"W-what is this place?" Harden asked, gazing up at his friend. Aldric's right hand was swollen and purple, its knuckles cracked and bloody.
"Normally, this is where I hang my hat. Tonight, our young friend here," he gestured to Aldric.
"I needed to borrow my chrysalis," he finished, waving his hand around the glass tube.
"Chry-salis?" Harden stumbled, sounding out the word.
"Yes, that's right. It's the device I use to heal wounds that are beyond an elixir," the architect explained.
"What happened to him?" The small boy pressed.
"Aldric has begun…advanced placement training. During his first session, he overestimated his bodies fragility, and now he is reaping the rewards," the architect furrowed his brow, and closed his eyes momentarily.
"The master magus tells me you're worried for your friend," he peeled his eyes open and gazed in the boys direction.
"Y-yes sir. I didn't know what happened to him after class. I was worried he'd gotten caught up by the ravens after your lesson," Harden expressed frantically.
"Calm yourself, my boy, everything is quite alright. Aldric is going to be just fine, and will be out of here before morning," the architect said, placing a warm hand on the back of Harden's neck.
The child breathed and calmed his thoughts before gazing back at Aldric. He exhaled sharply and focused a now devoted gaze at the architect.
"I know, Aldric's stronger than any of us. I have no doubt that he will recover!" Harden stated.
"He's the phoenix, he doesn't fall with the burning building, he flies from the ashes. He can do things none of us can, and I know that has to mean something," he added. The architect grinned largely at the boys proclamation.
"That is correct Harden. I am pleased that you understand Aldric's importance here," the architect chuckled.
"But, that must also mean that you understand that he will become a growing target with each passing day," his smile faded.
"Y-yes sir,"
"Then what I'm about to ask of you may be the most important task I ever bestow upon you," he cleared his throat. Harden gazed at him not knowing what to say.
"I need you to join Aldric not only in his climb, but in his flock. He needs loyalty, and courage. That is where you step in," he finished. Harden stared blankly, searching for his response. He went to speak but his words got caught in his throat.
"Every flock has its purpose, and every purpose is important. Can you achieve these things Harden, can you become a phoenix?" He asked, his eyebrows twitching softly, and his voice scratched in his throat slightly.
"I-yes," he declared forcefully.
"Wonderful, exactly what I expected. That is all for now Harden, go on see your friend," the architect instructed, gesturing to the chrysalis.
Harden stumbled to his feet and slowly clomped beside Aldric. He gazed up at his weightless body watching, hoping he'd open his eyes. Brief moments came and went where Aldric's finger twitched or kicked, but Harden quickly lost his enthusiasm for those moments.
He didn't know what to do or what to say. Could Aldric hear him, or was he jus talking to the air?
"You're going to get better. I know it," Harden said, tapping his finger to the glass. He felt something rise in his chest, a burning feeling, but not anger. It was determination, he felt a sense of purpose, and a reason to continue to grow.
His eyes never left Aldric, but his thoughts traveled miles. He thought about who he and Aldric may become in time, and how they would advance. He wondered how powerful Aldric would become, and how far he would go. He knew great things would come from the boy in that chrysalis, and he'd wager every scrap he owned.
"We will both grow to become the greatest sorcerers the world has ever known. We will bring peace to the world and safety to the aviary. Together we will rebuild the world!" Harden shouted determinedly.
Aldric bobbed slowly, still unmoving. Harden don't care, he didn't even care if Aldric hadn't heard him at all, he needed to say it. He felt a connection to Aldric, a bond he couldn't quite explain. Something about the power he expelled drew Harden in closer.
He was terrified of him, but fascinated at the same time. He had seen him perform intense acts of magic that shouldn't have been possible for his level. He'd seen the way ears and eyes follow him. He knew, Aldric was a true leader.
He stood breathed in deeply, and placed his hand to the glass.
"Rest easy my friend, I'll see you in the morning," he said, pausing briefly. When Aldric didn't budge, Harden's fist sealed and pulled away from the glass. He made way for the exit, but stopped just before, and turned to the architect.
"Should I look in the same place in the morning?" He asked.
"Hmm, I suppose not, I rather enjoy my privacy. You can find your flock mate back in his dormitory early into the morning hours," the architect ensured.
"Thank you sir, for taking care of my friend," Harden said, bowing slightly.
"Always a pleasure my dear boy. Go on now, get some rest," the tall man gestured to the door. Harden went to leave, but paused before he could begin.
"I- I'm sorry sir, where should I sleep?" He asked, remembering that he had been outcast.
"For the time being, you may bunk with Aldric. When the time comes where you have reached the required skill level, you will be upgraded to a private room as he was," the architect smiled.
"Yes site, thank you sir," Harden bowed again, and quickly left the room. The door closed behind him with a heavy thud. The architect rose from his seat and room large strides toward the chrysalis. He stood in front of the glass chamber and placed both palms to the glass.
A surge of power radiated off of the boy, even through glass. He felt the boy, his aura the power he held within him. A large smile stretched the width of his face.