Cry of the Avians

Chapter 2 - The Meeting

“Aura-Lee” a little voice yelled. I turned around to see a first year student at the Keep running towards me.

“Hello” I said to her. She looked up at me.

“I have a message for you Miss” she said as she handed me an envelope sealed with the Keep’s seal.  “Thank-you, what was your name?” I asked her as I handed her two silvers. She looked down at the ground and then back up. “My name is Aelita” she said. I’ve heard that name before, in history class at the Keep.

“It means princess of the planet Mars, am I right?” I asked her.  She laughed a little high pitch, trill giggle. “Close enough, it was the princess’s name”. She turned around and took a few steps, then turned back. She looked at me “You may not want to keep the masters waiting any longer. They were impatient enough when I left”. Then she continued on her way back to the Keep.

“I’ll see you around” I yelled after her. I opened the letter.  It was scribbled on a piece of parchment in Zitora’s linked scroll.  It read

Aura-Lee,

Come to an urgent meeting at 3:30 this afternoon. Meet in my study.

Zitora

I read it over in my head. Why was Zitora calling a meeting with me? And what on Earth could it involve to have all three masters impatient? I looked at my watch. 3:25. I had five minutes before I had to be there.

I quickly made my way through the citadel towards the keep. I was shocked when two guards fell into step beside me. They didn’t speak to me or each other.  When I got to Zitora’s office, they stood outside. I stepped in. I looked around to see Zitora, Larimar, Kunzite and the Emerald Princess, Lakita.  I kneeled in her presence even though I didn’t hold much thought or respect for her, which was more like my brother, I did so only to save myself from the lecture that would surely follow.

“Rise Aura” she said calmly. I did as she said. I looked over to Zitora. She stood and gestured to a seat in front of her. I sat as did she. Larimar and kunzite who had been immersed in conversation when I walked in, only just seemed to notice I was here. They waved a feeble gesture then went back into conversation. Only when Lakita coughed did everyone’s eyes advert to me.

“The reason I called you here Aura” Zitora started. I moved in closer to listen. Zitora looked at the ground, then up to Lakita, then finally to me.  Lakita decided to then takeover and tell me what was happening.

“Aura, Your brother…” Oh great… What has that little twerp done now?  “Played for me the other night did he not?” She asked.. Um where was this going?

“Yes, the flute solo” I answered almost immediately, yet cautiously. I still wasn’t sure where this was going.. I pondered this “Was there a message you would like me to pass onto him for you?” I asked her.

“No, I was merely curious. Such talent must run in the family” She continued. Talent? ME? Now I’m really confused.

“Talent?” I questioned her?

“Well, Samuel has musical talent, your father is head of the quail, and your mother, an extremely respected teacher” I was confused as to what my talent was. “And you of course are the talented dancer, and student in the magical arts. And now I am in desperate need for your help”.  She finished.  I looked up, Larimar and Zitora were having a silent conversation. Mindreaders. How I hated them. Zitora shot me an angry glance and Larimar harrumphed. The powers I added in my head not the people. Zitora shook her head and spoke aloud.

“Lakita, what exactly do you need Aura’s help for? “

“Yes and why me?”  I added. Lakita looked at Kunzite for help.