You will find here the fourth part of my latest short story, titled The Rebirth. Its action takes place in the historical times of Ornithodea, which is a world inhabited by the species of anthropomorphic birds, who are the only sentient creatures.

The text is translated from Polish by  Luminouscales.

Table of contents
Illustration
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

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“Geraki along with the others was accused of conspiring with the enemy,” said Anastasia, still shaken after what happened. “That’s what one of the soldiers said.”
“She wanted to talk to her brother,” pitched in Nikanora, “but she was not allowed to fly over, even in spite of her pleas.”
Kaliksta nodded in contemplation. She glanced listlessly at one Phoenixian, then the other.
“Just tell me, my dears, what the message of the last sermon was.”
The girls looked at one another. Kaliksta was making sure no one had changed their memories.
“About the fact that everything will be reborn,” responded Anastasia, “and that we should not fear the end, for it brings about the beginning of something new.”
“Good,” replied the mentor. “Let us go somewhere a little bit quieter.”
After facing the soldiers, the girls had concluded that they would have to inform the elder cleric about the situation at once. As she would rarely ever leave the temple, they had hoped that they would find her there, and they had not been wrong.
As Anastasia was flying along with Nikanora, she could not fend off thoughts about Geraki. Even though the soldiers had stopped her from approaching him, their eyes had still managed to meet. Her brother had looked as if he wanted to say: There is no hope for me. That memory had been stalking her up to this very moment.
Kaliksta led her pupils to the backroom. There stood a few chairs with an empty space just above the seat and a back reaching up below the shoulders. By the wall at the end of the room was a table, on which unlit torches lay along with other ceremonial items, and above it hung a mirror adorned with a decorative frame.
The priestesses sat down. Anastasia and Nikanora were looking at their mentor in anticipation. She tried with all her will to settle down, yet she was unable to.
“Listen sweetheart,” said Kaliksta to her, “I am well aware that this can’t be easy for you. That’s why I’m extremely glad you came here, since this way we can all decide what to do next–”
“But I don’t believe that Geraki did such a thing!” snapped Anastasia. “He always claimed that he loves his fellow people! And he’s supposed to answer for this?”
“I really need you to control your emotions. By all means, I didn’t say that your brother committed such a betrayal. Nikanora, what do you think?”
“Well…” The girl hesitated, but quickly responded: “Anastasia, I say this with all my respect, but I think we ought to consider all possibilities.”
The other glared at her friend in suspicion.
“What are you trying to say?”
“You know well what the corvidae are capable of. They could’ve taken control over Geraki, or could’ve retrieved crucial information from him and then changed his memories. He must’ve fallen victim to the Kelaghi if he is now to be locked up in the dungeon. How do we know he did not betray our country?”
Anastasia shook her head in disbelief. Yet after a moment she let her heart settle.
“I don’t know any more. But… this just doesn’t make sense. He could’ve been helpless against the corvidae, how can that be held against him? Besides, supposedly many innocent aves have now been sentenced to death just because they were suspected of assisting the enemy.”
“But some didn’t even need to have taken part in the war, Anastasia. One can travel to another city merely to trade, but raise suspicion after their return since no one knows whom they could’ve talked to. I don’t know whether the Matriarchs themselves decided upon such treatment or whether it was one of the officials, but we can’t do anything about it either way.”
“That’s quite enough!” Kaliksta reprimanded her pupils. “Don’t forget who you are talking about right now. I wouldn’t say anyone’s spying on us, albeit we still should watch our words.”
“My apologies,” Anastasia responded with a sigh, “but I need solutions. I can’t just leave it like this.”
“That is quite clear. I believe that the best choice now would be simply to talk to your brother.”
“Will Anastasia manage to learn anything from him?” asked Nikanora. “She will hear him out, but she can’t be sure whether he’s telling the truth.”
