Chapter 20:- Wyvern Hawk Ride

"So, this is what a Wyvern Hawk looks like." William, Isabella, and little Aimee found themselves standing before an awe-inspiring bird of colossal dimensions.

William had half-expected his daughter to be frightened by the sight of such a monumental creature. To his surprise, however, Aimee seemed more exhilarated than intimidated. Her small eyes glowed with excitement, twinkling like the stars themselves. Instead of bursting into tears, she energetically pointed at the Wyvern Hawk. She then turned to look at Isabella, her eyes wide and imploring, silently communicating her wish to get closer to the magnificent beast.

Wyvern Hawks are truly a sight to behold. They are massive creatures, commonly growing to heights of more than 3 meters. Their wings, when fully outstretched, can span up to an astonishing 30 feet, making them dwarf the many creatures they share their habitats with. This particular Wyvern Hawk was a majestic 4 meters tall and boasted a wingspan of an astounding 30 feet.

Wyvern Hawks bear an uncanny resemblance to the mythical creature they are named after - the Wyvern. Their features are distinctly sharp and dragon-like, an impression further accentuated by their large, piercing eyes that glow a haunting shade of amber.

Covering their bodies is a hybrid coating of glossy feathers and scales, a palette that ranges from a stark obsidian black to a vibrant emerald green. The Wyvern Hawk they were currently observing sported scales of a rich, deep emerald green, a shade that seemed to shimmer under the sunlight, adding an extra layer of magnificence to its appearance.

Their beaks and talons are as sharp as razors, but it's their beaks that set them apart from other birds. The snout-like structure strongly resembles a dragon's maw, giving the Wyvern Hawks a uniquely formidable and somewhat mythical appearance. All these factors combined to make the Wyvern Hawk not just a creature of the wild, but a living embodiment of ancient legends and myths.

William couldn't help but notice the wistful, far-off look in Isabella's eyes as she observed the majestic Wyvern Hawk. A tender smile played on her lips as though the sight of the creature evoked cherished memories from a distant past. "Isabella," he ventured, curiosity coloring his voice, "do you know much about Wyvern Hawks?"

Isabella's gaze never wavered from the winged beast. "I know a bit," she confessed, her voice resonating with a sense of deep familiarity. "Wyvern Hawks typically reside in mountainous regions, favoring the safety and solitude of high, hard-to-reach cliffs for their homes. They prefer habitats close to large water bodies due to their diet preferences. Being apex predators, they enjoy a rather diverse menu, which ranges from large fish plucked from the rivers and lakes to mountain goats, deer, and other substantial terrestrial creatures. When food becomes scarce, legends tell of these beasts attacking even larger prey."

Once upon a time, Isabella had been a proud collector of mounts. In her extensive collection, a striking black-scaled Wyvern Hawk had been one of her prized possessions. Standing a colossal 5 meters tall and boasting a speed of a whopping 100 miles per hour, this magnificent creature had been the apple of her eye.

However, when things took a turn for the worse, she lost everything she held dear. Her cherished pets were either mercilessly slain or she had to heartrendingly set them free, fully aware of the grim fate that awaited them if they stayed by her side. Her enemies would show no mercy, not even to innocent creatures.

Now, as she beheld the Wyvern Hawk before her, a wave of nostalgia swept over her, but it was laced with a bitter sting of resentment. Her losses hadn't been limited to her powers or the damage to her soul; they extended much further. The price of her conflict with the humans had been the loss of many precious aspects of her life. Each memory, each lost bond, only seemed to fan the flames of her simmering anger towards mankind.

"These creatures are impressive not just in their sheer size, but also for their remarkable speed," Isabella elaborated, her eyes riveted on the mighty Hawk. "Given their expansive wingspan and the strength packed in their wing muscles, an average Wyvern Hawk can achieve blistering speeds of up to 80 miles per hour during hunting dives. And there are even unique variants among their kin, specialized ones, that can reach the dizzying speed of 100 miles per hour."

