Chapter 17: Michael’s Roost

  Taenith yawned under the rising sun. Without realizing it, he and Tex had fallen asleep next to each other without waking the others for their night shifts. Luckily for them, however, none of them were corpses. Smacking his thirsty maw a few times, he cracked his back and tried to stand before realizing Tex had confiscated his left wing as a makeshift blanket. Trying not to wake her, he gently nudged Tex off and stood so he could retrieve the waterskin from his bag, only to realize that it too had been sullied by the black magic from the day before. Cursing to himself, he heard rustling from behind him. Turning, he could see Han, risen from slumber with a chaotic bed head that malformed half his hair into a mountainous spike.

  “Good morning,” Taenith said, tossing his ruined pack to the ground. His stomach grumbled in disappointment.

  Han stretched his weary arms and widened his bloodshot eyes. “I’m saying this right now. We’re never sleeping on rocks again,” he groaned.

  “You could say that again,” Grizzel said and inched out of his sleeping roll. Grabbing his mace and bags, he hurried along with Han to pack and get ready to move onwards.

  “You’re both in for some disappointment then,” Tex added, groggily collecting her things.

  Taenith grabbed his own pack. For a moment, his cold gaze lingered to the wrapped demonic weapon at Tex’s side, and a fog of unease paraded over him. Shaking his head, Taenith exhaled and joined Tex at the entrance of the cave. The other two joined shortly after.

  “Watch your step. Lost a recruit last year because of the ice,” Tex said as she stepped out of the cave entrance. Snow dusted the ice-kissed pebble trail that continued up the side of the mountain, becoming thinner by the foot.

  Han’s gut sank. “You’re joking. Right?”

  Tex continued, ignoring his question.

  “Lovely,” Han muttered.

  And with that, the four ventured up the snow-paved path. Fortunately, no one lost their footing, despite a few hiccups here and there. And before two hours passed, they had managed to make their way up the tight trail, eventually coming to a short stone staircase that led into another cave entrance. Tex motioned for them to follow her, and it quickly became apparent that this cave was different from the last. They frequently caught glimpses of scattered bags of wheat and grain on the floor, next to the occasional discarded sword or spear. As they went further into the cave, they came to an iron door embedded in stone. Two floating balls of white flame floated at either side of it. In the middle was an engraving of the Algadrian Order’s emblem.

  “Cool door. What’s it do?” Grizzel asked.

  Tex stepped forward and placed a hand on the symbol. “Bandits have been known to come here in the past. It needed some extra protection.” After a few moments of contact with the cold steel, Tex’s fingers pulsed with a warm aura that slowly transitioned the lights from a bright white to gold. As the flames shifted color, the door slowly screeched open, allowing light from behind it to flow into the dark cavern. Once the steel frame was opened, everyone became witness to a lush field with a small pond in its center. Cozied up to the left side was a small, single-story wood hut. A variety of tulips, whose colors ranged from deep pinks to bright yellows, peaked over blades of grass that blanketed the earthy floor. When looking upwards, they could see the small oasis was a hollowed out part of the mountain, preventing the glacial winds from killing the fragile life that had grown there. The sun splashed its rays across the field, painting the vibrant foliage in golden hues. Amongst the small preserve were several horse-like creatures with white wings sprouting from their sides. The strange mutated beasts gnawed on grass and shrubs, ignorant of their new visitors. Tex approached one of the creatures and laid a hand on its neck. It flexed its wings at her touch but quickly relaxed when seeing her flowing red hair and familiar face.

  “Woah,” Han said. When he spoke, one of the hippogriffs, a tall eagle-faced mare with brown spots speckled across its white hide, turned and watched the three strangers. Clicking its beak, the creature scanned Han and lingered at Taenith for a few moments before fixing itself on the apostle, who stood shifting uncomfortably.

  While the two were distracted by the majestic creatures, Taenith heard a new set of footsteps approaching from behind them.. A man, young by the looks of his smooth features, emerged from the small hut with a large saddle slung over his pauldrons. Taenith got the sense this was another Algadrian knight. His armor was nearly identical to his own, although with fewer spikes protruding from the shoulder pieces. And upon closer inspection, it also bore the yellow dragon emblem on his right breast plate.

