Daughter Of Light- Book 1: PJO

Chapter 40: I Share A Jail Cell With A Bird From The Deep South

I jumped to my feet, my chest rising and falling so fast it was hard to breathe. I whipped my head around trying to see. I finally was able to see, nestled in the corner in the shadows was some kind of bird.

I didn't feel a threat from it. It seemed old and feeble. And it didn't feel any kind of threat. I slid my feet slowly and cautiously forwards.

"You...you know who I am? And...you can talk to me!"

"I can always, here, sense some kinfolk of the sun, lil lady!"

The voice was scratchy and old but with a south hick type of accent. The bird was sitting in a nest in the corner, it was smoldering and glowing like hot coals in a fire. He was about the size of a grown man. Huddled in the nest his head was a little taller than me when I stood straight.

The bird shifted, and sounded like he squeaked like he was in pain. I could sense the pain from the bird. The closer I got the more I could see. It looked like he once had  bright shinny glossy feathers. But now he looked drained of colour and his feathers were maulting. But I could still make out the Reds, oranges, yellows and gold from his feathers.

His beak was sharp and pointing. Despite his appearance his eyes were intelligent. I slid a little closer and I could see that both his wings were sitting at a bent angle. And I saw a dark black chain clamped around his foot and attached to the wall.

"You're hurt!"

"Hey ya lil lady! Those little whippersnappers keep me nice and snug down here in this little dugon."

"You mean your a prisoner too?"

"For the time being. But now...we might just stand a chance of skeedadling outta this darn place, right quick."

"What in Hades are you talking about?"

"You know right well who has ya stuck like a big in a ring, ya?"

"The Titan Hyperion and Hecate." I answered. I had slowly sat down at the edge of the nest. It wasn't burning me like I expected. As my eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, my glowing ability shut off. I wasn't sure what was wrong, but it was hard to see now that I didn't have that.

"Your wings are broken. They must hurt."

"Oh. Ehy." The bird agreed.

"I- I can help. Or at least try. I've never held a broken bone, or helped a bird, but I can try..."

"And why in tsrnashion would you help this ol' bird out?"

I paused and looked at him. He looked so broken and pathetic. My heart hurt for this bird. I had no idea how long he had been held down here, but he looked to be on his last legs and I couldn't just not try. I held my hand out and I slowly reached out. The bird regarded me with his beedy and intelligent eyes. He ducked his head and let me pet his head. My fingers tingled and I felt a warmth run from where I touched him up my arm and I to my chest. It was like a warm hug to my heart.

I smiled. "I can'tet a noble bird like you sit in such pain. I'm not like them. If I can help I will. If you will allow me "

"Well! Gosh darn it Lil Lady! Y'all got me blushin' harder then a single lady on Valentine's Day!"

I giggled. This bird had a real thick southern accent. I slowly stepped over the edge of his nest and slowly stepped closer. I took a slow steadying breath. My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking.

"Have some right courage Lil Lady."

Apollo, father, please help me. I have no idea what I'm doing.