Disclaimer: Gargoyles belongs to Greg Weisman and Disney, not to me. If I did own them, there would be merchandise sold in every store However, all OCs belong to me and cannot be used without my permission.
Once Upon a Time, There Were Three Brothers…
February 1st, 971
Wyvern Hill, Scotland
Horses' hooves crunched over the thin layer of snow and ice covering the terrain. Two riders paused just before reaching the high cliffs of Wyvern Hill. They stopped about a mile away from their destination, each knowing they could easily sneak into the Rookery and be present among the sleeping sentinels as the clan awakened. But both knew that was no way to gain allies, so the men waited patiently as the sun set across the ocean waves.
A burly man in his mid-twenties with the face of a bulldog and broad shoulders to match turned to his younger teenaged companion. "Remember th' last time we were here, Prince Malcolm?"
The handsome young man with a mane of dark, wavy brown hair and a slight frame nodded solemnly. "Aye, Robbie, how could I forget such a foreboding night? We knew we were no match for Culen, but we never expected the travesty that befell."
"Well, my Liege," Lieutenant Robert replied grimly as the sun's last rays disappeared below the horizon. "We'll soon learn if this night will be more promising."
"Let us pray for that." Prince Malcolm tried to control the involuntary shiver of fear that jerked through his body. He had seen gargoyles before, but only at great distances. He'd never needed to approach one, especially for something as imperative as an alliance. Even from their vantage point, the men could hear the resonance of stone crackling apart and the eerie, deafening roars that erupted from the caverns above. Yet, he put his faith in his loyal friend Robert, who had experience in corresponding with the beasts, and he knew the alliance was needed. Malcolm forced his fear to subside as the two men tied their horses to a craggily tree below the hill and began to climb up the steep grade, each taking great pains to keep their hands visible.
As they climbed, a sentry swooped down upon them. Malcolm gasped in terror as the monstrous blue-grey demon with a thick mane of snowy white hair and two great devil horns protruding from his forehead landed in front of them, impeding their advance. The gargoyle towered above the men at full height, practically unclad save for a simple barbaric loincloth. "What brings you to our Rookery?" He asked in a deep, rumbling voice.
Malcolm smiled in spite of himself. The gargoyle, though substantial in height and build, spoke with a cadence that betrayed the inexperience and excitement of one no older than Malcolm's own age of seventeen. Robbie stood to meet the gargoyle. "Greetings, friend. We've come t' see yer leader. He an' I've met before."
"I remember you." The gargoyle answered Robbie as he cast a sharp glance in Malcolm's direction. The tone of his voice made it very clear that Malcolm was a stranger and not welcome in the Rookery.
"Not t' worry, lad. Malcolm will nay cause harm. He's my friend." Robbie's mustached face brightened with a fond smile. "My greatest friend. I would lay down my life for him."
The gargoyle nodded, impressed by Robbie's loyalty, and then eyed Malcolm speculatively. Malcolm found himself staring in awe of his friend. He had always known Robbie's loyalty ran deep within the burly man, yet to hear his friend make such a verbal declaration warmed his very soul.
The gargoyle suddenly crouched to all fours. "Follow me." He requested. He leapt away from them, running on all fours like a wild beast. Robbie and Malcolm paused for a moment and watched the massive creature run nimbly to his home before they continued their climb. Once they reached the top of Wyvern Hill, the clan stood in wait.
The blue-grey male escorted Robbie and Malcolm through a gauntlet of gargoyles of all shapes and sizes and Malcolm was awestruck for the second time that evening; there were tall ones, short ones, ones with dragon-like wings with struts separating the membranes, ones with wings that had no separating membranes, and ones with strange wings that attached to their wrists and legs through a sort of webbed membrane structure. Some had sharp, pointed beaks like birds or beast-like muzzles while others had facial features as human as Robbie or himself. Some appeared quite old while others were mere children.
