The Flight Of the Kaw part 11

       "Freedom conquers in the face of fear. Fear creates freedom, freedom relieves fear. We are the fear that gives the freedom its meaning. We are the freedom that conquers the fears of the people and rejoices."
        It was written on a note posted on the outside of Helenadia's bedroom door. Neither Linka nor Wheeler understood its true meaning nor why a person like Helenadia would post such a thing. It certainly inspired thought, but it made Linka's head spin just looking at it.
        "Linka, you've spent forever looking at that piece of paper. It's 11 PM. We need to figure out what we're going to do with only one bed."
        Linka smiled but made sure Wheeler didn't see her. "I'll sleep on the floor," she offered.
        "No, you don't have to do that. I will."
        They both ended up sleeping on the floor.

        At 5 AM, with few signs of the sun coming up over the distant ocean to the east, the Kaw knocked on the door to wake them.
        "Good morning. I just wanted to warn you. At 5:30, all the roosters will crow. It's a good idea to cover your ears."
        Wheeler didn't seem to comprehend her words, but Linka had been awake for some time now. They had slept in their clothes. In fact, they had spent the past two days in their Planeteer uniforms. Kaw realized that they needed to shower and they needed new clothes.
        "When you first arrived here, I sent Helenadia to the tailor's to tell them to make you some clothes. I'm sorry they were late, but now you have clothes. You can also go to the baths in the third building."
        Kaw held out two sets of clothing, which were very complete. One was a green and black suit for Wheeler, which was incredibly loose on him but very comfortable. The sleeves of it were very wide and it had a loose collar, but the rest was just a very flowing suit.
        Linka received flowing robes in light blue that were airy and light. They looked like something out of a Victorian picture book, except the skirt was not as tight and uncomfortable. Rather it was like a modern-day skirt but more lightweight. They were like the dark purple robes that Gaia wore.
        "I'll lead you down to the baths," she said. They started to walk through the halls, then through a glass bridge to the third building.
        The baths were a series of tiled rooms, with about a foot of water on the floor, with steam and water pouring down from the ceiling in some places. There were places in the wall for soap and tiled chairs that you could sit on. There were floodlights in the floor that gave off all the light. Otherwise, it was a little dark.
        Linka went into one room and Wheeler went into another. They undressed and then turned on the water. Kaw left.
        When Wheeler and Linka finished with their baths, they walked into the kitchen where Helenadia was finishing Kaw's doggie bags from yesterday.
        "Kaw isn't here right now, but she told me to take you to get your hair done."
        "Get our hair done? Wheeler's eyes were wide with fear.
        "Yes. We have to leave Avionne, but I can drive a bird. Anyone can drive a bird."
        "Avionne?" asked Linka.
        "That's the name for this castle where we live. It's called Avionne Castle in the Sapphire Kingdom."
        "That's a mouthful," said Wheeler as they got on the back of a rather large bird and started to fly.

Part 12