Just Roll With It

Chapter Four

The Summons

A week had passed since Cordelia and I met, I decided that our first encounter wasn't a date. She was just being nice. Despite that thought, I've seen quite a bit of her since then. We'd become fast friends. She showed up at the barracks the day after we met looking lost, I by contrast was trying and failing, to execute some manuever outlined in the manual of arms Frederick gave me. Cordelia saw this and saw fit to instruct me with my spear. This turned into sparring every other day during that span. Of course, I didn't even come close to winning once, to put it lightly Cordelia is in a league of her own. Our time together wasn't strictly training. It always started that way but eventually we would sit down at the bar in the barracks and talk, or drink. I am not the biggest fan of alcohol but the stuff they have here is nice, It doesn't make me sputter with every sip. We had fun sharing stories and songs from our youth.

In the time I wasn't training my body or with a spear and bow. I was cleaning, The Shepherds barracks were disgusting on the outside. From the algae and moss covering the main buildings, to the overgrown training yard. Considering I had nothing else to do in my downtime, I cleaned. It was hard work, and it took a few days but, eventually I got the building and surrounding area looking at least halfway decent. Much to my chagrin, it wasn't perfect, but it would have to suffice. I didn't have any modern amenities like a pressure washer or a lawn mower.

After training one morning, I was laid out on the couch in the common room. Reading through some notes Cordelia had prepared for me. That woman is a little neurotic when it comes to training. A loud knock came from the front door.

Nervous energy coursed through me as I moved to the door. Frederick never mentioned any visitors… When I pulled the door open, an average looking man stood before me. He looked almost looked like a jester the way he was dressed. A blue and white striped doublet covered his slight frame, complete with bouncy frills and everything.

I raised an eyebrow at the sight before me, "Hello… How can I help you sir?" Any nervous energy in me was replaced with curiosity.

When the man spoke, a shrill sound escaped his lips, "Nikolas of the Shepherds!" he declared, "A message for you, I was told the matters enclosed were urgent, so you would do well to read it posthaste." On that note the messenger bowed, and departed without another word.

Perplexed over what had just taken place, I watched him leave, before opening the letter. The letter was written on parchment, sealed with the crest Ylissean royal family. Just like that, all the nervous energy returned tenfold. Did I offend The Exalt in any way? Maybe it was when I didn't go meet her with Chrom. I pushed those thoughts to the side, cracked the seal of the letter and began to read.

Nikolas of Southtown,

I hope this message finds you well. However, this message is not to exchange plesantries.

A matter of great importance has come up,

One I would like to meet you personally to discuss. An escort will come for you an hour after this summons is received.

—Emmeryn

I stared at the letter for a few moments in awe. What could be so important that The Exalt would need me specifically? I guess I had better get ready to meet her…

It didn't take me long to get ready to meet Emmeryn. To my credit I think I looked nice, definitely not nice enough to meet with the monarch of the country I'm in, considering how I have been wearing the same clothes for half a month. At least Cordelia showed me how to do laundry, I guess even though I had started using the castle baths, my clothes still smelled bad. It was embarrassing to say the least. She probably got tired of smelling me during our impromptu sparring sessions.

While I waited for the escort to well escort me to the palace, I read over her letter again. One thing stuck out to me, 'Nikolas of Southtown' the moniker felt foreign to me. Of Southtown was certainly not my last name, but then again of Maryland wouldn't feel right either. I'd have to clear up that matter eventually. Ylisse is a far cry from the United States, Everyone back home would definitely be missing me at this point, of that I had no doubt. Sorry mom, if I had a choice in the matter I'd be home with you. But I am not I'm in Ylisse, and somehow joined their military.

The thought of being a soldier isn't too foreign to me, I tried to join the army out of high school. I got turned down of course, turns out getting into the army isn't as easy as it looks, a screw in my elbow did not help either. I settled for going to school after taking a construction job, that kind of work was fulfilling in its own way but, I always felt like I was destined for more. I wanted to be someone who helps people in whatever little way I could. But doing that through the army just wasn't in the cards for me. Not much was now that I think about it. Until now all I had done in my life was graduate high school, fail at joining the army, and go back to school on a whim.

