Dylap

by A. C. Salter

  “Of course. They could only be charged by the collectors in the charging fields,” Dilbus offered, wondering how he hadn’t put the puzzle together himself.

  “The captain of the night watch needs to hear this,” Dylap said, turning the falcon about. “And I think Genili has endured enough. I’ll have her back in Farro before the day is out.”

  Dilbus ground his teeth at the mention of the captain of the night watch, the fairy assigned to take over his job. “Then go, we’ll follow but I dare say it will take us a few days. And Dylap, I thank you for saving our lives, it will not be forgotten.”

  Dylap gave a single nod before the black monster leapt from the branch, huge wings spreading to engulf the air as they ascended into the sky.

  There were still secrets surrounding the fairy from the Twine. Including the long javelin that was packed in the saddle beneath him. But like his experiences before, Dilbus sensed no malice in the fae.

  He tapped the thrush with his heel, setting them on a course home, although he didn’t know what he would tell the general, especially how Dylap now had control over the black monster.

  22

  A King’s Promise

  Farro was hidden beneath a blanket of fog. The upper part of the Alabaster Tree rising from the canopy like a pale wraith, guiding them towards the tall reds. The looming trees appearing like black pillars, the Aviary towering out of the gloom as dark as the night itself, the few sun gems that were visible, glowing from the windows that spiralled around the thick trunks.

  They had been spotted from the Palace and a band of the city guard had been assembled to give chase. The team of fae followed on thrushes, easily catching up as the larger falcon swooped down to land.

  Crayl flew between the boughs, his vision far superior to Dylap’s as they landed heavily on the platform.

  Go now, Dylap said, taking the sleeping Genili in his arms and sliding from the bird. The guard will attack you, they still see you as a threat.

  Crayl screeched as his strong legs propelled him back into the sky, opening his wings before flying from the Aviary.

  I’ll be close, brother.

  Some of the guard followed while the remainder landed on the platform to surround Dylap.

  “Halt, who goes there?” the commander bellowed, holding a lamp through the gloom.

  Dylap noted the glistening blades from the commander’s men as they surrounded him. He approached slowly, careful not to excite the nervous fairies. He raised his head and his hood slid off.

  “Dylap,” he answered, hefting Genili into a more comfortable position in his arms. Her head lolled to the side, resting against his chest, but she didn’t wake. “I’ve found one of the missing.”

  “What is this?” a tall fairy asked stepping through the men. It was the captain of the night watch, the rest of his fairies landed around them to take up weapons.

  “It’s the Dylap,” the guard commander said, “he’s found Genili.”

  “Most likely he was in cahoots with the split-wing and is only trying to save the wretch. And if I’m not mistaken, you were riding the black monster.”

  “That, we did see,” the commander agreed. “Riding it as easily as a tamed finch.”

  The captain of the night watch nodded to his men. “Arrest him and if he resists, run him through.”

  “You shall do no such thing,” Master Sabesto boomed as he pushed through the circle of men, his wide frame looming above the others. His snarl softened when he saw the bundle in Dylap’s arms and lifted her gently from him.

  “She is unhurt, but has gone through an awful ordeal,” Dylap explained.

  “And the others?”

  Dylap shook his head, suddenly feeling exhausted. His body still not fully recovered from the fall in the storm; the previous two days without sleep adding its toll.

  “Come, let us take you into the warmth,” Sabesto said, carrying Genili towards the Master House where a small crowd had begun to gather.

  As he passed, Dylap glared at the captain, fighting the urge to punch him in the mouth.

  “The culprit is a gem collector. Genili will confirm that when she’s rested. Also, Captain Fenwick and Limble will testify as such.” He enjoyed the look of anger that flickered across the tall fairy’s face at the mention of the night watch’s true commander. “Free Elaya at once, she is innocent.”

  Dylap followed Sabesto into the tree, putting his back to the men on the platform as he sought his own bed. He was vaguely aware of Ebbin coming to his side, stretching an arm over his to guide him to the room. He didn’t ask any questions as Dylap flopped onto the mattress, fatigue already dragging him into sleep.