  “Tex?” the knight asked, dropping his saddle where he stood.

  Tex’s eyes shot open, and she turned to face her friend. “Michael?”

  “Tex!” Michael threw off his helmet, revealing a bisque, nearly pale, face. His head was full of long black hair pulled back into a messy bun, and his eyes were a bright, grayish-blue. He rushed over to Tex, then threw his armored arms around her and squeezed as tightly as he possibly could. She winced as he gave her one of his world famous bear hugs.

  “I can’t believe it's you! What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you in ages! How’s Sham? Who are these three guys? New friends of yours? I love the red scales my dude!”

  Tex pushed him away and regained her breath.

  “Michael, this is Grizzel, Han, and Taenith.”

  “Nice to meet you!” he said, giving a slight bow to the three.

  “Is this the Michael who cut off Icarus’ arm?” Taenith asked.

  Michael gave a wide grin that rivaled even Grizzel’s. “One and the same! I got lucky though. Probably won’t ever happen again!” he laughed resting his hands on his hips.

  “You say that so casually…” Han mumbled.

  “So what are you guys up to? How’d you meet Tex?”

  “We’re trying to find Sham’s ring. They offered to help,” Tex said.

  “What? Again?” Michael asked. “He’s gotta put a bell on that thing.”

  Tex chuckled, and shrugged. “I agree. But the old man's stubborn… or senile."

  Michael laughed.

  Tex smiled. It'd been awhile since she'd seen her friend. Of all the members of the Order, she was glad that at least he made it out. He was like a younger brother to her.

  "Michael, what happened while we were gone? Sham went looking for everyone after we left the city yesterday," she asked.

  Michael scratched his head. “Sorry. I don’t know much. After the apostles took over the city, they closed the guilds down. I was the only one at the tower, and I heard they weren’t exactly taking prisoners, so I rushed up here with what supplies I could… I may have left the armory on though…” he tapped a finger against his cheek for a moment before continuing. “Anyways. I hoped others in the guild would gather at the mountain in case we needed to relocate. But I haven’t seen anyone else in weeks.”

  Tex sighed. “Not even a word from Jazz?”

  Michael shook his head. “Last I heard he was up north hunting a dragon. That was… three weeks ago?”

  “Damn,” she said. “Well, Sham will figure it out. We’ve got bigger things to worry about right now. Jakob is back.”

  “Wait...You mean,” he paused. "That Jakob?"

  Tex nodded, and her jaw tensed. “We think so. Sham picked up a trail of his magic leading back to the ruins yesterday. I don’t know how though. Necromancy maybe.”

  “He was always into dark magic… How can I help?” Michael asked encouragingly.

  “Mind if we borrow a ride?”

  Michael scratched his neck. “Sure, but I don’t know. The skies have been pretty bad lately. Just yesterday I saw some crazy storm over the plains. It’s probably not safe.”

  Grizzel stepped forward with a dumb grin on his face. “Those were just some demons we took care of.”

  Han rolled his eyes.

  “Oh, I didn’t realize...Wait, demons?” he asked.

  “Just one. He was after the mace,” Tex said.

  “They never give up, huh?” Michael chuckled. "But sheoldrites or not, you should know. It’s roc season.”

  Grizzel raised a brow, “Rock season? Like stones?”

  Michael laughed, “You’re funny!”

  Tex sighed.

  “It's a massive man-eating bird and well, actually I can't say I know something it doesn't eat. They’re MASSIVE,” Michael reiterated.

  “We don’t exactly have the luxury of waiting. We’re trying to avoid teleportation so Jakob doesn’t see us coming, and we have to get there before he moves,” Tex replied.

  Michael shrugged, “I mean I guess. But didn’t you say that sheoldrite knew where you were? What if Jakob does too?”

  “Jakob doesn’t know about the mace, let alone how to track it. Whoever the sheoldrite was, he was working for Icarus.” Tex said.

  Michael scratched his chin. "I suppose. I've never heard of a Riftbound serving under a mortal. And Jakob was never one for making friends…even with sheoldrites." Michael paused before taking a deep breath and looking over the hippogriff.

