Flight (new version)

Chapter 35: The Unbound Elder

Moonlight Band gathered the next morning in the main cavern—or rather they joined Griffin who had been there several hours already.

Fern settled onto a petal-draped chair next to him. "Nightmares?" she whispered.

Griffin nodded and covered a yawn. He snuck a glance at Wolf who had sunk back onto a purple couch. Dark circles ringed the leader's eyes and Griffin wondered if he'd gotten as much sleep as he'd had.

"We still need information about the Land of Green and Gold," Wolf spoke. He rubbed his eyes and leaned forward. "We'll take a moment to ask around. Just...don't let Kenami hear you."

Fern gazed nervously at what few Elder had filtered into the main cavern. "She wouldn't kick us out, would she?"

Night Shade snorted. "Hardly."

"She won't kick us out, but she'll be very grumpy," Wolf explained. He rubbed his head. "And I'd rather not leave when she's in one of her moods."

A wicked grin stretched across Jequirity's face. "What if she doesn't see who's asking the question?"

Night Shade's red glow flared. "Don't you dare."

Jequirity's grin stretched further, and she bolted for the bedroom tunnel.

"Jequirity!" Night Shade ran after her.

Wolf sighed and his head flopped back against the couch cushion. "And so the morning begins."

The sound of footsteps behind him caught Griffin's attention, and he turned to see a man walking toward them. He had shoulder-length straight golden hair that darkened to black, and he wore a thick, black glove on his right hand.

"Good morning," Griffin greeted guardedly.

The man gave a single nod and stood there, staring first at him, then at Wolf, then back at him.

Griffin shifted uncomfortably. "Can I help you?"

The man crossed his arms, still staring at Griffin. Very little emotion flitted across his face. "You don't look dangerous."

Griffin's eyes narrowed. "What?"

"My friend said a dangerous spriggan had invaded Öama." He broke his gaze finally and nodded at a red-haired man leaning against the far cavern wall.

"He's not dangerous." Wolf sat up straighter and Griffin could see small glints of silver glistening on his fingertips.

"He wouldn't hurt anyone without reason," Fern agreed with a glare. "I've known him for a long time, and he's never hurt me."

Jequirity suddenly ran up to the group, Night Shade on her heels. "Hello! What'd I miss?"

The golden-haired man shifted his attention to Jequirity. "Are you a spriggan as well?"

Her eyes lit up. "Yes! Why?"

Wolf stood. "You need to leave."

The man raised his hands and for the first time, an amused grin crept across his lips. "I don't intend to attack you. Just wanted to assure the information I heard was incorrect. And ask if I can join your band."

"You—what?" Wolf frowned. "Why?"

"You're going to the Land of Green and Gold? I want to come."