Winged Angel

Chapter 15

“Avery,” A voice called from the door. I couldn’t answer as my mouth was full of pins. I quickly pinned what I wanted to pin before running for the door. I smiled and waved at my papa before running back to the uniform. He stepped in while I finished what I was doing and took the rest of the pins and put them back in there bin. I had been at the outfit most the morning.

“I’m sorry Papa.” I spoke gently as I lead him to the patio seats. He sat with me as he put a paper on the table.

“I see the uniforms are coming along nicely.” He said looking over at the outfit I was working on.

“Yeah, don’t actually have to change as much as I thought. Most of the outfit is saleable just have to change a bit of the leather and thin up a few things.” I told him with a smile looking over at it. “Also the weapon department of the uniform needs a whole remodel. I can see why women didn’t really want to wear them.”

“Oh.” He asked wanting to find out more

“We women are very hands on. We are okay to let our weapons go and help with our hands. The uniform doesn’t allow for easy on and off motions for the weapons. I need to revamp that. The men are fine as you guys death grip you weapons.” I told him with a smile. He was smiling happily to me.

“Well now I don’t know if I want to send you. I think it’s best you stay here and finish those.” Papa spoke with a sigh. I looked at him and then at the paper. “The dragons have heard the return of the bond of the Alpha. They request for you to come.”

“Then I must go. Something could be wrong and I intend to make it right.” I told him with a smile.

“Avery we haven’t heard hide nor tail from the dragons after your mother made a bond with them. They don’t even show up to help. We tried to inquire about it and where told they couldn’t be found.” Papa spoke a little worried. “The fact a letter has came for you means there is something very wrong.”

“Papa these men are going to keep attacking our home, they are going to keep attacking our people and we are going to run out of resources to keep going. We need to get everyone’s help that we can get. We need to.” I told him gently.

“Avery.” Andrew spoke when Papa had nothing to say.

“I don’t care what is dangerous or not. I have my crew and I know they have my back.” I said gently. “I will not let us walk into anything dangerous.”

“Alright Avery because I know it is of no use. Your mother much the same.” Papa spoke as he handed me the paper. I looked over the note and knew right away what he was saying but there was something else written there. I tucked the note away as I rose.

“I would like to leave as soon as possible.” I told him gently. Papa nodded as I turned to walk away. I came smack hard Into a body that cause Andrew to catch me from falling backwards. The new person arms where also out to sturdy me.

“You won’t be going alone. This is Alpha Reco,” Papa spoke as he rose. “The king of Alphas doesn’t think it’s safe with out one of his strongest with you at all times. He doesn’t want what happened to your mother to happen again.”

“Princess I am your humble servant.” He spoke as he bowed. I grabbed his shoulders and lifted him back to his feet.

“Alright, I can not say no to your Alpha but I ask only a few things.” I told him with a sigh.

“Anything.” He said eagerly.

“We work as a team.” I told him pointing at Andrew, Tarick who had come over and I. “There are a few others that you will also have to work with as well. Next I want to be your friend not a royal figure.”

“Oh thank god.” He spoke dropping his head. “Please don’t take it personal but I cant be calling you princess all the time.”

“Avery will do just fine then, Reco.” I said gently. He nodded happy.

“All though the only thing I don’t like is the we part. I definitely think your guards had issues with that and I know I will.” Reco Chuckled.

“Had an issue,” Andrew chuckled. “We are still having issues.”

“Not one that likes to be the damsel.” Reco said with a raise brow. Andrew shook his head as I crossed my arm.

“Come Tarick.” I spoke gently as I grabbed his hand and we left the two laughing.

“Andrew is in so much trouble.” Tarick spoke as he walked beside me. I just nodded. I got to my room and grabbed a few pants and shirts and a dress. I put in a pair of shoes and made sure to grab my weapons. I was strapping my sword to my side when Jessica came in.

“Are you going somewhere?” Jessica asked a little concerned.

