Wyvern Tails and Phoenix Feathers

The Brazen Bull, Chapter 2 - Horus

Before he was dead, Horus Morningshire was a man of simple desires. He wished to be adored and loved. He wanted to be touched, held, and cared. He didn't need an abundance of wealth, only a few luxuries that made him feel elegant from time to time.

He lived on the first floor of Magelord Daronis Setti's tower. Opposite a fireplace and a small kitchen, his living space consisted of a large bed with black silk sheets, a woven changing screen, and a small chest of drawers. He liked his corner of the world well enough. He and Fernon lived there for years following their exodus from Ravenshade with the child mages of Malthus. Yet on many nights, with Fernon's broad back turned to him, still glistening from intimate exertion, Horus remained awake with a nagging feeling that something was amiss.

I wasn't that he was a glorified errand boy for a ludicrous cult. That was an acceptable circumstance. He didn't believe at all that The Dread Wyvern would be reborn to torch the kingdoms of Einalia, to punish the heathens, and reward the zealots. That was a fable. He had encountered enough fanatics in his life to develop disdain for those who claimed to know the only truth. Working for Daronis Setti was a means to food, lodging, and access to a continued education in magic.

What he missed was the companionship of the boy he had grown up with. He missed Oran Highwater. He hated that he did. What was there to miss about Oran when he had Fernon? Fernon was objectively more attractive. While Oran was white as a sheet and freckled, Fernon was smooth and golden. Fernon was dedicated to Horus, loyal and attendant to his needs. Oran was less predictable with a brilliant and complicated mind. To be wanted by Oran made Horus feel worthy. Oran had called him "good" once. Horus was never good.

He kept tabs on Oran in stories from afar. He knew when he was stripped of his title as Archmage. Cirrus had returned with a new apprentice in tow, one that he favored more than Oran. Horus revelled in the news. It was an odd feeling to simultaneously desire Oran's misery while hoping for his love.

In the weeks before Horus Morningshire's death, he and Fernon were sent to Iron Fen's town of Charn to abduct The Marquess Renard. It was a choice between that and a journey to Port Shorishal for Princess Annette. Horus decided it was wiser to avoid a potential reunion with Oran Highwater.

They were given horses and an animana potion to transmute its user into a large red winged creature for the abduction. Daronis Setti had a flair for the dramatic. The kidnapping of a potential Red Falcon with an actual giant red falcon had captured the old fool's imagination. Horus had witnessed his share of poorly mixed animana potions that resulted in permanent horrific disfigurement. Thus, he allowed Fernon to volunteer for the task. Horus, meanwhile, would handle leaving the Cult of the Dread Wyvern's note at Charn Manor. Again, Horus noted, an extra detail that spoke more to Daronis Setti's ego than practicality.

The journey to Charn was a nice reprieve from the ash-covered pines of southern Wyvern Rock. The two men would camp out beneath the stars and explore tranquil side roads throughout the day. It felt odd to be back in the rocky lowlands of Einalia known as The Fingers. It was the region Horus had previously called home. He was grateful, at least, that the Southern hold was in Charn and not his hometown of Morningshire. He never wanted to return and face his childhood shack or the weathered faces of his miserable parents.

By the time they reached the outskirts of Charn, Horus had nearly forgotten about the orders of Daronis Setti. The prospect of work was so boring compared to the peaceful holiday on horseback. There was only one road to follow and, before long, they were intercepted by a member of the cult. He was an ugly old man with a red flower pinned to his jerkin. A large round mole on the very tip of his otherwise dainty nose.

"Hark," he said proudly. "The wind is warmer when it blows from the west."