Luky and the Birdmen

She just knew. Surrounded by four bird-like creatures without any escape, Aurielle knew her only way out was to show absolute obedience.

And how does any creature show they submit to another?

They bow.

The group had walked far deeper into the jungle. The birdmen didn’t seem to mind the tall grass and thick foliage.

She, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with these strange but fascinating creatures.

Ezra walked beside her, silent yet alert. She could see the expression on his face. He was ready for an imminent attack.

Had he ever seen such creatures before? He was a man of the world. By now, he must have figured out what sort of island this was.

She, on the other hand, had absolutely no idea what those creatures were.

Aurielle had never once heard of large birds with the body of men, not even in stories, legends, or myths. She didn’t dare to ask Ezra about it, not right now at least. The birdmen walking beside them were watching her very closely.

“Where are they taking us?” Luky asked, which startled Aurielle.

Fortunately, the birdmen did nothing.

Aurielle looked over her shoulder at Luky. “I’m not sure,” she replied, whispering. “But better not make any sudden movements.”

Luky ignored her.

“Hey!” He tried to catch the nearest creature’s attention. “Hello!” The birdman didn’t even look at him. “I’m talking to you!”

Aurielle suspected Luky would use his fists next.

They were already in a tough situation, and she didn’t want it to get any worse. She definitely didn’t want the birdmen to snap and choose to kill them instead of capturing them.

She couldn’t really afford to be killed right now. The mission was too critical, and she had a kingdom to save. Her kingdom.

She had to find a way out of this place and head to Indus-Kali as soon as possible! Vanhaui couldn’t afford to lose her.

All those thoughts rushed by in the split second that Luky moved to his target creature.

Aurielle was going to step in his way, but right before she could move, the others stopped walking.

Aurielle turned around to see what was in front of her, and what she saw was the most beautiful view she had ever seen.

They had stepped out of the jungle, out of the thick foliage, and stood above a tall cliff that faced the setting sun. In the valley below them rose gigantic pillar-like rocks, painted with trees that had long ago found the strength to grow on these rough surfaces.

The warm orange light descending upon these near-magical pillars cast shadows of dark green giants on the ground. Beyond the valley was an ocean of never-ending emerald jungle.

Aurielle’s jaw dropped—she was dazzled by the view.

Luky had fallen entirely silent. Ezra exhaled deeply and ran his hands through his thick hair, like he couldn’t believe what he saw.

Two birdmen walked close to the edge of the cliff. They turned around and faced them; maybe they expected her and her companions to follow. What the...

A second later, the birdmen let themselves fall off the cliff, eyes closed and arms crossed over their chest, like a ritual.

Aurielle gasped. Her lips were still parted when she witnessed the two creatures open their wings wide and soar above the valley. She couldn’t take her eyes off them.

“Eh...” Ezra snatched her attention. “I think they want us to jump.”

Aurielle glanced at Ezra, and behind him, she saw the other birdmen looking at her expectantly.

“Eh...” Luky mimicked Ezra. “I’m not jumping.”

The birdmen came closer, forcing them to move closer to the cliff.

“Hey!” Ezra shouted, and he turned around and waved his arms around. “We’re not jumping. We don’t have wings, you morons!”

But they ignored him.

Aurielle wasn’t sure whether these creatures were acting mysterious or if this was just the way they were. Maybe they were just trying to be funny? Maybe she, Ezra, and Luky were mere entertainment for them.

Aurielle felt the panic rise. Now, they were standing right above the edge of the cliff. Ezra drew out his sword, and he held a purple vial in his hand.

“Wait!” Aurielle shouted, she had to stop him. Facing these two birds in battle would be madness. What was Ezra thinking?

Ezra didn’t hesitate. He swung his sword in the air as a stern warning. “Make another move, and I blow us all up!” He squeezed the round vial.

The birdmen cawed…or cackled. Was this a laugh?

Luky jumped beside Ezra and showed his claws. “You touch my friends, I slash you!”

None of them got the chance to slash anything.

One of the creatures spread its wings wide. A gust of wind rushed forward, sweeping Luky off his feet, and the boy-cat was propelled in the air.

Aurielle’s heart stopped.Luky was going to fall off the cliff.

The sindur cub managed to latch onto the cliff’s edge, but before Aurielle could do anything, Ezra tackled the other birdman.

He didn’t get far, because the bird charged forward, its feathers clashing against Ezra’s sword. It did not care how sharp the blade was.

Ezra’s weapon was a mere thorn for this creature.

Ezra was pushed backwards. He struggled to keep his balance, but the birdman pushed further, and Ezra stumbled over and fell off the cliff.

The creature now stood beside Aurielle. Luky had managed to climb, but when the birdman snapped its wings open, both Aurielle and Luky fell into the void.