“Papa got a letter from the dragons. I need to go there and hold our bond with them. Also I have to find out why they broke it in the first place.” I told her as I moved the dagger. She came over and helped me adjust it on my ankle. I thanked her before I put my boots on. They where made with the same material as the shoes just a little heavier. Made for long hikes and such. Didn’t help my wings had to stay hidden.

“I don’t like this Avery. I fear it’s a trap.” Jessica said a little unsure. I knew she would be worried but I had to do this.

“I know Jessica but I need to do what I can to help. If this is the only way I can help you and Alex then I will do it.” I told her. “I will have Andrew and Reco with me. Plus I’m hoping Papa was able to get Tanisha, Rebecca and Rachelle ready as well.”

“I did.” Alex spoke up as he walked in. I looked at him a little concerned. He walked over to me and wrapped my into a hug. “I cant believe my little sister is heading out of the safety of the castle.”

“I have to brother. I need to bring more help for you.” I told him once he let me go.

“I know Avery and I am happy you are doing this. Jason and Pat will be going with you as well. I would send Mark but we need him here.” Alex spoke gently.

“Thank you brother.” I told him with a smile. He leaned away and grabbed my upper arm where he strapped something there.

“A gift for you from Jessica and I.” he told me as he put another one on my other arm. “These are daggers. Good for throwing or stabbing at close range.”

“Thank you.” I said looking carefully at them. They replicated the same design as the sword and dagger. I smiled happily.

“Let me help you with the bow.” Alex said as he helped me put the basket of arrows on my back and adjusting the bow carefully around it. Jessica filled up the basket with more arrows she had hidden somewhere.

“Thank you guys. I should go and get down to the entrance to get ready to go.” I told them. Tarick came into the room al ready to go. Alex and Jessica where looking at each other.

“Ready to go Avery.” He smiled happily.

“Let’s go.” I told him grabbing his hand and we walked out together. He was so happy that I hoped he packed things he needed.

“I promise Avery I packed clothing.” He smiled at me. I smiled back at him before a thought crossed my head. He didn’t have a weapon. I waved a maid down who came running over quickly. “Where is the weapons room?”

“This way princess.” She spoke as she took off. We followed quickly as the maid weaved in and out of all hallways. She bowed in front of the door. I smiled and nodded my head as we entered. The place was a mess. I sighed as I let the door shut. With a snap of my fingers the room cleaned up. Things went back to the wall and tables. Some things went back to barrels. I sighed gently as I walked through looking for a few things.

“Avery I like these.” Tatick spoke gently as he lifted two twin daggers. I smiled happily and walked over to him. I grabbed there holsters and began to strap them to his back. I placed the daggers in the holders for him and instructed him how to pull them out and put them in. He was so happy.

“There now you also have a weapon you can use.” I told him happily as we exited the room. “Now the fun of finding our way back.”

“This way.” Andrew spoke gently. He came from further down the hallway. “He cant come with us.”

“I can and I will.” Tarrick spoke as he puffed up his chest and gripped my hand tighter. I agree he was coming with us.

“Rebecca is going to love this one.” Andrew said as we kept going. It was quiet after that till we made it into the entrance. Everyone was ready. The warrior uniforms where on all of them. I was happy to see it was the ones I had drawn up.

“Thomas brought to life you Drawings. I hope that was okay.” Papa spoke as he came and hugged me.

“I love you papa.” I spoke happy. I was so happy to see the uniform. Andrew even had it on but I didn’t realise it till now.

“Rebecca has one packed for you as well..” Papa said with a sigh. He held his hand out for Tarick who took my hand instead. Papa was confused but with a smile he nodded me on.

“We travel……nope nope no no no.” Rebecca stared before her head turned to Tarick. “You head back to the room they gave you here.”

“Nope.” Tarick spoke as we stepped out to see a few winged deer. They where beautiful. I knew one of them would be for me to ride to help hide my wings. Andrew would have set that up for me.

“He is better off with us then here.” I told him. “No one is here to watch him.”

