Leyline – Chapter 4

Them or Us

The crystalline ceiling and faceted pillars warding against the cold was an ever-familiar sight and it made Vendiri wonder whether this sight had always been that way. Were dragon-kind now permanently bound inside a vast, illuminated, sky-less prison, never to see the true sky? She pondered before the audience that gathered gradually, preparing her words while letting her nostrils puff briefly.

She called for an audience of all dragon-kind at the grand mold, a large, smooth dish-like auditorium for dragons to sit in a circle and listen to the speeches and debates with the orator or orators in the center. Revered as a prophet for her unique ability in breathing fire, the elder EdaeSyr agreed reluctantly.

Life-sized figurines of former elders during and before the shelter was established were carved around the auditorium, as an inspiration to past deeds, though all they did was warding the peace in this forced quarter. One of these statues was intentionally damaged to unrecognizability, but Vendiri knew it was the betrayer. Those that discovered this special caverns before the betrayal and dug this shelter in anticipation of a catastrophe, similar to The Rockfall, and those that enhanced it through ley magic briefly after WyrnRa's betrayal were given the most prominent positions.

As everyone eventually gathered and settled down, EdaeSyr, a dark and very ancient dragon, nodded to her: “As you all know, when Vendiri hatched, there was hope. For she was born with the gift of fire. None before us ever possessed this light of hope." His voice slowly silenced and all eyes wandered towards the fiery red scales of the still young dragoness.

“This shelter, it can't be meant for us forever." She growled, shooting a tiny dart of flame up involuntarily, “We all know it stood for millennia, protecting us from the eternal cold, the eternal blight of WyrnRa the Cold Heart. We cannot hide from the likes of him forever. It is them or us."

She could read the fear in the eyes of all those listening, even from the elder, “Yes, it seems to be a hopeless fate. We all know this. A few actually left, never to return." She wept, “good friends that live on in our memories."

She was interrupted by a drake, almost as old as herself: “Don't tell us that this is your plan, Vendiri. Don't throw away our only hope!"

She harrumphed, “Yes, this is my plan. But not yet, and no, not alone. One day though, we must leave these caverns behind. Together, everyone. As our ancestors, blessed they be, did ascend after The Rock purged this world for a new world to come, so must I pave the way for a greater future and battle cold with heat."

She swished her tail over the floor, swiping the dust as if it was snow. They groaned at her in dismay, certainly not indulged in the idea of her to what seemed to be a commission of mass suicide.

“Let me tell everyone of you what I planned ahead…" she continued, “Fate gave me the gift of flame. And it's certain that, to survive and to get back what once belonged to us, I must inherit this gift to as many offspring as possible."

They widened their eyes in disbelief, but she continued: “I am serious. Everyone able, male, female and that means gifter or not, is invited to help me with this task. Even those exiled are invited back to help us build our hope." She stopped, waiting for a reaction of any of the elders for transgression of ancient ethics.

No reaction came, though she pondered why, especially about the topic about gifters. A gifter relied on other females to carry their offspring, inserting their eggs inside them to carry them in their stead or helping gravid females by diverting their eggs amongst others. This special gift was hated amongst males as it often led to disputes with their mated females whether they really kept their part of the truce. But Vendiri did not judge by gender, she judged by kindness and so it seemed that the elder saw the possibility of clemency for those judged unfairly.

EdaeSyr interrupted her, “You're bold to question traditions that held for millennia, that survived even this ancient cold." He snarled, not in anger, but in humor: “When we overcame our mortal enemy, these females became redundant to our species. Now it seems they are given a new purpose."

He looked around, the listeners were still silent, then nodded: “I agree to their clemency. Under one condition: That they will assist you, Vendiri, and those that desire to help you."

Vendiri nodded in return, then growled: “Then let me be the brood mother of our future. Let us begin it here, on the very place that we all meet." She raised her tail invitingly, leaving the audience, and even EdaeSyr, shocked in surprise.

As they gathered, the dream ended.

A most intimate memory

Aedan woke with pink cheeks, which rather turned a dark purple thanks to his new-grown scales. He shook his head, then facepalmed. Even if most of his dreams were inherited memory from his dragon father, he still couldn't believe this to be true.

He just sat at his bed, looking out to the window. As it appeared, he woke early, the sun has not been dawning yet. But he wasn't the only restless one. Zireda seemed to be awake just before him.

“Must've been a wet dream, eh?" she looked at him with a toothy grin: “Maybe you want to tell me?"

“Another of these crazy memory-induced dragon stories. This time, though, one of these that are too insane to be true." Aedan replied, then proceeded to tell her, not sparing any detail.

“I see…" Zireda smiled, “Although it indeed sounds crazy, yes, this is how the Scions of Vendiri came to be, the ancestors of even the dragons we descend from. Dragon memories, even the inherited ones, never lie. Vendiri did mate with several males each and every day, then requested the aid of many females, to help growing and raising her hatchlings." Zireda laughed, “Congratulations, Aedan, you're bearing a most intimate memory. Only very few dragons can claim to have seen by inheritance the rise of this resistance. This also means your dreams are indeed these of the true Vendiri and not any dragoness that assumed her name."

“This is getting more mysterious, questionable even. More than I ever believe it could be." Aedan sighed, “Now I understand why your parents appear to me as strangers to privacy. It is simply impossible to hide one's secrets, because eventually one's own family will 'remember' it. The more I delve deeper into such memory, the more I feel guilty of eavesdropping." He looked to Zireda, “Is there really no way to prevent that?"

Zireda stood up, then sat down next to Aedan: “Even I had to get used to it, and mother didn't mind. It is possible, it takes long and patient training, but those you have eavesdropped on by accident, they will forgive you. Especially on rather petty and usual events such as what you perceived." Zireda tilted her head, “Well, not that the intensity of the deeds of Vendiri were usual…"

She harrumphed: “To put it to the point: If you desire to avoid a feud, keep your and their thoughts to yourself. War is disastrous for dragons, peace talks almost an impossibility, unless there is a strong and charismatic leader, like your father."

Aedan blushed as she suggested how extreme that must've been, “I… I really don't want to know more…" he looked out to the window and saw that the sun was about to rise again.

“Well, there's actually more to it, Aedan…" she explained: “The term 'gaining carnal knowledge' has a literal meaning under dragons. Dragons that mate, in either way, shared their memories before passing them on their offspring."

“This means that the one I'd choose as my mate will eventually know my secrets, in turn I know theirs… a mutual bond of trust." Aedan replied: “On the other hand though, this would be the most effective way to share knowledge."

Aedan and Zireda watched the day dawning, then prepared for the day. They then sat with Beldur for a healthy meal, giving Cedru who casually glanced through the open window outside a full bowl as well.

