The portal transports. In doing so, the typical flash of blue universe energy exists. The luminescence abides at the entrance and the exit of the gateway. It is a ray of foretelling perceived as nothingness by the Griffs` primitive society but is a deliverance of their deity. Hence, that flash is known as being part of her and her kind.
That blue light instantly commands respect. A worship ritual immediately occurs. Respectfulness via taking flight to feel the air rush in their wings before coming together around their deity. It is awe-striking in every possible sense.
The sound of thousands of pairs of massive wings makes the heart stand still. Wings powerfully beat the air in unison as all of them take flight. Large creatures that fly while screeching praise before descending to a perch. This ritual continues until every Griff within hearing range and sight distance carries out the respect to the air. And it is only then that the Emperor bows lowly to the Air Prime.
Augusta has seen it several times before. Yet every time it creates speechlessness within being stone still. Her senses are reverently silent within having difficulty believing that such creatures are real. However, they are. And those creatures, the Griffs adore her and happily worship her.
In that adoration, the Griff Emperor always offers the ride. The saddling on top as he takes to the skies to prove worthiness in flight and his loyalty to her.
Massive feathered wings spread in a glorious display of primal power. The ride happens even if those wings hold brutal wounds with the body battered. It is higher and higher, up into the almost unbreathable atmosphere. Then a strongly controlled descending. It flows softly into perching on the surface of the monarchal cliff.
The cliff where the cave abides. His throne room. His place of rest and monarchial duties. He takes her here after ascending to the heavens. He brings her down to his home. And she, the only Griff rider, climbs off that massive backside. Then he supplies a humble bow before resting on the cliff’s edge in announcing via telepathy.
” Your Holiness, I am Claddagh Deblin, the rightful leader of your Troxian Griffins. I’m always in your service. “
Augusta feels dizzy with the entirety of it. This is the third occasion to experience such an event. She watched a death battle involving Emperor Gyrus. After that, she visited just after the twin emperors became crowned. That is when Breaze made the introduction to his best friend, Lord Averous. And now, the tall and brawny battle-worn Claddagh.
” Well, done,” Praisingly addresses Augusta while sitting on a nearby flat boulder.
A joyous grinning stare displays as the new emperor troops into snickering of feeling proud. Claddagh then shivers with excitement as he nestles on the cliff.
” You honour me with being here. My reign shall surely be blessed and long. ” He conveys with a wish that it is true as he continues sending telepathic conversation. ” But, I know you are searching for answers to my friend Averous`s death. And, I wish to help you with the truth of that. “
The air is sweet with a light breeze along this majestic peak of almost seclusion. Augusta silently commanded it to be this as she arrived. A kindness to celebrate the day. She listens to the words of telepathy as the air whispers of his breathing truths, heartbeats and the essence that lingers in the surrounding air. It all tells of sincerity, truth and request for help.
” I do for I am begging for justice. A justness that only you might be able to provide. ” Conveys Claddagh holding his head proudly. “ Your kind came here before to Berous, came wanting the sacred promise revoked. We would not. We cannot, can not for once a Griff swears an oath we are bound for eternity by it. “
“ I am aware that you are bound to any sacred oath you make. ” Understandingly replies Augusta with a pleased smile and nod of appreciation
“ We are, with it meaning death to break such promises. “ Claddagh states within the deep understanding of that realism.
She looks at him with curiosity for the telepathy stops as it seems indecision holds him.
“ Say it, “ She demands of him in calmness while staring into his eyes with openness. “ You are free to say it all. “
Long moments pass as those tawny colour eyes sharply search her eyes. And then suddenly, “ You changed…prettier.” He states with a smile before returning to speaking seriously. “ Back then your kind arrived here. They placed a large shiny stone in the mountain’s paws. Our emperor back then was almost beaten to the last breath before he swore a sacred oath to protect it. ”
Shock within horror blisters upon Augusta’s face. ‘My kind, not me, but a powerful bipedal. ‘ Brings thoughts as she adds in awareness that all of this injustice begins at her rebirthing.
“ We did long-time duty. Oath kept. Then a short time ago Berous personally spent many days guarding the paw of the mountain of shiny stone. He did after many of your kind arrived asking for stone. Then many passing suns there was one …powerful one, come. They magic death even though Averous heard Berous`s call. Averous saved stone, he protected it for you. ”
“ Ah, ” Injects Augusta wide-eyed as needed pieces to a much greater puzzle become known.
At that sound, the new Emperor hesitates. Augusta supplies a hand gesture in nudging for more. “ Continue. All of it is needed. ”
“ Your shiny colour was in the sky when Berous and Averous died. But, you not be here then, not after shiny colour. You not because we could not feel you. Not like today when you come. We feel you. We know you. You are our wings and heartbeats. We always fly for you when you come. “
She is stopped still. A gasp. Heart-owning sharp beats as the weight of who she is once more declares itself. The universe echoes the authority of her presence. Watery begins to dwell in blue eyes as it’s emotional to be so titanically important to so many.
” Not you, ” Breaks the silence as Claddagh nods respectively of her understanding of the need that he asks of her, asking as sadness and fear own his voice tone. ” But, your kind take Emperors breaths to break our oaths. We keep oaths. We never disrespect you. You are breaths and wings. No more killing, please, no more. ” Share the powerful beast to humble bow his regal head.
Pleading to live. An apex predator creature of her realms being preyed upon. Griffs. Wings and air things are hers. Every part of the air from winged predators to minor air elemental essences is the Air Prime. That became understood years ago. But she is shocked that there is a predator of Griff Emperors. One of her kind is the predator. One of magic, of power, of two feet, furless and thievery of gemstone nine.
” Leo…me…predator, prey is me. “ Illuminates as she says it while eyes widen in needing more answers as the air whispers that nothing untold remains on Troxia.
WindWhisperer 