The Power and the Glory

Book 4 Chapter XVIII: The Spaceship

If the abnormal goes on long enough it becomes the normal. -- Terry Pratchett, Moving Pictures

Now that she knew how to do it, flying was the easiest thing in the world. It was also one of the most interesting. Abi found she could see so much more from the air than she'd ever realised existed.

Well, she could during the day. At night she couldn't see much more than vague outlines that could have been houses, trees, or even a crowd of flesh-eating monsters.

Amidst the chaos of the last few hours she'd almost completely forgotten about Ilaran. It came as a shock when he spoke. I hate to seem inquisitive, but what's happening?

Abi did an unintentional somersault and almost fell before she realised who it was. She righted herself and spared a moment to be glad no one had been around to see that. Nothing, really. Shizuki's safe in the spaceport, Lian's guarding him, and Irímé's watching at the gate. I'm trying to find the monsters. We haven't seen any for hours.

There was a moment's incredulous silence. Did you say you're trying to find the monsters? Why would you want to find them if they're leaving you alone?

I want to see if they're close enough to attack us.

A vast black shape suddenly loomed out of the darkness in front of her. Abi wheeled away just in time to avoid crashing into it. When she looked back she realised it was a building, at least seven storeys tall. Damn it. I didn't think I was in the city already. There aren't any lights around here.

From Ilaran's side she sensed confusion and exasperation. You're on fire. Why don't you light your own way?

...Oh. That had never occurred to her. She flew higher and perched on the edge of the building's roof.

How do I make my feathers brighter? Abi wondered.

Her thoughts were meant for herself, but Ilaran overheard anyway. He said nothing, but she got the distinct impression he was shaking his head in disbelief at her ignorance.

Preparing to cast a spell made them glow, she remembered, but I don't need a spell now. Maybe if I just think of them glowing...

She tried that. And she promptly almost blinded herself when her now very bright feathers reflected off the windows of the building opposite. The entire street was lit up as if someone had turned on a floodlight. Abi took off and watched as her presence brightened up the place more effectively than if she'd had a torch. Now she could see every building long before she was close enough to hit it. Every pothole or uneven part of the pavement was thrown into sharp relief. The bricks of the buildings around her cast weird shadows over their walls. It was strange, but the city seemed more sinister by the light of phoenix-fire than it had in broad daylight.

Ilaran went very quiet at the back of her mind. Abi got the impression he was scared by something.

What's wrong? she asked.

I don't like heights.

...Huh. Of all the people she'd have thought would be afraid of heights, Ilaran was the last on the list. A memory pushed its way to the front of her mind: one of Ilaran's memories, of Nuvildu's death and his climb out of the well. He did that with a broken leg and a fear of heights, she realised with a start.

Stop that, Ilaran snapped.

Stop what?

You're thinking about my past and I don't like it. Mind your own business.