Scales and Honor: Emerald Secrets

  Epilogue

  In the depths of the forest palace, past the great gate and spiraling stairs was layers of thickened stone and steel bars. The air here hung heavy with the scent of pollen and moisture, deprived almost entirely of light. The only illumination that was provided within these magically crafted halls were the allumenscient algae that clung to the celings at least twice the size of normal facilities. Large enough to fit say a gryphon within their stone halls. It was here that Skywing resided. Wing commander of Lumara’s gryphons, his white furred hinds bound and shackled to the cold floor along with his black scaled forelimbs. His wings were wrapped tightly together with layers of thick rope, leaving no room for the male to wiggle any bit of him save his tiger like tail.

  Upon his onyx beak there was a tired look, blue eyes that usually didn’t miss a thing now filled to the brim with unease and whispers of dread. Was this how he had expected to end up? When days before he and the others had been filled with courage and strung along with words of bravery and courage. But where had all that gotten him and his allies?

  Bound and shackled in some god awful place. Doomed to be lost to the Emerald Lady like all the rest.

  The gryphon’s head sunk lower, admiring the dark bars of his cage, taking in the hints of rust that clung to them. They smelled like old stone, dank and wet. He shivered as much as he could able, desperately wishing he was back in his old nest. Basking and chirping happily at the warmth. Though more than anything he wanted the safety of his fellow wingmates. The ones he’d led into this god forsaken forest. Just like those years before with the king.

  It had started straight forward enough. While the forest had sprung to life like an angry octopus they had launched a quick hit and run into the Lady’s domain. Together as one he and his flight had weaved through the seemingly thousands of vines that had burst from the canopy, getting demolished by punishing rounds of energy cannon fire. The scent of burned plants had been a comforting thought as they descended through the treetops. They’d sped as fast as their wings could carry them to her towering palace. Where fields of frozen innocents stood and waited for the rest of time. He’d made sure to request clerics to ride upon their backs, prepped with spells to change stone back to flesh. Free what Lumarian’s they could, but more importantly. The wingmates he’d lost two years prior. ______ and _____. The thoughts of them had haunted him over the quiet moments in his life, and by the gods he’d swore to get them back.

  But look where that has gotten you Skywing. More stones for the Emerald Lady’s field of horrors.

  Cornellious had warned against pushing the Emerald Lady during their assault. Insisting that they were only to find and slay the dragon. But Garroth had so much at his disposal, how could he not try and rescue their fellows? Besides, the unsavory sorts that the mercenary had hired on for the job were less welcoming to Skywing and his proper soldiers. Better for everyone if they were to be separated. But in the end the Dragoness had been ready for their assault. Guards had leaped from the stone and trees as they landed. Soon pelting the Lumarian soldiers with spells and hit and run tactics they tried to fend off.

  They’d done well enough despite a certain limitation he’d placed on his wing-mates. That no deaths were to be had. The ones that resided here under the dragon were just misguided after all. Seduced into serving her out of misplaced loyalty or fear of what she would do to them. After they had done away with her the people could rehabilitated. At least that’s what he’d told himself.

  Despite his good intentions and well thought plans they had been thwarted once more. She’d emerged from the palace in a show of force. Quickly dispatching he and his fellows with spells aplenty. The pained squawks and flashes of sharpened teeth still sent a shiver up the poor gryphon’s spine as he remembered her ferocity. Her booming voice and fury laid bare before them. Though to at least his comfort she’d not killed a single member of his flight. Though he shuttered to think what she’d do with them. Most likely turn them into thralls or stone scarecrows to scare away anymore tresspassers into her domain.

  With a heavy sigh he kneaded the stone below his claws, wishing he’d been more ruthless or better prepared. Maybe then he’d not be bound within this cell, waiting for his doom to come. And of course there had been no word of rescue. Either Garroth had neglected to inform the king, or simply left the gryphons and their clerics to their fate. Now he just had the time to contemplate his fate, and that was the worst part. Some bit of him just wished she’d come down to his cell and render her judgement admist the blue glow, finally put an end to his guessing game.

  Another sigh left his tired beak, leaving a mist lingering in the air. He’d made the decision. His wingmates didn’t deserve to be here. As the guilt within his fur and feathered chest became to much the proud gryphon wimpered, closing his eyes and listening to the stead drip of water in the distance. He wondered if anyone would remember him. If any soul would even come to rescue him from his fate.

