3. Upon the mesa

The sun baked my skin as I climbed up the cliff face. Sweat soaked my hand, making my grip on the stone hard to keep steady. Each movement I placed carefully. Otherwise, I would fall to my death. Which I didn't have time for at the moment. The rough reddish stone of the mesa was natural to climb. Its natural holes and rough edges formed areas to take hold of as I inched further up the cliff. There was a little breeze, but it had no effect on cooling my body in this arid heat.

I soon found the plateau above and explored the desert landscape around me. The various mesas around me surround the valley below, creating a postcard-worthy picture. I was outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the scene could not be set any better. My climb today was just pure enjoyment. Something I haven't been able to do with my busy schedule made more dynamic by my new job. Later tonight, I would meet with someone, and hopefully, they can explain why I was summoned this way. The sun began to set as the sky erupted into an endless array of colors. It was only highlighted by the vast desert landscape around me. Something about the dry air makes the colors brighter and more magnificent. Hues of red, purple, yellows, and orange highlight the sparse clouds as the sun's disk inched lower in the horizon. I decided the climb was worth it; it was one of those things that made me happy and I was glad I had decided to bring the gear from home to do this. I sat and just watched the sun fall deeper beneath the horizon. Wondering if I could just stay here forever, but unfortunately, the sun must set so it can rise again in the morning.

With that, I took my leave and ventured down the cliff face. The good news is that getting down was more straightforward than climbing up. Once down at the valley floor, I placed what little I took with me, a small backpack and a water bottle, in the jeep. I had the top off while I was enjoying the beautiful day. The night began to fall as the last rays of sunlight left the horizon as the dry air cooled.

Driving back, the fresh air washed over me as I went with the moon rising high in the sky. Out this way, where there was hardly any light clouding the starry night, you could see so clearly, even more than you could in Oxford or my home of Germantown. Once back at the historic square of Santa Fe, I walked over to the La Fonda Hotel, where we stayed. The Council treats you well sometimes; for Santa Fe, the only hotel better was the Four Seasons. The La Fonda Hotel was a historic hotel sporting the famous Adobe style and It was in the city's heart, next to the landmark square down the street from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

"Where have you been?" Lucas asked as I entered the hotel room.

"Oh, sightseeing," I replied.

"More like nature seeing," he replied, noting how most of the time I sneak off, it's for something to do with the outdoors. Lucas was just lying on the bed. If I had asked, he would have just told me he was watching Netflix or something while studying, but he prefers not for anyone to know. On the outside, Lucas could be described as a typical fraternity brother. His athletic build gave me a gym partner and complements his brown hair and eyes. He is usually a different person when he is not around his fraternity brothers. These last few months, I have seen another side of him. He is his true self when not around his brothers.

"We have our meeting at the restaurant in an hour," I began as I grabbed a few clothes from my suitcase, "We should probably look the part."

"I know," as he ventured further into his computer. I took the chance to hop in the shower and get ready. It only took about fifteen minutes to shower, and I stared in front of the mirror, glancing at myself. How has so much changed? I thought as I studied myself. There was once a time when I was more than half the size I was now. I hated that person. That person didn't love himself, was uncomfortable, and worse, had no will to live. Years of going to the gym religiously have helped put mass on me, giving me more confidence about my appearance. I decided to wear formal attire for this meeting. Lucas and I were supposed to pose as art purchasers, so I chose black dress slacks and a grey shirt with contrasting ties. The blazer I decided to pair had a faint pattern, complementing the outfit. Walking out of the bathroom, I found Lucas wearing his black tie. He had gone with a more basic formal look.

"Definitely looking the part, Phoenix," he said, glancing over at me.

"You would think we were millionaires," I replied, laughing. The truth is nothing of the sort except for having some good connections. We did last-minute touches as we headed down to the restaurant. The La Fonda restaurant was off the main lobby in an indoor courtyard. The restaurant was directly across from the main check-in area of the hotel. The floor was covered in terracotta tile, and the walls were rough adobe. Wooden beams were exposed in the ceiling, creating a very confined but welcoming space, almost like home. A tree stood in the middle with the tables spread around it. Little lights hung from its branches, and I could not decide if the tree was real or fake.

