Mark of the Phoenix

By Thomas K. Carpenter

To learn the art of field work, Pax and her friends head to the jungles of Danir where the local fauna presents dangerous challenges to scientists reviving the defunct magesteel trade. But mysterious deaths, conflicts with the Phoenix Corporation agents, and environmental spasms that mirror an ancient apocalypse put the entire class in danger. Pax and her friends must navigate local political intrigue and solve ecological mysteries if they want to survive their third year at Animalians.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Carpenter
• Release date: Feb 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005028213

Thomas K. Carpenter

Thomas K. Carpenter resides in Colorado with his wife Rachel. When he’s not busy writing his next book, he's out hiking or skiing or getting beat by his wife at cards. Visit him online at www.thomaskcarpenter.com, or sign up for his newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/trialsofmagic.

Book preview

Mark of the Phoenix

Book Three in Animalians Hall Series

By

Thomas K. Carpenter

Copyright Information

Mark of the Phoenix

Book Three in Animalians Hall Series

A Hundred Halls Universe Series

Copyright © 2021 by Thomas K. Carpenter

Published by Black Moon Books

www.blackmoonbooks.com

Cover Design 2021 by Ravven.com

Discover other titles by this author on:

www.thomaskcarpenter.com

This is a novel work of fiction. All characters, places, and incidents described in this publication are used fictitiously, or are entirely fictional.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, except by an authorized retailer, or with written permission of the publisher. Inquiries may be addressed via email to [e-mail]

CONTENTS

Mark of the Phoenix

Arcane Mutations Sample

About the Author

Special Thanks

Hundred Halls Appendix

Hundred Halls Books

Other Works

Copyright

Start Reading Now

Chapter One

Kali stopped midstride three blocks from home, hackles rising slightly as the long shadows of dusk made the end of the street difficult for Pax to discern. She could only make out a figure against the geranium bushes, and wondered if they were waiting for her. A botched feeding at the manticore dome had delayed Pax from her regular schedule as she'd had to rescue a frightened assistant who'd forgotten the pacifism amulet and had to dive into the pond to escape getting drilled with a tail full of spikes.

Who is it? she asked her foxlike companion, who'd relaxed from her initial bristling.

<Bright hag,> came the response.

Bright hag? asked Pax, moving again. If Kali wasn't warning her away, then whoever it was couldn't be that bad, even if she didn't understand Kali's description.

The shock of white hair bound into a braid that hung over the figure's shoulder was both familiar and a surprise, leaving Pax with a moment of hesitation until the person stepped into the fading light.

Baba!

Her grandmother strode into her arms, squeezing firmly, not at all the greeting Pax would expect from a woman her age.

Pax, my dear, said Baba, eyes twinkling with mirth. She crouched to Kali's level. Her companion pressed her furry head against Baba, who closed her eyes briefly, then gave a warm smile. Hello, Kali. You've grown since I saw you last.

Kali let her tongue wag out as she placed a paw on Baba's bent knee. She patted the foxlike creature on the head before returning to Pax.

You look so different, said Pax, forehead wrinkling. Like someone sandblasted the old paint off and gave you a new coat.

Baba touched her chin. Don't worry, all my wrinkles are still in place.

Pax caressed her grandmother's stark white braid, then gestured towards her knee-length hemp tunic, which was bound at the waist with a thick brown belt. You look like the hipsters in Portland.

A soft cackle exited Baba's lips. I think it's the other way around.

Still, said Pax, hooking her arm through Baba's. Are you staying for dinner?

Her grandmother's expression dimmed as she pulled to a stop. Her mouth wrinkled with thought, disappointment lurking in a dipped corner. No, Pax, dear. I was hoping you'd be home earlier so we could eat together, but I have to go. I'm here on other business, but I wanted to stop by and see how you're doing. She narrowed her gaze, apprehension on her lips. How is Hunters?

Pax shifted her mouth to the side and shared a glance with Kali, who had sat on her haunches. You don't approve.

Baba placed a palm against her chest. I worry is all. That's the last place I thought you would end up. Her gaze flitted to Kali before returning. You're both gentle souls. I wouldn't want that to change.

Pax bit her lower lip, ignoring her grandmother's lie. Baba well knew that Kali had hunted small critters as food when she lived in the shed. She'd even tried to get Kali to eat people food, but the foxlike creature wasn't interested, not on a regular basis, anyway.

It's been...uhm—memories of the dragon salamander fights came back—not without its challenges. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Animalians has been wonderful. Sure, I was expecting to be in Keepers, but I'm finding my way in Hunters. Wanting to change the subject, Pax gestured towards the Victorian at the end of the street. What did you think? How were they?

The heavy yet constrained sigh told a tale. Baba crossed her arms, eyes filled with memories.

