by L. R. W. Lee
“Got nabbed by a griffin awhile back. Found a recess in the back of this cave that’s defensible and been hiding out there.” The man took a seat against the wall and squinted as his eyes continued to adjust.
“How long have you been here?” Sergeant Fulk inquired.
“Too long.” The dragon trainer coughed.
“How’d you survive?” Yara posed.
“Water leaches from the walls, and every now and again rodents venture back.”
Andy and Yara’s mouths dropped open.
“How’d the griffins capture you?” Andy questioned. “I thought you stayed in dragon territory.”
Merodach’s eyes wandered to the packs strewn about on the floor.
“The poor man’s starving. Let’s give him some of our food,” Yara suggested.
The dragon trainer’s sorry condition kept Andy from interjecting a comment about how the man had once greedily devoured more chow than he had ever thought possible. I best keep an eye on our food.
Merodach slumped. “Thank you.” His gaze never left the packs as he awaited sustenance. When Yara brought him dried goat meat and cheese, a slow smile appeared. He took a breath and began wolfing it down.
“Whoa, slow down. You’ll give yourself a stomach ache,” the princess warned.
“So, what’d you do to get captured by griffins?” Andy tried again.
“I heard there’s gold and silver in these hills.” Merodach’s words came out muffled as he spoke around a mouth full of food. “Thought I’d supplement my income. Or perhaps procure a griffin to train. Imagine the billings: ‘See trained dragons and griffins!’ No one else has ever done that. I’d be famous.”
That’s more like the Merodach I know.
“I started lookin’ not far from here, and before I knew it, one of them winged furballs nabbed me and brought me here.”
Andy mouthed, “Winged furballs?” to Yara and Mom.
“These caves is their larder.” The man belched, then farted, adding to the ripe cloud wafting about him.
Company members exchanged smirks.
“Thought I’d hide out ‘til I could nab one of them little buggers and sneak away.”
Andy raised an eyebrow. “So you weren’t stuck, unable to escape?”
Merodach cleared his throat. His gaze bounced around skeptical faces before he replied, “’Course not!”
Nope, he hasn’t changed. He’s still the Merodach I know.
Yips erupted outside the cave, drawing everyone’s attention.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
What Price?
Shadows swooped across the encampment just before seven griffins landed, dragging the balance of the company across the rocky, unforgiving ground.
The four cubs paused to watch.
Sergeants Ector and Rosser, who endured the roughest landings, lay unmoving. Captain Baldric grimaced, then rubbed an elbow before rising to check on Hannah and Alden.
“Captain!” Sergeant Terric called from the mouth of the cave.
Rrrarh! Grrr. Their griffin guard snarled its displeasure at the sergeant’s outburst.
A silvery-white figure materialized beside them in the cave, drawing Andy’s attention.
“Imogenia, what are you doing here?” Mom queried.
“Making sure you’re okay, my queen.”
“Well, thank you. I appreciate your concern.”
A smile burst upon Imogenia’s façade.
Andy refocused his attention outside.
“Fools! All of you! Seeking to make off with our treasure and young,” the leader roared in everyone’s head, pacing before the newest captives.
“Not true!” Captain Baldric protested.
“You dare speak to me that way?”
“We came in the light of day to show exactly the opposite—we do not seek to steal from you, but rather to ask for your help.”
“Help?”
Three almond-headed griffins advanced into the clearing, tails hanging low. Andy speculated they had emerged from another of the caves but could not be certain.
With lowered heads, they approached the group. Alden tensed and his eyes blinked rapidly. The griffins strode through the obstacle course of company members. One sauntered between Captain Baldric and Hannah, who could not contain a gasp, and then brushed against Sergeant Albin. They approached and nuzzled the white-headed griffins.
Their mates?
The three male griffins reciprocated by opening their beaks ever so slightly and gently nipping at the females. Apparently satisfied, each of the ladies proceeded to burrow her head under the chin of her mate.
Purr. Purr.
At length, the male griffins bobbed their heads. The females brushed the length of their partners before circling and coming to sit beside them.
“They’re so affectionate,” Imogenia observed, to which Andy rolled his eyes.
One of the female griffins rose and moved between Hannah and Alden, making him squirm. The officers’ hands began twitching above their weapons as she sat down and proceeded to nudge Alden’s chest with her feathery head. Alden looked as if he might faint.
“Can you please let our friends hear, too?” Hannah’s voice sounded faint at this distance.
“As I said—” A female voice sounded in everyone’s head and produced a chorus of gasps. “—I know this boy’s smell.”
What? He hasn’t showered in a while?
“Though his scent is diluted with the essence of a female, his elder once visited us. I will never forget the scent, for it was he with whom we struck our vow—what we call the Bond of Restraint.”
Murmurs broke out among the griffins, and her mate strode forward. Alden began shaking uncontrollably as the male stopped inches away and stared into his eyes.
“This cub lacks the courage of his father.”
“That may be true, Apollis. None the less, he is the heir. And just as with the twelve lords, he and his flight must not be harmed.”
Heir?
