Clipped Wing

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

    Another guard joined the first and started pacing the opposite way. Smiles-Very-Little and On-His-Last-Nerve, I’d named them during my very first visit. They were not my biggest fans. Understandable seeing as I had often demanded they let me waltz into a secure war facility so I could check on Father’s temperature or deliver him the lunch he’d left at home.

    “I imagine they know you well.”

    I wailed in a whisper. “Unfortunately. They seem to think I’m pushy.”

   “You? No!” Jet declared with sarcasm.

    I chose to ignore him. “There’s no way they’ll let us in.” I quickly lost hope.

    Until I saw Jet’s brain at work, the cogs turning.

   “Don’t say a word, and hide your face.”

    It was on my lips to ask him what he meant by that, but before I could, he lifted me up. He cradled one arm behind my neck and the other under my knees. He avoided the wings because touching wings was a very intimate gesture reserved for lovers. “We’re going to rely on the blind faith of angels.” Jet rashly jumped off the cloud, standing tall before both guards. I turned my face into his chest rapidly before either of them could recognize me.

    “Speak your name and business,” On-His-Last-Nerve bellowed in that serious, low voice of his.

    “Jettison Brixley. I’m sure you know me.”

    “Ah, the booklover who thinks he’s too good to work in a place like this.”

     “I will not use my mind for war.”

     “Sure, booklover. I’m surprised that books aren’t the only thing covering your bed at night. What of the woman?” Smiles-Very-Little paused, probably examining what he could see of my figure and hopefully not recognizing much of it. Jet stepped further into the moonlight to reveal my red-stained wings. “Wh-What’s wrong with her?”   

    “Well clearly she’s dying,” Jet said blandly. “And if you won’t save her, I wonder who it is we fight our wars for.” He fluidly played their consciences like violins. Jet truly was a smart man and not just with books. I let out a pathetic whimper to seal the deal.

    “We- What can we do?” On-His-Last-Nerve unraveled under the pressure. For a trained soldier, he wasn’t faring very well.

    “Maybe this is because I’m a genius,” Jet spoke, “But the girl is about to die, and you have a life-saving medical facility inside that great, big tent. Need I pull out a stylus and connect the dots for you?” Wow. Jet was sassy when he needed to be. I started to chuckle against him, but I guess to everyone else it looked like I was seizing up in the cold hands of death.

    “Alright, alright. Go ahead. Quickly. The nurse’s station is at the center, just past the training rooms.” Smiles-Very-Little removed his black poncho and hung it off one of my wings, hoping to shield me from the cold. Wow, they were kind. This was frighteningly easy, I grimaced as Jet strode towards the entrance.

    “STOP!” A booming voice, deep and rumbling, the perfect match to thunder, stilled us all. Jet’s hold on me tightened. His whole body tensed up. The appearance must have been as intimidating as the voice.

    “Lord, you angels are soft,” The same voice chuckled dangerously, “This isn’t a carnival, gentlemen; it’s a military base. We do not give out tickets.”

     “Vanthus. Sir,” Smiles-Very-Little mewled. “The woman is injured. Dying. We’re doing the heavenly thing.” He rushed through his words and prostrated himself before the figure. I could tell he was kneeling because I was peeking.