A Quick Sun Rises (24 page)

At first, he didn’t worry much, figuring that she was certainly going to return to the lake for a catch of her own, but she didn’t turn back around, but instead flew straight on and then lifted up to the nearest peak and disappeared beyond his sight leaving him all to himself. Though somewhat surprised, he still didn’t worry. Many times he’d been left as she had gone about her own business and always she returned again to claim him.

Looking around he quickly determined to have his proffered meal in a way he liked instead of the raw flesh that Tchee seemed to think was good enough. Lifting the dead fish by the tail he carried it to a small grouping of trees to his left where he found plenty of cast off limbs and branches with which to start a small fire. In no time he had his breakfast roasting over warm flames that licked at the fish’s skin as if attempting to taste it. Finding some nuts and a shrubbery filled with delicious violet berries, Teek sat down by the fire and turned his fish slowly as it cooked, the disappointment of missing the trek into the Underwoods somewhat lessoned as he looked forward to a delicious breakfast.

After devouring his meal, he quickly put out the fire and cleaned up the area expecting Tchee to return any moment and whisk him away again. Deciding he was thirsty, he made the short walk to the lake and dipped his hands in the frigid water to clean them and then scooped up a handful of water. It was sweet and refreshing leaving him feeling revived and satisfied. His natural inclination was to explore the area. He wanted to see more of its splendor but feared to leave should Tchee return and not find him. Sighing heavily, he forced himself to sit down and wait. Pulling at the blades of grass by his leg, he quickly became bored. His mind was left to wonder and soon entered those dark areas where he still felt angry over being torn away from everyone and the responsibility and opportunity he’d been given at finally being able to help. He felt so small in the grandeur of the war that had enveloped him even though he had done nothing to warrant its rage.

Lying on his back, he let the sun’s rays warm his body though his mind was still dark and agitated. He wondered what Thane’s reaction would be when they found him missing. He figured it wouldn’t be good and felt suddenly ashamed. Thane had gain hero status in his eyes and someone he felt he wanted to emulate. He seemed to naturally command attention and respect as if possessing tremendous power that waited his order for release. Yet, he seemed approachable at the same time. And though their interactions had been few and brief, Teek felt a certain fondness and loyalty toward him. He sighed. Now he would be thought of as unworthy; a mere child that cannot be trusted to follow through with his duty or promises. But that was, in fact, what he was, his mind reminded him. He was a child, not even old enough to be on an appeasing journey.

He felt the tears welling up and then suddenly cascading over the rims of his lower lids and down his cheeks. He was too small and insignificant for all of this. He should be dead with his family instead of alive and alone and involved in such grand moments of history. And how would he be remembered? If they did win and songs were sung or stories told, his would be the name that was either forgotten or marked as the person who didn’t so up at all.

Curling up with his knees close to his chest, he let out all of the pain and sorrow that he’d been holding back for such a long time. Without resisting, he let the utter emptiness and loss of his family take hold of him and he mourned for them, welcoming the convulsions that wrung through his body as the tears soaked his arm. He let the loneliness enshroud him and fill his thoughts with the desire to simply cease to exist, his memory wiped away from the minds of the few who had known him. He lay in that state for what seemed to be hours in torment and agony until sleep finally eased him away from his pain.

A sudden air gust brought him abruptly to consciousness just in time to roll away from the sharp beak that darted for his midsection. Jumping to his feet, Teek ran a short distance and then turned to meet his attacker who had hopped after him and was once again bearing down on him in an attempt to peck out his innards. Stepping to the right, he escaped the full brunt of the assault but was clipped on the side and sent sprawling into the grass. The sun disappeared as black wings spread, darkening the sky over him, the outstretched talons reaching for him as the giant bird dropped down on him. There was no time for escape. He would be pierced through and eaten in an instant, his previous wish for death coming true.

There was a sudden flash of white, and Teek was certain he’d moved into the next world where his mother and the rest of his ancestors were sure to be waiting for him. He was somewhat surprised, and grateful, at how painless the crossover had been, having believed that there would at least be some discomfort at being eaten alive. But his thoughts of a quiet passing were quickly interrupted by the sounds of screeches and cries that suddenly invaded his serene death. Sitting up he was surprised to see Tchee and another giant bird locked in a battle of beaks, wings and talons. It was then he realized that the white he’d seen was not death but was actually Tchee assailing his attacker and saving his life.

Both birds pulled away from each other and backed off a step each eyeing the other as if looking for a mistake or weakness so as to make another attack. The air was filled with their raged squawking. Though Teek could not see any blood there were plenty of loose feathers on the ground and floating in the air to leave out any doubt about the seriousness of their intent. Loading his blowgun, he prepared to assist in the fight should the opportunity present itself. He knew it was not likely, with the way the two bobbed, hopped and moved about, but nonetheless it didn’t hurt to be prepared.

Tchee settled into a low guttural sound that rumbled in her throat as a warning while the other bird let out another bellowing scream. Though Teek could not understand their exchange, he was certain they were communicating.

Why do you stop me from killing that sub species
?
He desecrates the sacred lands by being here
.
You know the law
,
Ice Feather
.
You will be outcast for this
.

