by A. C. Salter
“I’ve never met this split-wing, but if my friend Sabesto can vouch for her, then a citizen she will be. Cramaris, have you a silver bit on you?”
“Your Majesty, I strongly disagree…” the general began until the King cut him short with an icy glare.
“I don’t care frog snot for your opinion Cramaris. A promise was granted and the promise of a King shall be delivered. Now have you a silver bit or no?”
The general’s face flooded the colour of beetroot as he began to pat down his pockets, but it was Prince Rybal who tossed a coin in the air.
“Here,” the Prince said, flicking the silver bit.
Dylap caught it, feeling the cold metal press into his palm. “Thank you, your Majesty.”
Prince Rybal nodded, smiling amiably as he patted his swift. “And why not join us for the pre-tournament feast tomorrow? Edvin’s informed me of your skills with a bird and I’ve heard rumours about you even riding a falcon.”
“I would be honoured, your Majesty. As long as I’m not encroaching,” he added, sensing an unease from Urlmince.
“Nonsense Dylap, you will be a guest at my table, this Elaya too. I am on the look-out for a new squire. A fairy with your abilities around a bird would be valuable. But we can discuss these things tomorrow.”
“Very good, that’s settled then,” King Leobal said as he wheeled his thrush about. “Now that we’re done, let’s begin this hunt. I want viper steak tonight.” And with that, he tapped his bird with his riding crop and took to the air, closely followed by Sabesto, the guard and the Princes. The general treated him to a glare before departing leaving Urlmince. The large fairy reined his bird closer, forcing Dylap to step back.
“I don’t know how you survived the fall, putrid wretch, but know this. Your days in Farro are numbered. And don’t think that just because the King has given your split-wing whore a silver bit, she will last much longer. I’ve got much bigger and more brutal friends than my cousin.”
Dylap watched him leave, the happiness in his heart from receiving Elaya’s silver coin, dashed by the threat from Urlmince. But then, nobody in the city was bigger than Crayl.
The rest of the day passed swiftly, working with Elaya had been a joy. The two of them sharing laughter as they worked through the many birds with varying ailments. There was nothing too taxing and by the end they had cured most, only sending a single hummer to nest while she recovered from a fever that she had caught from spending the night in the storm.
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” Dylap said as he interlaced his fingers within Elaya’s, her warm hand moulding into his.
“I don’t like surprises,” she said, wrinkles appearing along the bridge of her nose in mock anger before softening into a grin. “Tell me.”
“Soon.” He led her above the platform and followed a path that wound around the trunk until they reached one of the highest branches of the tall reds. “First I want to introduce you to a friend.”
The branch narrowed as it stretched out over the forest, but was strong enough to support a falcon. When Elaya’s gaze fell on the black beast, her grip on his hand tightened and she almost pushed him from the tree.
“It’s alright,” Dylap said, stroking her arm reassuringly. “His name is Crayl. He’s a friend from my past.”
Brother, Crayl corrected.
“Apparently, we were as close as brothers,” he said, not telling her the full truth until he came to understand it for himself.
“But he tried to kill you, twice.”
Crayl’s head pivoted on a strong neck as he craned to gaze at them. The flat forehead that crested dark eyes giving him an appearance of a permanent frown.
“Not kill, but to link with me, here.” He took her hand in his and brushed it along one of the dark glossy feathers. “See? He means you no harm.”
Dylap climbed onto the falcon’s back and offered his arm out to Elaya. “Do you want to fly?”
“On that? No!” Elaya said, folding her arms. “Have you gone mad?”
Dylap laughed. “Maybe, but I don’t think I was that sane to begin with. Would you do it for a silver bit?”
“Now I really know you’ve gone mad.” Her eyes widened when she saw the coin that he produced from a pocket. “Where did you get that?”
“King Leobold gave it me, well Prince Rybal did because the King didn’t have any change.”
Elaya’s entire face lit up with joy. “That’s wonderful, he made you an official citizen of Farro.”
