Flight Without Wings

Chapter 10

       We woke up earlier than normal the next day. The sky was still dim and gray. Jade and Rey made everyone breakfast, and Iegis got us across the river while Rey flew overhead.

       We were back within the more dense parts of the jungle. The glow of the flowers and mushrooms around us was more vibrant in the low light.

       Jade asserted magical command over the forest around us, allowing us to pass through quickly and quietly. The plants all around us shifted to hide our footsteps and faces.

       We retraced our steps back towards Faea Convergence as quickly as we could. Thankfully, Iegis made traveling the dense jungle far easier. He was used to having to hunt for food in the jungle or using an animal to do so. Thus, he had no problem navigating.

       Within hours, we had already travelled miles. However, to originally escape the city, we had flown using Jade's power, so it was a long way back.

       At the end of the first day, we were just beginning to see trees filled with pale purple and vibrant cyan leaves, a sign that we were getting closer.

       "So, I feel like it's necessary to discuss the plan." Iegis announced in the middle of dinner.

       "I agree." Jade said.

       "Same!" Rey said.

       "Very well." I replied. I took a deep breath, unsure of what to say.

       "We have to first figure out where the imprisoned wingless fairies are. I'm assuming they're in City Proper, as that's where most prisons are." I said.

       "In that case, the first step would be getting to the City Proper undetected. That'll be difficult, considering most if not all wingless fairies will be in custody. We'll stand out." Jade added.

       "Yeah, so we can't hide in plain sight. But, from what I remember of living there... There's plenty of forest that makes up part of the city. Since Jade can command the forest to hide us, I think we should be able to get through, as long as we're deliberate and careful." Iegis proposed.

       "Last time we tried that, we got caught, so we should probably have something to do if that fails." Rey recalled.

       "Right, I guess... since they don't know the full extent of our powers, either me or Jade could purposefully get arrested. Since, I recall Iegis saying he can look at people from afar." I said.

       "That's a very risky plan, so it'll be best to avoid that. But, as a backup, it could certainly work. However, that would require Zyara and Jade to not reveal the full extent of their powers, as well as me. If we're hiding well, that shouldn't be too hard." Iegis said.

       "So, preferably hide, but if that doesn't work, just get Jade or Zyara in jail and magically spy on them." Rey repeated.

       "Precisely." I said.

       "I don't like it, but I don't have anything better." Rey grumbled.

       "That just leaves what we're going to do once we actually get into City Proper." I said.

       "That'll be more difficult, all of our clothes are terribly tattered, so we'd stick out by default." Jade observed.

       "But, I do have illusion magic that could help us. As long as we all stay together, I could put an illusion over us so you all look like you have wings and better looking clothes." Rey proposed.

       "It'll be weird, since we'll all be walking, but it's much better than just walking in." I said.

       "Is there a way for us to simply sneak in?" Iegis asked.