RENDEZVOUS
Heavily laden ships pulled away from the docks. Others had already maneuvered into the current. As he flew under the arch, he aimed for the center. The river beneath him vanished in a gray fog. His skin tingled. Heavy moist air left his face clammy and obscured the walls. He stretched his arms out in front of him feeling foolish, but wanting some buffer in case he flew into something. Escaping dust fell from his hat and dissolved in the mist.
When he emerged on the other side his wings were heavy with moisture and his shoulders ached. He ducked through the ivy vines that cascaded over the opening, but his reflexes were slow. The edge of a dripping leaf slipped between his outstretched arms and stung as it slapped against his face. The glossy leaves were half as big as he was. The gate opening was still in shadow and hazy with morning mist.
He left the river and flew over the holly bushes. Sunlight filled an open space with rocky ground and tuffs of grass. He dipped under the branches of large oaks. Light found its way through the fluttering leaves making dancing patterns on the earth. The moving shadows disoriented him, and the ground came up faster than he expected. His landing became a stumble and ended in a hop when he stubbed his toe on a root.
Limping and shaking the moisture out of his wings he muttered, “Not my best morning.”
The air was warmer outside the trees, but he knew it meant disaster for Silverthorn. They would have to find a way through the open area without the sunlight touching his wings.
Favoring his foot, he hurried forward. He heard Silverthorn’s voice and slowed his steps.
“Gilder can still pass through. He’s willing to come on the merchant ship to pick it up.”
Electrum strained to hear. Were they talking about the box?
“It’s a crazy idea,” a girl’s voice said. “You have to leave now. Every second you wait can damage your wings.”
“I’m not leaving until you agree to meet here on Eclipse Night. My plan is foolproof.”
She laughed. “And then what? No kingdom. No palace. I can’t let you do that. If you don’t leave now, you won’t have any wings and a fine king you’ll make then!”
“A fine point indeed,” Electrum said as he stepped around a mushroom. “You should listen to Amber. She seems to have more sense than you do.”
Silverthorn spun around. “How long have you been listening in on us?” His eyes narrowed and his jaw was set.
“We can argue at home. The clearing is already flooded with sunlight. It will take both of us to get you across without harm. It would take too long to go around. We have to leave now while the gate is still in shadow.” He turned to Amber. She looked scared.
“How will we get him across?” Her voice trembled.
“Fold up your wings Silverthorn. Amber and I will shield you with our wings, and we’ll cross as quickly as possible.”
“What about Amber? She needs to get through her gate before twilight is ended.”
“She’s from the Gold Realm. Morning light won’t harm her and there’s plenty of time left to get her back safely.”
Silverthorn’s face paled to a sickly green. The freckles that had been brown just last month were now silver, a reminder of the danger. Electrum could think of no way to spare the young sprite’s dignity.
With much stumbling and arguing, they crossed the clearing. Electrum was glad Sterling wasn’t there to see their comic procession. All three were in bad spirits by the time they reached the shelter of the holly bushes. The opposite bank and most of the water was now in sunlight. Only a narrow strip through the gate on their side of the river was still dark.
“Hurry,” Electrum said to Silverthorn. “There’s just enough shadow left for you to squeeze through.
He gave the sprite a push. “Go!”
Silverthorn floated up in the air and glanced back. Amber’s eyes were large with alarm. She pushed her hands away from her body. “Go, now.”
He turned and flew away.