“He is to young for this adventure. He has no training.” Rebecca said trying to grab him. It was a maneuver we had learnt together and he executed it perfectly causing Rebecca’s arm to be behind her.

“No royal training but I do have self defense.” Tarick said with a chuckle. He let his sister go as he followed me to the deer. Out of no where a gentle whinny was heard. A beautiful Alicorn touched down and walked up to me. Her main was the beautiful colors of Pink, Teal, Sunflower Yellow and Deep blue. Her body was pure white and her horn the shinier of gold matching her hooves. I placed my hand up to her and greeted it with her nose. I smiled happily as she turned and laid down.

“Can Tarrick ride with us.” I asked gently knowing what she wanted.

‘It will not be an option. He must ride with us.’ The unicorn spoke as she nodded her head. I put Tarick on her before I climbed on behind.

“Avery I told you he is not coming with us.” Rebecca said coming to grab him. The Alicorn rose quickly making sure her wings blocked all access Rebecca had to her brother.

“I said he is coming. He is no child that he is to young to come with us.” I gently said. “Plus I feel stronger when he is near.”

“Avery.” Andrew said a little uptight.

“No.” I spoke sturn. “All you guys have been doing is working in the castle to keep me safe. Andrew’s glares on the back of my head is the closest thing I have had to someone being close. We promised to train and work together but that together mess has disappeared.”

“Avery.” Rebecca tried but sighed in defeat.

“Now Reco pick a patron and mount. The rest of you open your wings and let’s get going. The island of the dragons is a good distance away and I would like to make it close if not there by sun down.” I spoke looking away. The alicorn felt my slight turn and followed. She took to the sky before anyone could fight it.

“Wow. Damn. She would make one terrifying Luna.” Reco chuckled. I’m glad someone has got some amusement out of this. I really don’t know where all of this is coming from. I am not a strong person but now it seems like the littlest of things trigger it.

‘Have you been hurt in the past.’ The alicorns sweet voice spoke. I showed her the images of my mother and what she did to me. ‘You are protective of the things that you don’t want to lose.’

‘I guess.’ I gently thought to her. She turned her head and smiled.

‘You where alone in that house Princess. No one was there you could confide in or protect you. Now you’re here and everyone wants to protect you as much as you want to protect them.’ She spoke gently. ‘I can see Tarick means a lot to you. You have a very older sister protection over him.’

‘He makes me happy and when he is around he never leaves my side.’ I gently thought hugging Tarick.

‘That is why you have the strength to stand up to anyone that wants to pull him away. He is your safety net. He is your strength and most of all he is what makes you be you.’ The alicorn spoke gently with a smile. ‘We fight for the things we love. You didn’t have that when your mom was hitting you so you thought you where always timid and shy. Now you have something to protect and love you will see a big change in you.’

‘Thank you.’

‘It is my pleasure princess.’ She gently nodded her head as she gently flapped so we where just hovering in spot. ‘Now if only the others could figure out what they are doing.’

“Rebecca is going to be mad for a while.” Tarick spoke out of the blue. I forgot to include him so he had an idea what was being said.

“Don’t worry little brother.” I said hugging him again. “She cant do anything while we are on this journey.”

‘If you need a safe place to run come to me and I will protect you.’ The Alicorn spoke gently.

“She says if you come to her when I am not around she will protect you from her.” I spoke gently to him. He beamed from ear to ear all happy.

“What is your name oh beautiful one.”

‘Callista' She thought gently. By now I had given Tarick the ability to hear her.

“Means Most Beautiful in Greek.” I told him gently. The Alicorn gently nodded.

“Your name is perfect. You are very beautiful.” Tarick smiled. I didn’t know Alicorns could blush but you could tell she was. I smiled happily as I looked at the others who where still on the ground. I motioned with my head causing Callista to soar down to them again.

“I meant what I said. We can have these arguments at camp now Hurry up or we leave without you.” I spoke as Callista touched down close to them. She snorted causing the Patron to jostle lightly. She took of the sky once again.