“No,” Dylap replied, reaching down to place the coin in her hand before folding her fingers over it. “He made you a citizen.” Still holding onto her, he pulled her up onto the falcon.
She remained quiet as he tapped Crayl’s flanks and they took to the sky. They were souring high above the city before Elaya wiped the tears from her face and leaned back into him.
“How? If anybody deserves citizenship it must be you.”
“A king’s promise, you wouldn’t have gotten a silver bit any other way – besides, Prince Rybal wants to talk to me about me becoming his squire. We’re going to the pre-tournament feast tomorrow.”
“We?”
“Yes, we.”
Elaya glanced up, the wind blowing her hair wildly about but still as beautiful as ever. “But I don’t have anything to wear.”
“You’ve got an entire silver bit to spend and I believe the Tangilups owe you a favour. Shall we pay a visit to the tailors?”
“What now? On Cruel?”
Dylap chuckled as he put the falcon into a dive. “It’s Crayl, and his appearance might get you some discount. Unless he eats Mrs Tangilup.”
Elaya laughed through her tears. “Yes, take me to the tailors. Yet I think your falcon might frighten them. They’ll be no good with trembling fingers.”
“He’ll frighten all of Farro. Perhaps we should take Noggin. But first, let us show you how fast Crayl can go.”
Let’s see how swift you can fly, Dylap said, linking his mind to Crayl’s and sensing his excitement.
Hold on tight to your mate, this will leave your bellies behind.
Dylap’s screams mixed with those of Elaya’s as they plummeted, turning to hysterical laughter as the falcon swept into a long swooping curve to climb high for another dive.
23
Feast for Dragonflies
Elaya stepped into the chamber, her new gown glistening with the morning sun which picked out the greens and purples of the silky material, her dragonfly wings radiating the same hues. She had bought it the previous night, a showpiece that stood proud in the Tangilup’s shop and only needed minor changes to fit her. Yet as beautiful as the dress was, it paled in comparison to the girl who wore it. One of the serving girls had helped curl her hair and another applied a little moonflower dust from the Shroom Tree. The effect was mesmerising.
“Gorgeous,” Dylap remarked, rising from the bed. The stiff creases in his formal uniform stretching as he moved, the thick cloak brushing the ground as the pressed collar dug into his throat. It was uncomfortable to say the least.
A shy smile flushing her cheeks pink, Elaya gave a curtsy. “You don’t look too shabby yourself.”
Dylap raised his arm to show the gold guilting that ran along the lacing on the edges of his sleeves. “I found it in the wardrobe. It’s a little tight around the shoulders and a little fancy for my liking.”
“You look like a high-born.”
“And you, like royalty.”
They both laughed as a knock came to the door and Ebbin stepped in.
“Your trap has arrived. The master is waiting for you both on the platform,” he said, a shocked expression slackening his face as he soaked them both in.
“Shall we?” Dylap asked, putting his arm through Elaya’s and leading her from the chamber.
They met several fairies in the corridor, most grinning and one young manservant’s jaw fell open as if unhinged as he watched Elaya glide passed. Their footsteps carried them to the main door before
Dylap spotted Spoffle. The bruises from his broken nose still blackening his eyes.
The tall fairy was leaning against the wall, his friends beside him as he casually played with a bilburry tart, dark red juice running over his fingers, a wicked grin playing upon his pinched face.
Subtly, Dylap opened the pouch of dust hidden within the pocket of this cloak, and drew out a stream of silver. Without watching, he felt it snake along the floor, following the natural grains until it weaved behind the group.
“Disgusting, the pair of you,” Spoffle commented, his gaze tracing Elaya’s gown as his arm curled back ready to throw the tart. “The sight of you sickens me.”
“Spoffle, don’t,” Ebbin pleaded, ready to throw himself in front of them.
Spoffle’s arm darted out, his grin sharpening to a snarl as he released the tart. But before his hand gave up the prize, the silver dust wrapped around his wrist and snapped it close to the body.
Spoffle crashed back into his friends, his hand having struck his own nose and crushed the tart against it. Thick bilburry juice dripped from his chin as a larger piece of pastry clung to his jaw.
