Excerpt from "Teraglen: The Journey Begins": Daniel Meets Yara
The creature gave a loud, joyful cry as it drew nearer to the Protectress. Its wings stirred the air as they flapped rhythmically, sending powerful gusts of wind throughout the surrounding land. The great animal extended its claws. It landed on the ground and the entire earth shook. Its long face resembled that of a wolf’s. Its body, wide tail, and wings had the feathers of an eagle, but underneath, they had the skin of a fish. A single shade of black covered the animal, contrasting sharply with its deep blue eyes.
Edith reached for the creature’s harness and ran her fingers through its fur. The animal made a warm, cooing sound as it brushed its face against the Protectress’ forehead. Edith turned to Daniel; her eyes brightened. “This is Yara, Head Fly-Dark of Teraglen. Say hello.”
Daniel said nothing. The intense gaze and immense size of the fly-dark filled him with fear.
“We are going to ride Yara to the castle, so you must make yourself known to her,” the Protectress explained.
Keeping his distance, Daniel said to the creature, “He-hello.”
Yara sang angelic notes and shook her head freely from side to side. Edith restrained her. Daniel moved closer to the fly-dark. Carefully, he lifted his hand and touched the tip of its fur.
“Fly-darks can understand commands in every language that the citizens here speak,” Edith said.
“Incredible!” Daniel said quietly. “She is quite a large pet.”
“Yara is not a pet. She is a warrior.”
“She has been in battle? When? With whom?”
Edith’s face became troubled. A distant gaze overtook her attentive eyes. She suddenly became alert. “Any further questions you have regarding Teraglen, you may address them to the king.”
She communicated with the fly-dark and she lowered onto the ground.
“We’d better go,” she said as she mounted the creature with ease. “Grasp the harness and jump.”
Reluctantly – very reluctantly – Daniel did as she instructed. As he sat upon the animal, he saw her back, covered in deep scars. Discolored patches of fur had grown through Yara's healed wounds.
“Are you afraid of heights?” Edith asked as she readied herself and the fly-dark.
Daniel’s stomach dropped. “Sometimes,” he said nervously.
“Don’t worry. We will not go very high.” Edith gave a command to the fly-dark and she lifted from the ground.
“Hang on,” she warned. She pulled the reins on the harness, and the powerful creature pivoted on its claws. Edith ordered the fly-dark again. The fly-dark spread her wings, and thrust her feathers, leaping into the air. Yara was swept into the current of the wind and caressed by the breeze of its whisper. She nearly grazed the top of the trees as she glided across the land.
Goosebumps surfaced on the top of Daniel’s skin. His heart raced as he became breathless. He felt as though he was awake in a dream. Flying was exhilarating. Frightening. Freeing. He had never felt so many emotions at once. He was a mess – the most beautiful kind.
(YA fantasy series Teraglen. Book I: Teraglen: The Journey Begins )
© 2022 B.W. Walters
Teraglen characters, names and related indica are trademarks of © B.W. WALTERS. All Rights Reserved.
Teraglen is a trademark of B.W. Walters
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.
Order book one today!
Teraglen: The Journey Begins is now available on Amazon! Order your ebook or paperback copy today!