At last, they were led to a broad-shouldered, tan-skinned male with three pointed horns lining his brow ridge, a crown of grayish-white hair, and a thick beard of the same color. With his loincloth, he was outfitted in a tough leather jerkin and trousers wrapped around his calves. Next to him stood two other gargoyles; an athletically-built female the color of a brilliant aquamarine jewel dressed in an ivory tunic-style dress with thick shoulder straps and a male the color of purple heather growing wild in the fields clothed in a brown loincloth. The female's pierced ears were webbed like a fish's fins and her head was completely devoid of hair. Instead, her forehead was adorned with a simple brow ridge that crested into a row of aquamarine-colored spikes down the middle of her head. Though she was clearly a formidable warrior, Malcolm found he was not immune to the pleasant appearance of her humanistic features. He looked away from her and studied the lavender male. He was another youth who appeared the same age as their blue-grey guide. Malcolm felt himself a proverbial David compared to this Goliath-sized youth with the thick mane of sable hair. His build was that of a quintessential warrior; imposingly tall with defined muscles filling every ounce of sinew in his frame, but Malcolm was most impressed by the intelligence that radiated from his young face.
"Leader, these humans request an audience with you." The blue-grey male gestured to Robbie and Malcolm.
The tan male stepped forward, his eyes suspicious and inquisitive. He sniffed the air once, as though he could read their mission through their scent, then tilted his head cautiously as he addressed Robbie. "Well, now, lad. What brings ye to our clan?"
Malcolm again found himself smiling despite his nerves. The leader's accented voice was brusque, yet rich and comforting with a hint of mirth. Robbie stepped forward. "I wish I could say our visit was fer pleasant reasons, my friend, but our mission is dire. We have come t' propose an alliance between your clan an' my friend's family."
"An' just why would ye be proposing such an alliance?" The tan leader crossed his arms across his wide chest. The aquamarine female placed her hands on her hips, widening her stance as she cocked one hip to the side while the young lavender male crossed his arms over his massive chest.
"For the protection of all who live in Scotland!" Malcolm burst in one nervous breath. Though he meant his declaration to be taken seriously, he recognized how inexperienced and impulsive he sounded.
The tan leader stroked his beard. "Be that as it may, how will protectin' humans affect my clan?"
Malcolm hesitated. Though he felt well-prepared to speak with the leader, that question was one he had not anticipated. He glanced at the leader, then the aquamarine female, then at the lavender male as he silently formulated a worthy response. He looked around at the surrounding clan until his eyes settled on five children, two females and three males, no more than six years of age, edging their way to the front of the group to peer curiously at the humans in their midst. The sight of the innocent children gave him the answer he needed. Malcolm bravely faced the tan leader. "If we triumphantly defeat Culen and his army, Scotland will become a safer place for your children to thrive."
"Our children are perfectly safe wit'in our protectorate." The tan leader responded dismissively. Malcolm lowered his head in defeat. The tan leader continued. "Ye have gumption, lad, however…"
To Malcolm's surprise, the aquamarine female placed her hand on the tan leader's arm. "My love, perhaps we should discuss this matter in private. There is much to consider in their proposal." Her eyes drifted to the five young gargoyles, and a motherly light that made Malcolm's heart ache for his own adored mother warmed her face.
The leader glanced in surprise at his mate, and Malcolm wondered if she did not often question his decisions. The leader then followed the aquamarine female's line of vision until his eyes rested on the children. He rewarded the five with a stern look, and they stopped their advancement. After another moment's thought, he nodded in agreement. "You speak wisely, my love. Come, we will discuss this matter away from pryin' ears." He cloaked his wings over his shoulders as he and the aquamarine female led the two humans away.
The five hatchlings watched as the humans followed their leader and his mate out of the main commune. A small olive green male with distinctive tan-colored webbed-wings and large, studious eyes turned to his rookery siblings with disappointment. "We only caught a glimpse of them!"
"They had no wings!" A pink-skinned female with wide doe eyes and bouncy blonde curls whispered in horror. She turned to her aqua-skinned rookery sister with long raven hair. "Did you see, Sister?"
"I certainly did, Sister!" The aqua female responded enthusiastically. Her large, almond-shaped eyes twinkled with excitement. "Did you see their hands, Brother?"
A beaked male with crimson skin and a wild mane of snowy white hair nodded energetically. "They had no talons! How can they fight without talons?" The five stared pensively at their clawed hands.
A rumbling sound caught their attention and four hatchlings looked to their left. The fifth hatchling, an aquamarine male with webbed ears rubbed his plump stomach sheepishly. "Do you suppose supper is ready? I do not wish to miss it!"
The raven-haired female laughed. "Our rookery mothers will find us."
A dark shadow loomed over them and they all looked up. The young lavender male towered above them with his arms crossed over his broad chest. "Perhaps you should save your rookery mothers the trouble of searching for you and return to them instead." He rumbled through an amused smile.
