Lost Wings

18~ The Statues

Previously in LW:
Chase finally names his gryphon Zarasa, Aiden is annoying, Hailey reassures Autumn of their friendship, 
and the village of the Elder Tribe finally comes into view

Chapter 18

Between the tall trees, we could distinguish the ropes and wooden bridges that made up the village of the Elder Tribe. Over there, the leaves seemed brighter than in the rest of the forest, almost glowing.

"Looks like we'll be meeting this Elder One soon," Autumn said. "Hailey, we have ten minutes to prepare a speech telling him how much we heard about him, and how we feel like we know him already."

Aric laughed. "Maybe vague is customary here. In the Outlands, we are in general much more forward than you, with less formalities, so I find their ignorance of precision amusing."

"Fascinating," Aiden muttered, obviously thinking the opposite.

Autumn narrowed her eyes at him, and he cleared throat.

"So, who wants to hear fairy stories? Mikoy and Elwys told me a bunch."

"Aiden," Chase simply said.

"Oh, come on, Chasey. It's not everyday you get to see fairies. Plus, they've been so nice. They might have nothing to do with it."

"Aiden." There was an edge to Chase's voice.

"Fine. I'll shut up." He crossed his arms.

"What is the English word for that?" Aric asked. "A miracle?"

I couldn't help but exhale a half laugh. Autumn shook her head at us, but there was a smile on her face.

"Haha." Aiden made a face. "I hope the tree turns you into a statue."

"Huh?" We all turned to him in confusion.

"Ah, so now you want to hear my fairy story?" he asked with a smug grin.

Autumn smiled. "Fine. Go ahead."

"Okay, so their Elder Tribe camp is organized around a tree, okay? It's like their god, but not."

"I'm confused, and I don't think it's the language," Aric commented.

"Shush, Eric. Now, see these gray stones over there?" He pointed at menhir-like stones in the distance. "They're statues. Of Winged. The myth goes that-" He stopped.

"Well?" I prompted.

"Scientists," he muttered. "Winged scientists."

Chase's head whipped up. "What?"

"Goddess. I don't think it's a myth." All the blood drained from Aiden's face. "They said it was true. It's not true." His voice shook.

Chase grabbed his shoulder and shook it. "Spit it out!"

"They're not just statues," he said in a hoarse whisper, as if it was a terrible secret.