ROYAL BLOOD
The owl was now within the premises of the castle; it swirled through the night air, over Ragaleon's fleet of horses that had just trooped into the castle, its wings gliding soundlessly as it turned toward the tower, where Amilek's chamber was located.
A low hoot escaped its beak before it swooped closer.
It perched upon the stone ledge of the window for a moment, its feathers ruffled from the chill outside.
Then, with a graceful leap, it crossed the short distance and came to rest upon Amilek's shoulder.
Amilek did not flinch.
Slowly, the white haze faded from his eyes, and his gaze cleared to emerald green, cold, yet alive once more.
He raised a hand and brushed the owl's wing lightly, as