“You two look restless." Beldur remarked, “And the moon is about to wane from full. I know that Zireda tends to wake early. Did you have another of those strange dreams, Aedan?"

Aedan nodded: “I did, but it's probably best if I spare you the details… it's an um… very intimate, by human standards, dream."

Beldur smirked after he cut a bit off the loaf of bread, “I see. Well, we'll likely have to walk divided ways. We will escort you and Cedru to the order, then I and Zireda will move through the forests towards the capital. You'll be safe with them and I'll let them know the queen's command, so they'll bring you to them, despite disclosing your true heritage." He shrugged, “Not that they already know. The order often tends to know more than the queen."

They finished their early meals and gathered what they could carry, anything they needed later they'd have to buy or hunt on the way. Cedru, the gryphon friend Aedan met at the way to Zireda's parents, was expecting them already and the forest greeted them with a bright orange illumination. Beldur judged the solar stance and thought it safe to travel.

Through the wilds

This time, they were heading away from the grounds the werekin claimed as their own under the moon. While Aedan instinctively felt safer in knowing that he'd not meet them again, he still knew the need to stay close to both Beldur and Zireda as these parts of the woods were unknown to him and they had to avoid the usual paths because a wild gryphon not bearing the mark of the order and the beings of what looked like a werekin and perhaps a demonkin were a rather suspicious couple.

The forest looked dense and overgrown, hardly a foot trampled through this area, yet it proved difficult to travel through unset paths. Good thing Aedan didn't forget his sword and also brought a cutlass with him, cutting thorny bushes. Zireda, in her werekin form, forgone clothing for now, thinking of it as hindering along the way and she was somewhat right, although Aedan couldn't focus away from her sight. But she kept some cloth with her travelling pack when necessary.

A few hours passed once they reached a clearing, they looked around for potential ambushes, but despite Cedru's nervousness, the clearing seemed safe. Zireda decided to hunt this time while Aedan and Beldur made camp and waited. Aedan looked worried to Cedru, then asked Beldur: “Could it be that he fears the Order?"

“Maybe… you know, he lived in the wilds to this day. I'd feel the same if I was brought here." He looked to the sky, then points towards the spire of a tower in the distance, “It shouldn't be that far anymore. We might even reach them by dusk."

Cedru screeched in protest as Beldur pointed towards the tower. The gryphon definitely did not want to get there. Aedan sighed then carefully stroke his wing: “There is no choice, Cedru. I am sorry, but I could get in prison if I were to keep you without knowledge. We can still be friends."

He glared to the tower, then back to Aedan, bent on flying away, but would he dare leave him behind? He just laid down and chirped resigning, unable to choose for fleeing.

“Oh, just don't worry, Cedru." Aedan consoled, then cuddled him, stroking his dark golden fur, “Isn't it rather an honor to serve the queen? And especially being the steed of a male rider?" he looked to the tower, then again to him: “Is it the loss of freedom you fear?" Cedru nodded to this question.

“We could still go wherever we want, Cedru." Aedan replied, “As long as you are with me. And you don't want to leave my side, do you?" Cedru shook his head. He could never leave his friend.

“See?" Aedan responded and smiled, “So why the fear, my friend? You should rather feel honored to be chosen for this title." Aedan tentatively climbed atop the gryphon's back and fondled him below his neck-feathers. Subconsciously, Aedan thought this was not a good idea… and the gryphon screeched in surprise as he took to the air, leaving both Beldur and arriving Zireda at the floor astonished.

“Hey!" Aedan bellowed to the gryphon, “Get back to the clearing, now!" but it was in vain – Cedru ignored him. Fortunately, Aedan had all evidence of his lineage with him in the gryphon's pack, but that wouldn't save him from unwanted witnesses or worse, captors. Unable to jump down as he still lacked his wings, he hugged Cedru tightly, hoping not to fall as he tried to make out where his kidnapping friend might try to flee.

The gryphon stormed fast, bolting away from the tower that Aedan could see well from this height. Now, with the forest far beneath, he had a good judgement about the true monumental, breath-taking height of it. He wagered it could rival ten or even a dozen stacked adult dragons standing upright, if his dreams he had were to scale appropriately.

None of the other details below seemed familiar for him, but it looked like Cedru knew where to fly. He seemed nervous and looking in the far around himself. Aedan could later make out that they were pursued by two riders, the gryphons that hunt them down bearing the silver amulet of the order…

“Well done, Cedru… now you've revealed both of us to anyone looking up at the sky," he snarled down at the gryphon.

He shook his head, still observing their pursuers nervously, from the looks of it both female with long, bound hair, robed, that also appeared to draw closer, still climbing in height. Are they trying to force Cedru to a downwards maneuver?

“You only make it worse for both of us, Cedru, making us known to even more witnesses. Glide down, now!" Aedan told him in an angry tone.

Cedru however screeched in protest, trying to shake his pursuers with increasingly evasive maneuvers, challenging Aedan hard to cling on. The order had well-coordinated riders it seemed, as the other one dived below Cedru. He looked tiring and began to hackle. It seemed that they were trained and restless.

They were now close enough that Aedan could make out the details… One rider had long, blonde hair and a rather thin stature, reminding of elves, though he never saw any and most of her body was veiled in a dark green robe. The gryphon she rode had a fair amber coloration and a pristine white fur. The eyes of that gryphon were of a dark blue, the iris irritatingly human-like.

The other rider had brownish, shortened hair, was a bit bulkier than her colleague, and wore a blue robe, almost tight to her body, but concealing sufficiently. The gryphon she steered appeared younger than the other and of a brown-gray coloration that seamlessly transitioned between feather and fur, ending gray at the feather- and hair-tips.

Their maneuvers forced Cedru to dive slightly, it looked like they wanted to herd him to the nearest clearing. Cedru noted that he was on his way down, with the pursuers at his tail preventing any climbing. They didn't bear arms, yet, as it seemed.

He didn't want to take the risk, though. He would, hadn't he Aedan at his back, but for his safety, he steered to the next clearing he saw, with both the riders behind. Once landed, Aedan dismounted immediately and it didn't take long for the riders to land next to them.

“Show me your hands, demonkin!" The green-robed shouted. They call me demonkin… great, so they are oblivious about my true heritage. Aedan thought, but he obeyed. He had his sword with Cedru anyway.

“ What are you!?" she asked him astounded as she took a closer glance at him, noticing the strange scales: “You're definitely not demon, but man-kin neither. Nor werekin." She pointed to Cedru's pack, “Loryn, check his packages." Then she looked at him and sighed: “Whatever you are, you're arrested by the laws on the Accord's pact for illegally riding an untamed specimen."

The green robed one, Loryn, shook her head as she unfurled a scroll and handed it to the blue-robed one: “Unbelievable, Areth, but look at this…" she resumed searching for evidence.

