Bird of a Flock (Bow 2)

Chapter 34

Cai'ress had kissed Aw'endo on his forehead before pushing him back out of the shrine area. Aw'endo left unhappily but went back to the rooms where Herymi was standing, talking to one of the guards outside. Herymi looked over at Aw'endo and a gesture in his direction, making the guard slump slightly. The look was one of stern disapproval and Herymi moved over to Aw'endo.

"Aw'endo," Herymi smiled tightly, reaching out to grip his shoulder. The action was familiar, almost too familiar but it was the greeting of a warrior and one which made Aw'endo's chest feel warm. "Please don't wander away at this time. People are on high alert and the last thing we need is you disappearing too," he scolded lightly.

"I'm fine, I just went to pray," Aw'endo reassured. "Shouldn't people be more concerned with you?" he smirked, tilting his head. "You are the caw, after all," he grinned.

Herymi snorted and led Aw'endo back into the consort rooms, glaring at the guards as he entered. They all looked slightly embarrassed. "It's lucky Navat is mostly safe. The guards here have barely any training on how to look after high-value people," Herymi shook his head, sitting down lightly on one of the pillows. "I'm fine. I've got half the guard reporting my location to Captain Par'nast so he can ask me a billion questions," he grumbled. "The other caw currently here have been rounded up. I get points for being Fl'ex's son."

"But I don't for being Dyn'ad's?" Aw'endo mock pouted, sitting next to him with a smile.

"Do you have a dagger or any kind of weapon on you?" Herymi asked, punching Aw'endo lightly.

"No," Aw'endo muttered, flushing. Herymi just gave him a look and Aw'endo exhaled. "I don't want to be trapped in here. It's bad enough dealing with the noble twats in training," Aw'endo complained.

"I'm sure you won't be, Aw'en," Herymi chuckled. "Now they caught the sparrows, there are only about forty others who can fly?" he shrugged. "I don't know. Either way, I doubt any of them are going to risk coming here with the Winglord claiming anyone who flies."

They both glanced over as the consort room doors opened and Nel'os strode in, several servants behind him carrying trays of food and a few books. The servants hovered around, a few moving into the other rooms before disappearing out again in a whirlwind of activity as Nel'os collapsed on to the pillows and wrapped an arm around Aw'endo to pull him close.

"Hello, Herymi," Nel'os greeted, hugging Aw'endo close. "I heard you and O'chuter have been conscripted to the guard?" he said lightly as Aw'endo curled into him.

"Just so," Herymi exhaled. "Still, better than sitting around all day just waiting," he said softly. "May I ask Royal Bonded, what has become of your wayward son? I assumed he would have been confined in here," he said, looking at the open doors. "The Winglord hasn't..." Herymi trailed off, clearly cutting himself off remembering just who he was talking to.

"In the consort's cage," Nel'os answered truthfully, gesturing over to the curtains which hid the room from obvious view. "No one is currently allowed to see him until the ceremony tomorrow where he is to be branded," he explained, rubbing Aw'endo's back under his wings.

Herymi stopped himself from saying the first thing which came to mind. The Royals had treated him kindly but that didn't give him permission to question the methods they choose. Still, as he watched the royal, it was clear Nel'os was no happier with the situation than Herymi. The man's wings were trembling. Nel'os had managed to keep his voice neutral but his wings betrayed his true feelings on the matter. Herymi nodded slowly and looked over at the curtains. "Is it wise? To leave the boy alone in a cage when we already know he has nightmares," Herymi pointed out. "It's bad enough the Winglord is insistent Eyeri is branded but to cage him as well..." It was cruel, maybe too cruel even. Especially alone.