Flight Without Wings

Chapter 7

       "Y-You're a wingless fairy with destructive power." I pointed out.

       "I am. By the looks of it, so are you. But, all of you look rather young, so I want you all to come with me to my home." He said.

       "Apologies, sir. But, what is your name?" Jade asked.

       "My name is Iegis. What are your names?" Iegis asked.

       "I'm Zyara." I said.

       "I'm Rey!" Rey said from up above.

       "It's good to meet you all. As you can see, the jungle is dangerous. I know a place that's safer." Iegis said. I glanced at Jade and Rey. Both of them nodded.

       "Yes, we'd be glad to go to your home." I declared.

       "In that case, follow me." Iegis said.

       Then, Iegis set off into the bushes and brambles. Rey easily followed while Jade and I struggled to keep up. The mazes of roots, vines, and massive mushrooms proved Iegis no issues as he navigated the jungle.

       Soon, he caught onto my incompetence and would occasionally stop to wait for us. After about forty five minutes of walking, we came to the edge of a river. The river was slow moving, and it didn't appear to be that deep. It was hardly over twenty feet across too.

       "Can I fly over it?" Rey asked.

       "Of course." Iegis said. I began to step forward but Iegis held his hand out. He stepped up next to the water and crouched down. Then, he opened a leather pouch at his side, taking out a sliver of meat that was still dripping with blood.

       I instinctively stepped back. Why in the world would he be keeping raw meat in a pouch...

       "Alright, it's me Iegis, I need to pass through. I have a few friends with me, so don't bite those that come after me, alright?" He requested, holding out the raw meat over the water.

       Then, he tossed the meat into the water, and it was swarmed by fish. Within seconds, it was torn to shreds and eaten. He tossed a few more until the fish visibly calmed down. They were perfectly camouflage when they stayed still, and I pitied any poor beast that tried to wade through the river.

       "Alright, it's safe now." Iegis said, looking back at me and Jade. We glanced at one another hesitantly.

       "I've made this crossing almost every day for years now, we'll be alright." Iegis said.

       Then, he waded into the water. After a few moments, I followed, and so did Jade. I was practically waiting for the fish to start biting my legs, just waiting until I had to call upon my magic to protect me. But across the entire river, not a single fish dared to hurt me.

       When we made it out of the water, Iegis held his hands out towards us. Crimson light swirled around us, and our clothes were dried. Then, all of us continued onwards.

       Hardly over a hundred feet from the river was a massive, stone hill. In the side of the hill was a large cavern. Thankfully, my eyes adjusted quickly, and it wasn't too dark. A series of furs had been hung around the cave and strewn across the floor.

       "Welcome to my safe, but very uncomfortable home." Iegis said.

       "Are you sure it's safe?" Rey asked.

       "It's surrounded by that river on all sides, and the whole river is infested by those piranhas." Iegis said.

       Then, all of us heard a piercing shriek. Looking up, I could see an eagle swooping down from above into the cavern.