The Jackal Chapter 3

So they got up and packed up. They started to pack up. Alec was unusually quiet. He was always quiet but this just seemed different. Zerif didn’t ask questions. He knew Alec would be fine after he got over the little chat they had.

“Are you ready Alec?” Zerif asked in an uncertain tone.

“Yes, lets go.” Alec replied in a small voice.

And off they went. Zerif, after about an hour was again struck by the scorching heat that this place had. What in the world of Erdas kept Kovo from dying of a heat stroke? But Zerif had no time to focus on that. The Red Rock was in plain view now. The sun was up. A beautiful sky spread across Erdas and not a Cloud was in sight. Nothing but a single bird roamed the sky. They kept walking and soon they were at the base of the mountain.Then just as they were about to start climbing a Giant shadow passed over them. It darkened the area where Alec and Zerif stood then vanished. Zerif was thrown to the ground when the shadow passed. It was as if the shadow had blown him down. Zerif heard a cry as Alec was slammed against the Red Rock when the gut of air had hit him. Zerif got up quickly and brushed himself off. But as soon  as he was on his feet he was knocked down again. This time Zerif hit the red rock and screamed. Not only had the Red Rock cut him in the cheek, as Zerif felt hot blood trickle from his cheek, but the rock was scorching hot. Zerif had felt the burn and jumped back. That when he saw Alec. The boy was staring at the sky. That's when Zerif became aware of not just the wind that continued to pummel him, but the giant darkness spread around them. Then Suddenly the beating stopped and the shadow settled. That's when the Zerif got a good look at the blue gray feathers on the beast's body, the razor sharp beak protruding from the beast's noble head. This Zerif knew instantly, was Halawir the Eagle, one of the fifteen Great Beasts. Zerif looked on in shock and reverence as Halawir’s eyes seemed to look right through Zerif.

“Glad to see you,” The Eagle said in a mocking tone.

Zerif just stared.

“Kovo’s been expecting you.” the Beast continued.

Zerif saw Alec shift in his sitting position, still with an awestruck look on his face.

“Knock that stupid look of your face. I'm not going to eat you.”

“Halawir?” Zerif asked in an awed voice.

Halawir rolled his eyes. “Maybe I should eat this stupid human.” he muttered.

“Halawir,” Zerif said getting over the awe and putting strength in his voice. “Kovo called me and I have come to answer his call.”

Alec cleared his throat and said in a low but strong voice, “And I guided him Halawir.”

Halawir studied the boy seeing probably the same things Zerif saw in the boy.

“Very well, I will fly you up to Kovo.” Said the Eagle.

Zerif stepped closer to the Eagle.

“Halawir,” he said.

Halawir stared at him.

Zerif continued, “Why are you taking us to see Kovo? I thought you were supposed to guard Kovo not help us get to him.”

“I have long wanted to help Stetriol, the long lost brethren continent to the four great lands. But the Green Cloaks have separated them and made the deal with the wretched bonding sickness. You can help change Erdas. Aid Kovo, Garathon and myself and you will rule with us.”

The Eagle spoke so smoothly and so passionately that Zerif had no problem listening to him. Zerif had heard that the Eagle had a way with words and was very wise. Also Who could defy a great beast right to his face? With that Zerif gave a nod of understanding and the Eagle rose and picked up the two humans one in each talon. With one beat of his wings the Eagle was airborne and they were soaring to the top of Muttering Rock.