Heavenly Harpies

Chapter 2: Northern Wings

   You land at the castle, your wings folding up, the guards step into a defense stance. You glance at them then open your wings again, crouching down and putting your hands up. You knew this would take you in. But before they grabbed you, the queens shrill voice echoed through the air.

   Looking up cautiously, you saw the guards flap their wings and clear the way for the queen. She was, indescribable but to give some type of description, radiant. Gold delicately draped over her body, a dainty crown with rays like the sun streaming out topped her long, pale, blond, hair. She had a grace around her that was so subtle yet not, if that even made sense. You were in shock. You realized your mouth gaped open and you shut it with a snap. Bowing, she took your hand gently.

  "Lily. Queen Lily. You're the one I sent for, I presume." You nod, unable to speak. She led you into the throne room. This feeling you had was so rare. You were so lucky to be in the palace, not to mention in the most secure room there besides the bedroom and treasury. The throne room was huge. Three thrones sat near the back wall, the one in the middle, the kings, the one on the left, queens, the one to the right and the smallest, for the princess.

   The princess, no one spoke about her, but the story was known. The queen and king tried to have a child. Common sense thrown aside. That's how great their love was. A swan and a raven. Two entirely different species. To their surprise, the queen conceived. It was a joy, a huge celebration was thrown. It ended all to quickly. The child died in the womb. The queen was never the same. The king, overcome with grief, stayed in the throne room for days. Barely ate or drank. Just enough to keep him alive. Then the darkness started to spread. He went to the North to deal with it. He never returned. Then you fled, with your parents, to the kingdom. A decade later, signs and rumors flooded the kingdom. The king was alive. Now today you were called.

    "The special one. You will go to the North, find Beak and return safely. Accompanied by my finest warriors. If you fail and either you or him do not return from the North, we will all fail and the darkness will consume us. Do you understand what you are risking?" You look at the floor, this was terrifying. "My queen. Do I have a choice?" "Of course you do. But if chosen to ignore your kingdoms cry for help, you will burn for it." A threat. "Wonderful.." You mutter under your breath.

   "I accept." You bow. "One more question, may I bring three of my closet and most trusted friends to help me in this endeavor?" The queen looked at you questioning whether to reply. "Very well. Who is it that you wish to take?" "Poppy, my best friend. Jackie, my supervisor. And Chase, my friend." "I approve. You may leave with them early morn." You nod then walk out of the castle.

   Here goes nothing.