by Tora Moon
The king was prowling on the dais, casting worried looks between the Silver Beak, the priestesses, and the windows. When he saw them, he stopped pacing and gazed expectantly at Graak and Moraak.
*What was it?* the king asked, coming to the edge of dais.
*We do not know, my lord,* Graak said. *It travels fast in our skies.*
*The scouts will catch it,* Moraak assured his father. *The comet was not natural. It traveled in a direct course toward the south, perhaps the Barrens or the crater.*
*This is not good,* King Zorlaak said. *The southern peninsula was the Malvers’s territory, and it is said their evil still lives there.*
“It does,” Blazel said. “I have been there and have seen the ruins of a fortress. Evil still permeated the place so I didn’t get close to it. At the time I didn’t realize it, but it must have been a Malvers’s Keep. There are twisted beasts in those swamps like no others in Lairheim. I know, I’ve spent time in all of them.”
*This is an ill omen, Your Grace,* Sheekeek said. *One we must heed.* He escorted Chariel and Wisah to the dais. *Your Grace, we have compared visions and they speak of the same things. A madness that knows no fear, no compassion, and no regret comes to destroy our world. If it is in the Barrens, then we are all at risk. It derives strength there where we only find poison. We must ally ourselves once more with the Supreme and the Posairs if any of us are to survive.*
Daelaak, one of Moraak’s brothers, snarled, stepping forward. *We are safe in our mountains. There is no reason for us to leave them and fight another war for these ungrateful curs. What have they ever done for us? Nothing! We are prosperous and thriving after all these years. We have our children to think about. Let them fight their own battles.*
*My eldest brother urges us to stay here, to stay safe,* Moraak said. He paced forward until he stood next to Daelaak. Moraak was larger by more than a foot in height and length, and he was sleeker and more muscular than his elder brother. *But, this is not the right course of action. I have listened to what Rizelya and her friends have said about what is happening below. If the Malvers do return to Lairheim, there is no place safe for us to hide. We fought and destroyed their monsters in the Great War. We were at the final battle, and our magic was added to the White Priestess Shandir’s spell to defeat the Malvers. Do you think they forget this, or forgive it? If you do, you are fools.* He glared at Daelaak.
*That was a thousand years ago!*
“They don’t forget,” Rizelya said, stepping forward. She faced the king. “Your Grace, I shared my visions with the Supreme, and she said the Malvers woman I saw was one of those who had been exiled. How they remain alive after all this time is a mystery.”
*One of their magics we fought against was death magic,* Sheekeek said. *They used it then to become near immortal. It appears they succeeded in taking the final steps to cheat their own death.*
*If they are immortal, can they be killed?* Graak asked, fear in his voice.
“Yes,” Chariel answered. “I have seen their deaths, but it only occurs when we fight together.”
*So you say. We only have this woman’s story,* Daelaak sneered. *I for one do not believe her, nor do I believe the tales of the mystics. Our people should stay here, where they are safe, and not get involved in this fight.*
*We were bred for fighting,* Moraak said, exasperated. It sounded like an old argument. *It was, and is, our sacred duty to fight the Malvers’s evil. Our warriors need more to fight than sabertigers and baethor. What challenge is there in killing them? I will not cower behind walls of stone when our ancient enemies are beleaguering our world.*
*The Malvers are dead!*
“No, they’re not,” Rizelya said. “I’m not a Gray to have visions. I’m a Red. I fight, but for some reason I’m plagued by the Malvers. I’ve seen them feeding off the death of my people and getting stronger. They hate everyone who lives, not just Posairs. Once they find out you weren’t exterminated during the Great War—”
*Exterminated!* Daelaak roared. *We are not animals to be eliminated.*
“No, you aren’t, at least not to me and the other Posairs. But to the Malvers? We are all vermin to be crushed under their boot heel.”
*Enough!* King Zorlaak roared. *I will make no decision until we have more facts. We will wait for the scouts’ return and their news. I will think on what has been said here today.* He addressed the Posairs and said, *You will guest with us until a decision is made.*
*They are camped not far from here, Your Grace,* Graak said. *They will be more comfortable there.*
*No.* Zorlaak glared at Graak. *They will stay here. We do not know when the scouts will return, and I want them here when they do.* Zorlaak stood and paced with dignity through a door behind the dais.
