The Phoenix and the Ant

By SMVL Trudeau

In the kingdom of Djat, Were Magic is an unforgivable crime. Ti, an adventurous young girl, accidentally learns she has it - the power to transform into a phoenix. Her father, a famed Djat general, sends her across the shattered continent of Ptansia to escape capture.

Ti's journey isn't just about mastering her powers; it's an ody

• Language: English
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Release date: Nov 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781738020225

SMVL Trudeau

SMVL Trudeau is a dedicated father of two and an experienced educator, holding degrees in English and Teaching. He draws inspiration from the transformative potential of storytelling, believing that literature should not only entertain but also challenge our perspectives. Whether crafting thrilling fantasy adventures or thought-provoking philosophical narratives, Trudeau weaves valuable lessons into his tales. In his books, he creates relatable young characters who grapple with brash decisions, immediate opinions, and the profound opportunity for genuine growth. Through his writing, he invites readers to embrace the boundless wonders of imagination.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2023 by SMVL Trudeau

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: [e-mail]

First paperback edition December 2023

Book Cover Design by ebooklaunch.com

Editing done by Sarah Fox at www.thebookishfox.com

ISBN 978-1-7380202-0-1 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-7380202-1-8 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-7380202-2-5 (ebook)

ISBN 978-1-7380202-3-2 (audio book)

www.smlvtrudeau.ca

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The Phoenix and the Ant

SMVL Trudeau

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Ant and Phoenix Publishing

To my Grandma Sandy, who always knew I’d write a book one day.

Contents

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

11.Chapter 11

12. Chapter 12

13.Chapter 13

14.Chapter 14

15.Chapter 15

16.Chapter 16

17.Chapter 17

18.Chapter 18

19.Chapter 19

20.Chapter 20

21.Chapter 21

22.Chapter 22

23.Chapter 23

Chapter

Afterword

Thank You

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Chapter 1

There were waves

and they crashed and exploded

There were waves

and they sought our destruction

Fierce blue or disgusting green

Wrung purpose from the rocks that they crack

There were waves

and they sought their own nature

To begin from the pulls of the moon

To end at their farthest reach on shore

There were waves

created from eruption of

rock larger than man-made ship, of steam or sail

There were waves

-From the Djat Bard, Lei of Runa

Ti-Seta

The sun rose over the mountainous coast of the Kingdom of Djat. It was the Pinnacle of the Moons, a time where the sun and the three moons shared the sky. Often artists and poets alike would imply the occurrence was a reuniting of lovers; lost, found, and angry. More practical wizards embellish the magical connection to The Source it brings. Even the animals of the continent of Ptansia seemed to acknowledge the moment; as they got louder, more rambunctious, and in some cases, violent. A rooster crowed, violently.

Ti-Seta was trying to draw the birds that sat outside her window as they were eating the bugs from the spider’s web that lay from the bottom of the window to the side. She was an awful artist. Beautiful drawings of birds, and beasts from all around the continent hung around the room. They weren’t hers; her mom had drawn them years ago. Her little birds looked like apples with clumpy wings. Ugh! She crumpled the paper and threw it into the basket across the room.

Ti-Seta. Get down here. You have chores to do before school. Her father’s voice came from the floor below. It was a stern, hard voice, one that had been tempered like metal in the military.

Ti-Seta’s brow furrowed, and she groaned. She flung on her blue, hooded school uniform and tied her curly, dark hair back into a ponytail. She didn’t like the way the blue uniform looked on her; she just didn’t like having to dress like everyone else. Whatever. She jumped down the ladder from her loft, an eight-foot drop into the living quarters of her house.

Seta, I love your energy. Perhaps put some of it into your chores? General Ti said. His face gave no emotion, but his hands darted around to the unswept floor. Ti liked that he was always willing to joke with her. She rarely saw him joke with anyone else. Stern. Always stern.

Even though the day was early, and he likely wouldn’t leave work for another hour, he was already dressed in his full military attire. The beige military attire didn’t look too dissimilar to Ti-Seta’s own blue school uniform, but it was much more rigid looking. Where her shirt at least flowed in the wind, she swore her father’s didn’t move even on the windiest days. Ti-Seta could not remember a time when her father wasn’t in his full military attire; she couldn’t imagine it was comfortable.

