Winged Words by GrayOverload, on Flickr
The cathedral in Gotharc was rivaled only by the royal castle in complexity and vastness. While the royal keep was certainly older, there were many parts of the cathedral that were hidden from many, chambers and towers accessible only through extensive knowledge and friendship with the right people.
The rookery was a relatively secret location, accessible only by a small doorway in the left wing of the cathedral. Of course, arriving at the tower was of little consequence for Patrick, who was able to locate the two priests who held the keys in no time at all. Samwell and Randall were their names, both experienced in taking care of the birds and garden located in the rookery.
“You know, High Priest, you could have asked us to send the message for you. We know there must be many things to tend to, what with the emperor’s death and all, so we could have taken that load off of your shoulders.” Randall said as the trio climbed the spiral stairs of the rookery’s tower.
“No, that’s quite alright, my brother. This message is very important, and while I certainly trust all of my brothers here I wanted to see to it that it was personally sent on its way.” Patrick said, although he spoke with a hurrying tone that suggested he wanted no conversation. The rest of their ascension was silent.
Fidgeting the key in the ancient lock, Samwell was able to pry the door open with some effort, resulting in a squeak that made Randall cringe. Patrick’s mind was elsewhere, so focused that he didn’t make any movement when the creak split the air.
The room was not much larger than the bedchambers for many of the priests were, but it was much less stuffy. Three massive windows let the air of the outside world in, and all of Gotharc could be seen, miles beyond as well. A structure filled to the brim with colorful flowers and blooms sat just below the arched gateways. The floor was tiled a number of colors, scarlet, granite, and green, typical of region. To the left of the entrance were a number of portholes that emptied into a smaller room, cloaked in black by the angle of the sun.
“Now, you wanted to send that message to Lindford, correct?” Samwell posed the question with a bit of curiosity, as if he wanted to inquire more but barely restrained himself. The large key dangled in his fingers, carefree and loose.
“Yes, that is correct.” Patrick had a deathlike grip on the papers, both the will and his own letter he had written with haste for the High Priest of the Wyvern Kingdom, who’s name he couldn’t recall. “Whichever of your birds is the fastest, brother, I would like.”
“Yes, of course High Priest. Let’s see here…” Samwell whistled, and out flew a snow-white owl, larger than any Patrick had seen before. It fluttered about the room in a daze before descending onto Patrick’s rigid arm, extended before him in pure fright.
Off in the corner, Randall chuckled as Patrick let out a sigh of relief. Pushing the barrels around, he spoke, “That there, High Priest, is Erowid. He knows the route north and back like he knows each of his feathers. A smart one, he is. Although he’s an owl, he doesn’t mind the cold or the sunlight. A perfect bird, if there ever were one.” Randall grabbed a handful of seed from a barrel and made a motion as if he were ready to toss it into the portholes across the room.
“Excellent! This will work for my needs. I thank you, my brothers.” Patrick nodded to each of them before fastening the letter onto Erowid’s talons. The bird turned to glance at him, his enormous eyes piercing Patrick’s own. Turning, the massive white form soared out into the bright sunlit land, a white speck on the endless blue sky.
Fly, Erowid. Fly like you have never flown before. Patrick thought. He felt a sense of relief having sent the letter, yet still the gnawing pang of anxiety nibbled at the back of his mind.
The ninth chapter of A Lion In The Wyvern's Nest, taking place once more in the Middle Lion Kingdom, in the capital city of Gotharc. C&C welcome!
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Loving the story, and great build, the forced perspective mountains isn the distance is a nice touch!
