Seeing Lightning again, Daniel realized just how much he had missed him these past few days. From day one the black stallion had been at his side, looking after him and even saving his life on more than one occasion. So it made him wonder when with the wounded wingman on his back, Lightning had sprinted out of the Shadow Forest and had left him behind. He did not blame him though. The shadows were dangerous creatures, and they obviously put a chill on the bones of even such a fearless animal such as Lightning. But now they were together again, and the stallion seemed to be as happy as Daniel was to see him.
Upon proper introduction, Nathaniel bowed his head with humility, wincing from pain as he did so. The wingmen had taken good care of his wounds and he was recovering quickly, thanks for the most part to the healing powers of Summer water. But he was still quite weak and did not look strong enough to fly. He held his mending wing awkwardly half spread behind his back, trying not to move it too much, while the biggest cuts on his body were still visible wherever his clothes did not cover him.
‘I’m glad you are feeling better,’ Daniel spoke first, bearing no hard feelings towards the wingman. Nathaniel lifted his head and dared to look straight in his eyes.
‘Thank you! My Lord Séraphin told me all that you did for me; I am forever in your debt.’ He then stepped forward and kneeled before Nemo, who was standing beside Heli.
‘I owe you more than my life, Nemo. Because of you I still have a chance to atone for all the wrong that I did, especially against you. I promise that I’m gonna work hard to earn your forgiveness and trust.’
Not very comfortable with such scenes, Nemo looked shyly at the others before answering.
‘Help us find the Great Lord and stop this war, and we’re even.’
Nathaniel now looked at Séraphin, kneeling as he was before Nemo. The Sky-Prince nodded with his head and then turned to Daniel.
‘I wanted to go with you all the way and help you find the Great Lord, but as you know, I have to fly back home and try to stop my people from starting a war. I am the only one who can talk to mother at this point, but I have to leave now, or it will be too late. I have only one thing to ask of you; allow Nathaniel to accompany you in my stead, please. This quest belongs to all the people of Endërland, and I want a wingman to be present when the Great Lord is found.’
‘Consider it done, my friend,’ Daniel answered and made to climb on Lightning, but something in Séraphin’s eyes told him the wingman was not yet done speaking. He approached Daniel with his head down and continued.
‘There’s something else, something I must confess and beg your forgiveness for. When we first left Arba, my mission was to report back to the White Lord on everything regarding you, and I’m ashamed to say that so I did. While we were in New Sotira, I told him about your hiding place back in your world. I have put you and your friends in danger, and for that I will never forgive myself.’
Hearing of this, Daniel’s heart sank. This meant that whoever was after him would soon find the little house in Sotira, if they hadn’t already done so. This was indeed grave news, especially since there was nothing he could do, no way to warn Sam or Freddie. He had no other option but to trust that they were able to look after themselves and would be alright.
As for Séraphin, what he’d done was real treason and right now, Daniel did not feel too pleased with the wingman. But he could see that the Sky-Prince felt awful about this, and whether he liked it or not, he understood why he’d done it. He might not be ready to forgive him right away, but he saw no point in saying it out loud. He reached for Séraphin’s right hand and held it in both of his.
‘What’s done is done and cannot be changed. Let’s just hope that everything will work out in the end. Fly fast and fly safe, Sky-Prince; hopefully, next time we will meet under happier circumstances.’
‘Hopefully,’ Séraphin replied and drew back, getting ready to jump up in the air, but not before turning to Nemo.
‘Take good care of him, Nemo,’ he said of Daniel; ‘I can think of no braver man suited for the task. Your people should be proud.’
While Nemo bowed his head in thanks, Séraphin turned one last time to Heli.
‘No one will look for you until morning; by then you will have gained a good distance and it will be difficult for them to find you in these mountain woods, but not impossible. Make the most of the time you have and try to stay hidden as much as you can. May the Great Lord lead your way.’
‘And yours, Sky-Prince!’ Heli replied. ‘Fly safe.’
Séraphin said goodbye one last time and flew up into the night. The rest of the group lined up behind Lightning and began to follow him once again through unknown paths up the Northern Mountains.
They’d had their good share of walking and climbing, but Daniel was glad to be on the move again; he hated the idea of staying long in one place and losing precious time. Finding the Great Lord was no longer just about him and Nemo; the fate of the whole kingdom depended on it.