II. Week Seven: Departure and Secrets

  Xeq kissed Zamer and gave her one last hug. He already told his brother of his ware abouts and need to stop at Mikey’s to check on the kid on the way, then back. The flight was early but Mikey was still eight hours ahead so Xeq might be able to catch him after school.

  Turning away to head back to his home, Zamer took Xeq’s hand. “Wait.”

  Xeq sighed. “Yes?” He questioned as he turned to face her.

  “You have your watch set to our time?” Zamer asked.

  Xeq nodded. “Why, what else would it be set to, London’s time?”

  Zamer mustered a laugh. “Comedian now are you?” Zamer smiled. “No, you have to be back her by the weekend. I know you said you’ll be there and be back but you have to remember, we’re going to have a special guest coming to town this weekend and it’s only right, as my fiancé, to be sitting at the table with me.”

  Xeq sighed. “I’m not royalty but your Phoenix job is your deal why do I always have to be there?”

  Giving Xeq a hard look, Zamer sighed. “Because if you don’t then who else is going to protect me from being abducted every time we have a special guest?”

  “You have a special guest every week!” Xeq groaned. “What makes this one any more special?”

  Zamer shrugged. “My mother wants you and your brother over for that night. I’ll worry about telling your brother. All I want from you is to promise you’ll be here on time.”

  Xeq huffed. “What if I have jet lag, get here early enough, but sleep through it?”

  Zamer rolled her eyes. “Uh huh.” She nodded.

  “Considering you’re going into the ‘future' I don’t think you’ll run out of any time at all and you should have plenty of time to sleep but no more excuses.” Zamer’s voice started to raise. “I love you, and I need you to be here. Besides, my mother wants to you here too.” Zamer shrugged. “If mama’s not happy nobody’s happy.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.” Xeq smirked. “Okay. I won’t come crashing in this time…” Xeq half joked. There was a time where he had forgotten and literally crashed into her window from flying so fast, he got her a better looking window in replacement anyway but he still regretted it.

  “Come home safely, okay?” Zamer smiled.

  Xeq nodded. “I won’t be long.”

  “Did you tell him to bring back some money while he’s at it?”! Snarled Zamer’s father.

  Xeq grinned and yelled back. “Course, how much you needin’?”

  “One hundred thousand yuan, boy!” Zamer’s father yelled back.

  Xeq laughed. “Alright, Dad, what are we betting on?”

  Pushing past his daughter, Zamer’s father crossed his arms and looked Xeq dead in the eyes. “Betting that you can’t make that much by the time you get back and if you don’t, you’re washing the dishes for the next month.”

  Xeq grinned. “You-“

  “And no one’s going to clean them until you get here, boy.”

  Xeq raised an eyebrow. “And how exactly are you going to stop the two woman of your household to not do the dishes?”

  The old man snickered. “Bah! You bring home that much and I’ll tell you a little something I know about your kind. How about that?”

  Obviously catching Xeq’s interest, the old man grinned. “Deal?”

  Xeq shrugged. “I don’t need that much money.”

  “I said Yuans, boy, do you know how much that is in this country?”

  Raising an eyebrow, Xeq shrugged again. “No clue.”

  “About sixteen thousand.” Zamer’s father nodded proudly.

  Xeq eyed the old man. “That’s how much the library needs to expand…”

  “That’s right.” Zamer’s father grinned. “So do you want this city to lack any more knowledge than it already does?”

  “With me and my brother as dragons to watch over the city, Zamer as The Phoenix that gets visitors non stopped, and the commotion about that hydra…” Xeq frowned. “I’d say we’re a pretty busy town to have the one library.”

  “You’re still doing the dishes when you come ‘round if you don’t get that money, boy.” Zamer’s father said, going back inside.

  Xeq grinned. “Your dad sure does like me.”

  Zamer smirked. “He likes to threaten you and you like to bark back.” Zamer shook her head. “Now get going before it takes longer for you to get back.” Zamer ushered.

  Xeq nodded, watching him head off, Zamer sighed. “A hundred thousand yuan?” Zamer crossed her arms. “Seriously?”

  With google pulled up on his phone, Zamer’s father laughed. “Don’t worry, we don’t have visitors everyday.

==

  School didn’t feel too bad until Flint and Gywne showed up keeping a distance from each other. Did they have an argument or was this an act? Vile didn’t know anything about their relationship so he decided to let one of them spill it, as if Gywne hadn’t already.

  “Planning anything for the weekend?” Vile asked looking down at his phone to check for updates.

  “Only one.” Flint grinned, sitting next to him. Gwyne sat on the opposite side.

  “Which is?” Vile questioned, an eyebrow raised.

  “My cousin’s coming down.” Flint smirked, “from New York.”

  Vile nodded and then scanned his memory for anything about New York that he should know. “Why is he coming down for the weekend? Is he in school?”

