Fight or Flight

CHAPTER TEN

That evening, we touched port in Errals. As our ship cut through the dissipating fog, a sprawling coastal city materialized before us, nothing like the Errals I'd imagined in my darkest nightmares. Where I'd expected a desolate wasteland, there stood a vibrant smash of townhomes lining each side of bustling cobblestone streets. On a hill that rose far above the rest of the city, a large white castle that made Riem's greatest structures look like a nestling's wood block creation.

The air was thick with the voices of different languages, punctuated by the clanging of metal and the calls of street vendors.

"Welcome to Errals, lass," Finnian's voice carried a hint of pride as he joined me at the ship's railing. "First things first, we need to find a place to stay. The crew prefers the free lodgings aboard the ship but I thought I'd take you to The Murmuring Mug - it's an inn not far from here that caters to all sorts of folk, wings and all."

As the ship docked at the bustling port of Errals, I began to regret not putting up more of a fight. The gangplank was lowered, creating a narrow bridge between the familiar safety of the ship and the unknown chaos of the city. Finnian stepped forward confidently, but paused when he realized I wasn't following.

"It's alright. We can take it slow." he coaxed softly, extending his hand.

I swallowed hard, my wings instinctively widening at my back. The urge to spread them and take flight coursed through me, to soar above this overwhelming new world. But the dull ache in my left was a reminder that flight wasn't an option.

"I... I don't know if I can do this," I whispered, sizing up the crowded docks beyond. "What if they recognize me? What if-"

"Hey," Finnian interrupted gently, taking a step closer. "One step at a time, remember? We're in this together. I won't let anything happen to you."

His words, filled with quiet conviction, steadied me. I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. With a tentative nod, I reached out and took his offered hand.

The first step onto the gangplank felt monumental. Each subsequent step was a battle against the instinct to retreat to the safety of the ship. But Finnian's steady presence beside me, his hand warm and reassuring in mine, gave me the courage to continue.

As my feet finally touched the solid ground of Errals, a mix of terror and exhilaration coursed through me. I was here. There was no turning back now.

"Welcome to Errals, lass," Finnian said with a small smile, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. "Ready for an adventure?"

Despite my lingering fear, I found myself nodding. "As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my voice stronger than I felt.

With one last glance at the ship that had been my temporary haven, I turned to face the sprawling city before us.

As we disembarked and made our way through the crowded streets, I was struck by the diversity of the city's inhabitants. Humans were everywhere, of course, but they were far from alone. Beings with skin like polished marble and irises that sparkled like gemstones moved with fluid grace through the crowd - Crystallines, Finnian called them. Nearby, a group of what looked like living shadows darted between patches of shade - Umbrans, human-like forms who seemed to melt into darkness at their feet.

I noticed other beings moving with similar urban grace – beings with leathery, fingered wings. Those were the creatures I had seen sketches of adorning Finnian's desk on the ship.

"What about them?" I motioned toward one.

"Ah, those are Nocturnes," Finnian explained, his voice taking on a tone of respect. "Native to Echovia, they are. Brilliant scholars and artisans, but a bit secretive."