I'd been away so long that it was hard to tell. She narrowed her eyes at Pax. What do you think?

I...I think they're better, said Pax. Kali and I have been working with them all summer. They're not friendly, but at least the summer was bearable.

That's good, said Baba, picking at the hem of her sleeve absently. You know your father has no magical ability, and your mother next to none.

Pax pulled her head back. You're not trying to tell me I'm adopted or anything?

Baba rolled her eyes. Merlins no. I'm sorry. You're absolutely their daughter. What I'm trying to say, very badly, is that I'm so proud of you. The Hundred Halls is not an easy place, especially with Invictus dead or gone. It's not like you had a magical upbringing like most have that attend the school. That you've done as well as you have is a testament to you.

A warmth rose to her cheeks. And Kali, said Pax as her companion pressed a paw against her thigh.

Baba's eyes creased with silent appreciation as she smiled at Kali. Of course, you too, Kali.

How is Sweden? And your sister?

We haven't killed each other, so that's good, said Baba, chuckling to herself. It's been good to be back, but I do miss my granddaughter.

Maybe I can come visit sometime, said Pax.

Baba flinched slightly, her mouth twitching into a forced grin. Of course, I would love that. Ines would adore Kali, and we'd have a grand time showing you around.

What's the catch? I hear a 'but' in your voice, said Pax.

Soon, but not yet, said Baba, checking the silver watch on her wrist. You need to focus on school, on Kali's growth. The cryptic answer confused Pax, but before she could ask, Baba continued, I'm sorry, I have to go. I wish we could have talked longer. I miss you dearly. She paused, flattening her lips. Thank you for taking care of your parents. I know this has been difficult, but you're going to have to do that a little while longer. We don't abandon family.

Baba gave her a kiss on the cheek, smelling like sage, before sweeping off to a taxi that had rumbled up while they were talking. Pax stayed on the sidewalk while the yellow car disappeared around the corner, lights flashing across the houses, and her world returned to a grainy darkness.

Chapter Two

A few days after Baba's brief visit, Pax and Kali climbed into her blue Toyota Charmer for the drive across the country. The car had a few dings, but otherwise ran great. Esmerelda had a friend check it out in their garage before she purchased it. Now that Pax had a few years in Animalians under her belt, the Portland Zoo was actually paying her as staff. It helped they were more flush with cash since Mr. Lovelace's donation. The place was growing, adding new domes and new supernatural creatures every month. Almost too fast for Pax's taste, but still, the gorgeous Rougarou they'd added in July had taken to her—not that she let her guard down while she was in the cage. Its thundering growl was worth the implied danger.

With her gear in the trunk and Kali in the passenger seat with the window down, they headed east, crossing Oregon and then into Idaho before pulling off at an RV park and sleeping in the back seat of the Charmer. The next day was nearly all mountains, which made her nervous since she wasn't an experienced driver. It didn't help when Kali climbed into the backseat and buried her head beneath her paws.

You're not inspiring confidence, said Pax as she white-knuckled the steering wheel, careening down the mountainside on the highway.

Eventually, they made their way to a little town in a wide, beautiful valley that had the kind of sunlight that made her wonder if she'd accidentally slipped into Fae. The little town of Buena Vista clustered against the Arkansas River beneath the towering peaks of the Collegiates.

The address she kept on a slip of paper led her to a little house that was barely a step above a trailer, surrounded by a yard of gravel. After a knock, the door flew open, revealing the sun-darkened handsome face of Liam.

Pax!

He lifted her in a twirling hug, which gave her far too much time to inhale his clean and comforting scent. After holding on for a long time, they broke apart to a pair of embarrassed smiles.

Liam faced a wagging Kali with his fists on his hips as if he were auditioning to be a superhero. I'm not sure I can lift you for a hug, Kali.

Her foxlike companion leapt onto Liam, placing her paws on his shoulders. He buried his face in her fur, then received a thorough licking across the chin.

Enough, said Liam, laughing, green eyes creasing. I had a bath already.

Last week, right? joked Pax, knowing full well from having her face against his neck that he'd likely showered about an hour before she'd arrived.

He pushed the door open. Come in. I can't wait for you to meet my mom.

The way he said it made her wonder what he'd told his mom about them, but she didn’t have time to think about it as she stepped into the little house, which was relatively clean and neat, except for a side table full of thick brown bottles like those old-timey cures and restoratives.

Pax didn't have time to examine further because a woman at a table reading a book smiled in greeting. She was ruggedly thin, with the same Colorado tan as her son, her brown hair highlighted by the sun and age. A cane rested across her lap. She rose, setting the book and cane on the table. Pax could see she was trying to hide her limp as she greeted her with her arms wide.