  Flint nodded. “Yea. But he said it was urgent so he’ll be coming down. He has a bit of a temper when it comes to people like you so I’m hoping we can do something on Sunday.”

  Glancing at Flint, Vile give a small nod and Flint gave it back in assurance. This had to do with what set them off. What could do that anyway? Flint was Vile’s best friend but deep down inside, aside from Gywne, there was something that angered him. Vile sighed. “Looks like we’ll be hanging out Sunday then?”

  Flint nodded. “It’s a lot to ask.” He shrugged. “But since we can’t hang out can you take Gwyne out somewhere nice for us?” Flint smirked and Vile stared at Flint confused.

  “If that’s what you want us to do.” Vile shrugged.

  “It’d make me more than happy.” Flint winked and Gwyne’s arms crossed in protest.

  “Ah.” Flint rose as his cell phone went off. “Two against one. You two are going on a date while I deal with this cousin business okay?”

  Frowning, Gywne looked down at the table. Stepping outside, Flint answered his phone. “It’s a bad time right now…” He muffled.

  “I’m picking up readings in your area. What is the meaning of this?” 

F.S7

  The Wind of Fire Trilogy by William Nicholson.

  Book One: The Wind Singer
  Book Two: Slaves of Mastery
  Book Three: Firesong

  I haven't read the last one which is supposed to be about dragons. But I can tell you that this is a good series so far. I didn't think I'd like it honestly but I do. These books don't have ad much mythology link to them. These are books I simply want to share with you so you can enjoy them.

The Wind Singer: 

  A story of The Hath family and a rebellion against order. Twins of the Hath family, Boman(Bo) and Kestrel (Kess) set out to retrieve the Wing Singers voice to release their people from order. Tagging along with them is Mumpo. The lowest grade student in their class.

  Slaves of Mastery: 

  Driven away from their homes the people of Aramanth have travel far to be enslaved by 'the master' of this new land. Left behind is Kestrel calls herself the avenger of her people. Setting out to defeat her enemy, Kestrel and Bowman have put together a plan. One that allows Bowman and Mumpo to find thwmselves. By the end Kestrel is able to make a new friend.

As I said I haven't read the third so I'll make another post for that when I've read it. These are really great reads. Not so much on the sophisticated side of fiction but the enjoyable kind and that is all that counts.

Week Seven: The Descendant: Daughter of Truth

 Flying into New York sent the frogs in Elli’s stomach to jump. She had been to New York before but never this high up. She could see the Empire State Building and the statue of liberty. By this time, Tucker had calmed dowm and was now checking the time.

 He cursed in Greek and Elli nudged him. He raised an eyebrow in amusement that she understood that but then apologies. He showed her the time and explained that the trip took longer than he intended. Flying over Central Park made Elli smile. Nudging Tucker again, he looked at her confusion and she pointed.

 “Will you take me there some day?” She smiled.

 Tucker blushed in response of being caught off guard. “Uh…” He shrugged. “Sure, why not?” He smirked. “You have to train for a few weeks though. Anything can happen outside of camp,” He warned.

 She groaned. “You don’t have to tell me that twice.” She said while shaking her head.

 “Have you ever been to New York?” He asked as they approached their destination.

 “A few times for the NYPD.” Elli shrugged. “I helped solve a couple of murders…” She smirked. “It wasn’t exactly the greatest memory.”

 Tucker frowned. “Murders?”

 Elli nodded. “Yea, I mean, mortals are insane too you know.” She tried to give a small smile.

 Tucker took the gesture and smiled back. Landing near the entrance, Tucker dismounted and helped Elli off Haley. Taking a sugar cube from satchel, Haley gladly took the sugar cube and took off the moment after.

 Elli look at Tucker in surprise, “You’re going to leave the saddle on her?”

 Tucker shook his head. “She’s going to the stables, there are other demigods who’ll take it off for her, if anything she’ll come back over here but she knows that the information is important.”

 Approaching them was a girl with blonde hair and grey eyes. Elli wasn’t tall, but Elli hadn’t been around enough people, or demigods to register 5’9 as being a normal height, especially for a girl. Tucker gave a small salute and then explained the journey. From some of the trouble he ran into before he found Elli, to the minotaur, and then to the Imps.

 Annabeth put her hand on Tucker’s shoulder and assured him that his mission hadn’t failed. He had gotten the information they needed and also saved Elli in the process. To Elli, Annabeth looked stern. She could feel the uneasiness that Annabeth felt. She wondered what kind of lies Annabeth had buried up inside her.

 Holding out her hand, Annabeth smiled. “Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, sixteen, I have many titles here but you don’t have to worry about them. Call me Annabeth.” She nodded.

