Two Birds of a Feather

Chapter 53

"This looks like a good spot," Tiberius muttered moments later. He and Wendy had discovered a small cave that probably once belonged to a fox or a bobcat. Entering the den, the old red tailed hawk allowed Wendy to slide down his back before he laid down. At the same time, the rain outside began to fall harder.

"Tiberius?" Wendy's quiet voice squeaked. Snapping out of his thoughts, Tiberius looked over at the young hawk. Curling up beside him, the youngster went on, "What did you mean earlier when you said humans happened?" Turning his head away, Tiberius mumbled, "This isn't a topic for you. Just ignore that I ever said anything."

"Come on, I can handle it," Wendy reassured Tiberius. Gazing up at him with round eyes, she begged, "Please." Returning the youngster's gaze, Tiberius knew he wasn't escaping this. Why did he have to open his beak and say something? Sighing heavily, he rasped, "Alright, I'll tell you. But don't say I didn't warn ya."

"Okay," Wendy chirped. Fluffing up her feathers to keep warm, she gazed up at Tiberius, waiting. His mind filled with memories of the past, the old red tailed hawk murmured, "My sister and I were born into the Tribe of the Fire Talons many years ago. It was us and our parents on the farthest reaches of the tribe's territory. Perhaps too far."

"What happened next?" Wendy interrupted with a question. Sadness glistening in his light brown eyes, Tiberius shivered slightly. Closing his eyes, he whispered, "We were only a week old. It was late and we were getting ready to have dinner. My father had just returned to the nest with a squirrel when we heard the gunshot. Just like that he was gone." Bowing his head, he continued, "My mother was the next target because of me. I was too close to the edge and she was trying to pull me back. She was killed right in front of me. And I couldn't do anything about it. The humans responsible grabbed us and took us away from our home and everything we knew."

"They... they did that? Why?" Wendy squeaked, her yellow eyes round. She trembled fearfully. Staring at the entrance of the den as the rain outside fell harder, Tiberius rasped, "Humans will do anything for money, even if it means they have to earn it through stealing or killing. No matter what they do though, they will never satisfy their greed." Resting her head against his shoulder, Wendy mumbled, "I'm sorry about your parents."

"I'm sorry about yours," Tiberius replied, turning his head finally. He draped his left wing over Wendy, keeping her warm. The old red tailed hawk then curled up into a tight ball around her. Nestled up against his chest, Wendy commented, "At least we have each other, right?" Laying his head down, Tiberius murmured, "Right."

"I'm gonna look after you and make sure that you get home," Wendy declared. She ended her statement with a small yawn. Chuckling quietly, Tiberius nuzzled her gently with his beak as he spoke softly, "Pretty sure it's the other way around kid. Now, get some sleep." Yawning again, Wendy nodded her head before closing her eyes and falling asleep. A moment later, Tiberius fell asleep beside her.

All the while, it continued raining.