The pink female shyly edged closer to her aqua sister and smiled sweetly at the older gargoyle. The other four hatchlings rewarded the lavender male with bright, innocent smiles, some looking more innocent than others. "Yes, Brother." They replied in one voice as they scampered off.
Malcolm and Robbie followed their hosts into a side tunnel of Wyvern Hill. The pale white moonlight faded as they ventured into the tunnel. Malcolm remained close to Robbie, wondering if this had been his wisest idea as they were led into darkness. He had heard stories that gargoyle abilities far surpassed human senses, and he knew the gargoyles possessed keen night vision to aid with hunting and nighttime battle. He forced another shiver to subside as he realized they were at their hosts' mercy in the dark tunnels. He silently prayed to the Almighty, the blessed Mother, and, for good measure, every saint he knew for the courage, wisdom, and strength to survive this night, to be protected from all possible harm as they weaved through the gloomy passageway. To his surprise, they emerged into a large cavern illuminated by an eerie, pale, greenish-white light. Malcolm sucked in his breath as they entered the cavern. Glowing moss lit the cavern, casting soft yet peculiar shadows over the gargoyles' and Robbie's features. Malcolm pictured himself looking as ghostly as the others, an image he found morbid yet entertaining, and in that moment, his fear subsided and he felt his confidence return.
"Now, lad," the leader's gruff voice again filled with a hint of good humor, as though he detected Malcolm's thoughts. "Speak yer mind freely."
Malcolm hesitated, glancing at Robbie for support. Robbie, misinterpreting his friend's need, stepped forward. "My friend, my Prince comes t' ye with a desperate plea. King Culen murdered his eldest brother, takin' the land an' crown from Scotland's rightful ruler. Culen has driven young Malcolm's family from their homes. We've been awaitin' Culen's swift demise, to end his tyranny wit'out bloodshed, but news arrived. Culen an' his queen spawned an heir. That babe will nay be good news fer the innocents of this land."
"Aye, an' how will this affect my clan?" The leader again asked, eyeing Malcolm sternly. "This young whelp hardly seems prepared for th' ills of battle."
Malcolm knew the leader expected him to prove his worth. He also knew he had to prove he was in charge, not Robbie, in order to gain the leader's respect and secure the alliance. Clearing his throat, he stepped forward. "Leader, I have already experienced the horrors of war. I do not desire to fight, but I see no other choice. Culen has robbed me of my brother, my father, and my beloved mother. I will not allow him to rob the innocents of my protectorate or continue to desecrate all of Scotland. If he is successful, your clan will be no safer than my family. He will invade your territory and destroy your loved ones without a second thought." He held his hand to shake with the leader. "Join my brother's army in this battle, and when my brother Kenneth assumes the throne, your clan will fall under my family's protection. Gargoyles will no longer be hunted and destroyed, as will be decreed in my law." He paused and the aquamarine female gave him the briefest of nods, giving him encouragement that his words had been sensible and heartfelt.
The aquamarine female then turned to her beloved leader. "He speaks wisely, my love. This alliance promises a hopeful future for our clan."
"Gargoyles live t' protect, as does Prince Malcolm's family. There's a great risk in trusting Culen to leave yer clan in peace." Robbie pressed on. "Ye will nay find a better union than wit' my friend."
"We have young ones who need tendin'. The battlefield is no place fer hatchlings." The leader crossed his arms over his chest and bowed his head in thought, bringing one hand up to stroke his beard. "The little ones could be sent to th' rookery while we fight yer war. But tell me, young prince, who will protect our rookery while we are in the heat of battle?"
"Humans build fortresses in times of war." A seedling of an idea grew in Malcolm's mind, and the idea matured as he spoke. "With your permission, a castle could be constructed on this very hill, surrounding your rookery and protecting all who dwell here. Your young ones would be protected in a safe haven while you provide aid to my armies. The castle would become your new protectorate, and in return, I could ensure your protection by day."
"An' precisely what will become of my clan durin' the day? Ye say ye can offer protection, but what of my warriors caught away from shelter at dawn?"
"I'll protect ye," Robbie spoke, his fist nobly crossed over his heart. "Even if it costs me my life, no harm will befall your clan while I draw breath."
Malcolm nodded in agreement as he continued. "We shall train warriors to protect your clan during the day. Their only goal on the battlefield will be to guard your clan."
The leader and his love exchanged a glance filled with silent conversation. After a long moment, the leader nodded. "I know ye to be a man of yer word." He murmured thoughtfully to Robbie. "Very well. I will consider yer request, but this is nay a decision t' be made in haste. I must seek council wit' my second an' will provide an answer by dawn."
