The Obelisk

-Chapter 52-

Coal kept his head low. He slowly marched through the Strongholds halls, hunching his back and keeping his wings folded in. His feathers were ruffled and un-preened, but there was no time to stop. He had to do it. Tonight. Jethezzar would arrive for the council meeting soon. And he knew he couldn’t keep the prisoners waiting.

Torches flickered in the halls, a few fireflies buzzed near some glass where a lantern had fallen and shattered. Coal left it alone.

He finally arrived at the doors to the prisons, which were guarded by two soldiers, keeping their spears tucked under their wings and their beaks up.

“Good morning, Prince,” greeted one of the soldiers. Coal recognized Quake, one of his hatchery-mates. He, along with a few other young Terror birds, had grown up with Coal in the main palace Hatchery. But Quake, like his father, had slowly grown into a prideful, arrogant soldier. While they had a history together, Coal was no longer friends with him.

“Morning, Quake.” Coal nodded his head respectfully, then did the same to the second soldier, who straightened under his gaze.

“What brings you to the prisons?” Quake asked.

“I would like to speak with a few of the prisoners,” Coal explained.

“Oh,” Quake blinked, something flashing in his eyes. “Of course, but, If I may, this is not the right time to approach any of the prisoners. Tough night for most of them, still finishing their meals—“

“I said, I would like to come in.” Coal had no more time for delay. “Would you dare disobey the son of the Emperor?”

Quake gawked silently, swallowing hard. The second soldier kicked him hard and opened the door before Quake could intervene. “Of course not, young Prince,” the second said. “You may enter. But don’t be too long.”

“Watch out for their teeth,” Quake called as Coal entered the prisons.

Coal still led carefully through the halls, checking each cell. Lots of angry, tired and sleeping prisoners l, but so far no—

He instantly knew the Five when he saw them. He stopped by the bars. “Greetings,” he said to them.

One of the Five, a green, blue and yellow Rock Drake stood up. He blinked soft, confused eyes at Coal. “Hello. Who are you?”

Coal was momentarily distracted by his royal instincts. He drew himself up, irritated. “You don’t recognize me?”

“Nope,” said one of them—a pale ruby red Kaprosuchus. “What do you want?”

Coal wanted to push further and tell them about his royal blood—but he didn’t. He needed to get straight to the point.

“I need your full attention. All Five of you.”

“What? What is it?” Asked the Rock Drake.

“Im going to help you escape.”