This is my mom, Ms. Miller, said Liam, hands clasped in front like a schoolboy in front of his class.

You can call me Marlene, she said, embracing Pax. Ms. Miller is for my students.

The woman had a strong grip. After the brief hug, Marlene said, You're hearty, just like my Liam.

I wasn't before last year, said Pax as Marlene faced off with Kali, who had her head tilted. Between the endless running and the elixirs, you're kinda forced to get in shape.

So you're the famous Kali, said Marlene, forehead wrinkled with concern.

The exuberance from outside with Liam turned subdued, with Kali sniffing strangely and glancing back to Pax for reassurance.

What's wrong? she asked.

<Bad lump,> said Kali through their mental link.

Uhm, said Pax, biting her lower lip in apprehension. I don't know how to say this, but I think Kali smells something wrong with you. A lump perhaps. Liam and his mother shared flat glances. Which...I guess you already knew. That's what the bottles are. Sorry.

Don't be sorry, said Liam, touching her on the shoulder. And don’t worry either. I'm making enough money now that I can pay for her medical care. And they say it's not a bad tumor. Very treatable, really.

Marlene poured them coffee from a cute little French press. They sat on the back porch and chatted, enjoying the towering mountains that surrounded the idyllic valley. Kali lay at Marlene's feet as if she were trying to protect her from the tumor.

I'm really sorry about what happened your first year, said Marlene, taking a sip from her steaming mug. I got you mixed up in my troubles when you had to rescue Liam.

We don't abandon family, said Pax wistfully, missing Baba again. He was trying to protect you. While I was plenty mad at him, I also understood why he did it. We all do strange things to protect the people we love.

Liam squinted at her as if he'd detected that she was talking as much about herself as she was him, but the conversation moved. Marlene told them about the reward money Liam earned that summer when he tracked down a trolbark that had escaped from a private zoo and was preying on the cattle in the valley.

That night, Marlene offered to take them to the local bar for a few drinks, but Pax declined, since they were getting up well before dawn for the next leg of the drive. They were picking up Janelle on the west side of Cleveland, where her parents had moved last year. Janelle had spent most of the summer at Golden Willow, but she'd flown home for a few weeks before the new semester started.

Pax slept in Liam's bed, on fresh sheets, not that she would have minded otherwise, while he was on the couch. Marlene woke with them, sending them off with a lunch and snacks for the ride. Pax had a pang of longing at the care that Liam's mom had for him. We don't abandon family. Pax wished that her parents had that same desire for her.

Driving across the middle of the country would take them two days with a stopover at a motel outside of St. Louis. Liam had a twinkle in his eye until he saw the twin beds in the room. Over the trip, they traded stories about their summers and speculated on their third year, including who would be their professor in Hunters.

In early afternoon, they reached Janelle's place in Avon Lake, which was on the west side of Cleveland along Lake Erie. The manicured lawns and massive brick houses left both of them a little wide-eyed. They pulled into Janelle's driveway and Pax said, I think her place could fit both of ours, and then some.

Janelle appeared in the front door, letting out an excited scream. She ran to them in high heels and a sharp black dress, looking like she'd just come from a corporate business meeting. Kali beat them to her, bounding out of the window and across the lawn, knocking Janelle over in greeting. By the time Pax reached her friend, she was in the grass, arms around Kali, who had flopped into her lap and was letting her belly be rubbed.

I think we know who she missed the most, said Pax, chuckling.

Well, duh, said Janelle, and after being helped up, she gave a round of long, rocking hugs. Come in. I'm sure you're exhausted.

Compared to the Halls, it was quite meditative, said Pax.

Liam went into the house first, which gave Janelle a chance to give a questioning eyebrow raise. Pax shook her off, which received a double shoulder lift from her friend. Sometimes Pax wondered if Janelle was rooting for the two of them to hook up.

Inside, they passed a wall of pictures, which included Janelle's brother, Lamar, posing with his lacrosse stick or smiling in a fancy school uniform with a crest on the coat. He was a good-looking, bright-eyed kid, thinking he had a world ahead of him. Before Pax could examine further, they were in a huge kitchen with an island and two refrigerators. Janelle's parents were cutting up veggies and stirring pots while soft jazz played in the background.

Our travelers have arrived, said the tall handsome man. He set his cutting knife down and offered them each a firm handshake, even crouching down and holding his hand out for Kali's paw. I'm Tade.

The woman, who'd been spicing crumbled meat in a pan, quickly washed off her hands, drying them on a towel before following her husband.

This is my mom, Sharee, said Janelle, which received a hip bump from her mother.

I can introduce myself, young woman.

They shared a look of mutual love, eyes creasing with mirth. Sharee shook their hands, but then pulled them in for a hug, the longest saved for Kali.