"You are welcome to stay within the comforts of our protectorate." The aquamarine female offered. "Please, warm yourselves by our fires while you recover from your journey."
"I thank you, Milady." Malcolm responded with a gracious nod of his head. "But we must first attend to our horses. They have waited patiently and I fear they may need nourishment after their endeavor. We would be honored to join you after our task is complete."
The aquamarine female granted him a maternal smile that once again made him yearn for his own mother. "If your beasts need shelter from the cold, our hill has many caverns."
The two men took their leave of the leader and his mate and climbed down to their horses. Malcolm glanced over his shoulder. "Robert, you once stated this clan does not name their members. Why is that, when the Scone Clan has chosen to take names?"
"Aye, Biblical names, given by the humans who live near their roost." Robbie replied with a shrug of his broad shoulder. "I favor this clan's frame of mind. They view one another simply as 'friend' an' that's good enough fer them. They reason they look different an' tend to provide basic titles to their leader and mentors. If humans had the same ideals as these gargoyles, we would nay be preparin' for war."
Malcolm pondered this. "Your offer to lead a squad of men in their protection was quite noble, Robert."
"I meant every word, my Liege. I would no sooner see harm befall our winged allies as I would you."
Malcolm again felt touched at his friend's sincere words. He reflected on his conversation with the leader of the clan and his mate, feeling confident that the leader's mate had seen the advantages of their proposed alliance. He could only pray the second was as much a visionary. "Robbie, what do you know of the second-in-command? Is he as likely to support us as the leader's mate?"
"Aye, lad. I believe th' second will be as supportive as th' leader's mate." Robbie's mouth curved into a wry smile that became partially hidden beneath his bushy mustache.
"Then we must seek counsel with the second-in-command before the leader makes his decision."
"Lad, you already sought counsel wit' the second, an' she seemed quite taken with ye."
"She?" Malcolm repeated. He stared at Robbie with confusion as they approached their horses.
Robbie's face filled with a wide grin he could no longer contain. "She was only standin' there the entire time, an' judgin' by her encouragements, th' leader will soon see our situation through her convictions." His firm hands grasped his horse's reins. Malcolm did the same. As he thought about the implications of the aquamarine female in the position of the clan's second-in-command, he couldn't help but feel hope soar in his heart. Perhaps they would have more success than he had ever dreamed.
They untied their steeds and led them up the steep incline of Wyvern Hill. Malcolm turned to his friend. "Robert, is it common for females to lead among the gargoyles?"
Robert replied with a brief nod. "Their society is an unusual one, Prince, but an admirable one. They see each other as equals in all ways of life. The females fight alongside th' males, some wit' more ferocity than their brothers, an' they lead as skillfully as their male counterparts. The only difference between the males an' the females is the females lay the eggs an' tend to the newly hatched as only a mother can care for her wee babe." He said with a slight chuckle.
Malcolm nodded, still digesting the fact that females were provided with the opportunity to serve as leaders among the gargoyles before his mind turned back to the more pressing matter at hand. "If this pact is made, can we ensure their loyalty or will they be swayed by Culen?"
Robbie halted his easy gait. "My Liege, the need t' protect is embedded in their very natures. Humans can be bought by a measly pile of gold, but gargoyles have no need for such means. I daresay their betrayal is something we needn't fear."
"What do we need to fear from them if not their betrayal?"
"Not one thing, my Liege. They live t' protect, an' if they join us, we become part of their territory. Ye will never find subjects more fierce or loyal than th' gargoyles." Robbie stated matter-of-factly.
"More loyal and fierce than even you, my friend?" Malcolm asked with a twinkle in his eye.
"Lad, ye already know the limits of my loyalty." Robbie jested.
"Aye, that I do." Malcolm replied with a smile as they selected a suitable cavern for their horses.
Malcolm and Robbie hobbled and tended to their horses in the cavern below the hill. At Robbie's suggestion, the men selected travel rations from their saddle packs and stepped out of the cavern. The aquamarine second alighted in front of them. "If you desire a hot meal, our hunters returned triumphantly. Our kills roast as we speak and there is more than enough to share."
Malcolm bowed his head respectfully. "We welcome your generosity and graciously accept your invitation." He passed his rations to Robbie and watched as the burly man returned the goods to their packs.
The second's pink lips curved into a warm smile. "Follow me, lads."
