Fawkes' Fables, Adventures of the Firebird Options

[SaintHedwig]

** SUMMARY- This is a tale about our favorite fiery friend, Fawkes, from his point of view. IF you look closely, you might get an idea of what Dumbledore does on school holidays... or when he's mysteriously absent from Hogwarts...**

Ok- here's my latest fan-fic/short story. I've been lost in novel-land (sorry, it's non-HP related) and haven't had much time to work on it. It will probably be about 4 chapters in total. I have a couple more chapters done, but they aren't really edited yet. Hopefully I will have them up soon. I seem to have a strange affinity for magical birds. Oh well, here goes...

Fawkes' Fables: Adventures of the firebird.
Copyright ambh 2007

(Based on characters originated by JK Rowling, but story and ideas are mine.)

Prologue:

Fire erupted around me. My skin burned brightly, but I felt no pain. It was over quickly and my eyes were new again. I could feel the ash, warm and comforting against my body. The fire was a relief.


I had been ill for several days. It takes longer each time, before the fire consumes me. I eagerly await its burning fingers, the way they envelop me in calmness and release.


"It's nice to see you've finally got the job done, my friend. I was becoming concerned. You're taking longer each time before this burning business. It can't be a good sign." My friend's kind voice caressed my ears and comforted me.


I hated the first few minutes after the burning. My body was small and helpless, but my mind was as giant as ever. This tiny frame could not hold my many thousands of years for very long. I felt the growing, the instant it started. I would be myself soon. Time was not my friend when I was in this stage. Vulnerability was not a condition I enjoyed. I had two previous masters and they had both captured me in this state.


"You are growing quickly. It seems you're not too old after all." My friend peered at me, through his gold rimmed spectacles. "We have much to do today. I'd hoped you'd be done with this burning business by now."


He was the kindest master I had ever been bound too. I thought of him more as friend than master. We were bonded in a way I had never experienced before. My other two masters saw me as property, a trinket to be shown off to friends. This man was different. He had saved my life and I was determined to stay with him, until the end. I had seen many humans come and go in my long lifetime. He was the first I would mourn.


I spent the better part of the day nestled in my ashes. They continued to smoulder, with a never ending warmth. I needed their continued protection until I was bigger. A phoenix must renew itself with the shifting of the seasons. Winter was upon us and the castle was feeling the full force of its chill. The air around me chilled my small body. I was not yet strong enough to sustain the effects of the cold.


My companion spent a long time consulting his whirling, metallic machines. He seemed to garner useful information from them, though I was annoyed by their hollow clicking noise. It kept his attention diverted from me for several minutes.


A small hum soon started in my throat, quiet and unheard by anyone else at first. It quickly broke free from within me, and its golden notes pierced the air. It was a song of rebirth, of joy and life. It burst forth as did my new, colorful feathers. Their vibrant colors lit the grey stone room around me, in glittering reds and oranges. I was renewed.


"That's more like it! Don't let it go to your head, but you really are a beautiful bird." He laughed at me, from across the room. I leapt into the air and let my new wings carry me around the chamber. It was such a joy to be whole again. My song continued to fill the air and the golden rays of the notes mingled with the colors emitting from my feathers.


My friend was pleased with the show. It never ceased to delight him and I was pleased to give a private performance. I had been subjected to the humiliation of spectators on burning days, many years before. My song quieted, with the last few notes lingering on the air like a beautiful dream. I landed on my elegant brass perch and let my mind wander to earlier days.

This post has been edited by SaintHedwig: Apr 9 2007, 06:13 AM

[Liza]

I'm so glad you decided to start a new fic, I love your writing style and your very sweet and heart-warming portrayal of our dear old Fawkes. I wonder when this fic takes place ... possibly in Harry's second year so we'll experience the fight in the chamber from Fawkes' point of view?

You despicted the phoenix's love for his master in such a beautiful way. Also the rebirth was wonderfully described so I was able to picture everything quite vividly in my head. Fawkes seems to be a very gentle and thoughtful phoenix and always stayed that way even though as he even said himself, he was ill-treated or rather quite neglected by some of his previous masters. I wonder if he will get over Dumbledore's death alright. They are quite close.

A very touching portrayal of our favourite phoenix, well done.


Update when you can.

[SaintHedwig]

Thanks! I really appreciate your kind words. I should have the next piece ready shortly. It's already written, I just have to finish editing it before posting it on here.

*Hoot*

SaintHedwig

[PaulaMcG]

Oh, I'm so happy you are back posting fic. I got enchanted by the very beginning of this story. The opening line is perfect. It's dynamic and it literally can't leave us cold, when we enter the viewpoint character's current experience.

Your descriptions of the rebirth are beautiful. I also like the way it takes some time and, before the song and the feathers emerge, you help us build up an image of the setting, too, feeling the chill in it. The identity of the friend still remains vague, but we get some vivid glimpses of his laughter and of what he's occupied with. "Much to do today" also sounds promising, and perhaps your viewpoint character won't indulge in memories for too long. On the other hand, perhaps you intend the actual story to take place in those earlier times. In any case, this is lovely and intriguing.

[SaintHedwig]

Here is the next part of the story (technically, it's chapter one.) Thanks, Eija, for your wonderfully supportive words. I've gone back and made some edits to the prologue based on your suggestions. I've decided to put this part up already, because I've looked at it too much. I can't see it differently anymore.

I should clarify a few things about where I am going with this story. It is important to give some background info now, to set up later parts of the story. Therefore, we are seeing Fawkes' memories of his past. I apologize if its too much remembering, but it was the best way to get across the information I needed. It might give you some better clues as to who characters are supposed to be. I don't like to call them by name to allow the reader to interpret it for themselves. Whomever you think the characters represent will be correct. (even if its not who I was really thinking of).

Thank you to everyone who has read my story. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 1: Athens- The Fable of the Greek

The Greek master had arranged public viewings, especially when he could tell the burning day was near. He charged an exorbitatant fee to see such a rare creature as a phoenix. It was double the price on the days when I was sure to perform an astounding feat, the likes of which they would never see again.


I longed for the old days, when I wandered among the warm river flats and lived for myself alone. It was necessary to get away from the Greek. He held me captive and I could not live without freedom. It was destiny for me to be with someone only by choice. No one could hold me for long if I did not want to be there. Opportunity presented itself one day, in the form of a small raven-haired girl.


She came to see my side-show spectacle with, I could only assume, her parents. Her large eyes watched my every move. I could sense the pain and hurt she felt when she approached my cage. The Greek master shooed her away but she didn't go far. She didn't have to. I could feel her thoughts and knew she needed me.


I soon realized she wasn't with parents, after all. The people she was with had stolen her from her family. They wanted her for a slave in their household. She was not doing a good job yet, and her body bore the marks of their displeasure. They brought her to the show as a sign of their wealth. The couple wanted to preen a bit, for the other wealthy citizens of Athens.


The woman sent her on an errand of some sort, which brought her past my cage once again. Her small fingers wrapped around the bars of my cage and her tiny face nearly fit between them. I moved towards her and stared meaningfully into the deep pools of her eyes.


She seemed to read my mind, for she nodded in reply. There was a slight smile playing on her face, when she returned to her masters. No one noticed it, for everyone was looking at the strange bird in the cage before them.


Many of the people in attendance had been disappointed in my appearance, upon entering the tent. My cage was old and in poor condition and my feathers were barely the color of sunset. The gray, ragged feathers were molting and my appearance was haggard. More than one person commented that I wasn't really a phoenix.


"A real phoenix wouldn't look so sick. It doesn't even have the right coloring. This man is a fraud and I will get my money back as soon as this mess is over." A frail little man in a traveling cloak leaned in to stare at me as he spoke. A larger man, next to him, stuck a finger between my bars and clucked to me like a common chicken.


"Here chicky, chicky. I see you for what you are. Don't worry. I'll let your master finish his little scam before I arrest him and kill you. It will be quite an entertaining show. Much better than the one you're going to put on, I'm sure." He chuckled again and nudged his friend in the ribs. "Come on Herodotus. Let's get our seats. I want to sit right up front, so I can see everything."


