A week had now passed since setting off from Andaria and Laeleth and Gabriel had put the refreshing forest stream far behind them.
They were making much better time with the improvement of the weather despite the fact that Gabriel would not let Laeleth push herself nearly as much.
They stopped more frequently, allowing both her and the young falcon sufficient rest. Her feet still ached in the restricting boots, but the salve and bandaging had helped tremendously.
Gabriel had estimated that they would reach Verzstani by nightfall and Laeleth was much encouraged by this. Her footsteps were lighter as she kept a better pace alongside him.
The forest did not seem nearly as close or difficult to navigate as they approached the city. In fact, it would not be long before they would need to continue their journey on the road itself.
Because of this, Gabriel thought it best they attempt to release Valkyr before arriving.
The city would be no place for the wild and cautious bird, and Gabriel did not know what to expect once they did enter the borders.
Valkyr had seemed to be making rapid progress and was growing stronger every day. They would have to take the chance that it had been a long enough time for his wing to heal.
With this in mind, Gabriel made one final stop. He knew that Laeleth would be rather unhappy about it, but he also knew she would understand it was for the best.
As they came to a halt at the edge of the tree line, Gabriel silently allowed Valkyr to descend from his shoulder.
“Why are we stopping?” Laeleth asked curiously. Gabriel had been rather reserved since they had departed the stream and had hardly spoken unless it was necessary.
He glanced over at her and replied reluctantly, “Valkyr should try to manage on his own before we reach the city.”
Laeleth’s face fell immediately as she realized that Gabriel was releasing the falcon.
She was rather concerned that the bird was not quite ready to care for himself again. But she did not speak this aloud as she knew that Gabriel would not purposely endanger him.
With great care, Gabriel loosened the bandaging around the injured wing and removed the wooden splint.
Valkyr let out a short call as he felt himself freed of the confining structure.
He then hesitantly moved the fragile limb, stretching it tentatively. He seemed to be testing the air currents as the gentle summer breeze ruffled his long feathers.
Gabriel stepped back and stood beside Laeleth as they both watched quietly.
Valkyr continued to hold his wing at full span and then stretched out the other one.
To Laeleth’s amazement, the young bird began to flap both wings vigorously.
Before she could even blink, the small falcon had cleared the ground and was soaring high above the trees.
She covered her mouth with her hand and gasped slightly. His wing was able to sustain flight.
Valkyr had actually done it! She was both elated and disappointed at the same time.
Laeleth watched him rise higher and higher until he was only a small spot in the sky. Now that he was free would they ever see him again?
"Do you think he will forget us and what we have done for him?" she asked in a quiet voice as she continued to stare at his dark shape. The bird was becoming harder to see against the clear, sunlit sky.
"I would not worry about that,” Gabriel remarked confidently. After a moment he spoke again, "We should be going while the light is still good."
Laeleth looked disheartened at these words. “We are just going to leave him then? What if he is not quite ready? He is still so young," she observed in a thoughtful way.
A fleeting fear passed through her mind that the success of his flight might not be complete. The knowledge of this terrain was unknown to the bird as they were far from where he was first found.
"I am sure he will be all right. His instincts will guide him,” Gabriel's reply was simple as he gathered up their belongings.
This did not appease Laeleth much as she joined him.
It was such an abrupt departure on Valkyr’s part. He had seemed all too eager to be free. She had hoped that he would at least return and show some sign of remembrance.
Trying to suppress these feelings of disappointment, she joined Gabriel and they resumed their journey.
