THE THIRD MAGE 20 How Is Oniro?

Or so they thought. They haven't received any news from the mainland for a month now. Supplies have been exhausted the day before, and the no-mages were forced to look for game in the island. But it rather proved to be futile because it was a man-made island. There were no animals and plants in it.

On a hut near the beach, Denaire paced back and forth; her Pegasus creation was done and was hidden under a heavy blanket. She made this because she had a plan to fly over the mainland that day just to check what happened. It was really unusual for her Crown Prince to not visit them, or more exactly, her. She dearly missed him; and she was worried that something might have happened that's why they haven't received news from them.

It was during that time that Lyra entered the hut.

"Denaire! What's gotten into you?"

Denaire sighed. "Lyra."

Lyra held the girl's hand and led her towards a nearby chair. "Come on, sit down. What's wrong?"

"Lyra, don't you think this is weird that the mainland didn't contact us at all?"

"Honestly, it is Denaire. I'm afraid that something might have held them up, delaying their weekly visit here."

"Yes. We don't have the magic to gather news or updates from them. And they didn't leave us of any mirror or emergency devices. I am worried Lyra. I am so worried. What if…." Denaire covered her face in frustration.

"Denaire, should we talk this over at the Council Meeting? Maybe the others know something."

Denaire nodded, doubt evident on her face. "Okay, I think it is high time to call for a meeting."

As soon as they got out, they b.u.mped into Granny.

"Granny!" they both exclaimed.

Granny sighed in relief. "Where are you both going? Quick, the Head Council has called for a meeting."

The girls looked at each other and then followed Granny to the square.

***

Head Councilor Dranx stood up at the front; flanked by his co-councilors: Councilors Theo, Lia, Granny, and Denaire. Each of the Councilors represents the type of magic: Theo for Light, Lia for Dark, Granny for the only Death magician and Denaire for the only Life magician.

"I called all of you today for an urgent matter we have to discuss," Head Councilor Dranx said to open the meeting.

"You noticed that the people from the mainland have failed to visit us for the fourth time this month. Our supplies have all been used up and there are no news of the battle at the North or if our country is still safe. In cases of invasion, we know that Oniro has our Elite Force, but seeing how long they have contacted us, we might as well fear for the worst."

There was a clamor of protests and worries for the families they have left behind.

Denaire then stepped forward. "Head Councilor," she bowed. "I have a proposition to make."

The crowd instantly fell silent and the Head Councilor nodded his head.

"I finished a prototype of a Pegasus – a flying horse if you might ask. I volunteer to fly over the mainland and check the situation there. I'll rendezvous with the Elite Force and the royal family and inquire of what is truly happening."

Head Councilor Dranx looked at her, worry etched on his face. "Are you sure you'd go there alone?"

Denaire nodded. "Yes, I'll take my spy animals with me to quickly cover the whole area. I'll just have to ask for your favor Head Councilor."

"What is it?"

"Pleas cover me in darkness, so that no one could recognize me."

"Okay. When do you plan to fly?"

"At sundown."

***

"Denaire," Lyra called out. "Take care okay?"

Denaire nodded. "I will."

The other no-mage sent her good luck and well wishes.

"Come back here immediately Denaire," Head Councilor Dranx said to her, his mouth a thin line on his handsome face.

"Of course. Don't worry, I'll just check it out there."

She rode immediately on her Pegasus, Divina. "Divina, let's go."

And Divina spread her majestic wings and flew towards the setting sun.