 Elli blushed. Annabeth was a sweet person, her handshake proved that much. Tucker watched the two in observation, obviously showing interest to see if Elli would work magic on his higher authority. Elli gave a slight adjustment in her stance and let go of Annabeth’s hand.

 “Name’s Elli Triad.” She smiled. “Daughter of Aletheia, Alatheia, or Vertias depending on how you look at it.”

 Annabeth’s eyes lit up with interest. “You haven’t been claimed yet, how could you possibly know that?”

 Elli looked at the ground in despair. Tucker tilted his head and then placed his hand on her shoulder for assurance. “Go on, Annabeth’s willing to help despite the fear she can cause, she’s a tough gal but she knows who the real enemy is so she won’t hurt you.” He smirked.

 Annabeth shrugged. That wasn’t exactly how she would have introduced herself but Tucker Homestead looked up to her and her skills. She found it more amazing on his talent with animals. Being able to sooth an animal’s fear was one of the many talents she wouldn’t mind having.

 Elli looked up with a sigh. “Ever since I was little there had been people following me. I didn’t know my mother and my father’s been dead for whole life. I had been admitted into an orphanage in Dallas, Texas where I soon found Officer Vas who adopted me. I stayed with him until I was seven. During that time we found that someone was stalking me and so to protect me, Officer Vas put me under police protection. Since then, up till now, I’ve been working for the police helping solve crimes and testing testimonies on whether or not a person was telling the truth or not.” She smirked at the interest in Annabeth’s eyes. “Weird I know, but I’ve always had this feeling about people and whether or not they’re telling the truth. The more I used my power the more intense it got. Now, I can hear, see, feel, and taste lies and truths which isn’t always an ideal meal for my stomach.” She gave a small laugh and Annabeth and Tucker joined her.

 “Actually…” Elli sighed. “Today’s my fourteenth birthday. I’d love to go back and be with my dad but when Tucker saved us from the minotaur he made it clear that I was safer here since…” She gulped. “the person following me was getting worse.”

 Annabeth took Elii’s hand. “What do you mean by ‘worse’?”

 Elli held back the tears and Tucker whipped them away, holding her head against his chest in support. Hugging him, she cried silently for a while and then turned to face Annabeth again. This time, Tucker put his arm around her for support.

 “At first the person or thing, I guess since that’s possible now, would follow me. Nothing would happen except for me feeling creeped out and being sleep deprived. Recently, I had been working more jobs than usual over murders across the States. The last one I helped in was in Missouri. I was in an interrogation room with a girl named Viana and she was telling the truth about her murdering but then suddenly, she was telling me that she didn’t murder and she began to panic. Then she went all possessed on me and said ‘Daughter of Aletheia, rise for you have been chosen to battle.”

 “So, it murdered to get your attention…?” Annabeth looked at her in shock but not complete surprise.

 Elli nodded. “And so did the others who were there to testify against someone. They all murdered. They called me the Daughter of Veritas, Aletheia, and Alatheia.”

One Shot: Of Frienship, Of Loss II

  She slashed away at the goblin’s body, even though it was dead she was angry. Maligaya stood back as a result. Heavily breathing, Kumav looked over at her dragon. In seeing his reaction, she let her sword clatter to the ground and turned away from the overkilled goblin. There were many goblins that she could have killed with that anger of hers but they ran and Maligaya didn’t bother to chase. He was more concerned for his friend then some goblins who knew their fate.

  Aggrivated, Kumav shouted at Maligaya for not going after them. Shaking his head he approached her. Flipping the goblin over with his claw he met her eyes. Kumav growled kicking the dead goblin and then reaching for her sword. In amusement, she watched as Maligaya placed his claw over it and put himself between her and her sword.

  Kumav glared. “Magbago.” She said sternly.

  The dragon took back his claw, making the sword slide under him. Checking the position of the sword, he laid down with an abrupt shockwave, making her lose balance as she stared at him in amusement.

  “Maligaya?”! She growled.

  Maligaya shook his head and flipped over the dead goblin again, this time towards her.

  Kumav rolled her eyes. She had overkilled a goblin. And? That didn’t explain why Maligaya was acting this way. Around her neck as a necklace made of leather. She had punctured a hole in the box that had appeared the morning Maligaya had taken her to his den after she had fallen asleep. She liked to remember that the wolf of his was there even though he would never be.

  Pointing his snout at the necklace, Maligaya watched as travelers came to aid Kumav. As they approached, their weapons were sheathed and they nodded at the dragon in gratitude as they saw his burn marks.  Not everyone knew of the dragon’s tribal disposition but those who did respected it because they knew that it meant he was of peace and not of war. Not among the mortals anyway.

  Looking at the goblin that laid in between the dragon and the woman, the archer searched for her weapon. When he couldn’t find it, he looked at her and she pointed at the dragon. Meeting the archer’s eyes, he shook his head and gestured towards the goblin.