“What do you say we should do, then?” the other responded in anger. “We’re supposed to examine one another, right? Then I’ll have to try. Though it would be quite nice if I could get to him in the first place, and those soldiers will do all but allow me access to the dungeon.”
“You are right,” said Kaliksta, “in most such cases the guards are ordered not to let anyone inside.” She stopped briefly, then added cheerfully: “Unless one is to receive permission from the Matriarchs.”
Anastasia blinked a few times. She felt like she did not understand.
“In what way…”
“As you know, I’ve already lived quite a few years,” interjected the mentor. “Do not forget, however, that I was also once a hatchling, and then a fledgling. I attended studies, I also served as a priestess of Phoenix when I was your age. Maybe you can guess that the Matriarchs, as members of our community, have also walked this path.”
“Then…”
“I know the rulers like my very own sisters. Specifically, I am on friendly terms with the Second Matriarch, Amaranta.”
Anastasia had already anticipated what the mentor wanted to say, though that did not stop her from letting out a squeak of admiration. She looked at Nikanora. Her friend, upon hearing such news, goggled at Kaliksta with an open beak.
“Does that mean you can free Geraki?” The young priestess did not even attempt to stifle her rising excitement.
“I did not say that,” responded Kaliksta. “Your brother is facing very serious charges, so I cannot influence this decision to such a degree. As soon as we are done speaking, I shall make my way to the palace, ask for an audience and negotiate permission for you to speak with Geraki.”
“I’ll fly there with you.”
“No. That is not a good idea. I ask that you stay in the temple until I come back. I should return in the late afternoon, so that we can both go to the dungeon where your brother is being held.”
“Forgive me, Kaliksta, but will I be needed for anything?” asked Nikanora. “I strongly support Anastasia’s cause, but I also have other matters which I would like to attend to.”
“You are free. Thank you for helping us with your thoughts on the matter. We will meet again tomorrow.”
She stood up and bowed, spreading her wings.
“The pleasure is mine. Anastasia,” she turned to her friend, “do not worry, everything will be okay.”
The other girl sighed.
“I would also like to believe that. Stay safe.”
“See you.”
Nikanora left the backroom, rose into the air and left the temple. Meanwhile, Anastasia looked at her mentor again.
“Why do you not want us to fly to the palace together?”
She spotted Kaliksta’s worried gaze. It occurred to her that she had asked a question that bears no simple answer, one that can please neither the asker nor the asked.
“I am unsure whether you know who the Matriarchs actually are,” the elder cleric responded finally. “You yourself have previously mentioned the politics of Ellia. You know about them from conversing with the residents, yes?”
“Well… that is right. It’s difficult not to hear about it.”
“Then I must sadly assure you that the rumours do not seem to be even remotely exaggerated. Amaranta can see that some of the clerks, generals and other direct subordinates of the Matriarchs are sentencing more and more aves to executions. In her opinion, it indeed seems as if they are being sentenced for mere suspicions.
“What do you mean ‘in her opinion’?” Anastasia asked surprised.
“The rulers do not manage this matter personally, so they are unlikely to notice what is truly happening. I think, however, that we can believe that.”
“So then why won’t they do anything about it? After all, they are the ones representing the ways of Phoenix! What happened to compassion and respect for the lives of other beings?”
“It is probable that the First Matriarch, Euphrasia, doesn’t care about this at all. Even Amaranta didn’t want to go into detail on the matter. Remember, Anastasia. Our rulers are vindictive and unforgiving. If you insult them in any way, they may stop at nothing to harm you. You can be certain that they will choose to ignore the words of our kind Phoenix at their convenience. Be especially wary of Euphrasia, as the final word always lays in her hands.
“By all means, I will be cautious. But… how does this relate to Geraki?”
“I will do what is in my ability so that you can talk to your brother and maybe even do a bit more for his cause if you find it necessary. By no means, however, should you make any decision alone, and especially do not seek an audience with the Matriarchs by yourself.” Kaliksta stood up, walked up to Anastasia and, looking her in the eyes, said quietly: “You should not face their wrath alone.”