"Do you have a reservation?" the hostess asked as we approached his station.

"Reservation for Knight," I replied.

"Right this way, Mr. Knight," he said, guiding Lucas and me to our table. Our table was set next to the tree. In the center, the other two seats lay vacant in front of us. I looked around and noticed only a few tables were full. Evelyn walked in wearing a red gown that was simple yet elegant. The strapless dress complements her strong stance in the room, along with her reddish hair. She sat down next to me as I stood up to pull the chair out for her; just then, I realized that I was staring; I wasn’t used to seeing my partner in formal wear.

"Thank you," she said as her British accent shone through. "Has the seller arrived?" "There he is," Lucas said as a man entered the restaurant in full black-tie attire. He was older, probably in his late thirties. His figure was slim, with blond hair. Wrinkles betrayed his age around his eyes and forehead.

"Mr. Knight, I presume," he said, walking up to our table. I nodded my head in agreement. "My name is Rick; I believe I have something you will be interested in. May I." He gestured to the empty seat.

"I would like you to meet Ms. Ramsese, my fiancée, along with my brother Lucas,"

"Ramsese, as in the House Ramsese from England?" Rick asked Evelyn.

"The same," she replied.

"It's an honor," he replied. I should explain that Evelyn and I are not getting married; that was all for the show, but the part about her family is correct. She does come from a very wealthy and influential English family. Hint great connections.

"So I hear you have something that could be added to our new collection," I said, trying to get to the point of the evening.

"I do? He asked, but before I could reply, our waiter interrupted, asking for our drink orders. Evelyn and I asked for a merlot, Lucas asked for and old fashion whisky, and our friend a glass of water.

"Have you heard of the Thunderbird's Tear?" he continued as the waiter walked away.

"We have only heard rumors," I replied. I hope he will give us more information. We knew of it, but the records describing it in detail were something we needed to have. All we knew was that this was a prize the Collective wanted, and we needed to get it first.

"It is said that a thunderbird cried this year after losing its lover. Instead of drying, the tear turned into a magnificent stone that many rumor holds immense power."

"Do you have it on you?" Evelyn asked. Rick shifted uncomfortably. We all exchanged looks as he eyed the exit of the room. Evelyn shifted in her chair, tensing at the sight. Our waiter then came back, placing our drink on the table. The man finished his drink in one moment.

"Excuse me for a second," Rick said, pushing away his chair and setting out quickly across the room. Evelyn glanced at me, and I knew I would not be able to eat the meal I wanted to order.

"I'm going," I sighed and sauntered after him. He took a direct route back out into the crowded streets. Filled with people attending the festival. I stood for a moment, trying to find him in the crowd. I couldn't see him, so I began to walk, trying to maneuver my way through people talking and enjoying the booths of crafts.

Then a loud scream erupted from the crowd as I rushed over. I ran through a few people with a few choice words for me. As I arrived, I found people surrounded by someone lying on the ground. It was Rick, his shirt soaked red with blood. I rushed over, trying to place my hand over his wound to slow the bleeding."Here," he managed to muster, handing me a little piece of paper, "find it before they do."

"Hey, stay with me now," I pleaded, but it was not enough. It took only seconds for the life the exit from his eyes.

I cursed under my breath and looked around, hoping to find the culprit who did this. I never liked seeing people die. The collective, however, has no regard for human life; one day, they will get what's coming to them. I took the sheet he handed over and went through the crowd back to the hotel, trying to escape unseen. The others will need to know what happened and that we had company.

Evelyn and Lucas were sitting by the fireplace as I opened the door. They turned towards me, and Evelyn made her way towards me.

"Phoenix," She exclaimed as I looked down at the bloodstains on my shirt.

"It's not mine," I replied, sitting on the bed.

"Then whose?" she asked.

"Our friend was shot," I told her. "Collective clean-up crew." She sat next to me. I put a hand around her shoulder, holding her close. I could feel the anger building in her.

"Those bloody bastards," she exclaimed. "We're going to have to tell the council."