I could feel my feathers falling about me, turning to ash as they hit the floor of my cage. The burning would begin at any second. The Greek undid a latch and the sides fell away from my cage. I settled myself into the nest of cinnamon twigs and branches. It was piled high on an already raised platform. He didn't want any obstructions for the show.


I was grateful for the rush of freedom I felt. It made me stronger. I would need all my strength, if I was to save the little girl. No one noticed the single golden note I emitted, except her. Everyone else was too distracted by the spectacle before them. My burning had begun.

When it was over and I was sitting nestled in my ashes, the spectators started to leave. The Greek took advantage of the situation. He cajoled them into waiting around, in an attempt to extort more money. Even the two jeering men paid a small fee for the privilege of remaining in their seats and staring at the small, grey mass where the phoenix had recently sat.


It had been a spectacular show. The flames licked the fabric ceiling of the tent but it did not burn. Everyone could feel the heat from the flames but they were not touched by the fire. Most only complained that it didn't last long enough. They wanted more of a show, considering the price they had paid. I knew they wouldn't be disappointed for long.


When it came time to burst forth from the ashes, my little friend was ready. Her eyes never left my nest. The scent of cinnamon lingered in the air and made everyone slightly drowsy. Nobody noticed as she crept around behind and slipped in beside the wheel on what was left of my cage.


The moment came when my song filled the air and I leapt to join in. My wings were spread wide as I circled the room. The golden notes encouraged the drowsy feelings and soon everyone was asleep. Small fingers still clutched at the new feathers around my neck. No one had seen the small girl nestled on my back. The large wings had hidden her from view.


It had not taken me long to regenerate. I was very young and it always happens faster in youth. We flew off into the night sky together. I knew where she needed to be. It was a long journey and she would need food and rest. She'd had neither since being taken from her family.


We stopped a few miles away in the forest outside the city. I could see the Acropolis high above the city, from my perch. The flames outside Athena's temple were kept going night and day. I took comfort from them. The air around me was too cold for my newly formed body.


The girl snuggled between my feet, like a new born bird. I'd gathered a few sparse twigs and leaves for a makeshift nest. It wasn't necessary for me, but I thought she needed the protection and camouflage it would provide. A phoenix can't procreate in the usual way, and doesn't experience the care and nurturing of a newborn. Yet, from somewhere deep inside me, I found the means to care for her. I knew there would be food, of the human sort, on the great temple steps beyond.


I had enough strength left to disappear and reappear instantly with food I'd stolen from Athena's temple. I knew the Goddess wouldn't mind. I kept only a pomegranate for myself. The rest I gave to the small girl. She was grateful for the nourishment and soon drifted off to sleep, nestled again between my feet.


I, too, slept; but warily. I knew the song would keep our masters asleep for only so long. They would be searching for us when dawn arose. I had no intention of either of us still being around when they arrived.


The warmth from the morning sun touched my plumage. The heat radiated from it in a visible spectrum of reds and yellows. I had been glowing all night, to generate warmth for myself and the girl. It is an unconscious reflex and could have drawn unwanted attention from the brilliance of the rays. I hoped my nest was high enough in the tree that no one noticed.


She began to stir beneath me. I was startled by the face that suddenly looked up from below my feathers. It occurred to me that what I was seeing could be an illusion. My feathers could be still hiding part of her face and hair. I looked again, very carefully to be sure. She came completely out from under me and I could see her fully, in the morning light.


Her hair had been dark, the colors of a midnight sky, when we first met. That morning, it was reflecting all the colors of my feathers. Her hair had turned red, with hints of gold and crimson interspersed among the locks. She noticed my strange startled behavior at her appearance and began looking around for the cause.


When she finally discovered the change in her appearance, she was delighted. She did a quick twirl, to see the shiny locks fly through the air behind her. Then, she ran to me and wrapped her arms about my neck. I was glad she was amused by the new change.


I wanted to let her know the plan for our escape. I knew we didn't have much time and she needed to know what to expect. My eyes stared intently into hers but I was again startled by her appearance.


In her large eyes, I could see a long line of people reflected there. Each person was looking back at me, smiling and gesturing to the next one. We traveled all the way down the line until the end, when I saw two brothers. Every member of this strange family had the vibrant red hair that now covered the head of my small friend. They were all smiling and waving to me, except for the taller of the two brothers.


I moved closer to the little girl. It was important to see this young man better. I could feel a connection to him, but I didn't know why. He sensed my interest and finally turned to look at me. He had a long, crooked nose and bright, sparkling eyes.


The young man returned my gaze for several seconds. It was as if he were reading my thoughts. After several more seconds, he smiled and spoke to me, "We will meet one day, my friend. I look forward to the day that brings us together."


Everything vanished in her eyes, in a burst of flame inside her pupils. She looked at me for a moment, as if she had heard and understood everything. I realized she was a magical child, one who had not yet come into her powers. This child would become very powerful as she grew, and generations after her would share her powers.


It was time to go. The day was bright. The sun would be our ally on the journey. We could travel in its light and let the intense rays hide us from view. I was afraid to try my disappearing power with the fragile child. I didn't know whether her small body would sustain the force. Therefore, we flew the distance and she seemed to love riding through the sky.


The distance was long but we covered it quickly. We reached our destination shortly before dusk. Her family was camped along a river, hidden in the forest. I could feel the power emanating from them as we approached. They seemed to know we were coming and several people ran out to greet us. My young charge jumped down and ran to a woman with long black hair.


I circled around to watch their reaction. I wanted to make sure, at long last, that she was safe. The mother appeared just as startled by her daughter's new hair as I had been. But, after looking up at my crimson wings as they soared by, she seemed to understand the change. The last thing I saw were hands waving furiously at me as a final parting gesture of good will. The little girl was home.


Suddenly, a long, crooked nose poked its way intrusively into my reverie, bringing my attention back to my surroundings. I was back in the cold castle. The brass perch I was resting on was still warmed from the earlier flames.


"I wondered where your thoughts were. I could tell you were not here with me. Ah- She was lovely, wasn't she? The historian, Herodotus, gives quite an amusing account of your meeting. But, I much prefer your version. I hope you can bring yourself back to the present enough to join me on an adventure. I will need every ounce of help I can get." His voice was comforting and his kind eyes twinkled behind his glasses.


A single golden note burst forth from my voice. It hovered in the air for a long moment. Then, it disappeared as he and I did, in a burst of flame.

copyright ambh 2007

[SaintHedwig]

Sorry for the double post! Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it.


Chapter 2: Aberdeen- The Fable of the Monk (part one)
copyright ambh2007

We arrived in a dark winter forest, full of trees and hidden magic. My companion and I crept noiselessly towards a clearing and watched in silence for any sign of danger. He sat down on a recently felled tree stump and I rested gently on his arm. He looked deep into my eyes as he spoke.

"I need you to show me your time in the monastery. I know it is unpleasant for you but it's necessary. It could be the key we need for the battle ahead." His voice was urging and I understood the need. I allowed my mind to wander to the past, however unwillingly it went.

That summer evening was warm and fine. I was huddled in a makeshift nest in a large yew tree, withering away to nothing. I couldn't get warm and longed for the burning that would soon set me free.

I understood that I was in a hunting ground. I could feel the animals around me, as they stepped warily from their homes. The party had returned to the distant castle hours ago but no wildlife had ventured forth until darkness settled. I was worried the burning would happen with humans in the forest. They would not be able to ignore the flames when it happened. I was tired and injured. There was no way I could fight them off.

My injuries were many and I was severely weakened. It had taken almost all my remaining strength to build the sheltering nest and climb inside. I had recently been in battle with an overzealous wildcat.

Most predators find me distasteful. The flaming feathers burn like a pepper plant and help ensure our survival. For some reason, this cat didn't seem to care. He was young and determined. He surprised me in a moment of weakness, when I was resting. I had flown many miles that day and left myself unguarded while the deep sleep of exhaustion overtook me.

He sprang up from behind and I was between his fangs in an instant. We rolled over several times, when he lost his footing from jumping so high to get me. I was beaten repeatedly against the rocky ground as we struggled. He sensed my weakness and attacked again. I managed to free myself from his grasp, while he was dazed from the fall. However, I didn't get very far as I was similarly injured.

