Chapter 93 The Journey of a Fool
In the rooms of Esteban.
Esteban: I have some clothes from the north and some leather armor for practice that would suit you well.
Heinrich: Thank you. When I was young, I traveled as a passenger on a Pegasus. I understand it gets very cold at altitude.
Wulfhelm: I have dreamed about that. I imagine it must be excellent.
Heinrich: Yes, it was very exciting, but this is dangerous. I hope it is possible.
Esteban: Good luck. Do you think they are going to attack a Pegasus?
Heinrich: It is possible. Their orders say they are at war against Costa Lunas. If I cannot board the ship, I will not be able to change their orders. Count, I need you to make me a promise. Keep my nephew near the queen so that he will be protected. He is a young man of honor and, at times, too much bravery.
Wulfhelm: I am not a baby. I do not need a wet nurse.
Heinrich: Think about your mother. The safest place is with the queen.
Esteban smiled: She is the queen and you are a duke. You two now hold the highest titles in the kingdom.
Wulfhelm: Agreed. But I want a sword. If there is a fight, I am not going to run away.
Heinrich: Yes. Weight is important for Pegasi. Take my sword. It was a gift from your father.
The man removed his sword belt and handed it to his nephew. The young man took the belt and fastened it around his slender hips.
The door opened and the priest entered the room: Lord Heinrik, it is time to leave. The journey to the nest is long. Please say goodbye.
The priest guided the man towards the stairs, and the count guided the young man towards the royal chambers.
Danilo stopped at the entrance to the covered bridge high above the palace: I am sorry. You are wearing armor, but I cannot climb the stairs as quickly or as easily as you can.
Heinrich: Do not worry, Priest. Compared to your intelligence, my brain is like the muscles of a weak child.
Danilo: Warriors always think they are not intelligent. But my two friends are very intelligent. I think you are too.
Heinrich: I am smart enough to ask you directly instead of believing the gossip. Are you aware of the rumors circulating about you?
Danilo: Yes, I know some people say I sleep with young boys.
Heinrich: Is that true?
Danilo: No. But I am a good liar. So, you cannot be sure.
Heinrich: Four years earlier, there was a captain in Blasser Hafen. He was a good liar. But when I asked him directly, he burst into tears and told me everything about his crimes. I think you feel guilty about many things, but your response was that of a man without remorse. I choose to believe you now.
Danilo: Thank you. I am a different kind of man. But I would never lay a hand on a young person.
Heinrich: If I find out it is a lie, I will kill you.
Danilo: Most men would kill me for what I have confessed to you.
Heinrich laughed: You should serve on the warships of Blasser Hafen. There are many different men serving on the ships. Ready?
The little man nodded and they continued climbing. After thirty minutes and another break, they arrived at the nest. Danilo noticed that the height did not bother the tall, blond man.
The nest.
The priest: Master Rider, if possible, I have another passenger. It is a dangerous journey.
Nestor laughed: Your passengers are always very large.
Heinrich: I am sorry. Is this possible?
Nestor: The only Pegasus with fresh wings is Red Sunrise. Come with me.
The three of them headed to the quarters of the riders. Hernando and Corsino were playing dice for copper coins during a break.
Nestor: Corsi, you lost this round. Come here.
Corsino pushed the coins to his friend and stood: Lords! This rider is ready.
Danilo: Can your Pegasus transport this man?
The man approached the tall knight. His eyes were at the level of the stomach of the other man.
Corsino: Where are we going?
Heinrich: The Islas de Luz and the surrounding waters. We need to find a large warship. I want to jump aboard the ship.
Nestor grunted in surprise: If you want to die, take twelve steps to your right. It will be an easier death. And less dangerous for my rider and Pegasus.
Danilo: Nestor, it is very important that the man tries to get onto the boat. Would it be possible for her to fly near the boat and for the man to cut the ropes and jump aboard?
Nestor: Corsi, she is your girl. They might attack you when they see her.
Corsino: I will explain it to her, and if she accepts, we will fly. She has never carried a passenger before. If she rejects you, she might kick you with her hooves.
Nestor: Corsino is right. Some people have died after being kicked by a Pegasus. They are stronger than they look.
Heinrich: Everyone is explaining to me how I could die. That means what I want to do is valuable. Please introduce me to your Pegasus.
Corsino: I suppose I do not need to tell you that you should not show fear.
In ten minutes, they were in front of Red Sunrise. The man from Puerto Blanco was standing in front of her with his hands on his hips. She approached slowly and inhaled his scent. She turned her head from side to side to look at him with each eye. The Pegasus reared up, and its hooves passed very close to his head. The man did not move or attempt to block her strike.
Many men: Step back! Now!
Heinrich: If she wanted to hit me, she would hit me. She wants to know if I am a coward.
Red Sunrise in the mind of her rider: I like this biped. He can ride me.
Corsino: She accepts you. You are mad but I love challenges.
They placed a double saddle on the horse and climbed onto it. Heinrich only used a rope around his thighs. He looked at his dagger to make sure he could pull it out and cut the rope.
Heinrich: I am ready. I need to be free quickly so I can jump. I hope I do not weigh too much.
Corsino: Fortunately, I weigh almost nothing.
Red Sunrise leaped from the edge of the stone path at full speed. Heinrich recalled with great joy the feeling of flying from his youth. This was something out of a nightmare. He watched as the ground rushed towards them like an arrow. When she spread her wings and turned in the air to fly in a straight line, the man felt like he was going to vomit.
Red Sunrise: My rider is feeling better now.
Corsino: Yes, I feel like I have regained my honor.