She led them above the caverns to the plateau outcropping of land. Fires blazed in large pits where several small kills roasted on open spits. Adults and adolescents tended to the kills, turning the meat as it cooked while others diligently watched the young in play.
"Humans, I have unanswered questions." The second began conversationally, though she lowered her voice. "You promise the safety of our hatchlings, and for that I am grateful, but what of our eggs? We have a clutch close to hatching and the clan would be devastated should they be destroyed. They are defenseless in our rookery."
"My good lady," Malcolm felt he owed her the truth. "We may not have much time before battle breaks over these lands. We may only have enough time to build a wall upon these cliffs, but I swear to you that your children, all of them, will be safe from Culen."
"Who will defend this wall? Certainly you do not expect such a task from the hatchlings." She pressed as she crossed her arms over her chest, an aquamarine talon tapping the golden cuff on her left bicep.
"Soldiers will diligently guard the fortress, to protect yer young an' the builders." Robbie promised.
"Will these soldiers and builders prove trustworthy? Will our children be safe from them?" She eyed them sternly, awaiting the truth, though Malcolm did not miss the concern in her dark eyes.
Malcolm, again with the suspicion his leadership was being tested, stepped forward. "These men shall be hand-selected by my brother with the orders that all who reside within the fortress walls be treated equally. No unlawful act shall go unpunished. To harm a gargoyle would result in the same punishment as harming a human. If these men do not meet my approval, they shall be returned to my brother."
"You decree the human laws?" She asked curiously.
Malcolm nodded. "I am my brother's right arm. Once I reside here, I will create the laws for my lands and for the people who dwell within them. My brother will create the laws for all of Scotland. With your people at our side, we will create a society that is lawful and just for humans and gargoyles alike."
She nodded sagely. "I have long desired a bond between gargoyles and humans. Not all in my clan feel we need human allies, but for the sake of the young ones, our clan must learn to thrive among your kind." She gazed about her clan until her eyes settled on her mate and she smiled. "Alas, my time is not my own. I take my leave, but please, feast among my clan."
"Thank ye." Robbie said with a smile.
Malcolm again dipped his head. "I thank you for your hospitality."
She cast her motherly smile upon him and walked away. The men soon found themselves a spectacle among the clan, especially by the hatchlings. As the men approached the fires, Malcolm noticed many of the youngest generation seeking comfort among their older kin as they stared curiously and fearfully. Robbie stooped down and lifted two flat rocks from the ground. He dusted away the dirt with his calloused hand, then gave Malcolm one of the stones. Malcolm nodded his thanks and approached one of the cook fires with his crude plate.
They sliced their portions with Robbie's belt knife and then selected a cluster of large boulders to sit upon while they ate. The clan left them in peace, providing a large circumference of space between the men and the feasting gargoyles. Malcolm chewed pensively while he scrutinized the clan. Robbie had been correct when he promised the Wyvern Clan to be of harder stock than the Scone Clan. Each adult member seemed more than a worthy opponent in battle. Some even carried weapons, though they appeared primitive to modern iron tools. A select few carried stone-tipped spears or bows with arrows of the same nature.
Malcolm was pulled from his speculations as Robbie chuckled softly. "We're about t' have company, my Liege." He said quietly between bites of meat. He nodded his head in the direction of a group of the clan.
Malcolm instantly recognized the five hatchlings as the ones who had tried to approach earlier. As they crept closer, Malcolm studied the youths. They were clearly being led by a wiry-framed, crimson-colored male with a wild mane of snowy white hair that tumbled down his back, a prominent beak upon his face, and two long horns atop his brow ridge. Two males followed closely behind in a single line; a tall, somewhat rotund, male colored the same aquamarine hue as the second-in-command with her distinctive fin-like ears and crest to match, yet his facial features vaguely reminded Malcolm of the gruff clan leader. He carried a hunk of meat in his hand as he gamely ambled after his brothers. The third male, sandwiched between his crimson brother and aquamarine brother, was mossy green in color, with a smooth, bald head. His unusually large eyes and small stature made him appear younger than his brothers. His wings, the strange webbed-wings Malcolm had seen earlier, had been pierced to allow the hatchling to wear a dark blue wool loincloth, the same color and texture as the loincloths on his brothers. The two females shadowed the three males. The first female was the calming aqua hue of a flawless piece of sea glass with large, almond-shaped eyes and long raven hair that cascaded unrestrained down her back. Her heart-shaped face was quite human in appearance, a trait Malcolm had learned was common among most of the females in the clan, with a brow ridge that contained a pointed horn on each side. The second female, practically dragged behind the males by the aqua female, was the rosy pink of a flock of verbascum flowers with wide doe eyes and golden curls that fell upon her narrow shoulders. She was also quite human in face and slender in frame like her aqua-skinned sister, though her tiny build was willowy compared to the aqua female. The rest of her features were more difficult to discern as she kept nervously ducking behind her sister. Both females were dressed in white tunic dresses similar to the second-in-command. As they approached, Malcolm took note of their wings. The crimson male and aqua female had what appeared to be small hands composed of a thumb and two clawed fingers while the pink female and aquamarine male had a single tip at the intersection of their wing joints.