  Time past as the gryphon thought to his friends and family. Ones that pulled at his heart like a heavy stone, even as it beat powerfully away. Something to keep him sane. His parents returned to whitedell, they knew his life was risky. How funny life would have been if he’d stayed out of the service or retired when Arcturus did. He’d be ike his siblings, doing time and oving onto better things. But no, he’d wanted to keep having excitement. Some that adventuring didn’t entail. A way to keep his duty about him for his kingdom. How cruel life could be sometimes.

  Arcturus. The gryphon’s eyes opened, staring blankly at his forepaws. Like the man would appear upon the stone. The last friend he’d had left on those mountains with the red dragon they’d been chasing. Even though he’d reacted poorly and gotten a shield to the face, he longed to have more words with him. Missing the long nights they’d spent at war, soothing the horrors of spells they’d witnessed. The friends they’d lost, always having each other to hold onto. Even as the rest of the world flung out of control.

  But he’d fallen from the sky. Clung onto by the red scaled beast they’d been chasing. Something that’d nearly stopped the gryphon’s heart when he’d been told of it. If only he’d have been there. Done something to deliver his friend from that dragon’s clutches. But his flight had fumbled it and let the captain fall. Then the dragon surprised him. It had saved him despite everything. Despite how villainous the king had made him out to be. He’d spend the next day searching for the fallen man. Only leaving with great pains when Garroth told them they had to move on. Now the gryphon would never get a chance to look for his lost friend. Make amends for what had transpired between them. Would the knight from old come looking for him?

  Skywing’s ear trembled as he pictured those emerald eyes glazed over, fueled with a burning fire. He was flattered by such devotion that lurked within them, but he silently prayed that he’d forget and stay away. No one else needed to be consumed by the Emerald Lady. Not a soul more needed to be punished for his decisions. As his thoughts darkened and spun around him the gryphon had hardly noticed the clicking of talons on stone, the soft padding of paws in the hallway. He was only pulled from his own head by a calm and collected voice. One that brought a bit of warmth to the dankyness of this cell.

  “Got a whole mess of thoughts in your head gryphon?” Before Skywing’s cell was a white and black gryphon. One with a white tiger like bottom half, the same feather markings as his own. Practically a mirror of himself standing before him. Course the male was a bit taller, probably from his age, and his eyes were the brightest yellow that Skywing had ever seen. Looking like they were glowing in the dim light. He even had his blackened sections around his white furred face, a warm expression on his beak. Almost like the gryphon before him wasn’t bound in shackles and tied up like some ham to be cooked.

  The other gryphon’s posture relaxed, tail curling around his hinds. “I can understand that. Got yourself in a whole lick of trouble.” He motioned to two other people with him. Elves clad in chain shirts wrapped in green heraldry, and arming swords at their sides. One lifted a ring of keys, thumbing through the mettalic shapes.

  Well this was only a matter of time. She couldn’t leave him without anyone for any much longer. She’d been bound to send a lacky. “And you are?” He rose his brow as the elf found the key and placed it within the cell’s lock, turning it will a dull clunk. “You’re different from the servants that fed me.”

  “I’m Croesus.” The gryph bowed his head slightly, adding a bit of pleasantries as he padded into the cell. “And you’re Skywing. Proud Commander of Lumara. You’re quite the interest to me and the woman upstairs.” He fluffed up his wings, motioning to the ceiling.

  “And why is that?” The gryphon warry eyed the approaching elves. Ones that despite his bindings searched him over for any trickery he might have up his feathers. “Don’t worry Elf. I don’t bite.

  “I think you know better than most.”

  “If I were a desperate man. I might consider having nothing to lose. Knowing what she has in store for me.” He rubbed his forepaws when the elf’s key undid his bindings. Even this amount of freedom was like a kiss from a goddess. “But I’m not selfish. I know you have my allies.” He stared the other gryphon in the eye, mustering what strength he could. Understanding flashed between them. If he was to get any mercy for his men. He was going to have to play along, even if it meant that he ended up as a sacrifice. A small price to pay for the lives of his wingmates. Croesus seemed to understand, nodding with an approving series of clicks.

  “It would appear I do understand you.”

  “That’s always good.” Skywing sighed as they undid his hinds, allowing him to stretch out his leg. “Good thing you came along. Had an itch back there for hours.” He snaked his head back, nibbling at his leg. At least until the gryphon coughed and drew his attention.

