Wyvern Rider (a story in the Ravenglass Universe) - XIII
An orphan girl and an orphaned wyvern find shared a destiny...
Irina sat on the rocky ledge, her mind racing. Ksenia was still out there, alone and possibly hurt. She had to find her, to make sure she was safe. But how?
An idea sparked. The mind-web. If she could tap into it, perhaps she could locate Ksenia, sense her presence amidst the tangle of other minds.
Closing her eyes, Irina reached out with her thoughts. She sensed the buzz of countless minds.
She tried to focus, to single out Ksenia’s familiar presence. But it was like trying to pick out a single voice in a crowd. The sheer number of minds, from the smallest insect to the mightiest beast, drowned out any individual thread.
Irina pushed harder, straining to extend her reach. But the harder she tried, the more the web seemed to slip away, fading into an indistinct blur.
Her head pounded, her breathing ragged.
With a gasp, Irina opened her eyes.
Nim brushed against her, concern emanating from him in waves.
“I’m fine, Nim. But Ksenia…we have to find her.”
The shadows were lengthening, the light taking on the golden hue of approaching sunset. They were running out of time.
Irina hauled herself to her feet, wincing at her injured ankle. “We have to go. We can’t wait any longer.”
Nim whined softly, his reluctance to leave the safety of the mountains echoing through their bond. But beneath that, Irina felt his resolve, his determination. Ksenia was their friend. They would not abandon her.
Climbing onto Nim’s back, Irina took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”
Nim launched them from the ledge, his wings beating as they gained altitude. The cool air rushed past Irina’s face, whipping her hair back.
Despite the urgency of their mission, she couldn’t help but marvel at the sensation of flight, at the way the world seemed to fall away beneath them.
They soared over the treetops, the forest a blur of green and shadow. Irina scanned the ground, searching for any sign of Ksenia.
She guided Nim towards Ksenia’s hut, hoping she had made it back safely. But as they drew closer, Irina’s heart sank. The hut was dark, its windows shuttered. No smoke rose from the chimney.
Nim landed in the small clearing outside the hut. Irina slid from his back, stumbling a little as her injured ankle took her weight.
“Ksenia?” She limped to the door and knocked. “Ksenia, are you here?”
No answer came.
Irina pushed the door open, revealing a single room shrouded in shadows. The fireplace was cold, the bed neatly made.
What if the hunters had found Ksenia?
What if they had taken her, or worse?
No. She couldn’t think like that. Ksenia was smart, resourceful. She would have found a way to evade the hunters, to stay safe.
Irina thought back to their frantic flight through the forest, trying to remember any detail that might give a clue to Ksenia’s whereabouts.
The memory of a small cave flashed through her mind, a concealed nook they had once used as a hiding place. It was a long shot, but it was the only lead she had.
“Come on, Nim.” She hobbled back to the wyvern. “I think I know where Ksenia might be.”
They took to the skies once more, Irina guiding Nim with mental images of the cave’s location. It took some searching, the dense foliage concealing many of the forest’s secrets, but finally Irina spotted the telltale outcropping of rock.
Nim landed outside the cave’s entrance.
Irina slid down and reached out with her mind.
Nothing.
“Ksenia?”
There was only silence. Then, a shadow moved.
“Irina?” Ksenia’s voice was weak, strained.
Irina rushed forward, ignoring the pain in her ankle, and threw her arms around Ksenia.
The older woman winced but returned the hug. “I knew you would find me.”
Irina pulled back, scanning Ksenia for injuries. The woman’s face was bruised, her clothing torn and bloodied. But she was alive.
“What happened?”
Ksenia grimaced. “I led them away from you, led them through the forest. But they were persistent. I took a few tumbles, had to hide to catch my breath. But I’m alright. Nothing that won’t mend.”
She looked past Irina to where Nim waited. “You flew here?”
Irina nodded. “It was the only way.”
Ksenia smiled. “You’ve come so far, both of you. But flying into the forest…it’s too dangerous now, with the hunters on the prowl.”
Irina bit her lip. “I know. But what choice do we have? Nim can’t stay in the mountains forever.”
Ksenia was silent for a long moment, her gaze distant. “Perhaps…perhaps you and Nim should remain hidden in the village for a few days, at least until after the midsummer festival.”
“What?” Irina stared at her. “But the risk—if anyone sees him…”
“I know. But the old forge has kept him hidden this long. With a bit more caution, it might serve a while longer.” Ksenia met Irina’s eyes. “The hunters will be watching the skies now. They’ll expect you to flee. They won’t think to look right under their noses.”
Irina considered this. It was risky. But Ksenia was right. The forest was no longer safe. “Do you think Nim will be able to handle it? Being cooped up, hidden away?”
“He’ll endure it, for you. Your bond is strong. As long as you’re together, he’ll find a way.”
Irina nodded. “We’ll do it.”
“Good. But Irina…” Ksenia gripped Irina’s arm. “You must be careful. More careful than ever. One slip, one sighting…”
“I understand. I won’t let that happen.”
Ksenia’s gaze softened. “I know you won’t. But promise me, if the worst does happen, if Nim is discovered…you’ll leave. You’ll fly far away from here, to safety.”
Irina swallowed hard. The thought of leaving, of abandoning her home and family, was like a knife to the heart. But she knew Ksenia was right. Nim’s safety had to come first. “I promise.”
“Good. Now, you should go. Get back to the village before dark.”
Irina hesitated. “Will you be alright here, alone?”
Ksenia waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. I’ve spent many a night in this old cave. It’s quite cosy, once you get used to the bats.”
Irina managed a laugh. “If you’re sure…”
“I am. Now go. And remember, caution above all else.”
With a final hug, Irina climbed back onto Nim’s back. The wyvern launched them into the darkening sky, his wings beating a steady rhythm as they climbed above the treetops.
As the village came into view, Irina felt a twist of apprehension in her gut. Sneaking Nim back into the old forge, keeping him hidden in the heart of the village…it seemed an impossible task. He had grown so much, his form now far too large to be mistaken for anything other than what he was.
But she had to try. For Nim’s sake, for Ksenia’s, for the sake of the bond that had come to mean everything to her.
They landed behind the old forge, the building’s bulk shielding them from prying eyes. Irina slid down, biting back a cry as her injured ankle hit the ground.
Nim whined, nudging her hand. “Irina hurt.”
“I’m fine.” She stroked his snout. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”
Nim’s wings scraped against the doorframe as he squeezed through. But once inside, he settled into his nest.
Irina moved around the forge, checking the shutters, making sure no crack or gap could betray Nim’s presence. She piled blankets and sacks around his nest, hoping to muffle any sounds he might make.
Nim watched her, his eyes glinting in the low light. Irina felt his unease, his sense of being trapped and confined.
“I’m sorry, Nim.” She knelt beside him. “I know this isn’t what you want, what either of us wants. But it’s the only way to keep you safe.”
Nim nuzzled into her hand, his warm breath ghosting over her skin. Through their bond, Irina felt his love, his trust, his willingness to endure any hardship so long as they were together.
“Stay hidden, Nim.” Irina rose to her feet, tears prickling her eyes. “I will return when I can.”
“Sleep well, Irina.”
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