The earth shook and I jumped to my feet as Alizeh’s bronze wings dusted the treetops and her sword-like talons plowed the dirt upon landing. She clucked, snapping her beak in the air then gazed over at me with her oversized eyes.
"You came." I rushed to her side and leaned into the downy softness of her right wing.
I moved to the front of her and she lowered her head to me. I held the sides of her beak and locked my stare with hers, hoping she’d understand me. "I need you to do me a favor, girl. My father has gone missing in the mountains and I really need to find him. He is not himself, and he might be dangerous, but I need your help."
Alizeh nodded in my grip, whether understanding my plea or just responding to the attention.
"I know you belong to Veda, but I really need you. I care about her and I think she cares about me. At least I hope she does. Would you be able to help me?"
She snapped her beak and I stepped back. Maybe she hated me too? But instead of ripping off my arms she nudged the bag at my hip pushing it back.
"Are you hungry, girl?" I pat her head and pulled a dark pink and green dragonfruit from the bag. She clucked happily, and I tossed it in the air, the entire piece disappearing in one gulp.
"Is that a yes?”
She pulled her talons back and lowered herself to the ground, her head laying low on the dirt. I mounted her back as fast as I could, in case she decided to change her mind and tried to buck me off. Instead, she stood tall and proud with her enormous wings spread out in a perfect line, waiting for my directions.
"Let’s go.”
I jerked forward as Alizeh climbed higher into the sky. I scanned between the trees, looking for any movement, any sign that my father may still be in the forest. But as we ascended higher and higher, the hope that I would find him disappeared in the open air.
The silvery moonlight twisted through the mountain peaks. The cool evening air helped soothe the sunburn etched into my skin, but still didn't stop the burn completely. I rubbed my tired eyes, the dust of flight and the intense concentration from surveying every movement below itched under my eyelids.
Unfortunately, I hadn't found one clue as to where my father may have gone. I'd searched all of the lower peaks, every one that was accessible by road or pathway, moving into the ones that required actual mountain climbing experience, but they both seemed untouched. The window for finding him kept closing and I needed to find a way to prop it open a little while longer. My stomach growled, battling hunger and the dread of telling my mother that I'd found nothing, just like the captain had warned her.
But no matter where I flew, I couldn't lose the awful feeling of hurting Veda. Mom said to make it right, but lately every time I opened my mouth I offended someone. Or could I have been making excuses to avoid owning up to my mistakes?
I leaned forward and gathered a fistful of feathers near Alizeh’s neck. "Alizeh, bring me to Veda’s mountain."
The giant bird turned in a wide arc and the wind whipped through my hair as we soared straight into the current. I settled back and watched the stars float by above our heads, trying to figure out what I could say that might convince her to forgive me. But how would I explain that I let the Council get into my head, or worse, that the thought of kissing her meant more to me than any other kiss I’d ever had?
Alizeh circled the familiar peak, slowing down to land, as the tiny cottage appeared below us like a dot on a map. The windows stood dark as the surrounding night, so she might have already gone to bed. Was it even that late? Or maybe it was early tomorrow already? Flying all day had messed with my concept of time. Alizeh landed as smooth and graceful as always, and I slid off her back as the odd feeling of the stable ground beneath my feet buckled my knees.
“Thank you," I said, as I rushed across the yard. I grabbed a fish from the box by the tree and tossed it toward the bird, her sharp beak shredding it almost instantly. I owed her so much more than a partially rotting fish, but it would have to do for now. Once I returned to the castle I would have the kitchen prepare a feast deserving of the most decorated knight.
"Good girl." I tapped her beak and she closed her eyes with a contented cooing sound. "I'll be right back."
I took the narrow winding path toward the dim cottage. No lights were visible from the ground either. The flowers in the tiny garden flopped over on their stems waiting for the morning sun to wake them again from slumber. Maybe it was a lot later than I thought.
By the time I reached the door, a thickness had already built in my throat. I swallowed, trying to force it down as my fist hovered beside the wooden door. I’d come all this way and still had no clue what I would say to her, but I hoped the right words would come when I saw her face. I clenched my teeth and knocked.
The sound echoed between the peaks, but inside the house remained silent.
I knocked again, louder but trying not to sound too aggressive.
Nothing.
I looked at Alizeh out in the yard and shrugged. She turned her head to the side watching me with upended eyes.
One last try.
I banged my fist harder and longer, the