‘I didn’t think you wanted to stick around for another argument.’ She told me. I nodded with a smile. I just wanted to get out of here. The note still worrying me as I placed my hand on my pocket. I knew it was something I would have to discuss with the others but for now it was safe where it is.

“Finally ready.” Reco spoke as he flapped up beside us on the Patron. I smiled happily as we flew off. The others flew above us leaving me with just Reco at my side. Not very helpful but it was better then nothing plus I had Tarick and Callista.

‘Princess could you please ask him to adjust his dagger. It is digging into my back.’ A gentle voice spoke quietly. I looked over at the patron who was looking at me. We had been flying for a while.

“Reco your dagger is digging into her back. Could you adjust it.” Reco looked at me confused for a second before quickly moving to the dagger.

“Better?” He asked. I looked at the Patron who nodded happily. I smiled and he relaxed. “You can talk with animals?”

“No, I noticed the position of your dagger and then the way she was flying. I knew something was not right.” I told him clearly. Tarick turned his head and chuckled. “Bless you.”

“Thank you.” He said looking back at Callistas head.

“Very sharp eye Avery. That will be good on this adventure.” Reco chuckled. Everything went quiet till the sun started to set. I motioned for Callista to land and she did gracefully. I was not as far as I wanted to be but knew I couldn’t push it.

“We will set up camp here.” I told everyone as I helped Tarick off Callista. We grabbed a few bags of one of the other Patrons before two hand grabbed mine and dragged me away. He sat me on a rock a small distance away before he came into veiw. His finger pointed at the rock before he walked away. Tarick ran over with a bag Calista helping him.

“I got a tent.” Tarick chuckled. I gently laughed as we began to set it up. It didn’t take to long before Callista and Darika where laying outside our tent resting. Darika was the patron Reco was riding. He had left into the forest to find some food.

“Avery,” Rachelle gently spoke from behind me. I was at the entrance instructing Tarick how to lay his sleeping bag out. I was so excited to be able to camp. I had never done it before but always thought it to be a fun adventure.

“Yes,” I gently spoke rising to turn to her. She had two plates of food in her hand. Tanisha was behind her with two more. “Come tarick, food is ready. Let’s eat.”

“Avery…..”

“Together.” I smiled at them as they came and sat on the ground with us. “How mad is Rebecca?”

“I don’t think she’s mad more then she is disappointed.” Tanisha spoke gently. “If she is mad it’s more at herself.”

“Avery where sorry we weren’t there to help you. We where told you shouldn’t even carry a weapon never mind use one.” Rachelle said putting her fork down. I kept eating. “We agree you shouldn’t but we also agree that everyone should learn self defense.”

“Rebecca kept us really busy all the time. She even kept Andrew on his toes to the point the guy was running between everything that had to be done.” Tanisha sighed. “We where both prepared to teach you. We even had little lesson boards and weapons all ready to go.”

“I know where all your worry lies.” I sighed as I put my own for down. “I love you all want to protect me and with my mothers death I can understand why. You have been trained for it but you must also understand where I come from.”

“We do Avery but we couldn’t do anything when we are given a command specially because it was from Rebecca.” Rachelle said leaning over. “I was against it before but after some thought I can see why. We will do what we can along the way to help prepare you.”

“Thank you guys.” I smiled at them as we began to eat again.

“Well it seems that books can help a lot.” Tanisha spoke gently. “I have never seen Rebecca so stuck when Tarick pinned her.”

“She was going easy on me.” Tarick said gently. “She could have pulled out of it with ease.”

“Not the point.” Racgelle said. “The point is you did it.”

“Avery taught me. We have been working with each other over the last few weeks. I think we have progressed well.” Tarick smiled happily. Callista jumped to her feet with Darika beside her. They where both looking nervously to the woods. Rachelle and Tanisha where on edge. I mean so was Tarick and I but we didn’t show it.

‘Oh s**t, Callista I’m sorry. It’s just me.’ A voice growled in my head. I knew it was Reco. Must be coming back in his wolf form. I looked over at Callista who looked at me before lying down once more. Darika followed suite.