“Interesting." Areth, the blue-robed one, examining the scroll without commenting on the content, “And the seal looks intact and genuine. Her seal is magically protected; it cannot be forged, not even by Rastaban."

Areth took a closer glance as she read the text, blinking surprised, then looking again to Aedan, “While this document is indeed legitimate, it is witness to a grave political controversy at which her people are still likely unprepared and disclosure of the owner will draw this realm to chaos. A child of man and dragon, both parents of royal blood even…" she gulped and shook her head: “Unbelievable which steps our Queen has waged for a long-desired everlasting promise of peace." She looked to Loryn: “Even we aren't permitted to know yet, so keep discretion until our mistress permits disclosure."

She turned to Aedan: “If this document is true, then your name is ArduSin, son of Queen Esin and Ven'thyrir ArduRu. But who says that you are the owner of this document? If, and that is a big if, that this document refers to you, your existence must be very confidential as not even me and Loryn aren't informed, but our mistress certainly is." She nodded, pointing to the seal.

Aedan protested: “Please, I prefer the name 'Aedan'."

“In either case, Aedan, we got to escort you and your gryphon to our headquarters where our mistress will decide what to do about you. As for the gryphon…"

Cedru chirped in protest, and Aedan responded: “Cedru is his name."

“… Cedru", Areth repeated, “He'll have to join us. Whether you can be his rider – males in our ranks aren't impossible, but indeed a curiosity, would require the mistress' approval, though I am certain she wouldn't mind."

Loryn hopped aboard Cedru who did not protest, knowing there was no chance to resist and beckoned Aedan to do the same: “I'll ride Cedru, you stay with me. Areth will lead the way and Geru, my gryphon, will fly behind us."

* * *

“Featherbrain…" Beldur cursed as he saw Cedru fleeing into the horizon: “At least Aedan has the document and the ring with him, but who knows what they'll do with him…"

He turned around as he noticed Zireda's return: “Good that you are here, daughter… we need to hurry. Cedru fled and took Aedan with him. I fear the worst once the Order finds them." He sighed as she carried an older stag with her: “Even if our stomachs feel needy for food, we have to be expeditious."

Zireda shook her head, “I've seen a gryphon rising nearby. It must be him." She dropped the fresh catch, too bad other predators will have it.

“We need to move as werekin. Too much vegetation on the way to cut through otherwise." She was still in her wolf-like form, as it proved to be more practical for hunting.

Beldur dreaded this thought of letting out his beast, but closed his eyes: “It's easy for you, daughter, because you're born in it." His clothes became part of his body as he grew in size and bulkiness, seemingly rapidly growing grey hair forming his fur. This was a form trained on perpetual hunting and fighting and Beldur struggled to keep control, but fortunately managed as it still was day.

He grabbed the remaining luggage. If they needed to hunt again, they'd do so on the way, but there was no reason to leave behind a trail for either wild or civilized hunters.

He had lead the way, knowing the path to the Silver Talons, keeping watch of unusual footprints or scents, but he avoided the trampled paths. This was outside his tribe's territory, if there even were werekin claiming these lands.

Scents didn't hint at foreign werekin, more so of humans, however, so they were wary of mechanical traps nearby. They encountered wild wolves further away and exchanging howls, they learned that these forests were regularly patrolled by royally employed scouts or gryphon riders, less so by hunters.

If they weren't in a hurry, they'd negotiate on hunting rights and territorial passage as well, but they hastened as they saw the sun nearing the treetops already and avoided territory definitely claimed by the feral kind.

An hour later, they reached a clearing dotted with landing marks that definitely hinted at gryphons. Sniffing these trails, he found one that hinted at Cedru's scent and weakly at Aedan. There were scents of two other gryphons. He looked up to Zireda and shook his head: “They got him. Damn. There's no other explanation why this trail is close to that of two other gryphons."

He huffed in frustration as well as exhaustion as he looked up to the sky, “The moon's not far from rising, either…"

“Don't worry, father, I am with you and Moon won't let one of her servants come to harm. Finding them shouldn't be too difficult with their tower in sight." She looked around and pointed towards it, “this way, then…"

* * *

She dashed on all fours through the bushes, Beldur following close on her tail. Using the lower foliage as cover against the unexpected traveler she felt safer than running upright. They hastened like a pack of wolves within their path to the tower.

However, they avoided territory claimed by stray wolves and if it wasn't unavoidable, they announced their presence by howling and explaining their intent. Most of the wolves understood, others didn't look forward for a fight against two.

They reached a river and could see the tower in closer distance. The headquarters were well concealed from the grounds. Her eyes still caught a glimpse of the wood-reinforced stone walls surrounding the perimeter which were overgrown by thick vegetation, shielding the interior of that fortress-like barracks from curious views.

Beldur sighed as he has seen these walls as well, probably not for the first time, though, “Finally, but a little too late." He looked to the stars warily, but fortunately the moon is on a waning course. He shook his head: “We need to make camp nearby until dawn. They won't let us in anymore, and I cannot command them to make an exception, even if I am officially permitted by the Queen as an officer, because I cannot disclose Aedan's existence to those that are not instructed.

While gathering firewood, and scouting for nearby danger, Zireda studied the walls and noticed that they were intentionally polished and very smooth, despite the overgrowth. Perhaps they were magically reinforced, she concluded. It made climbing these for the wingless impossible, though she judged that nobody would be crazy enough to infiltrate this well-known independent force.

During the gathering, Zireda found one of the entrances which gave her a real view on how massive the walls have to be. The gates itself were large wooden doors reinforced with metal plates, so slipping in wasn't an option either. She'd still have her wings, but she wouldn't dare flying up the walls in her true form as aroused gryphons would quickly grab her.

She returned to the camp with the wood she gathered, then sniffed the air subconsciously and looked to the river. “Something is odd about this place…" she commented: “I'd like to study the nearby surroundings to bide time once we have the camp ready."

Beldur narrowed his eyes: “Do not stray too far, my daughter. Curiosity is a dangerous element in the wilds outside our sacred lands."

She nodded in response, “If this oddity poses danger for nature, it will pose danger for us as well. I'd like to make sure our way is safe once we know about Aedan's safety."

* * *

She walked, along the river for a while, following downstream. Something felt odd about it, and on second thought, she took a sip from its unusually clean and cold water.

It definitely wasn't poison, that scent, however faint it might be, would be well discerned out of the clear water by her accurate nose, strengthened by her werekin and dragon lineages. This river, it must form a leyline, was Zireda's logical conclusion. And now that she drank the water, she might have been affected by the leyline's magic. The effect, whatever it might be, would eventually fade off of her naturally. At least it didn't kill her.