  The traveler that was with the Archer knelt down in dismay. He traced all the slash marks that had been clearly marked by aggression. Untying the bag that was at the archer’s side, the archer looked at the woman with concerned eyes.

  She could see that the two had no trouble taking down the rest of the goblins. But she was still aggravated that her best friend would turn on her. Hot tears emerged from her eyes.

  “Bakit?”! She shouted at Maligaya for the first time in ages. Getting up and turning away from her dragon she growled. “Bakit ka pansamantala ití kálágyán?”

  Standing his ground, Maligaya stared into his friend’s eyes. After a moment of silence, Maligaya stood, revealing the blood stained sword that had shared its blood with his scales. Lightly, he took a step forward, brushing away the Archer and the traveler he stomped towards Kumav who fell once again. Lightly swatting her with his tail, he moved her to a safe distance and made sure that the traveler and the archer were also at a good distance.

  Eyes on him, Maligaya took his tail and picked up the dead goblin. Throwing it up in the air, he slammed it down not hard enough to splatter it but enough to them his audience know that if the goblin was alive, it would have instantly died. Taking it up in his tail again, he threw it once more. This time, Kumav looked away, in seeing this, Maligaya slammed the goblin down harder, making some of the bones misplace.

  In horror, the traveler took a step towards the dragon. Meeting its lethal eyes, the archer put his hand out to the stop the traveler and shook his head. Confused, the traveler looked away from the scene in fear. Only the archer watched the dragon slammed the goblin down for the third time this time, the goblin’s head was twisted back in comparison to an owl’s. Its limbs were in positions not even a dead goblin should be in and the woman still faced away, refusing to face her companion.

  About to pick up the goblin again, the archer stepped in to stop the dragon. Baring its teeth, the archer put his hands up and pointed to the tribal burn that traced the dragon’s skeletal track. Giving a snort, the dragon glared at the woman’s back and then turned around to take his tail and make her face the goblin.

  The archer smirked and gave a sigh. Eyeing the archer, Maligaya took the goblin with his tail once more, threw it up in the air but didn’t slam it down. This time, Maligaya swatted the goblin, sending it miles out of sight. Wide eyes, the archer turned to the woman who watched the goblin land in the direction of the castle and hiss.

  Placing her hand on the paw print that she had received she shook her head.

  “Hindi Kailanmán mulî.” She said shaking her head.

  Frustrated, Maligaya shook his head as he faced away from her and then turned to look at her with wild eyes. Alarmed, the archer reached for his an arrow but Maligaya glance a clam look at him then returned to the wild look that he gave his friend. Dropping his jaw, Kumav’s eyes widen. Drawing her shield she braced herself. Feeling no fire or blazing heat, she put down her shield in confusion. Seeing her shield lower, Maligaya inhaled and gave a long loud and ear piercing shriek.

  Fear surfacing Kumav, her eyes filled with angst and confusion. Her hot tears become tears of pain as Maligaya finished and turned away. As Kumav shook and tried to recover from the shock, Maligaya felt his tribal burn begin to fade. Taking to the skies, Maligaya headed to the castle where he didn’t care if his fading marks could turn him hostile.

  At her side, the archer’s ears rung. Despite this, he approached the woman who was in shock of her companion’s actions. The Archer heard rumors of tamed dragon’s going hostile but only in accordance to their companion’s emotions. If the damage was enough, the dragon would forget her, making her his first target, but if the bond was true the tribal mark would only fade until the emotional impact was over.

  Kneeling down next to her, the archer touched the paw print necklace that she wore around her neck. Taking her hand, he placed it on the paw print in hope that her shaking would seize. Her wild eyes met his abruptly. Squeezing his hand, she opened her mouth to speak but could not find the words to do so. Putting his finger to his lips, he shook his head. Instead, he yelled at his travelling companion to pick up the sword and bring it to the woman.

  Reluctantly Gashvon shuffled over to the sword and reached down with one hand. Eyes wide, he reached with his other and pulled. Looking over at the woman in fright, he shook his head. Sighing, Gashvon looked at the woman’s arms and smirked. Her muscle showed.

  Standing at her side, he held out a hand. Quivering still, she took it. Helping her up, he put his hand on the small of her back and lead her to the sword. Every step she took was weary but finally, the two managed to get to the sword. Reaching for it with both hands, the archer grinned as he too had a hard time picking up the sword. Looking away in embarrassment, the woman knelt down and picked up the sword with ease of one hand.

  “Native?” She asked and the two shook their heads. “Then this language?” She asked and the archer nodded.

  “We were passing through. I’ve never seen a tamed dragon. Nevertheless one go lethal like that. Something must have happened to you to cause him to do that. If you don’t hurry he might revert back to being of the wild dragons.” He warned. “And if he does, you’ll be his first target.”