It took a large part of my strength to read his mind. I sensed this was a game, a way to prove himself to the other cubs back home. He would carry me back triumphantly as a totem of his prowess. I, however, had other plans. The sharp fangs were tearing at my tender flesh. I would have to act soon or he would really overtake me. Then everything would be lost.

My feathers began to grow hot. Flames glowed momentarily where the feathers had been before. It was dangerous for me to start the burning before it was time. It seemed I had no other choice. I needed him to release me.

Our ears picked up the sound of approaching riders at the same time. The flames in his mouth were growing unbearably hot and he decided the risk wasn't worth the triumph. He released me and I fell limply to the ground.

I watched as he ran off into the distance, to make sure he didn't have a hunting companion nearby. Slowly I made my way towards a rocky crevice and threw myself into its shelter. The riders were fast approaching and I didn't have time to hide anywhere else.

A fox flew past me a moment later. Her red tail flailed along behind her, signaling to the riders where she was going. Still, she managed to lose them in the brambles nearby. The riders lost the trail and wandered around for a few moments in frustration.

Finally, one dismounted and studied the tracks on the ground. His face was only a few centimeters away from where I was hiding. If he turned his head the slightest bit, he would see me.

"I have found a new prey. These are tracks from a wildcat cub. He would make an excellent addition to my bestiary. We will come back for the fox another time. I do not yet have a wildcat in my collection. It would amuse me greatly to raise a kit to adulthood. Let us track him. What a crowning jewel he will be in my collection." The man spoke with authority and everyone readied themselves to follow him.

"My liege, which direction shall we go?" One of the men seemed skeptical of the other's ability to find his nose in the dark. He was noticing the tracks as well, and made a point of concealing to the others that the tracks went in the opposite direction from where the first man was pointing.

"Abbot Linnaeus, you seem to doubt me. Have you some better information from your vantage?" The kingly sounding young man seemed annoyed by the presumption of the older man.

"I am a man of faith, my liege. I am generous enough to share that faith with all God's creatures. I trust you know where to go. I only asked which direction so I might turn my horse." He was smug in his reply and the king noticed his tone.

"Well, let us continue our hunt in this direction. If there are no objections, that is-" He turned his horse and spurred him forward. The man next to the Abbott looked at his friend with concern.

"You'll find yourself in jail or worse if you keep that up. The new king has much to prove and he knows others will follow your lead." The man's concern amused the Abbott.

"I am a clergy member of the Catholic Church and under the protection of the Pope. I fear only God." He turned his horse in the direction opposite that everyone else had followed. The other man chose to go with the Abbott. He was more afraid of the church's displeasure than the young king's.

When I was sure everyone was gone, I flew carefully up to the top of the tree beside me. It took some time to assemble supplies for a nest. My strength was almost gone. The burning would be upon me soon, and offer its sweet release. I would only have to wait a little longer.

Several hours later, I sat reborn in my little nest of ashes. The time of vulnerability was upon me. I could only sit in my nest and hope my appearance would be less noticeable in the dark night sky. Darkness could only cover me so long. I would light up the forest when my song began. Hopefully, no one would be around to see it.

I heard rustling noises on the ground below me. My senses knew it was the Abbott. I could smell the scent of the wildcat on him. He had caught the small cat recently. Apparently, he had found a vibrant red feather tinged with gold, caught between two of the wildcat's teeth.

Abbott Linnaeus was a learned man. He had studied the myths from around the world and knew what he was looking at. It didn't take long to realize the tracks he'd seen earlier were from a battle between the cat and something else. Proof from the feather confirmed his suspicions and he set out immediately to find me. I could do nothing in my nest but try and shrink into the ashes and hope he wouldn't see me.

The tree began to bend with the weight of the man. He was climbing to see if I was hidden above. There was no way he could know the state I was in. Suddenly, his face appeared before mine. The look he gave me was of pure triumph.

He seemed to understand what I was and the delicate condition in which he found me. He placed his large hands around my small nest and carried me with it to the ground. I was placed in a tightly woven basket that was sealed shut. When it came time for my renewal song, I would be trapped.

I felt the basket being strapped to the horses pack. I pleaded with the horse to try and help me, but he was too afraid of the master and his whip. There was no means to escape and none of my usual powers were available to me in my weakened state. I could do nothing but wait.

I could feel the growing as soon as it started. The basket kept me contained and I could not sing my song. Misery surrounded me and I thought of death for the first time. This strange man would finally be the end of me and I could do nothing about it. We rode for several minutes in silence.

I could feel the song burning in my throat, with no way to escape. I opened my mouth and a single note slid out. Its gray coldness chilled me as nothing ever had. The note hovered, silvery in the air, and then vanished. That was the end of my song. It was not a song of joy and hope. It was filled with despair and death. The man felt the shifting mood from my short song but he was not moved by it.

When we reached his home, I could feel other humans and animals surrounding me. He whispered excitedly to one of the men and I was frightened by what I heard.

"Assemble all the brethren in the hall. I have something to show them that they will not believe. They will witness the rebirth just as it happened in the tomb, when the stone was rolled away. It is a joyous occasion and we must prepare. But, hurry. I know not how much time we have before it's too late."

The Abbott was impatient to show off his treasure. Many of the brothers would think it was a sin. They felt several of the animals in his bestiary were demons and this would only confirm their suspicions.

The king himself knew not of the Monastery's bestiary. It was the sole pride and honor of Abbott Antonio Linnaeus himself. He allowed only a couple loyal brothers to tend the animals. One had recently been impinged on the horn of the unicorn foal and was being treated in the infirmary. It was to the other helper that he urged the readying of the monastery for the new addition to the zoo.

When everyone was assembled, the Abbott led everyone in prayer. It was a familiar ritual now, to everyone. Each time the Abbott went hunting, they were subjected to the charade. The ones who felt the injustice of his actions the most were always the last to arrive. They couldn't bear to watch the spectacle that was surely damning their head brother to a life in hell.

"Brothers, today we witness the crowning glory of the father. He will show us the magnificence of the resurrection in a truly miraculous way. Prepare to see the hand of God." With these words, he ripped open the top of my basket.

I felt myself soar upward, stretching the new wings. The song was golden in my throat again and it covered everyone in feelings of serenity. I wanted them calm so they would not react when I made my escape. I continued to soar upward, thinking only of my freedom, when my head made contact with something cold and metal.

The song ended abruptly as I plummeted to the earth. I remembered the sea of faces staring at me in surprise as I fell. Nothing had ever prepared me for this. Darkness fell around me and my eyes closed.

When I awoke, a monk was tending to my bedding. I was lying on a makeshift nest of straw and the remnants of my ashes. He was trying to make me sip water. I was grateful for the drink but wary of his touch. A talon slashed out in reflex as he tried to hold me. The blood from the cut was crimson, like my plumage.

"Please, let me apologize. I did not mean to touch you without your permission. I am only trying to help." There was a kindness radiating from him and I calmed down instantly. His red hair was familiar to me but I did not remember his face. The other hand, the one clutching the now bleeding wound, was wrapped in a cloth that showed signs of another injury. This must be the man the unicorn foal had wounded.

"You are a very beautiful bird. This is no place for you." He looked into my eyes as he spoke, as if expecting a response.

I answered him with my mind. "Please let me go. Release me, before it is too late."

"I can't. Abbott Linnaeus is watching me more closely now. The griffin escaped weeks ago and he has been suspicious of me ever since. He will kill me if he thinks I am helping his prized possessions escape." His answer was unspoken and I was amazed.

"How can you hear me? Why can I hear you?" My questions were frantic and confused.

"You are not the only one with special gifts. I came here to find a peace not available in our world. This has been a quiet haven and I have found happiness here, at least I was happy before he came. The new Abbott is not a godly man. He is ambitious. The Pope arranged for his coming here from Italy, to act as a spy in the king's court. I suppose he fancies himself as king one day. I don't know how he'll manage, though. The king is very fond of being the king."

The sound of footsteps behind us awoke our attention. The Abbott was approaching. "Good morning, brother. I see our new pet is alive and well."

"He is not a pet, with all due respect, Father Linnaeus. I know these birds. They will die in captivity." My new friend was taking a great risk speaking in such a manner as this to his superior.

"Pish- posh. Such nonsense! This is a bird that dies and then comes back to life. Why should it die permanently, just because it is in a cage?"