Another knock at the door brought me out of my thoughts. Must be the escort. I took my time walking to the door. Not that I wanted to keep Emmeryn waiting, I guess I just wanted to feel like I had some sort of power in a situation like this. A ridiculous thought really everything considered. When I opened the door before me stood a large man. Taller than me by at least a head and a half, Wearing eerily similar clothes to the messenger from an hour earlier.

I threw up a hand in greeting to the man, "Hey there, guess you're here to take me into the palace?"

He grunted in response. Guess he isn't much of a talker.

The escort jerked his head for me to follow, and turned to lead me to the palace.

The palace interior was just as amazing as the exterior. Massive vaulted ceilings littered with stained-glass windows made the room glow with a rainbow of different shades. Priceless artifacts adorned the walls, along with royal blue and white banners, the Exalt's Brand emblazoned upon them. That same royal blue lined the floors as well in the form of carpeting. Golden trim lined the marble columns that held the ceiing up. Opulent did not even begin to describe the palace. I don't know what I was expecting when it came to a palace, but this definitely blew any expectations I had out of the water.

My escort, who I've named Craig, led me to an offshoot room from the main hall. As soon as I made it into the room, Craig disappeared leaving me alone in the room. Not a soulin sight, So much for keeping The Exalt waiting. Not too much was going on in this room although, it was still as ornate as the rest of the palace. A lone round table sat in the center of the room, four chairs stood around it. A bay window overlooked the palace courtyard. I decided to watch the guards patrol the courtyard. I did this in despite the chairs, making myself comfortable wasn't going to happen just yet. How could I get comfortable? Emmeryn, the reigning monarch, wanted to meet with me specifically. For all I know I'm about to receive the verbal beat down of a lifetime for a perceived slight.

As I moved to look out said window sounds from behind the door caught my attention, I could barely hear what was being said, but I know it wasn't a pleasant conversation.

Straining my ears, I heard an older woman, "Despite… It does not… Excuse… This will be a good thing…." Her tone was strict, yet neutral.

The door opened, and in stepped the woman who I assumed I'd just overheard. She wore what I'd learned was standard Pegasus Knight's armor, except it was golden. Gray hair was pulled into a neat bun. Her mere presence commanded respect. Following close behind her was a familiar Red-headed Pegasus Knight. Cordelia's eyes widened when she saw me, but she said nothing. That same sad look I hadn't seen since our "date" was plastered across her face. I'll have to ask about that later.

The older Knight addressed me, "It's good to see you have found your way here Nikolas." Her eyes bored into mine, she looked me up and down almost as if she was appraising me. I know for a fact I haven't met her, and she knows my name… Ugh I'm so fucked.

Time to be on your best behavior Nik, I flashed a quick smile, and met her steely gaze,"I'm glad to be here, It's not everyday someone like me is summoned by The Exalt. May I ask your name Ma'am?"

She raised an eyebrow at my question, "My name is Phila, Commander of Ylisse's Pegasus Knights…" She intoned, "Though I am surprised Cordelia has not mentioned me in your time together." She broke my gaze to look at the redhead. Cordelia shrank under her gaze.

That took me off my guard, Why in God's green fuck does she know that I know Cordelia, "Cordelia mostly just helps me get better with spear combat, so I guess you just haven't come up Ma'am." I said, trying my best to defend my clearly distressed friend.

"Either way Commander, It's a pleasure to meet you." I gave her a slight bow.

At that moment the doors opened again, revealing The Exalt. Emmeryn almost glided through the threshold. Flanked on either side by Royal guards. With a wave of her dainty hand, the guards departed. Phila and Cordelia immediately dropped to one knee in reverence. Like an idiot, I remained standing, staring slack jawed at the angel who entered the room.