  “Well I guess I won't stand in your way. Feel free to borrow a few. But take care of them, could you? They’ve sort of been my only company up here. Isn’t that right, Sunny!” Michael walked up to the nearest hippogriff, a bright palomino mare with a glistening blonde eagle face. He patted her on the head and gave her a kiss.

  Sunny gave a happy nicker as she flexed her pale ombre wings.

  Tex approached the nearest hippogriff and climbed onto its saddle. “No promises but for you Michael, I’ll try.”

  “Oh. Leaving already?” Michael asked, a bit disappointed.

  “Tight schedule,” Tex replied. “But you’re welcome to join.”

  “No, that’s fine. Someone’s got to take care of the gals. But you know, you could at least stay and eat. No sense in fighting on an empty stomach,” Michael looked over the four. Their faces, well except the draconian’s, were rather pale. And all of their eyes were tired. “Why not stay for breakfast?” he asked.

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  Now that he mentioned it, Tex pondered, she was hungry. They hadn’t exactly eaten in a day or so. And her head was starting to pound. As if on queue, her stomach grumbled.

  Grizzel smacked his dry tongue against the roof of his mouth.

  “I won’t lie. I could eat,” Han added.

  “It’s not a good idea to ride on an empty stomach, Tex! You know that. Remember last time?”

  Tex rolled her eyes.

  “Last time? Han asked.

  “Well a few years ago-” Michael began.

  “FINE. We’ll stay for breakfast,” Tex said, getting off her mount.

  “Great!” Michael clapped his hands. “Come on in.”

  -

  Taenith had to duck a bit to fit into the doorframe of the hut. He was almost expecting it to lead into a magically massive interior, like the tower in the plains. But, to his dismay, it did not. Michael’s hut was probably decently sized by human standards. It had a kitchen, a living room with a brick fire pit, and a dining room adjacent to a one-person bedroom. But the short hallways, whose walls were decorated with crude engravings of Order member names, were tight for a bulking draconian adorned in even bulkier armor. Taenith was considering waiting outside, until he caught a scent of cinnamon. The smell made his hungry mouth water, and he decided to continue to the table.

  “Sorry. We don’t get many draconians up here,” Michael said as the four sat down. Taenith’s chair groaned under his weight.

  “Just give me a few minutes and I’ll have some food ready,” he turned to leave, before stopping. “Oh! Any gluten allergies?”

  Grizzel leaned over to Han and whispered, “What’s glue-ten?” The bowman shrugged.

  “We’re fine,” Tex said.

  With a smile, Michael disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the four alone. The momentary silence between them was shortly interrupted by the sound of clashing pots and pans, and Michael’s humming.

  Moments later, the scent of milk, spices and butter leaked into the dining room, and Han was immediately reminded of his life in Kanda. His mouth watered for crems, and then, almost unexpectedly, he found himself feeling guilty.

  Taenith seemed to notice Han’s sudden unease, as the bowman’s eyes were trained on the table, almost blank. Then, without warning, he got up from his chair. “Sorry. I think I need some air. I’ll be right back.”

  Tex eyed Han, instinctively cautious. After the front door closed, she stood up and followed, leaving Taenith and Grizzel alone.

  “So… You like glue-ten?” Grizzel asked.

  Taenith sighed.

  ---

  Once Han was outside, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the oasis’s still, cool air. It was colder than he was used to. The jungles of Kanda were always hot or moist. It was actually quite nice. The tightness in his chest and shoulders even vanished for a moment. Then, his eyes fell on one of Michael’s hippogriffs - a mare with a deep, brown hide peppered with fist-sized black spots. Its head and wings were a glistening hue of yellow that resembled the shine gold gives off in water. He found himself wandering over to the strange creature. Although, it nor the others seemed bothered by his presence. Instead, they occupied themselves with the grass, sniffing around for any insects hiding in the ground. He felt the animal’s coarse main with a tentative hand, and a sinking sensation filled his stomach. The same feeling he felt the day prior after witnessing Taenith’s actions. Gult. Or regret. Maybe both. Maybe neither. Either way, images of his family flashed before his eyes. Scratching the animal, it let out a happy chirp and swatted its tail in the air.

