*****
Twilight flexed his fingers, then slowly turned his wrist to be sure it was properly healed. Nature was scarce between the buildings of Lexington. The few plant life Katherine had found for him had been a mix of weeds, from dandelions thinly stretched in between street cracks to scraggly vines. With daylight draining faster than the process of healing, it took nearly all afternoon and into late evening to acquire the right number of greenery needed.
Withered, curled leaves Twilight had needed to heal lay piled in small heaps around his feet. Their life-given energy spent, the young Healer finally called upon his shifting ability to see if he was able.
“Finally!” He flexed his wrist again.
“I would have gone outside the city to collect more,” Katherine said, “but with Jangus so close....”
“Rather take him on than those humans.”
“And you had wanted to meet one so badly,” Katherine teased.
“I wanted to meet what Keith saw, not these!”
At a sound from an adjoining alley, Delexi rounded a corner in his wolf form. You may have to deal with them yet, the two heard. Looks like your friend has stirred up the town guards. They’re hot on anyone’s trail resembling or mentioning ‘magic-user’.
The wolf gave a low growl at nearing footsteps. Quickly, the three hid behind some empty wooden crates. Happy to shift again, Twilight mimicked Katherine’s form as a weasel and kept to the shadows. Beside him, Delexi crouched low to peer between the wooden slats.
The golden glow of torchlight slid across the buildings as a passing patrol drew close. Long swords at their sides were held ready to pull at the slightest find.
The three held their breaths while one seemed to take interest near the crates; however, a command pulled him back to the current search. Losing interest, they soon made off to a more promising destination.
Delexi took a long whiff, then snorted in protest. He shook his mane of neck fur before slinking out.
They’d rather not discover the true cause, he growled. Guards know the risks of dealing with magic-users, if there be one. He glanced at the Healers. Then again, some of them will be more agitated, due to our earlier ordeal.
“No thanks to Jangus.” Katherine took a seat on one of the barrels. “I can still smell him.”
“Smell him?” Twilight examined a bird dropping on the ground. “His doings are everywhere! How can you tell whether he’s still here or not?”
Likely, he’s probably gone by now, Delexi snorted.
“You’re probably right,” Katherine said. “I can’t see him tangling with those people. He’s had his fun, so we should get moving as well.”
“How are you going to get out without getting noticed?” Twilight eyed the wolf. “Even your human form’s a bit...suspicious.”
The three hushed a moment while listening to voices drawing near, then faded down another alley.
“They’re everywhere!” Katherine kept her voice low. “Chronicles should have given you a bird form as well.”
Delexi grunted, nostrils enlarging to smell the air. This way! He darted down a side passage.
“Maybe I should have kept that traveling crystal.” Twilight felt around his neck where the necklace he had given Keith used to hang. “Would have come in handy right about now. Just stuff you inside and we’d do all the rest!”
“Twilight, hush!” Katherine warned when the wolf abruptly halted. They pressed their backs to the wall to avoid a brief group of passing guards.
You two should shift! Delexi snarled. I can handle myself.
“You sure about that?” Twilight started when the wolf darted behind some passing troops and into the next alley.
“He’s right,” Katherine said. “We should go. All three of us here is silly. He got in. He’ll get out.” Without waiting for his consent, she shifted into a sparrow and flew to the rooftop. We can track him from up here, she thought back to him. Hurry!
Twilight did not hesitate, for the next set of troops were already assembling down the way they had come. After joining her on the roof, they began to scout out Delexi’s position.
What if Jangus hasn’t left yet? Twilight pondered. He might catch us up here.
No, I think he’s gone by now. As Katherine flitted from rooftop to rooftop, she could just make out the shadow of the wolf slinking between the buildings.
These alleys are a maze, and guards are everywhere! Twilight flanked her every move.
Then let’s guide him! Katherine then sent a mental message to the wolf. We’ll guide you out! It’s not too far from the gates. Then we’ll make a run for it!