After the initial surprise faded, Spoffle shoved the scraper towards them, the fairy’s fist already swinging back for a punch.
Born more out of reflex than reasoning, Dylap’s spines flicked from under his cloak and touched the scraper, sending a jolt of energy into him.
His body struck Spoffle’s as it was propelled back, knocking another fairy to the wall.
“We’re a bit clumsy today,” Dylap said, drawing the silver dust back into his pouch.
Spoffle’s remaining crew stepped away from them as they passed over the threshold and into the Aviary. Dylap felt Elaya’s hand that had been throttling his, begin to relax.
“I thought the dress was going to be ruined,” Ebbin said as they crossed the platform to the waiting trap. “A real nasty piece of work, that Spoffle.”
“Yeah, and I would keep away from him today. He’s liable to take this out on you,” Dylap warned.
They climbed into the trap and sat opposite Sabesto, the large fairy nodding as he closed the door. “Make quite a dazzling couple, don’t you?” he said, his gaze lingering on Dylap’s uniform, a sadness briefly clouding his eyes before he put on a smile and ordered the driver to begin the journey to the Palace.
Dylap waved farewell to Ebbin as the beetles scurried across the platform to pick up the berry trail.
“No doubt you’ll be the main topic of conversation at the feast,” Sabesto warned as they began the descent in the halo lift. “Just bear in mind that you’ll be mixing with royalty. I’ve not so much worry for you, Dylap. But Elaya, some of the high-class may be a little rude and I dare say some may even be hostile towards you.”
“I understand, Sir,” she replied. “But these things are not new to me. The only thing I’m nervous about is meeting Queen Balwass. I don’t know what she’ll do seeing me there.”
“On that point, you need not fret, they left last night. To be honest, I think they stayed longer than intended. Farro seems to breathe easier with them gone.”
Dylap gazed down at the Shroom Tree as they rode across a branch. It brought back to memory the conversation he had overheard between the split-wings and Urlmince. If a chance arose later in the day, he would tell Sabesto.
They were greeted by footmen as they rode across the elaborately carved bridge which joined the Alabaster Tree to one of the oaks that surrounded it. Elaya stared at the richly decorated woodwork of the Palace, the tall fairies that were likenesses of past Kings and Queens carved into the bark amongst the shapes of woodland animals.
“Look, a glade deer,” she said excitedly, pointing to a handsome stag that appeared to gaze down at them. Beside it was an etching of a pin-bush squirrel, the animal in mid-leap across a pond where fish and plants had been carved below the surface. Above them were many birds of all sizes and shapes, wings spread in different positions as if they were forever locked in an eternal flight around the carved picture.
“It might be an idea to close your mouth,” Dylap whispered, smiling as the girl on his arm snapped her mouth shut.
They were led inside the Palace to the hall. It was already a hive of busyness as fairies chatted and mingled around the vast chamber. Dylap recognised it as the same place he’d witnessed the marriage and the bonding-kiss between Prince Hindle and his bride. Although, the tables were arranged differently, placed around the walls in a huge U shape with the dais at the centre. Hanging from the ceiling were colourful flags, each with its own sigil or symbol.
“These are the flags of each team that will be competing in the tournament,” Sabesto explained, pointing to a gold and scarlet band with the silhouette of a swift embodied at its centre. “That’s the Aviary flag, the colours which Edvin will fly under.”
“And win with, of course,” Edvin said as he spotted them from across the room and came to join them. “Although I’ve heard a rumour that the Prince may be poaching you to become his squire.”
“He mentioned it yesterday, but I have no idea how to be a squire,” Dylap admitted as they were led to the royal table.
The royal family were already seated, including Princess Terina and Urlmince, the pair making comments as they approached. Dylap couldn’t hear what was being said, but knew it was about them and doubted it would be pleasant. He was thankful when Prince Rybal patted the seats beside him, offering them a place only a few chairs down from the King himself.
Dylap bowed before King Leobold who nodded in return, his gaze briefly flicking over Elaya before settling on Sabesto.