“I wonder what that was?” Rachelle asked still on edge.

“Reco.” I said gently as I put a bite of food in my mouth.

“Right, forgot we had a werewolf on the team. Bet they heard him hunting and got worried.” I nodded as I kept eating. I mean I new it was true but I really couldn’t tell them. It did bother me I had to hide this secret from them but with no choice I just left it.

“Tarick.” Rebecca called from where she stood closer to the other tents. I looked her way but she diverted her gaze. He sighed and went to her. Callista rose and followed him and stood with him even with Rebecca trying to shoo her away.

He soon turned and raced back to me where he began to eat once more. Callista stood her ground but soon stepped away. She laid down close to us allowing Darika to spread out.

We all headed to sleep right after super. I knew each guard would have a post for the night to keep an eye out. I told Tanisha and Rachelle if they got the early morning shift they where to wake me and we would train. They agreed to it and sure enough they woke the two of us the moment it was light enough to see. I smiled happily as I changed quickly and woke Tarick who did the same.

“We will train just over there that way we don’t wake them but we can stay on guard.” Tanisha smiled. Rachelle waved as we left. Callista was with us the whole way. She laid down a short distance away as we got ready.

The training was great, Tanisha was able to help me and Tarick with many of the things we where confused about. She was so happy how natural I was with both the dagger and the blade. She said my mother was the only one she knew other then Jessica who could wield them. Most women where archers. I mean I did really well at that to.

“Come everyone will be up soon.” Tanisha said trying to calm her breathing when she hit a stale mate with me. We where working with the blade. It helped she knew how it worked but not the best at it. Gave us equal advantage. I smiled as I put my weapons away and we all walked back together. Callista was hot on out tail before her head whipped around. She was standing strong with her head high and wings slightly out. Very intimidating that’s for sure.

‘Get to camp quickly.’ She spoke nudging me. I grabbed Tarick and raced with Tanisha close. She didn’t know what was going on but stayed close to me. Callista was no where to be seen when we got to camp which worried me.

‘Is everything alright?’ I asked gently.

‘No, stay with your guards.’ She spoke in pain.

“Tanisha, Rachelle, Pat and Andrew something is wrong with Callista. Please check it out.” I called gently. Tanisha nodded as she Andrew and Rachelle flew back to the spot we where at. Pat, whom looked like he just woke up, staggered behind them. I held Tarick close a little worried.

It didn’t take to long for them to come back with Callista at there side. She did have a wound on her shoulder to which I quickly moved to. What confused me was Reco was there with them coming back.

‘Its alright child. It will heal.’ She said gently as I began to clean it.

‘I don’t want it to get infected and I bet it hurts.’ I told her as I gently covered it. She just smiled as she nudged my hand.

“Alright time for breakfast.” Andrew spoke gently as Pat started handing out plates. Tarick and I grabbed ours and retired to our tent. I began to clean up as I ate. Tarick helped as he didn’t feel it was right to eat while I worked. Every time I went for a bit he would to. I was happy he was here in a way he was just a younger version of Alex with Andrew’s humor. Though I left Alex behind in a way it felt like I didn’t.

‘See you have found why he is so important to you.’ Callista gently told me. I smiled as I watched him work.

‘Your right. Alex would never let anything happen to me and in turn I was the same for Tarick.’

‘He knows that. That’s why he sticks close to you because for once he has someone to be close to.’ Callista said before all went quiet. It just occurred to me that Tarick was like me. His siblings only able to come home occasionally due to there training. He only had Jason and Mom and I knew they weren’t home all the time. He was like me minus the a***e part.

“Every think okay Av?” He spoke gently. I smiled happily at him causing him to be a little confused as he walked over. He wrapped his arms around me allowing me to do the same. “Maybe we should just eat. We can clean this up after.”

“Alright.” I said as he took me to a spot outside and placed the plate in my hands. We ate with smiles on our faces.