The Archivist and the Knife is the first book in the Phoenix Empress series.
The Phoenix Designation Ceremony
Today I would choose my future. The Phoenix Designation Ceremony marked our transition from childhood to adulthood. We’d become full members of the Tindersands Family.
I stood with my peers on one side of the courtyard in the Tindersands Segment. We wore matching robes, edged with gold in honour of our celebration and introduction to the wider family. Over that, we donned our best headscarf, with crystal headbands, holding them secure. Each crystal was a catalyst of our power, while also a symbol of our standing.
The rest of the family waited beyond, eager to hear us declare what role we would take in the community. After ten years of education in the Hall of Childhood, we were ready to take our place and work towards bettering the situation for all of us. Family is the heart of life.
From the heart of the segment, I glanced at the Hall of Childhood where I’d spent my formative years. The gate out into the rest of the city lay beyond. Buildings and wooden supports leant against the adobe outer walls. Their sandy colour comforted me and my dreams, as the yellow hue matched that of our family. Scattered across the space, scrub trees provided bits of shade to those lucky enough to stand under them. Of course, that didn’t include me.
My companions chatted their backs turned to me, but I waited quietly. None had made the effort to know me, and now they ignored me. They'd readily followed Tajamar’s lead and made my life here miserable. With parents who lived amongst the herds, rather than in the central segment, I had been on my own. That was how I preferred it. Free to do my own thing, to the best of my ability, and prove I was better than them. Today, I’d receive the highest accolade of my group.
Our Family Parent took his place on the stage. His beard plaited into a clasp decorated with a crystal shard. As our leader, he had more crystals than he could wear at one time. So he could afford not to harness the power of one that wasn’t in contact with his skin. And the crystal brooch signifying his position as Family Parent glistened under his collarbone.
As his scrutiny fell on us, my hand rose to my headband and the crystal in it. I checked my headscarf hung evenly round my face. This one was special, shorter, with a gold thread along the edge. It had been my mother’s. I wore it today in her memory. She’d sacrificed her chance at healing in order for me to remain here and achieve what neither she nor my father had. A place at the top of the Family.
My test results were the highest of anyone in my group, and though my crystal was small, I could use it better than those with larger ones. I deserved the place as First Chosen. I’d worked hard for it, and my parents had sacrificed for me to stay. My future position as the protégé of the Family Parent would make all that worthwhile. This was my moment of triumph. Soon, the whole family would look up to me.
The Family Parent raised his hand. A hush fell over the well-dressed crowd. As a rest day from work for everyone, even those without close family came to celebrate. The feast afterward would be open to the whole Family.
Family is the heart of life. And I’d be at the centre where I deserved to be. The reward for my dedication.
“Welcome to the Phoenix Designation Ceremony in this, the close of the Year of the Fishes in the twelfth cycle of Emberstorm ascendancy. The season of Phadrari is almost upon us, which will bring the nurturing rains. As we prepare for this period of rebirth, it is time for us to celebrate the hard work completed by those about to pass from childhood into adulthood. Each has proved themselves worthy to continue our Tindersands name. I look forward to continuing to work with you all, whatever role you choose to take.”
A cheer followed this speech. The aunties, who looked after everyone in the Hall of Childhood, drew the group of us forward to stand at the foot of the stage. With the crowd behind us, the full attention of the Family Parent fell on us.
“The list of positions available this year has been shared, and I trust you have studied it.” His voice droned on, sharing instructions drilled into us by the aunties to ensure the ceremony went off without a hitch. “I will call your names, one by one, after which you will name the position you choose from those still available.”
I pushed my shoulders back, ready to have my name called first. I was clearly the best, after all.
“Let us begin.” The Family Parent pulled out a sheaf of paper from a pocket. “Congratulations to Tajamar for being the First Chosen from this group. Please make your way to the front.”
Roaring cheers and clapping surrounded me. My vision narrowed. How dare he be named First Chosen. He’d never had to work for anything, spoilt as he was by a close family who already worked with the Family Parent. That was my position he’d stolen.
My body tensed, fists clenching at my sides. This wasn’t fair. But there was nothing I could do.
“Terrible luck.” He whispered in my ear as he passed on the way to the stage. “I told you you’d be fortunate to be my assistant.” He bumped my shoulder, almost knocking me over.
Handshakes and more cheering followed his appearance on the stage next to the Family Parent.
