The shrill scream cut through the blue sky sharply like an
arrow. Everyone in the party cringed and shivered as the sound was even worse
than the classic ‘nails on chalkboard’. “Harpies…” Walker growled, “Why did it have
to be harpies?”
“Got some grudge against harpies?” Shade asked him, “I mean
more than the normal hatred everyone has of them?”
“I just…” Walker clenched his teeth, “I hate harpies.”
“What’re they doing this far north, I wonder?” Callie asked
as she looked across the barren landscape in front of them. “No trees or
mountains around here for them to make a good home.”
“Probably being pushed out of their homes by the jade mines
farther south of here.” Rede told her, “I remember when I was in the Kings’
council that the harpies there were quite a concern. Kanith never went to deal
with them though as the harpies had quite the defense set up.”
“You thinking the new King Lance went for it?” Callie asked
him.
“He’s all about money. Doesn’t give a shit about the
soldiers he’d lose just to increase the size of those mines.” Rede sighed,
“It’s the best explanation I can think of at least.”