  “You done?”

  “For now.” He chirped, composing himself before the male. “Though you surprise me Croesus.”

  “And why is that?” The gryph tilted his head.

  “I’d have thought she didn’t have a gryphon in her mists. Yet here you are. Standing tall in the feathers.

  Croesus chirped happily, gesturing for him to follow with a wing. “Was one of the first. This place holds many secrets around every corner. Don’t be surpsised when a few things tickle your ears something fierce.”

  “Right.” He snorted, wiggling his wings to the elfs to try and get them to cut his ropes. Yet they didn’t, leaving him sighing and padding after the leading male. He saw an opening present itself as the two elfs took his sides. They would have been unprepared if he decided to attack. But he held his urge in check. This isn’t what he needed. He needed to focus on the safety of his fellow wingmates.

  Though like he knew what was passing between Skywing’s ears Croesus chuckled.

  “Oh to be like that once again.”

  “Be like what?”

  “That look in the eye. That one that saw an opening to slice their necks but didn’t take it. Those blue things are easier to read than a book.”

  “I wasn’t.” He brushed it off, rolling his eyes away from the knowing yellows. He didn’t need a reaction to jeopardize everything.

  “You know. I don’t enjoy being lied to on a good day.” Croesus snapped, coming to an immediate halt. “You disappoint me. I can practically taste the urge to escape about you.”

  “Fine.” He admitted with splayed ears and a sunken head. Especially when he caught the fire within Croesus’ eyes. “It twas out of habit. I’m a trained fighter. Its my job to see those things. It keeps one alive on the field of battle.”

  “See?” Croesus’ claw cupped his beak, slowly rising it till their eyes met. “Theres an honest bit about you. Keep more of that. Lets people trust you.” The gryphon’s head tilted, like he was trying to read Skywing’s thoughts. Silence passed for a moment before he pulled away with a chirp. “You’re going to try and convince my lady to spare your wingmates. Now that is really surprising.”

  “Why is that?” He followed as the gryphon guided him with a wing up a staircase of marbled stone. Light streaming through cracks to light the way.

  “Most people would be concerned with their own hide. But you?” The gryphon chuckled in the back of his throat. “That didn’t even occur to you.”

  “How can you stand by?”

  “And what?”

  “Let her turn all those people to stone. The vast field she has around her lair.”

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  “Home.” Croesus chirped. “And your land has laws and such. These are just forms of that. Don’t you think their wasn’t mercy. She does offer a chance to folks. They just chose poorly.”

  “And you think their crimes fit being turned to stone?”

  “As I said.” Croesus’ talons clacking on the stone almost came as a threat. “Poorly.”

  The words bounced between Skywing’s ears as Croesus led him up the staircase till they came to a proticullus of hardened steel. It was risen by several guards in the same attire as the rest, a series of dull clinks filled the air as it rose. He got a few interested looks for only a fleeting moment before their eyes became like steel. They knew a walking stone when they saw one.With a chirp of thanks, Croesus brought skywing into the field of stone misery.

  Face to face Skywing’s eyes drifted. From blank expression to fearful terror, eyes of hardened stone. Humans, elves, dwarves, all could be countered in their number. He caught a few gryphons scattered among them, none having any regalness or pride about their expressions. He quickly glanced away when the guilt in his stomach grew too large. They were not his own. But they might have well as been.

  The sunlight flooding the field of makeshift scarecrows of stone did little to brighten the dreary atmosphere that hung around it. Folks from numerous ages all frozen within such a place, moss licking at their feet or paws. Some had nearly been consumed, resting here for an untold amount of time.

  “I get how you feel. Does strange things to a man. These things.” Croesus pointed out a defiant looking human. Garbed in stone rags and chains. “But it serves a purpose.”

  “And that is?”

  “Humans have scarecrows no? To scare off the birds from their crops?”

  “So I am one of those birds then?”

  “Metaphor. But in forms of punishment this comes as a better sort no? Better than hanging from a tree like a rotten fruit, flies like back clouds. Then theres beheading or getting eaten. This is a kindness in a way….Poof…and nothing.” The white gryphon’s words trailed off, getting lost to the field of stone people. Silence hung soon after, only broken by the loud thrumming of insects in the distance, or the faint chirping of birds. The great vine clad gate of the lady’s palace swung open before them with a rumbling thud, pollen drifting softly from it’s emerald snakes. Skywing was softly shoved forward, into the hallways made for beings far past his height. He took a tentative breath, breathing deep the faint scent of lavender, and trying to not focus on the trembling of his paws.

