“That depends.” Cage said suspiciously.
Daku’s blue eyes went wide as his head jerked back in surprise. “On what?” He wondered back from the unexpected reaction.
“How much do you need to eat to survive. That is my biggest worry, you going hungry or devastating livestock and animal populations.”
“Really? That is your only concern?” Daku threw his head back and laughed merrily. It was so odd and contagious a sound that the rest of them joined in. “You have much to learn about me.” Daku wiped a tear from the corner of an eye with a wet, furry knuckle. “Of all the things to be afraid of…” He chuckled and purred. “Actually I require very little to eat. I’m still digesting the wyvern I caught back then and won’t need to eat for many days yet. When I do require the need for food, nothing more than a rat every day will sate my hunger.”
“But to grow so large, wouldn’t it require vast amounts of nutrition?” Cage asked, finding it hard to wrap his mind around.
“No… it is part of griffin magic. Just because we get big doesn’t mean we need to eat vast quantities. It is the same for dragons. And when I am large, a rodent is still all I’ll need. It is a great benefit to being a griffin.”
“You are not screwing with me are you?” Cage watched as Daku didn’t understand the term. “You’re not being funny? You’re serious?”
“Quite.” Daku admitted.
“Then yes, I still want you. I always wanted a friendship like what Megdline and Frill share. Plus I like how others can understand you. I hated it when I couldn’t understand Frill and Megdline’s conversations and I know Brooke and Sean find it annoying that I can understand now and they cannot.”
“Yeah, how can I understand you?” Sean asked. “Are you Dad’s pet?”
“I am no pet.” Daku said calmly towards they boy, understanding commoner misconceptions. “I can speak the human language because I could do so before ever binding myself to Cage. Dragons can also speak to humans. Familiars like Frill were originally lesser life forms consumed by their basic instincts. When they became a mage’s Familiar they were awakened to their full potential. But their body is limited to what it could become.” Daku exposed his throat slightly. “My voice is similar to that of humans and dragons, but Frill’s throat cannot conform to speak clearly. He uses magic to speak, it is how Megdline and now Cage can understand him. They are more attuned to magical ways. It will take another twenty thousand or more generations before even the average human evolves to be more attuned to their own mana, where everyone will better understand each other. It is how it is with younger species.”
Cage just had to ask after hearing this “Is that how slow evolution really is? On Earth, our science says it is faster.”
“It has been long since anyone has asked me that, but yes, evolution is very slow and methodical. It is especially slow when it concerns mana. I know not what has occurred on Earth, but maybe without mana, it has sped up. I cannot say, but in this universe, it is slow and cautious. It would not be good for a species to explode in population with great power when they have no control over their lesser instincts. As far to my knowledge, dragons were the first to evolve with magic, but that was after thirty two billion years after this universe came to be, then we the griffins and now you humans are coming up. There are other worlds who have magic and have taken shortcuts in their evolution, but it is not good to do so. Not good at all.”
“Why?” Frill asked and took a small step closer. “I’ve never heard of shortcuts being used to speed a species progress.”
Brooke and Sean didn’t understand so Cage repeated the question so they could hear what he said. Daku looked at the cat Familiar closely. “It is a forbidden magic I, the dragon elders and even your Magical Council have forbid to be even spoken of. I bring it up only now to prevent Cage from doing something truly horrific because his mind can easily figure out things that should be left alone. And I will not speak of it more than saying that the worlds that did something have become less than animals. They are beasts. What they tried to use for their benefit resulted in their ultimate destruction. They became a plague, a never resting, forever hungry and a never sated species, a shadow of their former glory.”
“Hold on a sec.” Cage said to gain some insight. “Daku, if it is forbidden, how was everyone allowed to lose their hair from the neck down? On Earth, most humans have body hair, but here not one man or woman has a single hair below their neckline. I was thought to be highly evolved back there and didn’t have any myself, but how could it happen here? I’m not complaining, just curious.”
“Ah, that I can answer. I heard rumors in a dragon colony that you humans were going to do this… well all they did was stop the growth of hair production since it appeared that was how your species was already evolving towards. It did not add or strip anything from the whole of the human population, just stopped it. And you say you were hairless even on Earth?” Cage nodded. “Interesting… Only the truest of elites had such characteristics, it set them apart. It is less surprising to me becoming your Familiar after learning this.” He looked around. “What other questions do you have?”
“Why have you hidden yourself? We thought all griffins were extinct, yet one remains.” Megdline blurted out. “And not a brown or grey one, but a white king, a legendary griffin, the most beautiful and powerful ever to be known. Why was it believed that you were all dead? And you’ve insinuated at the Magical Council knows of you.”
Daku smiled at the sorceress. “A fine question. Yes, the human council knows of me, but hasn’t seen me in nearly a thousand years. When the last female died with her mate, it was determined that I be protected. As the last of my kind to be preserved, they did not want to lose me, both humans and dragons proposed that I be away from the greater dangers of the world so that something of my kind remained. The southern dragon colony gladly stayed with me since the loss of the griffin flocks and warlocks. They are great friends, but dragons aren’t as fun as they used to be and most humans would rather kill than understand me. The First Council in Twilight knew about me and chose to exaggerate my species’ entire extinction so that none would come looking for me. And until now I have not revealed myself so openly in close to two thousand years.”
