Flight of the Golden Harpy (56 page)

Shail joined Aron and reclined in the water. “My mother told me I would heal and feel joy again. This moment I feel life’s joys. I lie in this cool water with you, my brother, as we savor our defeat of the large swarm. I have not known this peace since I was a fledgling, and we dwelled on the islands many seasons ago.”

“It is obvious your playfulness has returned. I am glad, for you have been long without it, but I and all harpies feel the joy again because of your rule. Though at times I disapprove of your daredevil nature, I know your bold spirit has brought us the peace.”

Shail stood. “My life would be incomplete without your disapproval and fuming for caution. I know I am flawed with a reckless nature, but that is why I have you.” He shook his locks and walked up to the beach. “Let us return to the port. I wish to meet the female harpy who stole your heart. She must be special, since you never wanted the burden of a family.”

Aron went ashore and ruffled his brown feathers. “This is untrue. I have always longed for a family, but feared the loss. With the truce I am ready to fill my nest. Besides, I shall need a son to look after your golden fledgling if he is like his father.”

Shail only nodded.

*   *   *

The shoreline grew dark with evening, and Shail and Aron spread their wings and flew north along the coast toward the port. Approaching the dome building, they saw numerous campfires beyond the port doors and encircling the fires was the human population of Hampton. Farther out was the harpy flock. Seeing Governor Waters and Windy stand on the front steps, Shail and Aron landed nearby.

Shail tilted his head at his mother. “Why are the harpies gathered here?”

“I asked them to come,” Windy said. “Having this union of peace would strengthen the harpy-human bond, and I told them it would please you.”

Shail gazed at his shy harpies who anxiously forced themselves to remain near the outgoing humans. Some people tried to coax the wild harpies closer with the offer of food. A few bold males skittishly approached and snatched food from the human hands. Fluttering back, they nibbled, not because of hunger, but to prove their courage.

“They’re a little frightened of us,” Waters said to Shail, “but you can’t blame them after years of being hunted.”

“Most shall overcome their human fear, learning they are protected, but some shall always have doubts and stay hidden in the trees. The next generation of humans and harpies shall be brothers.”

A large hovercraft zoomed overhead and sent panic through the flock. Every male became airborne and fled for the trees. Once the craft landed inside the dome port, the harpies returned to the site.

“Ted and the port mechanics worked hard to get the hover up and running,” Waters said. “To show their gratitude, they wanted to bring you a gift, Shail.”

Shail wondered what gift he could possibly want from the humans.

Ted came through the doors and held it open. He smiled at Shail. “I’ve got something for you.”

Kari walked out the doors and was followed by Charlie.

Shail stood stunned, unable to move for a moment. He swallowed hard as Kari approached. His shock wore off, and he rushed to her, lifted her into his arms, and passionately kissed her. “I have so longed for your touch,” he relayed.

“And I yours,” Kari said and tightly hugged him, delirious with jubilation. “So many times I thought I had lost you.”

Aron edged closer to Starla and placed his arm around her shoulder, and she rested her head against his chest while the golden pair hungrily quenched their craving for one another with kisses and nuzzles. “This was a good gift,” relayed Aron.

Waters noisily cleared his throat, and Shail and Kari pulled apart, not the least bit embarrassed for the public display of affection. Waters put a microphone close to his mouth. “Ladies, gentlemen, and our harpy friends, I give you Shail the noble golden ruler of the harpies. His wisdom, courage, and honor have saved us all. He is the true hero of Dora.”

The harpies dropped to their knees and bowed their heads, honoring their Prince of Dawn. The humans noticed and followed suit. Rather than wild applause, they went down on their knees with the same quiet tribute.

Kari and Shail were the only ones left standing. Even the governor knelt and lowered his head. Kari stared at the great crowd and then looked up at her mate. “Shail, they love you, all of them.”

“All is well now, Kari, as I promised you.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. He turned and focused on the crowd. “Rise,” he said softly.

When the humans stood, they showed their admiration as only humans could: a loud roar of voices and clapping hands escalated from the crowd. The spooked harpies took to the air and soared over the human gathering. Shail put his arm around Kari and gazed up at the brown wings and stars.

Kari watched his blue eyes sparkle in the firelight, and she reflected how initially she saw Shail as a wild, beautiful creature of the jungle who was persecuted by man. How he had changed, but perhaps the change was not his. Maybe his undaunted spirit had finally been revealed to all. She only wished her father were here, but then she smiled. Her dad knew. She stood up on her toes and kissed Shail’s cheek as her handsome husband quietly gazed out at his people.

BOOKS BY SUSAN KLAUS

Flight of the Golden Harpy

Christian Roberts Novels

Secretariat Reborn

Shark Fin Soup

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Klaus was born in Sarasota, Florida. She has been published in several magazines, including
Cats, ELL,
and
SRQ
. Klaus is the founder and president of the Authors Connection Club, and is also the host of a Web radio show called
Authors Connection
that went into syndication this year.
Flight of the Golden Harpy
is Klaus’s first novel.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

FLIGHT OF THE GOLDEN HARPY

Copyright © 2014 by Susan Klaus

All rights reserved.

Cover art by Julie Bell

A Tor Book

Published by Tom Doherty Associates, LLC

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New York, NY 10010

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Tor
®
is a registered trademark of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC.

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The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.

ISBN 978-0-7653-3755-9 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-4668-3506-1 (e-book)

e-ISBN 9781466835061

First Edition: June 2014