The Greek Gods and the Apocalypse

Chapter 26 (Edited)

Now to test out how I feel in this saddle.

I asked Stephen to open the gate to her enclosure and then we walked out into Community. We walked around for a while just adjusting to how it all felt. I am sure the adjustments are as big for her as they are for me. Possibly more adjustments for her I realize. I have ridden a horse although not for some time. I wonder, however, if Destiny has ever even had a saddle on let alone a rider other than the nymph that brought her here.

The lunch bell began to ring so we started to slowly walk to the pavilion. When we arrived I dismounted and told her I would be right back. I then proceeded to walk swiftly into the pavilion, retrieve my meal, and walk back to Destiny. When I returned to her others had noticed her standing there and came over to have a look.

"Are you ready to take a break Destiny?" I ask her once I am standing next to her right side.

She bowed her head slightly and we began to make our way back to her enclosure.

I chose to walk next to her since trying to climb up on the saddle with my food would have probably resulted in me dropping my food. As we walked up to the gate I noticed her lunch had already been delivered. I opened the gate and she walked right in.

"Here let me take off your saddle so you can eat more comfortably," I say after turning to the small table and chair in her enclosure and placing my food on the table.

Destiny backs up slightly when I reach for the saddle's buckle.

"You want to leave it on?" I ask her.

She bows her head slightly and walks away from me towards her food.

"Okay then, I will leave it up to you."

With that, we ate our lunches.

It has been a while since we ate and our food has settled. That makes it time to head for the flying lessons.

"You ready to go Destiny?" I asked her.

In response, she stands up and walks over to me.

I walk to the gate and open it wide so she can walk through. Once we are both outside I close the gate and we proceed to the lessons area.

As we approach the clearing where our lessons are to be held I can see the other eight harpy eagles and their riders. Everyone is wearing bracelets, one on each rider and one on each harpy. I noticed right away that their bracelets appear to be simple silver bands.

The riders are a mix of demigods from several different sectors.

I recognize the teachers right away. Stephan, Andromeda, and Electra are all standing next to the harpies and riders, who stand beside their mounts. I thought Stephen was giving the lessons with the help of a couple of handlers. I wonder when that changed.

"Afternoon everyone," I say when I get close enough that I don't have to yell at them.

"Good afternoon, Aurora," they say in response.

"Okay, now that everyone is here let's begin," Stephen says. "We are going to break up into groups." He points at three riders, "You three come over by me."

Then he points at the next four riders, "You four go and stand by Andromeda."

Andromeda gives a little wave so everyone knows who she is.

"Aurora, you go with Electra. Your training has been fast-tracked so you will have private lessons until you are ready to fly on your own."

I glance at Stephen and say, "Okay then," as I move closer to Electra.