The Eighth Kingdom

Prophecies of the Eighth: Part 2

Zero rose to his feet, his icy wings sliding against the wooden platform. Five of the RainWings rose to their feet, poising themselves to defend the Queen. Zero looked around at all of them, but his eyes rested on one. The forest green and deep browns seemed to call to Zero.

"What is your name?" He asked the RainWing, complexed.

"Answer the Queen." The RainWing snarled.

"Peace, Boa." The Queen ordered. The green and brown RainWing dipped his head, still keeping his eyes on Zero.

One with the colors tightly fold,

The prophecy's line seemed to stand out boldly in Zero's brain. It sung songs of a forest of deep greens and soft browns, of colors that twisted and folded together. Zero glanced once more to the RainWing named Boa before addressing the Queen.

"Your Majesty. I have come to warn you." Zero began.

The Queen inclined her head slightly. "Go on." She said.

"Something is coming. Something that could be good or bad. It could either make Pyrrhia stronger or it could destroy it."

"Three moons. What is so powerful as to do that?" The Queen questioned, curiosity crossing her gaze.

"An Eighth Kingdom. Composed of two Kingdoms that already exist." Zero explained. Pale green swirled among the Queen's bright scales, but it was quickly swallowed back by the regal colors she held before.

"What? That's ridiculous." Boa interrupted. "What to Kingdoms would break the old laws?"

"Boa! Hold your tongue. This is not your discussion." Queen Glory snapped. She then once again turned to Zero. "You are welcome here, IceWing. But what is your name?"

"Zero." Zero answered, partially wincing at the name his parents gave him.

"Welcome to the rainforest, Zero of the IceWings." The Queen exclaimed, spreading her magnificent wings. The bright swirl of purple and silver dazzled Zero. The Queen turned to Boa. "Since you've been so hostile, how about you take care of our guest." She said, flaring the ruff around her neck. "That's an order, if you didn't know." She finished. Boa just nodded.

"Yes, your Majesty." Boa replied coolly, but when he turned to Zero, his eyes blazed with distrust. To him, Zero was nothing more than a burden, or an order to take care of. Zero knew this RainWing was the one the Prophecy told him about, but how would Zero tell him? This particular RainWing was the most prickly RainWing he'd ever met, but he hadn't met many RainWings. He opened his mouth to speak, but a young NightWing scampered over before he could speak. He looked like he had just surpassed the age of a dragonet.

"Pardon me, but I have a few questions to ask. They're of the utmost importance." The NightWing said. Zero noticed the NightWing's face was scarred, and his eyes were dark, showing no signs of life.

He must be blind. Zero thought.

"Ask away." He replied, this time out loud.

"Okay. What is the prophecy that you base your warning on?"

Zero recited the prophecy, watching Boa's reaction. He seemed to shiver when the reached the line that foretold the RainWing in the Seven. When he finished, the young NightWing nodded.

"Also, did the NightWing who gave you that prophecy have silver tear scales at the corner of her eyes?"

"Yes. In fact, her name was Silvertear."

"Silvertear?"

"Yes."

"That name isn't familiar. Even though I only spent a short time with my Kingdom, I think that I would know a silver teared NightWing. They stand out from the others. Anyway, my name's Starflight" The young NightWing extended his front talons, expecting Zero to shake it.