The Cloudmare bore him far into the skies and sailed by an aerie of two beautiful birds as white as snow.
The Cloudmare telepathically relayed to Boton, “Phoenixes. I’ll go low by the nest. Show them respect and they may grant you a feather or some down.”
The Cloudmare Urra descended and paused near the nest, which contained a single chick. Fluffy down surrounded the little Phoenix. The mated pair cooed gently. The Cloudmare eased toward the nest slowly. The larger Phoenix nodded.
Unspoken words appeared in Boton’s mind and warned, “You may touch the chick. Be gentle. It’s a great honor.”
Boton slowly extended his left hand and touched the little bird. He had never felt such softness…or pleasantness. For a brief moment all his grief left him and, instead of a warm little bird, he felt the softness of his mother’s skin, smelled her sweet breath, and for a moment felt fully comforted. Scratches on his arms and legs healed. The incantation for the Fifth Level Light Sorcery Spell Cure Critical Wounds appeared in his consciousness. What Boton Klarje Jhundi didn’t know was that no other person who professed to be a Dark Sorcerer had ever known this incantation.
The female Phoenix extended her beak and presented Boton with a bit of the precious down.
“It’s the material component for the spell. The gift is given by the Phoenixes at the request of their friend Innycines who is bereaved beyond saying. You are honored, young one. If you are ready, we will return,” Urra silently suggested.
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