Nancy Yi Fan - Sword Quest (Swordbird Series #2)  

Illustrations by

Jo-Anne Rioux

T O ALL WHO WANT TO BE
MASTERS OF FATE

This is a special sword,
a sword that can change the world.

FROM THE O LD S CRIPTURE

R osy clouds of dawn floated over the Island of Paradise. King Pepheroh of Kauria crouched among the fronds of the tallest palm tree, his linen robe and tail feathers whipping in the breeze. The old phoenix meditated on the Great Spirit with his eyes half open, hoping to hear his will, but his mind was distracted by the troubling news his messengers had been bringing him for many months. Between the earth and the sky, birds were struggling. Once they had freely shared trees and nest space, seeds, roots, and berries, but, somehow, arguments had arisen. That led to cheating, then to stealing, and then to pecking and scratching. As time rolled steadily on, the most powerful winged creatures, feuding with one another, had turned to weapons. Four-winged dinosaurs and archaeopteryxes swooped down, killing and destroying. War spread across the ptero-world like a hurricane so that now nearly all lived in fear, distrust, and uncertainty. Pepherohs magical kingdom was one of the last peaceful lands remaining.

Help us, Great Spirit, Pepheroh cried. Send us a sign.

A sound came drifting on the wind, so faint that Pepheroh at first thought it was only his own hope whispering in his ear. But then he heard it again.

Make a sword, the Great Spirit told him. Somebird has to guide the world into order again. Make a sword, and he will come to wield it.

Can a sword truly be used to bring peace to the world? Pepheroh wondered as he clutched his garments around him. How can I forge such a powerful sword?

When the sword is nearly finished, I shall make it magical. But beware, the Great Spirit warned. Guard the sword until a worthy bird comes to claim it on the day of the fifth full moon three years from now. If an evil bird wields it, it will bring more disaster to the world.

Yes, Great Spirit, Pepheroh promised.

After the blacksmiths and metalworkers all over Kauria heard the old kings proclamation, they came to present their service and skills.

A month passed. Pepheroh was visiting the forge at dusk. Will this sword be a blessing or a curse? he thought anxiously as his eyes followed every stroke of the hammer.

Suddenly, Pepheroh saw a flash of light beaming down from the sky. He realized that it was the tear of the Great Spirit, who was saddened at the warring world. The glistening drop fell onto the earth and shattered into eight gemstones, the largest bearing all the colors of the rainbow, and each of the others glistening with one of its colors.

As the biggest tear-gem of the Great Spirit streaked through the forges open window and fell onto the hilt of the sacred sword, all the blacksmiths stopped, amazed. The sword was finished! Pepheroh touched the perfect blade with a claw. I shall save you for the hero, he vowed.

Seasons passed. In a holy chamber, the sword lay in a crystal case, waiting for its master to come.

Not all was well in Kauria. The dark power of chaos began to reach toward the island like a devil birds claws, and the islands green lushness started to fade away.

Will a hero come? the old king asked.

Your Highness, I will go out to find him! Ozzan the toucan blacksmith said. I have seen scores of years, and my lifes work was the heros sword. It is my wish to see it wielded by the right bird, so I will go out into the mortal world and find this hero.

But Ozzan, it is dangerous for you. Pepheroh reached out a claw to place a magical protection, but the toucan stopped him.

This decision is my own, my good king, he said, and flexed a claw to prove his strength. Under the worn, wrinkled skin there were still muscles from his younger days. I will take a badge to remind me of my home and of you. I will see to it that a worthy bird comes.

There was a pause, and they could hear the wind blowing the sand around them. The toucans blue-lidded eyes were shining.

Very well, Ozzan. You may go.