I also know the law of life giving, Night Shadow
,
which puts him under my protection and care
.
He is part of me now and as such under the law
.

You defile yourself as do those who follow your ways
.

They make their own choices for the better good of all not the selfishness that poisons your thoughts
.

Foolishness
!
It is I who flies straight and with the wind not counter to it and crooked as you do
.

We shall see
, Tchee communicated back, the rumble in her throat still sounding a warning.
When the others touch talon to the ground we will get the decision of all
.

A loud cry brought all eyes heavenward followed, is if in answer, by other cries as more rocs suddenly appeared and began landing in the once peaceful meadow. Teek was amazed that so many of the birds existed and that he had never seen any until Tchee. They all looked majestic and noble in their grace of flight and in the manner with which they held themselves when earthbound. Their eyes, as multihued as the many different colored feathers that adorned them, were sharp and intelligent leaving no question as to the higher mental functions that must be occurring within their sleek heads. Many dipped those heads slightly to Teek as they landed, a warm feeling of kindness and respect reflecting off their eyes, while others seemed to scream at him as did the large black roc that had earlier tried to take his life.

The tension that existed between the two groups suddenly felt palpable in the air around them. Teek felt himself tensing as he waited to see what would happen.

Close to twenty of the magnificent birds filled the clearing and seemed to separate into their decided factions either with Tchee or the black bird. Teek noticed that only five others seemed to side with his friend.

The threat is a real one not only to man but to all of us
, Tchee started right in without any preliminary pleasantries.
We must fight with them for our own safety and survival
.

Ice Feather has been twisted by the constant weight she now carries on her back like a slave
, the black roc countered lowering his head and screeching toward Teek.
She desecrates the sacred mountain by bringing it with her and now expects us to risk our own survival to protect the ones that have threatened our extinction all along
. Those siding with him suddenly began to cry and screech as if in agreement, many casting threatening glares at Teek who stayed very close to Tchee but remained completely still. He had no idea what was happening, lost in the clucks and rumbles that emitted from the birds as if they spoke to each other, but he understood the danger to his safety should there come another attack.

Night Shadow speaks true
, Tchee interrupted the cacophony of sounds and brought all attention back to her.
The land creatures have always hunted us without mercy or care and many have died because of it
.
I lost my life’s mate to such an attack
.

Then why
,
of all of us
,
would you sue now for us to risk our lives for them
? One of Night Shadow’s followers asked.
You of all here have the greatest cause to wish the land creatures dead
.

You are right
,
Dark Talon
,
but I have also seen the good that is had in many of them
.
But not just that
.
I fear that if we fail to stand with them now
,
the enemy that attacks will kill them all and then the hunt will turn back on us
.
You have not seen or engaged with the enemy’s winged serpents as I have
.
Though we are lighter and quicker on the wing
,
they are more deadly than any flying talon from the earth creatures
.

We know
, Night Shadow chided,
you spoke of their deadly scream the first time you called
.
The time, I might add, that you destroyed Strong Wing and Bright Feather’s life bond
.

That was their own choice
, Tchee screamed, startling Teek, his hand absentmindedly clenching his blow gun.
They made the sacrifice because they know the cost of roosting and waiting
.
I tell you all now
,
if we fail to act and help we will not survive much longer than the ground walkers
.

Bold words from one who has bonded herself to one of them
, Night Shadow countered, and the addressed the others.
What you do with your own life is not my concern
.
If you decide to throw it away with Ice Feather then a swift wind for you to your death
.
Your loss will only ultimately strengthen the flock by not passing on your weakness
.
I will not cast myself upon the ground for my enemies and I will no longer answer your calls to meet again
. Without another word, Night Shadow suddenly took to the air followed quickly by the others who had sided with him, the wind they created almost pushed Teek back while whipping through his sun bleached locks.

We are still with you
,
Ice Feather
, one of those that remained cooed to Tchee.
We see the wisdom in what you say and know that it is the right thing even under the circumstances
.

Tchee bobbed her head and stretched her wings.
May the winds always find you Snow Tail
,
but I fear we may not be enough without the others
. Turning her gaze on Teek, Tchee lowered her wing, calling him to mount so they could depart. Looking at the birds that remained, Teek quickly scrambled up onto her back and prepared himself for flight. As they rose into the air, he waved back to the other birds who seemed pleased by his gesture as they cooed and bobbed their heads before taking to the air themselves.

Climbing quickly in altitude, Tchee wasted no time cresting the mountain peaks surrounding the meadow and lake now far below and then banking northeast back toward the camp of Calandra refugees. Though uncertain as to what had occurred or his part in it, Teek was glad to be returning to his other friends. Maybe Thane had decided to wait for his return still giving him the opportunity to participate in the war as more than a mere spectator. The thought sent a chill of excitement racing through him and he couldn’t help the scream of exhilaration that escaped his lips. The sorrow he’d felt only a day before was quickly turning into anger at the injustice of situations flinging him about where they would. He wanted to act instead of suffer the consequences of being acted upon. No longer was he willing to sit in the back and let others decide his destiny for him. He could fight, and no one would keep him from doing so.