"Tell us what?" a loud female voice questioned. The woman was dressed in a black Chanel dress and wearing Loui pumps. Her long black hair and fair skin highlighted her distinct appearance but also showed her power. It was Veronica Ashwood, an elder in the council.

"Our informant is dead," Evelyn informed, standing up straight.

"Yes, I know, just when Phoenix was about to get some information," she dismissed. "Don't worry; we were able to get it cleaned up and spin the story in our favor." It still amazes me how fast she gets things done. Granted, she did have the power of a Fortune 500 company behind her. Being CEO of Ashwood Enterprises has its perks.

"He was able to give me this before he died," I told them and handed her the paper. On it was an address further north from here.

"Well, you should get cleaned up and rest. Then head out in the morning and see what you can find. Keep me updated. I will be in the area on business." With that, she headed out. All of her encounters were short and direct. I had questions I still wanted to ask, but she never gave me a chance.

***

It was early. The sun had not yet risen above the horizon in the East. The air was still cold, but it would not be long before the heat of the desert would come full blazing force. We rode north on the highway with the mesa in the distance, everything calm as we drove down the road. Our destination was a campground near the Rio Grande River. It was supposed to be just south of Taos. As we got closer to our destination, the road was surrounded by towering cliffs of the mesa; their barren side glowed as the sun breached the horizon. "You can't buy these views," Lucas said from the backseat of the car. Evelyn was quiet next to me, probably taking in the landscape. Working with the council allows me to see a lot of the world, even if I get caught in a messy situation like last night. Granted, it was not the first time I had to wash the blood off, and it would not be the last.

"Look! Is that it?" Evelyn finally spoke, pointing to a bit of adobe in the distance. It was small and looked run down like no one's been there in ages. A few low-cut bushes surrounded it, and a dirt road led to it. It sat beside the river, which flowed quickly from the winter runoff.

"It has to be," I said as I descended the rough dirt road toward it. It was still cold as we stepped out of the car, but the air began to warm as the sun rose. It would not be long before the scorching heat would return to this barren land.

"It looks unsafe," Lucas pointed out, the blinds hanging off and patches of the adobe breaking away. Most likely, it had only been lived in for a few years. Evelyn made her way to the door, being careful with every step. She knocked twice on the door.

"Are you really knocking?" Lucas asked.

"It’s still polite, plus you never know if anyone's home," She replied, knocking again before entering. The inside was pretty much the same, the wooden floorboards creaking as we entered. Some of the boards were warped from the little moisture in the air. The room was ransacked with small furniture overturned and thrown. You could find out where someone had been sleeping in the corner beside the old fireplace. It was black with soot from a burning fire two nights ago. Evelyn found some papers and journal entries lying next to a simple mattress.

"Looks like someone was living here," I said, walking over and looking through what little remains."How much do you want to bet it was our bloke of a friend from last night," Evelyn replied as she walked over.

"Let's see if he left us anything," I said, shifting through the many papers. All looked like research into the Thunderbird legends.

"Phoenix," Evelyn called, and she handed me a piece of paper. It was balled up and barely legible. There were coffee stains all over it. The damaged paper showed a map that led just a short distance from here.

"Um, guys, we have company," Lucas yelled from the front of the house. Great, now what? I thought. Then, I remembered our run last night. I knew this was not going to be good. As I looked out the window, noticing the black SUV pulling up, I instantly recognized one of them. I cringe at the thought of her.

"Hey, handsome, want to play?" Allison yelled towards the house. I could feel the rage building inside me.

"That bitch," Evelyn spat, looking over at me.

"Can we ever get rid of her?" Lucas chimed in. Allison was one of the worst people I had ever met, not to mention that she had drugged and kidnapped me and I still think she killed my professor. Despite what she told me last fall. Also, she kept my mother hostage, so in all fairness, I wanted her to be dead or somewhere I didn't have to see her.

"Looks like you're still murdering people," I said to her as I walked out of the house. She stood tall, dressed in all black, as several others stood around her with the black SUV in the background.

"I believe you have something I need," she said. “Plus, didn’t I tell you that’s not my style.”

"What would that be?"

