Eagle shouted “LOOK UP YOU TWO!”. Troy tipped his head to the sky first and spotted shadows in the sun. Immediately taking evasive action Eagle flew fast, rising up as Troy maneouvered side to side to see if they could see what was coming. Celandine, also looking up, angled her gun at the shadows knowing something was about to attack.

Suddenly, a massive bird swept past them, disrupting the airflow and sending them into a spin. Troy soon corrected but a second bird was on them, sweeping past the other side, causing them to spin again. This time though, one of Eagle’s wings was clipped at the edge on the fly past.

Troy and Celandine arrived at the Dragonfly hanger in quite some style.  Ever since the moment they finally came back together, they had been heralded as the king and queen of this world they’d come to know as home.  Helping everyone they came across, both were loved by every living thing that inhabited this land.

Early on in their arrival they were told one day, their help would be needed in the writes of passage of those who came here and now that day had arrived.

Picked up from their home in a clear glass carriage pulled by nine flying unicorns, they were both anxious and excited to see where they were headed and what they would be doing when they got there.

The journey took a little over an hour to arrive outside the hanger and were greeted by two frogs.  Introducing themselves as Malcolm and Celeste, they were clearly in awe at the couple standing in front of them.

Coughing to clear his croaky throat, Malcolm said “It is a true and virtuous honour that we stand here greeting you today. For you saved us both once from a snake when we were very young.”

Celandine nodded, “The honour is all ours Malcolm and Celeste.  We are truly blessed to live in this land and we thank the world every day by the good deeds we do.”

“Why thank you m’lady.” Celeste said, “before you enter, we are obliged to tell you only one message about the challenge ahead.” Celeste cleared her throat and said.  “Six will start but only one can finish.  Should you not finish, you cannot leave.” And with that, Malcolm and celeste stepped aside and beckoned Troy and Celandine to enter the hanger.

Walking inside they were guided to the map explaining which dragonfly was theirs.  They wandered over, climbed aboard and waited for the start, Troy in the front seat and Celandine in the gunners position.  While strapping in, they introduced themselves to their Dragonfly for the day, Eagle St Bernard.

Riding Dragonflies was not knew to the couple.  a few months back, they had met a very nice dragonfly called Hawk Emperor.  He stayed with them for a little while and taught them how to ride.  Now, waiting for the start with Eagle, they were happy that they would be able to help everyone much better in this very dangerous race.

They watched everyone line up.  Looking down the row, they spotted Hawk.  Troy waved to try to get his attention but he was focused on his team and didn’t see him.  The race started and Troy turned back and concentrated on the job at hand.  Setting off at the front, they were doing well and flew high to avoid the frogs.

They presumed they were their to help and not win and from there now high position, they could see the attacks before they happened. Celeste took aim at a number of frogs and birds to stop them eating the other teams.  The teams themselves never knowing how close they’d come.  Eagle started to worry.  This height brought it’s own dangers and soon something was circling above them.

Eagle shouted “LOOK UP YOU TWO!”.  Troy tipped his head to the sky first and spotted shadows in the sun.  Taking Immediate evasive action Eagle flew fast, rising up as Troy manoeuvred side to side to see if they could see what was coming.  Celandine, also looking up, angled her gun at the shadows knowing something was about to attack.

Suddenly, a massive bird swept past them, disrupting the airflow and sending them into a spin. Troy soon corrected but a second bird was on them, sweeping past the other side, causing them to spin again.  This time though, one of Eagle’s wings was clipped at the edge on the fly past.  Even so Celandine managed to take out the bird with her pea shooting gun.

Even with three good wings, Eagle was limping.  Troy had a lot of difficulty keeping steady and a lot of Eagle’s speed was gone.  “Got him!” Celandine said in triumph as she took out the second bird.  He was rounding for another pass and she caught a glimpse and fired.  pointing him out as he fell to the ground.

“Well done my love, but we can’t stay up here.  Those birds will be back and Eagle is hurt.”  Troy arched Eagle downwards, gaining speed in the descent however, they failed to notice one of the birds was back on the move, heading straight at them.

Eagle noticed first and started to panic.  this alerted Troy and he spotted as well.  Thinking this can’t be it, they did their best while Celandine looked for a good enough angle to fire.  None came though.

The bird came closer and closer, jaw wide open and ready to swallow.  Just as Sarah appeared with Mackintosh at the pea shooter.  He aimed at the birds open mouth and fired.  Direct hit!  The bird started choking, appearing to be in heavy pain after being hit in the throat.

The bird carried rising for a few seconds.  Flailing around, it clipped another of Eagle’s wing before falling back to towards the ground.  a second clipped wing meant Troy was no long able to steer and Eagle could barely keep himself in the air.  Luckily, they had dropped almost to tree level.  Spotting a large flat leaf near the top of a tall tree close by, they landed as best they could.

Sarah steered Hawk and landed by Eagle’s side.  Troy and Celandine climbed down from Eagle and looked at his damaged wings.  As they did, Eagle said “Don’t worry about me you two.  I’ll be fine.  Your destiny rides with our saviours.”

Understanding, said their goodbyes, unhooked the peashooter and switched over to Hawk.  Sarah pressed a button revealing two more seats.  “Been a long time Hawk.  I hope you’ve been keeping well.”  Troy said as they climbed on board.

“Indeed I have old friend.  Now get settled quickly.  we have a job to do.”

“Just need a sec to set up the peashooter Hawk.” Celandine finished getting settled “Ready.”  she said and they set off.

To be continued…