A few minutes later and a further distance away, she began to sniff, looking around nervously and looked down her body. She wasn't in heat, was she? That phase, she concluded, would be way too early, yet still she appeared to subconsciously covet a male. She worried and looked back up the river. If she also scented for heat, she would arouse her father and thus intended to avoid contact, waiting for the effect to cease, hoping to avoid wildlife as well. And too bad she had left her pack with him, so she couldn't veil her form either.

Avoiding contact was difficult, being amidst several stray wolves as she could judge from the scents in the air. She decided to follow the river further until she reached a clearing. Instincts told her she was being followed by something, so she decided to sit in the open, waiting for the stalker to show themselves and to leave no opportunity for an ambush.

She heard a howl nearby and blinked. Did a wolf find her? She decided not to leave the clearing and a few moments passed when she could see faintly glowing eyes staring through the bushes before they growled.

Zireda froze. A wolf, and a stray one at that, did indeed find her. She decided to stay still, not to anger the strayed one. It moved into the clearing and growled a warning, angry about the trespassing: “Trespasser", it growled in wolf-speech to her, “Why are you moving into my territory?"

That wolf had grey fur and a slightly sleek stature, it must be an experienced and very old one.

She sighed, “My name is Zireda of the Pale Claws" she responded in wolf-speech, “My intention was to investigate this river as its arcane imbuement appears to affect nature. I have not come to claim what is yours."

The wolf barked back: “I drank for several moon courses from this river and I still breathe, so did fellow kin nearby my territory. Get on your fours and let me sniff you so I can "remember your scent, only then shall I decide whether to approve your presence here."

Zireda gulped and shuddered, decided to do as the wolf demanded, in thoughts she swore about forgetting her clothes. He neared tentatively, then sniffed below her tail. He hackled and sniffed more intensively before taking a lick over her lips, “You're in heat." He barked, “You're a female crossing my territory, thus I am free to breed you, form a pack with you and declare you mine. And this is what I am going to do now."

He growled, then bit at her neck. Zireda wanted to get up in protest, but reacted too late. The wolf was too swift and too strong. She could see the Wolf's girth leaving its sheath, flushed red with arousal. It also had a faintly salty scent and she could feel it rub between her legs while the wolf nipped at her ears.

The wolf found his aim after several inconvenient stabs and plunged in deep, making it clear that Zireda was now his to breed. Her body didn't obey her protests, instead warming up to the intrusion, tightening around the hot, blooded rod, leaving Zireda to an unwanted blissful, wet feeling. She could feel the blood rushing through her veins that pressed tightly around the shaft, flowing in a contrasting direction to that of the pulsating, warm shaft.

The wolf growled, then began to pound mercilessly inside, parting her deeper folds. Zireda whined in protest, feeling the shaft expanding deeper with each thrust. He ignored her whimpering, pounding quicker and more dominating.

Her body didn't obey her anymore, she still wanted to get away, it couldn't be Moon's intention for her to get pups, yet here she was made to stay. The wolf rested his forepaws on her shoulders and with a vicious bite forced her to look down as well. She had to carry his whole weight.

She was pinned below him, he also hackled as he pressed harder against her, pressing his hind-legs against her legs, holding her like tongs held a hot iron. He literally hammered at her, keeping her wide and wet, already leaking precum deep within her.

“An… oracle…?" the wolf hackled at her, finally realizing what she indeed was. “Too late… to back out now." He growled, “but I can… deliver her message through my seed."

Her instincts forced her to moan as he mercilessly rutted her. She could feel his base expanding, so he meant it and in response, her own lips slowly tightened, increasing the pressure in which the wolf forced her open.

She cried each time he shoved his length deeper, each stab almost hurt due to the tightness. The male growled and bit harder against her scruff, he was close, but so was she as her body responded to the powerful and deep thrusts, eagerly gripping the inflating knot…

Finally, as the knot swelled stuck, she cried in orgasm, rewarding the wolf with a wet and hard massage. He checked by tugging and could only push a bit deeper, causing his knot to rub sensitively along her folds. She could feel him seed deep inside her and whined as she regained clarity, but the deed was done and the knot held her firm. The wolf licked and nibbled at her ears as he filled her.

Moments later, the wolf still tugged within her, she felt a vision emerging. Moon was indeed about to talk to her…

* * *

“These lands are dangerous and far beyond what you recently know, my child." Zireda could hear Moon whisper as she appeared in the form of a pristine white wolfess next to her. “There is something you need to know… you need to know why these lands became so dangerous and will always be that way. Follow me." The wolfess pointed towards a growing clarity.

She saw this very forest, lush and fertile, and a younger, yet wise elf whose hair was of pure darker brown. Zireda could observe that he discovered this very river and studied it. Then she saw a dragon nearing, one she never saw before or knew, one of indiscernible scale coloration, as if another stronger magic wanted to veil his identity.

That dragon appeared to teach him magic, to use the ley energy this pristine river had radiated. The elf had a creative talent as it looked like, trying simple songs at first to form plant growth into interesting and lifelike sculptures.

Later that dragon, having seen that this elf understood well, nodded and left him as he taught him all he could and would teach. This was a test of fitness from what she could glean from the words the dragon spoke.

That elf was happy about the gift, but sadness still loomed in his heart. He longed to be as splendid as the eagles and as strong as a lion. Neither was granted to him. Not even the werekin took him into their ranks.

He felt that the ley energy was slowly changing him and that he was able to create a new lifeform. A life formed of eagle and lion. His inner hatred about himself and his inability to change also corrupted his mind and thus his magic.

Zireda instinctively whined as this elf, with malicious intent, fetched bird eggs from trees above and siphoned the energy from the river, using magic songs to alter the beings. He changed egg after egg, but made a grave mistake: He only stole those that would hatch as males.

He was still happy, perhaps oblivious, perhaps knowing with intention, about his mistake, once he left the large nest he gathered and left the magic to do its work, forming a change in the growing hatchlings inside.

As time flew by rapidly, Zireda could see the first gryphons, all male, hatching from the nest. The ley magic, however, amended the creator's flaw: Forcing these new creatures to breed through females of different species.

The wolfess shook her head after perceiving Zireda's sadness: “My powers are beyond that curse, it's an intricately interwoven spell with many flaws but no apparent loophole to perfect the imperfection. Be wary wherever you tread, my dear, but query the assistance of those that master the curse and adapted their lives to it. They can come to aid where you, kings and queens, and even dragons may falter."

* * *

Zireda roused from the vision, but was alone in the very same clearing she was forced. The illusionary effect of the river's magic has long dissipated, the wolf left her a pair of two rabbits, though the catch was already cold. She decided to take these with her and walk back to the camp.

Using the river as a mirror, she found indications such as bite marks about her unfortunate encounter, so she couldn't keep it a secret from father either. She hastened, even if marked, she wouldn't delay her return by a bath.