As Robbie predicted, the five stopped in front of the two men, fearlessly stepping into the open space surrounding the humans. They looked at each other with triumphant grins then focused their attentions on the humans before them.
Malcolm smiled warmly at the children, as the young ones reminded him of his young nephews back home in Northumberland Keep. "Good evening, brave adventurers. It appears you accomplished quite a feat. I am Malcolm, travelling with my friend and protectorate, Lieutenant Robert. You are welcome among…"
Three of them spoke at once, interrupting Malcolm's greeting. "How do you fight without talons?" The crimson male asked while the aqua female burst in the same breath. "Where are your wings?"
"What were those strange beasts you led below? Are they for travel or food?" The olive green male's reedy voice blended with his siblings' questions.
Malcolm shared an amused glance with Robbie. Having finished his meal, Malcolm rested his hands on one knee. "Well, now, which question do I answer first?"
"Mine!" All three responded. They peered competitively at each other, as though determining whose question was most important. The males faced off. "You promised he would answer my questions, Brother." The olive male accused.
"After he answered my questions, Brother." The crimson male replied with a clipped edge to his young voice. The aqua female stood back with an exasperated sigh and waited for the dispute to end. The pink female cupped her small hand over her mouth and whispered something in the aqua female's ear, causing her to giggle. The rotund aquamarine male took a bite out of the meat he carried and watched his brothers with interest.
Malcolm, being a prince taught in the ways of chivalry by his loving mother, smiled at the aqua female. "Perhaps we may answer your question while these two resolve their quarrel?"
She rewarded her brothers with a smug smile before she looked up at Malcolm with luminous eyes. "Where are your wings?" She repeated innocently.
Robbie chuckled good-naturedly. Malcolm suppressed his laughter to save the child embarrassment. "Young one, humans are not so fortunate to have been born with wings. We must walk this earth without ever experiencing flight."
She and her pink sister exchanged a meaningful glance, sharing a silent conversation with their eyes as the leader and his second had earlier in the evening. The pink one huddled closer to her sister and stared apprehensively at the men with her doe eyes.
The aquamarine male eyed the remainder of Malcolm's meat, resting disregarded on Malcolm's makeshift stone plate. "Are you planning to eat that?" He asked hopefully.
Wordlessly, Malcolm handed the plate to the chubby hatchling. The aquamarine male took the meat from the stone and happily took a bite. Malcolm tossed the stone to the ground.
The crimson male stared at Malcolm's pale hands. "How do you fight without talons?"
"We don' need talons t' defeat our enemies, lad." Robbie boasted proudly. "We have tools t' guarantee our victories." He unsheathed his belt knife, small in comparison to the broadsword also sheathed on his belt, but impressive in its own right. The hatchlings stared at it curiously.
"I've never seen such tools!" The olive green male's eyes lit with excitement and wonder. "What kind of stone did you use?"
Robbie held the knife out so the small green male could inspect it further. "We've advanced beyond simple stone tools, lad. We use iron to make tools an' weapons. Tis much stronger than stone." The green male touched the knife, studying it intently with his large eyes.
While the olive male examined the knife, the crimson male turned back to Malcolm. "What are the beasts you stored below?"
"Horses." Malcolm responded. "They have been domesticated to assist humans with the daily tasks of hauling and travel."
"Travel? You ride them?" The crimson male's eyes narrowed suspiciously. He glanced at his aqua sister and his beak formed into a mischievous smile. She returned the smile and nodded.
"Aye, they are ridden. They have the ability to travel long distances and carry supplies needed for the journey."
"Are they as fast as deer? They do not seem built for speed." The crimson male pressed curiously.