“I am honoured to be First Chosen. I’m sure it was a difficult decision, as many of my peers are exceptional in their own ways.” He winked at me before facing the Family Parent. “And my choice of role is as your protégé.” His words to the Family Parent weren’t unexpected. That was always the role taken first. The one I’d dreamt of since arriving in the Hall of Childhood.
That was the end for me. The best role was taken. The second person chosen always picked assistant, for the same reason the first picked protégé. Working with the Family Parent was the fast-track to prestige and position within the Family. No way would I select a role that required me to work with him. I’d been so sure I’d be First Chosen, I’d barely looked at the other positions. Now what was I to do?
The Family Parent nodded. “I’ve looked forward to working with you for many years now. Welcome to the business side of the Family.”
The two shook hands, my future flittering in tatters round their feet.
Tajamar left the stage to stand on the opposite side, where the rest of us would join him after we’d selected our roles.
“The second chosen from this group is Samira.” The Family Parent scanned our group.
My feet stayed rooted in place. This was not happening. To choose any role than the protégé’s assistant would be seen as taking something lesser, and why would I do that? But how could I work with him? It had been awful being in the same group when I could mostly avoid him. There was no way I’d submit to his every whim as his assistant.
His grin widened as our eyes locked across the space between us. “My Assistant.” Even though he made no noise, I knew he’d mouthed the title at me.
“Samira?” The Family Parent’s voice rose. “Are you there?”
I raised a hand. “Here.” That movement freed the inertia I’d suffered. Slowly, I walked towards the stage, my mind reeling as I searched for a way out.
My stomach churned, wanting to run, but where could I go? I needed to escape, but there was no way out. Damn Tajamar for ruining all I’d worked towards.
Finally, I reached the stage. The Family Parent smiled at me. We’d never had much reason to interact. I found him forbidding and avoided seeing him as often as I could.
“Congratulations on your position as second chosen.” His words reminded me of the choice that awaited. A choice I couldn’t make. “Please state your chosen role within the family.”
I took a deep breath. Only one choice came to mind, and not the one they expected. “I choose Archivist.” My voice wobbled, but I forced the words out. If they wouldn’t recognise my right to be First Chosen, then I would not stay here with those who ignored my talent.
“You’ve shown significant promise in your training, Samira. The family will benefit from your... Wait. What did you say?” His gaze pinned me.
I forced my back straight. “Archivist. I choose to support the entire empire, rather than limit myself to the Family.” It wasn’t exactly against the Family, but I knew I’d crossed a line.
“Do you even know what that role entails?” His angry whisper threatened to make me change my mind, but I refused to work under Tajamar for the rest of my life.
“Archivist.” I crossed my arms. “Is that a problem? Don’t we need to make a smoke signal so it doesn’t get chosen by the other Families?”
The five Families of Fenixia City held their Phoenix Designation Ceremonies on the same day, so roles which were in the service of the whole empire were available to everyone. When one was chosen, a fire was lit on the tower to inform the other Families the position was no longer available. With the ceremonies held outside, it was easy to spot the smoke. Of course, archivist was now the only role available across the five Families. In the decades since the death of the last emperor, most central functions had been declared obsolete, or delegated to servants under the control of the Family Council.
The Family Parent scowled. “Congratulations on your position as the Archivist.” He held out his hand.
As I shook it, an aide ran off towards the tower. After a few ticks, a stream of blue smoke rose from the battlements. Who knew what the other Families would think of the archivist role being chosen so early? It had been vacant for as long as I could remember. Always on the list, but never chosen, as everyone remained within their Family. Well, that ended now. Whatever state the archive was in, I’d cope with it. It was my freedom from Tajamar. Anything would be better than that.
He stood gaping as I left the stage.
I took my place beside him in silence. Whispers spread through the crowd, but no applause followed my decision. My gaze sought my father in the crowd. I hadn’t noticed him earlier, but he had to be there. It was difficult with so many in attendance, but I found him near the back. I clenched my fists. He deserved to be further forward as a direct relation of one of a graduate.
He stared at the floor, not looking at me.
“Well, that certainly shook them up.” Tajamar whispered in my ear. “Not sure what you were thinking. But you never do what’s expected, do you?”
I ignored him. On the stage, the selection of roles continued. I tuned out those who followed me, as it didn’t matter. None of it did. I didn’t care about them anymore. I had a new role, and I was leaving them behind.
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