Song of War Chapter 12

Rok and Iz hear the approaching sounds of chaos before Ik and Yuk come swooping in. 
"Incoming!" shouts Ik.
"It's over!" adds Yuk.
The remaining grackles take defensive positions in the evergreen around their leaders preparing for a last stand. Robin after robin lands in the nearby walnut tree while all the other birds take spots in the surrounding trees. Zeus and Sundown stand at the base of the tree while Torch and Zuki stay on the path with Ma and Pa and a late arriving Clem.

"It's time you go!" Maestro calls from the walnut tree.
"You'll just let us go?" Rok responds.
"No need for more bloodshed," Maestro answers.
Rok nods and looks around "It was a good run. Best place we ever found."
"We would have shared if you asked."
"That is not our way."
"Then you did terrible things."
"That is our way."
"That is why you must go and never come back!"

Rok shrugs and looks at Iz. "Corn is about ready toward the setting sun."
She sadly whispers "Let's go."
Rok puffs out his chest and looks around one last time. "Good place here."

Rok takes flight followed by Iz and grackle after grackle. Ik and Yuk are the last to leave and shoot dirty glances at Buster in the last occupied tree.
"Scram!" screeches Buster.

After a few moments Maestro lands on the ground near Zeus.
"Thank you for all you have done!"
Zeus nods and responds "Just glad that is over. He was right about one thing."
"What was that?"
"It is a good place here."
Both laugh and Maestro declares "It is time for a celebration! Everyone please join us at the Royal tree for song and merriment!"

Shouts of joy rain down from the surrounding trees. After all the others had gone Zeus and his three patrol buddies remain on the path.

"Not going to join in?" asks Zuki.
"Soon enough," Zeus answers. "Just want to enjoy a few moments of silence."
"Don't be too long or you'll miss me sing," jokes Sundown.
"Oh no!" Torch offers before bursting in to laughter.
"I'll be there shortly. Go enjoy yourselves!"

Zeus watches them walk off thankful to have such good friends. This is a good place indeed.