“Will the dragons and council be upset?” Cage asked. “I mean you just took a shit on all their hard work back there?” Everyone turned to see smoke billowing further and further to the north where Bepop burned.
“Probably.” Daku laughed. “They’ve been still for long enough and it was so boring where all there is down at my old nest is ice and snow. Besides, they weren’t imprisoning me or forcing me to stay or it would have been their last mistake. They wouldn’t dare force me to do anything and now that I have a partner, if they dare to come, I will show no mercy. Even the dragons know full well they would need all their strength to bring me down, humans wouldn’t stand a chance and as a last of a species, Twilight and Draconian laws will prevent my loss of life and through it, yours. And if the humans break their own rules, the dragons will intervene. The only way for the council to attempt anything on my or your life is if we endanger an entire species, begin a cataclysm or make war on them which would allow them to defend themselves… Isn’t that right, Megdline?”
“It is.” She confirmed. “With you, our own rules have now bound the council from any form of hostile action unless to defend themselves or intervene to safe many more lives.”
“Is it lonely, Daku?” Brooke asked without realizing she spoke her thoughts.
“Is what lonely?” He asked back.
She became uncomfortable under the odd pair of eyes, but Brooke knew she needed to speak it aloud. “Being the last? I mean, you have no more of your own tribe. And for so many years to pass without good company must have been difficult… Sorry, I know this is rude and insensitive…”
Daku’s eyes softened as his beak parted. “That is quite alright and a question I was waiting for. Yes, it was very lonely and for decades I mo
urned and was angry that nearly all the flocks left and as each one of those left behind also were lost. As a king, I was supposed to be strong and it is what kept me going after all these years. I’ve come to accept that the past cannot be changed, just learned from. Because I am the last, I must be sure that if I die that my kind will forever be remembered after my life ends and the whole griffin race truly is extinct. Do not worry or feel pity for me. When I die I will be reunited with the others, but I will do everything so that it will not happen. But to ease my pain and solitude, the dragons would sometimes summon a griffin they once knew in the past and allow me to speak to their spirit for a short time. They did it because, like I said earlier, my kind cannot actively use magic…”
“What about cloning?” Cage asked as his mind churned. “If I could get my hands on the DNA of a female griffin, I could potentially clone a female to save your race. Since it looks like you have lion traits I could artificially inseminate a lioness with a griffin embryo… I could likely save your species.”
Daku shook his head. “Do not bother. What you propose has already been tried by the dragons and even in the early days when Twilight was founded. They tried for many years, but nothing other than abominations resulted from those experiments. It was either they died soon after birth or needed to be killed because it was more dangerous than a feral animal. It was suggested that something the female griffin does to the cubs before she lays an egg, is shape the hatchling’s mana so it will be born as it should. The mother’s magic truly makes a healthy griffin. As I said, I’ve come to understand and accept what is. I am the last, but am no longer alone.” His sharp blue eyes turned back to Cage. “You too are alone and the last of your kind. We are the last, but together we will be. We will make the world remember us for all time and remind the world of the past.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Cage grinned and Daku smiled in return.
“What is the plan now, Mother?” Sean asked Brooke. “What are we going to do about Meeka Mother? What about all these people? Will we accompany them somewhere? What will we do now?”
Brooke looked to everyone before saying “I’m not sure what to do. I do not even know where my woman is. Lanna said it was three days ago that she was taken by a group of mages…”
“I’ll find out where she is.” Megdline said and used some magic to conjure her sight mirror. In the golden oval space she made came the clear picture of Meeka and fifteen stunningly beautiful women sitting together on a long bench. Each wore white dresses and had a platinum earring. Six handsome men in white pants and a shirt sat on the other side. They all watched as Megdline zoomed the image back to find they were on another boat and Cage noticed by the slight shifting of shadows leaning to the east offered the knowledge of heading north. Aboard the ship were thirteen mages by their robes, staffs and Familiars. It was a fancy ship of rich quality and several had the looks of wealthy nobles. Both Cage and Brooke felt a tug on their heart in seeing her again and knowing she is still out of reach. Megdline said “The only place I could guess they are going is to Eeroan. The last I knew of that place is where they smelt the ore excavated and shipped from Iron Mine. It is one of the main deposits of iron the Laqura Empire relies on. It was also heavily fortified against physical and magical means.”
Brooke looked around the boat, at those staring back and could see the wounds, the stress and worry. She couldn’t neglect them after all they suffered and though she hated it she said “They still need us. If more mages come, they won’t last and many will die. Cage Love, Meeka still lives and didn’t seem to be in imminent danger, but these people are. With you, Frill, Megdline and Daku their chances will be better. I will get my woman, but we will need to wait a bit longer. Most likely the biggest concern will be Dragon’s Port since it is controlled by the Laqura Empire and will likely have deadly ships like these. If even one mage is waiting to the south and we went for Meeka then all that we’ve done has been for nothing. They will be slaughtered if none of you are here.”
