Chapter 26: The Alfor Eagle
One thousand metres above the ground, Talen, one of Arus's last remaining Alfor Eagle soared lazily. He gave the appearance of languor to any who might watch. Wings stretching almost two metres, the avian coasted easily on the slight updraft created by Arus's twin suns. Turning his head, sharp eyes spotted his intended target far below on the ground. The water in the lake reflected the sparkling light of suns, making his objective hard to miss. Even without the landmark, he would know his duty, for Lion Heart called him, as he had the day he landed on Arus.
Turning on a tip, the Alfor Eagle began rapidly losing altitude. By design, he seemed to float downwards in a corkscrew manoeuvre. Lower and lower, tighter and tighter, he targeted the building in the middle of the lake. Finally circling the modern white construction where a crumbling edifice once stood, he looked for an entry point. Talen knew all the places he must watch and that the timing would be critical. The energy transmitted the information he needed to complete his obligation.
The New Castle of Lion's appeared formidable with the windows cleverly disguised by opaque material on the outside but transparent glass on the interior. Anyone caring to look into the sky might notice his approach. Not one of these portals opened to the environment keeping the people inside safe. The magnificent avian would not find an easy entry on the Castles exterior.
There were openings, if you knew how to find them. Awaiting his chance, when a sentry took his turn on the parapets, the Alfor Eagle swooped. Rushing past the poor man's head and frightening him, he entered the interior with a loud, jubilant cry. Enchanted and considered an omen, the avian flew past several stunned people, his wing tips missing them by millimetres. They watched the legendary bird fly through the corridors in shock before they registered the significance.
"Hanna," a maid clutched at her chest while turning to her colleague, "did we just see…"
"Yes," Hanna responded. A huge smile erupted on the girl's face. She'd heard the stories at her mother's knee. This could only mean a change in the fortunes of Arus. Understanding her friend couldn't get her thoughts together, the maid offered, "we will soon have a new King. I wonder who the Princess will marry?"
"It must be someone in the palace," Hyra finally found her voice. "Why else would the Alfor Eagle enter?"
As one they pivoted to see where the bird flew. For his part, the Talen knew exactly where he needed to go. Finding an opening to the central gardens, a force field separated him from the azure sky above. He could never have entered from overhead. Unseen, the energy barrier stopped anything from arriving into the courtyard between the four towers. Understanding the defence mechanism intended to keep the people safe, the bird once more flew a lazy circle around the circumference of the gardens. Locating at exact position he must take up, the Alfor Eagle came to rest on a window ledge of the medical wing.
In the distance klaxons could be heard blaring. Tilting his head, the Eagle listened intently to the strange sounds of people. He'd rarely interacted with them. From this vantage point he could see them running, panicked and afraid. Until they noticed him sitting on his perch, quietly, patiently waiting, then they lost their fear, whispering and pointing.
Hating to leave his family, the bird only knew when the spirits of Arus spoke, not what they said. He could not understand human language, just the vague feeling the essence of the planet emanated. When they contacted him, he needed to obey. Today they'd asked him to come to the Castle of Lions and wait. He'd completed a similar task a little over one year ago. Lingering in a marsh for King Lion Heart to appear. Once he came and they bonded, the Alfor Eagle had been allowed to return home.
"You have done well my friend," the spirits soothed as the bird ruffled it feathers. Finally, the horrid noise ceased. "Fear not, the time is almost upon us when your kind will no longer be required to perform this duty. Your mate will soon join you. If you wish, you may make your home in this place, safe from the fears of the outside world."
Letting out a piercing cry, the Eagle shook his head in agreement before setting. Every person in the gardens or near an open balcony peered at the avian. They understood immediately. Arus would soon be saved. Below him, in the courtyard, soldiers rushed to find the intruder setting off the alarms. Somehow the enemy managed to breach all their defences and get within the Castle. High on a wall, in line with the room holding Voltron's commander, an Alfor Eagle watched them serenely. Finally understanding he'd attracted all this attention, the bird let out a high-pitched cry and leapt from his perch. One lap around the enclosed space and he returned to his previous roost.
"By all the Goddesses, live long our new King," the Captain of the guard understood the reason for the birds' appearance immediately. Falling to his knee, he faced the medical facility and the man who would soon be his liege. "Find Coran and tell him the Alfor Eagle has chosen Commander Keith. He is to marry the Princess."
AN: Another small chapter, I'm sorry. We are building towards the end. I'm currently writing chapter 32 and guess there will only be another 3-4 and an epilogue. I think many of you will love the next part, which I'll post on Thursday.