eyes in the sky

Chapter 3: A Gryphon's Oath

The skies above Azran blurred into streaks of gray and gold as Azura flew with desperate speed. Behind them, shadowy figures emerged from the treeline, loosing arrows that whistled ominously through the air. The gryphon's powerful wings beat in a steady rhythm, each stroke propelling them further from danger.

"Hold steady!" Rayan shouted over the rushing wind, gripping the reins tightly. Kael, seated behind him, held his staff close, muttering an incantation under his breath. A faint shimmer of light encased them, deflecting arrows that would have otherwise struck true.

"They're not ordinary hunters," Kael said, his voice calm despite the chaos. "Their weapons are forged from shadowsteel. They've been sent by the Shadow Sovereign."

Rayan grimaced. "That's comforting. Any ideas how we lose them?"

Kael gestured toward a cluster of jagged peaks ahead. "There's a pass through the Ridge of Stars. If we make it, we'll have the high ground."

Rayan nodded, urging Azura to climb higher. The gryphon responded with a shrill cry, her golden feathers glowing faintly as if drawing energy from the sunlight. Below, their pursuers mounted strange, winged creatures, their dark forms cutting through the air like specters.

"They're gaining on us!" Rayan yelled.

Kael raised his staff, its runes glowing with celestial light. He extended his hand, releasing a burst of shimmering energy. The blast struck one of the shadowy riders, sending them spiraling into the abyss below. But the others closed in, their creatures shrieking with unnatural fury.

"We can't keep this up!" Kael warned.

Just as the ridge came into view, a sharp, stinging pain shot through Rayan's shoulder. An arrow grazed him, slicing through his armor and drawing blood. He winced but kept his focus, guiding Azura toward the narrow pass. The gryphon twisted nimbly between the peaks, her movements a testament to her agility and intelligence.

"Azura, take us lower!" Rayan commanded.

The gryphon dove sharply, skimming the rocky ground. Their pursuers hesitated, unable to match her precision in the narrow terrain. One clipped its wing against a jagged rock, spiraling out of control and crashing into the mountainside.

Rayan allowed himself a brief moment of relief, but it was short-lived. The remaining riders adjusted, their creatures flapping wildly to maintain pursuit.

"Kael, any more tricks up your sleeve?"

Kael's eyes narrowed. "One, but it's risky." He held out his staff, drawing energy from the stars above. The air around them shimmered, a low hum building as the spell charged. "Keep Azura steady. This will take everything I have."

Before Rayan could respond, Kael unleashed a brilliant wave of light. It expanded outward, enveloping the shadowy riders. Their creatures shrieked in agony, disintegrating into ash as the magic tore through them.

The spell ended as quickly as it began. The remaining riders scattered, retreating into the distance. Kael slumped forward, his energy spent.

"Kael!" Rayan steadied the mage as Azura landed on a rocky plateau. The gryphon folded her wings, panting from the exertion.

"I'm fine," Kael said weakly, his voice hoarse. "But we can't stay here. More will come."

Rayan dismounted, inspecting his wounded shoulder. It wasn't deep, but the shadowsteel's touch left a lingering chill. He glanced at Azura, who chirped softly and nudged him with her beak.

"You did well, girl," Rayan said, stroking her feathers. The gryphon's golden eyes met his, and for a moment, it felt as though she understood every word.

Kael approached, leaning heavily on his staff. "Your bond with her is remarkable," he said. "Few hunters share such a connection with their gryphons. She trusts you completely."

Rayan nodded, his expression softening. "Azura's been with me through everything. She's more than a companion—she's family."

Kael smiled faintly. "Then it seems we have a chance."

Rayan arched an eyebrow. "A chance for what?"

"To stop the Shadow Sovereign," Kael replied. "You've proven your skill, Rayan, but this journey will demand more than brute strength. The fragments of the Sky Mirror are hidden in places few dare to tread. And the Sovereign's forces will stop at nothing to claim them first."

Rayan sighed, leaning against Azura. "I didn't ask for any of this. I'm just a hunter, Kael. A nobody."

Kael placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression firm. "You're Starbound, Rayan. The stars chose you for a reason. And if we fail, there won't be a world left to hunt in."

Rayan met Kael's gaze, the weight of his words sinking in. He glanced at Azura, who let out a soft chirp of encouragement.

"All right," he said finally. "Let's find those shards."