The Bird Tamer

1

He was beautiful. The way his feathers shined in the sun turning a bright red. The way he glided in the sky out of reach of many. The way his blade swiped clean through his enemies bodies, and even as his eyes filled with remorse. He was beautiful.

So beautiful it wasn't long before he was caged, the wild bird who dreamed of freedom was trapped. A choker was placed on his neck and disobedient moves and he was punished. These people called themselves saviors, sending him to kill those they deemed unworthy or corrupted. They made it their mission to clear the world of sinners. He left a sign of guilt with each killing, gently placing a feather in their hair. The feather was his way of wishing them freedom.

"In the cage",a short stubby man spoke as he signalled to a giant cage, it was moveable lead by two horses.

He stood there as darkness slowly consumed him. He stepped into the cage as the door was slammed behind him. How many times had he wished to stab a sword through their necks how it would be easy and fast. The cage began moving and as it did a giant cover was placed over, he'd learned not to make noise the hard way. He leaned his back on the wood wall as he slid to the floor, his body had been feeling heavy. The once joyful spirit of his was slowly dimming. His eyes closed shut but suddenly shot open when the carriage came to an abrupt stop. He strained his ears as he could make out the man and others getting off thr horses snd began talking. At first hr believed somthing happened to a horse or a merchant passed by, which ever was the case he didn't care for it. That is until a peculiar sound made him sit up, a laugh a soft gentle laugh.

A women's laugh, as he approached the bars he was able to catch a glimpse as the cover had a small hole which he used to peak out. There he saw you, standing alongside a well suited man as the men spoke and laughed.

It was then he realized they arrived at a town and found the cage to be inside a barn. This was probably an inn. The men probably had a plan to stay there but who knew for how long. As he focused more he realized your smile was strained as was your laugh, your body shifted each time one of them spoke to you.

That's when a plan hit him as he was about to pull away, you turned and your eyes met. He froze, he wondered....when was the last time he had seen such pure eyes. You looked at him with no malicious intent, just pure curiosity and wonder filled them. His heart swelled up, unknowing his hands grasped the bars as the words help me escaped them. This shocked him, he had given up so long ago, yet here he was asking for help. Your eyes widened.

"Lady?",one of the men called out

"Ah sorry I got distracted, so how many rooms would you like to rent out?",you turned away as you spoke

"Just two me and my comrades would like to rest for a week at most, we've quite a journey",the man chuckled as his men unloaded their things

"You should stay longer an auction will be held next week. Any special requests?",you asked them

"The cage, do not let anyone open it or look inside my most precious tresure is inside it",the man spoke and as a prideful look spread on his face,"What'll be found in this auction?"

"Yes sir",you spoke as you forced a smile,"Well it'll be hard to say but many travelers bring jewels as unique items."

The men chuckles amd gave each other a knowing look,"Then I guess we'll be staying a while."

You all shook hands and turned leaving one by one the barn. You lingered a second longer as you finally allowed yourself to leave.

He watched as you walked away. He was left alone, the men were sure to leave a message if he tried anything. He wasn't sure how much passed as he sat in that cage, he was hungry. It'd been days since he last ate, this was one method of punishment. He leaned his head back as a sigh escaped his lips. The sound of the barn door opening made him shoot up.

"Whose there?",he snapped out, the footsteps were to light to be the man's

No answer as they approached, then tbe cover was raised just enough for a hand to slip through and place a plate of food was placed on the cages floor. He wasn't able to process what was happening as the footsteps rushed off and the sound of the barn doors closing could be heard. To say the least he didn't touch the food even though his hunger clawed at him. He was quick however to hide it when the men came, early in the morning.

"Good day",your voice rang out making him jump as he watched you entered the barn but you didn't walk towards him as your attention was placed on a brown mare in a stall.

He watched as you took her out and saddled her, leading her outside. You didn't so much as acknowledge the cage or let any intentions be shown. However that same time and night, another plate of food was placed on the cages. He didn't make a move towards the owner of the hand he simply watched. The person wore black gloves, and were rather quick to just be anybody but same as before he refused the food.

He didn't admit but he found comfort in your company. You'd come in and sit alongside the cage. You would tell stories about the town or other creatures. He'd silently sit there and listen not once stopping you. He'd close his eyes and invision the free world you described so beautifully a nice clear sky, where his wings could fly away to. He wouldn't touch that food, he'd just listen. Then his heart would falter when you would remain quiet and the sound of your footsteps could be heard leaving the barn once more leaving him alone.

This occurred once more and on the forth night he had enough, as he waited in silence. The meeting time passed and he found it odd the way he felt disappointed at this. He felt foolish not accepting tbe helping hand but his heart sped up when the barn door opened, and those light footsteps could be heard. However this time things were different as the hand once more reached and placed the food on the floor, he was quick as he grabbed the arm. The owner of the hand yelped in surprise, as they tried pulling back in the process making the cover of the cage fall. The light from the moon illuminated the inside of the barn as you both had a good look at each other surprised faces.