Whether the wolf agreed to it or not, the Healers did not wait for confirmation. While Twilight scouted along one alley, Katherine kept an eye on the other side. Most guards clumped together in groups of five. There were others in the alley, either thieves or civilians, who ducked down hidden passages or scrambled inside after inquisitive threats. Thus far, Delexi was able to dodge between buildings without detection.
You’re so close! Twilight thought to the wolf as they neared the last opening that would bring Delexi out near the main gates.
No, wait! Katherine shouted to both minds. They’re coming in that way!
Go back! Twilight flitted to the next building. They’re coming down the other side!
The wolf darted back down the alley as a lone guard approached. The guard halted at the entrance to a side passage.
What’s he doing? A series of broken boards covering one section of alley obstructed Twilight’s view. Is he waiting for the others?
Katherine fluttered to anther rooftop for a better view. A black blur disappeared behind the man, with the only sound being a muffled cry.
What’s happening? Twilight joined Katherine as a figure dressed in guard’s outfit stepped from the side passage. He made a final adjustment to his long sword, then gave a small wave to the two birds perched above.
Clever! Katherine thought. But is it convincing enough?
Hope so.
“Captain.” A guard saluted Delexi, who mimicked the motion.
“You should check the side passage,” the wolf said in a gruff voice, then proceeded from the alley toward the main gate. He kept his head down while the guards just looked at each other in puzzlement.
It’s your voice! Twilight’s sight-reading examined the men’s thought patterns. They know you’re a fake!
“Halt!” a guard commanded, but Delexi had already pushed past a second group.
“There’s a body here!” A troop of guards coming from the opposite direction joined the current party. Their shouts drew guards from other locations, who began flooding the streets where the impostor was wildly running for the gate.
A fresh batch of guards standing outside the gates suddenly entered to block the exit. Having no choice, Delexi skidded to a halt with guards closing in from behind. Drawing swords, they surrounded the wolf.
Delexi’s hand had just reached for his own sword when his form began to waver.
“I can’t hold it!” he shouted while the confused men stood back in surprise when fur sprouted down the man’s face and back. The last of Chronicles’ energy given to the wolf was gone. Now, as the men watched, the animal shook off the remains of dark armor and snarled a wolf’s grin up at them.
“It’s him!”
“Magic-user!”
“Kill it!”
The men swung, but Delexi was too fast. Bulky armor delayed their reactions to the wolf’s weave between legs and out toward the main gate. He closed the distance in a single sprint until one of the gatekeepers pulled a crossbow and fired a thick bolt.
It burrowed itself in Delexi’s hindquarters and sent him rolling across the cobblestone. His body curled upon itself in pain. There came another jolt as his roll ended in a slam against the gate. Stunned, he lay a few moments to process what had happened.
Delexi! Twilight spun his bird form toward the nearest guard, shifting mid-flight to position himself
between animal and human. “I don’t think so!” He grabbed the man’s wrist holding the crossbow. With a twist, the arm snapped. Even before the man could bellow in pain, Twilight pulled him close and flipped his body in a slam. “Who’s next?” he snarled, eyes aglow in fury.
While the guards were held at bay, Katherine flew to Delexi’s side. After shifting back, she coaxed the wolf to his feet. While Delexi needed no persuasion to the immediate danger, his sluggish movements cost precious time.
“Three of them?”
“Hey, it’s those kids again!”
“Twilight!” Katherine screamed as an angry guard charged the young Healer.
“Jow’us!” Nature responded to Twilight’s command in a breath-taking quake of vines ripping below the men’s feet. The Healer’s anger fueled its growth spurt. Even around the location, angry plants responded, ensnaring anyone that moved. Nearby civilians fled in terror. Side buildings shook with a few cracks appearing in the wood. A large gap in the earth began to form, throwing men off balance and sucking them below when at last the vines retreated.
