This gigantic and ancient bird is the stuff of myth, prehistory, and legend. Humans from Earth would likely recognise it as The Phoenix, a bird that lays its egg in a nest of flames and is then reborn from the ashes.
However, The Forysrhacos (known as “The Foe” in old texts found in the undersea library of the Cetian people) consists almost entirely of flames, light, and heat. Ancient historians of Ossyan and the Empire of Dal-Rhiatah are never certain as to whether its wings are made of scales, feathers, or only flames. In any case, it is very much on fire.
There is always only one of it in existence, and it flies around the coastal regions of Thosea, perhaps protecting that magical land from intruders. If it sees a boat with people on its deck, it will try to lift the boat into the air, burning it to nothing, and feast on the humans within it. If it sees a boat with no signs of human activity, it will leave it alone nine times out of ten.
This is why the crew of The Gastwrnis in “A Dark Heritage: The Nighthunter” hide below decks as they are nearing the coast of Thosea. Unfortunately, Cailte’s strong Foundational magic powers attract the bird’s attention. Thankfully, her powers are enough to shrink the bird down to a manageable size, and the Vorx eats it (or does he merely swallow it for safekeeping?)
Next week, more about the Cetians.
Nightwalks 