  At some point in the night he felt a presence standing at the door. From the way it filled the space, he guessed it might have been Sabesto, although his mind soon sank back into peace. At another point, he felt a light kiss upon his cheek - this was part of his dreams, he was sure.

  The sounds of the Aviary brought him back to wakefulness. Morning had arrived and the birds chirped noisily for breakfast. He raised his head to survey his room, the sun slicing a beam through the closed shutters to reveal the silhouette of a quiet figure sitting motionless in the acorn rocker.

  “You were snoring,” Elaya said, as she came to him, perching on the end of his bed.

  “How long have you been here?” Dylap asked, becoming conscious of how he must appear, still dressed in the clothes he had returned in.

  “Ever since Master Sabesto brought me back from the cells,” she replied, her full lips drawing into a shy smile. “After you returned, he came to the Tree of Justice, demanding my release. Apparently, he and the night watch had gone in search of the real kidnapper. They interrogated the entire house of the gem collectors, narrowing the culprits down to two fairies. Sabesto practically wrung their necks. They found the wings from a dragonfly and a sack large enough to conceal an unconscious fae. When they searched the trap they used, they discovered a bottle of sleep spirit, concealed in a hidden door with a block of gold.”

  “That proves it then.”

  Elaya nodded. “One tried to escape but was brought down by an arrow. His friend confessed.”

  “And now you’re free.”

  “Thanks to you,” she said, leaning closer to place a kiss on his lips. “The rest of Farro were convinced that I did it.”

  “I never was.”

  His belly suddenly rumbled causing Elaya to laugh.

  “Apparently you’ve had a bit of an adventure. The entire house is talking about it. No wonder you’re hungry.”

  “Starved,” Dylap laughed.

  She left him alone to wash and dress in fresh clothes before accompanying him to the food hall.

  The large room was full, fairies from all over the house and some from the Taming Tree were sat to a banquet-like breakfast. Each long table bustling with fae helping themselves to the pastries and meats that were piled upon the silver plates and trays.

  As they entered, the hall fell quiet. Every face turned to them, an eagerness settling over the staff and workers. Then one by one they began to clap, until the entire room was filled with thunderous applause.

  “Thank you, thank you,” the baker said as he greeted them. Chubby fingers finding Dylap’s hand and pumping it enthusiastically before crushing him in a hug. “You brought my Genili back,” he dabbed at his own tears with the corner of his apron. “Silly me, please, sit down and enjoy breakfast. I’ve been baking all night, I couldn’t sleep.”

  Elaya put her arm in his and led him through the gathering crowd who patted his shoulder or clapped him on the back as he passed. They found Ebbin sitting at one of the tables, two plates of food set before him.

  “Everyone’s been praising you,” he said, flakes of pastry falling from his mouth. “You’re a hero.”

  Dylap offered his friend an awkward grin, unused to the attention he was receiving.

  “And the black monster, the rumour is that you tamed it before flying to a distant land
to slay a goblin.”

  “Taming the falcon is true,” Edvin offered as he hunkered beside them, helping himself to a round of cheese. “I saw that crazy stunt myself. Damn near frightened the life out of me. Jambilee couldn’t believe what you had done, neither did Sabesto.”

  “You did what?” Elaya asked, weaving her fingers into his and painfully squeezing.

  Dylap shrugged.

  “It wasn’t as dangerous as it sounds and I didn’t kill the goblin, only rescued Genili.”

  “Only rescued Genili?” Jambilee cut in. “You even sound like a hero. Good going,” she said before playfully thumping his shoulder.

  “You told the master?” Dylap asked Edvin, attempting to steer the focus away from himself. He certainly didn’t feel like a hero. Not when the other fairies had died, and he wanted to keep Crayl a secret until he decided what to admit about his brother.

  “I had to. You disappeared on that monster once you had control of him. Thought we would need to send out a search party to retrieve what was left of your body.”

