The explosion of green in an otherwise desolate landscape was an odd sight. It was as if a giant tree shed all of its leaves into the clouds at once. As the green approached closer more details could be made out.

 Green winged creatures of various sizes with humanoid torsos; there were hundreds of them approaching at alarming speed.

Even more disturbing were the horrifying screeches, it sent frost down his carapace. "Maybe you should untie me and give me my sword" Chrys suggested.

"Considering their numbers I don't think that will help, if we don't pose a threat they might leave us alone. I think they are here on other business. Just shut your mouth, if you say even a peep I will zap you!" Qiiesha warned.

Patiah was noticeably quiet, Chrys moved closer to her to comfort her. She placed an hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

Their presence caught the attention of what appeared to be the leader of the Harpy flock. A cadre of twenty flew in their direction as the rest continued on their flight.

The group landed and the leader haughtily strutted over to the trio. When he spoke his nasally voice carry a level of authority.

"Vermin! Why do you sully the great one's presence?" Glancing in Patiah's direction and licking his beak hungrily.

"Bow before the Cloudlord's emissary! Before I lose my patience and feed you to the flock!" The emissary held Chrys' defiant gaze, Qiiesha signalled for him to capitulate, so he complied.

Now openly leering a Patiah lustily, he strutted over. "You would make a fine addition to the Cloudlord's harem."

He caressed her cheek with his wingtip, tracing down her neck then to her subtle breasts.

Qiiesha erupted, "don't touch her!", Chrys attempted to stand but a talon foot pushed him to the ground, digging it's claws in painfully.

The harpy pointed a spear in Qiiesha's direction, "if would be wise to hold your tongue INSECT we are you new masters here in this realm."

Qiiesha responded by spitting into the dusty red earth.

"I am taking this one as my prize! Defy me and you will be hacked to shreds!!!" Spittle flew out of his mouth in his raged outburst.

"Tarbaak Venuho! Over my dead body!" Qiiesha hissed back.

"Wait wait wait Qiiesha I will go with them. Just leave my companions in peace" Patiah told the Emissary.

In response he smiled smugly, "a wise choice, I was instructed not to commit any unnecessary bloodshed until the power transfer was complete. Consider this a warning INSECT!" He struck Qiiesha aggressively in the face with his razor sharp wing, drawing blood.

Pointing in Patiah's direction, "secure her! I wish to examine her talents fully later to see if she measures up to the Cloudlord's standards" the look of lust in his eyes was evident to all.

The flock flew off with their new prize in the opposite direction of the citadel.

Chrys approached Qiiesha angrily, "untie me now! I must do something, WE must do something! She is a READER, if we do not save her, we are doomed!"

"Boshing hell!"