Arriving to Beldur's worrying look, as he was back in his normal human form, she handed him the rabbits, then explained what happened. Beldur sighed.

“I told you to be careful. We neither have the time nor the resources to care for pups, not that Moon would allow you to get any as her oracle." He shook his head: “It's known that this river is indeed a leyline, but if your vision is correct, then they erected their headquarters right at the cradle of the gryphons. Who knows who might know that as well, I'm for certain not even the grand-mistress herself."

“I'd rather avoid a bath now, knowing that the waters have… inconvenient properties." She responded and fetched her garments, “I still hope they don't mind werekin."

Beldur nodded, “They already know what I am, so your company to me wouldn't be unusual as long as you stay werekin." He prepared the rather little meal over an already lit campfire. “But I'd still recommend you to keep yourself clothed at all times." He eyed her garments and nodded: “This'll do, for now; On our way, I'll get you something that'll hide you completely."

They ate the two hares for breakfast, smothered the campfire and gathered their packs before they made their way to the gates.

At the Order

Aedan, escorted by two riders, went up the long stairs of the tower. The seat of the grand-mistress was at the top. His rest has been pleasant as he was given a modest room within the wooden cabins next to the shadowing tower, akin to home, instead of a dark, damp cellar he feared criminals would be barred behind. Not that they had anything to fear from him either way.

He himself was given a long, white hooded robe, to hide his unusual features, though it did little to conceal his eyes. Yet still, he would consider it fair to be veiled like all the others, even if he wasn't female because his form would attract the sight of others unnecessarily. Finally, after uncounted steep steps he reached the top and entered the throne room.

“So you are ArduSin." The grand-mistress 'greeted' Aedan in the morning as she stood up and glanced over his form when he unveiled himself and shook her head: “It was an immense undertaking to keep your existence intimate, yet a few settlements near the northern border still have likely seen your flight. Where is Beldur? Shouldn't he be with you?"

Like several other females she hid her form inside a tight robe, this one of red color embroidered with golden threads that form intricate and complicated, rune-like patterns. Still, Aedan could see her ears peeking out of the hood and a few stray strands of her probably well-braided amber hair. She must be elven as well.

Aedan snorted and as he heard this name a third time he began to hate it: “Please… call me Aedan, mistress. Although we intended to bring Cedru, the gryphon I tamed, to you, we were separated by his foolishness. Damn, he is clever and treacherous at the same time."

The elf smiled: “Fine, Aedan, as you wish. My informal name is Velatha Myrnathallir. Many here call me grand-mistress, but you can call me Velatha. There's no doubt about your heritage. I've seen your true father numerous times and your eyes, instilling fear as they always were when we were their enemy yet three decades ago, remind me of him, though not your scales. But there's only one of your kind known to us, so it must be you; You're safe within these walls and your mother, the Queen, should soon be informed, by swift wings."

“I wonder why you hide your form… is it because of the gryphons?" Aedan asked curiously, “It still makes me wonder why Cedru is attracted to me and not any female."

Velatha nodded, “Yes, otherwise we'd be victim to their frenzy, they cannot be tamed with sights that arouse them. There are few gryphons that indeed prefer male company, just like that gryphon you involuntarily rode. But don't worry, this has no influence on you."

She took a seat at the table towards one of the large windows and gestured Aedan next to her, “Come, sit down. We've quite a bit to talk about while we wait for Beldur. From what you and the riders told me, it is very certain he'll come this very day as he was commanded to not tarry if you are astray."

The view was fantastic, not as marvelous as flying, but still of far reach and he took a quick glance as he and Velatha sat down. “This view is always a reminder that we are the most impartial force amongst all kings and queens." She commented, “Whenever peace is in danger, we swoop down to protect the innocent. It is a noble task for a heavy sacrifice, because once enlisted, there is no turning back. Men like you may come and go, but we women stay."

“Is it because of the transformation?" Aedan asked tentatively, it was common knowledge that women were no longer permitted to wander alone in the wilderness because of the danger of wild gryphons. Patrols that found lonely women in the wilderness were commanded to hold them hostage until brought back to safety. He concentrated his eyes on the inconceivably huge number of treetops, trying to discern where his home could be below.

“Yes." Velatha confirmed: “Initiation begins with the mating with one of our mounts. The first time is very… inconvenient as our body begins to reshape once the seed is sown. From then on we're 'gryphon' so to speak, no longer human or elven or even werekin. Dwarven women and dragons are immune to this curse. We however prefer the term 'rider' or 'Silver Talon'"

Aedan gulped, good thing he was male: “That's an optimistic way to look at the circumstances." He nodded, “But nonetheless, a very honorable position. Sorry if that sounded offensive…"

Velatha smiled, “No offense taken. We even get volunteers, but consult them by letting them know what is in the deal before they are inaugurated. Others may join as a penalty for life and foolish women are invited to learn and live with us if they were taken by accident and it was too late to aid them."

Somebody was knocking at the door at this moment and Velatha stood up, “Ah… likely who we have expected."

And she was right. Beldur entered the room, followed by Zireda who was, to Aedan's surprise, unveiled, with just the necessary clothing. She offered them two more seats at the table: “Come, sit with us. We've much to talk about."

Zireda and Velatha introduced each other while Beldur and Aedan already sat down, he was as well impressed about the height of the tower, though not as much as Aedan was for the first time, “On the bright side, I am glad that they found you, although revealing your very being might have been problematic at best." Beldur sighed, “But the Silver Talons are well known for their discretion."

Once Zireda and Velatha sat down, Velatha began: “Well… it was known that Aedan's secret couldn't be kept forever, that the magic suppressing his form would sooner or later fade to be. The only secure place from there on until her people were ready to know would either be with us or with the palace, and the Queen prefers the palace." She nodded to Aedan. “Knowing from recent events, and trouble about looming war with demonkind, this time might be earlier than anticipated…"

“This means I cannot be trained to keep Cedru, can I?" Aedan looked down, feeling sorry for his friend.

“Worry not, Aedan. You're welcome as a Silver Talon in training and Cedru will follow you to our outpost at the capital. “You'll be trained near the royal court. The queen will most likely approve your enlistment into any form of soldiery. White is the color of the apprentices, and I approve of you in our ranks."

Velatha nodded and looked to Beldur, “However, Beldur, you're still ordered to guide and protect Aedan until further notice as I've no word of her further orders concerning her son. You'll thus supervise his training on the Queen's behalf and will further train him on the use of arms as was ordered before."

“Understood, mistress. It would be an honor." Beldur replied, “However, may I request that my daughter follows us?"

Velatha smiled: “Any assistance you need, Beldur, is welcome as well, but she will be excused from all operations that require strict discretion. Barring that, I see no reason for her to be absent."