Chores? Can’t Riti do it, that’s what you pay her for!? Ti-Seta said.

General Ti raised his voice, Seta. Her name is Riti-Set. You need to get used to formalities if you are to be a future diplomat of Djat. Secondondally, we respect people of all walks of life in this household. Riti-Set has her jobs, and they are important. And you have yours. Everybody plays their part in keeping Djat running. Ti-Seta hated being referred to as Ti-Seta. She thought it was the worst part of living in the Kingdom of Djat. She went simply by Ti.

Her father kept going on about the foundations of a strong Djat and a strong Ptansia, the same lecture she’d heard a thousand times, so Ti was only half listening. She didn’t care for lectures, especially when she knew she was wrong. She was just kidding around. So, with nothing more than a yup, Ti was out the door and ready to enjoy the day.

It was a beautiful, sunny day in Runa-Seta. The clouds were sparse, but there were enough to keep things cool. Ti’s home was atop a small hill, with a sprawling garden leading to the gate at the bottom. Not many in Djat had their own gardens, food barely grew in Djat. Ti’s father often told her it was a problem that had always hindered the kingdom’s ability to become independent of the other kingdoms. Ti mimicked her father’s voice, For Ptansia to truly be in peace, then each Kingdom must be able to support its own people, open trade kept between them, blah blah blah. Ti giggled, her father was always going on about these big problems.

As Ti ran past the gate, she waved at the guards. Bye, Otto! Bye, Tet!.

Otto, an older man, with soft yellow eyes, waved with a smile, but Tet was a new guard, and he scowled at Ti. She smiled at Otto and stuck her tongue out at Tet. She knew she was supposed to sign out, but she never did; the guards often just did it for her. General Ti made her apologize weekly for it. He was a strong and powerful man, but he also respected anyone that worked for him.

As the daughter of a prominent military figure, she had a lot more flexibility in her education, and Ti took advantage of it when she could. Ti was ready to have an exciting day. She was going to hunt, fish, climb a few trees, and adventure around Runa-Seta. She could try to convince Bat and Mo to skip school with her.

Ti skipped down the hill her home rested on, toward the small river that feeds into Runa-Seta. She peered down the river and up the cliff where the waterfall fed into it. Something about the waterfall was making her think of something. . . Hmm, it’s probably nothing. When she reached the river bank, Ti reached for the smoothest rock she could find. She threw the rock across the river. One skip, two, three, four. . . five, sploosh. Darn! Just can’t get that sixth skip.

She went to throw another when she remembered something. Something terrible. Something absolutely awful. She remembered what day it was. Water Magic Test Day. Not just a regular Water Magic Test Day though; they had those once a month during the Pinnacle of the Moons. This was to prove themselves as a Level One Water Wizard. Without that, well, a citizen of Djat doesn’t go far without it. There wasn’t a lot of respect for magic users that couldn’t do Water Magic.

Ti-Seta, how are you my darling? a call came from the sky.

Priot, I thought I told you to just call me Ti? Ti said.

Priot smirked. I’m sorry darling, you know I do it to bother you. Do you think you’ll be going to school today or go hunting with me again? Priot was Ti’s Animal Partner, a large silver-tipped falcon, bigger than Ti herself, but as kind as she was deadly. She’d been with Ti from a young age. Previously just a curious bird, but as Ti’s Animal Magic became stronger, Priot became a true Animal Partner. An Animal Wizard could create a bond with an animal so strong that they could speak and communicate. Ti was the only Animal Wizard she knew. It was great.

No, I have to go to school today. Apparently it’s important. Water Magic Test Day or something stupid like that. Ti really didn’t want to do the Water Magic Test.

Water Magic is important, Ti. Priot gave Ti a look that only a mother could give, Djat would struggle without its Water Wizards, you know that.

I know, I know, but I have my magic already. I have you! Besides, hunting is more important!

I’ll make sure I bring you something from my hunt, darling. Be good. School is important! Priot exclaimed as she flew off.