The large griffin exhaled. “Very well.” He turned and strolled away, the matter dismissed.
Six griffins launched skyward.
Where are they going?
“Artem,” the female instructed. “Free the captives.”
Their guard entered the cave and inserted himself between the company and the lounging herewolves. “Move!”
No one needed to be told twice, but grabbed their packs and ran to join the others in the clearing. Merodach limped forward.
“Not that one.” The objection came from a male across the way.
“I’m with them. I know these fine folks. Why, Andy and I helped a baby dragon awhile back.”
The reply seemed to pacify the objection and the dragon trainer continued forward unimpeded.
Hannah steadied Alden before he collapsed.
“My name is Aigis,” the female griffin communicated. “I must apologize for your rough treatment. The scouts assumed you to be poachers.” She directed a glance at Merodach who glared a challenge.
“Are you crazy?” Andy whispered to the dragon trainer next to him.
“Can’t back down or these furballs’ll think you’re weak.”
Andy closed his eyes and shook his head.
Aigis cleared her throat.
“Young one, what is your name?”
“A-Alden.”
“You tremble…”
Alden nodded. “My father told us what happened when he was captured by griffins.”
“Ah. Yes, I’m sure he did. But did you know I was the one who orchestrated his escape?”
“You?” Alden swallowed hard.
“He explained his perspective on the situation—how our hunting his livestock meant his family and neighbors would not survive the winter. Griffins were created to rule all animals, be they of the air or the land. It’s why we are half eagle and half lion. We take our role as guardian very seriously and strive always to preserve and protect.”
She considers us her charges?
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br /> “Our intention was never to harm. While hunting his livestock proved an easy food supply, in good conscience I could not allow our practice to continue. After explaining everything to my mate, I proposed the Bond of Restraint. I knew there would be some risk presenting it to Apollis, so I made sure your father was gone before mentioning it. After some heated discussion, he came around.”
Yara grinned at Andy.
“You did that?” Alden’s voice rose.
“To take a stand against your protectors could not have been an easy choice. Your father is a very brave man and I respect him.”
“Was…”
“I’m sorry.”
How am I going to get a black griffin claw?
Andy had not meant to share his thought, but Aigis immediately looked his way.
“You seek a claw?”
Andy nodded. A black one, actually.
“Why?”
“Before I answer that, let me introduce everyone. I think if you know who we are, it will make more sense why I need one. I’m Prince Andrew of Oomaldee.”
The she-griffin bobbed her head. “And these are…”
“This is my mom, Queen Emmalee of Oomaldee, and this is Princess Yara of Cromlech. My friend Hannah, who’s just Hannah. And Captain Baldric with our security detail.”
“Royalty of the troika... You’ve piqued my curiosity. Pray tell me, why are all of you trying to procure a griffin claw?”
“A black griffin claw,” Andy corrected.
“Yes, a black griffin claw.”
Andy opened his mouth to speak then thought better of it as Merodach crossed his arms, raised his eyebrows, and tilted his head.
“Uh, can we speak privately?”
“You seem not to trust that one. You’re wise.”
Aigis led Andy across the clearing, out of earshot.
“Thanks. We seek a black griffin claw…” Andy did his best to summarize his mission and all that had transpired in collecting the previous ingredients. The she-griffin listened attentively and asked probing questions until Andy finally wound the conversation back to the central question. “Will you help us?”
“What you seek—not just any griffin claw, but a black one—is scarce and valuable. It sounds like this potion you’ll be brewing requires the costliest of ingredients.”
Andy nodded.
“I am honored griffins are counted among the rare and valuable requirements. Let me talk this over with Apollis, for of all the griffins here, only he has black claws.”
Rrrarh! Rrrarh! Artem sounded a warning from his post.
Everyone’s attention followed the sentinel’s gaze to where Alden sat cross-legged, petting a cub on his lap.
“What’s he think he’s doing?” The accusation pounded Andy’s mind as Apollis strode forward, teeth bared.
Alden’s eyes grew large, but despite his trembling, he managed to hold a palm up. “This cub’s leg is injured. I can fix it.”
Rrrarh!
“Apollis, stop. He is the heir and I sense he means no harm,” Aigis intervened.
The large male paused as Aigis approached, her head down. She nuzzled beaks with him, burrowed her head under his chin, then purred.
It took a full minute but finally Apollis returned a low purr.
She’s got him wrapped around her little talon.
“These humans associate with that one.” The large male scowled at Merodach.
“We were appointed to preserve and protect,” Aigis countered.
“Not those who steal from us.”
“I’m not going to steal your young!” Alden objected.
Hannah raised a hand and quaked, “He knows how to fix broken bones. He trained under the healer of Castle Avalon.”
“She’s right,” Mom confirmed.
“He fixed a ring dove’s wing a year ago. Good as new,” Yara added.
Holding Apollis’s gaze, Aigis nodded her head toward Alden’s supporters.
“Fine.” The male stalked away, growling his dissatisfaction.
“He’s not going to take my request kindly, is he?” Andy asked Aigis, stopping beside her as they watched Alden tend his patient.
