The Owl Realms (Discontinued)

Chapter 26- The Asking

 Akeela's P.O.V

I pace around in Father’s hollow, tripping over scrolls and nest bits as I go. Tahira’s been under the influence of a sleeping poultice for some time now, and a small blanket of leaves rests around her frail body. Her weak breathing sends her chest quivering and lurching every so often, and I wonder if she’s going to make it until morning.

    The moons’ silvery light pulses through the small opening of the hollow, and the stars twinkle brightly in the sky. I sigh and bring a wing to my face, wiping away small salty tears. I turn my head around and watch as Father looms over the elderly she-owl with a small bowl of herbs clutched in his talons.

    “How is she?” I ask carefully, making sure I don’t throw him off-focus. And honestly, by the looks of things, the answer to my question won’t be a positive one.

    “Not much better..” he grumbles in reply, small beads of sweat forming on his white forehead. “Her wound is still bleeding, and it hasn’t let up.”

    My heart skips a beat at the tender news. Another stray tear trickles across my beak, and I scold myself for breaking under the pressure. I stride over to the opening in the wood and peer up at the sky. I scoff. Such a beautiful night.. it’s disgusting. How can the weather remain so perfect on such ugly circumstances?

    The wind quivers in the breeze, and I shiver, suddenly full of angst. I preen my dark caramel feathers and glance over my shoulder at the busy leader.

    “Father.. I’m going for a flight. I’ll be back.” I hoot, and before he can reply, I stretch out my wings and leap into the night. The crisp air whips against my face as I whirl around and fly off towards the islands of Mouse Bushes.

    More tears stream down my cheeks, and I suddenly don’t care where I’m going. I just need to go. Angry gusts of cold air tug at my wings, ripping more droplets of water from my eyes. The frothy current below me twinkles navy blue beneath the moon, and small waves crash against the first rocks of Mouse Bushes. I shake my head sadly. Such a lovely night. Too bad I can’t enjoy it on better conditions.

    I flutter down to a higher rock with a jagged peak, and land on it with a solid sounding “click”. I fluff out my feathers and straighten them out quickly before making myself comfortable. A small coo airs out of my lungs as I sit down and wriggle around on the cold stone above the dark water.

    I can’t help but to get lost in my thoughts around this place. It’s so serene, and the only sound around me is the gentle tossing of the waves below. It’s lovely.

    I really hope Tahira survives until morning, I think fretfully. Another death in the Unit will be devastating. She’s a talented soldier, we need her!

    My thoughts are suddenly filled with rage. What sort of heartless owl could do such a thing?! How DARE they? What on earth had Tahira ever done to them?!

    I sigh and attempt to calm my quivering talons. I itch for a fight... a scrabble.. to dig my claws into something. Anything. I’m that worked up.