"little piece of paper?"

"Even if I did, why would I hand it to you?"

"Oh, come on, handsome, we can be civil, can't we?" She said, testing my nerves. I needed a way out of here. Just standing here bantering with her wasn't going to help. I hope to give enough time for Evelyn and Lucas to come up with something.

"Last time I checked, that didn't work out so well," I replied, trying to stall as much time as possible.

"True, I could just force it off you," she replied.

"Over my corpse."

"I would hate to hurt your handsome face."

I really wished she would stop calling me handsome. I heard shifting behind me, so I tried to keep Allison occupied. I could tell by her slight movements she was beginning to lose patience.

"Phoenix!" Lucas yelled from the river bank.

"It was a pleasure chatting, but I believe it is time for me to go," I replied to Allison.

"Get him, you fools," she ordered as I ran to the river. Evelyn and Lucas had found a raft and had it inflated and were already floating in the water. Looking back, three of her goons chased me as I hurried to the raft. I dove into the raft as Lucas pushed us from shore into the river's current.

"Thank you, guys," I gasped.

"You're welcome. What did she want?" Evelyn asked.

"This," I replied, holding up the paper.

"Well, let's find this tear before she does, but first, navigating these rapids is not going to be easy," she replied. Then I realized we had some formidable rapids to make our way through. After all, we are going white water rafting, except this time without a guide. This should be fun.

The waters were calm at the moment, but I could already see them accelerating in from us. The snowpack in the mountains was thick this winter, so the water from the Rio Grande was quite large in volume. Lucas and Evelyn hurried to secure all the gear in the raft and ensure the weight was proportional as I tried to steer us in the right direction. This is the moment I should explain I’d never been good at navigating on a body of water.

The first significant movement hit us. Luckily, we navigated it quickly as the raft flowed seemingly over and through it. It wasn't tough, but I knew it would only get worse as we drifted down the river. The one positive thing to note was the landscape; the river had great views of the mountains around us. Plus, it was putting distance between Allison and us. Looking ahead, I could see the first big rapid we would approach.

"Ok, hold on and prepare to paddle when I say so," I ordered as we vastly approached. The water here was moving at a faster rate than earlier. On the cusp of reaching, we braced and readied with our oars for the water.

"Forward!" I ordered as Evelyn and Lucas plunged their oars into the water to move us forward. Water splashed as the raft when through, spraying with the crisp water. The movement was fast, but each of us held our balance, and we advanced further. The river was gearing up fast as we needed to navigate quickly and carefully. The raft was no longer as stable as before, so each movement needed to be precise; otherwise, we could capsize straight into the cold water.

The spray soaked our clothes as the sun was already high in the sky, baking down on us. We worked with each passing rapid as the raft moved, with the river launched us further downstream. It was a bumpy ride, and on several occasions, I would have fallen off if not for my foot being secured in the raft.

"How much longer do we have in this? Lucas asked as we battled our way through waves and rocks. Trying desperately to keep our heading and stay in the clear. Each passing second felt like hours as we tried to get through the rapid, which were only intensive from the volume of water flowing through them. It jerked us from side to side.

"HOLD ON!" I yelled, noticing how fast we were approaching a gulley of a rapid. A rock positioned in the river pulled water over it into a pond. The roaring sounds were deafening as we came. That thing could drown us if I wasn't careful. We braced as we entered its jaws.

Water rushed around us as we held on and moved ours to navigate. We jerked from one side to the other I a tired, looking through the water that was spraying around us. Then I noticed Evelyn was no longer in the raft, and my heart pounded. I looked around, trying to spot her, but I couldn't. We moved carefully out of the rapid hold but with no sign of Evelyn. Chest pounding, I needed to find her as I franticly looked into the water. Then I noticed a hand sticking up in the distance.

"Lucas, hold this," I ordered.

"Phoenix, what..." He began to say, taking hold of the oar before I dove into the river, swimming towards the hand in the air. The water was cold as it soaked everything on me. I was swimming against the current, which made it even harder to reach her, but I pressed on. I had to; I could let her drown.

"EVELYN," I screamed, hoping she would hear me.

