Quest for the Phoenix

By Erin Lucero

When Tori saw what she thought was a garden gnome in her back yard, little did she guess the adventures that would await her.  Armed with kindness, compassion, and a few funny jokes, this young girl sets out on the quest of a lifetime - to help the magical phoenix be reborn, and prevent the world from falling into darkness. She tr

• Language: English
• Publisher: BOGHA Press
• Release date: Jun 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987850046

Book preview

Erin Lucero

Quest for the Phoenix

First published by BOGHA Press 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Erin Lucero

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

First edition

ISBN: 979-8-9878500-4-6

Editing by Carrie Bolin

Illustration by femi_digitalist

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

To Tori,

Never stop giving hugs, loving, and laughing,

no matter how old you grow.

And know that all the magic you will ever need

is already within you.

Contents

Preface

1. The Meeting

2. A Restless Night

3. The Plan

4. The Journey Begins

5. Down the River

6. The Garden

7. The Gallywomp

8. The Land of Fire

9. The Prisoners

10. Back to the Surface

11. A Night Walk and an Unexpected Ally

12. Race to Billadoon

13. Journey to the Castle

14. The Phoenix

15. The Voyage Home

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Erin Lucero

Preface

The phoenix flew up to the highest tower in Castle Billadoon. The slate stone roof was cracked. Dark green moss covered the ancient walls, and puddles of rain had collected on the stained floor. But she knew this would be the safest place for her to build her nest. She knew people were looking for her, to steal her power in this weakened state. Here she would be safe until the time came.

Her feathers had already lost their brilliant red color and were fading to a burnt orange. Some had even fallen out. She was starting to have the look of a pin cushion, with feathers poking out every which way.

She looked at her reflection in the puddle, remembering her glory days when she shone as bright as the sun. Her blue eyes, faded to a dusty navy, blinked sadly. That was a long time ago now. So many kingdoms had risen and fallen. So many wars and so many peace treaties. She was tired now.

She placed the cedar branch she had brought on the pile in the corner. Branch by branch, she was building her nest. She brought cedar because it had a beautiful fragrance when it burned. She also brought lavender, juniper, and sage. She only hoped that SHE would get here in time. Without her, the transformation couldn’t happen. Without her, none of this meant anything.

Would she answer the call? Would she succeed in her quest? The phoenix sighed. So much rested on one little girl.

After arranging the branches, she waited until the cover of darkness. Then she flew out again, gathering branches, watching, and waiting.

One

The Meeting

Chapter Separator

Tori came zipping down her driveway on her electric scooter, racing to get home before her brother. Her curly hair flew out from under her rainbow-colored helmet, and she pushed her glasses up on her nose as she turned the corner to the house. Then, out of nowhere, her little brother Hudson came sliding around the corner on two wheels, as fast as a lightning bolt.

I’m going to win! he screamed as he flew up the road.

No fair! shouted Tori. Mom told you that you shouldn’t take the corners that fast! He grinned as he passed, shooting ahead and getting back to the house a split second before her.

I win! taunted her little brother. He took off his dinosaur helmet, and wild blonde hair shot out in every direction. Now YOU have to clean the horse stalls tonight! I don’t even know why you made the bet with me, Tori. You KNOW I’m always faster.

Ugh! Tori muttered. She wondered for a minute if anyone would notice if she gave him a little kick, just for being so….well…awful. But then she thought better of it. He’d just get them both into trouble. He was usually faster than her, but only because he did crazy things that Mom said he shouldn’t.

Come on, let’s go. Mom’s waiting for us, Tori told her brother as they dumped the helmets and scooters on the porch. They went inside, and their three dogs barked and jumped up and down in excitement. It’s like you didn’t just see us 20 minutes ago Daisy! she said to the biggest one, a fluffy retriever mix. She gave Daisy a big snuggle hug, pat the other two on their heads, and walked into the kitchen.

Hey Mom, can I have a yogurt? Tori asked her mom, who was standing by the sink, replying to a message on her phone. Sure Tori, as long as you have some fruit, too, she responded.

Fine, said Tori. She rummaged through the fridge, found a yogurt, and then crossed the kitchen to pick out an apple from the fruit bowl. As she grabbed her fruit, she looked out the window.

Wait, what was that? She thought she saw something move by the flower pot. She blinked a few times, checking to see if there was a smudge on her glasses. She looked again.

Huh, she thought to herself, as she bit into the apple. There was a little gnome statue standing by the flower pot. With a red hat, long white beard, and a blue shirt, like you’d get at a garden store. But it didn’t used to be there.

Mom, she asked, When did we get a gnome statue for the garden?

What Tori? her mom replied, distractedly. A gnome statue? I don’t know what you’re talking about. We don’t have any gnome statues. Go get your brother. It’s time to clean the horse stalls.

Ugh, Tori muttered as she walked out of the room. The barn. Where now I have to do all the chores, just because I follow the rules, and Hudson doesn’t.

What was that? her mom asked. Nothing, Tori replied. She slumped off, getting her muck boots, and forgot all about the gnome statue.