Alden doctored the company’s wounds with dragon tears, lifting everyone’s spirits. After they ate dinner from their rations, Aigis escorted the company to what appeared to be a hatchery located in another of the three caves.
“I trust you will be comfortable here. Get some rest.”
Seven females sat on nests of mounded gold and silver gravel. It seemed every few minutes one of the she-griffins rose and adjusted the stones beneath her. The scratching and scritching noises scared Andy’s slumber into hiding and he tossed and turned.
In the early morning hours, as the full moon still threw shadows about, an irregular tapping sound began, coalescing with the cacophony of night sounds—including an ensemble of grunts and sputters from sleeping company members.
Andy huffed, giving up his attempts at rest, and sat up. Sergeant Gavin, who stood watch, grinned and nodded at a nest. Glancing to where the officer indicated, Andy saw a griffin poised on her haunt, eyes downcast.
Tap. Tap.
Andy rose, then crept toward the source of the disturbance. Reaching to within ten feet of the nest, he froze when the she-griffin locked eyes.
“Is it hatching?”
The griffin bobbed her head.
“May I watch?” Andy’s tone rose, betraying his wonder.
Another bob.
Keeping one eye on the mama griffin, he approached and peered over the lip of the nest. A brown, white, and black banded agate shuddered at the mother’s feet.
Tap.
The shiny, football-sized egg tipped up on one end, then rolled a full revolution before coming to rest against the side of the nest. Andy inched closer.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The agate rolled to the other side of the nest.
Tap. Tap. Crack.
A tiny hole appeared in the smooth veneer, then an eye peered out—at least Andy thought it was an eye.
Tap. Tap. Crack.
The baby griffin struggled like this for quite some time. All the while Andy wished he could help it. But science class had taught him that the struggle to emerge into the world was critical to the baby’s long-term survival.
“You’re waxing rather philosophical,” his inneru intoned.
I feel like it’s the story of my life.
The voice in Andy’s head chuckled.
Crack. Tap. Crack.
“You can do it,” Andy whispered, watching the baby squirm inside the half-dollar-sized hole.
The mother griffin lay down so her body surrounded three sides of the egg and let nature continue its course.
A long silence followed. Andy could tell the little griffin grew tired.
Purr. Purr.
Crack!
The agate split in half and the baby wobbled free, then collapsed. Mama pushed the fractured shell to the side and nuzzled the cub.
“Aw, how sweet.” The sigh startled Andy, and he looked behind him to see Imogenia.
Yips escaped the baby, and mama gently nipped at its struggling form, bringing it close.
Imogenia whispered to herself, “My pain has trapped me, but I can’t quite break free. I don’t know how.”
Andy and Imogenia locked eyes, and the moment of transparency evaporated like mist when the sun rises. The ghost composed her features once more before floating out the cave mouth.
Aigis strode into the nursery as the company ate breakfast from their dwindling provisions. “Because of the actions of your associate—” The she-griffin nodded at Merodach, who gobbled down more than his share of dried goat meat. “—Apollis requires you to pass a test to prove your trustworthiness if he is to part with a claw.”
Andy, Yara, Hannah, and Alden ricocheted glances. Several of the officers scowled at the dragon trainer who, ignoring the accusation, munched all the louder. Captain Baldric exhaled loudly from where he stood an
d threw a hand to the back of his neck. “Another delay,” he complained.
“Surely he can’t condemn us all for the actions of one,” Mom objected.
Aigis countered, “There was another. Abaddon paid us a visit. He put on a charming front, right before he attacked. He tried to capture our home along with the gold and silver mines we guard for Carta. Those and…”Her voice trailed off.
“And?” Yara insisted.
“By an agreement made with the twelve lords of Carta long ago, we also guarded the center of Carta’s power.”
Andy perked up. They know where it is!
“Guarded? As in past tense?” Mom confirmed.
The she-griffin nodded. “We could not hold him off. Carta’s power fell six years ago, but we’ve been successful in defending the mines, at least so far.”
Should I ask where it is? But how will I explain why I want to know?
“Don’t do it,” MiniMe cautioned.
Redirecting, Andy interjected, “Wait, you have an agreement with Carta?”
“Yes.”
“I’m confused,” Andy continued. “You said your role is to preserve and protect.”
“That’s right.”
“How could you—” Andy paused to find a word other than steal “—take livestock from Alden’s village when you had some sort of agreement with them?”
“The original agreement concerned only the gold and silver won from us by the twelve lords, as well as protecting Carta’s center of power. It had nothing to do with food.”
“Oh.”
“Long after Carta’s founding, the twelve lords discovered the vast gold and silver deposits in these mountains. At the time, the people lived a meager existence, hardly able to eke out a subsistence living. Rather than attacking with the intent of stealing what belonged to us, the twelve lords approached us and begged that we grant them use of some of the gold and silver mines to improve their people’s lot.
“Our forefathers considered the matter. After much deliberation they granted the lords several mines. They reached their decision based upon the way the twelve lords made their request, the fact that griffins and Cartesians had lived together peaceably for hundreds of years, and ultimately because they believed the fates had so directed.