The Loyal

21- Moving Further

Sirath's heart had healed considerably since Ixrith left. Spending time just relaxing with Dain who was healing slowly was the best remedy for broken hearts. Dain's arm had repaired enough that he could lift light objects and his face no longer looked terrible.  Myrin spent most days of their resting week hidden away in one of her rooms. Sirath was slightly pleased by this because the old woman was quite frightening.

The sun had slowly risen over the plains that morning, extremely lazy and droopy. Most of the shepherds hadn't even woken up, which told Sirath she was early. It was quite surprising that no one had seen Sirath in her stable pen and come to stare at her or what ever Havians fancied doing.

The gate on Sirath's pen was unlocked and often swung in the breeze. Obviously she was given free roam but Sirath was yet to use it as she didn't want to overstay her welcome. Because Dain brought food every morning and evening Sirath had no reason to leave her pen other than to stretch her wings and scout the land, which she did on Myrin's order.

She'd spotted Moonhaven built in the middle of a shallow lake. It was one of the most enormous kingdoms ever, especially since it's space was confined to the lake, not that Sirath had seen many kingdoms. The sun light had danced on the small waves of the lake where many elegant boats were set out on, carrying Havians with fishing spears.

The castle, which was positioned in the centre of the many levelled kingdom, sported large banners that caught in the wind, looking quite unique because sewn onto the base of each banner was long strips of fabric. The kingdom symbol, much like Starhaven, was very basic but full of meaning.

Illustrated in the centre of each banner was a crescent moon with a faded eyes behind it, both in different shades of dark blue. The background was painted in two vertical pieces, one in white, one in black, decorated with white dots, representing stars. In Sirath's opinion, the banners were creative and interesting, scoring points for Moonhaven.

Dain slipped out of the front door, dragging behind him the rough sack. Today he was wearing his leather leggings and red tunic for the first time since coming here. They were washed and repaired, causing a distraction of colours from Dain's face and arm. He smiled openly at Sirath, pulling the bag harder than before. Once he reached her pen, he swung open the gate and threw the sack badly to Sirath.

She snapped it down from the air and took a deep breath, taking in smells of the fresh kill. Dain watched her with his face filled with love while she ate, waiting for her to finish so they could talk.

There was a soft breeze which played with Dain's washed, clean hair as he sat heavily down on a pile of hay by the corner. Sirath clicked her claws against the bare stone and told Dain what she'd discovered last night.

"It's only about a days flight from here. The king, from what I heard listening in to a fisherman's conversation, has a son and a daughter. His wife rules the kingdom just as much as he does. and it's second to Skyhaven in being the fairest kingdom, least, it was."

Dain frowned , obviously affected by the last line. "Hang on, you said a day's flight from here?"

"Yes," Sirath nodded, wondering what Dain had thought of.

"Then we should leave Today. The sooner we go, the sooner everything's over."

"Good point," she agreed, "but you're not ready."

Dain groaned and covered her face, keeping his fingers clear of the worst damage, "that's all I've heard from you and Myrin. Go rest silly boy, you're too weak father's son," He snapped in perfect imitation of the old woman's voice, "Dain you're not ready, give it a few more days," he added in Sirath's voice.