The Tiger and The Bird

Chapter 18

Nong reached the capital of the northern kingdom after two days of riding. She barely rested along the way and only did so for her horse's sake. Grandmother Mao had given her a few provisions, including her mother's journal from when she was younger. This – she kept close to her inside her pocket. It had some simple enchantments written inside it – but most importantly it contained the story of her mother's life. A story she'd save for another day.

Folding away the map that Grandmother Mao gave to her back inside her bag, she hopped down, and took the reins entering the busy city by foot.

The royal city was huge. It was fortified by a huge expanse of snow peaked mountains along its back that tapered into thick walls circling around to the front. Watch towers were equally spaced along the wall and the guards watched as Nong and other busy folk entered and exited the great city.

The day was bright and cold. Nong could see her own breath as she took in the cityscape with wide eyes. But the townsfolk were energetic despite the temperatures. Most were hard at work, some taking a stroll, others fixing rundown buildings, and just living their everyday lives. She wanted to explore every corner but time was running out. To preserve this carefree life...she needed to continue on.

She didn't stop until she reached the gate to the palace. It was a stone cold fortress compared to the airy and colorful Lotus palace. But it was still magnificent in its own way. Jutting from the center of the mountains - it presented strength and discipline. Something she needed right now herself.

The guard stationed at the entrance had one of the curved blades she'd seen so often while in the north. She gulped while he glared down at her, "State your business," His heavy mustache and beard veiled his mouth if it moved at all or not Nong couldn't tell.

She licked her lips, "Tell King Houavin that the last Bird Witch requests an audience,"

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King Houavin sat before her on his throne observing her. Nong was surprised at how young he was. He couldn't have been more than a few years older than she. His pale skin was a stark contrast to his long black hair. He was handsome enough to make any lady swoon. But it was his dark eyes that unsettled her.

He wore a plain grey robe decorated with silver embroidery. A silver circlet around his head signifying his status. And around his neck – a chain with half of the relic dangling off of it as a pendant.

He hadn't spoken a word since she was presented to him. Only a mere handful of trusted advisors kneeled behind her. They were silent as well. To her right – a huge opened window let in cold air. But from it she could hear...waves. The ocean must be on the other side of the mountains that surrounded this palace. She'd never seen the ocean before. She fought the urge to run over and look.

Nong's teeth began to clatter against themselves while everyone else seemed unbothered. Suddenly, the King closed his eyes tilting his ear towards the crashing waves.

"Can you hear him?" He asked.

"What?"

The King opened his eyes, "Are you the Bird Witch or not?" His voice was calm but his glare pierced her.

"I'm sorry...I...don't know what who you're referring to," Nong replied meekly.

The King sighed. He laced his fingers together. "It is our understanding that the Last Bird Witch resides in the South. Never leaving the Lotus palace. Only tending to the Lotus King,"

He stood to come up to Nong leaning in to look closer at her.

"We commend your Crown Prince's efforts in reclaiming your ancestral grounds. We have no interest in haunted lands you see, so please consider it as a gift," He gripped her chin with his cold fingers. "So tell me...the Lotus has their precious witch. They have their lands back. Why did they send you here? Are you meant to take my life?" His eyes raked over her.

"I am the last Bird Witch," Nong said clearing her throat. She dared not move a muscle more. "And I've come to pledge my allegiance in exchange for something of yours,"

The King laughed softly. Though his exterior was cool and collected Nong could sense a surge of something deep inside him like the troubled waves that crashed below his window.

"You have yet to prove to me that you are who you say you are," He circled her once and moved to return to his seat. "Take her to the dungeons," He commanded his guards.

"Wait!" Nong cried. "I can prove it," She muttered the flying spell under her breath. And in an instance her royal wings burst forth from her back – as radiant as ever.

She heard the advisors behind her gasp in shock. Some even scrambled back towards the guards who now had their weapons out. With one flap of her wings she hovered forward and landed softly a mere inches away from King Houavin. Whether or not he was as shocked she couldn't tell. He was perfect at hiding his emotions it seemed.

He lifted a hand to stop the guards coming his way. And then with the same hand brushed her silky, blue feathers. His cold fingers moved along the edge of her wings and onto her cheek.

She backed away at the touch but he gripped her wrist with his other hand. He smiled but his nails dug into her skin.

"Wings and yet here you are," He scoffed, "And what will you take from me?"

She stole a glance at his necklace but didn't speak.

"This old thing?" King Houavin chuckled letting her go and reached for his pendant. "This has been passed down from generations. I'm afraid I can't give this to you," He turned away from her and walked over to the window looking down at the water. "You see...it protects me from him,"

King Houavin closed his eyes listening again to the mysterious sound only he can hear. "He's looking for me. I can feel it. He wants to drag me into the depths of the ocean,"

"Who?" Nong asked shivering.

He turned to her. The waves crashing loudly as he answered with a sadness in his voice, "The Sea Dragon,"