Life of a Phoenix - Chapter 15 - The plot thickens and Death is Revealed

The halls were dark and quiet within the fortress of Ka’thi’en save for the lone footfalls of highly polished boots upon the shimmering marble. The sound was arrogant, haughty even as they drew ever closer to a set of black doors, a parody of Vasi’shan’s sunlit halls.

The ebony doors opened at the approach of the footfalls then closed behind them. They paused for a second, and then continued up the stair-lined dais.

“Master?”

The voice was oozing with a charm that was overly done, and raspy tones accompanied it so that it was harsh and not smooth.

“Master, I have our report from the field.”

“What of it?” The voice was dark, foreboding.

“Their leopard, The White One has been injured. ‘Tis good news, Master.”

“Good? How could this be good? The Lady Aryun is summoned. You know what that will cause to the Scales.”

“I know, my lord, but the fact remains that one of the Heaven’s General’s are gone. Out of commission, and laid up.”

“Ah, but for how long? Can we afford to have Aryun on their side? Vashon, you have not paid any attention.” He leaned forward so that the faint lights fell on the side of his face.

The golden hair shimmered in the soft light, and hit the high cheekbones. The golden-green eye glimmered as he watched the young man.

“Remember, Vashon, she is mine.”

The young man, now identified as Vashon, swallowed heavily. “Yes, Lord.”

The golden haired man’s hand reached out, gently caressing Vashon’s cheek. “She is mine, and mine only. No one shall harm her.” He dropped his hand, and chuckled. “Wouldn’t it be funny if they knew what had happened to Voaton. Such a shame, don’t you think?”

“Yes, sir.”

The green-gold eye watched his servant intently. “Come. I’ve a job for you, Vashon. You must write a letter for me.”

Aryun had returned to the chambers where the former Chosen were staying as she thought about her wounded bodyguard.

She started as a deep voice cleared itself, and she spun to look behind, her body going into a defensive posture.

"Aryun?"

"Sheesh, don't do that to me!" Aryun dropped out of her stance and crossed her arms over her stomach.

The man just watched her, not blinking. Finally he shruged. "It got your attention, did it not?"

Aryun shook her head. "Yeah, it did." She looked up at the man who was over a head taller than she was. "What are you up too?"

The golden eyes glittered with slight humor at her discomfort. A pale, white and slender hand came up to brush the long, black hair from his face. "Tyral said you had brough guests. I found it lax in my mind not to introduce myself, or would you like that honor?" A slight curve graced his lips.

Aryun sighed, looking at the man in front of her.

The Lord Thanatos was tall, and he seemed to look down his nose at her, but that wasn't the case. He looked the exact oposite of Tyral. Brilliant golden eyes graced his face instead of Tyral's icy silvery blue. He was more masculine looking than Tyral, but yet delicate in his hands, and pieces of his face. His hair was the inky blackness of the deepest earth, the color of death.

His clothing was made of the finest velvets as it draped around him, concealing the antiqued armor he wore. The armor itself was a finely polished black metal, shimmering with golden highlights within. Aryun had always thought it was beautiful, but she'd never tell him that.

Thanatos' voice was deep, smooth, and felt like velvet on your skin. It was suprising that such a voice could show many shades of emotion. You had to work at it, but you could tell what he was feeling even though he sought to hide it.

"How is Housai?" Aryun smiled at the stern god, laughing mentally at his discomfort as he brushed his hair back from his face again.

The God of Death shifted slightly on his feet. "She is fine, Aryun."

Aryun smiled wider. "I hear a 'but' comming this way."

He sighed and rolled his eyes, his deep voice reverberating with a slight pride. "Lerile Eira, and Tempest Wen."

Aryun couldn't help it and her mouth fell open. "You mean you and she? You both? I mean . . . what I mean to say is . . . I . . . Oh light!"

Thanatos' golden eyes gilmmered in pleasure. "Yes, our children. One more reason to fight along side my polar."

"Indeed. Are they well? Is she well?"

"Iraina is wonderful with her knowlage. Housai could not have been in better hands. Thank you for her concern." He bowed his head slightly. "Would you be kind enough to allow me to greet your comrades?"

"Oh! Of course, Lord Thanatos. It would be my pleasure."

"Aryun, please call me as you did once long ago. It would ease and please this bleak soul."

Aryun smiled slightly, glancing up at the far taller man. "Agreed . . . Than."