"It was cruel to release him with his renewal song unsung; especially into the cage. He needed space to fully renew. You have crippled him." My friend was growing bolder as he spoke.

"If anything happens to this bird, I will hold you personally responsible. Now finish your chores. It is time for daily studies. I would like to add our new addition to the bestiary record. Please record his likeness in it today, while you are at your worktable. No one has as fine a hand as you, when it comes to rendering drawings." The attempt at flattery was not lost on my new friend.

"I will do my best, Father Linnaeus." He left my cage, pulled the door shut and locked it. He gave me a bow and returned to the monastery by way of a small door overlooking the garden. The older man remained behind and watched admiringly as I flew to the top of the cage. I began biting it with my beak and it seemed to amuse the man below.

"You are wasting your time on a futile task. Don't ruin your beautiful beak." With that, he turned and entered through the same door. I was left alone.

Many days passed where I saw no one. I was not given anything to eat. I enjoyed the solitude but longed to nourish my body. In my despair I began pecking the ground, looking for small insects within to feed my hunger. This was not my preferred food source, but it was helping me keep my strength up. My attention was distracted by the task and I did not see the raven approaching.

"Caw! Caw!" The shiny black raven was suddenly inside my cage, and I looked up at him in stunned surprise.

"Who are you?" I spoke with my mind. I sensed this was not an ordinary animal before me.

"My name is Aberdeen. We met several days ago. I gave you some water-" His voice, in my head, now sounded familiar. He flapped his wings and clicked his beak in greeting.

"How is this possible? You were a man when we last met." I was supremely puzzled and in my weakened condition nothing was making sense.

"I told you we are of the same world, the magical lands. I am hiding here, in the monastery to escape the other life I left behind. You are not the only one with special powers, my friend. I am here to help you escape." He looked around, wary of having been followed.

"The Abbott is a cruel man. He was sent here from Italy for earthly measures, not heavenly treasure. He hopes to take the opportunity the Pope has given him and finagle it into a cardinalship or maybe even a kingship. He is going to use you as a means to impress the Pope. I know life in a cage will kill you quickly. Therefore, we have to escape but there isn't much time." He spoke quickly and looked back at the garden door several times.

"There is only one problem. I have left a valuable possession behind. I loaned it to a fellow brother in the scriptorium. That is where we study and I draw images of the bestiary for the Abbot. Brother Benedict assists me in recording new acquisitions in the bestiary record." The raven paused for a moment, as if chastising himself silently.

"He was trying to draw a raven and asked to borrow my bracelet. Brothers are not allowed to have valuables in their possession. He knew I was risking serious punishment for withholding the silver from the abbey coffers. I loaned it to him in hopes he would not tell the others. At least that is what he led me to believe."

The raven lowered his head, as if in shame. "I have risked a valuable ancestral heirloom for the sake of pride. I only revealed it to Benedict when he needed help drawing a raven." I could feel the pain of his loss emanating from every inch of him.

"My ancestor, from long ago, was the first of my family to have the power of transformation. The woman, Rowena was her name, was able to become a raven. Her father gave her a silver bracelet, engraved with a raven design." He paused for a moment, and caught an insect in his beak, as it buzzed past.

"When Benedict asked to borrow the bracelet, I loaned it to him. He claims it is now lost. I can not leave without such a valuable artifact from my family. We must get inside and find it, before we make our escape. I know you have the power to disappear and reappear at will. Can you help me do this?" His voice was pleading and I understood the importance of the artifact to which he was referring.

I did not speak for several minutes. The raven-man knew to let me be, without disturbance. He busied himself with picking the lock with a shiny metal pin he'd carried with him, in his beak. My mind spread out among our surroundings. I was searching for the bracelet, trying to sense its location. Nothing was coming back in response.

Finally, a small glimmer of silver reflected off a mirror far away in the abbey. I followed it with my mind. It led me to a small chamber that held relics of the saints. A short, stocky friar with a hawk-like nose, was bending towards the Abbott and trying to covertly show him the bracelet. I watched as the Abbott took the bracelet, listened to the story of the friar and broke into raucous laughter.

Abbott Linnaeus traced the design with his fingers for several minutes. He sent the brother away and continued to contemplate the design on the bracelet. Then, he opened a relic box for the bones of Saint Sebastian. The bracelet was carefully placed inside. I returned to my present companion and told him what I had seen.

"Can you get us into that box, without discovery? I must have that bracelet back!" The raven, called Aberdeen, was pleading with me. I was wary of getting involved. The little strength I had would be needed for my escape. I was all set to turn him down, when the flash of a memory in his eyes caught my own.

The same line of people I had seen in the young girl's eyes was before me. Again it stopped on two brothers, the same as I had seen before. The same strange man smiled at me as he had done previously.

"Please do what you can to help my ancestor. It will make our task easier when we finally meet. I am still eagerly awaiting that day." His eyes smiled and twinkled in such a way that I couldn't refuse.

The raven was suddenly at my side. He seemed to know everything that had taken place in the past few moments. We stepped gingerly out of the now opened cage door. He gripped my wing tightly with his beak. It was horrendously painful but I bore it the best I could. Picturing the relic room in my head, we disappeared in a flash of crimson.

[SaintHedwig]

Here is part two of this chapter. I have one more planned, that isn't written yet. I apologize for double posting again. Enjoy!

Chapter 3: Aberdeen- The Fable of the Monk (part two)
copyright ambh2007

We arrived inside the room an instant later. I realized my error immediately. There hadn't been time to check whether anyone was still in the room before we arrived. The look of glee upon the Abbot's face was sickening. My friend's courage wilted in the presence of the hateful man. Linnaeus sat, straight-backed and proud, on a bench beside the relic box. It was almost as if he expected us.

"Aberdeen, you never disappoint me. Come now, show yourself!" He rose and made to grasp the fluttering raven with his hands.

The monk was suddenly standing before him. The Abbott's fingers clawed the air, barely missing the man's face. I flew high into the vaulted ceiling and perched on a pointed design carved in the molding.

I crushed my body in to the vault, trying to be as small as possible. I didn't want any unnecessary attention. It was uncomfortable, to say the least, but I wanted to be as far from his reach as possible.

"Abbott Linnaeus, you seem to know a great deal about me. How is that possible?" Aberdeen was coldly calm in addressing the other man.

"I have eyes and ears everywhere. Brother Benedict alerted me to the presence of riches that were being withheld by a fellow brother. When I saw exactly what it was, I knew in an instant what it meant. I have spent a lifetime studying the arts of every breed of person who opposes the will of The Father." He laughed quietly to himself.

"It is my duty to prepare myself against any foe, however unholy they may be. You see I have already placed the vile object in sacred ground." He indicated the relic box to his left, but his eyes never left Aberdeen's.

"You pretend to be a man of faith, Abbott. Instead, you are a man of the world and all its pleasures. I am not fooled by your pretense and neither is the true Father above." Abbott Linnaeus stepped forward and slapped Aberdeen hard across the cheek.

"How dare you speak to me with such filth? Your kind does not know anything about such things, because you are not worthy." He sneered at my friend and moved to stand in front of the relic box. I was helpless from my position. I couldn't see any way to help Aberdeen.

"You don't know anything yourself, but your own avarice and pride. I will take my bracelet and leave. You will never have to see me or my kind, as you call us, again."

"Oh, no- I have great plans for you. You will be the ultimate example of evil for my followers. I will use you to prove the powers of darkness that we must fight against. Everyone will join my cause when they see evil so well personified in you." Abbott Linnaeus' laugh echoed hollowly off the massive stone walls.

While he was speaking, my friend reached into his habit and pulled out a small piece of wood. Before the Abbott even realized what happened, Aberdeen waved it at him and the power emanating from its end immobilized Linnaeus on the floor.

I could feel the presence of several people outside, in the hall. I tried to warn Aberdeen, but couldn't break through the power of his spell to reach him. The door burst open and a small, hawk-nosed man threw a silver dagger into the air.

My eyes followed the path of the dagger, in horror. It landed squarely in my friend's back. Aberdeen crumpled to the floor immediately. It was time for me to act, before the others reached him.

I flew from my perch on high, wrapped my long talons around his arm and lifted us both into the air. My strength was still lacking and we barely cleared their grasping hands. The Abbott was slowly stirring below us, though his followers took no notice of him.