As Isabella shared her insights, Jack, who had until now been standing back, couldn't help but listen intently. He observed William methodically loading his luggage onto the back of the towering Wyvern Hawk. Isabella's detailed knowledge, her evident familiarity with the creature, made him furrow his brows in suspicion. 'Just who exactly is this woman?' he thought to himself, his mind whirring with questions. 'To possess such a deep understanding of the Wyvern Hawk suggests her past is far from ordinary.'

After all, in their world, Wyvern Hawks were a rare sight. It was even rarer to encounter individuals who had managed to tame these majestic avian beasts. The general populace knew little about these creatures. Their intricate details were usually the domain of hunters, bird enthusiasts, breeders, or academic scholars. A regular person possessing such extensive knowledge about Wyvern Hawks was almost unheard of, making Isabella's expertise all the more intriguing.

"Can you tell us more about their powers and abilities?" William found himself genuinely curious, drawn in by the majestic creature standing before them.

"Certainly," Isabella responded, clearly in her element. "Wyvern Hawks are armed with several unique capabilities. First and foremost, they possess hawk-like vision, an asset that allows them to spot potential prey from miles away. This sharp-eyed prowess complements their blistering speed during hunting dives, making them an apex predator in their environment.

"Secondly, being descended from the legendary dragons, they inherited a limited form of fire breath. However, it's important to note that it doesn't manifest as a continuous stream of fire like a traditional dragon's. Instead, they're able to produce short, concentrated bursts of fire, which they utilize for hunting and self-defense.

"And lastly, the Wyvern Hawks sport a hybrid covering of feathers and scales. This offers them a natural armor that's resistant to both mundane and magical attacks. Coupling their size, speed, and these extraordinary abilities makes them one of the most formidable beings in the natural world.

"Despite their fearsome reputation, these creatures are known to form deep bonds with those who show them respect and genuine kindness. This, coupled with their inherent capabilities, makes them highly prized companions for adventurers and warriors. However, encountering a wild Wyvern Hawk is incredibly difficult. Despite their colossal size, they are adept at keeping themselves concealed within the lush foliage of the forest."

The conversation prompted William to turn towards Jack. "Jack, how did you come across your Wyvern Hawk?" he asked, curiosity lacing his voice. In his heart, he was already yearning for a Wyvern Hawk of his own. After hearing about their fascinating attributes, he realized how invaluable such a creature could be, especially in a world devoid of modern conveniences like cars or planes.

Jack seemed somewhat reluctant to answer, his face reflecting a brief flash of unease. He didn't particularly feel comfortable sharing his story with people he barely knew. As far as he was concerned, the trio were merely his passengers. "I encountered her by a small waterfall," he finally said, curtly finishing his statement in a single sentence. His tone and demeanor conveyed his desire to withhold any further details about his history. Neither Isabella nor William felt the need to probe deeper, respecting his apparent wish for privacy. If he wasn't inclined to share more, it would be disrespectful to persist.

The atmosphere grew a tad awkward as the conversation halted abruptly, filling the air with an unexpected silence.

From the outside, Jack seemed indifferent, but inwardly, he felt a tinge of regret for his blunt response. But what could he do? It was just the way he was. Even if he made an effort to be more open with others, he found it challenging. Besides, he preferred his solitude. He found a unique kind of serenity traveling the world alone, aboard his Wyvern Hawk. He had explored nearly every city across the Night Empire and the Flaming Dominion Empire. The only reason he was journeying back to his hometown was the heart-wrenching news of his grandmother's passing. The woman, who was on the cusp of her 100th birthday, had sadly died a day before reaching the milestone.

Jack had been a fearless and adventurous boy. At the tender age of 15, brimming with a desire for exploration, he had sneaked away from his home. As he traversed the treacherous expanse of the forest, he chanced upon an injured Wyvern Hawk, lying helpless near a small waterfall. He decided to stay with the injured creature, nursing it back to health over a period of an entire month. Since that day, the two of them had formed an unbreakable bond, traversing the skies together.

