With the conversation at an end, Ivellious led Elberrin to the group of student archers and gathered them together.
"Now for something of a treat, or fright, depending on how you look at it." He said with a chuckle.
With that, Ivellious let out a loud whistle. It was hard to believe such a loud piercing noise had come from the small elven man.
He looked at the sky and waited. As did the students, who fidgeted with anticipation and wonder of what was to come.
Six giant eagles suddenly dove into view from the mountains behind them and in a few moments landed in the clearing. Each one had a riding saddle.
"These are not natives. How did they get here?" Asked Syth.
"No they are not." Ivellious answered as he walked over to the large eagle who bowed its head for a good scratching. The ranger seemed happy to oblige.
"They are creatures loyal to Dullstrand. A loyalty that stems from an old alliance between the city and the creatures it has long protected." He said while stoking the bird's neck feathers.
"These brave souls flew here and just arrived a day ago. It was a long and dangerous flight over open water, with no guarantee of a safe landing. Yet they did it anyway. And they are now here to help us. Their are ten in all, the others must be at a nest that they are trying to establish. Would you believe that they can get in and out of the saddles completely on their own?" He asked, not taking his attention away from the majestic bird.
"Are we going to ride them back to the beach?" Asked Trinity, her eyes alight with excitement.
"Yes we are my girl, yes we are." Ivellious said.
"I'm walking." Gage said flatly and turned to leave.
No one stopped him as walked over to the gazebo and disappeared through the concealed trap door in the floor.
Ivellious looked over at Elberrin. "I was counting on that. Needed someone to bring the boat back anyway." He said with a chuckle.
Syth, Cainell, Trinity, Elberrin and Ivellious mounted their birds. And after quick flying instructions from Ivellious, that consisted of 'hang on tight', they were soon soaring in the air.
It was a short dive to the beach, but one that saved them hours.
Trinity reluctantly got off her eagle, with her first complaint of the day. "That was entirely to short a trip," she said.
The group soon broke up, with Ivellious promising that he would take them out on another hike soon. Trinity looked a little aprehensive as she headed back to the mess hall in the late afternoon sun. Elberrin knew that her father would take his anger with Arnine out on her.
Ivellious took Elberrin aside as the others headed off.
"If you ever need to speak to me on the issue we discussed up there, tell the quartermaster you need help with your bow. He will know what that means and I will seek you out. Continue on your normal duties until I can find you and speak with you." He said quietly.
"Any questions?"