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Leaf’s lips tighten into a firm line.
Hmph. Fine! I didn’t want him to be his usual chipper self anyway. Then I’d have to deal with his jokes and bright smiles and his laugh that makes my stomach burst with miniature butterflies.
At last, the distinct thumping of wing beats permeates the air. Snow scatters off the tall pine tree branches as the air bends around Heru’s massive form. Wings snapping wide, she lands with a dramatic thunk.
Greetings Starheart, a deep, womanly voice says.
“What the actual fuck?” I say.
Leaf just crosses his arms.
I clear my throat. “Tell me I’m not going crazy. Did Heru just speak to us?”
Akemi is already stroking her hand along Heru’s neck, now bent down in a deep bow. She practically squeals, “I missed you so much!”
And you as well, Heru replies warmly before turning to me and snapping her beak. Put your dagger away, little one!
“Ramona!” Akemi scolds.
“Sorry, natural instinct when a giant, deadly creature approaches me.”
Heru’s head tilts, complimented. Now why was I called here, rider?
“We need your help,” Akemi starts. She explains that we are on a mission that involves many moving parts, one of which is visiting the Forest Tribe, and that she will need to carry us.
I am not a chariot for your friends!
“Please, Heru,” Akemi begs. “There is no other way for us to get there in time, gain entrance, negotiate for the stone, and return before classes start again.”
Leaf steps forward. “May I speak with you privately?”
Heru’s head nods.
I cross my arms. I was just about to try that… but whatever.
Leaf and Heru must be exchanging a private conversation based on the silence.
Akemi uses the time to pull me into a tight hug.
“Ew.”
“I’m going to miss you!”
“It’s just for winter solstice. I’ll see you later.”
“I feel like I never see you.”
“We were literally just at Goad Squad practice and hung out all last night.”
Akemi sighs. “I know, I think it’s because we have our own rooms… I just miss your snoring.”
“I do not snore!”
“We have a deal.” Leaf and Heru return, both looking as if they’d just negotiated a peace treaty with the wind itself. “Heru will fly Ramona and me north to the Forest Tribe.”
Heru narrows her giant yellow eyes at me like I’m a particularly stubborn squirrel. And you’ll behave yourself, yes? I do not have time for dramatic flailing mid-flight.
“I’m… sure,” I mutter, because arguing with a roc isn’t exactly a good idea. Leaf, of course, beams, unaffected by the presence of a thousand-pound flying predator.