  Trinkets and art they passed. None of too much concern to Skywing. He focused on the steady pace at which they walked, and the uneasy silence between the two. Words rose up within his mind, trying to piece themselves into a lofty speech. What would he exactly say to sway the emerald dragon’s heart? Could he play to her pride, her honor if she had some? Croesus sure wasn’t helping, being all tight beaked as he navigated the maze-like corridors like a pro, a confident stride in his haunches. When they finally came to a room with two more square jawed guards, Skywing was no closer to forming his speech. These guards unlike the rest wore guilded armor. Heft sections of gold in their edges then the others. Swords lay at their hips, hardened looks being flashed in their direction. But then Croesus gave them a nod, said a few words and nodded to Skywing with a jovial tone. The pair of humans looked at one another, shrugged, and let them pass unhindered.

  Before Skywing was what he might have called a great hall. At least if humans and the like would be concerned.But where tables crafted for guests and family might rest, instead was more pedastals with golden trinkets or grimiores. The air was filled with the enchanting scent of vanilla, lacing every breath with it’s splender, and betraying the air of worry about Skywing’s heart. Candles of all sorts were piled here near the furthest wall, illuminating the floor covered in thick books of all sorts. Normal ones, raggedy ones, some as large as the gryphon himself. But admist these books was something else that drew the gryphon’s attention. For lounging among them was the great dragoness, tail tapping in amusement, her eyes locked onto a book. She casually flipped the page, rumbling in the back of her throat.

  Croesus fluffed up his feathers with a happy coo and guiding Skywing ever further with a talon. “What is it your reading there? Something that caught your eye so well must be mighty interesting.”

  The Emerald Lady flicked her eyes up, traveling them between the pair. They settled onto Croesus, her whole form relaxing. “Oh its you.” She pulled her head back, frills flittering in and out. “I was wondering when you’d visit me.” She tapped the book with a claw, “Just some reports from the west. You’d not believe what our treasures have found.”

  “You’ll have to tell me later.” Croesus gently shoved Skywing on the shoulder. “Brought this little one to speak with you.”

  “Thought you might.” She yawned, stretching out her vast wings. “Though the question lingers in me on why you went about it. What has he got to say to me worth listening to? Was he not to be turned to stone tomorrow?”

  Well damnt. Skywing’s heart sunk as she locked eyes with him. His head drooped.

  “Oh I quite remember that my lady.” The white gryphon chuckled, not sounding discouraged in the slightest. “And for one that can see the future it astounds me how often you can be surprised.”

  “Don’t go telling people that.” She hissed, twacking her tail against the ground. “You might fill their heads with ideas and plans. Plots to see me undone.”

  “Apologies.” He bowed his head. “Regardless. He has words to say to you.”

  “Just be more mindful in the future my treasured gryphon.” She rumbled with the affection one might have for a mate. Skywing hesitated as she rose, nearly frozen at the sign of affection. “Or else I might get cross with you.”

  “That would be quite interesting. What could make you angry that I havn’t done before I wonder?”

  Her brow rose. “Trying to push your luck?”

  “Well you know me. Pushin when I can. But I thought this one could be of use to us. He’s different than the others.

  “Is that so?” She rose up, stretching like a cat, and giving Skywing a few more moments to put an end to his quickened breaths. “Ive not found Lumarains very useful in such manners. Think they are the top of the world with those mana crystals and flying ships.”

  Skywing lowered his eyes meekishly, steadying his breaths as the great dragoness towered over him. She started to pace carefully around him, no doubt glancing him up and down. Like he was a tender piece of meat to be dug into. His ears pinned to his head as she got closer, sniffing at his fur and proding him with a talon.

  “He seems to be flesh and blood. Like every gryphon. What makes this one any different?”

  He found his voice, rising up as the dragoness pulled her head away. “One that wishes to bargin for the lives of his fellows.

  The lady froze, chuckling in amusement before settling onto her haunches. Her wings pinned to her back as she stared menacingly down at him. Her tail flickered almost like a cobra’s, whispering ill words upon him. “ Is that so little gryphon? You thought words might earn a favor from me?”

  He gulped when the lowered her head and advanced upon him, growling like a hungry lion.