*We have a guest suite,* Moraak said to Blazel and the others. *You will be comfortable there while we wait.*
“What about our horses?” Rizelya asked.
*They will be safe with Broogk,* Graak assured them. *He is fascinated with them.*
“Our multas are back at camp. Someone needs to take care of them,” Rizelya said. “We didn’t expect to leave them alone.”
Graak tilted his head. *They should be fine, but I’ll have Broogk check on them. I doubt they’d let him bring them here.*
“No, I don’t think so. I guess we don’t have any other choice, do we?”
*No. After the king’s order, no one will fly you down,* Moraak said. *Not even Graak here would disobey a direct order.*
“Then show us the way to our new quarters,” Blazel said quickly before Rizelya could make any more objections.
Moraak lowered his beak in a grin and led the way out of the throne room and through the corridors. A contingent of Thunder Wings quietly followed the group. After several turnings and a trip down a flight of wide, low stairs—easy for Jaehaas and the Phengriffs to navigate—Moraak stopped at a door.
*The guest suite.* He pushed open the door.
Blazel entered the large room first. The low couches and pillows preferred by the Phengriffs formed a circle in the center. To one side sat a table with goblets, a pitcher beaded with condensation, and bowls of nuts and berries.
A hallway led from the main room to three sleeping rooms. The beds were large and well-padded with pillows and furs. Jaehaas claimed the bed that looked large enough for him. A necessary and bathing room was off the same hallway. The deep pools were perfect for the Phengriffs to lounge in the water. The necessary opening had been hastily retrofitted with one the Posairs could use.
On the walls were fine paintings in bright colors of landscapes and flying Phengriffs. On every surface sat a beautifully wrought metal or wood sculptures. Blazel hadn’t ever seen such artistry.
“This is lovely,” Chariel said, looking around the room. “We should be comfortable here. Thank you, Moraak.”
“We didn’t bring a change of clothing or our bedclothes,” Wisah said with a sigh. “I don’t want to sleep in these robes. Is there something we can use?”
*I’ll send someone to pick up some of your things,* Graak said. *Just tell me where to find them.*
Blazel shrugged. He didn’t understand the girls’ need for sleeping clothes. He’d just sleep in his small-clothes. Aistrun shared a rueful grin with him as he mouthed, “Women.” Blazel wandered to the table and sniffed the pitcher. He smiled to discover it was filled with the fermented fruit juice the Phengriffs made. He poured a goblet for himself, the other men, and Moraak.
“Hey, this is good,” Aistrun said after his first tentative sip. “It’s cool and refreshing.”
“Be careful,” Blazel warned. “It packs a punch if you drink too much.”
*We pride ourselves in our art,* Moraak said, *and making wine is an art.*
“Yes, it is,” Blazel said, raising his goblet in a toast.
They took their drinks to the main room and sank into the couches’ soft cushions. Blazel let out a huge sigh.
“This be nice,” Jaehaas said, se
ttling into a wide couch that fit him perfectly. “Certainly more comfortable than our campsite.”
Graak flew out a window to get the women’s things. This time Blazel watched with interest as a hole opened up in the center of the glass and spread to the edges, until the opening was big enough to let Graak through. As soon as he was gone, the opening closed. Blazel went to the window and tapped on the solid glass. Close examination revealed no sign of where the opening had been.
“How did he do that?” he asked.
*Magic, of course,* Moraak answered. *Our magic helps us fly, flare without burning ourselves, and do other things, like create exits wherever we need them. We just have to know what is on the other side, which is why windows work well. Just like your women work the various colors of magic and you yourselves shift forms, we were gifted with magic by the Goddess. The Malvers’s creations are destroyed by fire, so we were made to flare and burn our enemies. Whatever my father decides, I will go with you to fight our ancient enemies.*
“Graak has said the same thing,” Blazel said.
