Book Two Chapter Ten: Air Temple Intro

Book Two Chapter Ten: Air Temple Intro

The Air Temple was located somewhere in the mountain range behind Lake Fear. Qube had asked Sewer Bard about it as they all jogged towards the Fishing Village. He hadnt known much; apparently no one had been in contact with the people of the mountain villages in quite some time.

With this in mind, Qube had opened up A Gentlemans Guide to the Seven Temples. The crackling sound it made as it opened made her shiver in delight. The first page she opened it to was even the Air Temple!

She put her hand on the page, and felt the knowledge flow into her.

The Air Temple, it read, is home to many different species. A discerning gentleman would do well to avoid offending any of the local populace, as they are all known for their extreme pride.

Such insight! Qube heaved a sigh as she contemplated how best to wrangle the Chosen One through such a diplomatic quagmire as this promised to be. Maybe she could talk him into letting Sewer Bard take the lead.

And then talk the other side into actually paying attention to Sewer Bard.

Once they reached the Fishing Village, the Chosen One dropped out of his meditative travel mode, and refocused back into reality. He looked at the mountain range in the distance. Several grey-blue mountains burst sharply out of the earth, their peaks all hidden in thick, black swirling clouds. Occasionally lightning would pierce through the cloud, a momentary stab of brightness.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

It was not, Qube had to admit, the most inviting of sights.

Okay, the Hero said, rolling back his shoulders. Looks like we can either skirt around the outside of the lake, going through all the mangrove swamp/woods stuff, or just swim across. He looked at Qube, and raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Which would you prefer?

Whichever you would like! Theyre both good options, Qube chirruped.

Yes, but which would you prefer, and why? the Chosen One reiterated.

Oh. This was probably a test. Qube gulped, and tried to analyse the options tactically.

Through the woods, she said eventually. If we go via Lake Fear, we risk being unable to get away easily if we happen across a group of hostile animals or some such. We would have the water to our backs, and if they can also swim they would have the advantage over us. Whereas at least in the woods we know we can run away.

Fair, the Chosen One said, and, without further questioning, started down the path through the woods.

Was that right? Qube asked, hurrying to walk beside him. Did I pass?

The Chosen One reached out and ruffled her hair. She gave a small squeak of dismay, and quickly fixed her hair back into place.

Chosen One! Thats not an answer! she said admonishingly.

Nothing to pass or fail, he said casually. I was just curious. Qube narrowed her eyes at him, but let the topic go. This was probably dev-related things that he couldnt talk about. So she needed to be patient and respectful.

Even if she really, really wanted to know if shed passed.

The woods were surprisingly quiet as the party walked towards the base of the mountains. As they got closer, a thick mist rose up from the lake and spilled over the ground, hiding the undergrowth. She would have thought the area perfect for all kinds of creepy-crawlies to lurk, but instead they were left utterly alone as the mountains shadow stretched out and slowly swallowed the light around them.

The deeper into the darkness they walked, the more Qube started to understand why they hadnt been attacked. No sane creature would want to live in the shadow of such a stark, looming structure. The mist thickened, until they could scarcely see in front.

Chosen One, were going to lose one another! Qube said. She felt like her words were being eaten by the mist they didnt seem to travel.

Dont worry about it, the Chosen One said from somewhere up ahead. Theres no way it would split us up like that.

What was he talking about? The mist absolutely had the potential to split them up! Even if hed marked Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, what about the others? Before she could correct him, though, she felt a sudden lurch, like shed missed a step. Stumbling, she caught herself just as they stepped out of the thick mist and revealed

Noted, Definitely Bad Guy said, his eyes still narrowed as he looked at the giant arachnid.

Hey, the Chosen One said, distracting Qube before she could try and steer her compatriots strange conversation back to the original topic.

The group of beasts turned and looked at the Hero. They were an odd mix of creatures. They had the bodies of lions, with the heads of hawks, and massive wings. Qube had never seen anything like them.

Oh hey, griffins. Neat, the Chosen One said.

Qube suddenly remembered everything about griffins. There had never been any pictures, but she had read about griffins being messengers on epic adventures.

The largest griffin looked up as the Chosen One spoke, the very picture of dignified haughtiness.

The little thing seeks us? it asked. As it spoke, Qube noticed that its beak was serrated and its tongue forked. If this group of griffins had, indeed, attacked the party, it would have been a gruesome fight.

The Chosen One, rather than replying, took out a pair of miniature wings from his backpack and examined them.

Im supposed to try these now he murmured. He touched a button on the small wings and they suddenly appeared, Fighter sized, on his back. He laughed in delight and, without any further warning, sprung into the air.

This. Is. Awesome! he shouted as he shot up. He wasnt flapping hard enough to gain any real altitude, but the wings seemed to be magically driving him up, higher and higher, until he suddenly twirled and they sprang out to their full width.

Look! he shouted, and swooped. His wings folded back as he dove towards the ground, then flared at the last moment, killing his momentum. Did you see? he asked Qube, flushed from excitement. Its so cool!

It would be very refreshing, Qube agreed. Especially on a warm day.

The Chosen One just grinned at her and kicked off again, spinning back up into the sky.

Qube looked at him with a twinge of envy. Such immediate control over a whole new dimension was there anything the Chosen One wasnt good at? He flew between the two suns, the twin lights blazing behind him. Qube didnt even blink as she watched him soar.

All right birdos, whats the quest? the Chosen One called down to the flock following his movements with their heads.

The little thing thinks it can fly. It is clever. For a human. The biggest griffin had a vaguely stilted way of talking, like it was unused to speech.

Chosen One, can we try the wings? Qube asked, her neck craned as she stared at him.

Sure just oh sorry, the suns must be hurting your eyes, the Chosen One said, as he slowly glided to the ground. Qube blinked at him in confusion. Unless they didnt add that feature? he continued, clocking her facial expression.

Feature? she asked.

Clever human, thats me! he said, turning to the griffins. Yup, Air Temple, wings, makes sense. What are you lot doing here, then? Before the griffins could reply, he threw up a hand. Actually, I just realised I dont really care. Talk to Sewer Bard about it; he is all about the lore stuff.

The Hero slapped a hand on the Bards back, staggering him.

Isnt that right, sing-song? he asked cheerfully.

Sewer Bard straightened himself and cleared his throat.

Yes, I do enjoy hearing about what is occurring. It is necessary for every Bard or Courtier to keep up to date, especially when information has been so sparse from an area. However, given this involves the Air Temple, and thus the fate of the world, I think it would be best if you tried paying attention, Sewer Bard said, through slightly gritted teeth.

Fine, Chosen One said, throwing himself onto a rock. He waved at the griffins. Give us your backstory.