Lupus Rex Read Online Free Page A

the far side of that river is the territory of the hawk Pitrin. It is a journey you never need make, and really, I do not know why I tell you the path. Pitrin is the child of Elera.”
    Ysil was confused. “But you said she didn’t have fledglings that flew before she died.” He looked to his grandfather but could not read his expression.
    “The chick did not learn to fly until after she died,” said Cotur Ada.
    Ysil said, “But how could it have survived, in the nest not flying and with its mother dead? How did it eat?”
    Ada laughed a little and brushed Ysil on the brow feathers. “We have talked enough about hawks now. You need not worry about them at all. Pitrin has vowed to never return here. And should he make an attempt after such a long absence, the crows would drive him out, as they would any hawk. Of course, they hold no power over the larger bird, but the hawk does follow an order: its own. Now, this talking has worn a poor old bird out greater than this forced trudge we are set upon. Quiet, young one.”
    In frustration Ysil snapped closed his gaping beak. He looked to Cormo, who, having heard every word, walked along dazed. The other birds’ eyes were full of wonder.
     
     
    T HE ANIMALS CONTINUED on through the middle of the day until they reached a small clearing that held a good stand of clover. The clearing was encircled with a thick brush of blackberries, and the fruit was ripe. The wind was soft and steady, and the area held no scent of predator, so the group set to feeding on the greenery and the seed it held. The quail fed for a while, their heads down. It was evident that few deer or turkey had found the clearing, for it was bountiful, and the birds and furred ate as much as they desired, but not so much as to become heavy.
    “All together now!” called Sulari, who had been conversing with Cotur Mono and Gomor. It was not so much a conversation as a scolding of the two upon Gomor. The rabbit had wandered off for a time in open hardwoods. Anywhere alone without cover was no place for a rabbit, the old hare had told him.
    “Anur and Erdic! Where are you?” It was Nova. She was mother to the two and also Harlequin. Immediately the quail set to searching, flying about, and conferring with one another about the possible location of the two chicks. The mother searched, but the two were nowhere to be found. When the mother quail sat down, her head beneath her wing, and began to cry, Ensis stepped forth.
    “I heard them talking earlier,” said Ensis, Cormo’s grandfather and mate to Incanta, though he was somewhat younger than her. “They said, ‘We should go back to the field. We can hide and the crows will never see us.’ Anur said he knew the perfect place to watch and not be seen. I didn’t think much of it when I heard them, just thought it to be the chatter of chicks, if you please, but sadly I was mistaken.”
    Though Cotur Ada was the eldest, he was not the leader. Cotur Mono held that distinction, if it could be truly said there was a leader of the quail. He talked for a while with Sulari, and it was decided that an elder quail and two younger would go back to search out the chicks. Monroth was the first to volunteer.
    “I will go,” said Monroth with a righteous tone. “I will bring them back well before sunset. They could not have gotten far.”
    “You are eager, young one,” said Sulari. “Mayhap your eagerness will set you up in a coyote’s belly. You may go, but certainly not alone.”
    “I will go.” It was Cotur Ada.
    In response the group stared at him, all eyes wide and unblinking. Then Rompus spoke: “Wise One, you are strong and respected, but you’re not expected to venture on such a mission. You’re more needed here, as our guide.”
    “Oh, you are smart in the way of the tongue, badger, and certainly I am flattered, but there stands a point: the chicks need to be taught a lesson, and I will be the one to teach it. Now, I will take one more volunteer.” To