Chapter 78 Messengers of the Queen
The great tower.
Tatiana climbed the stairs more slowly because the priest could not move as quickly as she could. They reached the bridge that connected the castle to the stone supports of the nest. He stopped for a few minutes to catch his breath. The long covered bridge was used to bring most needs of human and Pegasi to the high nest.
Tatiana smirked unconsciously: The High Priest needs to visit the nest more often.
Danilo, breathing with difficulty: Yes. I will try to climb these stairs again if I am still alive in a week.
Tatiana: If you are still alive in a week, you will be running up these stairs twice a week. And I will be right behind you with my axe. You can run until you have gotten rid of all your lies. If we are all alive, you will make amends to many you have wronged.
Danilo: Yes, I need to atone for my crimes. I will serve my purpose as well as I can.
Tatiana spoke with menace: And I will be watching.
Danilo nodded submissively: Understood. I think I am ready now.
The two crossed the bridge, looking down over the east wing and then the fields that were kept clear below the towering stucture that supported the nest. Next, both entered the many flights of stone steps that wrapped around the central support columns. She allowed him another stop halfway up. Tatiana marveled at the high road of stone used by the Pegasi to take off and land. Few from the north had ever seen this marvel of building prowess. They finally arrived at the nest and found Master Rider Nestor.
Nestor smiled with surprise: Priest, I am glad to see you here. Are the messages really that important?
Danilo: Yes, messages and a passenger. Is it possible that Grey Wing could take her north? We need her there for matters of the kingsom.
Nestor looked at the warrior, who was a head taller than him and was adorned in leather armor, fur cape and numerous weapons: With weapons and armor?
Tatiana: Yes, I need to travel as I am. I need to go to the fort of my uncle, Arkady the Bear. It is on the northern border. Can she land there at night?
Nestor: She is strong and can land anywhere that is reasonably flat. Their vision at night is far better than ours. I must warn you that it is her decision. If she rejects you, there is no way to change her mind. And none other of these young ladies can take a person wearing so much steel.
Tatiana smiled as she knew that it was not just her attire that concerned him: I understand. But we must try.
Danilo: I want to talk to the riders before they get ready. The next week will likely be difficult for them.
Nestor: Of course. Your wisdom is always welcome.
They gathered in a prayer room used by the air family. As with all things in the nest, it was functional and sparse.
Danilo looked at the three young riders beside the older veteran: These bags are from the Herald. These coins are important to you. But these messages are even more important.
The priest handed a bag to each rider. The young men felt the weight of the bags and smiled. The riders had received very poor pay during the reign of Aloisio.
Danilo: Olivia, the daughter of Aloisio, is the queen now. For twenty years, the Pegasi riders have flown in the service of a man who never thought of us. You flew without coins, without nobles who understood the importance of the Pegasi, and without the support of the king. You have flown for high priests who let your nest slowly die. Today, we can begin to restore what once was.
The refined man unsheathed his dagger and kissed each of the golden wings. The four riders imitated his actions.
Danilo: The queen believes in the goddess and the Pegasi. She has heard every story about Clemente and the riders from the age of greatness. The queen believes that each of you are heroes like these riders. She calls you now to make good your oath.
The high priest pointed his dagger at the statue of the goddess of the air. The riders knelt on one knee and pointed their daggers towards her.
Danilo in a commanding voice: The goddess is watching you. Will you deliver your messages quickly? Will you ride without fear? Will you fly like heroes?
The riders in unison: Peace, honesty, and kindness. We remember our oath. We are the messengers of Queen Olivia.
They left to put on their riding clothes. Corsino looked around to make sure no one was watching him. He used his dagger to cut the threads of the bag and found the small messages. One had only the letters, P B, on it. The Herald wanted him to fly to Puerto Blanco. The other was written in the language of that place, and he had never learned to read much of it. He burned the first note with a candle, He hid the message again in the layers of the bag and removed most of the coins. He then hid it in his vest. When he met with the others, he felt a great sadness in his heart.
Nestor: I need to go north. Who wants to go to Puerto Blanco?
Corsino lied immediately: Me. She was tired yesterday. An easy trip would be a good idea for her.
Hernando grinned and quickly added: I can fly to the Ridges. I mean we can fly to the Ridges.
Nestor: Flori, nine islands. How is she?
Floriano tried to look confident: She is strong. We can do it.
Nestor: Fine. White Stockings flies in ten minutes. Snowfall flies five minutes later. Red Sunrise five minutes after her. I want everyone in flight and away when we try to introduce the giantess to Grey Wing.