The AirBorne

Daedus shuffled nervously, feet etching furrows into the powdery snow piled loosely at the Hatchery entrance. Within the cavernous building, soft hoots and rustling feathers echoed, sounds rebounding within the warm confine and filtering through the hatchery's entrance. Today was Hatching Day, the day when Walkers who had proven their worth and discipline finally gained the opportunity to be bound to an Owl and become a Wing.
Captain Marcus approached Daedus as he continued to shuffle, cold and anxiety working together to keep him consistently wound tight. Marcus smiled as he approached. "Nervous, Daedus?"
Daedus only nodded before lifting his frigid fluttering hands to his mouth and breathing warm air into them as they cupped together.
Marcus chuckled, golden winged helm catching the waning light as his head bobbed. "Well don't be. I remember what it feels like, but you've proven your worth and I'm sure you'll find a bondmate. I wouldn't have recommended you for advancement if you hadn't."
The two stood side by side silently for several moments before Daedus finally spoke. "I've just wanted this since I was a boy. I remember when I was a boy, watching the AirBorne do drills in the air and wishing, hoping I would someday join them."
Marcus nodded. "It was the same for me Daed. It's the same for everyone. It's like nothing you've ever felt, I promise you that."
Deadus smiled briefly before the anxiety tightened its grip on his heart. "What if I don't find a bond though?"
Marcus smiled and looked Daedus in the eye. "You will Daed. You will."

Structure

Commander - Cyra the Wind's Wing
Captains - 1 per 50
Wings - Those who have bonded their Giant Owl
Walkers - Those who have not yet bonded their Giant Owl

Public Agenda

Defend the Shatter Pass from Southern Invasions and patrol the skies along the Atlas Peaks. Stationed in Icarus and trained to defend that Fort City as well.

Assets

Fort City of Icarus

1000 men (75% of which are bonded)

Funding from Midas

Seat as Advisor on the Basileia's council

History

High among the Atlas Peaks, The Fortress City of Icarus protects the Shattered Path, the only known trail through the Atlas Peaks that could host a large army. The city utilized an elite group of warriors called the AirBorne, Giant Snowy Owl riding warriors, to defend this pass. AirBorne bind with their mounts at an early point in their training and being a member among their ranks is highly prestigious. The AirBorne have not let a single army through the Shattered pass in the three hundred years since their establishment and continue to serve the empire faithfully to this day. Led confidently by their commander, Cyra the Wind’s Wing, they fight on.

Symbol of the Airborne

"There's nothing like it, looking down at the world beneath you. Cities become sand castles and mountains become hills. It's beautiful and you finally understand after seeing it why you have always felt like you haven't lived." Captain Marcus

Type

Military, Air Force

Alternative Names

Wings

Leader

Cyra, the Wind's Wing (Commander)

Location

The Fort City of Icarus

Controlled Territories

• The Fort City of Icarus