The Chronicles of Heaven's War: Burning Phoenix by Ava D. Dohn Page B

wall collapsed on her during a bombing raid at our outpost
on Stargaton. When we dug her out of the rubble, I could not
believe her still alive. Along with so many bleeding fractures and
severe burns, Eurwha’s skull was nearly crushed. She eventually
healed, but something inside her head changed. It was many years
before I saw a smile cross her lips again, and not a laugh have I
heard from her since that day over a thousand years ago.”
    He grinned, winsome. “Eurwha’s a good, dear, lovely
companion. I personally requested her company on my team when the
offer was made me to set up the rejuvenation machines for the
delivery of your kind to this place. She has assisted me with the
arrival of every one of your kind, her pleasant face often the
first of my kind that your people see after waking into this world.
If your kind carries a single vision of angels in their
heads, I assume it should be that of Eurwha’s soft, smiling face as
she welcomes them into our world.”
     
    *
     
    The late afternoon sun found Hanna and Symeon making
their way along the narrow street that led toward the rail-stage
that would take them to a tiny village some miles east of Palace
City. It was the location where all those who arrived from the
Lower Realms first awoke. Although most of the work was now
finished, Hanna wanted to make sure every detail was just perfect
for their girl’s returning. They also needed to prepare for the
roles they were to play assisting Ishtar.
    As they passed out through the gate leading to the
street, Symeon spied an acquaintance sitting on a bench near a tiny
fountain beside the ancient wall that ran from the gate off into
the distance, enclosing a beautiful garden park. He waved his
hellos, being in too much of a hurry to stop and chat. As he neared
the exit, he shouted over to his acquaintance, “She’s here! My
girl’s come back to me!”
    The man sitting on the bench waved and nodded,
smiling grimly. For Symeon this was a day of joy. For that fellow,
it was a day of dread. The man looked down at the flowers in his
hands, flowers intended for some of those who rested in the Silent
Tombs. ‘Sirion would like it that way, to know that her companions
had not been forgotten since her departure.’ The man hoped his
business this day would conclude soon enough for him to make that
promised delivery.
    Why now? Why him? Could not the gods have picked a
better candidate for this mission? He was no hero, did not deserve
this place for any reason, especially to assist this wonderful
goddess about to be reborn. So worthless the man felt, so miserably
worthless…
    Drorli arrived when the man was at his gloomiest and
quietly sat down on the bench beside him. “Well…” Drorli grinned,
“She’s here… will be up and about in a day or two.”
    The man continued to stare down at his flowers,
tears escaping his eyes and running down his cheeks. Finally he
looked over and into Drorli’s face. “Why me? I am a most abhorrent
person, the worst of all mankind! I murdered the girl, wished to
satisfy my passion on her and then handed her up to murder. A vile
man am I, not deserving a thing. I don’t even deserve life, and
look, here I am in this world, a place so pure and holy. I deserve
not even a place to rest my foot. Why me?”
    Drorli patted the man’s shoulder. “Why you? Well, I
only deliver your kind here. Someone with a lot more authority than
I have, decided your arrival. You’re here now, so you better make
the best of it. I’m going to...”
    He leaned forward, looking the man in the face. “I
think I will have need of your services… maybe. I’ve studied this
girl’s history. She was a bit feisty back then, and I’m afraid she
might become a little bit more so before she settles down
here.”
    The fellow slumped forward. “A fate worse than death
I feel is upon me! She will hate me forever… despise me! I deserve
it…deserve it and a whole lot more.” He looked over at Drorli.