Going Nowhere Fast

The massive skyship makes impressive time as Mendez soars back towards Seawell.
Sending his falcon Razor ahead to the main church of St Cuthbert, he awaits a response. Two days later Razor returns with a message tethered to his leg.
“Dear Mendez, Although Eolar has left Seawell, he can hopefully be found at the church of Erythnul shown on the attached map. He is facing testing times and could probably use the help of a good swordsman.”
Looking at the map, Mendez finds himself agreeing. The church's location is high in the 'Grach el Mordak' mountain range, just shy of the ‘Forbidden lands’.
Giving orders, Sinbad the Hamster captain of the Skyship, changes direction.

A Bird’s Eye (Point of) View

Looking around at all the fine looking ‘hens’, the fantastically good-looking falcon squawks his goodbyes.
“Farewell Ladies, I must go. My pet needs me.”
One of the larger females coos at him, “Does this pet of yours have a name?”
Thinking for a moment, the falcon replies, “I don’t know what he calls himself, but I call him Cuddles.”

Mendez: Playboy, Starship Skipper

On seeing the massive Sky ship floating in the waters of the harbour, Mendez, with Razor on his shoulder, quickly dismounts and leads his horse up the gangplank.
After a quick embrace of Sinbad the Hampster, Mendez takes command and they’re off.
There are audible gasps from the spectators, but they’re quickly lost in the wind and the distance.
The sky ship crew is now about half and half Human and Hampster-men. They have obviously been practicing and make good time. Mendez should be home within the week.
A question flits around the back of his mind; Will it be soon enough?

Fal-con-men

Soaring through the chilly air, the handsome falcon searches for its master.
It can feel the mystical connection and seeks to close the gap between them.
Finally, within the confines of an oddly constructed valley, it finds the object of its affection.
Handsome, athletic and proud.
Looking into Mendez’s face is almost like looking into a mirror.
Other humans are just like pigeons.

The Best a Man Can Get

The beautiful falcon races through the darkening sky.
Every fibre of it’s being yearns to be with his master.
Nothing will stop him…
Wait.
What’s that?
Oooooh, shiny!

Fly like the Wind

Placing the letter on the table beside him, the grey haired Esteban pulls himself to his feet.
As he walks slowly to his falcon aviary, he smiles as he thinks of his impetuous son. So like his younger brother Mendoza. Quick with his sword, but not his wits.
Esteban summons one of the birds down from its perch and carries it outside. Whispering a few, almost forgotten arcane words, he releases the beautiful bird into the air.
“Keep him safe Razor.”

Mendez likes the Birds

Mendez walks the remainder of the way to Redford and books himself into the better of the two Inns.
After a simple but delicious meal, he retires back to his room.
The amount of gold that Garris was carrying is impressive. Mendez could afford to stay, drink and eat in this Inn for years!
Still, what’s gold without companionship?
Pulling out a quill and parchment, Mendez begins to write…

Dear Father,
I find myself temporarily separated from my friends and missing my family.
Would you send me one of your trained hunting Falcons as a reminder of home?
Please send Razor. Although he isn’t the biggest or the strongest, he is the fastest and by far the most beautiful.
Give my love to my Mother and Sister and get Sancho to check regularly on Zia.
Your loving son,
Mendez.

Sliding it into an envelope, he calls one of the servants to organise the delivery. The boy seems delighted when Mendez tells him to keep the change.