  “Well speak!” She snarled. “I didn’t address you so that you may stitch your beak shut. You have my undivided attention. Make it worthwhile bird.”

  “Yes!” He bowed his head as if to a queen. Low enough that his beak might touch the floor. “My wingmates. The ones you took captive with me. They only entered on my word. Among them were brave gryphons that had protests, but they listened to their leader and obeyed. If you have qualms with anyone it would be me. Not them. If you are too turn anyone to stone let it be me. Let them go.” When she didn’t react he bowed his head again, “I beg of you if I have to.”

  Silence lingered between them, only broken by the lady’s interested growls. She tapped the ground with a claw. “Interesting proposition you’ve laid upon my claws. But I have to ask you one thing commander. What is one life over another? Do you think your life is worth ALL the lives of your men? I think it sits as an unfair trade to me.” She placed a claw to her chest. “Or am I mistaken in some fashion?”

  Her stare pressed into him like a needle, but still he persisted. “I know your strength knows no bounds. You’ve bested me time and time again.” His queses squeezed shut as the sting of defeat hung heavy inside him. “But I ask for your mercy this time. I assure you they will speak of such mercy.”

  “And they won’t speak ill of me?” The great dragon laughed, like this was all some sort of joke. “Like mortals wont speak ill of the dragon that captured their friend.” The longer she continued the more Skywing winced, especially when she started going on about their failed attempt. “To think that you thought yourself so skilled as to steal from me. What possessed your little brain between your ears hmm? Some worm or sensation of grandeour?” She leaned in, eye ridged raised, all her teeth promentently on display. “Did you not think I saw you coming? Your powerful ships and all your little men?”

  His ears splayed as she held him within such a predatory gaze. “I thought you would be distracted by the ships honestly.” He gave a defeated chirp. “Clearly I was mistaken.”

  Back her snout returned to it’s lofty position, frills trembling in the air. Her head tilted slightly as she regarded him, eyes tracing along every feature. Skywing stood unsure of himself, what exactly to say. With each breath it felt as though his chest was being squeezed by her powerful claws. Without a word she spun around, tail sailing over his head. She curled her snout back and uttered one thing. “Follow me.”

  What? He looked to Croesus, but the gryphon looked just as confused as he.

  “My lady?”

  “Don’t worry your feathers.” The Lady hissed, “I’m not going to eat him.”

  He was about to ask why Croesus wasn’t invited, but a look between the pair was passed. They understood something without words. Yet that didn’t belay the fears pooling in the gryphon’s paws. The lady snort, curled her head and issued her demand yet again. This time he practically scampered after her. He was trying to maintain an aura of politeness after all.

  All for your wingmates. The words at least bringing small comfort when he entered the dragon’s shadow.

  Back through the halls she led him, but this time they’d started to ascend. Stairwells of hardened bard large enough for the emerald lady herself greeted them. Moss clung to the edges not worn away with claws and boots, and instead of smoothness it looked to have been peeled off a tree and laid into position. Though Skywing suspected some other magic was at work. Her silence was eriee. Or was her growling even more so? He padded after her like a lost puppy, keeping his footing in the soft blue light that lined the way. They finally came to a stop before a final door, this one lined with windows to allow the golden light to come streaming in like a stampeding army. The door parted with a mere wave of her forepaw, revealing the roof of her nature fortress, and the canopy of the forest spread out all before them. Instantly beyond the trees the gryphon sought out the blot that was his home. How far away it seemed in this moment. One he would most likely never see.

  Hopefully they will remember me.

  She let him stew in his more darker thoughts for untold minutes as she appeared to watch the clouds that drifted along the azure sky. But then she spun around, words more like a sword as she cleaved the silence in two with a flick of her tail. “Have you wondered why you havn’t been turned to stone and adorn my field?”

  That didn’t seem right. His ear flicked casually. “Didn’t you tell the gryphon that I was to be turned to stone tomorrow? Or…” He paused, watching the ness’ frills flutter softy in the afternoon breeze. She knew about this, and wasn’t surprised. She’d lied to that white furred gryphon. “You knew we were going to have this talk.”

  “No it understands.” She smirked, turning back towards the city. Clearly a smirk on the edge of her snout.

  “But why play the act if you knew?”

  “You’re evading my request mortal.” With a low growl she repeated her first question, tapping her tail to let him know she wasn’t joking. She gestured outwards past the roof, to her field of grey stone statues. Skywing only observed them for a second before his pinned ears pulled him away.

