So, Alice said. Her hand was shielding her eyes from the sun and blocking her hair from waving into her face. She rose up and down as Vur beat his wings, hovering in place. None of us know where Marys palace is.
I thought you studied this continents geography, Tafel said. Isnt that why you cooped yourself up in the library instead of training?
Hey, at least I tried, alright? Alice snorted and brushed her hair back with her hands. You didnt even try to familiarize yourself with the place. All you did was train after getting schooled by Mary. Just because I know the general layout of the lands doesnt an I can know exactly where we are based on a few very small clues.
Hovering is annoying, Vur said, nearly knocking Alice and Tafel over as his head moved. Can I circle instead?
Lets just head towards that direction, Tafel said and pointed. If we reach a town, Im sure we can ask around for the location of Marys palace. We have a few days since we left the dungeon early. Well make it in ti.
***
Mary humd to herself as she hugged her sword to her chest. Her arms were no longer bare, covered by her gauntlets, and her feet had been washed before slipping back into her sabatons. With a little persuasion from Lindyss, Grimmy had returned Marys items back to her. Mary swayed from side to side and giggled before slipping her sword into her sheathe on her waist. I really didnt expect those two to return my equipnt, Mary said as she looked up with her eyes. Susan was sitting on top of her head, and Emile was sitting on top of Susan.
What did Lindyss ask of you? Susan asked, eting Marys gaze.
Watch out, Emile said and flapped his wings. Youre going to walk into a tree. When youre walking this fast, dont look away!
The forest blurred by as Marys footsteps shrank the land underneath her feet. I wont, she said. I always pay attention. She rubbed Susans belly with her finger. Lindyss asked to beco her servant for ten years soti in the future. It was a good deal, right? I think it was a great deal.
Hmm. Susans beak jutted out as her eyes narrowed. Ten years isnt long at all. Isnt Lindyss being really nice? I think shes planning sothing. When soone whos as corrupted as her does sothing nice, you can bet your tail feathers that shes working in her best interests. Whatd she tell you to do?
She told to have fun and do whatever, just get out of her sight, Mary said. She swerved to the side, avoiding a caravan and startling a horse. The trio had exited the forest and were approaching a city with a massive wall surrounding it. And maybe when I actually beca useful, shed make her servant, but for now, Im free to do what I want.
It sounds a lot like you were thrown away, Emile said. He shifted his weight on top of Susans back and squinted. Which is a good thing when you consider who you were thrown away by. Nothing good cos from associating with flying lizards and their sympathizers. Phoenixes are the only ones that you can trust.
Dont forget that Tafel married a dragon, Susan said.
Yeah, well dont forget that Tafels a traitor who abandoned us in the middle of nowhere to fend for ourselves, Emile said and snorted. We were almost shot by hunters!
Emile, Susan said, hesitating as she picked out her words. You tend to bla others a lot for your own faults. In a few hundred years, youll be an adult. Dont you think its about ti you grew up and took so responsibility for your own actions?
Emiles beak snapped shut as he lowered his head. Susan t his gaze without wavering. The two phoenixes stared at each other as the scenery blew past. Emiles eyes narrowed. Who do you think you are? Mom?
No, Im saying this as your older sister, Susan said. The way youre acting, its not cute at all.
Im a phoenix; Im not supposed to be cute. Emile flapped his wings twice. Im imposing! Majestic! Awe-inspiring! People will write stories about my grandeur, not my cuteness.
But I think you two are cute, Mary said, stopping in front of a shop. She walked inside and grabbed a flask of water that was on a shelf. She popped it open and took a long gulp.
H-hey! Miss, you cant drink before you pay, the shop owner said from behind his counter.
Its okay, Mary said. Im the empress. This is a tax. She nodded and left the building before the shop owner could respond. Without caring about the confused mans feelings, she sat down on the steps leading up to the shop and sipped on her flask.
Emile leaned forward and glared at Mary. Which part of is cute?
Youre small and puffy and you have large eyes, Mary said. Isnt that the definition of cute?
Emile clacked his beak. Just wait a few hundred years until Im an adult, he said. Then Ill tower over you, and well see whos cute then.
Mary raised an eyebrow. I think Ill be dead before that happens? So, youll always be cute and not awe-inspiring in my lifeti.
You see? Susan asked. You have to play towards your strengths. Learn to act cuter and take so more responsibility for your actions. You cant stay immature forever.
Emile pecked the back of Susans head, causing her to squawk and roll off of Mary, both phoenixes falling to the ground. They rolled around in front of Mary, a ball of red feathers and occasional flas. Just because Mom told you to seduce Vur for grandchildren you think youre mature now? Youre only a few minutes older than ! How dare you talk to like youre so kind of adult when youre still just a baby!
Maturity isnt about age, Susan said and buffeted Emiles head with her wings. Its about how you handle life. Why do you think Tafels an adult when shes less than half our age? Its because shes mature!
Youre dumb! Stupid! Idiot!
This is why youre immature, Susan said. With a few deft movents of her legs and wings, she managed to pin Emile underneath herself. She sat on his chest and held his wings against the ground with her talons.
Emile struggled but couldnt break free. He stopped moving and stuck his tongue out at Susan. I know you are, but what am I?
Before Susan could respond, Mary scooped the two phoenixes up in her arms. Im ready to move again, she said. If I move fast enough, I might make it in ti to apologize to Tafel for missing the banquet. Were almost at my palace, just a few more cities to go.
Emile and Susan exchanged glances with each other. They were held near Marys armpits, one phoenix per arm. Isnt Mary the type of person to get lost easily? Susan asked in a whisper.
Dont worry. I always know the way ho, Mary said with a nod.
Shes like a pigeon, Emile said. Not a lot goes on up there, but at least she can find her way ho.
Up where? Mary asked, leaving the city behind as the ground warped underneath her.
Nothing, Emile said. Forget I said anything.
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