  The woman sheathed her sword in reluctance. “I’ll need a horse.” She sighed. “I cannot make it their on foot and there are no dragons around here except him.” She frowned. “I let him fall to this.” She said, tears falling from her eyes. “And he’s heading to the castle, they won’t take him lightly even if he has te tribal markings.”

 —-

  Umvi’s ears perked up with alarm. Scurrying away from her master, she headed out the door as someone cracked in open. In surprise, Gashvon apologized to the woman, picked up what had fallen, and ran after his companion. Glancing at her direction, he ran back to grab his sword. Running back out, he saw her anxiously waiting for him around the corner of where she was heading. Once he was in sight she ran and headed towards the entrance of the castle.

  Knocking a man off his horse, Gashvon apologized and swore he would return it. Taking an apple he had saved for later out of his pocket he promised the horse the reward if it could catch up to his companion who spent no time in waiting. Giving a whinny, the horse took off at full speed taking the challenge with a happy spirit and in no time at all fell in line with the wolf. Running through the different sections of the castle, Gashvon had to flash his commanding armband for the first time in years to hurry to the front of the castle, on the way he intercepted some guards who insisted to assist. Taking their offer, he travelled with at least one guard for every gate he passed through. Finally, the front gates opened and to his surprise, a dragon, one he had recognized, screeched at the guards who were holding it back. Dismounting the horse, Gashvon was about to take off when the horse nudged him. Rolling his eyes, he received another nudge. Taking the apple out of his pocket, he handed it to one of the guards instructing that he feed it to the horse. Confused, the guard did as ordered.

  “Stand back!” He ordered.

  The guards who were holding back the dragon from advancing looked at Gashvon with concerned eyes. No one confronted a dragon single handed. Gashvon shook his head. “The markings!” He said as he searched for them, his eyes narrowed as he traced them, they were subtle but they were there.

  “Stand down.” He ordered again. This time, the guards did as told. Calling out to his companion, he order her to keep watch of the guards as he approached the dragon. The dragon was without a rider and the marks were fading. Rumors had it, that only a tragic emotional event could sever a bond with any companion, whether it be wolf or dragon.

  Wild eyes meeting his, Gashvon smirked and put his sword down, looking for his shield and seeing that he didn’t bother to grab that, he shrugged and approached the dragon slowly. The tribal burn marks glowed a black and then back to brown.

  Standing face to snout, the wolf gave a bark. Turning to look, the wolf had her back to him and growled at the guard. Giving a small smile, he turned to look at the dragon again. Sending a wave of hot air, Gashvon let out a quiet laugh. Using the back of his fingers he touched the dragon’s snout making the tribal marks glow black. Wide eyes, Gashvon watched as the dragon’s tribal burn marks glow a black and then white before they disappeared completely. Ducking under the dragon in surprise, Gashvon met his wolf eyes.

  Turning hostile, she growled but forced the guards at bay with the horse who was now standing guard. Above Gashvon, the dragon screeched and roared, letting out immense shouts of fire.

—

Magbago - Move Maligaya - Happy Hindi Kailanmán mulî. - Never again  Bakit - Why 

Bakit ka pansamantala ití kálágyán - Why are you acting this way (Not sure if that’s right) 

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Research: Griffin

Source

The Mythology of the Griffin 
http://www.gods-and-monsters.com/mythology-griffin.html
Copyright 2011-2015 by Royal Mint Publishing LLC.

What is it?
-A mix between an Eagle and Lion
--Head of an Eagle, Body of a Lion
--Other features up for debate.

Specific Traits?
-"wise and wily"
--deceptive, wise, skilled
-seek out gold and treasures
-"tricksters"
--"riddles in contest of wits"
---"Winners, keep lives and treasures"
-wisdom is to power as strength is to war
-"chosen for  coat of arms for medieval families and armies"

Historain
-Adrienne Mayor

Origin?
Greek

Story?
"griffin pulled the chariot of Apollo"

Review: I wouldn't say that I'd work for these people considering it's a company that practically says "Oh, you know something? Cool. We'll take your word for it!" This gets me started but I'm sure there are websites and books out there that will say more. I wouldn't recommend anything written by Royal Mint Publishing LLC based on this article I read. There's probably information that would be helpful in someway (as I said this is good starting point for me) but it only helps through a fraction of its content.

Griffin, Der Naturen Bloeme manuscript 

c. 1350, National Library of the Netherlands

Source 

Grypes 

http://www.theoi.com/Thaumasios/Grypes.html

Theoi Project Copyright 2000-2011 Aaron J. Atsma, New Zealand 

Known in Greek as "Γρυψ, Γρυπες Γρυφοι" translated as "Gyps, Grypes, Gryphoi" 

Latin Spelling "Gryps, Gryphis,Gryphi" 

English Translation: "Griffin, Griffins, or Gryphon"

Intro 

• "Beast Guarded rich gold deposits certain nothern or eastern mountains" 
• "Skythian Arimasp tribe battled with them for riches" 
• I'll have to find out what this is about. 
• Decorative Griffins - Greek Art 
• Appeared in Medieval Bestiaries and heraldic devices  

Aeschychlus, Prometheus Bound (see full title at website)

• "sharp-beaked hounds of Zeus"
• One-eyed Arimaspoi (The tribe of Skythian Arimasp) 
• Mounted on Horses

Basically, Prometheus describes the battle between the two tribes.