"Grab them! Do not let them escape!" He was trying unsuccessfully to rise from the floor. The stocky little monk, who threw the knife, finally rushed to his side.

"Father Linnaeus, are you hurt?" The hawk-nosed man crouched beside the Abbott and tried to assist him. The older man pushed him away and I could hear him angrily chastising the small monk- Benedict, as I remembered him from seeing him earlier. Abbott Linnaeus' voice was the last thing I heard as we disappeared into the forest.

Later, as we rested in the comforting woods, I listened carefully for signs of our captors following us. I didn't have much time and rushed hurriedly to heal Aberdeen's wound with my tears.

"Thank you for saving me. I hope someday I, or one of my kin, can repay the favor. I feel as if generations of my family must owe you their thanks." His kind words comforted me and I knew they were strangely true.

He had the same powerful presence as the small Greek girl I'd rescued so many centuries ago. It occurred to me to wonder if she was the original owner of the bracelet we sought. There was no time to find out as I heard men approaching on horse back.

"I apologize for not getting the bracelet. There wasn't time." I reached out to him with my mind and hoped he understood how sorry I truly was. There wasn't anyway we could go back inside the Abby. They would be even better prepared the next time.

"Remember this day. You may have a chance to return here sometime. I will continue to try, as well. However, this is my problem and you are not responsible. Please take your freedom and live a long happy life. I hope we meet again someday, preferably under better circumstances, of course!" With those words, he stroked my scarlet feathers a final time and changed into his raven form.

We flew off together into the night, but did not travel the same path for long. There was too much danger in staying together. I hated to part with his company, despite knowing there was no other way.

As I came to the end of my memories, I once again noticed the crooked nose and smiling eyes of my current companion. He was stroking my feathers, just as Aberdeen had in my memory.

"Thank you, my friend. I have long wanted to know what happened on that far away day. It is a sort of legend in my family and I really wanted your account to verify what I already believed to be true." He still stroked my feathers, absently.

"You know the intimate details that might mean our success this time. I know that was painful to remember and your willingness to go back there is a sign of just how magnificent you truly are." He smiled at me for a moment before turning his attention to the sounds of the forest.

I stretched my mind far into the forest, but found no one to give us alarm. It was not dark enough for the nocturnal creatures to be stirring and the other animals were slowly making their way home and to bed.

A lone white owl watched us from a distance. I knew the owl and was surprised she was there. My companion noticed her presence and chuckled to himself.

"She's a smart one, she is. She will be a wonderful guide when I- when it's time, I mean. I had no idea she would follow us here." My companion nodded respectfully to the distant owl. She gave a low hoot and took off into the night.

I watched her for several minutes, before her form was lost in the dusky sky. My companion waited, watching the sorrow grow in my eyes. I longed to follow her instead of venturing where I knew we had to go.

[briseis09]

Awesome story. I love how it is set in Greece. I have an unending love and desire for any Greek Stories.

I will continue reading this tomorrow. I kinda have to go now...we are in a bit of a rush as we are house-sitting and we still have to travel to Vancouver.

Anyway, this story was well written and the images are so vivid. I could not even pull myself away to kiss my hubby hello. Lol.

Well, until tomorrow.

Take Care and Loads of Love,
Arlene (Briseis09)

February 2, 2007 10:06PM.

I really liked the first two chapters. It was interesting to see how faith is good and how faith is used for one own's ambitions. I also liked your take on the Raven. I have a huge thing for Ravens and one of my Fics that I will be posting up sometime soon is based on a Raven as well.

Excellent imagery and usuage of words. It brings your story to life in the mind. Keep writing and I hope you update soon.

Much Love,
Arlene (Briseis09)

[SaintHedwig]

I want to thank everyone who has taken time to read my story. Arlene, I appreciate your comments and for taking time to come back and read some more. Any writer craves feedback so it's very gratefully received. I hope to post a new chapter soon. I've had a sick baby (and I'm working on a screen play and a novel) so I have put Fawkes on the back burner. It is time to re light the phoenix flame, so you should see a new chapter soon. Gracias, everyone!

*Hoot*
SaintHedwig

[briseis09]

I hope your little baby is okay. And no rush on the update, take good care of the little one first.

But, I'll keep tabs on your story.

Fawkes is awesome.

Take Care and I'll be praying.

Much Love,
Arlene (Briseis09)

[SaintHedwig]

Here's the next installment. I'm sorry its taking me so long! If anyone out there is familiar with Greek, please feel free to double check my Greek translation (You'll see what I mean shortly...) Thanks again to everyone who has read Fawkes! More of Fawkes' fables should follow shortly.

Chapter 4: Avalon- The Fable of the Wizard (Part One)
copyright ambh2007

The tour guide was rambling on in a droning, drowsy voice. "This is the last monastery raided by the young pseudo-king Henry. Henry was named a King before his father really gave up the crown or died. Therefore he wasn't really a true king. Instead, he was raising funds for the battle against his father and brother, Richard. After the death of his beloved prodigal son, the reigning king, Henry II, renamed the monastery Aberdeen. He wanted a way to memorialize his son. King Henry often compared his son's demise to a bird in flight."

I could see the smile playing on my companion's lips. He was amused at the story the tour guide was feeding the tourists. He stood out, among the crowd of tourists, on the steps of the monastery. His silvery long hair stood in sharp contrast to the conservative trims of the other gentlemen on the tour.

Though my companion had dressed himself carefully, to blend in with the other visitors, he was still garnering many looks from the others around him. He was especially interesting to two older women, huddled together against the brisk wind. They looked like spinster sisters in their early sixties. Their appearance was completely unassuming but I sensed something off about them anyway.

"Aberdeen was one of the last places young Henry ever set foot in England, before traveling to Limoges. So, the bereaved father ordered the monastery renamed after the legend of a monk. The monk, named Aberdeen, became a raven and flew away after defeating an evil demon that had taken over the monastery. The monks didn't dare disagree with the old King, fearing serious retribution." The tour guide was enjoying the sound of his own voice much more than the bored audience he was supposed to be entertaining, but he continued on none the less.

"This legend of the monk is apparently based, somewhat, on true events. There was once a monk named Aberdeen, who lived and worked here. You can see his work on display in the scriptorium, which we'll be venturing to directly. He was a marvelous artist and his life's work is known as the Aberdeen Bestiary. Be sure and check it out when we journey upstairs, to the next level-"

A murmur of voices followed the guide up the spiral stone steps. They were glad to be moving on, closer toward the end of the tour. My companion, however, stayed by the arched stone entryway.

I could feel him summon me and he knew I was close by. I'd promised to monitor the surroundings and provide a single scarlet feather, if a warning was needed. Fortunately, the day was looking to be perfect and not a sign of malicious magic was in sight.

I appeared by his side, the instant he called me. Not a single sinew of his muscles twitched with my sudden appearance. He was concentrating on the stairway in front of him. I knew it was best not to disturb him, so I rested gently on his shoulder- eagerly awaiting the directions to come.

"Ah, my beautiful feathered friend- I have long dreamed of this moment. My family has lost part of its heritage and I will finally be the one to regain it, though it's probably too late." His eyes saddened and I could feel the pain suddenly emanating from every fiber of his being.

With a firm step and determination etched in every line of his face, he began walking down the long corridor beside the stairwell. He admired the tapestries, as he passed. I recognized many magical creatures from our world. The griffin and unicorn were prominent in many of the woven scenes. There were many that he seemed familiar with that I never dreamed existed. The fangs and claws were frightening and I was glad when we were past the gallery.

My companion came to a small door, hidden in a corner. His tall, lanky frame towered well above it. From my vantage, I could look down on the top of the stonework forming the arch. Something was written in an ancient language, above the door frame, where only someone really tall would see it.

Εάν επιδιώξετε,
κατόπιν θα βρείτε,
αλλά θα πρέπει να χρησιμοποιήσετε το μυαλό σας

The hearty laugh that echoed through the corridor frightened me for a moment. I couldn't figure out where it came from as it bounced off the thick stone walls. It was soon apparent, however, from my companion's quivering body that the sound was coming from him.