Once William had secured their baggage onto the back of the imposing bird, Jack moved forward. With a familiar ease, he climbed up the Wyvern Hawk, positioning himself just behind the creature's neck. He sat there silently for a moment, affectionately patting the Wyvern Hawk's head, soothing the creature before the imminent flight. Following his lead, William, Isabella, and the young Aimee clambered up onto the Wyvern Hawk's wide back.

"Let's head home," Jack murmured softly to the Wyvern Hawk. Responding to its master's command, the gigantic creature unfurled its expansive wings, stretching them out fully before lifting off the ground with a powerful surge. It quickly ascended, leaving the people in the town square in a state of awe and envy. It wasn't often that they witnessed such a grand, magnificent creature taking flight.

As the Wyvern Hawk ascended, William glanced over at his daughter, his heart swelling with joy as he saw the unadulterated delight in her eyes. Aimee was energetically running her tiny hands over the Wyvern Hawk's scales, her squeals of excitement lost in the rush of the wind. The Wyvern Hawk flew at a considerable height, skimming just below the cloud cover. It offered them an astonishing panoramic view of the surrounding lands, a sight so breathtaking it was indescribable.

Feeling his daughter's elation and considering the fact that their arduous fifteen-day journey on foot would be significantly reduced to a mere five hours, William couldn't help but think that the extra money he had spent for this ride was entirely worth it. The comfort and speed that the Wyvern Hawk provided were unparalleled, making the journey not just bearable but extraordinarily memorable.

As they perched securely on the Wyvern Hawk's wide back, an invisible barrier seemed to form around them. It was as if a cocoon of protection shielded them from the biting winds that whipped around them at such a high altitude. What they experienced was merely a gentle, soothing breeze that caressed their faces. It was a stark contrast to the harsh conditions one would normally encounter at such heights, making their journey all the more comfortable.

The duration of the journey was brief, yet it was filled with an array of extraordinary memories that would last them a lifetime. William and Isabella contentedly watched over Aimee as she delightfully explored the Wyvern Hawk's scales, her tiny fingers trailing over the hardened surface with innocent curiosity. Her giggles and exclamations echoed in the wind, adding to the beauty of the moment.

Eventually, after hours of excitement and play, Aimee's energy began to wane. Her eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion, and within moments, she succumbed to sleep, curling up comfortably in Isabella's warm embrace.

Isabella, meanwhile, found herself contemplating their journey. A wave of relief washed over her as she realized how fortunate they were to have encountered a Wyvern Hawk rider willing to ferry them to their destination. Had they found such a mode of transport back in the capital when their journey had first commenced, they would have been spared the arduous troubles they had faced.

The fifteen-day journey on foot, especially with a young child in tow, had been a test of their endurance. The constant vigilance required to ensure Aimee's safety and comfort had been draining, both physically and mentally. In retrospect, the convenience and speed of the Wyvern Hawk's flight seemed like a blessing, a stroke of good fortune that made their journey significantly easier and far more memorable.

Time seemed to slip away unnoticed as the Wyvern Hawk sailed through the air, passing over an assortment of cities, each varying in size and appearance. When the sun hung high in the sky, marking the arrival of mid-afternoon, the giant bird began a slow, controlled descent.

From his vantage point, William had a bird's-eye view of a city sprawled beneath him. A narrow, winding river bisected the city, splitting it into two distinct halves like a flowing vein of silver. The river's glistening waters sparkled in the afternoon sun, a serene sight against the backdrop of the bustling city.

The city itself was cocooned within high, robust walls, a formidable defense that attested to the city's strength. Surrounding the city were fertile lands dedicated to farming, where crops of various types swayed gently in the breeze. A few quaint villages dotted the landscape, and several watchtowers constructed from bamboo and wood stood sentinel at strategic points. These structures lent a rustic charm to the city and its surrounding areas, creating a picturesque setting.

The farmlands fringing the city were interspersed with sparse forests, the trees offering patches of green amidst the golden hue of the crop fields. As one moved farther away from the city, the patches of forest became more frequent, eventually merging into a dense woodland that stretched as far as the eye could see. The lush wilderness seemed like a world in contrast with the structured cityscape, adding to the diverse beauty of the region.

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