  “What did he say?”

  Edvin grinned sheepishly as he spun a pastry in his fingers. “He wasn’t happy. Near chewed my ear off before gathering a few of us riders to fly along the Twine.”

  “Sorry about that,” Dylap said, guiltily.

  “Never mind that, you’re here now.”

  “How is Genili? Has anyone seen her?” Elaya asked. Dylap thought she sensed his unease and guided the talk away from him.

  “The baker said she’s staying with her parents for a few days,” Ebbin offered. “Probably the best place for her after what she went through. Those poor fairies, who’d have thought that those two gem collectors would harm their own. They deserve what’s coming.” He drew a finger across his throat, before going back to eating.

  With the talk dying down, Dylap began to eat himself. The baker had surpassed himself this time. His mouth filled with ginger, apple and cinnamon, juniper mint and bilburry, and washed down with honey water. He ate until he was full then made his excuses to leave. He knew the master would want to discuss the events of the past days and thought it best to get it done. Leaving his friends talking, he ventured from the hall and made his way through the tree.

  Sabesto’s door opened after the first knock, the master bidding him enter and he paced into the chamber and sat in the offered chair. He hadn’t been in the room since before the incident with the storm and so was surprised to see it tidy. The desk was clear of clutter and only a thick ledger, ink and quill sat upon the polished surface. The air he breathed was fresher and there was no hint of the stale alcohol from before. The master himself leaned across the desk, freshly pressed shirt stretching tight along his shoulders.

  “Had quite the adventure, haven’t you,” he said, stroking his beard.

  Dylap glanced away from those dark eyes that seemed to penetrate his head to read his thoughts. “It needed to be done, Sir. I know my actions were reckless, but it was necessary to find the truth. Nobody believed me about Elaya.”

  What is it brother? I sense your fear.

  Crayl’s voice suddenly entering his mind unnerved him.

  It’s nothing, I’m speaking with Sabesto. He sensed the bird withdrawing but still felt him on the edges of his consciousness, ever watching.

  “Fortunate for you both that you returned and I also need to thank you for saving Genili’s life. A great feat in itself, if the stories are true.”

  “I think some of them have been exaggerated,” Dylap admitted.

  “Not about the falcon though, Edvin told me how you leapt upon its back and tamed it. Damned fool stunt, could have gotten you killed. No matter how strong the reasons, don’t do anything that reckless again.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “And what of the bird itself? Did you really soothe it so easily or is there something you’re not telling me?”

  Dylap could have lied, if he told Sabesto that he did tame the beast, he would have believed him. But he was reluctant to lie to his master, especially as he’d done so much for him.

  “My memories previous to being found upon the Twine, are still not mine to control. I remember nothing from before. But the falcon and I are old friends, that’s the reason he has been hanging around the city.”

  Sabesto said nothing for a moment, his fingers tapping upon the desk, gaze sharpened into his until they began to soften. “That would explain why he attacked you, or what we thought was an attack.”

  Dylap shook his head. “I think he was only trying to contact me. It confused him when I didn’t know who he was.”

  Sabesto opened his hands and faced them up. “Well, it would. It’s a rare contact you have with the falcon. Although I don’t know how that’ll work around Farro. I know the general doesn’t take too kindly to things not fitting in.”

  A loud note played by a horn suddenly trumpeted from outside. Sabesto crossed the chamber and flung open the balcony doors before stepping outside. “It’s the King,” he explained as he returned and began to gather up a heavy coat and riding crop. “We’re going hunting.”

  Dylap watched him move around the room, excitedly gathering up other items before pausing at the door.

  “Sorry, Dylap, I must fly. The King is most impatient when his hunting blood is up.” He lingered with his hand upon the balcony doors, ready to close them. “You can let yourself out. We’ll talk more about your new friend later, but for now, I will leave you with my thanks.”

  After the doors clicked shut, Dylap left the master’s office and found Elaya waiting in the corridor. She offered him a warm smile before feeding her arm through his.

