The forest was quiet, save for the squelch of Viper's feet in the mud and Ren's frantic, shallow breathing.
Viper was walking with purpose, his back straight under the weight of the massive Golden Eagle. He was already visualizing the smile that would grace his King's face.
"Almost there," Viper hissed over his shoulder. "The King will be pleased."
Ren bit her lip, staring at Altair's limp wing bouncing with every step Viper took.
'Please don't die,' she prayed silently.
Suddenly, a golden glow began to emanate from the bird.
It started faint, like a dying ember, but quickly flared into a brilliant, blinding light.
"What—" Viper started, stopping in his tracks.
WHOOSH.
The weight on his back vanished.
Ren gasped, shielding her eyes against the sudden radiance.
When the spots cleared from her vision, she looked up.
Hovering twenty feet in the air was the Golden Eagle.
