Beyond The Waning Light of Paradise

Chapter 3: A man's wish

Sullivan rubbed his forehead, grumbling, "They're trying to work me to the bone."

Uncle Chen stood nearby with a faint smile but said nothing.

Silas, curious, asked, "What's happening, Father?"

Sullivan looked at him, deep in thought for a moment. "It's good that you're here now. Clean up; we're leaving for Mistral Meadows this evening."

Silas's eyes widened. "Mistral Meadows? That's almost a week's journey by foot. Isn't that the Baron's territory?"

Sullivan nodded. "Yes. There's been an Ashtral sighting— a strong one. The Baron's forces are holding it off, but they won't last long. The clan wants me to handle it."

Excitement surged through Silas. He rarely left the clan's grounds, let alone travelled to a place as dangerous and mysterious as Mistral Meadows. However, the excitement was tempered by a thought. "Can I ask Rowan to come along?"

Sullivan sighed. "Fine. Just remember, this isn't a picnic. But while we're there, I'll make sure you two stay safe." He turned to Chen. "Prepare two shortswords and two bows for them, just in case."

Lian Chen nodded. "Consider it done, Milord."

With that, Silas sprinted to Rowan's house to share the news. Rowan was equally surprised and excited.

                  ☪︎･ﾟ･ﾟ:｡･ﾟ･⋆˖☽◯☾˖⋆･ﾟ･ﾟ:｡･ﾟ･❂

A colossal shadow swept across the courtyard as the evening sun dipped low. Emerging from the twilight, a gargantuan black eagle, its wings as vast as storm clouds, descended with a powerful thump. Silas and Rowan stared, wide-eyed, at the magnificent creature.

"Father, it's incredible!" Silas exclaimed.

"I've never seen anything like it," Rowan echoed, his voice tinged with awe.

Sullivan nodded, his expression seasoned but appreciative. "It's a Blackwing eagle, raised by the clan. We're borrowing it to reach Mistral Meadows quickly. Now, let's not forget why we're here."

Silas and Rowan faced the daunting task of climbing the eagle. Rowan, being older, went first, his heart pounding. The eagle's feathers felt impossibly soft, yet its immense size was overwhelming. Silas followed closely, gripping the rough scales on its legs for support.

Once aboard, fear and exhilaration gripped the boys as the eagle's muscles rippled beneath them. The wind howled as the bird ascended, carrying them into the vast sky. Below, the world transformed into a patchwork of colours. The initial terror gave way to a thrilling sense of freedom.

"Hold on tight, boys!" Sullivan shouted over the rushing air. The boys exchanged a breathless grin, their fear momentarily forgotten as they soared above the world.

The journey was swift, but the sky darkened ominously as they flew. Storm clouds gathered, and soon, heavy raindrops pelted them. The eagle pressed on, its wings battling the storm.

"This is getting bad," Lian Chen shouted.

"We need shelter soon," Sullivan replied, his voice tense.

Rain lashed their faces, soaking them to the bone. Silas and Rowan huddled together, shivering from the cold.

"I can't feel my hands," Rowan whimpered, his teeth chattering.

"Me neither," Silas replied, shivering as well.

Guiding the eagle through the storm, Sullivan maintained a stern focus. Uncle Chen, enduring the brunt of the rain, became a silhouette against the dark sky.