Page 38 of Unbound By Shadows
“Do they have bathtubs?”
“Yes.”
“All right, if you think it’s safe.”
As they continued to walk toward Iriswood, the green of the forest gave way to rocks and thin trees. A stone archway and fence marking the village’s entrance could be spotted up ahead. Birds, sacred animal of the Harpy race, filled the trees—some singing, others squawking. They peered down at Sam and Selene with curiosity.
“What’s that smell?” Selene asked after a moment, her nose wrinkled.
The stench of rotting meat invaded Sam’s senses. A gust of wind intensified the odor while something large and dark swooped over their heads. He looked up to see a winged creature with a female-shaped body circling over them like a vulture. Selene followed his gaze.
“What is it?”
“Just a Harpy.” They watched her glide through the sky and dip once, twice, as if trying to get a good look at them. Then the Harpy sped toward them, emitting a high-pitched titter. Right before she made contact with the ground, she twisted to fly straight up again.
“You wish to enter Iriswood?” the Harpy squawked down at them. Her wings flapped slowly, silhouetted against the sky.
Sam’s jaw clenched. He should have known there would be some sort of toll or challenge put up by the Harpies to enter their lands. With the exception of one Harpy he knew, they were mistrustful of males, and notorious for stealing what they wanted, especially food. He tightened his grip on his backpack. If this Harpy thought she would be stealinganythingfrom him or Selene, she would regret it.
Apprehension grew as he watched the Harpy swoop erratically through the air. It was almost as though she wanted to soar higher, but a barrier prevented her from doing so. Sam squinted to get a better look, and saw sharp talons peeking out from under a tattered brown dress. Her spiky hair was tangled with debris, and streaks of dirt smeared her face.
Selene looked at Sam with alarm. He called out to the Harpy, “We only seek to pass through Iriswood.”
“What queen do you serve?”
“Thema of the Malkina.”
The Harpy drifted down to perch on top of the archway. She had a heavy brow, a pointed nose, and sickly blue skin that clashed with the red of her hair. Scarlet feathered wings extended from between her shoulder blades. Black and orange eyes peered down at them before the creature rolled her head and let out a caw. Selene stepped back, her body drawn tight with fear.
The Harpy looked at them and said, “Don’t look Malkina.”
“We serve Queen Thema, nonetheless,” Sam replied. From the corner of his eye he saw Selene smooth her hair over her ears, no doubt taking care to hide their rounded tips.
“I serve Queen Aello,” the Harpy said.
“Yes, I know,” Sam said, his anger rising. He did not care for games or having his time wasted. “May we pass?”
The Harpy lifted her chin. Then she flew up and dove straight for Selene’s backpack. Selene held up her arms and ducked, which left the Harpy’s talons grasping at air. An angry shriek rang out, followed by a clap of thunder.
Next, the Harpy spiraled around to pluck Sam’s pack from his shoulders. He swung out his arm defensively, which made the Harpy lose balance and crash to the ground. When she rose, Sam was surprised to see that she was nearly his height.
Her stench was so noxious it made his eyes water. Her talons looked razor sharp, capable of snatching suppliesandtearing flesh. The Harpy spread her wings out menacingly and advanced.
“Queen Aello demands tribute!”
He glanced at Selene and saw beads of blood blooming from a scratch across her forearm. Sam’s breath quickened as his instincts for vengeance roared to life.
Punish.
He motioned for Selene to stay back, while he moved toward theHarpy. Once they stood eye-level with each other he growled, “You’re not taking our food. Or anything else.”
“Tribute!” the Harpy screeched.
Sam bared his teeth then said, “No. You can either step aside and let us pass or—”
“Or what?” the Harpy challenged. She shuffled her feet back and forth in the dirt, preparing to charge.
Wisps of shadow curled around Sam as his claws extended. “Or lose your wings.”