Between trembling earth and his own pain, Delexi managed to rise and limp outside the walls of Lexington. Katherine stayed by his side, adding energy of her own to his damaged body. Behind them, Twilight closed the gap just enough for those still stuck in the dirt to get out.
“Next time, don’t mess with Lo-ans’rel!” He then left the men squirming in the dirt like worms.
The scent of his companions led him into the nearby woods where he found the wolf stretched on his side while Katherine commenced her healing.
“We need do this quickly,” she said. “They’ll be after us if we don’t move soon.”
“Wouldn’t worry too much about the ‘moving’ part,” Twilight said. He watched Katherine gently pull out the bolt.
Delexi whimpered, but the young female smoothed a hand over the wound and called upon Nature. Surrounding grass and leaves withered to aid in the healing process. When Katherine moved her fingers aside, the wound had closed.
“You’ll probably be sore for a bit,” she said.
Delexi slowly rolled onto his belly. He did not reply, but merely licked her hand in thanks.
Katherine sighed. “His human form is gone, unless we give him one.”
Twilight wrinkled his nose in disagreement. “Isn’t that bending Nature’s law?”
Katherine swept some of her strawberry hair back over one shoulder. “It is when you’re dealing with Chronicles.”
“So what now?”
“We continue as planned. We find Shy…before Jangus does.”
CHAPTER 6
Twin carriages seemed to hover, side by side, before two pegasi touched down on the landing deck outside Luxor Castle. Wisdom was the first to step from the white and gold vessel, its pallid appearance in sync with Luxor’s stone coloration. He nodded once to Megas, who folded his wings in a fade and tended to the horses. As before, the White Wing had taken lead, guiding the carriage in flight. His eagerness to show off his skills impressed Glory into applauding his somersaults and barrel rolls. She had sat next to the window, with the prince sitting across from her grinning from ear to ear.
Accompanying them was Ashpin, who had watched from the opposite window while land washed away into a sky-blue backdrop. Occasionally, he would wave over to the second carriage carrying four other guests.
“Remember this place?” the prince asked Glory, who took his hand as she stepped from the carriage.
“Wow.” Ashpin stared up at the enormous structure as he followed after. He glanced around the vehicle’s side while the three clan leaders and doctor stepped from their carriage to join them. They conversed animatedly about the trip in a flying carriage. For most, it was their first. For the doctor, he looked forward to seeing his son, Nicholas, who worked on the property.
Glory beamed. “How could anyone not want to work in something this grand?”
“You’re what makes it grand,” Wisdom said softly in her ear. He admired that warm glow coloring her cheeks. They had met at Luxor, years ago as children. He still remembered her spoiled little pout, that whine of independence from her stepmother and stubborn attitude. Now and then Glory’s bottom lip still protruded in a childish pout when something was not to her liking.
His gaze trailed over her slim gown, a gift from the Schevolsky Family. A fine lace of soft green followed her neckline in a V-shape and extended down to the waist. There, the pattern dipped around her hips over white satin fabric. The slight off-the-shoulder look was enough to reveal a taste of her creamy flesh. The remembrance of its warmth against his own increased his acuteness to other males in the area, and was swift to intervene when an approaching guard welcomed them.
“Thank you,” he answered before Glory could respond. He noticed Alexander giving Ashpin that crooked smile of, “See that?”
“I’m not that bad,” Wisdom muttered, causing all smiles from his friends. Together, they entered through an archway of double doors. Once inside, a spacious foyer seemed to extend with the growing number of guests coming and going. From outside came the low whinnies of more approaching pegasi. Before the doors completely shut, Wisdom was sure he saw another White Wing guiding more carriages down to the landing platform.
“I see why Megas loves this place,” Glory said. “There’re so many opportunities to fly!”
“You have one of those, don’t you?” Nemmerl swept his hand in the direction where Megas had been. “Wasn’t he supposed to come with us?”
“Chanté? He was supposed to come with Shy,” Glory said. “Though he missed the carriage.”
