Song of War Chapter Nine

Zeus patrols the main path and approaches the edge of the mulberry trees from the east. There is no mistaking it is a battlefield as grackles and robins fight in the trees and in the air. After a few moments Zeus realizes that the grackles had bolstered their ranks.

From over the tree tops a grackle swoops as a larger bird is in hot pursuit. The grackle screams in fear and agony as a blue jay makes powerful pecks against the back of his head. Zeus recognizes Buster and as Buster notices Zeus he breaks off his attack allowing the grackle to flee to the west.

Buster lands on the top of the fence as Zeus makes his way over.

"Appears you made your choice," Zeus started.
"Word of what you cats did reached far and didn't want to be on the wrong side of that. Offered my services to the crown."
"We appreciate that."
"We?"
"We are one here."
"Interesting. I like that."
Zeus nodded toward the battle and said "We had thinned their numbers but they appear as strong as ever."
"No matter. I will knock their numbers down one by one."
"I'm sure you will. Glad to have you here."

Buster nods and takes off to rejoin the battle. 

Song of War Chapter Eight

Zeus woke from his nap in the bushes behind the house with the bird feeder. Lizzie and Tina had watched him eat their offering before he made his way to his favorite napping spot. It was the chatter of the birds that woke him. 

Six house finches are hopping around the feeder taking turns getting some seeds. One appears more aggressive occasionally knocking one of the others off the feeder as he went for more. There is plenty of food but they eat like it might be their last meal. 

A grackle lands on the rail of the porch opposite the feeder. He announces himself with a rude "Mine!"

A couple of the finches flinch but they stay around the feeder. One glances back at the grackle and shrugs his shoulders. 

The grackle takes a step closer on the rail and repeats "Mine!"

The aggressive finch ironically answers, "Wait your turn!" 
The other finches added "Yeah!" in agreement. 

The grackle tilts his head, takes a step forward and then a step back. After a few seconds he flies off to the west. 

Zeus is impressed with how the finches had stood their ground. He is well rested and ready to patrol.

Song of War Chapter Seven

Rok could hear the wails before they come into sight. Ik and Yuk make their way to their leader side by side as they are over come with grief. As they settle on the high branch Yuk looks back and forth between Rok and Iz several times before declaring "Yak is gone!".

Rok leans forward "Gone?"
"Dead!" Ik replies. "Along with many others. Only two made it back to report. It was the cats! Horrible! Horrible!"
Rok's eyes were wide with disbelief then narrowed as his mind raced. "This is a dark day for us. But we must continue on. Let Yak be our inspiration. Let him be our rallying cry. We will gets ours in the name of Yak."
Ik and Yuk nod and stifle their sobs. 
"Ik, pick your best flyer and have him go two days toward the setting sun. He must find my cousin Zok. Tell Zok what happened and ask for as many he can spare to help in our conquest."
"On it," Ik replied and then flew off.
"Yuk, we need those mulberries. Rally the troops and do whatever it takes. You'll have help soon enough."
"Will do," answers Yuk. He then stood tall, puffed out his chest, and did a salute with his right wing before taking flight. 

Iz edges closer to her mate and whispers so no one could hear. "This is a mighty blow."
Rok whispers in return. " Yes. But if we can still use Yak we must. He was reckless but a good warrior."
"Is this place worth it?"
"Everything we could want is here. Best we've found in a long time. We must make every effort to claim it."
"At what cost?"
"Don't know yet."
Iz nods and nuzzles her head on Rok's shoulder. "It should be ours then."