The famous Kali, said Sharee.

Liam inhaled deeply. That smells wonderful.

Indonesian beef bowl, said Tade as he moved to a refrigerator. Would you like something to drink? Water? Beer or wine, assuming you're old enough.

Sharee patted her husband softly on the shoulder. They can wield magic and survived two years at the Halls. I think they can have an adult beverage.

She gave her husband the sort of cute eye roll that Pax had seen in sitcoms, but never thought was a real thing found in real families.

You guys are so cute, blurted Pax before she thought about it, receiving a trio of raised eyebrows. Sorry. My parents and I never cook together, nor have this great banter. Pax wrinkled up her face. Sorry. I'll shut up now.

Sharee had a devil-may-care smile. No need to apologize. I appreciate the compliment.

They had a long dinner during which they chatted about their summers. Janelle's parents had a million questions about the Portland Zoo, promising to make a visit next summer after Pax offered to give them a private tour. She caught a pang of jealousy from Liam when the conversation stayed firmly planted on her, so she redirected the discussion to his cattle rescue.

After dinner, when everyone carried their dishes into the kitchen, Liam, after catching a glance from Pax, said, Let us clean up.

I appreciate the offer, said Tade, putting a hand on Liam's shoulder. But you've had a long day of driving, and Janelle has been dying to talk to you both without snooping parents around. There's a fire pit in the backyard. Grab your drinks and go relax.

A separate stone patio with an outdoor pizza oven, pavilion, and fire pit provided a comforting spot to lounge. Kali lay by Pax's feet as she relaxed into a soft outdoor chair.

Wake me when it's time to go, she said, but Janelle's serious expression made her sit forward.

Does this have to do with JY? Kinda hoped he was going to be able to join us, said Liam, forehead hunched.

JY's doing great, said Janelle. Professor Ansel was able to supply some dragon salamander poison samples which they were able to use to mix more effective inhalers. He also spent some time with Professor Didi, working on how to control the changes if they do happen. He wanted to come, but they were giving him his final checkup before he was approved to return.

Any idea who our new professor will be? asked Pax, absently rubbing the back of Kali's neck.

I was at Golden Willow most of the summer and only got to swing by the campus on occasion, but...before I headed home, I saw Pietra and some other Phoenix Corp top dogs strolling around with Patron Adele, said Janelle.

Think it could be Pietra? asked Pax.

That would be pretty awesome. Liam straightened as they both chuckled at him. What? She's a badass hunter, even more famous than Cassius was...is, sorry. I can't help if she could also be a runway model.

I'm not so sure, said Janelle, shifting her mouth to the side. They also dropped off a shipping container with the Phoenix Corp logo on the side and when I asked Professor Ansel about it, he got all weird and offered vague answers. Something's going on.

We'll find out soon enough, said Pax, but I'm sure this will be a perfectly normal year, right? We're due for one of those, I think.

Her friends stared back at her, dumbfounded. She gave them a maniacal grin.

"Bovem sina pax, right?"

This lightened Janelle, who sat back in her chair with a slight roll of the eyes.

Forgive me for ever being worried about what's going to happen. You know we barely survived last year with the dragon salamanders, she said.

I know, I know, said Pax sheepishly, looking up at her best friend. I wouldn't let anything ever happen to you.

Chapter Three

The reunion at the Arena with the rest of their Hunters class was filled with hugs and backslapping beneath the enormous portal tree where they'd headed to Caer Corsydd for training during their second year. Bryanna showed off her scars from the dragon salamander attack, while Jackson couldn't stop talking about his internship in eastern Russia, where he trained with Kalmyk deathhawks. Jae-Yong showed up last, and when he tried to stay apart from the group, Pax hooked her arm in his and forced him to join.

Anyone else see the shipping container on the... began Jae-Yong, trailing off when Patron Adele stepped beneath the wide leaves of the ballyban tree, inscrutable as usual.

I apologize for interrupting your reunion, but I need to speak with your class outside the Arena, said Patron Adele. After a brief pause, her gaze flitted to their belongings. Bring your luggage.

They shared glances and shoulder shrugs as they followed their patron to the back of the Arena, finding the fourth-year Hunters gathered around Professor Ansel, Pietra Santos, and a cadre of black-clad Phoenix Corp hunters standing off to the side near the shipping container.

Good afternoon, said Patron Adele, facing them with her hands clasped in front. The Spire, the tallest building in the world, was behind her in the distance, glinting in the sun. I know you're all hoping to get settled in, but this year you will not be on campus.

After a round of murmuring, Patron Adele quieted them with a raised hand.

This year, the third- and fourth-year Hunters will be taught by Professor Ansel.

The soft round of applause made Professor Ansel glance around and shift on his heels, visibly