As annoyed as she was at having to do the chores by herself, Tori really did like all the horses. Tasha, a beautiful white mare, was the sweetest horse in the world. She loved peppermints, and would always give you the happiest neigh if you gave her one. She also liked to have her nose scratched and would nudge your hand until you gave her a good scratch.

The pony Hans was also a sweet boy, but he was stubborn. Sometimes Tori had to practically drag him by his lead to get him to the field. And then there was Flash. She wanted to get better at riding him, but he was just so strong, and he didn’t listen. Her mom told her she needed more confidence, that she needed to be more assertive. But it was HARD! He was, like, at least a thousand pounds more than her!

She walked up the hill to the horse barn, her feet pinching in her now too-small muck boots. It had gotten gray and windy out, so she was glad she was wearing her purple hoodie. She cleaned the boys’ stalls, filled their water and food, and then went to visit with Tasha.

As she cleaned out Tasha’s stall, which was the last one to do, she thought about how Tasha was always great to ride. She didn’t have to be assertive with Tasha. She could just tap the rein against her neck and she responded. Tori remembered that trail ride last month where it seemed like Tasha found the best route through the mud just so it wouldn’t bounce either of them around. Or maybe it was because she just didn’t want to get dirty.

She snuggled in with Tasha. Why can’t everyone be like us? she asked the horse. Tasha looked at her like she was agreeing. Then Tasha nudged her, asking for another peppermint. Okay! Tori laughed. Here you go.

As Tasha munched on her peppermint, Tori saw something move out of the corner of her eye. Just like at the house, but now it was over by the barn door. She stepped out of the horse stall, to get a better look, and there by the door was another gnome statue. Just like the one by the house, but this one was sitting right next to the open door.

Tori scrunched her face up. Now THAT wasn’t there before. She was sure of it! She had opened that door just a few minutes ago. She walked over to get a closer look. A blue shirt, a white beard, and a red hat, just like by the house. She bent down to pick up the statue.

Hey! The gnome called out. Watch what you’re doing there, lassie! How’d you like it if someone just came over and tried to pick you up, without even a hello or good afternoon?

I’m…umm…so sorry…umm…Mr. Gnome, Tori sputtered, dropping the gnome. And before her eyes, the statue began to move. He walked over to her, then jumped up onto a hay bale. He gave her a stern look, but then he winked at her.

Well, I suppose it’s all right, the gnome said. I guess it’s not every day that a human meets a real gnome, instead of those junk statues you put in your front yards. As long as you don’t try to do it again, I’ll forgive you.

Of course, Tori said, suddenly feeling quite shy. I would never have tried to pick you up if I knew, well, if I had guessed, that you were REAL.

Are you real? She asked, suddenly doubting her own senses.

The gnome did a little dance on the hay bale, his red hat flopping back and forth. Do I look real? he asked. He winked again, and his nose did a little crinkle, though his smile was hidden by his white beard. The name’s Malcolm. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Tori noticed the gnome had a bit of an accent. She wasn’t sure from where, but definitely not from where she lived. My name is Victoria. Though everyone calls me Tori, she responded. Pleased to meet you, as well.

Oh, good! The gnome said. I had hoped it would be you. Victoria, like the queen, but not so old of course. Curly brown hair, brown eyes, and a dimple on her cheek. Aged 10, but tall for her age, with a younger brother, aged seven. I’ve been searching high and low for a girl that matched your description. I thought it was you before at the house. Then I was watching you with that beautiful horse over there just now. When she gave me a wink, I knew for sure it was you.

So that WAS you I saw at the window, Tori exclaimed. But Malcolm, where did you come from? And what do you mean you were looking for me?

Malcolm spoke mysteriously, I come from the deep, ancient forests in the old country. In the secret places we gnomes keep, and no human has seen in many years.

Now as to why I’m here, he continued more brightly, well, let’s have a seat first. I’m exhausted from all this running around. Malcolm sat down at the edge of the hay bale, his tiny feet just tucking out from under his beard. Tori looked around, to see if anyone else was there, like this was some kind of a joke or prank. Not seeing anyone, she shrugged and plopped down on a hay bale across from her curious visitor.

Do you happen to have a spot of tea, Miss Tori? the gnome asked. I’m positively famished.

Oh, I’m so sorry, she replied quickly. Yes, of course, we have some teas in the barn fridge. Would you like me to get you one? She jumped up and ran off to the fridge before he could even answer, returning with two iced teas. As she returned, she looked at the size of the tea bottle and the size of the gnome. He wasn’t much bigger than the bottle.

But before she could say anything, Malcolm said, Oh thank you, dear. Not to worry, I always travel with my trusty cup. He pulled out a thimble-sized mug from somewhere under his beard. She opened the bottle and poured a small bit into his cup and then put the bottle down.

The gnome took a big sip and sighed. Ahh, that is just lovely. Not quite like how they make it where I come from but hits the spot, friend. Thank you. Now about why I’m here. Well, you see, the world’s in a bit of a jam.

The world? Tori asked, sitting back down on the hay bale and opening her own tea.

Yes, Malcolm continued. Well kind of the world, but maybe not the world, but I guess it affects the whole world. So sorry dear, let me get my thoughts straight. He took another sip of tea and started over. "The phoenix, or the firebird as some call her, well