Her voice sent shivers down my spine, It was kind, with enough warmth to thaw Antarctica, "Stand please, this is not official enough to warrant that." The Pegasus Knights stood up just as fast as they'd fallen. She's too much, I'm gonna die…

She gave me a small smile, and moved to the table. Taking a seat she nodded for us to do the same. When I sat at the table, Cordelia sat to my right Emmeryn to the left, and Phila across from me. I tried my best to make little to no noise, afraid that at any moment The Exalt may notice I was actually there.

Emmeryn coughed into her hand, and spoke first, "This will not take very long, so please relax." Her face hardened as she continued, "Nikolas and Cordelia, there is a beast terrorizing farms to the south in a small village called Sarton, to put it simply I would like for the two of you to deal with the threat." She finished, looking straight into my eyes.

Cordelia exhaled slowly, calming herself, "Your Grace, what is the nature of this 'beast'?" The redhead asked.

Phila answered her, "We are unsure, what exactly it is. What we do know is that is wreaking havoc on livestock, and with winter coming the villagers rely on those animals for food."

Forgetting where I was, "Do you expect us to do this by ourselves?" I asked, to no one in particular.

Emmeryn sighed. "Unfortunately do to the Risen threat coming seemingly out of nowhere, you two are the only ones we can spare." Her head fell into one hand.

A shiver went down my spine, "I see." Was all I could manage.

"You two will depart later today, please make the necessary preparations." Phila said.

On that note Phila, Cordelia, and I got out of our chairs and made for the exit. Before I made it to the door Emmeryn's voice called out to me, "Nik, a moment please?"

Ice shot through my veins as I ground to a halt. This is gonna go bad I'm sure. I walked back to the table The Exalt sat at.

She gazed up at me and smiled, "Nikolas, we haven't had the opportunity to meet personally quite yet."

"N-No, your grace, we haven't." I confirmed, Why does she make me this nervous…

The Exalt let out a chuckle, "Then we shall change that, Also..." She trailed off, "Please Nik, you may call me Emmeryn. Anyone my brother is willing to speak so highly of has my trust."

What did Chrom say? "O-Oh, of course your gr– Err… Emmeryn." I said, calming down slightly, then continued, "Did you need something specific from me?"

She pulled a bag from her robes, as she set it on the table the metal inside clinged together, "I'm sure you will need this to prepare for your excursion," she gave me a warm smile, and slid the bag of coins to me, "Chrom typically forgets that those under his employ need money to live on, and with his deputy Frederick accompanying him to the north, that responsibility falls to me."

My eyes widened, I didn't know I got paid, "I couldn't possibly, I mean I haven't done anything yet ma'am."

"Surely you'll need it to equip yourself?" A smirk reminiscent of Lissa's crossed her lips, "Or do you expect to protect yourself with wooden weapons and cloth coverings?"

For the first time since coming to the palace I laughed, "You make a good point Emmeryn," I looked into her sky blue eyes, "Thank you for this. And thank you for all your family has done for me."

Her gaze met mine, "It's our pleasure, Nikolas."

The Exalt reached to her left hip and began fumbling with a buckle, "One more thing Nik," Emmeryn began, as she placed a dagger in my hand, "Just in case, you need it."

The dagger I now held in my hands was a thing of beauty. A golden cross guard and pommel adorned an ivory hilt. Its scabbard was the same pale green color as her robes, also lined in gold. In the center of the scabbard was the exalts brand.

I opened my mouth to object but was silenced by a glare from the monarch, "I'm feeling very generous today, so it seems," Her warm smile returned, "I've no use for such a tool, Chrom insisted I keep it on my person, I disdain any sort of fighting, in fact I strive for peace at all times, but I understand that the people need to be protected. In that regard, I would like for you to carry it in my stead."

I simply nodded at her. Emmeryn made herself clear, it wasn't my place to argue further. At that moment I realized something, Emmeryn just wants to help people, In any little way she can. I pledged to myself from that day onward as long as I was stuck in Ylisse, her ideals would be my own. I'm not sure why I was so ready to do that. Maybe It's my obvious infatuation with her, but I'd like to think I'm not so shallow.