Before Malcolm could respond, an adult crimson-colored female with a silvery-white mane, a prominent beak upon her face, and horns that branched halfway up the shaft approached the group. "Young ones, leave our guests in peace. It is time to join your rookery siblings for training and chores."
They looked up, their eyes filled with disappointment, but the uncompromising look she cast made them sigh in defeat. "Yes, Mother." They chorused in one voice as they scampered away. The crimson female watched after them, then turned to Malcolm and Robbie. "Forgive them if they were a nuisance. They have never seen humans before and your presence proved too great a temptation."
"No need to apologize." Malcolm was surprised to find he already felt at ease with the gargoyles. "All children must satisfy their curiosity or they will never learn. But tell me, are they all yours? They each called you 'Mother', yet they are clearly the same age."
The crimson female's beak curved into an amused smile. "They are all my children, as hatchlings belong to the entire clan. It is each gargoyle's responsibility to teach them the Gargoyle Way."
"Do you know which hatchling is yours? Surely you must want to know which child is your own flesh and blood." Malcolm pressed. How could a mother not know her own offspring?
Her easy laugh surprised him. "By the Dragon, no, and if I did learn which was mine, it would make no difference to me. I love them equally, nothing could change that." She looked back in the direction of the five hatchlings with good humor. "Even those five rascals. Their antics have livened up the monotony of many an evening, but I believe the rigors of warrior training will settle them as they grow. If you like, you may watch our adolescents train. They are a quite impressive group." She motioned to a clearing near the rocky hill, where Malcolm could see the lavender male, the blue-grey male, and many other gargoyles gathering. "If you will excuse me, I must ensure the hatchlings are gathered for their lessons."
"A wise suggestion." Robbie replied with a grateful nod. "We need t' gain a sense of their abilities."
The two men left their rocky perches and wandered to the training grounds. Malcolm found himself evaluating the adolescents as the warriors entered the training ground and prepared to spar hand to hand. Malcolm's attention was drawn to the gigantic lavender male, whose performance he greatly anticipated. The lavender male squared off against a rich brown-colored male with a compact frame, yet thick as a tree trunk with defined muscles. His fin-like crest swept away from his forehead, his fin-like ears framed his square jaw, and Malcolm noted his loincloth appeared to be made of tan-colored rabbit pelts.
The other adolescents also anticipated this match of strength. They paused to surround their rookery brothers in a makeshift ring. Malcolm and Robbie joined the circle, and stood beside the adolescents, some of whom seemed uncomfortable with the humans in their midst and shifted closer to other siblings. Malcolm paid no heed as he focused on the males.
The males circled in the ring, each watching the other for the slightest hint of movement that would betray their opponent's attack. Without warning, the brown male charged the lavender male with a fierce battle cry. The lavender male reacted swiftly, moving with an agility Malcolm had not expected from the young giant. He jumped to the left to avoid the charge, and heaved the brown male aside. The brown male tumbled to the ground, somersaulting once from the force of his brother's shove, though he quickly returned to his feet. As he rose to his feet, the lavender male charged his opponent with his eyes ablaze. The brown male dodged the charge and the two again faced each other.
"They perform well tonight." The blue-grey sentry murmured in Malcolm's ear. "You chose a good match to observe."
"Are they rivals?" Malcolm asked without taking his eyes from the competitors.
The blue-grey male shook his head. "Not in the slightest. My rookery brothers are quite evenly matched as warriors, yet they are the closest of brothers and challenge the other to excel. They have not sparred against each other in some time."
The two combatants continued their heated match, each managing to throw the other across the ring and land the occasional strike. It was apparent to Malcolm that the two were indeed quite evenly matched, though the lavender male towered in size over his brown brother. Malcolm found himself again comparing the lavender male to the giant Goliath while his shorter rookery brother fell into the role of the fabled David. If the rest of the clan was half as skilled as the two before Malcolm, the clan would undeniably be a great asset to Kenneth's army.
The match ended abruptly as the brown male yet again ducked under the lavender male's charge. The brown male jumped onto the lavender male's back, pinning his wings and forcing him to the ground. The brown male remained on top, holding the lavender male to the ground, until an adult aqua-skinned male with wide horns that spiraled into his flowing raven hair and the split wings reminiscent of a butterfly's stepped into the ring. He clasped the brown male's broad shoulder. "We have a new champion this night!" He declared to the surrounded audience.