Aristophanes, Frogs (see full title on website) 

• Skamandros (Scamander) 

Here, they speak of Griffins on Copper Shields" 

Encyclopedia: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology 

• "dwelled in the Rhipaean Mountains" 
• "between the Hyperboreans and the one-eyed Arimaspians" 
• guarded the gold of the north" 
• Hesiod first writer about them 
• Poem "Arimaspae" of Aristeas" 
• Guarded Gold of India
• Represented on the helmet of the statue of Athena by Phidias 

Herodutus, Histories 3. 116 (Full Title) 

• Location 
• "North of Europe" 

------------------------- 4. 13. 1

Aristeas*

------------------------- 4. 27. 1

------------------------- 4. 79. 1

Mentions Sphines and Gypes working in white marble 

------------------------ 4. 152. 4

Mentions the bronze statue of Hera and the Griffin on the helmet 

Ctesias, Indica (Full Title) 

• "four footed birds as large as a wolf, their legs and claws resembling...a lion" 
• "deathers are red" "body black" 
• riches in mountains guarded by them 

Strabo, Geography (Full Title) 

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 24. 6(Full Title) 

Mentions the fight. Arimaspoi/Arimaspiasn (Cyclopes...?) 

Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8. 2. 7

"I have also heard that Gryphoi have spots like the leopard"

--------------------------------  1. 31. 2

Not sure what this info has to do with Griffins. It talks about the Arimaspoi. 

Aelian, On Animals (Full Title)

CONTINUE HERE

Extra Sources: (It'd be nice if I could figure out what this meant) 

• Aeschylus, Prometheus Bond - Greek Tragedy, C5th B.C
• Aritophanes, Frogs - Greek Comedy c5th-4th B.C. 
• Herodotus, Histories - Greek History C5th B.C 
• Ctesias, Indica - Greek History C5th B.C.
• Pausanias, Guide to Greece - Greek Geography C2nd A.D. 
• Aelian, On Animals - Greek Natural History C2nd - C3rd A.D. 
• Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana - Greek Biography C2nd A.D. 
• Pliny the elder, Natural History - Latin Encyclopedia C1st A.D. 
• Apuleius, The Golden Ass - Latin Epic C2nd. A.D. 
• Nonnos, Dionysiaca - Greek Epic C5th A.D.
• Photius, Myribiblon - Byzantine Greek Scholar C9th A.D. 

Other varieties of a Griffin

DO NOT REMOVE SOURCE OR TAKE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Art by Hioshiru

II. Week Six: Predators from the Primal World

Predators from the Primal World

Original Story Recorded in

The Enchanted World

Water Spirits

  Dröfn spoke of this creature as quick and deceptive. She warned him that slaying this for her honor wouldn’t be the last ‘monster’ in his wake and he continued to take her directions as she road on his back. It was odd, having a rider. He hoped he would never have to have one. Mikey kept glancing back hoping that Dröfn hadn’t fallen but seeing as they were traveling over the sea she wouldn’t really have to worry about the fall. She was a wave. It wouldn’t hurt her. Now, as for her father? He’d probably get angry and curse another year or years upon Mikey’s head so Mikey continued to check despite knowing of her safety.

  Slowing him to a stop, Dröfn pointed at a ship, it had three sail one that towered over the other two holding the birds nest. Below, Mikey could see the crewman and could hear them sing.

We love to hear the voices

Of maddens as they call 

But dread has fill our eyes 

As water begins to fall

Above us rises the waves

Of the God of the sea 

and lurcky waiting for our daze 

Is the serpents who are deadly

We seek to master the ocean 

To drive away the spirits of the sea 

But awaiting our demise is the fate alas to be 

Its eyes glow with vengance 

With blood lust, the only goal 

Waiting for our spirits 

To dull as we grow old 

And snatch us out of our youth

Shall the serpent of the sea 

Attempt to take our lives with 

The true love of our lives, the sea. 

  Mikey wondered if he could talk to the nymph, as he came to find, the same way he talked to her father. Attempting it, he spoke in his head.

  Fin? He questioned hoping that she could hear him.

  “Yes?” She asked aloud.

  You can hear me?

 “Only because you’re wearing me around your neck.” She smiled.

  Oh. Mikey nodded. Well that made sense.

  “What is it, my Wyvern?” She asked again.

