Chương 25: Episode Two Hundred and Sixty-Nine: Griffin Tails

"Griffins fought with the Dark Drakes when they tried to take over their lands. The griffins pushed them back, but suffered heavy losses." Henry shook his head sadly as his wings drooped.

"They asked a dragon clan for help with the next battle, since dragons and drakes are sworn enemies. The dragons won of course."

"Was this recent?" I asked, thinking of how he had mentioned taking over from his father when he was too young.

"Within the last hundred years." Henry nodded his head, then pressed his lips together.

"The species will need a long time to recover, even though they live on a very magical world. I hope Benji studies well." Benji wasn't in my thoughts, but his uncle was. Forced to take over the patrol before he could finish his studies, and now the shop gave him a book he couldn't read. Hopefully it all worked out. Warmth pulsed under my hand, pushing back my concerns.

"Well, we did what we could to help," I said under my breath, before taking a sip of my iced mocha. The pleasant chocolate made me grin.

"So, what's next?" asked Henry, as he glanced around the shop.

"That's up to Betty, she's the one who brought us here…" My voice trailed off as the scenery outside the windows changed, but not by much. Henry crept closer to the windows, staring at something, but then the door opened. The bells rang as another humanoid griffin stepped inside. This one had a long green cloak covering her shoulders, and she didn't have a sword at her side.

"I found it," she whispered. Bright yellow eyes traveled across the bookshelf, and her long fingers trembled.

"Welcome to the shop," I said with a smile.

"How can I help you?" I wanted to use my magic, but waited. She obviously was looking for something. Her eyes snapped to me, and she stepped closer. The white feathers she had instead of hair shifted.

"I'm looking for a book, an important book for my family."

"We have many books. I will need a little more than that," I said, as I took a sip of my drink. She stared at the glass in my hand for a split-second, then shook her head.

"Of course, of course." Henry glanced at me a little concerned as she hurried to the front counter.

"It's about the history of Griffins, and how we used to find those to bond with. Our rates of bonding used to be higher. The math isn't the same anymore, and I'm trying to find the history and do research to discover why." This time, I did push a small wave of magic out. It lightly coated her, but then nothing in the shop. Instead, threads floated directly to the door. Henry inched closer to her, before nodding.

"That sounds like important research. What is the book's title?" She opened her mouth, and then let out a huff.

"Well, I'm not actually sure. My predecessor, who studied this field, had it, but his library was raided after he passed. I was on the front lines, helping mend those who were injured. He wrote all of his findings in that book, but then it was taken. I need to find it." Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Or redo all the research," said Henry.

"Exactly," she said with a frown.

"I've been hoping to find this place, and maybe the book, since this seemed like the best chance. Though, given my luck I didn't think I'd actually find this shop at all, if you know what I mean. The statistical likelihood was very small, but here we are." I studied the line leading out the door, and thought about the last griffin in here.

"Did it have a white feather on the cover?" I asked quietly. Her eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped as she leaned across the counter "You have it!"

"I don't–" Her entire body caved in.

"But Benji's uncle does," I added, trying to think of anything else I knew about them.

"Benji, who was just in here?" asked Henry. I nodded.

"The book went to his uncle, I'm sure of it." They both stared at me for a second. Then, Henry turned to her as his wings fluttered.

"Benji is studying to take over the route from the blue mountains to the hazel woods. His family has guarded the farmland there for generations, and lost several members during the war. They live high in the peaks of the blue mountains in a very old roost." She nodded slowly, then a small book appeared next to her. She opened it and practically cracked it in half, showing off a map before tracing a few different areas.

"This gives me a place to start." Her eyes practically glowed.

"A very good start. Benji, you said?"

"That's the young one, about the size of Henry here," I added.

"Training starts young. It has to, these days." She nodded solemnly.

"How can I repay you for the information?"

"Go find the book, and solve your problem," I said with a grin.

"It sounds important, and we are just glad we can help." She stared at me, pressing her lips together as she snapped the book shut.

"Do you have any magical gems?" blurted out Henry, just as I finished speaking. I turned to him a little shocked.

"Henry…"

"It's for Betty," he mumbled, his eyes wide.

"Griffins mine them and trade them with others." The lady froze, but then nodded frantically.

"Of course." She pulled a handful of brightly colored gems out of a pouch and placed them on the counter.

"Much better than trading gold. My family line guards several of the mines. This is a fair trade. Thank you again!" Before I could say anything, she darted to the door, which opened as she approached.

"Griffins don't like taking things for free, even information," he said, after the door closed behind her.

"Well, the older one took the book as a gift," I said. Then again, he couldn't read it, and now it wasn't even meant for him. Henry turned to look at me.

"Did we potentially find a bonded pair of griffins?" I blinked, then chuckled.

"That would be sweet if we did." Chirps echoed out of Indigo's hideaway, then she burst free, heading in our direction.

"There is a show all about the science of cooking!" She flew around both of our heads in a tight circle, her voice switching between chirps and actual words very fast.

"There is an entire episode on cookies and baking and how it works!" More chirps followed, then she twisted back in the air and headed for her hideaway. Henry stared after her.

"A science show on cooking?"

"I know this one," I said. Then I explained how the chef went through the chemistry of things.

"Its a very good show. I wish I'd thought about telling her about it. I didn't even think she'd be interested."

"Well, she found it on her own," he added, as his wings ruffled behind him.

"You can join her if you wish," I added, as he shifted back and forth on his back legs.

"Really?" he asked.

"Of course, I can handle this." Seconds later, he was gone.