Side Story 2.7: News From August
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The bitter winter winds had kept the villagers of Maya trapped indoors for weeks, their home or to be exact August's childhood home had become their own sanctuary against the relentless cold that seemed to seep through even the thickest walls. Snow had piled high against doorways, and the usual bustle of village life had been reduced to hurried dashes between buildings when absolutely necessary. It was during this harsh season that Aetherwing, the Great Peregrine Eagle who had become their protector and ally, descended upon the village with news that would stir both hope and concern in equal measure.
The day after his meeting with August, Aetherwing had called upon the villagers to gather in the central hall, his massive form coiled respectfully outside while his telepathic voice carried through the closed doors. The assembled group—of the remaining villagers were only a handful, parents clutching steaming mugs of tea, children wide-eyed with anticipation leaning forward to catch every word—waited with bated breath for news of their beloved August.
"August is thriving," Aetherwing began, his deep telepathic voice resonating with warmth and reassurance. "The boy shows no lingering signs of grief over Christopher's death. He has found his strength and purpose once more." The eagle's golden eyes swept across the gathered faces, noting the collective exhale of relief that rippled through the small crowd. "Moreover, he has proven himself capable in ways that would make you all proud. On his journey to the capital city of Gremory, he has encountered the Corvus Syndicate and its proxies multiple times and emerged victorious."
The villagers exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of pride and concern. August had always been strong, but to hear of him facing their enemies alone stirred protective instincts that had been dormant during the long winter months.
"Just a few days ago," Aetherwing continued, "he faced two of their bloodhounds simultaneously and defeated them both single-handedly. The boy has grown into a formidable warrior."
This revelation brought murmurs of amazement and whispered prayers of gratitude. August was not just surviving—he was conquering the very forces that had threatened their peaceful existence.
However, Aetherwing's expression grew more serious as he shifted to more pressing matters. "While August's progress is encouraging, I must inform you of complications that may affect his return journey. A war has erupted between two neighboring kingdoms, and the conflict threatens to spill over into our border region, the Kingdom you humans called Ogind. The spring offensive, which typically brings increased military activity, will likely fill the main imperial road with soldiers from the kingdom of Ogind."
The mood in the hall shifted palpably. Parents instinctively drew their children closer, while the adults exchanged worried glances. War meant uncertainty, danger, and the potential for their plans to be disrupted in ways they couldn't anticipate.
"This development presents us with three possible routes for August's return," Aetherwing explained methodically. "The first option is the most direct—through the main highway. However, this path may significantly delay his return due to military blockades and troop movements. The second alternative involves a dangerous pathway that merchants and travelers have largely abandoned. This route is plagued with bandits and other unsavory elements who prey upon the unwary."
He paused, allowing the weight of these options to settle before continuing. "The final option would require passage through one of the great forests. While this route offers natural concealment, it presents its own unique challenges and dangers."
The villagers listened intently as Aetherwing revealed August's preference. "August has already proposed the second option as the most viable scenario. He believes that with proper preparation and assistance, they can overcome the bandit threat more easily than navigate military complications or forest perils."
At this point, Aetherwing's tone shifted to one of practical determination. "August has requested assistance for this endeavor, and I have offered a solution. I propose to send a team of our village's finest young warriors, along with their bonded beasts, to provide security during the journey."
The mighty eagle's expression grew slightly regretful as he added, "Unfortunately, I must remain here to help protect the village. Should the war escalate or other threats emerge, Maya will need its guardian."
The initial response from the villagers was overwhelming—of course they would help. August had done so much for them, had led them through countless challenges, and had become like family to many. The thought of him facing danger alone was unacceptable.
However, as the reality of the situation settled in, parental instincts began to surface. Jonathan, ever protective of his daughter Angeline, found himself torn between pride in her abilities and terror at the thought of her facing human enemies. Similarly, Theressa and Red exchanged meaningful glances when they considered sending their children, Isabel and Adam, into such perilous circumstances.
The children themselves, however, had no such reservations. When they learned of the plan, their response was immediate and fierce. They wanted to go. They needed to go. August was their friend, their leader, and they would not abandon him when he needed them most.