"Oh, Aberdeen! That is rich! You see-" He indicated to me the carvings in the stone. "He has left me a clue. I think he even knew I would be the one. Amazing, isn't it?" His words puzzled me. I could no more decipher the scratches than give birth to kittens. I looked again at the carvings, but couldn't see what was so funny or amazing.

"This translates to mean If you seek, then you shall find, but you'll have to use your mind." He laughed again, in answer to my unasked question, with a merriment that I hadn't heard in his voice for years. It was as if a heavy weight was lifted from his shoulders, even if it was only for a moment.

"Good thing I brought you along, old friend. Can you sense where the bracelet is, at all? Be mindful of the other guests in the monastery, as well. I wouldn't want to intrude on their tour."

I let my mind loose, to search the old monastery for any sign of magic. The strongest sensation was coming from the door in front of us, though I could sense something smaller in a room above where we were standing.

"I thought as much. Thank you for your assistance." He stroked my feathered head with warm affection, as our shared vision faded before us. He then began speaking a quiet magic in his mind. Only I could hear his words, but I never could understand the human forms of magic.

The door flew open before us and he carefully entered, wary as I was of surprise occupants. In front of us sat the relic box I remembered from my past. My friend walked up to it, cautiously, and I flew up to the rafters to watch protectively from above. I watched as the tall man bent over the box, examining it without touching it for several minutes.

"This is not protected by any magic spells, but it has great magic radiating from its depths. It's very unusual, I must say!" He opened his hand, in front of him, and a long silver spoon appeared on his palm. He used the spoon to carefully lift the latch and open the box.

He peered through his golden spectacles at the contents of the box. I could not see into it myself, but I knew instantly what he was looking at. He was laughing again and my mind was not capable of understanding.

"These are authentic relics, my friend. There are a few of them out there, you know. They have a great power to humans who are believers in their cause. It is very rare to actually find relics from the real saints. Most of them are medieval trash and junk that has been pawned off on the uneducated masses as the real thing. Pilgrims would spend a lot of money to worship the bones of a chicken, if they thought it was the real thing."

I could not understand what he meant, but I knew enough of the human need for money. I had been the prisoner of human avarice many times before. We were apparently in the presence of another power, besides that of the magical world. I appreciated its importance despite not understanding much else about its origins.

My tall companion shut the box, with a loud snap. A voice behind us startled us both. We had been too dazzled by the power emanating from the box to realize anyone else was around.

"We don't think you're supposed to be in here." One of the old women from the tour was speaking. Her sister was standing smugly beside her.

"We were told it's not on the tour." The smug sister gave a sinister looking grin as she spoke.

"We don't think you're likely to steal anything, though." The first sister spoke again, her words tinged with mirth.

"Not if we get it first, that is." The second sister was speaking again. Our heads were dizzy, with switching to look at them each in turn.

"My dear ladies, I don't know what you mean. I've simply wandered in here by accident. Can you direct me back to the tour?" My friend sounded innocent enough, but they weren't fooled.

I sensed danger and disappeared from my lofty perch, to be more surprising if an attack became necessary. I enjoyed being at full strength. Since I had renewed myself so recently, but with plenty of time to recuperate, I was at the height of my powers.

"We want you to tell your bird to get back here." The first sister spoke again.

Neither sister had even turned to acknowledge my presence, hidden high in the vaulted ceiling. Yet, they knew I was there. Nothing about their presence alerted my senses to danger. I couldn't find one ounce of magic about them until- at last, I sensed it on the second sister. Her pocket was emitting a faint hint of magic. It was so small it might not have registered at all.

My companion was surprised by their presence but gave no hint of alarm. Instead, he spoke to them casually- as if greeting them at a tea party.

"Deino and Pemphredo! I scarcely recognized you without your sister. How is Enyo these days? It has been many years since we met." I could hardly believe he knew these women, much less knew them as well as he seemed to.

"We remember you, also. We are divided by Ares. We are making war in the magic lands. We are by his side, preparing for the battle ahead. We want the bird back, immediately." They spoke as one, the pretense of being normal now gone.

I sensed my friend's request for my appearance and promptly flamed into view on his shoulder. I wanted them impressed with my power. I wanted to maintain an appearance, no matter how fleeting, of my power over their own.

"I see," said my tall friend. "Your sister is with her husband, Ares. I felt the winds were being stirred for war. All the signs and prophesies point to it. It's been coming on for years. I don't see why they need to stir things up any more than they already are." His voice broke with emotion for the first time, since meeting the strange women. I began to fear them, though I could still not sense any thing about them.

"We are bored with waiting and the time is now. We will not wait anymore." Their voices blended with eerie strains. It hurt my ears to listen to them speak. I knew there should be a magic aura pouring forth from them, but I was unable to see or feel it. My friend sensed my growing panic and tried vainly to steady my nerves.

"Ah, my fiery friend, I have not offered you an acceptable introduction. I beg your pardon. These ladies are the Graeae. I'm sure you have heard tales of them, in your journeys, particularly during your time in Greece?" His words jarred the memories, which came in a sudden rush.

The Graeae were three sisters, born of the ancient sea god- Phorycus. They shared one eye and a tooth and were older than anyone was able to know. I had never seen them, but heard about their powers during my time in Greece. Many tales of their insight, through the Seeing Eye, were passed down by generations. Why they were there, with their powers cloaked beyond my abilities, I was anxious to find out.

My companion seemed as eager as I to unravel the mystery. He questioned them again, though I doubted the sincerity of their answers. Any beings, which could cloak themselves so successfully, would have no qualms about hiding their true intentions.

"Ladies, what could you possibly want with anything in this monastery? There is nothing here that would interest witches with powers as great as yours. Besides that, you are taking a great risk in traveling without your sister." He was curious, but tried not to seem too eager.

"We want the bracelet. We are of the sea. One day, we will be reclaimed by the sea's drowning fingers. If we are the raven, we can fly above our father's reach. We will never return to our father's house." Their voices rose to a fever pitch. I could feel the distant tourists growing curious about the noise coming from below. I was sure they had noticed the disappearance of several interesting members of the tour by now.

My companion noticed the urgency growing in my mind. He too was anxious to be away from the ancient sisters. I was curious to know what was in the second sister's pocket. I hoped it wasn't the bracelet. My mind was unable to find the bracelet anywhere within the monastery walls.

"Yes, I too am feeling the effects of living such a long life. It is common for some beings to fear death and look for ways to avoid it. However, the bracelet is not the answer you seek." His voice carried a thread of comfort and calming. It held an underlying attempt to cast a spell on the sage sisters, which I recognized immediately. They paid it no mind and continued on, as before.

"We will look for that bracelet, Pem." The first sister was speaking alone, again. It was a relief to hear them speaking without the magic dual tones. I could only imagine what their voices would sound like with all three Graeae together.

"Shall we use the eye, Dei?" She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, glass orb.

"We shall." As soon as she finished speaking, their outer appearances washed away, as a deluge on a rainy day moves mud across the river bank. What the water left behind were two old crones. Their long white hair and shriveled faces were the only part of their appearance that was visible. The hair covered everything else.

I had seen eye sockets like theirs before, having plucked out a few eyes myself. Their gums rolled inward, so lips no longer showed where their mouths should be. A sudden, powerful force hit me and knocked me off my companion's shoulder. I could finally feel the full effect of their power and it astounded me to my very core.

"Well, ladies? What do you see?" He seemed amused and I wondered at his apparent lack of concern for the situation. I landed back on his shoulder, recovering quickly from my fall.

"We see what we see and its bad tidings for thee." Their voices cackled together and both my companion and I were nearly deafened by the combined sound of their voices.

"I am well aware of the future ahead of me, which is why I don't have much time to stand around socializing with you. I also can not let you have the bracelet, you see." His voice held anger for the first time. I felt a hint of fear creeping in, behind his words, as well.

It was time for me to act. I knew the plan that was formulating in my friend's clever mind. The plan was brilliantly simple. It was up to me not to fail. My only concern was that I did not know the extent of the witches' powers. One false move and I might find myself back at the beginning- with no way of renewing.

In a flash of crimson fire, I was gone. The crones were furious. As creatures descended from the sea, they feared fire. Fire was my power and I planned to use it willingly.