"Thank you, Emmeryn. Sincerely." I breathed.

I took the coin purse, and without another word left Emmeryn behind, I had work to do.

The First stop on what I've dubbed "Nik's Shopping Extravaganza" was the castle armorer and blacksmith. Like Emmeryn had told me, a wooden spear probably wouldn't Cut it when comes to a beast that carries cows hundreds of feet into the air.

The blacksmith's 'shop' was in the far corner of the castle's grounds. The sounds of metal on metal rang out through the area. A bearded man sat at the forge, he looked every bit how one would think a blacksmith should. When I entered the area, he was hard at work hammering out what looked like a sword. A few moments passed before he raised his head and noticed me standing near a grindstone.

A gruff voice came from him, "What ya need Kid?" He said in a condescending tone.

That went all the way through me, "I need you to not call me kid. Old man." I sneered at him.

The blacksmith stood up, and walked close enough for me to feel his breath on my face. His eyes burned into mine as we glared at eachother. My muscles tightened in anticipation of the incoming fight. We stayed like this for a moment neither of our gazes wavering in the slightest. The tension was cut short when he let out a deep laugh.

The blacksmith clapped a hand on my shoulder, "Hah! Peace friend, not too many greenhorns come through here and stand up to my tough guy act!" He bellowed. "What can I do you for?"

After a moment of confusion, I laughed with him, "I need a spear, The Exalt is sending me out to hunt something in the south." I stated between laughs.

The blacksmith looked me up and down, appraising me, "I think I have something perfect for you." He walked to a rack of spears, "Come over here!"

I complied, the blacksmith contemplated for a minute longer, then chose a spear from the rack. As far as spears go it seemed pretty standard to me. A dark wooden shaft was topped by a shining steel tip. When he handed it to me, my eyes went wide. The spear was just as light as the training spear I used in my morning sessions. After a few test jabs with it, I gave him a nod. This thing is perfect.

"It's perfect, how much?" I asked, barely containing my giddiness.

The blacksmith smiled, "Thought you'd like it, Since I like you so much I'll drop the price."

After paying the blacksmith I was off to the armorer. I didn't have the same kind of encounter with the man running the armorer as I did the blacksmith. There I knew exactly what I wanted, Something light and flexible, movement is important to how I fight. Leather armor it is for me. The armorer had a meager selection of leather pieces. But I was able to find something suitable in a chest piece and two bracers similar in color to my boots.

My last stop was just outside the castle, a small tailor's shop sat on a corner right next to the castle gates. Upon entering the smell of freshly laundered fabric wafted into my nose. The tailor sat behind a desk in the corner of the shop. When she noticed me her eyes lit up. Guess business is slow. I sifted through the racks of garments, settling on an olive tunic with leather stitched over the seams. For trousers, I picked an off black pair, multiple lairs of cloth reinforced the knees.

As I walked to the counter to buy the garments I selected something caught my eye. An emerald green cloak sat alone on a coat rack, I didn't think twice about it and snatched it up. Overall, my outfit was extraordinarily expensive from what little I knew about money here. It didn't matter too much to me, as long as I was a Shepherd I was most likely going to be paid.

After I left the tailor, I made my way to the Shepherds barracks to get dressed. Everything I had bought fit as intended. Looking into the lone mirror in the common room, I began to cackle. Look at this dweeb. I was dressed like a ranger from a fantasy movie. Calming myself down I began loading my pouches with other supplies I'd bought. Mostly different medical supplies; bandages, a needle, and some thread should I need a stitch or two. Next I moved to load a bag I commandeered from the common room. My extra set of clothes, a blanket, and a water skin.

I strapped my quiver to my back, the arrows within jostled as I moved. The dagger Emmeryn gave me came next. I still don't know what possessed her to give me something like this. Finding a strap on my chest piece, I buckled it there. The bow I had taken from the Brigand had long been discarded, a smaller recurve bow replaced it, the bow was strapped to the quiver on my back. Finally, for my spear, tied a cloth to each end and slung it around my chest. Fully ready now, it was time to meet with Cordelia.