  Now why wasn’t he? He stood perplexed, avoiding her eyes. If he didn’t give an answer she was going to be cross. Probably deny his request for his allies. Shivering, he wracked his brain for any stray thought, scrap of information he could use about her. When she growled again he meeped in surprise, but sighing soon after. “None. I have no answer for you Emerald lady. I’d not waste your time with baseless guessing.”

  “Still avoiding.” She padded over, rising up to her full height. Like she was trying to somehow intimidate him further. “Humour me.”

  “Cause I remind you of the gryphon that serves you? Find me attractive in some way?”

  “Cause I find you attractive?” She cackled loudly, throwing her head back. He weakly laughed along with her at the absurdity of it. It lasted for a moment before she snapped her jaw shut, flared her wings and all the laughter died. “No. That is not the reason. I chose to spare you your fate for one reason.”

  He sat onto his haunches when she gestured.

  “You and your ilk came to my forest yet didn’t harm my treasures. Not like that mercenary friend of yours.” She ground her paw to the floor below, teeth grinding. “Though I need not seek my vengeance. I see a terrible end for such a man. But what you did.” Her tone turned softer. “That takes a different set of claws or hands. A respect for life that far exceeds that of your ally. So I chose to hear you out.” Her tail snaked it’s way around him, almost forming a gladiatorial ring behind him. “So why should I spare you what has fallen so many others?”

  So with a sigh he met her gaze with all his strength. Though she was larger, far deadlier, and older than he could count. He had to keep it. Had to show he wouldn’t crack under such treatment. Like a man dying of thirst he laid out his plan, explaining all the love ones his gryphons and knights had back home. How the blame rested with him and hed gladly trade his life for theirs. Grim prospects asde he thought it the greatest chance of succeeding. Like a statue she listened to everword. Her frills twitching when he was done. Her only response, almost driving a wedge into his heart.

  “Is that all?”

  He nodded, out of breath and nerve. His beak fell to look at her paws. It was all in her field now. He’d said his peace. May the gods continue to grant him their luck.

  “That is quite the compelling reason to o so. If you believe that your life makes up for all of theirs. Its not my fault their loyalties are in the wrong place.”

  He shook as she rose to all fours, starting to circle him in a predatory fashion.

  “But then again you have been polite. Kept your emotions in check, and hold some sway with your people. You also didn’t slay any of my treasures. How my mind brims with the possibilities.”

  Possibilities? That was good. Though he tried to hide the flash of relief he had through him.

  “It reminds me of your friend of yours.” She admired one of her onyx claws, “Arcturus was it?”

  “Arcturus?” The gryphon sputtered, feeling like all his furs suddenly stood on edge. Even his heart skipped a beat. “He’s alive?” The time it took for her to turn and smirk was deathly slow.

  “But of course. I think he might be rather tough to kill. Especially with that dragon by his side.”

  “And he’s still with the dragon?”

  “Of course.”

  Though he didn’t know much about the beast that had his friend within his claws, at least he was alive. He could still be reached. That was if he wasn’t turned to stone. “You must tell me Emerald lady. Where is he?”

  “Around.” She flicked her tail. “On a quest of that drakes. I don’t follow them around. I have much more pressing matters to attend. I just merely pushed them in the right direction.”

  “Is he enchanted?”

  “The human?” She chuckled in the back of her throat, glancing out to the horizon.

  “Yes. Does the dragon control his mind?”

  She grinned, “I wouldn’t call it that. But there is certainly some sort of enchantment going on between the both of them. None of the magical kind however.”

  “Fine.” He chirped in irritation. But at least he was alive and not under any spell. “Then what will you do with me Emerald Lady? I’ve laid my life before your claws.” He bowed before her, resting his head with closed eyes on her emerald claws.

  “Such respect.” She cooed “It would appear you and Arcturus share something in common. She slightly moved his beak up. “I will take you up on your offer gryphon. So don’t fret about your companions. They will be free to leave my domain with you.”

  Hs heart nearly leaped out of his chest. His crowns extended in a flash, already he could trill his happiness. He fought the urge to kiss her snout when she brought it around with an amused look upon it. “Thank you Emerald la-“

  “On the condition of a favor.” She rumbled, teeth splayed menacingly. “And you will give your word to carry it out.”

  He nodded, “Anything you say.”