  Han smiled.

  Then, he heard a pair of footsteps behind him. He was almost certain it would be Taenith. The draconian didn’t let anything slip past his eyes. But when he turned, he was surprised to see Tex. He didn’t know her well, but he did know she wasn’t exactly the most comforting company.

  “Thinking of flying away?” she asked, coming closer. One hand rested on her hip, while the other rested on the hilt of her sword, but not in a threatening way.

  “Huh? No,” Han patted the animal. “I don’t even know how to fly one,” he chuckled weakly.

  Tex crossed her arms. “It’s easier than it looks.”

  The hippogriff in front of him stretched its wings, and walked off.

  “... I was just feeling a bit restless,” Han said. “Didn’t mean to worry you.”

  Tex shrugged. “Just a habit. Wouldn’t be the first time someone tried running off with one,” Tex said. Examining his features, she could tell there was something more than idle anxiety bothering him.

  “Fair enough,” Han replied.

  The sound of a metal hitting the floor ricocheted from the hut. It was followed by some muffled exchange of words between presumably Michael and Grizzel.

  “Well. I’d hate to keep them waiting,” Han said, walking off.

  The Algadrian Knight watched the bowman’s back for a moment, then spoke, “You said you’re from Kanda, right?”

  Han paused, facing her again. “Yeah. Why?”

  Tex’s stomach twisted. Taenith mentioned Han was looking for his family. The worst part was he probably didn’t know the truth of their fate. Then again, she recognized those watery, stoic eyes. Because they were her own.

  “Hells,” she thought. Of course he knew.

  “Tex! Han! Come on! The food’s getting cold!” Michael’s voice boomed from the doorway.

  ---

  Taenith stared at his plate. It was full of round, flat doughy brown things messily piled on top of each other. They were drizzled with a dark, rich liquid that oozed over the sides like tree sap. The draconian picked up his fork, a tiny, dainty piece in his hands, and stabbed it into the blob of ‘food.’ He raised the utensil eye-level, and stared as the gooey substance bled onto his plate.

  Han took notice, and gave a meek smirk, “What? Never had pancakes before?”

  Taenith’s gaze slowly shifted from the blob to Han, then to Grizzel, whose cheeks were puffed full of the stuff, then back to Han.

  “No.”

  Michael nearly spat out his coffee. “You live under a rock or something?”

  Taenith watched Grizzel swallow another mouthfull, then drew the fork to the edge of his maw. His tongue watered for food, but the strong scent of sugar and cinnamon made his nostrils tingle.

  “Is this… what crems are like?” Taenith asked.

  Han finished another bite, savoring its wet, sticky apple cinnamon flavor. It was nothing like a crem, but gods was it just as nostalgic.

  “Close enough,” he said.

  “Hmmm,” Taenith grumbled before finally opening his maw, tasting a bit. His eyes nearly popped out of his skull when the sugar touched his tongue. It was so thick, it was almost like sand, but the liquidy texture and the crunchy apples mixed in made it…good, if a bit overwhelming for a draconian with a diet such as his - mostly proteins, roots, and vegetables. The closest thing he could relate these ‘pancakes’ to was his fruit drinks. Though, they weren’t nearly as rich. Then, he made the mistake of chewing. The doughy mixture was gummy, and stuck to the roof of his mouth. He had to take several sips from his water cup before the sugary plaster went down.

  Even though it tasted fine… it wasn’t an experience he’d like to repeat.

  Then again, if they were ever going to make it to Kanda, he’d have to get used to these human foods. So, he took another bite, then seeing Han’s hopeful eyes, he put on a small smirk.

  About ten minutes passed until the others finished their meals, at which point Taenith had had enough.

  “Gods,” Grizzel set down his silverware, and held in a burp. “This was incredible. Thanks.”

  Han nodded in agreement.

  Michael wiped his mouth with a towel. “You’re welcome. Can’t go on quests on an empty stomach,” he chuckled.