When I found Cordelia the sun was at its highest point. She was in the aerie, loading Aurora with her supplies. I garnered a few confused glances from other Pegasus Knights as I strode through the hall towards Aurora's stall, but no one spoke to me. Upon reaching Cordelia, i saw th look on her face, she looked just as distrought as she did in the palace. Anger was hot in her eyes as she worked. Deciding I didn't want to travel with a grumpy Cordelia, I got an Idea.

Slowly I set my travel bag down, and began to sneak up on the unsuspecting Pegasus Knight. One step after another I inched closer, careful not to make any sounds in my approach. I held my breath as to not alert her to my presence. Cordelia was too focused on loading her supplies. Perfect for me, my friend was none the wiser. When I got close enough to touch her, I made my move. With every bit of my speed I wrapped my arms around her waist. She squealed in surprise as I lifted her up and spun her.

Cordelia quickly became combative, "Unhand me!" she screeched, throwing punches down on me.

Not missing a beat I replied, "Not until you tell me what's bothering you." Aurora looked in on the spectacle infront of her, I swore I could see a smile in the beast's eyes.

Realizing who had picked her up, Cordelia relaxed a bit, "I will if you let me doow–" I spun faster, Cordelia began to giggle like a madwoman.

Giggles from us quickly turned into thuds as I slipped on some hay strewn across Aurora's stall. Cordelia landed on top of me, lucky for me she weighed next to nothing, but I wouldn't care if it was the opposite, my friend was laughing. After a moment of laying on the floor laughing like idiots Cordelia got off of me.

Cordelia faked a scowl and looked at me, "How dare you Nikolas, Man handling a lady such as myself is heavily frowned upon, I would be well within my right to have you thrown into the castle dungeons." Cordelia's mock anger broke as she erupted into another fit of laughter.

I smirked and half bowed to her, "My apologies Lady Cordelia, I did not mean to cause any offenses. I merely saw a friend in dire need of a 'Pick me up.'" Disgusted with my pun, I dropped the act I continued, "Now are you gonna tell me what's wrong?"

"I will on the road, too many eyes and ears here." Cordelia said, looking out of Aurora's stall.

It was only then I heard the whispers of other Pegasus Knights in the aerie, My face reddened deeply.

I turned to walk to the exit of the stable, "Where are you going?" Cordelia asked as she mounted Aurora.

Confused, I answered, "Uh… to the door?" How else do you expect me to leave?

Cordelia patted the space behind her, "Hop on." I gave her a confused look, "You wanted a ride, no?"

Bitchin'.

I hopped on Aurora behind Cordelia and prepared for take off.

Wind swept through my hair as we soared over Ylisstol. Flying was both exhilarating and liberating all at the same time. Any thoughts or worries fled from my mind, almost like the wind had carried them away. Looking back up my eyes focused on the Pegasus Knight at the reigns. I thought Cordelia was graceful on the ground, but the way she maneuvered through the skies was unbelievable. Cordelia flew with the grace of an angel.

Once we were clear of the city Cordelia turned to me, "You okay back there?"

A goofy smile crossed my face, "This is amazing Cordelia!" I exclaimed. I wasn't lying, this would definitely be one of the best experiences of my life.

Cordelia's eyes lit up, "I'm glad you're having fun Nik."

We flew for a few more hours before the sun began to set. Cordelia brought Aurora down on the edge of a small village. The buildings were a far cry from the city streets of Ylisstol, or even Southtown for that matter. But then again, I don't know what to expect when it comes to this place. I feel like a kid whose parents let him wander around town by themselves for the first time perpetually.

Cordelia and I quickly set up camp just outside the village. It took a lot less time for us to set up camp than it did when I was traveling with Chrom. Turns out traveling with the prince of a country is a lot more comfortable than traveling as a duo. We didn't have any tents, just blankets. No Frederick to find food either. Luckily enough Cordelia brought food for the both of us. Cordelia and I sat across from each other, a small fire burned between us as we ate.

