The Past Beasts of Birtou (Maidenkin #1)

Chapter four: Friendly Adventures

The Past Beasts of Birtou

Chapter four: Friendly Adventures

Some days have passed since the initial refusal from the beasts regarding Wren's plans. The days were filled with warm sunshine and cool breezes, the nights with moonshine and harsh winds. The beast kept on living their everyday life as if nothing had happened.

This day was exceptionally great–the warm sun shaded by the overcast skies, making it better for those who wanted to venture out and explore the beauty of the earth.

Wren had put on light clothing and asked which beasts were up to doing some exploration. Most of her beasts had politely turned down her offer, excusing themselves to rest inside. The heat must feel warmer for those covered in fur, Wren had concluded.

Tabitha did not answer Wren when she asked her, so Wren knew that the hawk wanted to join her activities. She never liked to admit it to herself, but Wren knew well that her bond with Tabitha was more special than to any of the other beasts.

She also very well knew the reason as to why: Tabitha was so far the only beast Wren had ever rescued and brought to Birtou's Keep. She was hoping to double that number soon.

And Glum, her dear Dresick wolf wanted to join her. The Dresick wolf was known to stay in the colder Dredour mountains on the mainland in Elithos, but the Glum always wanted to accompany Wren on her adventures.

She was not sure whether it was because he himself loved adventuring, or because he loved seeing Wren happy.

Wren opened the gate to the front of the keep, letting Glum walk before her. His large body cast a dark shadow on the ground beneath him. She put her right hand out and touched his back, signaling for him to wait for her.

"Tabitha will probably join us," she told him out loud, and as if called, the hawk landed on the ground beside them.

Shall we? The wolf now asked her.

She smiled at her two beasts and motioned for them to start walking, Tabitha spreading her wings and going up into the air, obviously preferring the skies over the ground.

"Where to first my friend?" she asked, raising her voice to make sure Tabitha would hear her from high up there. "Shall we journey through the expansive fields, explore the wonders of the deep forest, or walk the long coastline?"

Ocean! Tabitha called.

Indeed, Glum agreed. A cold breeze would do well.

"Perhaps a bath would do well too," Wren said, laughing as Glum turned his head to her, his yellow eyes slim, his scars stark red against his white fur.

A bath for the lady? He asked. For I smell very well.

Obviously, Wren was talking to the dog, Tabitha said in a snarky voice.

What dog? Glum growled. Perhaps you mean the annoying seagull flying above Branwen and me?

"I agree," Wren laughed. "It is making a lot of shrill noises up there."

It sounds as if it is choking to death on its own vocal cords, Glum mused.

"Putting my thought into words just as always, my dear friend," Wren answered.

Tabitha shrieked from high up in the skies. I prefer not to be made fun of, so you two fools should hope that there actually is a seagull above me of which you are talking of!