Destiny (Volume I: Shur'tugalar)

Chapter Five Part XLIV (ED)

By scent, Rumble answered. The pegasus tensed just the slightest as the griffin continued, If we followed this creature's scent, it might lead us to some others.

That's good and all, Malthinae began, not looking directly at Rumble, but unfortunately, gem owls aren't very social. They tend to live alone.

The group went quiet, and then the girœdiań grumbled, Well, this does suck. The pegasi burst out whinnying, and the rest chuckled as well.

"Well said, Rumble," Nathan said.

Yeah, good one, the male pegasi agreed in tandem as they grinned at the griffin. The barrier between the two species was broken as they all laughed together. Cloud came and knelt beside Nia, and everyone relaxed as they tried to think of a solution.

Ah, this is peaceful, Delois sighed as she carefully stretched out her long wings.

Ditto, Vissa murmured, blue eyes closed in contentment. The moment of relaxation was suddenly broken by Ion's terrified shriek. Looking up, everyone gasped as a golden blur struck the branch, grabbing Ion in ivory claws as it carried him away.

"Ion!" Niaomi screamed in terror, scrambling to her feet. The thunderbird shrieked again, and a current of lightning ran over his body. Surprised, the attacker dropped Ion, who tumbled to the ground. Gedwëy raced upwards and caught him a few yards above the ground, turning him around so he could flee into his bondmate's outstretched arms. "Oh, Ion," she whispered, cuddling the shaking baby bird.

An angry hoot sounded from above. On the branch were Ion had been moments before now perched a small owl. It was about nine inches tall, with gold feathers and big pink eyes; streaks of silver ran across its chest and wings. Without a doubt, this was a gem owl. The bird hooted again, eyes fixated on the group. It didn't seem hurt by Ion's shock; Eragon figured it was most likely due to its body metallic body structure, which wouldn't suffer from being shocked by lightning.

"That wasn't very nice!" Nia called angrily.

The owl swiveled its head to look at the girl. I am a predator, and he was prey. The words were delivered coldly, but the voice was feminine and young.

"Well, not anymore," Nick said, craning his neck to look at the owl. "Why are you hunting in the day, anyway?"

Food is scarce, she replied crossly. And you just cost me a meal.

"Well you almost cost us a friend," retorted Niaomi. "So I think we are even."

The owl chittered. I can't help being hungry anymore than that kveykav-fethrblaka can help looking tasty. I will not apologize for being myself.

"You don't need to," the girl said, tone kinder as she saw the bird's point of view. "If you wish, I could help you find food."

Blinking, the stenörsvilaka narrowed her eyes. And why would do you wish to help?

"Because it's the kind thing to do," Nia replied. "And because you could help me in return."

The gem owl stared then silently flew down to a lower branch so that she could be face to face with the group. I would appreciate your assistance. My name is Skystreak, though you may know me as Sky.

Niaomi introduced the group, and after the greetings were out of the way said, "Okay, I found a squirrel a few yards off. I can lead you to it."

You are a good huntress, Skystreak said, impressed. I shall follow.

"And we'll stay here," Nate called. The others had returned to their spots in the glen, and Ion was now tucked safely beside Gedwëy. "Have fun, sis."

Rolling her eyes at his teasing tone, Nia set out, and Sky followed her soundlessly in the air. A few moments later, the girl halted, signaling to the owl that the prey was near. The mirror focused on the bird as she circled the clearing, her eyes honing onto the squirrel that was nibbling a nut on the ground. Skystreak dove, noiselessly opening her wings as she struck the doomed animal with her claws. She carried her dead meal back to a tree branch near Niaomi.

Thank you, the owl said as she tore into the animal.

The girl looked away from the grisly sight. "No problem…now, about my favor."

The focus remained on Nia as Sky answered, What is it?

"I was hoping to try something with you after you were done…" Her voice faded as the mirror fast forwarded a bit. "So?" the girl was now asking. "How about it?"

The owl was wiping her claws and beak clean on the grass. Standing up, she flapped to Niaomi. I would be happy to help your experiment. As Skystreak settled onto her arm, the girl reached out and stroked her plumage. A light expanded from the mark on her forehead, enveloping the two in a gentle white glow before dissipating.

Violet eyes sparkling, she happily announced, "Welcome to the group, Sky."

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The reminiscence faded as the older Nia explained, "After Skystreak joined our group, we flew off back to the volcanoes to find the next creature: a brisingr-fethrblaka. Literally, their name translates to 'fire-bird,' but they are more commonly known as phoenixes. They're as large as thunderbirds, and their feathers are red like the flames from which they take their name. Phoenixes are immortal through rebirth; when they die, they are born again from their own ashes. They were made by Hephaestus, and can withstand and control fire."

Touching the mirror, she continued let the memories return to life once more on the bronze surface. The scene showed the kids flying over the same fault line they'd been at hours before. Bramble ran carefully underneath them, and Sky flew alongside as they all coasted down to the scraggly slopes of the mountain. The pegasi's hooves almost buckled on the rocky terrain when they landed to rest their wings while Rumble settled down easily, his padded paws firmly able to grip the dirt.

Stupid mountains, Vinny grumbled as he regained his footing. Nathan dismounted, patting his shoulder consolingly, while the griffin started to chuckle but stopped when the pegasus narrowed his brown eyes at him.

"How are we on time, Gedwëy?" Ren asked, brushing some dirt off Delli.

"Three hours, eleven minutes, and eighteen seconds counting," the fairy said. With a flash of her white dragonfly wings, she landed on Niaomi's shoulder. "While that should be more than enough time, we don't know the exact location of werecats."

"Or that they are even here on Alalëa," Nia said grimly. Looking around, she let loose a long and weary breath. "Okay, first things first - let's start searching for a phoenix."

The words had just left her mouth when a streak of fire hit the ground. A shadowy figure of a large bird lay engulfed in the flames, emitting one last shriek of agony before turning to ash. The party stared, shocked into utter silence as the grayish dust shifted until a small red head emerged, blinking coal black eyes as the newly reborn phoenix screeched. Its feathers were a fiery red that turned into a mellowed golden color at the tips of the wings, tail, and small group of curling head feathers. Climbing out of its own ashes, the phoenix - which was no bigger than Ion - flapped its wings and steadily rose into the air.