Chapter 7: The Harpy Island

The island was a hazy shape through the fog, but as The Shadow got closer it the fog cleared up. The first things that were visible was the spires. There was at least ten that they could see. They were skinny buildings that towered over everything. On top of each perched a Harpy. They used their bird-of-prey eyesight to search out danger. Below the spires was the trees, they covered most of the island and through them you could occasionally spot Harpies flying through them almost as if they didn’t notice the trees were there.

When The ship cleared the last of the fog the Harpy on the closest spire flew down. She was dressed in a tunic that had holes in the back for her spotted brown wings and four claw slashes on her shoulders that marked her as one of the top sentinels.

“May the wind always help you fly.” Xavier said formally

“And may the wind always guide you home” she responded. “why are you here Captain, we haven't requested you?” her blond hair was tousled by the wind and covered her blue eyes so Xavier couldn't read her emotions.

“With all due respect, Harmony, I wish to speak with Ruby, I have something important to return to her. May we please dock? I wish to have a conversation with her, it would be more comfortable with the ship docked.” Harmony brushed her hair out of her eyes to look fully at Xavier, sensing no deceit she nodded and flew off.

“Do we dock now?” Ethyn asked. Xavier shook his head.

“Not until we have received permission from the Matriarch. When we do receive them on board, please hang back and bow when I do. And Crimson when I introduce you, I'll call you a lost Harpy, when I do, try to unfurl your wings.” Crimson nodded and stayed close to Ethyn; she was a little nervous to be meeting her people.

They waited until Xavier saw the signal and order the crew to make port.

As they got to the dock, they saw Harmony standing next to a voluptuous woman with orangey red hair in a long black gown. Her wings were a deep ruby colour with black streaks through them. On the woman's other side was a tall skinny woman with black hair tied up in a braid dressed in warriors’ clothes. Her wings were a solid chestnut brown.

After they lowered the gangplank the three-woman walked on board. Xavier bowed low; the rest of his crew followed suit.

“Matriarch Ruby, what an honour to have you on board.” Xavier said.

“Captain Xavier, rise, and tell me what it is you wish to return to me.” the woman in black replied.

“Matriarch Ruby, I am pleased to present Miss Crimson, a lost Harpy.” Crimson unfurled her wings and Ruby burst into tears.

After a few moments of stunned silence, the harpy next to her tried to comfort her but Ruby waved her off. She wiped the tears away and stood tall.

“You have truly brought a great gift to us, your debt has been fully repaid, in fact I believe we are now in your debt. Please choose a few companions to join you. Follow me.” She linked her arm Crimson and walked off the ship.

Xavier linked arms with Dante and motioned to Ethyn to follow.

“Creamer, keep everyone on board and Roland, keep everyone busy so they don’t get bored.” Xavier ordered as their small group left the ship.

Ruby didn't speak as she led them off the dock. They entered the port where traders were able deliver and collect goods. There wasn’t the bustle that normally comes with a port but that was because very few ships were allowed into the protective barrier of Strofades and none of them, apart from The Shadow, were docked. The port became forest very quickly and the paths quickly became murkier as that happened, Harmony and the other woman flew off to get a room ready for them to talk.

“I apologize on the rough grounds; we don’t often walk. We are creatures of the sky and prefer to spend our times up. Even those who get broken wings will climb and swing through the trees. Rather than walk.” Ruby said as Crimson winced when she felt a large stone digging into her foot.

“It’s fine Matriarch Ruby, we can handle a few bruises.” Crimson replied, “I just wish I could fly.”

“You haven’t flown before?” Ruby asked and Crimson shook her head.

“Yesterday was the first day my wings appeared. I didn’t even know I was a harpy; I just knew I was some type of supernatural creature.” Ruby looked at her curiously, but no words were spoken as they ventured further into the island.

Crimson had so many questions but didn't know where to begin.

Xavier was watching out for dangers while enjoying seeing a new place.

Dante was super excited as the forest walk offered a lot of new flowers he hadn’t seen before, he just wanted to shift and run through the greenery.

Ethyn was amazed at all the different colours in the forest but he was also concerned. He knew most harpies choose to stay on the island and he wanted Crimson to get to know her family, but he also wanted her to stay with him. He just wasn't sure that she would choose him.

They turned a corner and they all gasped in amazement at the sight before them. Tree houses of all different shapes and sizes were nestled in the foliage. They ones on the outskirts had spires on top, others had balconies, more were decorated with murals of the harpies fighting great battles. Each house was unique, but they still looked like they grew out of the trees they were in. Ruby pointed at the one in the centre.

“This is my home, the only way in is up,” she looked at Xavier “would you be so kind as to help your friends go up?” He nodded. Ruby smiled and unleashed her wings and guided Crimson to the house after Crimson unfurled hers. Xavier pulled his power together and floated the rest of them to the entrance.