“It would be better if we had a formal alliance,” Chariel said as she approached the couches. She and the other women had poured themselves goblets of wine and were joining the men on the couches. “Before this is over, we will need every able person to fight. As Rizelya reminded me, the White Priestesses were once also warriors, and we too shall have to enter the fray to end the madness.”
Moraak asked for more details on the new control janack, and soon they were in a lively discussion and telling tales of past battles. Graak returned with the requested supplies. A crew of servants arrived with platters of steaming meat and tubers for the Posairs and raw meat for the Phengriffs.
Blazel leaned back and watched as Rizelya and Graak got into an argument on fighting techniques. She was magnificent when riled. Warmth flooded him when she turned and winked at him. The desire to carry her to one of the big, comfortable beds and make love to her overwhelmed him, snatching away his breath. He knew then his vow had been made from a child’s anger, and he understood his mother’s actions for the first time in his life. Love, no matter how fleeting or long, was worth sharing and holding onto for as long as it lasted. Soon, he hoped, he could get Rizelya alone and do more than kiss her.
* * *
Rizelya watched with interest as first Wisah and then Jaehaas slipped from the common room and made their way to the sleeping room Jaehaas had claimed. Not long after, Aistrun nodded slyly to Chariel. She excused herself, and after a short interval Aistrun followed her.
*Oh my,* Graak said a while later, *look at the time. Our guests need to get some sleep tonight, Moraak.*
Moraak glanced at the clock and groaned. *My mate is going to skin me.* He hastily pushed off the couch and quickly left the room.
*If we hear anything, I’ll let you know. But I doubt we will until morning. Make sure you get some sleep.* Graak grinned at Blazel and Rizelya before leaving.
The door shut quietly behind him. Rizelya looked at Blazel. They were alone for the first time since leaving the Sanctuary. If he doesn’t make a move, I will. She leaned forward slightly and licked her lips.
Blazel stretched, throwing his arms wide. “It is late.”
Rizelya sighed and rolled her eyes. Unexpectedly, Blazel put his arm around her, leaned in, and kissed her. The taste of him burst through her senses. She groaned as he deepened the kiss. His hands found their way to her breasts, stroking them to tightness. He scooted closer until the length of their bodies touched. She could feel the hard bulge in his pants.
Panting, she pushed him back among the cushions and let her mouth taste his neck. Her hands found their way under his tunic to caress his chest. His muscles tensed as her fingers trailed to his flat stomach and slid under the waistband of his pants.
With a moan he shifted until she was under him. He pushed her tunic up to place kisses on her belly, and then his lips moved upward to her breasts, tasting every part of her body. His hands trailed fire wherever he touched her. She pulled his face back to hers for a long, deep kiss. Still kissing, she wrapped her legs around his waist as he put his arms around her. With a tremendous push, he rose to his feet and carried her to the empty room. His ardor overcame his innocence, taking them both to ecstasy. Afterward, resting her head on his shoulder, her leg thrown over his chest, she drifted to sleep, deeply satisfied.
The next morning, they had made love again when dawn lightened the sky. When she bashfully looked at Chariel and Wisah, they both smiled at her and laughed. They too looked like they had been well-loved during the night. Breakfast consisted of boiled grains and fruit. After eating, they relaxed on the low couches, entwined in their lover’s arms. Late in the morning, Graak joined them.
*Did you get any sleep?* he asked as he surveyed the new grouping.
Rizelya blushed while Blazel chuckled.
“Of course we did,” Blazel said. “I’m quite rested.”
Graak dropped his beak in a grin. *I’m sure you are. We haven’t received any word yet from the scouts. Where could they be?*
“If the comet was heading to the Barrens,” Aistrun said, “it will take them some time to get there and back. Even if they fly fast, it’s a long way to travel.”
*I’m sure you’re right.* Graak ducked his head. *I know two of the scouts well. They’ve served as scouts for my flight. I worry about them.*
“They’ll be fine,” Chariel said.
*Is that a prophecy?*
She shook her head. “No, just a feeling.”
Graak pulled out a game board and pieces from a cupboard. “Well, since all we can do is wait, we might as well play.”