“Then that is what we will do.” Daku stated and didn’t find anything that made the others hesitate. Cage wanted to get his woman back, but he had a responsibility to all these people now. Even Megdline and Frill were in full agreement to remain. “And after they are safe I will fly all of us to where this Meeka will be. It will be much faster than this.” He used a claw to tap the deck.
“That might be a problem. Brooke is terrified of heights.” Cage said.
Brooke felt hotness rush into her cheeks. “If it is for my woman… I… I will manage, but if I do not, knock me out.” She looked to the white griffin. “I am grateful you would consider flying us like a bird and travel vast distances quickly.” Daku inclined his head. “And I am in your debt for saving my mate. If you hadn’t… I do not know what I would do. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask.”
“Then I would like to spend a few minutes alone with my partner.” His sharp sapphire eyes shifted. “Megdline, I need you to take up responsibility and keep these trees moving together and heal all the injured. I smell their fear and blood from being beaten by those other humans. Cage must rest and prepare for more encounters we are sure to face.”
She grabbed her staff. “I know this isn’t much for saving us, but allow me to remove the seawater and sand from your fur and feathers.” She waived her hand and used a spell which shed the remaining water from Daku’s coat.
“I thank you. It would have taken hours to preen myself.”
Megdline stood and dropped the spell which prevented eavesdropping. She faced the frightened and waiting crowd. “Captain!” She said to a sailor surrounded by three tribal warriors with weapons. “Keep the fleet together. If you get us back to Emrocan waters you and your men have our word you may keep your lives and go back to your precious empire. Try anything and these fine people will show you why it would be your very last mistake.” Her grey eyes turned to the rest of the naked men, women and children. “The rest of you, come to the side, one at a time. I’ll heal the injuries done to you. If we are to have any chance of getting everyone home to your villages you will need to be as strong as possible. Moril,” The warrior huntress looked at the yellow robed magic woman and was shocked to have heard her name called. “I know Cage healed you. I need you to see what supplies are on this boat. Take any who do not need healing and report to your chief while I help everyone.” Megdline moved to the side with Frill near as she began healing flayed backs, broken bones, burns and all manner of problems.
Moril turned to her chieftain and saw him nod. She and five others went downstairs to check barrels and crates.
“Brooke, how about you and Sean go inform the others that we will be staying till everyone reaches safety.” Daku asked. She nodded and took her son towards the other groups. The griffin turned leisurely to his side. “Come closer and relax with me, Cage. Recover from your ordeal.”
The warlock smiled and crawled closer. He took his hands as rubbed Daku’s side. “I didn’t notice this when you were big, but your fur feels like silk and your feathers are so smooth. Oh, sorry, I was curious… I didn’t mean to be so intrusive of your personal space.”
“Do not be so hesitant.” Daku grabbed Cage’s wrist and placed his hand on his own furry chest. Cage felt a strong heartbeat pounding inside. “I am your Familiar and you are my human. Now that I know you are worthy, we are opposites and one. I have heard of your prophecy and your words that called to me to become your unrelenting and inseparable friend. You are the dark one whereas I am light. We are the balance the other needs. It is the reason why humans have Familiars, to feel whole. I am not human and do not mind being touched. I am not what you humans call a pet, but I enjoy my coat and feathers stroked.” Daku let go and felt his partner gently petting his side. To show he enjoyed it, Daku began to purr like an idling motorcycle.
The tactile connection Cage felt was unlike anything he ever experienced. He felt calmer, more relaxed and confident. This was what he always wanted and fi
nally got it. He received unconditional love from Brooke and Meeka, but Daku made Cage’s chaotic life more calm. His life wasn’t entirely perfect, because Meeka is missing, but he knew once she was freed, everything would be perfect in the truest sense.
Such calmness from being this close to the one creature destined to be his made Cage yawn. Daku turned his very supple neck almost completely around to meet Cage’s blurry stare. He lifted a wing and said “Rest for an hour. I will wake you. I can tell that weariness has a hold on you. Worry not, if something happens I will be here to protect everyone.”
Another wide yawn escaped. “Thanks, My Stalker Friend. I’ll take the offer.” He crawled in closer and laid his head down on Daku’s offered arm. Cage’s long length matched his Familiar’s. No sooner did his head touch the silky soft and warm fur that he fell immediately asleep.
Daku turned his head to smile at his human. His eyes turned skyward to know it is too bright and extended a wing to encompass Cage and give cooling shade. He felt more protective of Cage than anything in his entire life and wondered if it was because of the ancient pact warlocks had with his kind. He fought for his flock as is his duty, but never held the satisfaction compared to partnering with another protector. Such thoughts made him wonder if it was like this for all his kind who bonded. He felt at peace. It did not have the feel as it did with a comfort between a male and female, it was different and yet relaxing. Daku smiled as he finally found one who would be his, one he was destined to spend life with.
Familiar's Ancient Throne (Book 2 of the Death Incarnate Saga) Page 43