She then looked to Aedan in a more frowned tone: “A week ago, we've been given a punitive hostage sentenced to join us. Usually, the execution is to be supervised by two royal officials of the realm that sent her. Yet again, given recent events, such supervision will not arrive for the ongoing moon course and it would be unethical to tarry the commitment of the sentence any further. As such, I must order you, as a representative of royal blood, and Beldur, as a royally employed official, to conduct and supervise the execution. Your gryphon, Cedru, will commit the inauguration."

* * *

Cedru appeared unusually calm with the saddle at his back and the silver necklace adorned with a sapphire amulet around his neck. His stable was near Aedan's cabin and he could get out whenever he wanted, the reins unbound, but instead decided to rest. He awoke, though, when Aedan approached him.

Aedan knew that the necklace was of magical nature, so he was told by his 'captors'. It not only allowed both the owner and the mistress to track a lost gryphon or their rider when they were missing in action, but also calmed the wearer's spirit to the point of absolute discipline and focus, though a rare strong-spirited gryphon was sometimes able to get around the mind-bending effects.

He smiled at his friend's rousing, “You have a very important duty, my friend, and one that you will likely enjoy as well. I'd envy you. Tomorrow, we will then take our first official flight towards the capital Lundau." He took the reins carefully and removed the saddle while noticing subconsciously that his hands became thicker and stronger and he was about to get claws. Worry crept to his mind that the coming changes won't be as subtle, perhaps even painful.

Shaking off the worries he led his friend through the barracks. There were several and many flight-ready gryphons within their wooden barns, all given free roam whenever they wanted, but ready for duty when needed. Aedan only saw women, all veiled within their cloaks within the stone cabins next to the barns. He himself was veiled as well, as Velatha deemed his existence still confidential, though he'd be permitted to disclose it to most riders and those that are briefly before their inauguration. He heard of a few male riders, but all of them were currently on duty. A pity of course, he'd like to know more about their lives.

The area was vast and large, housing hundreds, if not thousands of riders and their mounts. Despite its size it appeared well camouflaged from the outside, only from above it was visible as something as large as a whole city, not that Aedan has yet seen any.

It was kind of strange for Aedan to see Cedru so obedient, in no way resisting or tarrying away from the path dictated by the leathery ropes. Still, Aedan paused on the way to give Cedru a few sights when he saw his friend distracted.

He felt that this kind of taming was wrong, that taming ought to be building a mutual trust. Aedan felt that, while it appears to be necessary for a military cause, this resembled slavery. He shrugged for now, there might be a way around it, but it's not the time nor the place to decide how.

They approached the tower, but instead of going up, they went through a steep staircase leading to the basement complex below the fortress. The rooms below were lit by magical, yellow crystals that sent a golden hue. They also emanated an eerie warmth while illuminating the paths below. Cedru blinked at one nervously, not used to something such bright, as they passed one.

While the light of these tunnels was rather dim, the tunnels themselves were dug and hewn with large creatures in mind. Even Zireda's mother would fit through, Aedan guessed. They needed to handle gryphons down there, Aedan thought.

A casual glance distracted Aedan away to a notably large room, strutted with thick granite pillars. Chimneys at the walls seemed to provide a healthy warmth for this hall, firewood gleaming dimly. Metallic pipes leading to and through the roof appeared to absorb the smoke and while an ample stack of firewood was lined up in a corner, Aedan subconsciously sensed that the fire seemed to be held alive using nearby ley crystals. It was the room Velatha ordered him to bring his gryphon to.

He shook his head as he could see large nests of straw, two even held eggs. Of course, gryphon eggs needed to be incubated like many of the avian species as well and mating in the cold was probably unpleasant either. Cedru chose to sit in one of these nests nearby the fireplace while Aedan waited for the others.

A brief moments later, Velatha, Zireda and Beldur entered the room as well.

“Good." Velatha said, “The gryphon is here, now we need to wait for the guards to bring the prisoner." She handed both him and Beldur a written letter, “The judgement, you two should read it before committing the conviction."

Aedan took a careful look at it, recognizing the lettering effortlessly and could guess from whose hand this was written from:

Tokessa Glovisk is considered guilty of the following crimes against Mankind and proven by several true eyes perceived on commitment and blood on the tools of crime:

Attempted murder with malicious aforethought,

roaming through wild lands unescorted,

thievery of arms,

uncooperativeness against guards on duty in unity with armed resistance.

Hereby, I, Esin, declare the following judgement as final:

Given her circumstance over an unhappy marriage, against which she could have sought counsel by querying local assistance, the mandatory sentence of death on attempted murder will be rescinded and the bond for life considered dissolved on grounds of involuntarily given consent.

As she was given the night of her marriage, she is, by social standards, considered unfit for another bond and damned to an uneasy lonely life. To amend this under concern on the aforementioned circumstance, she was given the choice of becoming a Silver Talon, as part of my rightful veto over the given judgement or given the end of her life as demanded by the plaintiff and their advocate and ruled by the court of counselors.

She chose the former, hence no more commitments nor clemency on the judgement will be considered. The word shall be carried and the commitment of the conviction supervised by two officials either sent to the Silver Talons, or, if present, dictated by Velatha Myrnathallir.

The signature felt strange, as if it was written with blood, yet dry as the paper itself and resisting to even his scales. A similar kind of wax seal to the document that proved his lineage was attached next to the signature, so from what he heard, this was a genuine letter.

Aedan sighed and commented: “A cruel world and a questionable judgement for a dictated choice of life." He shook his head: “Can this be really considered fair?"

Beldur smiled in response: “No, Aedan, you should look between the lines. While this looks like a judgement based on vengeance, it can be seen as an order on protection. Let's just get over it, she'll understand as well once it's over. Esin would never let true murderers join the Silver Talons."

“Neither would Moon allow her a place as werekin if her deed wasn't one of despair." Zireda added, “She probably would be safe with us if she would have reached us."

“I… understand." Aedan nodded, “A clever ruling… she was giving her a new purpose and protection to avoid plunging her into a life of misery and poverty."

The increasing rattle of chains announced the approach of a young woman wearing just a linen robe, escorted by two veiled riders. They handed her and the keys to Velatha and she nodded them off.

The woman, her hair of a notably fiery red coloration, though disheveled, considering her situation, looked through the room nervously and widened her mint green eyes in panic as she saw Cedru, “No! Please… have mercy… NO!" Cedru piqued his ears at the thinly protected woman as he was startled by her screaming.

Velatha objected: “The queen already granted you clemency and you chose to accept these circumstances. There is no turning back now."

Aedan looked to the woman: “Tokessa, I presume? Don't worry, he is tame, his name is Cedru. If you don't mind, we can delay the conviction for a moment if that makes you feel better."