[PaulaMcG]

SaintHedwig,
I'm sorry I've been so slow at reading your lovely story. I've only finished chapter one.

However, I looked at the Greek phrase and its translation in your latest instalment, and in my view they are fine. I have a feeling that the words on the first two lines are a bit more old-fashioned than the completely modern style of the third one. I've studied only Modern Greek beyond the very basics, so I don't dare to suggest how to make the last line sound more formal or ancient or something. (If you ever read those stories of mine in which I use a few Greek phrases, feel free to offer concrit. I've transliterated the phrases, because my viewpoint character hears them spoken, and I want to make it a bit easier for all my readers to have some kind of an idea of what they sound like.)

The Fable of the Greek is beautiful. You manage to make it exciting despite Fawkes's ability to move and read minds so easily. The changes in the bird and the girl make it even more dynamic. And the opening scene is more vivid thanks to the lines of dialogue between the spectators.

Now your paragraphs are pleasantly short, but, of course, the paragraph lengths could also vary a bit more. And perhaps a bit more of dialogue could help you in rather showing than telling the story. I suppose it can't always be easy to add dialogue when your characters are animals – and magical animals who don't need to hear words to know thoughts and emotions.

Yes, you wonderfully included emotion in the interaction with the little girl. I think she's Dumbledore's ancestress! And I like the way you close the chapter, justifying the long flashback and moving us forward.

(EDITED on the 5th of March. I'm sorry I thought I saw another error where there wasn't any.)
I hope you don't mind I include the mention of one error I noticed, because it's tiny and nothing to be ashamed of: "My eyes starred intently into hers- "

[SaintHedwig]

I am back from vacation and I finished the last chapter! I am going to post it and the epilogue seperately. Thanks to everyone who has read my story and offered such helpful advice! Eija, I always try to incorporate any suggestions you have and my stories are much the better for it! Thanks so much! I would also love some more feedback from anyone else whose read this fic. I am currently working on a novel and any suggestions for my writing style are greatly appreciated. Thanks again, all!

Chapter 4: Avalon- The Fable of the Wizard (Part Two)
copyright ambh2007

A sudden hush fell over the monastery, stopping even the monotonous guide in mid-sentence. He looked around at the wide, frightened eyes of his guests and felt the panic rising in his own. The strange noises coming from below had unnerved the tourists and he tried vainly to brush it off as nothing. Now the eerie din had stopped, seemingly sucking all the sound out of the ancient stone walls.

The pitiful guide's mouth moved, but nothing audible came out. The tourists began pulling at their ears, as if trying to remove invisible wads of cotton. As strange a situation as they found themselves in, nothing prepared them for the scarlet flames that erupted in front of their very eyes. The strange, deafening magic spared me the sound of their terrified cries as I appeared in a full blaze of fire.

The piercing shriek that finally shattered the monastery's silence was so violent that the tourists fell to the floor holding their ears and screaming nearly as loud as the original demonic cry. My signal for action was this sound of ancient creatures in despair. He must have gotten the magic eye away from the Graeae. I had only moments in which to complete my task, before everything would be lost.

I flew toward the glass box encasing the ancient drawings of Aberdeen. The key to finding the bracelet would surely be hidden inside. It was my task to retrieve them, while my companion distracted the crones below. We had no way to be sure of the bracelet remaining hidden if the Graeae used their powerful magic to uncover it for themselves. There could be any number of ancient magic protections guarding and hiding the bracelet but they would be no match for witches as powerful as the ones confronting my friend. Though he was far from defenseless, I feared leaving his side for too long.

My golden talons burned through the glass, allowing me to reach inside and take the yellowed vellum pages. As soon as the velvety soft pages were in my grasp, I disappeared from sight- leaving the stunned tourists staring questioningly at the guide with their terrified eyes.

The sight that awaited my own eyes, when I returned to the chamber below, frightened me beyond much of anything else I'd seen in all my thousands of years. The two sisters held my friend captive in a blue, undulating wave of power that poured out from the palms of their hands, as a stream bursting forth from a dam. It appeared to be made of water colder than that of the ocean's depths. I could feel the pain of the cold he felt in the very plea for help he gave me. I wanted to utter his name, as a comfort to the pain I saw radiating from his pale blue eyes. To do so would forever alter our relationship, perhaps changing the path of destiny.

"Albus!" The word escaped me unspoken in the way of humans but audible to everyone in the monastery, including the wretched tourists one floor above. The warmth of emotion carried with my word broke the spell of the Graeae. They could not fight the fire of my word or the powerful magic behind it.

I had long ceased considering him my master. He was my friend and companion in the most familial sense of the words. It was really only a formality that I had not said his name before. I knew the consequences of such an action and was content to remain his faithful servant until the end. Yet, I could not deny the feelings engulfing me at the sight of his pain. I felt compassion and pity, and had countless times before. What finally severed the magical ties between us was the love filling my heart and breaking it at the same time. No phoenix could remain bound to a master if he uttered the master's name with love.

It was customary for a phoenix to enter a self-imposed exile once the bonds of servitude were thusly broken. That was the punishment for allowing it to happen. As payment for being freed, a phoenix must leave the beloved friend behind.

"Ladies, you have just witnessed something extraordinary. Let us cease this quarreling and admire it for a moment." A smile played gently upon his face, slowly erasing the pain still etched upon it.

"We know full well the power of the firebird. We will not waste time considering what we already know." Their voices grew together as they spoke, forming the magic of their combined powers again. However, this time my companion was ready.

"Fawkes, it's time." His calm words spurred me into action. I began my song; the golden notes filled the air with an almost visible beauty. The Graeae clutched their ears in pain. They could not hear each other over the dulcet tones of my avian aria. The witches were momentarily distracted and unable to cast a spell without hearing the voice of the other sister. More importantly, the bond was broken with the third sister who was part of their collective magic even from such a distance.

"Take us somewhere safe, my friend." His fingers grasped the glowing embers of my tail. We disappeared just as the ancient crones began to overcome the power of my song. They were a moment too late and the spell they cast bounced off a window molding, barely missing us as we disappeared.

He was weak. The witches' watery magic had sapped much of his strength. He sank onto the cold stone floor with relief. I fluttered onto his shoulder, allowing the warmth of my body to help him recover.

"Well done, Fawkes. I must take a moment and thank you for what you did up there. I know what it means for you to utter my name and I am eternally grateful. Ever since the dream I had of you, I knew our destinies were meant to entwine. My ancestors have all owed you a great debt but none is as big as mine. And, now- I don't suppose I'll get a chance to repay it." He stroked my feathered head as I nestled close, still warming him with the heat from my body.

After another moment of rest, he began to peruse the pages I'd stolen from the gallery above. The light emanating from my feathers allowed him to read, despite the inky blackness of the dungeon. As he read, I let my mind wander into the deepest corners of the darkness. I hadn't time to check it properly before we appeared in its midst.

Everything seemed fine except for a small stone in the floor. I could sense a faint glow of magic below it but couldn't tell what it was. I left his side and began moving toward the stone.

"Wait!" He was by my side instantly. His large frame leaned over me, inspecting the stone just millimeters away from my raised foot. He began to prod it with the small piece of wood that he always carried with him. Words I didn't understand were muttered quietly under his breath. Finally, he began to laugh softly. I stared at him, stunned by his strange behavior.

From above, I could sense the sisters were on the move. We didn't have much time before they would find us. My companion still had the Eye and they were magically bound to it. It would be beckoning them closer with each passing minute.

He caught my warning just as he reached a hand out to the stone. His long fingers began to trace the words carved into the smooth cold slab. As each finger left a letter, it began to glow a faint yellow-orange. When he reached the final letter, the entire thing burst into flames, melting the stone away.

"Your Abbott was hiding some strong magic from you, my friend. He must have been mighty powerful to disguise it so completely. It's no wonder he knew so much of our world. I'll probably never understand why, but our friend Aberdeen was not the only wizard seeking refuge in the church." As he spoke, he reached a hand into the opening left by the stone.

"Aberdeen drew you, Fawkes, standing over a stone shaped just like this. Your name was labeled on the page in such a way that it appeared to be on this stone. I thought the bracelet would be hidden below." He heard the sisters approaching at the same time as I did and we turned together, to see them reaching the stairs leading down to our level.