“Trust me,” Wisdom said. “Shy’s coming. From what I could gather, it sounded like he wanted something new to wear for the occasion.”
Glory laughed. “Well then, he’ll be fashionably late.” A slight toss shook her long locks from around her face.
“He’ll be sorry if he decides not to,” the prince said. “For someone trying to learn more about humans, he needs to show up—”
On time? came the thought from his brother. He must have let the others hear as well, for they looked around as though expecting to see the albino Healer.
Wisdom just sighed. Where are you?
Outside with Chanté. You should see this! White Wings showing off their plumage is a performance in itself!
Wisdom had to chuckle at the mental image, and he shared the same with the group. There was Chanté, a crest of feathers raised in full around his head. Wings spread to display a glorious cream underside that matched his skin tone closer in to the shoulder blades. He had drawn the attention of not only White Wings coming from leading other carriages, but its guests. The spectacle of these graceful show-and-tells between ‘Ken Wisdom had not seen, even when he had lived with his kind right under their nesting grounds.
Don’t be long, he cautioned to his brother when he noticed several announcers starting to get everyone’s attention. I think they’re about to lead everyone in.
Soon enough, guests began meandering down the main hallway with one of the servants leading the way. Polished marble floors captured a semi-reflection of each guest dressed in their finest attire. As Wisdom adjusted his own clothing, a midnight blue overcoat and matching tunic, he took notice in the ones his friends wore. While Nemmerl preferred a longer garment to Nickademis, both trimmed in gold and black, Alexander donned a crimson outfit with gold lining and matching boots. The Simpleton Mididus was a reminder of his forest dwelling with his fine, dark green fabric and silver-patterned vest, though it did bring out his mottled skin coloration. For Ashpin, a rustic red-brown tunic over dark pants and belt.
Of all the richness combined, Glory stood out most. Hers was the fairest and drew many an admiring gaze. Wisdom checked her expression, almost positive there would be a look of disgust from all the stares. Finding none, he reassured her by slipping his hand into hers, and they walked side by side while their group was received by a servant to show them the way.
“Do you suppose my parents will be here?”
“All the better,” Wisdom said. “It will probably put your father at ease to see how lovely you look.”
Glory blushed. “My father, yes. But not my stepmother.”
Wisdom leaned closer to whisper, “Let me worry about her,” and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. A few comments from his companions drew his attention to another mingling with the party, one who stirred memories of his servant days at Luxor. “Nicolas!” he called after the doctor released his son from a bear-hug.
The resemblance between the two was remarkable. Nicolas had taken some gray to his hair, though he kept his face clean-shaven, unlike his father. When his eyes shifted to the prince, they lit up with memories of their own. Immediately, he bowed with respect.
Wisdom grinned. “You’re too flattering.” They clasped hands and exchanged a few words of greeting, with an added introduction to his current company.
“Good to have you back,” Nicolas said.
“It’s good to be back. How’s Lord Gracie?”
Nicolas chuckled. “His usual self.” He dipped his head to Glory. “You have a rare beauty here tonight. The Elite Family? I remember you when...” As he recalled a moment when Glory had been little, Wisdom kept his mind open to the thoughts of others: Mididus content with small-talk between the other leaders, Glory enjoying the current attention, and Ashpin taking in all the sights and sounds. A hint of his brother’s return tuned his sight-reading to his whereabouts. Chanté was still outside, so Shy was heading their way.
A slight tug to the sleeve prompted a new thought – Ashpin’s concern for his father. “Do you really think Lord Gracie will know where he is?”
“Relax,” Wisdom soothed. “Even if he doesn’t know offhand, he’ll at least give us the curtesy to find out. He has lots of resources. I’m sure you’ll get an answer, one way or another.”
“It’s just...so busy!” Ashpin noted the hustling servants, guests pouring in, with no sign of their host as they were directed into a large ballroom. “Will he even have time to speak with us?”
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