The Chimera Mountains were intimidating up close. They were larger, darker and more deadly-looking than E’Ryn had gleaned from eavesdropping at the Warrior’s Table each night as she served them dinner.
She shifted the straps of the haversack. It was filled to the brim with choice cuts of Herd Beast. The theft would only be discovered during preparations for supper that night, and the connection made to her only when she did not arrive for duty at the kitchen. By then, the deed should have been done, and she would be out of their reach. Forever.
The way to Warriors’ Entrance was relatively easy. Other than a brief encounter with a large black serpent, the ancient footpath was deserted. The steps to the Entrance were worn with the passage of generations of Aspirants.
Reaching the Rookery Mount had taken a fair amount of climbing up a narrow carved stair, and she was glad, not for the first time, for her grandfather’s training. She was barely out of breath, although the muscles in her thighs and calves were warm.
She could hear and smell the Hippogryff colony a good ten minutes before she arrived at the Warriors’ Gate. Her heart had quailed at the loud, fierce cries. Thankfully, Grandfather’s voice was more insistent. She ran through his Beast Lore in her mind, taking large breaths of hot, humid air in time to her steps up the inside of the Rookery Mount.
She crossed through Warriors’ Gate and paused in awe at the sight. A hundred or so adult and young adult hippogryffs sunned themselves on the narrow ledges that lined the immense cliff walls of the vast hollow mountain.
“Your task is to present yourself. You will find a place, on the Mount floor, and you will wait.”
E’Ryn knew that this was contrary to what the Warriors taught. Their way was dominion and force. Grandfather was adamant that the Elder Ways were truer to the Bonding.
Seated, cross-legged in the dust, with her bond-offering in her lap, E’Ryn applied herself to the Quietening that Grandfather had taught her. Bringing her heart and her breath into perfect harmony, she lost herself.
Before long, E’Ryn became aware of stillness. The noise in the Rookery had abated, and there was near silence. It was so quiet, she could hear the wingbeats of the Hippogryff as it alighted some distance away, and could clearly discern the foot falls as it approached her.
Her heart thrilled. Gaining composure, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Its mind brushed hers, and knew her.
“What seek you, child?” The voice was unexpected as it was beautiful.
“A noble steed, Great One.”
“You are not the usual Aspirant.” There was some humour in the golden eyes.
“I am not, Great One. I have been schooled in the Elder Ways.” There was a great rustling of feathers and stamping of feet at her response.
“Then I suspect we shall deal well. Rise. Mount. The sky is ours.”
©Kim Magennis 2016
5oo words
