Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Author:Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Astraea Press
Published: 2014-02-24T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Zodiac Inn Sagittarius

To say we create a bit of a stir with our arrival at the inn would be a vast understatement. Freya alights in front of the main gate to the consternation of the two guards. They stare open mouthed as the griffin settles her wings back and lets out a cry somewhere between a shriek and a roar. Zane hops to the ground then turns to help me dismount. The flight up the mountain saved us a full day of walking. Moving to Freya's head, I give her a big hug along with my heartfelt thanks. She gives my shoulder a playful butt with her head. With a big grin on his face, Zane takes my hand and leads me up to the shocked guards.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," he says. "We seek a night's lodging."

The guards part without uttering a word to allow us admittance. As we pass through the raised wooden gate, one of the guards stops us.

"Uh, what about the g-griffin?" he stammers, his wide eyes fixated on Freya.

"Oh don't worry. She can take care of herself. I'm sure she'll be just fine in the stable," Zane says, acting like arriving via griffin is an everyday occurrence.

I cover my mouth with my hand to stifle the chuckle bubbling up from within. It's obvious he's still exhilarated from the flight. It shows in his boyish grin and attitude.

"We're also expecting a large black wolf. He should be arriving any minute now. Please allow him through." He starts to lead me away.

"Uh, how do we know which wolf is yours?" the other guard asks. Zane stares back, tipping his head in mock confusion.

"How many wolves usually approach the gate?" Zane asks the guard.

"None?" the guard responds.

"Is that a question or an answer?" I ask, unable to keep the laughter out of my voice.

"Ahem." The guard clears his throat. "I've never seen a wolf here before."

"Well there's your answer," Zane replies smirking. When the guard clears his throat again and shifts from foot to foot, I decide to intervene.

"Shadow is much larger than an average wolf. He's black with blue eyes and has massive fangs. Don't worry, you can't miss him," I sputter, trying to control my laughter.

Zane drags me away before the guards have a chance to see my amused face. When Freya follows us through the gate, both guards jump back. Everyone stops whatever they're doing to stare, mouths gaping, as we cross the interior courtyard. The young stable hand approaches when we reach the stable. He walks right up to the griffin and pats her neck.

"What a magnificent creature you are," he coos at her. "You won't eat the horses will you, dear? No of course not." I glance at Zane and he just shrugs at the strange behavior. "I've never cared for a griffin before. What are her requirements?" he asks with such nonchalance it leaves me speechless.

"Being the queen of all beasts, I'm sure she can take care of herself," Zane says, eyeing Freya. "Let's provide a stall to sleep in should she choose to stay here.

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