Transported: A Wings of Fire Story

Heatstroke

Ostrich followed behind Thorn as they flew over the shifting sands and through the blazing heat of the desert.
Star did the same but kept a distance between herself and the other two.

Ostrich glanced back at Star but didn't ponder long before she decided to fly up next to Thorn.
"So, what's the plan to pull this off?"

Thorn sighed as she looked into the near distance. The Stronghold was up ahead, its large walls and tall castle spires became more crisp with each wingbeat.
"I'm just going to hope that they all listen, because if not then... It's going to be hard, really hard."

Ostrich raised a brow.
"You think they've lost faith in you that quickly?"

"I abandoned them... I lost the Eye; I lost Sunny... Qibli too..." She sniffled. "Who would keep faith in those who can't protect them?"

"I would, because I know who you are, Thorn, you're loyal and a strong fighter for what's right."
She paused.
"If they can't see that, then they don't deserve you as their queen."

Thorn let out a weary smile.
"Thanks, Ostrich... But only time will tell what happens."
She looked over her shoulder to see Star still following some distance behind them.

Star looked up, her eyes dangerously glinted in the sun as she stared back.
She glided almost silently, keeping her gaze focused on Thorn coldly.

Thorn raised a brow, but Star kept her expression stone cold.
Thorn sighed.
"So uh... You have a little history with the Heathens, right?"

Star looked away.
"Not too much. I never really did teams before this one."

Thorn slowed her flying down until she was flying next to Star, who immediately shifted to the left to distance herself.
Ostrich positioned herself on Star's left, effectively placing her between the two Sandwings.

Star groaned.
"Is there a reason for this?" She gestured to herself, being somewhat stuck in the middle.

"It's so tall," Ostrich stated.

Star rolled her eyes.
"What is there to talk about?

"I want to know more about you, as well as how you joined the Heathens."
Thorn looked at her.

"Daniel recruited me, as he did with everyone else. I met them in the desert, that's all."

Thorn frowned momentarily.
"Surely, there's more to your story than that."

Star grumbled.
"Nothing more that I want to say."

"Where are your parents?" Ostrich suddenly interjected.

Star's eyes softened.
"I never met them. I don't remember a lot of my past, actually." She sighed.
"If I were to guess, they're probably both dead."

"Why would you say that?" Thorn tilted her head towards her.

Star shrugged softly.
"Just feels fitting, I guess, besides, if they are alive, I doubt I'd be able to find them anyway. So they might as well be dead."

Ostrich exchanged an odd glance with Thorn, but neither of them pressed on the topic.
Meanwhile, Star suddenly dived towards the ground.

Ostrich and Thorn were taken aback for a very brief moment before they followed suit behind her. A few seconds later, Star landed in front of the Sandwing Stronghold.

The structure towered over her with a menacing, looming presence. It looked the same as it did the last time she was here, with maybe the exception of a few extra cracks in the walls, and a lot more voices on the other side.