Nightingale

Chapter 25

The sky had transitioned from a cloudy grey to a navy-blue black, and a few of the brightest stars were beginning to dot the sky. Fable gazed up at them from the grass. It was almost as if they were winking at her; like they knew her plans and wanted a part in it. Perhaps they wanted to laugh at her. Sometimes, it was like the universe was conspiring against her. Fable decided it was time.

She shut her eyes tightly, causing a few of the remaining teardrops to seep from the corners of her eyes, and then spread her arms out to the side and let the magic work over her body like a pulsar. First the extremities, then the core. Bit by bit, she became a beautiful, brown bird. The feathers surfaced dramatically, and felt fresh and new. She smiled through her little, yellow beak. It was such a relief to be able to fly again, and she was more than ready to soar through the night sky.

Fable took off as soon as she could; her wings beating energetically. Almost no feeling could surpass the joy she experienced from flying as a bird – it was liberating, and freeing to be so light and nimble. She could swoop and soar, dive and dart – she ruled the skies! Nobody would ever understand how lucky she was, even if she did end up losing her bargain with that delightful, old hag, Old Mother Faun.

Fable followed the main road to Mr Hudson's property, and there, she took her place in the low branches of the cherry tree. She began to whistle a merry tune. The notes were floating on the wind, being carried along by the autumnal breeze. They were soon picked up by the sharp ears of Roger the dog, who was barking loudly from behind the glass. Fable waited patiently for Mr Hudson to appear at the doorway. She was feeling nervous about tonight, and couldn't stop shuffling and scratching at the branch with her talons, leaving small lines in the bark. At least he would always remember her in this tree.

Suddenly, the porchlights snapped on, and Fable jumped. She watched as his figure emerged. He was wearing red checked pyjamas and a plain white T-shirt. Fable thought he looked very cute. She chirped away as he slid the door open, and stepped out into the garden in just his slippers.

"Aria! Is that you? I thought maybe you had left me and gone to somebody else." he murmured, as he approached her.

Fable blinked at him twice, and then started to tweet loudly. She needed to lure him to the meadow again. As before, she flew over to the fence nearby, and stopped there to twitter at Mr Hudson. He gave her a knowing smile as if to say 'not this again', but followed after her anyway. Fable sensed he was excited to see her and what she might be about to show him.

"Wait up, then!" he called from across the orchard.

Fable chirped and flapped in playful circles around him before flying further out. Mr Hudson was laughing at her sprightly behaviour; the sounds of which warmed her small bird's heart. She loved the fact she could make him happy just by spending time with him. She couldn't wait to get to that lovely meadow where she would lead him to her human self - who would just happen to be there, stargazing under the night sky, just waiting for a handsome adventurer to stumble upon her. It was too romantic. Fable was exhilarated. The closer they got to the field, the more unstoppable she felt.

She was swooping over the lonely meadow, and searching for the perfect spot to land. Mr Hudson was trying to catch up. He was standing at the opening of the field, and was leaning against the wooden style, attempting to catch his breath. Fable decided to take a quick nosedive towards the ground beneath the oak tree. The field was dark and quiet. A little too quiet, she thought. As she was descending, she got the sense that something was shadowing her.

And then it was too late.

The little nightingale hit the ground with sudden force. All she could see was dirt. A great tawny owl had her small head pressed into the ground with its brutal talons. She could not breathe. Two sharp claws were crushing her delicate neck. The bone was close to breaking... Fable could hear it crunch. She was desperately trying to escape, thrashing around in the grass, but it was no use. The owl had her pinned down and it was impossible to move. His enormous black eyes were shining as he prepared to deliver his final, deadly blow.

Fable let out a frenzied cry and forced herself to transform back into a human. The owl instantly released his grip and flapped off in silent fear and confusion. Mr Hudson watched in complete horror and disbelief. He was standing over Fable, who was writhing around in the grass, and clawing at her neck. She was in complete agony and could not breathe. Blood was streaming out of a neck wound where the two talons had punctured the skin. It was trickling at an alarming rate, and Mr Hudson could no longer hold his silence.

"What... the...hell?" he exclaimed. He had obviously caught her up and seen everything that had just happened. He had seen her turn. Now it was game over.

"Fable... what the hell is happening? TELL ME WHAT IS HAPPENING!" he shouted.

Fable was unable to answer. She was dying and he hated her.

"Kill... me." moaned Fable, who was finally able to catch her breath.

"What?"

"Yes... I am... the nightingale. Now let me die alone."

"Fable, you are injured! Let me at least help you and then you can explain yourself to me!" cried Mr Hudson, who was also hyperventilating.

"No." groaned Fable. But Mr Hudson was already lifting her up over his shoulder and taking her back to his home...