The Ghost Crown - FlashWing Chronicles

6 - Tigermoth

Skybright was in hysterics. "Moonsong's gone?" she shrieked for the hundredth time that day. "Yes. And we have no idea where she went." Queen Iridescent frowned, and I shifted nervously. "Are we going to send out a search party?"

"She could be anywhere by now. But we know she's not on the island." King Brightflash burst into the room, and instantly everyone stood up. "But...not on the island?" Reflex furrowed his brow. Queen Iridescent nodded to me, and I stood up. "There's a legend." I started, and Skybright yawned. Glaring, I opened the dirty old book I had brought with me to the royal meeting. "A legend of another island."

Skybright was paying attention now as I skimmed the pages, pausing on one drawing of an island with various biomes. "This island also housed dragons, all the way back then." I said, blowing a cloud of dust off the page. The royals leaned in, examining the image. "Where is it?" They chorused, and I sat down. "It is said to be across the world."

King Brightflash frowned. "I don't think any FlashWing can fly that far." he murmured, and Queen Iridescent stood up. "I can try to morph there." she said, gazing down at the map. "But...Mother, you'll die!" Skybright also stood up, her eyes filled with worry. "I have to, Sky. We have to get Mo back."

Skybright's eyes darkened, and she backed away. Uh oh. I quickly closed the book, and Darksun spoke for the first time since the meeting had started. "Thank you, Tigermoth, for bringing us this valuable information." he said, smiling at me. I bowed to the royal family. "Thank you for your time." I whispered, heading back out. As I emerged into the open air, Queen Iridescent caught my foreleg.

"Tigermoth. Will you walk with me?" She asked, and I followed her down the path to the pavilion. When we sat down, I burst out, "With all due respect, Your Majesty, I don't think you should make an attempt."

Queen Iridescent lifted her eyeridge. "You have a duty to your kingdom, and Moonsong is a brave and capable FlashWing." I argued, my heart panging at the image of Moonsong's dead body. "If you die, there will be no queen."

She seemed to pause, then lowered her eyes. "Moonsong is our kingdom's heir." she said quietly, and I had to strain to hear her. "And Moonsong is my best friend. I know she'll find a way back. She'd want you to stay." I said, and the queen jerked her head in a quick nod.

"Tigermoth?"

I got up, turning at the sound of my name.

"Thank you."