“Sit down, old man,” he bellowed, slapping the master of the Aviary on the arm. “That viper may have eluded us yesterday, but I want another hunt soon.”
His grin splitting his beard, Sabesto sat beside the King, plans for the next hunt beginning to be discussed, much to the Queen’s disappointment as she turned to a fairy beside her, shaking her head in disapproval.
A servant pushed their chairs in as they were seated. Dylap was glad that Edvin stayed with them, sitting on the other side of Elaya. At least there was another friendly face amongst them.
“Don’t tell me, Edvin has tried to persuade you to be his squire?” the Prince laughed before raising a glass of wine to his lips. “The idea was mine.”
“Don’t worry yourself, Rybal,” Edvin cut in, taking a glass for himself. “Jambilee is still my trusty squire, besides, it’s the flying that will win the race.”
“I’m not sure how good I would be, your Highness,” Dylap admitted. “I’ve no experience.”
“You’ll pick it up. It’s more of a case of keeping my swift calm before the race,” the Prince replied. “You’ve more than proved yourself with your ability as a bird-soother.”
“Your Highness is most kind. Please let me introduce, Elaya. She aids me in the Taming Tree.”
“Ah yes,” he said, offering Elaya a dazzling smile. “May I say how well you suit your gown? Stunning.”
Elaya’s cheeks flushed crimson, her hands squeezing Dylap’s under the table so hard he thought she might break bone.
“Thank you, your Highness, although I don’t know if I deserve such words,” she said, eyes never rising above the napkin before her.
“Your Highness? Please, at this table, simply call me Rybal. It’ll make the conversation flow easier. What do you say Terina? Sometimes this royal business can be so tedious.”
“Tedious my dear brother, but necessary, it doesn’t do well to become over-familiar with the lower classes,” Princess Terina replied. Easily the most beautiful fairy in the room by the way that others stole glances at her, although, the sneer upon her face somewhat spoilt it. Not that he cared, Dylap’s heart had already been won by Elaya. In his eyes, her beauty far outshone the Princess’s, whether others saw passed the dragonfly wings or not.
“Hush sister, you’re beginning to sound like Urlmince.” Then putting his back to her, gave both Elaya and Dylap
a wink. “So, tell me about the black monster of Farro, did you truly ride it?”
“Yes, your…Rybal. He, the falcon, is a fine bird to fly,” Dylap answered, fighting the urge to glance at Urlmince who he knew was glaring at him.
“Excellent, perhaps I may have a ride someday. I bet his speed out in the open would put my swift to shame.”
Dylap thought about the day it took to fly along the Twine to the goblin hove, it would make flying a swift seem like riding a slug.
“It may, although its size would slow it down within the confines of the forest.”
“True, but a bird of prey such as the falcon wouldn’t have need to flee anything. Maybe he could be trained for use in the guard? He would make the perfect weapon against an attack.”
“I don’t know,” Dylap said, not liking the idea, but not wanting to disagree with the Prince.
“I think its about to start,” Edvin said as he they watched the King rise, a large goblet of wine in his hand.
The fairies in the room quieted until the hall fell silent.
“Friends, family and honoured guests. I thank you for coming to this year’s pre-tournament feast. It has been a particular hard time of late, the strange disappearances happening around Farro playing a major part. The year could have gotten worse were it not for the actions of a newcomer, who in turn has added a fair share of unease. Dylap, the fae from the Twine, has saved one of our own from certain death at the hands of a goblin.” The King tipped his goblet towards Dylap and he felt his cheeks flush with the attention, which only reddened further with the sudden applause from around the room.
“Yet it is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the gem collectors who contributed to the demise of the others. Their part in this evil has earned them a swift death, which was carried out at dawn. No other punishment would have fit. No fairy should turn against their own, it’s makes a mockery of Farrosian principles. To that end, the threat from the goblin still exists, and the general has seen fit to post extra guards to the north of the city in case of an attack. But fear not, the barrier still surrounds the city and none can enter.”