"We're going," Angeline declared with the same determination that had carried her through countless training sessions. "August would do the same for any of us."
Isabel and Adam nodded in agreement, their young faces set with resolve that both impressed and worried their parents. The three orphaned children—Erik, Bren, and Betty—were equally determined, though they looked to their adoptive parent figures for guidance.
"If you try to stop us, we'll protest," Adam added, his voice carrying a note of defiance that reminded everyone just how much these children had grown. "We'll find a way to help August with or without permission."
The parents found themselves in an impossible position. They understood their children's loyalty and admired their courage, but the thought of them facing human enemies—potentially being forced to take lives—was almost unbearable to contemplate.
It was Jonathan who finally voiced the concern that weighed heavily on all their minds. "Fighting beasts is one thing," he said quietly, his voice heavy with paternal worry. "But you'll likely be fighting humans—people with families, with hopes and dreams of their own. Are you prepared for the consequences of taking another person's life?"
The question hung in the air like a physical weight. The children, who had been so vocal in their determination moments before, fell silent. They had trained for combat, had faced dangerous creatures, but the moral complexity of human conflict was something they had never been forced to consider.
The adults spent hours discussing various scenarios with the children, painting realistic pictures of what they might encounter. They spoke of the weight of taking a life, the psychological toll of violence against fellow humans, and the long-term consequences that would follow them for the rest of their lives.
These conversations left the children speechless and contemplative. The enthusiasm that had driven their initial response was tempered by the gravity of what they were truly volunteering for.
For three days, an unusual silence settled over the group of young people. They went about their daily routines, but their minds were clearly elsewhere, wrestling with questions that had no easy answers. Their parents watched anxiously, hoping their children would make the right choice while respecting their need to reach that decision independently.
On the morning of the fourth day, all six children appeared before their parents with faces full of conviction and hard-won resolve. The three days of introspection had transformed their youthful enthusiasm into mature determination.
"We've thought about everything you said," Angeline spoke for the group, her voice steady and sure. "We understand the risks, and we understand what we might have to do. But August is our friend, our leader, and our family. We won't abandon him."
Erik stepped forward, his expression grave but resolute. "We know this isn't a game. We know people might die, and we know we might be the ones who have to... to make that happen. But sometimes, protecting the people you love requires difficult choices."
The parents looked at their children—no longer children, really, but young adults who had faced impossible decisions and emerged stronger for it. They could no longer argue against such conviction, such mature understanding of the stakes involved.
The next four days were a whirlwind of preparation. The entire village mobilized to ensure the young warriors would have everything they needed for the journey. Weapons were sharpened and tested, supplies were gathered and organized, and contingency plans were developed for every scenario they could imagine.
Finally, the time came for departure. The group gathered in the early evening hours, their breath visible in the cold air as they made final preparations. Everyone managed to climb onto Aetherwing's broad back, though the mighty peregrine eagle would need to fly slowly and carefully with such a large group.
Kirpy, Bren's bonded beast, would fly independently since he still couldn't manage long-distance travel with a rider. The other two peregrine eagle chicks, Aetherwing's own offspring, would accompany them for the journey to August's location—a training exercise that would prepare them for their own future responsibilities.
Erik had initially hesitated about bringing Rexy, his bonded beast, concerned about the additional burden on their transport. However, Aetherwing had quickly dismissed his concerns. "I can carry Rexy along with the rest of you," the mighty eagle had assured him. "Don't worry about such details."
As they prepared for takeoff, the parents gathered for final reminders and last-minute advice. There were tears, fierce hugs, and whispered prayers for safe returns. The weight of the moment was not lost on anyone—this mission could change everything.
Within a few hours, reinforcements for August and the migrants he would be bringing home to the forest would arrive. Aetherwing would need to travel slowly and carefully, carrying six people and one beast, but their destination was clear and their purpose unwavering.
As the great eagle spread his wings and lifted off into the early evening sky, the village of Maya grew smaller below them. The real journey was just beginning, but they carried with them the love, hopes, and prayers of everyone they left behind.
The war-torn landscape in their south west direction stretched out, dangerous and uncertain, but they flew opposite it with hearts full of determination and loyalty that would not be shaken. August was waiting, and they would not let him down.