"....I can't read her mind."
The shocking statement from griffin had a effect of astonishment on us. I and Lan were stunned to the fact that a beast can speak. A manly voice like that of a warrior.
"[startled] He.... He can speak ?"
"[Smirk] yes... So a griffin is special."
Thus, flipping wings we flew ahead. The forest below, sparkled as Emeralds as the dazzling sun passing through mountains. A stream of river flew in between the trees finally meeting a large lake. Lowering down, griffin flew just above the surface of water barely touching its paws on water. The dewdrops in the atmosphere showered as if welcoming us. I had been so enthralled by the adventure that I hardly noticed the cold. I was bewitched by the beauty of nature. Roger took out his hands forming a Titanic pose (ya ya I know too cheeseee) and screamed as loud as he can following Lan to do the same. Passing through the Lake, a small forest and mountains we sited the beautiful city of Spiblis. The tall crystal buildings sparkling, shimmering atmosphere and the livelihood expressed the city. It had a Modern Metro City look like that in my world. There were many things flying in the sky. Some looked like ships while some as carriages and some were elemental beasts.
They appeared to be smaller and smaller as we moved away from the city in the direction of Ignis city. Passing some Black Mountains, some Dark Valleys and a Red dessert we reached the borders of Ignis City. It was wall made from fire covering the whole city. There were knights of fire guarding the Gates. Getting down Roger went on to meet the Knights. Lan got down and help me get down. The cold atmosphere had decreased as we got near to Ignis city.
" Can you see the Fire Wall. It is a temporary wall made from Magic. A effective one though." Lan whispered while I nodded.
Watching Roger talking to knights we stood near griffin. After a small talk , the knight and Roger walked towards us. Lending a hand knight asked,
" Seals please ? "
Lan removed his seal from the inner pocket of his coat and handed it to him. He looked and gave it back to Lan, moving towards me. I took out my seal from my waist belt and handed hesitatingly. It felt as if I was a criminal trying to escape in disguise. Roger had stressful expression which made me even more nervous. As the knight checked the seal his expressions turned in suspicion.
"[angry] So bold of you to hand a fake seal made from magic and that too, to a knight."
He grabbed my wrist with a firm grip.
" Tell your identity.... A traitor?....criminal ?....[shouting] do you want to stay in Dungeons? "
His firm grip was hurting me, made it almost unbearable. I jerked my hand out in circular motion exerting his hand away and grabbed the pendant from my neck to show him. As soon as he saw it, he bent down almost kneeling and said,
" Its my mistake Your Majesty.... Please forgive me.... It was an order from King himself to put on high security."
"It.. Its fine. Please get up. The real seal..... It got misplaced... Hence we had no other choice as it was urgent.... Can we go ahead now? " Roger explained.
" Yes indeed , Your Majesty! "
The knight went back to the check post.
" What was that? " I asked
" Told you the pendant had a great effect." said Roger.
Amazed from the situation we sat back and continued to our destination, The Fire Palace.
I was really amazed to see the city which had a old European City look. People dressed like nobles all over, knights marching. After passing the suburbs, we reached the market. The crowd of people surrounded by various shops and liveliness all over the market was noticeable. A group of magicians performing art and rare magic were surrounded by people. Passing the market and a small grassland we reached near a Glass Bridge made from Rubies. And After the Bridge was the a fabulous Fire Palace or perhaps A castle, one from the Duke and Duchess from the stories. It was a beautiful structure surrounded by a garden and a fire fountain at the entrance.
It had a high security so there were some formalities to take care of. Entering the castle Lan meet the commander and after a talk they allowed us to meet the king. I was curious about the conversation between Lan and commander.
" Hey Lan, What did you say to him?"
" Nothing. Just told that we want to meet the king."
" And he allowed?....just like that! "
" Lady Ariya let us go before someone recognises you." Roger grabbed me moving ahead.
Walking from large meeting rooms decorated beautifully, we reached to the entrance of a tower. A golden crystal box looking like a lift was near the stairs. Stepping in, it took us to the top of the tower in just a blink of an eye. It was Kings private place (like a penthouse). A big room with cosy sitting arrangement and window wall. It had a small fountain like structure in the middle of room with a red crystal ball situated on it. We stood near the window looking outside when somebody hugged me from behind. It was warm and gave a feeling of relief. Hugging me the person spoke,
" Husshhh .....[breathing out] .... I was so worried about you.... I thought I lost you.... But you came back... I am so happy! "