"EVELYN"

I kept pushing my way through tons of water that pushed against me. It was a struggle and exhausting. Frantically trying to find her in the rush of water.

"EVELYN!" I screamed again, seeing no sign of her. My mind thought of the worse as I pushed it out. I needed to find her; I had to. Nothing else mattered as I moved my way through the current.

"Phoenix?" I heard her voice cry and tried making my way toward her sound. She held on to the rock as best as possible, but most of her was underwater. I found her and I grabbed hold of her as she now freely drifted downriver. She was cold as I tried to fully embrace her to keep her warm. Her lips shivered as her head lay against my chest.

"I got you," I whispered as we went to shore, where Lucas awaited. We floated freely for a long time as I tried to steer our way to shore with what little movement I could muster.

We made it to shore as Lucas threw some towels my way from the waterproof pack. Evelyn did always think of everything. I wrapped Evelyn in a towel as I took my soak shirt off. Then wrapping my arms around her to warm her even as the sun bared down on us.

"Thank you," She said between shivers, and I kissed her forehead.

"That was terrifying. Let's not do that again," Lucas said, sitting on the rough ground. Evelyn laughed a bit at the comment. We were safe for now, and we decided to rest for a bit since we were far enough from the road not to spot, and I don't think the collective would brave that rapid at the moment. Evelyn shifted in the towel to face me as she brushed her lips against mine. She was safe, and that was all that mattered at the moment.

***

It was nearly nightfall when we decided to move. Luckily, the paper was well packed in the waterproof duffle, so it remained intact. Looking at it now, I noticed we were close to where the map leads. So we set off towards it, hoping to avoid being followed as the moon rose.

The night stars were brilliant and vivid. With no light to pollute, you could see the stars, the ones you usually couldn't see. We walked together with our clothes now dry as the chill air began to flow from the mountain tops. The terrain was hilly yet sparse with trees, which made it easy to see in all directions. In the distance, you could see the lights of the cities, even with them being some thirty to sixty miles away.

We followed the map and eventually stumbled upon a mound with an entrance. It was straightforward and didn't stick out into the desert landscape. If you weren't looking for it, you missed it.

"Is this it?" Lucas asked.

"It must be," Evelyn replied.

"It is," I said, "You can feel it, like a charge in the air." None of it felt right. But it felt like this whenever I came in contact with an artifact. It was here; there was no questioning it. The question now is how complicated it would be to get it. As I signaled to the others for us to enter carefully.

The opening wasn't huge, the walls were narrow and made of compacted dirt together as was ventured down into the earth. These mounds were never elaborate; I hope this one wasn't. I was right as we ventured further down, coming to a single chamber. Its dome shaped ceiling was higher than the passageway down, and in its center stood a pedestal with a bright storm grey jewel.

"There it is," Evelyn whispered," It's beautiful." She took a step towards it and stopped, not being able to move further.

"Evelyn?" I asked, noticing her lack of movement.

"I can't move forward; it is like a barrier," She replied.

"I can't either," Lucas said, encountering the same problem. So I moved now, seeing what they were experiencing. I sauntered towards it taking one step at a time. As I reached the area where Lucas and Evelyn stood, I felt a slight tug against my chest, like a wave of energy flowing over my body. Then as I slowly passed them, it vanished. How was I allowed through? Looking back at my friends who could not venture in like I did. Then I remembered and knew why Allison was hunting for this artifact. There was only one reason for this now.

"Phoenix, It's a shaman artifact," she said, coming to the same relaxation as I did. "Only someone of the bloodline can come near it."

"Which means Allison needed me to find it," I replied.

"Oh, handsome, look at you being smart," Allison's voice rang from the passageway as she entered. Her goons came in after her and surrounded the place taking Lucas and Evelyn with them.

"I should have known," I said.

"Yes, you should, now, fetch the tear for me, or your friends die," she replied, walking over towards Evelyn. "Maybe I will start with your beloved."

