The soldiers immediately spread the news of Perlend's return, but the reactions from the councils, ministers, and influential people in Peronica poured in like a deluge. When the elders learned about the Phoenix's curse, Queen Pyramia's clan immediately came to Perlend's aid. The elders said there was truly no cure for such a curse.
Perlend explained that the ash wasn't human ash but something mysterious that appeared beside the infant, leading to many speculations among the clan leaders in Peronica that Perlend's child might be the new chosen one of the Phoenix.
"Dear Queen, if Perlend speaks the truth, that the ash came from the phoenix, then it might be true—the infant is the new chosen one?" said the old woman, her skin covered in shaman-like tattoos. Amulets made of stones jingled around her. Her earrings were sharp, like eagle talons.
