Chương 24: Episode Two Hundred and Sixty-Eight: Griffins!

After a moment, the form shrank, but even that wasn't the most striking thing about them. The eagle head stood out, along with the deep blue armor covering them from their neck to their four feet. A fluffy tail stood tall behind them.

"Welcome to the shop," I said, wondering why Betty hadn't made the door wider. They bowed their heads in my direction. The bright yellow eyes reminded me of an eagle I had once seen back in my hometown.

"Morning… My apprentice needs some supplies," the customer said in a deep, growly voice. Then he glanced over his shoulder. He frowned.

"Benji…" The air flickered behind him, and a much smaller griffin appeared. Only slightly bigger than Indigo. The smaller griffin didn't wear any armor, and instead had a purple robe on. His wings fluttered as he hovered in the air.

"Here, Sir!"

"What did I tell you about being unseen in shops?"

"It's rude, Sir," said Benji, lowering his head. Then he shot in my direction, much slower than Indigo.

"Sorry 'bout that. I got distracted by the magic."

"He just learned how to go unseen," explained the older griffin.

"Now, he needs to find his next area of study." Henry's eyes brightened, and he flapped his wings.

"I can help you with that." I nodded at Henry as he took to the air and flew through the bookshelves, Benji following. I turned to the older one.

"Can I get you something to drink?" He nodded as his form shimmered. A humanoid with the same eyes, armor, and feathers for hair formed. He shivered once.

"Something warm would be delightful before we continue on our journey."

"Sweet, or no?" I asked.

"Sweet would be wonderful." I went to work making a hot mocha this time, but I couldn't help but watch his hands. His fingers were longer than normal, and rested above a sword hilt I hadn't noticed before now.

"So, what do you do?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"My family protects the pathways between our major cities. All sorts of creatures manifest and try to take advantage of travelers. We prevent that. Benji will learn how to take over my leg of the journey, in time." If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The drink didn't take long at all to make.

"But he has a lot to learn, right?" The griffin chuckled.

"Yes, years of knowledge need to be passed down. Plus, he needs to grow into a strong member of our flight. Right now he only cares about the magic, but someday the responsibility will dawn on him."

"Here you go." I set the cup on the counter.

"Sounds like an important job for you."

"Of course. He's my nephew. My brother lucked out with finding a mate and having a family. I focus on the road and pathway in front of me. In turn, I get to see places like this." He motioned to the shop around us.

"This is a true gem." I blushed.

"The shop goes where it needs to."

'I've only heard rumors of this place, and how it helps people." He picked up the cup carefully and took a sip.

"You do important work, just like me." Chatter rose from the stacks.

"I hope he finds something that will guide him," he added.

"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't important," I said, letting my magic rush out. Yet, when I did, the golden wave washed over the older griffin in front of me, making him light up almost as bright as my Father. A thick line connected him to Benji. A book stacked on top of some others glowed on the first shelf by the door. My thought to grab it escaped before I could stop it, and it vanished before reappearing on the counter. He needed this. Not Benji, him.

"What's that?" he asked, taking another sip of his drink.

"Something for you," I said, picking it up carefully. It made my fingers tingle.

"A gift." His eyes went wide as he set his drink down.

"I cannot take a gift from you. We are here for Benji." A bright white feather on the cover made me pause. The thin volume had no title. My magic flared as I picked it up. This book had to go with him, no matter what.

"Sometimes, the fates surprise us." I smiled at him and held it out.

"You will need this, or someone close to you will." Again, his eyes went wide, but this time he only nodded. He carefully took the book but didn't open it.

"I cannot read…" My heart clenched at his confession.

"I never had time to learn before I had to take over my father's position." His eyes went dark.

"I was much too young." The chatter increased as Benji and Henry appeared from behind a bookshelf. Henry held two books in his hands as he flew to the counter. By the time he landed, the volume the griffin had held was gone.

"These two books for Benji," said Henry, as he landed.

"Plus the warm beverage," said the older griffin. I nodded and rang everything up. The total actually listed gold coins, which he set on the counter without a problem. Benji swooped down and picked up the books, but they vanished as soon as he touched them.

"I get to learn about fire!"

"And plants," said Henry.

"The plants are important too!"

"Yep, fire and plants," said Benji, next to the older griffin.

"What about you, Uncle?" He chuckled.

"A pleasant conversation, a drink, and a book of my own."

"Oh, we can read together then!" Benji shot to the door. The griffin glanced back at me with a soft look. I waved.

"Good luck," I said. He bowed his head, then they both headed out the door. His form shifted as soon as he stepped past the doorjam.

"Those were actual griffins," said Henry, in a soft voice.

"Griffins! We helped them!"

"I don't know anything about them," I said.

"Was that rare?"