The Catbyrd Seat Read Online Free

on from generation to generation. Piggles had grown up her entire life in Huntsville and she was very happy living in the Kingdom. Occasionally, she thought of the poor mice over in the Reservation and how different life must be for them there, but then she pushed it out of her mind again and got on with her day. After all, there was nothing anyone could do.
    “Good morning, Mr. Byrd!” she called out cheerfully, trotting into the shop and making the bell above the door jangle to announce her arrival. “Am I in time for my cup of tea?”
    “You are indeed, Piggles, you are indeed,” chirruped Mr Byrd, flying in from the back room where he had been doing some last minute stock taking. “Any customers about?”
    “Not yet, Mr. Byrd. I’m sure some’ll be along soon.”
    The two settled down in their respective seats and began their morning routine. Mr. Byrd was a big fan of routines. They were familiar and comforting. He knew where he was with routines.
    Piggles quite liked them, too. She wasn’t a particularly ambitious sort. She was happy with her lot in life, and she enjoyed the relaxing company of Mr. Byrd. He never asked her too many questions, or demanded too much of her like some animals did. It was hard work running a café, especially at lunchtimes, with the sudden influx of those on their break from their own respective jobs. Her time with Mr. Byrd allowed her some much-needed respite.
    After spending half an hour in each other’s company, exchanging small talk and pleasantries, Piggles said her goodbyes and trotted off again, round the corner to her café, and Mr. Byrd officially opened up the Book Factory for business and so, the dull monotony of every day life continued.
    Or so he thought.
    For that day, was destined to be unlike any other in the history of Mr. Byrd’s life or indeed, in the history of Huntsville.
    ***
    It was by no means unusual to see Cociel in the Book Factory. He was one of Mr. Byrd’s regulars and had been a firm favorite of the weekly book club and classes that Mr. Byrd held for the young mice. Now that he was a bit older, he had stopped coming in favor of giving more of the youngsters a chance to learn, and was flourishing all on his own with the help of the books he bought each week from the store. Cociel viewed Mr. Byrd almost as a second father, and Mr. Byrd viewed all the young mice as his children. He’d never had children himself, and probably never would. There were no other parakeets in Huntsville and besides, nobody would want him now that he was approaching middle age.
    “How are you, Mr. Byrd?” Cociel called as he walked in, giving a friendly wave.
    “Very well, Cociel, very well,” Mr. Byrd answered. “And yourself.”
    “The same.”
    “Did you finish reading that last book?”
    “I’m nearly at the end.”
    “Oh, and come in for another already?”
    “Well yes, but not just that,” said Cociel. “Actually, I’ve come in for another reason today, and I had to sneak out of the Reservation to do it.”
    The fact that Cociel had snuck out was of no particular surprise to Mr. Byrd. He knew the mice were only allowed out once per week, on Shopping Day, and since it had been Shopping Day three days previous, then it was more than obvious Cociel was here illegally. He had done it before upon occasion, and Mr. Byrd had little doubt that he would do it again at some point in the future.
    “You’re lucky the Guards don’t spot you.”
    “I’m too quick for them,” said Cociel with a smile. “Even if they did see me, I could totally outrun them.”
    “I wouldn’t be so sure. Just be careful.”
    “I’m always careful.”
    “What is it I can do for you, Cociel?” asked Mr. Byrd, getting to the point of his young mouse friend’s visit.
    Cociel checked behind his shoulder that no one else was about to enter the shop, then leaned in and quickly told Mr. Byrd about everything he and Tails had overheard at the Parliament meeting.
    Mr. Byrd’s eyes