Fire and Feathers — Shari L. Tapscott

After spending the last nineteen years in the illustrious chicken farming business, Lucia decides to leave her family's farm behind and sets out to make her fortune. Unfortunately, no one has faith in her skills as a scout -- an adventuress by trade -- especially her longtime friend, Sebastian.

To convince the doubters she has what it takes, Lucia knows she must find something amazing. Something rare. Something so valuable, no one will be able to deny she has the prowess required to be one of the greats. Something like a phoenix's feather.

Too bad she might be tracking the wrong beast...

This 10,000-word novelette is the prequel to Moss Forest Orchid and may be read before or after the first book in the Silver and Orchids series.