Tears of Avalon

Chapter 2: The Stranger

The cry of pain sounded again as Ilyia and her mother ran towards where it was coming from. Ilyia was nervous, but she couldn't deny the excitement that filled her either. It was the first time her mother had allowed Ilyia to follow her on a rescue mission instead of sending her home. She reached down and undid her strip of belt, which could serve as a slingshot as well. She held it in one hand and the dagger in the other.

As they came upon the scene, Ilyia staggered back with a gasp of surprise.

A giant raven slashed his vicious talons at a white-haired fairy. The fairy, dressed in gold and brown, fought valiantly to keep the avian off of him, but Ilyia could see blood flowing down his right shoulder. He blocked a peck with his sword while he danced around a broken spear at his feet.

Her mother hissed something under her breath. A water orb started to build around her fingers and spread until it turned into a liquid whip. Ilyia had seen her mother fight before, but she wasn't the strongest in battle. She was more of a defensive fighter, though the watery whip would suggest otherwise.

"Ilyia, stay-"

"I know, I know, stay behind you," Ilyia grumbled. She crouched down and ran her hands along the earth until she found a smooth stone.

Her mother spun the whip then lashed out, sending a wave of water at the bird. Part of it struck the beast in the eye.

The raven squawked in surprise and pain, giving the other fairy a chance to slash him across the breast feathers. The bird hopped back a step.

Ilyia watched then tilted her head when she noticed a sudden glint on his neck. It was hard to make out, but she thought she saw a silver cord with a green gem in his feathers.

"Stay back!" the other fairy shouted at them.

The raven flared his wings and knocked the man through the air. He crashed to the ground and rolled, his yellow wings bending underneath the weight of his body.

Her mother dashed forward, putting herself between the fallen fairy and the raven. She struck with another water tendril.

Ilyia stuck a stone in her sling and started to swing it around.

The man huffed as he pushed himself up. "What did I tell you?" he rasped at her mother. "You don't understand-"

"I know what that gem means," her mother hissed back. "Now help me destroy it."

Ilyia had no idea what they were talking about, but the raven was about to rip them apart with his talons. She waited until the last second, when the bird was inches away, before she stepped forward and released the stone.

The raven bowed his head.

The rock clanked hard against the side of his skull. He staggered sideways and fell with a pained sound.

As one, her mother and the man turned to stare at her.

Ilyia shrugged then shouted. "Look out!"

The raven surged forward, but instead of attacking the two fairies, he flapped into the sky. His talons brushed so close over her mother's head, Ilyia couldn't help by cry out in fright. But the bird just flew off, leaving all three panting and staring after him.

A moment later, the new fairy fell to his knees. He clutched his shoulder, his sword thumping to the earth beside him.

Ilyia rushed forward. Before she could get to him, her mother caught her arm. Ilyia tried to struggle free. "I have to help."