  “So, Michael. Mind teaching them the basics?” Tex asked, setting down her cup.

  “Sure! Don’t worry about the mess. I’ll grab some saddles and meet you outside,” Michael said, standing up to leave.

  Grizzel shot up from his chair and exclaimed, “I’ll help!” before following Michael out of the small cottage.

  “Don’t take too long,” Tex said, throwing her towel onto her plate. Then, she grabbed her sword and pack and followed the other two.

  Han took a deep breath, then took one final sip of water.

  Taenith, whose focus had been on the ornate carvings of names etched into the walls, caught a glimpse of the bowman shaking hand as he set his wooden cup onto the table.

  “Nervous?” the draconian asked.

  When Han exchanged glances with Taenith, his chest hurt. Then, through a half smile, he said, “... Never flown before.”

  Taenith blinked. “I won’t let you fall,” he said.

  “I figured you would say that,” Han chuckled. Then, he stood from the table, grabbed his bow, and left.

  Taenith sat there for a moment, alone at the mess of a table. The abruptness of the conversation left him confused. Then again, humans acted strangely sometimes when they were afraid. That, at least, he knew. Without giving much further thought, he grabbed his things and walked down the name-etched hallway. For a brief moment, he wondered how many souls had passed through to their dooms. The memories that ran through that small hallway were so thick, he could practically taste them in his mouth. But the impermanence of them soured his tongue. Shaking his head, he placed a hand on the door, and stepped into the sun-soaked hell. When his feet hit the grass, his thoughts immediately shattered, and before long, he found himself beside the others, at the mercy of Michael’s educational banter.

  “Grif riding is easy enough,” Michael said. He approached Sunny, and laid a saddle over its back. “Just like a horse.” The creature gave a happy chirp before going back to digging in the grass for worms. At least, until Michael gently tapped its neck, signaling it to raise its head. The animal briefly protested with a head shake before allowing Michael to place the bit in its mouth. After making sure Sunny was comfortable, he climbed on, holding the reins in his hand. “They’re not new to this. So just follow Tex’s lead and they’ll do the rest. Any questions?”

  Han sheepishly raised a hand. “Uh, yeah. Is this… enough?” he asked, gesturing to one of the saddles.

  Michael grinned. “Just hold onto the handle and you’ll be fine. Trust me,” Michael hopped off Sunny. “Besides! You got big man here to catch you if you fall,” he nudged Taenith, then turned to Tex. “And Tex’s never lost someone riding before.”

  “Don’t look down,” Tex replied.

  “Somehow that doesn’t help,” Han thought, but swallowed his fear. This was the only way.

  “So, when do we start?” Grizzel said, rubbing his hands together.

  Michael gestured to the other hippogriffs he had already saddled for them. “You’re good to go! Just be sure you’re gentle. Griffs can be sensitive,” Michael rubbed Sunny’s forehead. “Isn’t that right? Swunny bwear,” he pursed his lips to speak in a childlike tone. Sunny closed its eyes and clicked its beak, wagging its tail.

  With that, the three scattered to their own hippogriffs and struggled onto their backs. Taenith, being the largest, had no issue climbing onto his steed. Han too, who was more used to climbing, didn’t seem to struggle. Grizzel, however, fell several times, eating dirt more than twice as he struggled to shift his armored form up and over his steed for several minutes. Han couldn’t help but laugh at the site, which briefly softened the anxiety swelling in his gut.

  Han clutched his stomach and took a deep breath, tying his saddle’s straps around him so tightly he could hardly inhale. Then, without warning, he heard Tex kick her griff and fly into the sky. Closing his eyes, he tightened his grip on the reins. “You got this. You got this…” he repeated in his head. Then, a sudden motion whipped his head back, and before he knew it, he was in the air following Tex alongside the others.

  Tex looked down and waved at her friend.

  Michael smiled and waved back. In mere moments, the group rose above the small haven and disappeared over the stone walls.

  “I’m probably never going to see them again am I?” Michael asked out loud. Sunny clicked its beak. “Oh well, I guess,” he sighed, patting the hippogriff on the head. “Let’s go get you some snacks.”

  Sunny whistled.