Esther Mitchell Homepage

Darkness surrounds us. We see it in the crimes
that are committed, the terrors that stalk not
just our nightmares, but our waking lives as
well.

But from the darkness comes the purest light:
that of hope, love, and the desire for peace and
freedom. From our most terrifying nightmares
are born the most fervent desire and enduring
love.

So take a walk in the dark side of passion, fear,
and the supernatural. Find your deepest
desires, and release the magic within....

From DAUGHTER OF ASHES:

       Telyn drew in a deep breath of thin, sulfuric air, and coughed, nearly
losing her grip. It was a relief when, a moment later, she clambered onto the
high mountain path. "Thank you, Sala. Now that you're here, maybe you
can explain why I just lied to those Minegards. Why am I way up here,
risking my neck on a foolhardy climb? I could have seen just as well from
the lower path."

     "A test, young Telyn."

    "Test?" She didn't like the sound of that. No one said anything about any
tests. "What sort of test?"

     "The Phoenix is an honor not given lightly. You must prove yourself
true before the task, and the destiny, is assigned. Then, and only then, will
you be allowed to remove the sigil on your left hand."

       Telyn glanced at the golden talon that gleamed dully in the darkness, lit
only by the flare that was Sala. Could this explain why she'd been unable to
remove the articulated ring for so long? "Why?"

      "It is our law. You must be worthy of the Phoenix, before you can be
free of the bond."

       Telyn sighed at the repeated mention of this mysterious phoenix. "Just
what is a phoenix, anyway?"

      "If you succeed, you will know."

      Sala's cryptic statement grated on Telyn's nerves. She was tired of
secrets and riddles. "And if I don't?"

     "Then you will be dead."