"We want the eye." Their unearthly voices shook the ceiling, dropping large pieces of stone around us.

My friend rose up to his full impressive height. "Prepare to be disappointed." He reached into his pocket and removed the Eye. Holding it out before him, he stared into its depths. I could see the images as he saw them. I felt a momentary pang of guilt. How much longer would we continue sharing the bond? It was strange that it hadn't been broken yet, despite my saying his name.

In the Eye, he watched as Abbott Linnaeus carved the ancient words in the doorframe we'd entered earlier. The images continued and we saw the Abbott burying the bracelet and covering it with the stone. He whispered magic over the slab before the image changed again. We watched as Aberdeen stole quietly into the scriptorium at night, adding a few last minute touches to his final drawing in the Bestiary record.

Everything suddenly became clear. My friend closed his eyes for a moment, before reaching his hand into the hole in the stone floor. The blind Graeae watched in silence, as well as they could without the magical Eye. Their fingers clawed the air in front of them, still frantically searching for the Eye.

I leapt into the air, darting in and around the sisters- distracting them from the Eye. They could sense my magic and were fairly accurate, barely missing my feathers with each wave of their gnarled fingers. However feeble my attempt, I provided enough distraction to allow him to complete his task.

When his hand rose above the floor, it was grasping a shining silver bracelet. I knew its design in an instant, having seen it so many years before. The sisters sensed its presence immediately and began chanting. The horrible sound began working its magic on us as soon as the words left their disgusting mouths.

As a result of the crones' magic, we were growing weak and unable to move. With his remaining strength, my companion feebly grasped my tail. He threw the Eye in the corner opposite from us. It was enough distraction for the Graeae. They lunged for it, breaking the spell that held us. In that moment, I was able to escape.

After the dank stillness of the dungeon, the cool night air was refreshing- even to me. We had returned to the safety of the forest where we started the day's adventure. I could still sense the Graeae close by and wanted to leave immediately. My companion had other plans.

"Those poor Muggles deserve a respite. No one will believe them and they will begin to doubt themselves. It will lead to their ruin. It's unkind to leave them that way. Perhaps a little song will cheer them up?" I understood his meaning and took off into the night.

I did not dare venture back inside the monastery. Instead, I began circling outside the tower. The tourists were still inside and still in shock. I began my song, letting the message of comfort fill the air. They would grow sleepy and forget, waking up with only the memory of a strange dream. No one would be able to explain it and no one would try.

There was also a message for the Graeae woven inside the song; parting thanks for use of their Eye and assurances they would not be bothered in the future. I doubt they were mollified but my tall friend insisted. I remembered how he'd said the third sister and her husband were stirring the winds of war. I hoped the night's events would not make matters worse.

I had already altered my destiny forever but hoped it wouldn't have a ripple on the rest of the magical world- only time would tell and I could only hope for the best. Hope- I was without much hope at the moment. Soon it would be time for me to leave him forever. I couldn't plan a future for myself, if the only human I cared about would be divided from me.

When I reached the forest clearing, there was no sign of my companion anywhere. A moment of panic overtook me, until I once again began to see visions through his eyes. I could see myself from above and turned to look in that direction. Circling high above, carefully hidden in the night sky, was a large raven. I soared into the air to greet him. We raced each other into Zephyr's winds, stretching our wings to the heavens.

[Larauder]

Oh, this is great. Very refreshing and different. Since I've read "Three Bags Full" which is a novel told from the point of view of some sheep, I couldn't wait to get started on this feathery fanfic. The beginning already enchanted me, your usage of words is admirable. I wouldn't have thought just how exciting and interesting Fawkes' life is. And since I adore anything and everything that has to do with the ancient Romans and Greeks I was euphoric to see that you let Fawkes at least partly explore Greece. The dialogue at the beginning of chapter four was a pleasant surprise and I thought you mastered the task of letting an animal somehow take part in a conversation extremely well.

I love this fic for its warmth, its passion and vivacity. Keep the great work up.

[SaintHedwig]

Thanks for your kind words, Laurader! I really appreciate you and everyone else whose taken time to comment on my story. It's great incentive to get it done, when I know people are reading my work! I will post the epilogue shortly, which I think will make this one officially done. It's going to feel kind of strange to have two completed fan fictions... Anyway, thanks again! Check back soon for my last bit!

*Hoot*
SaintHedwig

[SaintHedwig]

Here's the epilogue. Sorry it took so long to get it ready and for the double post! I really appreciate everyone's comments. I think this might be the end of this fan fiction. I'm kicking around a few other ideas... but you'll just have to wait and see!

Epilogue:
copyright ambh2007

"Better get on with it, you know. You look terrible!"

His words laughed, but his voice did not. Each day we awaited the moment when I would have to leave. Days turned into months and soon the season had passed. The burning was upon me again.

As the burning grew nearer, a gnawing fear began growing in the pit of my soul. What if I would have to leave when the burning was finished? It would be a time of renewal and seemed an appropriate time to start my exile. I feared leaving- of leaving him. I put off the burning, not wanting it all to be over.

Strangely, the one thing that should have happened never did. From the moment I uttered his name, the connection between us should have been broken. Yet, I continued sharing visions with him- a tie that should not have been possible since that fateful day. We had never ceased being joined as one. It confused my companion, as well. All the consulting he did of the whirring silver machines never gave him a satisfactory answer.

I also thought it odd that I was only able to refer to him by name that one time. If the ties were broken, I should have continued using his given name. However, I could never bring myself to do it since.

Finally, I could put off the inevitable no longer. Bursting into flame was the only thing I could do. The bright, fiery spectacle drew his attention from yet another attempt with the silver machines. He watched me for a long time after, as I sat nestled in my ashes.

"I think I might have a guess, dear Fawkes. Unless you are suddenly feeling the need to leave, then I have a theory that might explain why you're still here." He continued to watch me intently. I settled further into my ashes, with no attempt to leave. I wouldn't leave anyway, until after my renewal song, but strangely I felt no desire to do so.

"Remember this is only a guess. My ancestress Rowena was the first generation of my family to encounter the magnificent phoenix. As a result of your meeting, my family has always had a flaming head of hair. Many generations of my family have since encountered the phoenix- and it is always the same one- you, Fawkes." He reached out a long, slender hand to cup my head tenderly in his palm.

"Our destinies are so entwined that even the very laws of nature no longer apply. When I die, your exile could begin- or you could be tied to my brother, as he would be the last of my family. There is no way to be certain until that day arrives, though I am sure we will shortly know the answer to that question." He smiled ruefully, as we were both aware of what the stars held for him in the months to come.

The renewal song began to burn in my throat. One single golden note slipped out and he drew back his hand. He watched, laughing, as I leapt into the air, the warm tones of my song filling the room with love.

When the song was done and I once more perched on my brass stand, he held out his hand to me again. Upon his palm was a luscious piece of pomegranate which I plucked gratefully from his fingers. It was cool against my still flaming beak. The comfort it gave me was unlike anything I'd ever felt. I knew that I would never leave as long as he needed me.

"Thank you for being a wonderful companion, Fawkes. I hope we will always be together when we both reach Avalon's fair shores."

[Sirius'sWife]

Thank you so much for that wonderful story of Fawkes, I absolutely loved it. You have real talent there m'dear and I do hope to read more of your work soon.

I for one, particularly liked the short paragraphs (I like that style), and your imagination knows no bounds.

Thanks also for your kind post at my intro - I would've never have looked in this section but for your prompt and I am so glad I did.

Sirius's Wife x

[SaintHedwig]

Thank you, Sirius's wife, for reading my story and posting such a nice response! I always try to let new Snitchers know about the fan fiction site when they arrive. It took me a long time to get around to reading fan fiction (and much longer before I was brave enough to try it myself.) Consequently, I am playing catch-up even to this day. I am notoriously slow at reading (aren't I, Eija {paulamcg}! hehehe!) Anyway, Thanks again for reading my Fawkes story. I am very proud of it. I also have one about Hedwig. It is in the completed fic forums (at the top of the General page) and there's a link in my signature, also. It's probably easier to get to it from my sig. Anyway- I am very glad you're part of the Snitch and keep hanging out with me here in the fan fiction!

*Hoot*
SaintHedwig