Jayhaven Chronicles

That first day of the suspension, Rapid, Peak, and Hawk all tried to keep their minds occupied. Rapid read and studied, Peak sorted herbs, and Hawk practiced his Scout alerts. But they soon realized that if left to their own thoughts, all they could think about was the horrible battle, and the shame of the punishment.

The next morning was no different. “Alright, this is pointless!” Rapid shouted, slamming his book shut. “We’ll never get anything done sitting here brooding.”

Peak nodded with a frown. “Yeah. What’s something to keep our minds occupied?”

They sat in silence for a few moments, then Hawk looked like a candle had lighted behind his amber eyes. “Hey, how about we go looking for Kiirion? We don’t know what happened to him after the battle.”

“What?” Peak shrieked. “That’s a terrible idea. Do you want to be suspended for a moon-cycle instead?”

But Rapid felt himself consider it for a moment. “Well, no one would have to know, and it’d be something to actually focus on.”

Peak huffed back. “I think you both have heads made of rock. I’d like to go looking for him too, but not when we’re already on thin ice with our guild leaders.”

Rapid rolled his eyes playfully. “Well, I guess I can’t blame you. Obviously, you can stay behind if you want.”

Hawk gave his brother a shove. “But I’ll be calling you a goody two-paws for the rest of the week, you know.”

Peak scowled and rubbed his shoulder where Hawk had hit him. “Aw, fine. Sometimes I wonder about you two.”

“But if you never listened to us, I bet your life would be twice as boring!” Rapid grinned.

The three shared a little laugh before trotting downstairs. “Well you three sleepyheads are up late!” Spider called from the leaf sewn seat. “Want breakfast?”

“No! We’re, uh, going to go visit a friend!” Rapid called back, shuffling quickly out the door.

“Ok! Be home before noon, or Dusk will kill me!”

The three set out towards the clearing where Kiirion had first been found. “I wonder if he’s even still there?” Rapid pondered.

Peak shrugged. “Don’t know. I doubt his wing would have healed in that short of time.”

Hawk gave a puff. “I haven’t actually met this fellow yet. You sure he won’t turn me into breakfast?”

“Well he hasn’t pulled anything yet, though you are bigger than us.” Rapid grinned. “He might think you look extra savory.”

“Ha, ha, very funny.” Hawk groaned. “I’m honestly concerned.”

Peak gave a half annoyed laugh. “It was your idea. Don’t go acting like we’re responsible for your convoluted visions of mischief.”

The towering skyscrapers and pleasant silver dens of Jayhaven began to fade into farms and mills, and soon the clearing was in view.

“It’s so lovely and quiet here.” Peak took a deep breath. “It smells like wildflowers.”

Rapid nodded, parting his jaws to taste the air. “And mice. Maybe we can pull off a catch before we leave.”

They then entered the musty, roofed woods that Kiirion had resided in, the sun barely shining through the leafy branches of the oak trees. Rapid spotted the owl’s talon markings on a tree out of the corner of his eye. Memories of his and Kiirion’s first encounter flooded back. “Yup, we’re going in the right direction.”

Suddenly, the branches rustled above them. They saw feathers rustle high up in the tree, and soon an owl emerged.

But it wasn’t Kiirion.

It was a vicious looking Screech owl. Two other owls followed it and swooped down, talons extended and ready to claw at the trio of cats. Rapid took a defensive stance and readied himself to defend Peak, who he knew had no chance of taking on such a massive foe.

The middle owl, a barn owl, scored Rapid’s flank and knocked him backwards. Rapid jumped back up and ran for it, trying to figure out where it’s nerves were to pull of a Shock Touch. He leaped and caught it’s wing, slashing at it and bringing the owl to the ground.

The owl shrieked and kicked Rapid off of it before turning to Hawk, who was already taking on two owls at once. Rapid ran to help him, and realized with panic that Peak was nowhere to be seen.

“Go away, shrew hearts!” Rapid cursed as he barreled into the biggest owl. In a storm of feathers and fur, Rapid rolled the bird onto it’s back and held his claws at it’s throat.

“Hey, hey, woah!” Came a familiar voice. All three owls turned their heads, and Kiirion fluttered down from a nearby tree. “I know these guys. Leave them alone.”

Rapid stepped away from the barn owl, who scrambled to its feet and gave Kiirion a hard look. “Whaddya mean you know them?” It squawked, faceplate contorting in agitation. “These are cats. Vermin! Trespassers!”

“Vermin huh?” Hawk strode towards the barn owl furiously. “I’ll show you v-”

“Now hold on!” Kiirion stepped in front of Hawk, blocking him with his massive wings. “Can’t we all just get along?”

A burrowing owl clicked its beak twice at Kiirion, which Rapid could only imagine was some foul owl curse because of Kiirion’s sudden expression change. “I can’t believe you. Sticking up for a cat! The Empress will hear about this.”And with that the other owls flew off.

Kiirion shook his head forcefully. “Wow, I am so sorry about that. But I have to agree with the trespassing part. My empress has declared these woods as official Feather Realm territory.”

“What?” Rapid hissed sharply. “But doesn’t she need King Panther’s approval?”

“Not necessarily.” Kiirion somehow twisted his beak into a frown. “But that’s a topic for another time. I’m flattered you guys are here again.” His gaze flitted to Hawk. “Who’s this? And where’s the little guy?”

“Right here!” Peak called from a few feet away. “I was off to try and find Pepper Milk Plant to throw in their eyes, but I guess they’re gone.”

Rapid sighed with relief. “I was worried sick! Anyways, this is Hawk, Peak’s brother.”

Kirrion studied them. “Hmm. I can see the resemblance. Except not at all. But anyhow, how’s Jayhaven recovering from the battle.” His eyes grew solemn. “I heard there were a lot of casualties.”

Rapid felt waves of grief sweep over him once again. “Yeah. A fifth of the City.” He met Kiirion’s gaze. “I’m surprised you aren’t being celebrated as a hero, Kiirion. You were right all along about the dogs!”

Kiirion grinned and brought a wing to his cheek. “If I could blush, I would. And I’m very sorry about the battle.”

Peak nodded towards the owl’s wing that Rapid had previously crippled. “I see that looks better.”

Kiirion looked at it and wiggled it around. “Yeah, it’s healing faster than I expected. Well, you three better get going. When I caught up to the rest of the owls, I realized that they seemed to hate cats a lot more than they used to. Probably because of that fight we had. I doubt they like the fact that I’m even speaking to you.”

Rapid nodded. “Well, it was nice to meet you.” Hawk called.

Kiirion fluttered back into the trees in an impressive reverse flight. “Don’t mention it! I’ll see you all around!”