  Why are they singing about death as if it’s funny? Mikey asked. Apparently, his heritage seemed to accept death better than he had been taught.

  “They speak of what you hunt.” Dröfn replied simply. “Some Seafarers wish to master tge ocean and drive away the spirits in its wake but thankfully, we have creatures like you around.”

  But. Mikey protested.

  “But?” Dröfn wondered.

  “I thought I was supposed to be killing the creature that’s about to kill them not them before the creature.”

  She nodded. “He’s a quick one. So keep your eyes peeled of the sailors might be singing their daring hearts for the last time.”

  Mikey smirked. Since when did she care about mortals all the sudden?

  Eyes widening, Mikey flew in over the area in which he has seen movement. Sure enough, blended in with the surfaced coral was the creature. It was slim like a snake but had a head of a fish. It had no wings and reminded Mikey of a giant eel but this time, giant eel meant one that could easily wrap around that massive ship and sinking it without any trouble.

  Beginning to worry, Mikey tilted his head to the sound of a voice. It was distant but Mikey could hear it. A whisper. It was a whisper. Then, it went out in a fuzz. Mikey turned to Dröfn in curiosity and asked, “Are you doing that?”

  Dröfn shook head head. “Doing what? Mikey, don’t take your eyes off your prey. I told you, he’s quick. He’ll take down that ship and all the crewmates before you even make it a third way towards the ship.”

  Shaking his head, Mikey tried to communicate.

  Who… who is this?

  A hiss loud and clear replied. What do you think you’re doing here? I’m hunting! Get that piece of trash out of my sight.

 Piece of trash? Mikey looked around only to see Dröfn and looked at her silently before looking away.

  Fin?

  Eh! Whatever you want to call her. I have no business with her, now you two go play slavery somewhere else because I’m starving!

Mikey looked down at the serpent, it seemed to be making eye contact with him despite the distance.

  What did Dröfn do to you?

 WHAT did she do to me? Her father got a hold of me that’s what! The serpent hissed.

  I went out to eat without her and she got all upset! The serpent’s hiss thickened.

  She hated it when I would kill the ‘innocent' sailors one day for a weeks lunch! He expressed. I don’t think we were even together for half a millennia!

  Mikey tilted his head. These two…dated? And now he was supposed to kill the serpent. Mikey knew everything had to eat. He didn’t want the crewman to die but he also knew dealing with Dröfn’s father wasn’t exactly pleasant.

  The God almost starved me to death! He exclaimed. Then when I was at my weakest he sent me out of prison to live alongside her, where I’m only allowed to attack one ship every two weeks. I’ve had to eat my own kin because of that God!

  Mikey turned to Dröfn in confusion. Are you sure I have to do this?

  Dröfn looked at Mikey in amusement. “Do you want them to die?”

  Well… No. Mikey sighed. But it seems to me that this is more personal for you than it is for me.

  A flash of anger gleamed in Dröfn’s eyes. “You are to kill that scoundrel. You understand me? He’s not the only one of his kind so at least you are making him go extinct.

  I didn’t think your father kept track of the creatures, mythic or not, in his waters.

  “Are you kidding? Of course he does!” She exclaimed. “But this serpent in particular deserves his death, you’re only ending his misery.

  Is that what she calls it?! The serpent yelled from below. Come here, Wyvern. Let me smack her around a couple of times. She’ll learn to mess with me every again.

  Mikey looked down at the serpent noting that the ship was starting to vanish from view. The sailors had sung the song a good ten times by now.

  I won’t do that for your sake, friend. Mikey said hoping he could get out the situation clean. All he had to do was distract the serpent long enough and then convince Dröfn that since the serpent didn’t eat he wouldn’t be feeding on his meal this coming week.

  Friend. The serpent spat. My kind don’t speak of such and neither should yours Wyvern. You are from the West not the East, I do not see a shrine praising you, asking you for rain.

  He wasn’t sure what amused him more, fact that this serpent could actually be considering him as a friend, or that fact that he was having to kill again. Even if the creature wasn’t mortal. That only made it worse. She said there were more of his kind which was supposed to make him feel better but Mikey knew Ægir wasn’t the happiest customer on the planet and no one should be held under his wrath.

  East? There’s a difference between the dragons from the west and dragons from the east?

The serpents cackle was a raspy and huffy sort of laugh. You must be new to your powers to be helping her and to not know about the different types of dragons. Even I’m not a dragon but I know.

  Mikey shook his head, Making Dröfn grasp his shoulders. He apologies to her and ignored her comment.

  I have two dragon friends. One can swim and fly while the other can cause beams of light to shoot out his mouth! They’re both hydras. One’s immortal and thr other one, I’m not sure really, I would think so but if someone takes his heart too then I guess he wouldn’t be.

  Ah, the Lernaean  Hydra’s reincarnation finally decided to show his face huh? Interesting.

