Daughter of Darkness

Chapter 10

Sal stood in Master Fae's study as she looked over Gardenia. As soon as they got back from the camping trip, the Masters took an immediate interest in her. She was the first baby griffin they had seen up close, and they wanted to observe her. While they did, she and the other pages were questioned by the Sal's father and the other army generals and even the King.  

Robb was given high regards by everyone for being able to rally the other pages and making sure they all survived, but what ended up surprising everyone, especially Sal, was that he gave her credit for spotting them and killing five of the goulaks. However, Sal denied any praise that was given to her, and she tried to avoid everyone by tending to Gardenia and Violetcoal. 

Sal thought about why Robb was being kind to her as Master Fae lifted up Gar's wings making her screech in protest. "And you say she's your familiar?" She said looking up to Sal who nodded. "Her whole nest was killed?" Sal nodded again. "Poor thing, but she's in good condition. If you need help with her at all, I am adapt with magical creatures." 

"Thank you Master Fae." Sal said walking over to Gardenia who climbed up her arm and wrapped herself around Sal's neck and chirped. "I should probably see Sir Drew off." Master Fae nodded and dismissed Sal. 

*****

Sal watched as Peachbud lipped at her baby as her master was talking with Jed. Sal didn't want interrupt the brothers farewell, so she just sat on the fence as they talked. After awhile she saw Drew and Jed sending glances her way, and she glared at them knowing they were talking about her, and it wouldn't have bugged her so much if she wasn't so preoccupied with Gardenia's sadness. 

Finally, Drew and Jed walked over, and Sal jumped down. "Where are you going next?" Sal asked once they were close enough. 

"Up north, King Roark has requested my presence up there." He said tying his pack to Peachbud. 

"Stay safe." Sal said holding out her hand for him to shake. He smiled, and shook her hand. 

"Likewise young warrior." He responded. "And watch out for my little brother, his sharp tongue seems to get him in trouble quite a bit." 

Jed frowned but Sal gave a soft laugh. "No one can stop Jed from saying what he wants, but I'll try my best, and I promise I'll watch and raise Violetcoal the best I can."

"I know you will." Drew said ruffling Sal's hair. 

******

Sal rested her head on her hands as she listened to Master Yuring babble on, and she was close to falling asleep, and she probably would have if Jed hadn't given her shin a swift kick making her perk up. Thankfully, Yuring didn't seem to notice. 

Class ended, and Sal gathered her stuff, getting ready to go down to the stables to take care of Violet. "Page Salinda, I need a word." Master Yuring said from his desk. 

Sal looked up to see that everyone else had left, even Jed, which was unlike him, but Sal didn't linger on the thought, but walked up to the Master's desk. "Sir?" She asked. 

"You were drifting off during class, again." He remarked not looking up from his work, which irritated Sal. 

"I'm sorry, sir." She said tapping her foot silently. She really needed to get down to the stables. 

Master Yuring looked up with a glare. "I do not appreciate my student's falling asleep in my class, so you are going to stay in here and read the chapter that we just went over today in class, out loud, so that I know that you are taking in the information." 

Sal's eyes went wide. "Sir, I have a foal and griffin that needs tending too. I have to feed her." Sal said. "I promise that once I'm done feeding them I will come back up and-"