Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Song of War Chapter Five

Zeus woke early to start his patrol of the middle path. He sees fragments of broken robin eggs on the ground. After several more feet he sees some more. After surveying the area he spots Sundown approaching from the ridge.
"There are more of those on the north path also."
"Not good."
Before they can continue their conversation Ritmo flies and lands on a branch above them.
"Zeus! Sundown! King Maestro has requested you come quick! Sebastian is there with important news!"
Zeus nods. "We'll be there."

Zeus and Sundown arrive at the Royal tree which sits off the main path several feet behind the eastern most mulberry tree. Torch was already there along with Ma and Pa. Maestro and Harmony sit on their special branch as the rest of the court sit in branches above them. Sebastian is sitting on the lowest branch with a chickadee under his wing.
"Everyone this is Chet," Sebastian starts. "He has some disturbing news. Go ahead, Chet. Nothing to fear here."
Chet takes a big breath to calm his nerves.
"Yesterday I was in the bushes off the main path between the sand pits and where the grackles had settled. Soon there were several grackles on the ground and one talked about it being a good spot for a toll. I stayed put not wanting to give away my position. Soon Lon came up the path."
Ma gives an audible gasp.
"After threatening Lon the lead grackle questioned him. Found that he was on his way to visit Ma and Pa. He told them about the Royal Robins and their numbers and some of the names. Then the lead grackle finished with some questions about Zeus because they had seen him."
Zeus looks at Sundown and shrugs while Pa tries to console Ma.
Chet looks directly at Ma. "They let him go. Lon is alright. They sent him back home."
"Oh thank goodness!" she exclaims.
Chet continues, "A few minutes later Sid came by and they quickly had him cornered."
Zeus knew Sid was a squirrel that lived along the main path but closer to the lake.
"Sid said he didn't have anything to offer just as Lon had," Chet shared. "But the grackles were rougher with him as four each held a foot tightly in their beaks while the leader threatened to peck his eyes. Soon Sid was giving up the locations of all the robin nests he knew about."
Gasps and howls went up from the Royal court.
Zeus and Sundown grimace as they exchanged glances.
"Thank you Chet," said Sebastian.
"Yes, thank you Chet!" King Maestro adds. "This is so troubling. We had reports of many robins returning to raided nests last night."
"Sundown and I have seen shells scattered on the middle and north paths," Zeus shared.
"Only one response to this," King Maestro said before he lets out a tone Zeus had never heard before. Soon the rest of the Royal court are making the same sound. Zeus soon learned it was a declaration and that was their song of war.





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