  “Jambilee tells me you’ve a number of birds to soothe today. Are you feeling up to it?” she asked as they made their way out of the tree.

  “Yes, it will be great to get back to normality. And with my new assistant, it should make for a pleasant day.”

  They descended the steps and skirted along the branch that would lead them to the joining-bridge. The King, Sabesto and their entourage of men in the hunting party were still on the platform, fiddling with saddles and equipment. When the King noticed him, he tapped Sabesto on the arm before speaking. The Aviary master nodded before beckoning Dylap over.

  “What do you think he wants?” Dylap asked as he began to pace towards the group of royal and high-born fairies, trepidation tapping along his nerves.

  “I don’t know, but it’s probably best that I wait here,” Elaya replied as she let go of his arm.

  He saw the wisdom in that, but already missed the warm touch.

  I sense your fear, Falon. Do you wish my Presence?

  He felt the falcon circling above and for a brief moment could see him through the gaps in the canopy. No, the King only wishes to talk. There is no danger here.

  The hunting party was large: several guards accompanying King Leobold, Prince Rybal, Prince Hindle - dressed in pale leathers that complimented the whites of their wings, although the colour of the older Prince’s wings was tinged with the green and blues of his bride. Her colours mixing with his as they became husband and wife. Riding with the party was also Urlmince and his father the general, who were dressed in darker wear. There were a few more high-born who Dylap didn’t recognise or know. When he came close to the King, seated upon his groomed finch, he knelt and bowed his head.

  “Rise,” the King commanded.

  “Thank you, your Majesty,” Dylap said as he straightened. From the corner of his eyes he saw Sabesto grinning proudly, but felt the hate permeating from both Urlmince and his father.

  “I hear that you did Farro a great service,” the King said as he played with the curls in his beard. “Defeating a goblin, no less, to rescue one of our own. Very brave, very commendable. I dare say there’s precious few around here brushed with the same courage.”

  “Thank you, your Majesty. But Captain Fenwick and his second also helped. It was they that first discovered the goblin.”

  “Fenwick, where have
I heard that name before?” the King asked.

  “He is commander of the night watch, your Highness,” General Cramaris explained, casually waving a hand. “I sent him north to investigate…” His gaze subtly shifted to Dylap before he carried on, “the strange disappearances.”

  “Fenwick? Is that the same Fenwick who held the breach at Gramont?” King Leobold asked, turning to Sabesto.

  “That’s him,” Sabesto confirmed, leaning over the saddle horn of his thrush. “Was head of the vanguard, the only one left of his division that bought enough time for back-up to arrive. If it wasn’t for him, Gramont would have fallen to the enemy. Lost one of his wings and was beaten to within an inch of his life. Damn fine soldier.”

  “I remember now, poor fairy. I hope you’re looking after him, Cramaris,” the King said, jovially elbowing the general. “Farro always rewards bravery and great service.” He turned his attention back to Dylap. “As for you, Dylap, you have proven yourself worthy to be a citizen of Farro and the city, as I thank you dearly. A promise from a king is worth a lot of gold. But I see you are not a fae for such riches and although I respect you, it is an ill thing for a base-born fairy to be brought into the higher echelons of society. Instead, I shall grant you a promise. Anything, just name it and if it is within my power, it is yours.”

  “Thank you,” Dylap said, bowing once again. He didn’t know what to ask of the King and guessed that he was expected to say something now. The promise would soon be forgotten if he did not. Then it came to him. The one thing above all that he wanted.

  “I wish for Elaya to be given formal citizenship.”

  “Who?” King Leobold asked, frowning.

  “The split-wing fairy,” Sabesto said. “She is under the protection of the Aviary at the moment.”

  “You do not wish citizenship for yourself? Every fairy born in Farro receives a silver bit from the crown. Nobody has ever refused.”

  “Being a citizen of Farro is a dream I hope to one day achieve, your Majesty. But I believe her need is greater than mine. Especially after being wrongly accused of the kidnapping and murder of the disappeared.”