He then looked to Velatha, then to Beldur and Zireda: “If you don't mind, I'd like to do the talking. Could you excuse me, Beldur, her and Cedru for a moment? You can verify the conviction when we are done."

Velatha sighed, but nodded understanding: “It's a good test of your responsibility. Should you need my aid, just knock. We'll wait outside." She handed him the keys to unlock the chains, then went outside with Zireda, closing the door behind them.

Tokessa watched tentatively as the three left, then looked to Aedan and Beldur: “Yes, I am Tokessa. Are you a male rider? I thought all talons are women."

“A rider in training, yes." Aedan responded: “My name is Aedan. Glad to meet you. To be honest, you do look beautiful, though from what I heard, your life as you knew it ended in a tragedy."

“Yes…" Tokessa sighed, on the brink of sobbing: “We were late on the lease and my parents sold me to the landlord as his wife-to-be, as was promised behind my back many years ago. Despaired as I was I willed in, no way to escape." She looked to the ground, her hands trembling: “He didn't really love me, he just wanted to use me. What should I have done? I couldn't tell the truth, lest risk death myself or the anger of my family…"

“Listen, Tokessa…" Beldur continued, “Many of us have certain times in life that rip one apart from the reality one is accustomed to. Yet we moved on. I, for example, used to be a Durzngaezryn, the famous bane of dragons Beldur, that is until our queen negotiated an armistice with the dragons. I've lost my purpose of life, became mad, then was caught by the werekin. Aedan however has a far larger burden than I would carry and you might carry when it's over. And I think he wouldn't mind showing you the truth of him."

Aedan nodded, then carefully took her hand in his palm and Tokessa blinked as it felt very different, rather rough and scaly. She eyed it, then looked up to him and Aedan pulled his hood back, revealing his dragon-like eyes and more of his strange skin. He responded: “I know how it feels when the life you lived was a long-stretched lie that finally collapsed. I am a half-dragon, born to a dragon father; Not the only one of my kind though, perhaps not even the second that walks this world. Days ago, I thought I was just a farmer's son living secluded and deep within the forests, a long-lasting spell on me suppressed the growth of my draconic features, which are now returning."

“A… half-dragon…?" Tokessa repeated surprised: “How is that even possible?"

“It is possible. I am a living example." Aedan nodded, “And that is all that counts. Though I've never met the Queen in person, I can understand her reasoning. As bad as it might sound, this is the only way to get you a good and safe life and you're partially innocent as you tried to defend your dignity. Your family will likely not wish your return and it will be nigh impossible for you to win the heart of another husband, not after what you did to your last."

She looked to Cedru, then shook her head: “I cannot. I know I have to, but I can't." she sighed, then looked to Aedan, almost pleading.

Aedan nodded and unlocked the chains that bound Tokessa, trusting her to not do anything stupid within his, Beldur's and Cedru's vicinity, “And I won't force you, but give you time to accept it. I felt the same when I learned what I truly am once the features broke through the veiling magic, but ultimately I figured to adapt to it. You should do the same. I trust you that you can do it. You survived for a time on arms and in the wilds, alone and hidden." He looked into her eyes “The talons need tough fighters that don't give up in the darkest of times. And they need free spirits that question rules and morale that would feel unjust under other circumstances. You're both a tough fighter and a free spirit and I am sure you will be an able apprentice. Perhaps we can even learn together one day if the situation permits it."

Beldur affirmed Aedan's words: “I couldn't have said it better, Tokessa. We trust you can put your past behind when your new life you're about to get begins. The first season can be a harsh one, the memories fresh, but in the end, you will move on."

She shuddered at the thought, looked to them, then to Cedru, then back to them and blinked surprised as her hands became free, “You two are too kind, Aedan and Beldur, unlike the Talon sisters and their mistress. I see that you are testing my trust." She looked down to her hands, then up to him again, “I wish Fate had put me in a better fortune, yet my future is with them. You both tell me it's for the greater good if I became a Talon. It will be a difficult time, but you have shown you've got over your burdens. I will get over mine one way or another."

“Whenever you are ready, Tokessa." Aedan nodded and held his hand to her, “I don't want to put you into more pain than necessary." She took it and stood up with him, “I am ready. I have to be." She responded.

Aedan led her to Cedru who in anticipation stood up and eyed Tokessa with twitching ears. She undid her meager clothes, standing naked as a jaybird before him.

At first, Cedru wasn't keen on the proximity of a stranger nearby, but as her scent reached his nostrils, he chirped and cooed in surprise, then sniffed at her form and licked her breasts.

Aedan subconsciously smiled as he could see the pocket between his hind-legs expanding, revealing the tapered tip of the gryphon's erection. Now that's why the riders are always veiled… Aedan thought. Beldur chose to keep distance, leaving Tokessa, Cedru and Aedan alone.

Cedru continued to coo in a baritone sound, much like the purr of a cat. Tokessa felt warmth, but also shame, washing over her form as Cedru didn't cease licking her. Her nipples immediately became firm, her cheeks turned red as she also saw the gryphon's fifth leg growing and the barbs emerging, larger than what she could imagine fitting into her.

Tokessa sighed, then stood on all fours inside the large nest, turning her bare back to the gryphon and raising her butt, presenting him her feminine slit, offering herself to him. She bit her tongue, knowing this entry would be painful, but she was surprised to feel that Cedru as well wanted to savor the moment and took his time, licking over her vulva, then deeper with each lap, trying to stretch and prepare her.

He put a paw at her back to keep her stance while he prodded deeper with his tongue, tickling her with his pointy beak, adding his saliva to her wetness, forcing Tokessa to moan and clamp involuntarily around the intruder. He prodded deep, as if to assess her volume, then pulled out slowly, slurping her wetness on the way out, each time with a firmer lick.

Aedan chose to keep distance off the pair as well, noting that a wild animal bent on his instincts is largely unpredictable. If Tokessa followed suit to Cedru's advances, she was fine.

Cedru screeched when he heaved himself over her, brushing his length over her backside several times, prickling her with his barbs before he finally hit his mark. He grabbed her by her waist, thrusting further and mercilessly until the lips hit his base.

The screech was so loud Aedan wished he would have plugged his ears and even Beldur ducked subconsciously, he never imagined Cedru to be that aggressive. Perhaps it was just the mating instinct and the feeling of a fertile female below him that made him so impulsive.

This sudden roughness robbed Tokessa of air and she stifled a scream, breathing in deep as that would be her last breath as a human. She clenched involuntarily but winced as the barbs pointed against her walls, forcing her open. Cedru waited for a moment to let her body get used to his features before he began to push and pull in rhythm.

Cedru's scent intensified in the room and the act began to arouse Aedan as well, but he kept himself in check, he was just there to assert the mating took place, although the curiosity got the better of him as he was made to watch. Beldur kept further distance, trying to ignore that smell.

