The Phoenix settlement was actually pretty small when compared to some of the other settlements.
Even the Sky Quarter, which was the smallest of Sanctuary's many districts was bigger than the entire Phoenix settlement combined.
Built on the border between the Western wildlands and the vast Haradin Desert that was rumored to shelter the Djinn.
The two cultures regularly interacted with each other as both civilizations built their towns around the desert, with the Haradin inhabiting the deserts, while the phoenixes built their settlements in the mountains along the edges of the deserts.
Only about a dozen houses were located beyond the walls and their population didn't even reach 100 members as the settlement was a small trading stop between the two races where they could meet and conduct business.
Unlike most architecture that they had seen, Phoenixes didn't build slanted or sloped roofs.
Instead every buildings peak was a flatened square much like the roofs you would see of a tower meant to house a warmachine at the top.
Unlike most settlements that used market places with open stalls exposed to the elements. Phoenixes had buildings that housed their businesses to protect their wares and their owners from the elements.
For the Phoenixes who couldn't afford their own building, a large building was set aside where one could rent a space from the owner of the structure.
These 'bazaars' as they were called, that was originally invented by the Djinn was very popular among Phoenixes as the shoppers didn't have to worry about bad weather spoiling their shopping experience.
Gems was a common commodity in Phoenix settlements. Phoenix bodies were able to produce them by swallowing rocks into their stomachs.
The intense heat and pressure produced by the birds were as hot and deadly as any volcano and could turn regular rock into extremely precious gemstones.
Organic matter like humans consumed in such a manner were used as fuel for the fires within and helped to produce even better gems, which the giant birds coughed up after a day or two forming in their gullets.
Beyond the gates was a wide open space where people could gather underneath the shadow of a statue of a phoenix standing proudly in it's natural form.
The Statue was made entirely from gold, it's wings spread wide out to the sky above, Orian was unable to determine what gender the bird was, but he strongly suspected that it depicted the current queen of the clan.
Behind the statue was a large staircase that led up to a large, columned structure that almost resembled some kind of temple.
Orian and Chrome ascended the stairs until they stood in front of the entryway, two Phoenix guards wielding large two handed axes stood on either side.
The crossed their weapons as Orian and Chrome approached, blocking them from entering the structure.
"I'm afraid the Queen is in the middle of a war council and is not currently entertaining visitors, please come back another time." Stated one of the guards.
"We are Orian and Chrome, Sons of Calamity. We were sent by our father to assist in locating your kidnapped people. " Explained Orian.
The guard shook his head.
"I'm afraid that the queen was very insistent that she not be disturbed! We'll tell them that you came looking but we must insi..." stated the guard.
Commotion from deeper inside the palace interupted them as a phoenix in human form walked out of the entryway.
The guards immediately sprang to attention as they saw him.
3rd Prince Eternus!!" Exclaimed the men.
"At ease!" Said the Prince.
He resembled a young man in his early twenties with a short black beard and mustache. Like other phoenixes, he was wearing a headdress that concealed his hair, but where most phoenixes wore headdresses of cloth and linen, his was clearly more designed with combat in mind and was made from bronze.
Two plates resembling wings extended from the side and went down to his shoulders, a large falcon carved from bronze was placed at the top of the helm resting on his head, two wings extending upwards like the sharpened edges of a crown.
He wore a laminar breastplate and shoulder guards with matching bracers, leaving his upper arms and hands exposed.
A leather belt and skirt made from linen protected his groin and upper legs and for shoes he wore simple leather Sandals.
Although this phoenix was clearly a warrior by way of dress, he was smaller and less muscular than most soldiers Orian had seen.
Showing a fighting style that relied more on agility than brute strength. Two curved Knopesh swords were strapped to his belt and was hanging from either side.
Unlike most phoenixes who wore clothing meant to be dazzling or eye catching, this phoenix didn't seem to care for that as much as the others.
His face showed confidence, almost cocky attitude typical of the species, but the dark bags under his eyes showed a lack of sleep and that he was most likely under a great deal of pressure.
He eyed the two draconic beings curiously.
"If you're here to meet with my mother, then I'll need to tell you to come at a different time. Our family received ill tidings and she's in no condition to see visitors. " stated Eternus.
Orian and Chrome bowed their heads.
"We apologize for coming at a bad time, but we were sent by our father, Calamity at the request of your queen to assist you."
The prince frowned.
"We were expecting you days ago." Stated the prince as a bit of an edge crept into his voice.
"Apologies, but the trip through the Underworld took longer than expected. " stated Orian.
The prince nodded his head.
"Apology accepted. I can't blame you for taking the safer but longer route. The skies have become dangerous for us now that the Order has been formed. " stated Eternus.
"What happened that has put you all in such a state?" Asked Chrome.
"Our youngest sister has been ambushed while on route to one of our Djinn contacts. A survivor from the ambush said the Order stationed at the refinery is responsible, I'm just about to fly out to the ambush site with a few guards to investigate.
You two are welcome to join me!?" Stated the prince.