  Mikey didn’t know why he even bothered.

  Look, I don’t want to kill you.

 And before Mikey could finish the serprent let out another laugh. You kill me? Classc. His laughing continued until finally Mikey had enough.

 Listen! You already lost your lunch, now go, pretend like you’re going to wait till the next shipment comes it. This time it was Mikey’s turn to hiss.

  The serpent thrashed and dove into the water, if Mikey had been born of the ocean he would have died that moment. A few seconds later, the serpent reappeared, far from the island in which it had laid in.

  Looks like we’ve got company.

 Company? Mikey asked and almost spoke, lucky his Wyvern self squawked and Dröfn looked at him with curious eyes not bothering to ask.

  Yea, you’re with Dröfn and word has spread she has a new sex slave aka you buddy.

  What?! Mikey exclaimed to the serpent. Sex save? This is nonsense! I’m only thirteen!

  The serpent chuckled. In mortal years?

  There are other kind of years?!  Mikey asked in panic.

  Again, the serpent laughed. Looks like you have time to prove yourself. Tell you what. Go ahead and pick a fight with me. Leave her on the island and come fight to the death with me as a token of friendship.

  Friendship?! Mikey didn’t know what kind of friends this serpent had but apparently ones that didn’t live very long because he was still kicking, or swimming in this case.

  Quickly, Mikey headed towards the island and Dröfn let out a scream. “What do you think you’re doing?! Don’t put me down there!”

  Mikey shook his head. It’ll be safer for you there, at least you have your father to protect you. I’ll be back. I promise.

  Gasping, Mikey reverted to his reflectioned form. Lookng at his hand, he then looked up at Dröfn.

  “Did you do this?” He questioned.

  “Only for a moment.” She said, meeting his lips and embracing him. For a water nymph she was warm. She felt solid, she felt mortal.

  Letting go of the kiss, she met his dazed eyes. “Come back to me.”

  Mikey’s heart did a flip and abruptly landed as the serpent spoke in his head.

  She’s the worst you could fall upon. Out of all her sisters, she wanted the ‘real’ monsters and that’s what got me at first but I was wrong. Even if you have the slightest chance of winning against me, make sure you don’t actually fall in love with that woman. She is a wave. A wave of catastrophe.

  The moment Mikey would hit the water would mean Game Over for him so he had to think of something he could without having to touch the water. Serpent darting at him from behind, Mikey dodge and found the serpents tail speeding right at him, letting out a roar, Mikey watched in amazement tail of the serpent began popped like a bubbled and oozed out, exclaiming in pain, the serpent complimented Mikey but Mikey didn’t bother to respond. Not out of rudeness of course, he like the serpent. The only problem was they were fighting to the death and this wasn’t the serpent’s first match. Darting over Mikey, Mikey rose, the serpent was trying to get him closer to the water and that, Mikey knew he couldn’t do.

  As he flew up higher and fast, Mikey let out a wind of air, falling toward the sea. His back numbed, the serpent must have hit him between the wings somehow. Feeling the serpent coil around him, Mikey waited for the imaginary light that people spoke of before they died. It was only a movie concept in his mind but something had to be true after all he had been through.

  Suddenly, he felt the grip of the serpent loosen. Quickly, Mikey returned to his reflectioned form and surfaced the water. There, he found the serpent exclaiming in pain, the places where the serpent had squeezed him were burning. Burning? Mikey looked closer in amazement. That was it! He was acidic! He knew that. But he forgot that his skin was the same way.

  Emerging out of the water as his trueself, Mikey darted for the serpents head. Hissing, it opened its mouth wide to snap at Mikey, swerving, Mikey attached himseld to the head of the serpent, Giving more of a scratchy screech, the serpent tried to hit Mikey off but couldn’t since Mikey had touched his eyes to blind him. Now, the serpent’s tail trashed about and when the tail did finally slam into Mikey, the rest of the tail started to bubble.

  Mikey breathed hard. Why must you have fun this way? Mikey muttered and fought himself to stay conscious, the serpent hit him hard regardless of the recoil.

  With no reply, Mikey’s vision blurred. The screaming of the serpent became distant and fuzzy until everything went black.

Feature Six: Dragon of Darkness

Novel: Dragon of Darkness by Antonia Michaelis

  This book is originally written in German. I'd love to read it in German some day. It's a beautiful book that I must share with all of you. It's a must read. However it's about 600 pages long so for those of you who don't like long novels you may not want to read this.

  However for those of you willing to this is a story about two brothers, an invisible prince, and saving a colorless word from dragons who eats colors.

  If I say much more about it I'll give away details. It's an easy read. The font is bigger so it's more like a 300 page book with a fancy style to it. I recommend that you all check it out at a library and see what you think of the book. It truly has to be one of my favorites that I've read this year.