Yeah, I will, Ti said with a scowl meant for no one as Priot was gone already.

With a big sigh, Ti quickly stretched and then started running towards town.

Just on the outskirts of town, Ti ran past the one other school in Runa-Seta, The Runa-Seta School of Basic Citizenry, where students were being taught how to water plants with their Water Magic. Ti watched for a bit as she saw them move water from troughs, float the water over, and drip it gently onto the plants. Some of it worked that well, some of them dropped the water all at once. Those kids got yelled at. They always look so tired here, Ti thought as she ran by. Her father always told her how important both schools were. The Runa-Seta School of Basic Citizenry raised farmers, traders, sailors, and most other jobs needed to run the kingdom. Her school, The Runa-Seta School of High Diplomacy, was more prestigious; it raised diplomats, military leaders, or Master Wizards. Many war heroes came and went through her school, her dad included. She wasn’t sure where her mom went to school. Ti shook her head, I don’t want to think about her right now.

As Ti ran up to her school, The Runa-Seta School of High Diplomacy, glares from the other students were a reminder of how few people there wanted her around. Ti ignored the glares and moved on.

She walked up the intricate carved stone steps to the door. Her teacher once showed the student’s how they carved the stone with Water Magic, with intense focus, master Water Wizard could sheer the stone with the water, cutting it slowly, forming stairs. She would never admit it because Water Magic was boring, but how they built the steps was kind of cool. Ti walked into the school and saw Ari-Seta, Ti groaned. You’re actually here today, Ti-Seta, I can’t believe you’d bother showing your face on Level One Water Testing Day! said Ari-Seta. Ti hated her.

Ti snapped back, Yes, and I’m gonna mop the floor with you, Ari, and don’t call me Ti-Seta. It’s just Ti!.

Fine, but don’t just call me Ari then! Some of us love our fathers! I’m proud to be my father’s seta!

Whatever, Ti said as she stomped into class. She peered around for her friends, Bat and Mo, and then squeezed into a seat between them.

Ti, good to see you! You ready to fail miserably at trying to trick people into thinking you know Water Magic again? Bat said with a goofy smile on his face.

Ti leaned back with her arms crossed. No, I’ve decided to not even try. I have Animal Magic, and that’s better than Water Magic will ever be!

Mo hissed, Ti, if you don’t even try, you will fail the class. You can’t do that. We won’t be together next year.

Don’t worry; I have a plan, Ti said with a glimmer in her eye. And it can’t fail this time.

The teacher, Mr. Wer began the day, his voice droned in Ti’s ears, Alright class, quiet down. Just a reminder today is the Level One Water Magic Test. We will be. . . Ti stared out the window of the classroom. Trapped. Trapped in this classroom on such a beautiful day. I should be with Priot, I don’t belong here. This school. This stupid kingdom. Anywhere but here.

Ti imagined herself sailing across Ptansia, riding windriders through the islands of Calydron, finding new species in the forests of Aewon, climbing the mountains of Redland, maybe even getting to see the Kingdom of Pestilence. She shuddered at the thought. Imagine a whole kingdom, destroyed by war, cursed by magic. She then imagined herself graduating from Yaudi School as a Master Wizard. She’d be the greatest Animal Wizard, maybe even a master of more magics, maybe Fire Magi—

Ti-Seta!

Ti shook her head back into consciousness, Yes, Mr. Wer?

I asked you to explain eye colours for me. What do they signify?The classroom snickered as Ti was obviously not paying attention.

Oh, well, eye colour changes based on what sort of magic someone can do. Since no one is born with magic, we all start with brown eyes.

Go on, Ti-Seta. Can you give some examples of which magic has which eye colour?

Ti rolled her eyes. Mr. Wer, can you please just call me Ti? I don’t think saying Seta is necessary as everyone knows I am my father’s seta. Every girl here is obviously there father’s seta.

Mr. Wer sighed. It was the same argument everyday, Ti-Seta, I would love to respect your wishes, but it is my job as an educator to prepare you for life in Djat. A part of that is women go by their father’s name until they are married. You know this.

Ari-Seta spoke up, her voice was dripping with snark, She obviously doesn’t respect her father, Mr. Wer!