"You ready to talk yet?" I asked nonchalantly.

"I was hoping you'd forgotten about that." Cordelia replied flatly.

"Nope. What's up?"I replied, resting my chin on my hands, "It seemed like you were getting chewed out before we met with Em– The Exalt."

"You heard that?" Of course I did, Phila isn't exactly soft-spoken.

I nodded.

"I missed another training flight… That makes the third time it's happened." Cordelia trailed off, "So this is meant to be my punishment."

I contemplated her words for a few moments before responding, "So it's a punishment to have to spend time with me?" Placing a hand over my heart, I continued, "That's awfully cold." I joked.

"No, that's not what I meant, It's just difficult to deal with my squad's constant hazing." Getting louder as she spoke, Cordelia continued, "On top of that it's drawn the ire of Commander Phila, I fear that I'll be cast out of the Flight, and if that happens I don't know how I would be able to face my family, they would be so dissapointed." Her voice dropped to a whisper, "Maybe it would be better if I just quit..."

Cutting her off, my gaze intensified, "It's only as much a punishment as you make it Cordelia." I sighed and softened my gaze, and continued, "If you want my opinion, you are an asset to Ylisse and the Pegasus Knights, I think Commander Phila knows that too. Otherwise, why send you specifically to do this? Why would a mission like this be a pinishment? Phila obviously has a great amount of trust in you if she sent you into this instead of someone else."

Cordelia's voice hitched in her throat, "An asset?" Her eyebrow raised.

"I haven't had the pleasure to see you actually fight, but the bruises on my body can attest to how fierce you are on the ground." I shivered, thinking about the borderline beat downs I received during training.

I continued, "I would bet my last dollar that you work harder than any of the other Pegasus Knights in your squad. I could only imagine how scary you'd be in the skies. You're brilliant Cordelia, don't even dream of quitting while I'm around." I didn't stop there, "You're amazing Cordelia, and fuck anyone who tells you otherwise!"

I am not a wise man by any meaning, in fact I'm air headed at the best of times. But I like to think I can be competent enough to help my friends out when they're going through something tough.

Cordelia didn't respond, her eyes focused on her feet as she stood up walked to me. The silence would be deafening if it were not for the fire popping. She stood in front of me, her fists clenched. Cordelia took one step closer to me, I began to open my mouth to apologize. I went too far, didn't I? She's pissed– That thought was cut off when her arms wrapped around my chest. I flinched at the unexpected contact, but returned her warm embrace. I held Cordelia's head close as quiet sobs came from Pegasus Knight, she pressed her head deeper into my shoulder. I exhaled softly, and dragged free my hand across her back in circulaur motions. We stayed like this for what felt like an hour.

Eventually, the sobs slowed and altogether stopped. Cordelia looked up at me, a light blush appeared on her cheeks as her eyes peered into mine, our faces were only centimeters apart, "Thank you Nik…" she breathed, her voice still shaken.

"It'll never be a problem Cordelia, I promise you that." I murmured.

Cordelia pulled away from me, wiped her eyes, and let out a half-hearted chuckle, "Look at me, I'm a mess…"

My heart pounded in my chest, but I simply shrugged, "Sometimes you've just gotta let it out," Even in this state Cordelia was still gorgeous. "There's no shame in needing a shoulder to cry on."

For the first time that night Cordelia smiled at me, "You're more right than you know."

Soon after Cordelia and I were both asleep. If the rumors about Sarton were true we'd be in for a long day tommorow.

Our destination lied below, Sarton was a village much like the one we camped outside of last night. The village sat at the base of a small mountain range, farms dappled its outskirts. Cordelia brought Aurora down in front of what I assumed was the town square of sorts. Villagers gathered around us as we dismounted, stunned expressions on their faces. Guess I'm not the only one who hasn't seen a pegasus.

I leaned in to whisper in Cordelia's ear, "They're staring… You gonna say something?"

