Mythborn by V. Lakshman Read Free Book Online Page B

the highlord’s greatest wish that you come to no harm whilst under his aegis.” He bowed again, his wings curving around his shoulders to drape him in a regal argent cloak.
    Though there was nothing about this man that made Arek trust him, he also understood they were alone and at the mercy of Lilyth’s forces. Better to be aligned with them than not, he thought, rationalizing it as simple expediency. He turned to Niall and said, “If this land is dangerous, it might be prudent to have soldiers with us.”
    “Do I know you, sir?” Niall asked the angel.
    Gabreyl smiled and said, “Perhaps. Do I remind you of someone?”
    Niall seemed to consider that for a moment, then shook his head. “I can’t place it but you seem familiar in some way.”
    Arek looked at his friend in surprise, having thought the same thing only a moment before. Perhaps the prince was more astute than he’d given him credit for. His regard for Niall’s attention to detail went up a notch.
    “Here.” Niall slipped the ring off his finger and handed it to Gabreyl.
    The messenger took it gingerly then made a strange sound, almost a whistle. The sound echoed out, becoming louder. As if in answer a deeper whistle similar to Gabreyl’s echoed back. Whatever made that sound, however, was big .
    Gabreyl turned back to the two young men and said, “A wingblade has been summoned. They are fearsome to behold, but mean you no harm.”
    The approaching sound grew louder, a whump whump of stomping feet running at a fast clip. Even as the two young men watched, the crowd of soldiers parted and a rider on what could only be described as a giant running bird appeared. The rider was horned and tattooed the same as the rest of the blue-skinned warriors.
    It was the bird however that caused both Arek and Niall to hold their breath in shock. The wingblade stood almost nine feet tall from the ground to its majestic crest. It was resplendent in iridescent colors that shifted from a deep cerulean blue to a bright turquoise, depending on the angle from which it was seen. Arek thought it strangely colorful in an already vivid landscape, something a predator would likely appreciate.
    As if hearing his thoughts, Gabreyl said, “Wingblades have no natural predators. In addition to their speed, they are armed.” He gestured to the bird’s feet, which revealed wicked crescent-shaped talons, each adorning a toe. It was clear the bird could disembowel a man with one slash.
    It turned its black eyes on the pair, blinking as its rider reached down. Gabreyl handed over the ring and said something else in that strange, almost musical sounding tongue. The rider nodded then turned and kicked the bird into motion. It shot off in a blur, almost faster than the eye could see. Another rider joined her. Soon they were out of sight.
    “Sparrow will ensure your ring is properly delivered.” He smiled and motioned to his men again, who promptly fell back into formation.
    “Is that the bird’s name, or the rider’s?” Niall asked.
    Gabreyl didn’t look back but he laughed and said, “The rider’s. She has been riding since she could climb onto a saddle. Nothing will stop her.”
    “How far does she have to go?” Niall asked.
    Gabreyl smiled and said, “No farther than we do, Your Highness. She makes her way to a henge not too distant, along with her sacrifice. From there to Avalyon is only a step.” He looked at his men and then back at the two young lords. “As I said before, we must make haste. May I give the order?”
    Arek nodded slowly, not understanding the context of the word “sacrifice” just used, but nonetheless feeling it sounded somehow ominous. He also wondered if they truly had any choice. He did not know where Lilyth’s realm started or ended and wandering the countryside, beautiful or not, seemed counterproductive. Better they had these blue-skinned “men” escort them, especially if they meant to take him to his father. At that, a thought occurred