“Got it!” Kestrel yelled. “Everyone grab on!”
From in the practice yard those who were closest,
apprentices and upper level instructors alike, hurried to help.
Kestrel held the front line, straining against the force of the
giant bird who tried to take off. He was dragged a few feet before
Dego, Killey and Aden managed to latch on. Caes followed close
behind and Rooster soon after. Virgil stood in the center of the
yard, one arm raised to shade his eyes from the noon sun. He studied
the giant bird with interest as it beat the air with its massive
wings trying to escape the insects that held it back and still get
away with its prey. It looked fairly even, he thought, at least
until Dego slipped and took Killey down with him.
“Dammit!” Kestrel groaned as he felt the help on his
end lessen and the rope pulling free of his hands.
“Everyone, drop it or you’ll get dragged!” he shouted
and stepped aside.
The rope slipped out from the tangle that was Dego and
Killey. Everyone raised their hands in defeat and let it go. Or
rather, they tried. Caes and Rooster let it go easily enough, but
when Aden released his grip and the rope flew past him as the giant
bird took flight, a segment of it caught on the arm guard Kestrel
had made him wear for practice. The jerk as it caught on the metal
and leather brace was so sudden that he was yanked off his feet and
swept past Kestrel on his belly, arm pulled high over his head.
“Aden?!” Kestrel yelped as the boy flew by. The senior
courier looked back at the others whose mouths were open in surprise
and then back at his apprentice who was now picking up speed for
flight.
Virgil, eyes still shaded from the sun, watched them
take off somewhat wistfully, thinking how much he'd like to fly too.