Cordelia rolled her eyes and spoke, "People of Sarton," she began, "The Exalt has sent us to deal with the beast that has been plaguing your farms. If we could speak to the Elder here then we can get to work on dealing with it." Cordelia finished.

Murmurs wrought with confusion and excitement erupted through the crowd at the mention of the beast. Those murmurs silenced when an older man stepped out of the crowd, "Took you long enough, we lose men to that beast every day it seems like." His gruff voice echoed through the now silent village.

Cordelia's gaze focused on the older man, "I'm sorry to hear that sir." Cordelia flashed a small smile to the disgruntled man, "is it safe to assume that you are in charge around here?"

"It would be, my name is Graham." he grumbled and began walking to enter a small house, "You two coming? I haven't all day."

Cordelia looked at me for confirmation, I shrugged and followed Graham into his home. Inside the house was, let's just say cozy, The elder sat on an old stool while Cordelia and I stood. He stared at us for a few agonizing seconds before speaking.

"Well?" he said.

I responded, "Well what?"

Annoyance wracked his wrinkled face, "Are ya daft?! I'm sure y'all're gonna ask a bunch of questions about our feathered friend."

Cordelia stepped in, "Yes of course, Could you tell us what it is that keeps taking the live stock?"

His eyes lowered as he sighed. "Unfortunately no, I can't…" The man reached into a pocket, "All we have is this." Withdrawing his had from his pocket, the elder produced what looked like a normal feather just larger, the feather was brown.

"Looks like a normal feather to me." I said flatly.

The elder scoffed but ignored my comment, "None of us, have seen this beast up close. But when it takes one of our cows every so often it leaves these behind."

"Interesting, may I take a closer look?" Cordelia said, reaching a hand out for the feather.

The elder rolled his eyes, "Knock yourself out." I would knock this old man out if I wasn't trying to help.

Silence fell over us as Cordelia inspected the feather closely. Slowly tracing the vane lightly with one finger her faced screwed up as she fell deeper in thought. The silence was interrupted by screams from outside the house. The door burst open with force, a younger man with purple hair poked his head in the hovel. His face was wrought with fear, sweat rolled down his face.

Clearly trying not to look terrified, the man huffed. "Elder Graham, it's back!"

"Donnell, take these two there at once!" The elder exclaimed.

In seconds Cordelia and I rushed out of the house, hot on Donnel's heels. Cordelia had no time to get to Aurora as we raced through the village's dirt roads. I drew my bow out of its clasp as we drew near the edge of the village. Being faster than Cordelia and Donnel I pulled ahead of them by a wide margin. I didn't need a guide anymore, I could hear the screeching of a bird of prey. I was scared but The Exalt sent me to do a job and I'd be damned if i was going to dissapoint her.

I was the first to break into the field. What I saw there made my blood run cold. Large brown wings unfurled from a strong feline body. It's head was that of an eagles. You've gotta be kidding me. The beast flew close to the ground claws outstretched, giving chase to a dairy cow. A horrendous sound came from the bovine as it dragged it into the sky. My mind was blank, I didn't even try to fire an arrow at the beast. Before I knew it, all I heard was the sounds of its wings thumping in the wind as it flew away into the nearby mountains.

Cordelia and Donnel ground to a halt beside as I put my bow back in its clasp. Through haggard breaths Cordelia spoke, "Did you see it?"

"Yeah I did." I replied flatly, still a little stunned about what I just saw.

"Well what was it your Knightliness?" Donnel said, straightening out.

"Ever heard of a Griffon?"

Well Griffons are scary, and now Nik has to kill one. Yikes... Anyway, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, I hope you had a good time reading it.

-Dratwer

TheBlackKraven- Yeah, I agree Robin and Nik need to get their problems sorted out.

UDtimburrhog- Nik definitely has some issues for sure, and hopefully with a little help he can get through it.

Zephyr47- Thanks, Nik would probably die at the longfort if he had gone with them. His head needed a bit of time to adjust and the battlefield certainly isn't the spot for that.