Moon's Heart - Wayward Ties

Chapter 2

"His direction is absolute!"
Kryll took a step toward Alexx who replied, "Tell Senkazital that he's dumber than you for trusting me!"
"Wretched human!"
"Let's get going, Alexx!" Trandin said, raising his voice. He stood in front of Alexx brandishing his weapon at that moment Kryll lunged forward, closing the distance in seconds. As the claws and sword touched, Kryll recoiled in immense pain, "Wretched blade..." giving Trandin enough time to grab Alexx and fly away.
The swordsman whistled through his fingers. He looked up expecting something to break through the clouds. With a resounding rush of air, a colossal yellow bird descended and settled directly behind them. Its body was as broad as a two story building and was tall with a wingspan fit for such a frame. Alexx stared in awe, forgetting his predicament for a moment.

It's size suggest it could carry at least a dozen people on its back. It sheltered its master- Alexx included- and flexed its wings, causing a gust of wind to overpower the evil Kryll.
"Capital work, Rush!" Trandin landed on its back. He set Alexx down next to him.
The soft contours were soft to the touch, making it easy to grasp firmly anywhere. Kryll had again attacked, this time from above.
With the flat of the blade, Trandin fanned a current, throwing Kryll's flight off balance. This only angered the Kagral further, to the point where he couldn't see Trandin whipping a chain around his wrist. The other end fashioned a special hook on the sword. He heaved, and the sword flew in an arc through the night sky. Its reach was now far enough to hit Kryll. He had no choice but to avoid it and fall back even further.
Trandin clicked his tongue, and Rush took off with a huge gust in its wake. The wind against Alexx's skin was hard and growing cold. The pressure was pushing him back, he felt his strength being pushed as he held on to the large yellow feathers. With the mask on, Alexx didn't feel challenged, but Trandin stood with a valiant pose during the ascent, making it look easy. The ascent steadied, but Rush did not slow down. Alexx watched as Kryll and the ground became a blur in the distance. The island still had spots where the flames danced, but the rest was a blend of smoke, ashes, and darkness. Alexx looked for any ships or wreckage by the docks, and found plenty. His was probably there, but there was no way to distinguish anything. Then he looked to the Labyrinth ruins. He didn't see anyone, even though he was too far away, but he wondered if Senkazital was watching him leave. He would know sooner or later that Alexx wasn't returning.

After a long night, the pirate was back over the open sea. His new aerial view let him see zero ships for miles. The mask continued showing the magical flow throughout the sea and sky, and he was growing accustomed to it. But he could also see his next obstacle. The sky still filled with flying serpents all looking to devour.
"So what's your plan about them?" Alexx asked, shouting behind Trandin.
"The same plan I have going out, is the same as I had going in; they die." Trandin replied, sounding serious.
The two were already under attack, with some of the Kagral nipping or slashing at the carrier bird in vain. The further they came away from the island, the more serpents noticed them. It wasn't long until Trandin was delivering orders to his companion, and Alexx held on while he spun and flipped through the sky.
"Alexx hold on to these," Trandin shouted, and passed Alexx the reins attached to Rush, "Wrap them around your arms, and let Rush do all the work. Just hold on."

Before Alexx could say his witty retort, Trandin had taken off to unleash his sword on the Kagral. The way he flew and swung the sword through the air without the chain wrapping around his wings looked like a dance. Alexx didn't realize at first he was looking at tiny magic currents of air directing the blade in precise arches and curls. On the moment he noticed, Alexx looked carefully at Trandins hand, commanding the wind. With subtle finger and wrist flicks, the sword danced at the beckon of the magic. And there was more to see. The chain was enchanted as well. Alexx couldn't see it, but the magical instructions on the chain made it add links, and take them away. It was any wonder the chain seemed different sizes.
The chains in his hands had no markings in them, but reached out to a leather collar around Rushs neck. Without any cues, the bird was swerving and ducking away from the Kagral. Every maneuver sent a roar of wind to his ears. Rush's wings beat an explosive rhythm across the sky. Its movements were fluid but unpredictable. Alexx was unsure, but he felt safe. Every Kagral Rush flew around would meet Trandins sword. Towards the end, Rush used a large loop, followed by a roll to finally get clear of the scourge. Alexx fell off while in mid loop, but his white knuckled grip on the chains saved him. Rush caught him just before the roll, and Alexx had to watch as the horizon muddled. The sky and the ocean were inseparable in appearance, until Alexx was right side up again. Now clear, Trandin returned to Rush, and took the reins back. They soared away, Lanrete a speck to them now.