“First, I be out of fire arrows,” Jaehaas said. “We need to make more today while we have time.”
*Our artisans can make new arrows for you.* Graak chirped and a young Phengriff answered the door, then flew off with Graak’s message to the artisans. When he was gone, Graak lifted the game board. *Until then, let’s play.*
Rizelya recognized it as a keshe board and was a bit surprised the Phengriffs also played it. As Graak set up the board, she asked, “Where did you learn to play this?”
*We’ve always played keshe. When Blazel stayed with us, we learned the Posairs also played it.*
The game was complicated with seven players and took all afternoon to finish. Aistrun crowed with pride when his pieces were the last on the board and he won. They were setting up for another game when Moraak came in.
*Ah, I see you have been occupied,* Moraak said. *The scouts have not returned. Set up pieces for me, I need to be distracted. I am losing my patience with this waiting and worrying.*
After dinner, they received a delivery of arrows, and Rizelya not in the mood to lose another game of keshe to Aistrun, spent the rest of the evening setting the fire spell on the arrows. When Moraak won the last game of the night, Rizelya couldn’t help teasing Aistrun. He harrumphed and flung an arm over Chariel’s shoulder as he stomped off to bed. As he turned into the bedroom, he looked over his shoulder and winked at Rizelya.
As they were eating breakfast Moraak and Graak hurried into the guest suite. Moraak’s head feathers were fluffed out.
*Finally,* Moraak crowed, *the scouts have been sighted. They just crossed the Barrier Range, which forms the border between the Deep Mountains and the White Mountains. It shouldn’t be long until they are here. Father wants you in the throne room.*
Blazel squeezed Rizelya’s hand as they and the others hurried to their rooms to change back into their finery. A short time later they were following Moraak through the corridors.
The throne room was crowded, but when the Phengriffs saw Moraak and the Posairs behind him, they moved aside, opening the way to the dais. King Zorlaak and the Silver Beak, Sheekeek, were on the dais, with Moraak’s brothers crowding close in front of it. Daelaak sneered at Moraak and his companions as they approached.
The huge Thunder Wing guards stood glowing along the walls, heat waves rising from their
fur, and the room grew hot. King Zorlaak motioned to the Thunder Wings’ leader, and a few moments later the glow surrounding the Thunder Wings diminished and the room began to cool to a more bearable level.
Representatives from every flight filled the room. Rizelya saw black hawk-types Graak said were Black Feathers, and Phengriffs of various types from the White Feathers, Gray Feathers, and Red Feathers flights. One group of Phengriffs stood off to the side, the others giving them a wide berth. They had light brown head feathers, dark brown wings, and white fur; their most striking feature were their green talons.
Graak noticed where she was looking and murmured to her, *Those are the Green Talons. See the sack on their wrist? They produce a deadly poison that is a holdover trait from the Great War. They are born with the sacks and the poison turns their talons green.*
“But why are the others avoiding them?” Rizelya’s brow furrowed.
*Many fear their poison. Although, to the best of my knowledge, no Green Talon has attacked another Phengriff.*
Rizelya shook her head at the prejudice. She looked around the room. Among those waiting behind the princes she recognized Glork, the Phengriff who had given her a ride to the top of the cliff. He saw her looking at him and gave her a small nod. She hoped it meant he supported her. He ambled toward her, stopping every so often to chat with another Phengriff.
He finally made it to her side. *I heard what your mystic said after the boom. I will go with you to fight the Malvers when you leave. There are others here, besides Graak, who have listened to our mystics and see the signs of trouble before us.*
Before she could respond, he moved away. As she watched him weave his way to the side of the room, she heard a commotion. A Phengriff flew through the door with a loud shriek.
*He says the scouts are coming,* Graak interpreted for Rizelya and the others. He turned to stare expectantly at the big window.
Rizelya intently watched the window with everyone else. After what seemed like ages, but was actually only a few milcrons, a hole opened in the window and the small scouts zipped through it, swooping to land in front of the dais. A little bit later, the two Thunder Wings who had gone with them burst into the room. All of them were panting hard, and their head feathers and fur were standing on end.
