Keeper of the Phoenix by Aleesah Darlison

Taine talking. He tried to concentrate on what he was saying. Anything to ease the pain of thinking about Trip.
    “Hey, is that thing dead?” Taine asked Rhyll. “Maybe Gwaam could eat it.”
    Rhyll gasped in shock. “How could you say such a thing?”
    “What?” Taine shrugged. “Birds eat insects all the time.”
    “Not magical ones like this,” Rhyll said. She leaned over the butterfly, stroking its soft, woolly head. “Hello. Can you hear me?”
    The butterfly’s eyes flittered open.
    Rhyll gave a delighted smile. “You’re alive.”
    Taine inched in for a closer look. Despite himself, Ash did the same.
    The butterfly blinked at the faces peering down at her. She shuddered then rolled over, wobbling to her feet. Taine and Rhyll held her long black body steady while she tested each of her six legs.
    “Thank you,” she said. “I’m fine now.”
    The twins stepped back.
    With a snap like a kite bracing the air, the butterfly stretched her wings open to reveal swirls of vibrant scarlet, lemon and orange. She fluttered her battered wings, wincing in pain.
    “Are you sure you’re all right?” Rhyll asked.
    “Yes,” the butterfly panted. “I just need a minute to compose myself. We butterflies are stronger than you think.”
    “Bigger too.” Taine laughed.
    The butterfly smiled. “You must be new to the Emerald Forest. It is true we were once tiny. The forest has been strange for some time now. Dangerous creatures lurk here.”
    “You can say that again,” Taine said.
    “What happened?” Rhyll asked.
    “No one truly knows,” said the butterfly. “Talk sprung up of a spell being cast, but no one has been able to find out who did it or why.”
    All Ash wanted to do was lie down and howl. But he knew he had to keep going. Ma needs me and so does Gwaam, he told himself. Pull yourself together.
    Ash stood up. He took a deep breath and let it slowly out. “Do you have a name?” he asked the butterfly.
    “My name is Bath-eth-sheerah. It means colourful breeze.”
    “I can see why.” Rhyll admired the creature’s vivid wings.
    “Thank you,” Bath-eth-sheerah replied shyly. “I am sorry I cannot stay longer. I must return to my sisters. They will be worried about me. In return for saving me, I offer you this.” The butterfly lifted a beaded necklace from around her neck. It shimmered with the colours of the rainbow and a whistle-like pendant dangled from it. “Should you ever need me, blow on this and I shall come.”
    “It’s beautiful,” Rhyll said. “Thank you.”
    “It is I who must thank you,” Bath-eth-sheerah said, “for I am in your debt. Remember, if you need me, use the necklace.”
    Then, with a flap of her wings, she was gone.
    Rhyll studied Ash, concern etching her brow. “How are you?”
    “I’ll be fine.” Ash sniffed. “Let’s keep moving. It’s getting late.”
    The friends gathered up their meagre belongings and continued walking. When they eventually came to a small clearing, the sun was slowly seeping from the sky, taking its warmth with it.
    “Let’s camp here for the night,” Ash said. “We can light a fire.”
    Taine glanced around warily. “Do you think it’s safe to stay here?”
    Ash shrugged. “Like you said, I don’t think any part of this forest is safe. What happened today proved that.”
    “Why don’t we just get out of here, then?” Taine said.
    “We don’t know how much longer the forest goes for,” Ash said. “I thought we were nearing the edge of it awhile back, but I was wrong. Besides, I’m exhausted and starving and I’m sure you two are as well.”
    “I’m hungry too,” Gwaam said. “I need to eat. Please feed me.”
    Rhyll dropped her pack on the ground and patted her bow. “I’m going to find us some food.”
    “I’ll come with you,” Ash said. “Taine, you light the fire and look after Gwaam.”
    Taine instantly bridled. “Why do I have to stay behind?”
    Ash frowned. “Because you’re the best at using the