Without stopping, Raylo walked straight through the noisy crowd toward the edge of the marketplace.
Raylo let out a call, and a clear, piercing shriek tore through the air.
A vast shadow fell over the area. The Storm Griffin King, Baofeng, dove down like a bolt of tawny lightning, the gust from his wings kicking up a swirl of dust.
"Let's go, Baofeng."
Holding Moonlight, Raylo deftly vaulted onto Baofeng's broad, warm back.
The Griffin King let out a low roar and gave a mighty flap of his wings. A powerful force propelled them off the ground and straight toward the heavens.
Below them, the colorful free market rapidly shrank into a chaotic artist's palette, then vanished from sight.
Baofeng carried them like a meteor streaking across the sky, soaring over rolling hills, through dense forests, and across boundless verdant plains.
The wind howled in their ears, bringing with it a hint of chill.
Moonlight squinted in contentment, its silver fur fluttering gently in the wind.