She wouldn't dare

I clenched, knowing I had to do what she asked. I need to find a way out of this. So I strolled towards the tear. I moved carefully, hoping there were no traps set that could end me instantly. The tear in closer view was rolling on the insight, like storm clouds churning inside the jewel. Even as I stood over it, I could feel the power that rested inside. I couldn't let her have it, no matter the cost. I reached out for it and grabbed hold of it. It sent a shock through me. Like every cell in my body was just awakened.

"Let them go," I ordered, having the tear now firmly in my hands.

"The tear first," Allison replied. As she put her hand out.

"My friends, first, excuse me for not trusting you," I replied more forcefully.

"I wouldn't trust me either," She said, "Very well." She glanced at one of her men who released Lucas.

"Now, Evelyn," I said. The energy building up inside me from the tear that was still in my hands. I could feel the endless pulses from it. Like a storm brewing, ready to erupt.

"The tear," she ordered, holding Evelyn with a knife.

"Phoenix, don't," Evelyn managed to muster under Allison's grip.

"Shut it," Allison said, "Phoenix, now is the time to hand it over, or your beloved dies."

”I thought that wasn’t your style?”

”Test me today, Phoenix.”

I couldn't let her die, but I couldn't give the collective the stone either. I needed another way. I was angry that I got tricked again by this witch. Even feeling the blood rushing through me, bolling that she had her. I should have killed her when I had the chance before.

"I guess she dies," Allison said as she readied her knight to strike Evelyn. I couldn't hold on anymore as every ounce of anger rushed through me. As if it was amplified.

"NO!" I screamed as all the anger erupted in a force I had only felt once. I couldn’t see anything for a moment, the only sound being the wind rising around me. Once my vision cleared, I noticed everyone pushed to the ground.

The sky above me was no longer clear and now full of clouds as the rain began to fall in sheets. Winds blew in all directions at gale force as lighting soon struck the ground around me. I wasn't fazed as the storm intensified. Allison got up, putting her hand on her, trying to keep the wine out. Lighting struck near her as she jumped back.

"PHOENIX," Evelyn screamed from the ground, but I ignored her. My sight set as I willed the storm to intensify. The first began to move around me as the wind picked up. The lighting and thunder cracked in the sky above. Rain blinded all the landscape as I wrapped itself around me. I will not let her leave her, not this time.

Her men stood up, all trying to rush toward me. One by one, they fell wither my wind or lighting. Until there were none left. All of them tumbled to the ground, either dead or unconscious. Now it was her turn.

"PHOENIX, DON'T," Evelyn pleaded as she struggled to walk towards me, "Phoenix, let her go; we have it; we're safe." She now stood by me, and her hand touched mine. It was then that my heart began to slow, and the storm around us subsided. The clouds started to lift, and the moon shined again in the night sky above. The rain stopped, and the wind subsided with not a sound of thunder.

I noticed then how bad the storm had raged now, realizing the extent of power I could muster. These artifacts were no joke as I looked over to find Lucas lying on the ground. Staring at me in shock and horror.

"You're scary sometimes; you do know that," He said, getting up.

"Sorry," I replied.

"Don't be," Evelyn said, and we noticed how Allison had snuck away. Leaving her men on the ground like the coward she was. She handed me a secure container for the tear still in my hands. "I think it's safe to say that’s one of the more powerful artifacts."

"Yea, it is," I replied, placing it in the container, "We should get it back."

"Yes, we should," Lucas said.

We walked through most of the night, searching for a road to return to the city. It was dawn before we made our way back into Santa Fe and back to the hotel. Part of me still wondered at the storm brewing from me earlier at night. Is this what my lineage gave me. If so, how powerful is my brother, and where is he hiding? Veronica met us, and we secured the artifact as it was now in the hands of the council for safekeeping.

"Good work," Veronica said before exiting the door. I rushed after her in the hallway.

"When are we going to talk about it?" I asked.

"In time, Phoenix, we will talk about your bloodline." She replied and headed off. I wanted more answers than what she was giving me. I had questions, and she blew me off like it wasn't necessary each time. She and my mother dropped a bombshell on me and won't explain it. She kno more than she told me, more than what my mother knew. They are hiding something, and I don't understand why. For now, I was going to have to wait or find my own answers.