The brown male climbed off the lavender male's back as his eyes lost their illumination. He held his arm out to his rookery brother and pulled the lavender male to his feet. "Well fought, Brother. I owe your defeat to your teachings." He said through a teasing grin.
The lavender male clasped his forearm with a wry grin. "The credit is not mine to take, Brother, as your skill was your own. Well done."
The gathered gargoyles broke away into their practice pairs. A female the pale blue of the summer sky with a wild halo of fiery hair walked to the lavender male and pulled him into an embrace. "Well fought, my love." She told him as she lovingly stroked his brow ridge.
"Thank you, my Angel." He returned the affectionate touch and her smile warmed her face, then he turned in surprise as he realized Malcolm and Robbie stood nearby. He released the female, which caused her to scowl, and studied the humans with his intelligent dark eyes. "Has Leader declared his decision to assist your men?"
"We have yet t' hear word." Robbie replied easily.
The lavender male nodded. The sky blue female lightly rubbed a talon across his face, regaining his attention. "My love, we must practice. Let us not dawdle with these humans." She prompted with a frown directed at Malcolm and Robbie.
He tenderly stroked her flame-colored hair. "My practice time has ended, my Angel of the Night. Leader requested my presence and I must go to him." He rumbled in his deep voice. She nodded, and with one final uncertain glance at the humans, joined her rookery kin. The lavender male turned back to the men. "You shall hear from Leader soon."
Malcolm and Robbie continued to watch the adolescents practice. As the lavender male predicted, they were soon approached by a copper-skinned female with long golden curls and large, almond-shaped eyes. "Leader requested your audience. He is ready to give his answer." She said sweetly.
"Thank you, Milady." Malcolm smiled and she rewarded him with a smile that even he recognized as beautiful.
The aqua-colored teacher came up behind her and enveloped her in his muscular arms. "I envy these humans to receive such an enchanting messenger." He murmured in her ear. "If you have completed your task, perhaps there is a message I desire to share with you."
She laughed. "And leave your students without a teacher? Surely they would rebel their lessons and steal away for a night of fun."
"Let them. They have trained hard these past nights and deserve a rest. In fact," he told her with a gleam in his eye. "I shall dismiss them immediately." He left his love and gathered the adolescents to him. The copper female turned to the men. "Leader and Second await you by the cook fires." Her face again lit into her beautiful smile as her mate returned. The two of them clasped hands and took to the air.
Malcolm watched after their disappearing forms until they blended into the midnight sky. Robbie chuckled. "Come, lad. We don' want to keep the leader waitin'."
The two men walked to the fires. The leader, his aquamarine second, and the lavender male waited patiently. The leader stepped forward and crossed his arms over his chest. "I have made my decision." He said curtly, getting straight to the point of the conversation. Malcolm suddenly felt his heart flutter in his chest. If the leader refused, all of Scotland would be lost to Culen and his subjects. Malcolm had enjoyed his short time with the clan and couldn't bear the thought of Culen destroying the gargoyle clans. As if reading Malcolm's mind, the leader seemed to understand his nervousness and softened his tone. "Though it may not be th' wisest decision for gargoyles to side with humans, I have weighed the risks of both paths. Much has passed between humans and gargoyles, yet yer pleas ring true in my heart, young prince. This Rookery has belonged to my clan since time immemorial. Culen seems a terrible threat an' I would see him stopped before his poison spreads through our home. However, I cannae only allow yer men to guard our clan. A gargoyle can no more stop protectin' their Rookery than breathin' the air, an' so we will share the task of the rookery's defense. A handful of my warriors will refrain from battle and protect our clan's children with th' assistance of yer promised warriors."
Malcolm felt his heart leap in his chest. "Does this mean we have an alliance?" He asked, praying he did not sound as desperately hopeful as he felt. He glanced at the aquamarine second for confirmation. She rewarded him with her warm motherly smile.
The tan leader dipped his head once. "Aye, lad. We have an alliance."
Malcolm fought to control his excitement. "Leader, we are eternally grateful. I vow this alliance is but the beginning of a new age between gargoyles and humankind. Together, we shall forge a new future." Malcolm held his hand to shake with the leader.
The leader stared at Malcolm's outstretched hand before he grasped Malcolm's forearm in his massive hand with a wide smile. Malcolm wrapped his fingers around the leader's forearm and they both squeezed, solidifying their alliance. The tan leader released his arm, the grin still on his face. "Dawn approaches, but once I awaken, I wish t' hear more about yer proposed fortress."
To be continued...