Ti jumped up from her desk. I love my father, Ari! What I don’t respect is Djat!

It’s Ari-Seta! And if you don’t like it, leave!

I would if I could, I obviously don’t belong here with jerks like you!

The entire class started to bicker and heckle the two girls. Mr. Wer snapped, Enough! I won’t have this in my classroom!

The class went dead silent. Mr. Wer took a deep breath and spoke again, Ti-Seta, I can understand your disdain for the ways of Djat, but that’s the way it is. Please respect it. If you head off to Yaudi for school then you can go by something else, but until then, it is Ti-Seta. Understood?

Ti just nodded quietly. Though she stuck her tongue out at Ari-Seta when the teacher wasn’t looking. Mr. Wer would often call her Ti in private. She could understand that he had to follow the rules in front of anyone else. She just didn’t like it.

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Later in the day, as the students peered over the top of the waterfall, Mo stammered, Uh, a little bit more intense than last year. Are we really expected to stop this waterfall?

Mr. Wer laughed. No, no, that takes many years of practice, I’m likely too out of practice to do that myself.

There’s no way you could do that, Mr. Wer. No way. Bat exclaimed, That’s high-level magic, isn’t it? Bat’s goofy face was full of excitement as he grinned even larger, and jumped up and down.

Yes, but I was once a high-level wizard. We only come up here to be closer to the source, the sound and the power of water. It helps attune our Water Magic. You know this Bat, you’re one of my best students.

Bat blushed.

Pfft, him! I think I’m the top student,Ari-Seta said, as she snuck up on the group. My brother has nothing on me!

Yeah! Ari-Seta would wipe the floor with you, Bat! Your HoruTan blood can’t match our Djat blood! yelled Enzo, one of Ari’s minions. Ti hated how he was always at her feet, grovelling before her.

Bat blushed and stepped back. Bat was adopted after the war between HoruTan and Djat by Ari-Seta’s parents. Ti and Mo were his only friends because of it.

Too far, Enzo! I don’t need you fighting for me, Bat is still my brother, even if he’s adopted from HoruTan! Ari-Seta yelled.

Mr. Wer sighed, every day there was some sort of drama. Should have just retired after the war, Wer, he whispered to himself.

Ti wasn’t fully listening to the whole ordeal; otherwise she would have jumped to defend Bat as well. Instead, she was busy planning how to get through the whole thing and not get in trouble with her dad. She didn’t actually have a plan yet. She NEEDED to know Water Magic. She just. . .couldn’t. Not since. . . Ti squeezed her eyes and shook her head. Ugh, how long can I fake Water Magic? Luckily her eyes being purple from Animal Magic wasn’t far off from the blue of Water Magic; it was easy to hide that way. But Bat and Mo told her they wouldn’t secretly do the tests for her anymore. They risked expulsion if they got caught doing them.

For years, they had all worked together, faking the Water Magic Tests for Ti. They were pretty easy for the most part. Move this water from this cup to that cup. Throw a ball of water across a room.

Mo would act as a decoy, whether it was faking an injury, or saying she saw a Great Frog hopping outside. Seeing Great Frog wasn’t unexpected, but still rare enough to be exciting. While Mo would distract, Bat would stealthily do the magic for Ti. Mo’s distraction was necessary to hide the blue glow of Bat’s eyes indicating his magic being used, and the lack of blue glow of Ti’s indicating. . . no magic. Since he had to do it at a distance, it was never a great job, so Ti always just passed, but it was good enough for Ti.

Her initial plan was to set-off explosives in the water, just minor ones to make it look like she could at least move water, if not in a controlled way. But, even with a general for a father, getting explosives as a young girl wasn’t feasible. When she asked, one of the guards, Otto, gave her some firecrackers to play with, but that wasn’t going to do much here. Her current plan wasn’t much better in that it relied on her being a Level Two Animal Wizard, so that she could speak to an animal other than Priot and try to convince it to do what she wanted.

She was doomed.

She needed advice. Ti waved Bat over. He was the smartest student in her grade, other than Ari, but Ti would never say that out loud. Bat would definitely have an idea.

She wrapped her arm around