The Black Wings

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

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We all walk at a pace through stone gates and go farther into the hidden forest that is the black wings home.

As we make our way farther in, I notice the signs of civilization scattered across open clearings. Small huts line the sides by the trees. Large nests with bedding become visible up in the branches which puts a tiny grin on my face.

Kids run around with their mothers yelling for them to return. Various people wash their clothing in wells and cook at fires under coverings. They wear brown leather jackets and almost raggety clothing.

It's like I've gone back in time.

"One of our main principals here is that we stick to our roots. We live in harmony with nature. In this area the majority of us live with some amenities. About 10 miles away, we have a small group living as actual birds. No technology and no comfort from man-made objects." The rugged man tells us while picking up the pace with the two other guards right at his side.

The thought of living with nothing creeps in the back of my mind. Hopefully I won't have to live there to awaken.

We pass through more throngs of people until we reach a denser part of the forest. Branches form arches over our heads and the lines of trees make almost tunnels.

There's twists and turns at every stop. I know I'd get lost in here without a proper guide.

"We're almost to the main building. We're going to explain everything to you boys and help you reach your point. I apologize about my guards back there, can't let any red wings in." He speaks again.

I shrug my shoulders at his comment. "It's okay, you had every reason to."

As we keep walking, I wonder how many incidents they've run into. Those stone walls look weak and those gates are a joke. Sure you can have all the guards you want but what happens when tons of forces push their way through? Add the fact that they're viscous killers out for blood and you have a graveyard on your hands.

I don't want to think about it but I have to.

I'm expecting the walk to be short but turns out this forest is bigger than it appears. The building appears in the skyline but I can only see the top.

After awhile we enter a clearing and it becomes visible.

It's a vast stone infastructre that screams nothing modern with broken pillars lining the stairs to the entrance. The ruins of rock form piles at the side and weeping willow trees peak out from the corners of the walls surrounding the palace. Various people sit around the building either reading books or writting in what appears to be scrolls.

"Whoa." I find the words escaping my lips in awe.

The rugged man turns his head over my shoulder and catches my shock. He crooks a half-grin at all of us. "This is our main building. Here we discuss the propehcies and the basic well being of our breed. Our leaders are waiting inside at the news of your arrival, their camreas have already picked it up."

We all nod and follow him still in a cluster. I was honestly expecting something more dystopian in a general setting for these guys. But with cameras, buildings, and being able to live freely as they choose looks hopeful.

Entering the stone palace, the decor of the entryway catches me off guard. Sure the outside may look thousands of years old but the inside looks thousands of years into the future. Steel walls with glowing cyan lights greet us with hard floors that kinda hurt to walk on with every step. I look up and notice floors above us but with no stairs, just for flying upwards.