He began very rough, each thrust caused pain, but the barbs were more vicious as they tickled her mercilessly, denying any thought of focusing, though they helped her becoming flushed and warm. His feathers brushed through her hair, his fur felt like a warm, thick blanket over her back. He wrapped his tail around her leg, making sure she couldn't escape her offering.

She couldn't stand the musk, would hold her nose if she was able to, but had to keep herself on all fours to avoid tripping over. It made her feel miserable about the situation, she wasn't enjoying this mating at all, just hoped it would be done quick.

Cedru spread his wings wide and increased pace as his tapered tip forced his shaft deeper through her folds, giving Tokessa hardly a time to catch breath while he brushed these with his pointy needles, grabbing her firmer with his foreclaws, pulling her to him. He was bigger than any human, causing her abdomen to slightly bulge where his rod poked through her tight, quivering tunnel.

Tokessa cried of pain as her channel tried to grab that thick shaft which caused his barbs to poke at her walls and made Cedru instinctively leak pre-cum to lube his way in. He also drooled, making her hair sticky and wet. She would need a bath after this ordeal and that as soon as granted.

She felt a slight tickle which grew to an itching the more Cedru lubed her, as changes were begin to form. He hammered deeper still, keen on getting the shaft as deep as possible. He became more aggressive in his thrusts as his base began to bulge.

Tokessa felt the warm bulge pressing at her lips and shuddered, she knew she can't back out now, her fate was sealed and she yelped as it was pressed through her tight slit effortlessly, binding him to her, which at the same time caused her channel to grip tightly around his shaft, tightening the pressure around the knot as well.

Cedru tugged at the binding to test it, ever more furious until he began to cum and even pressed further, ensuring that the knot sat well to keep all essence in. He lowered his wings to shield her and tightened his grip around her, almost drawing blood as he pressed his claws at her skin.

Her abdomen bulged, more as she was filled with warm cream, the pressure made her sick, her breasts hung heavy on her, pulled by gravity to the ground, but she had to endure the long stand… and the itching grew more intense and she could feel her skin around the union harden, forming fur, her slit and channel slightly widen to accommodate the male endowment well, yet she could feel a twinge around her abdomen as Cedru tugged again, making sure the binding still stayed, but this also caused something Tokessa instinctively felt she wished she would never experience…

Aedan carefully approached both and also saw the change. He felt pity at her state, knowing that she didn't enjoy that union and took a towel to at least clean her hair, “Welcome to the Silver Talons, Tokessa. Once Cedru dismounts you, we'll let the two in to confirm that you're a Talon now."

It took a significant amount of time, perhaps short of another hour, Aedan couldn't tell, until Cedru calmed down and Tokessa could stand up. She looked to her legs in shock, noticing the changes between her legs, “Oh dear… I think I am going to need a bath…"

“And a healthy rest." Beldur replied, “You did well I must admit."

He then went to the door and knocked for Velatha to open. She held her nose first as she entered, followed by Zireda who took a curious glance as she noticed the recent smell of the room, then eyed Tokessa from head to feet before Velatha handed her a white robe as well, “Welcome, sister and accept my apology to be so harsh on you upfront." Velatha said, “You'll learn much with us and most about our ethics and our strategy in the first months, but first I'll get you a well-earned bath and then you'll have a well-earned rest. Life as a talon will be rough, especially the first few months as every mating with a gryphon is fertile."

Tokessa subconsciously rubbed her belly then narrowed her eyes in shame before she put on her robe.

“Yes, you heard me right, Tokessa, you'll carry gryphlets with you. It's part of our life; the gryphons help us, we help them. Now go and don't think too much about it."

“Follow me. I'll answer any of your questions on the way." A fellow sister spoke before Tokessa could recover from the sudden realization and protest, and together both departed, though Tokessa, as Aedan could glance, likely felt unwell despite silent.

“As for you three… you should take a good rest as well, the flight will be a long-stretched one." Velatha commanded, “We'll have a few stops on the way, but you'll be in the air for several hours."

On second thought

Back in the cabin, Aedan couldn't find the will to sleep. His thoughts were deeply disturbed by the recent events. He felt dirty. He helped in what is to be condemned as rape. He promised himself he will apologize to Tokessa the next opportunity he could, though he didn't know how he would make up for it.

He used the last hour before the stars appeared to clean Cedru as he felt that the stench only made him more miserable as it remembered him on this moment. At least he seemed to enjoy it, Aedan thought.

Aedan stared at the faintly glowing crystal that provided light for the room, but was interrupted of his concentration when Zireda knocked at the door and opened. He would only lock the door when he was about to sleep. He looked up to her, “Restless as well?"

“As usual… being werekin means being nocturnal." Zireda nodded: “Though why are you still awake?"

Aedan shook his head: “Guilt. By doing this, I've helped in what could be described as rape. I am no headsman. I feel dirty. She may have offered herself on her own accord, yet only after persistent persuasion. I could easily see she didn't enjoy it. Who would even give up their humanity anyway? I thought it's the responsibility of the king or queen to assert the well-being of every single one of their subjects." He sighed, in an irony tone, “Looks like I misunderstood something here and still have to learn much of the world. I'll take that to mom personally, I am sure she wants to see me either way."

“You are of a good heart, Aedan." Zireda responded as she took his claw in her paws, “too merciful to be an executioner. Velatha chose wrong in you. But Tokessa should be glad, it would have been even more painful without your help, I assume." She wanted to grin toothily at first, but then hid it: “Still, I somewhat wish I could have watched that, but I understood why you didn't want me to see it happen. Besides, let me show you something I want you to know."

Zireda closed her eyes and Aedan could feel her grabbing at his spirit. He acknowledged the presence in his mind and shut his eyes as well, gradually falling into a trance-like stance.

Aedan could see the same vision Zireda saw back near the river. And somehow he understood the dilemma. All of the first gryphons hatched as males and the magic that created them adapted to this fact.

“It was all bound to an ancient failure. The dragons put him to a test as a representative of all mankind, to see whether they would be ready for the inevitable accession to magic." Zireda sighed, “He failed it and tainted nature until this day. The memory of that dragon that wrongly put his trust on him is forever cursed, unable to be recalled. Yet the most innocent beings are those that were created: Gryphons. Moon said this cursed magic is so powerful she can't amend it."

“I'll help the gryphons out of their misery." Aedan objected, “While the Silver Talons might help with the problem, they ultimately prolong the suffering for them and the victims. I even instinctively feel there is a way to solve it, and perhaps one day I'll find the solution; Ah, it is quite strange to have a hint at memories one never thought to possess."

“Magic is not to be trifled with", Zireda warned, “Do not repeat the mistake this elf did. Especially on thought of all your ancestors. Rest with me, Aedan, we'll have a long flight tomorrow."