to the sunroom. The distance should make it safer, as it did in the inn. You’re welcome to wait with us,” Micca offered.

“But my husband,” Valorie looked back at Clifford.

“He’ll be safe, I promise,” I said, not knowing exactly how I’d manage it, but I pushed my thoughts to Sylverith, knowing she’d hear them.

“Are you able to protect him at all?” I asked.

Sylverith nodded, her voice responded in my head. “It will be fine. She is able to tone it down, just chooses not to out of habit.”

Clifford didn’t look too convinced by it, but after a nod to his wife and a hug, he sat back down, while Valorie left the room, following Micca, Darren and George.

“Archie, could you please ensure there are no house staff too close? I don’t want to rehire again tomorrow,” I said with a nervous laugh.

Archie bowed. “It’s already been done, sir.”

“Well, we best head outside or the entire city guard will be in a panic and rushing here,” Marcus said, clear command in his voice.

Walking outside, I followed behind the royal family, all of them now wearing very formal-looking armour, even Elijah and Luis. I was joined by Crisplet and Sylverith, with most of the group choosing to stay inside. Even Lily didn’t bother coming out, staying inside with Huling.

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The night sky was lit up like daylight as you could see a giant ball of burning fire approaching the city. If I had not witnessed this in Dunhearth, I would have been far more concerned.

The alarm bells in the city rang loudly, but the courtyard in front of my house only had a small handful of the King’s best guards; the wards likely kept out far more from entering.

“Will the wards stop Alira?” I asked Sylverith.

“No, she’s unfortunately far too powerful for the quick wards I put up,” Sylverith smiled.

There was a silence in the group as we waited, but we didn’t have to wait long before the fireball lit up the sky directly above us, and would have been impossible for anyone in the capital to miss, especially with the bells ringing. Marcus sent two of his personal guards off to stop the bells, but so far they had not been successful.

As the ball got closer, Crisplet’s tree statue visibly brightened, the leaves rained sparks, and you could visibly see fire coursing through the core of the tree below the bark made of ash and charcoal.

Then she landed, looking exactly the same as the last time I saw her: a young lady with a dress made purely of fire, vivid red hair, and eyes that were just pupils surrounded by flame. Her skin was not smooth but covered in fine feathers made of fire, as she had a grin on her face.

“Sylvy!” she squeaked, rushing forward.

Several of the guards dropped to a knee, but impressively everyone else managed to stay upright. I thought for sure that Luis or Elijah would struggle, though I had to hold back a laugh. As the royal family bowed, they were completely ignored.

After greeting Sylverith, her attention next went to Crisplet, who had been standing proudly next to Clifford, who was visibly struggling to stand up but still managing to do so.

“Alira dear, tone down your aura. We have some people who are not used to your intensity here tonight,” I heard Sylverith say as she was rushing over.