“That’s a very intriguing question indeed,” a third, ominous
voice boomed. From the shadows, barely illuminated by the moonlight stared a
pair of enormous eyes supported by a shadowy silhouette. Almost comically
large, they would have seemed buffoonish if it were not for the malice they
conveyed.
With two labored steps the owner of this imposing visage
stepped out of the darkness ---an owl of gargantuan size. His hulking mass made
Adrianna appear petite by comparison. Two tufts of feathers jutted out of the
owl’s head like horns.
“Hello Ozimander,” Adrianna said defiantly.
“Hello indeed. What are you doing with this thing?” the
great bird asked, brushing aside her greeting. He waddled closer to Aubrey and
stared at him as a scientist might observe a dissected frog. “I’ve never known
you to play with our food.” His voice trailed off into a low growl.
“He’s not food. His name is Aubrey and he is a friend.” She
stepped forward and stood between Ozimander and Aubrey. “What brings you down
from the highlands anyway? I’ve never seen you this far south.”
“My endeavors take me many places, young one. In fact, I am
on my way to the Grove this very night. A meeting has been called. I have been
summoned of course. You might have known as much if you hadn’t been out
cavorting with Lessers.” A fire began to rise in Aubrey but he forced it back.
Despite the situation he found that he did not fear this creature. For all his
menace, Aubrey saw only the absurdity of his appearance. His eyes were of
course prominent but so too was his vast bulk and the difficulty with which he
walked. His plumage was a mottled brown and several patches were permanently
ruffled as if disturbed by some imperceptible breeze. Aubrey’s attention was
drawn to the owl’s beak as he spoke to Adrianna. It was weathered and scratched
in several places--- and dirty. Near the corner was a piece of stray hair from
some unfortunate victim. The image of this disgusting old bird choking down
some unsuspecting mouse proved to be revolting and, strangely, absurd. Aubrey
forced himself back into their conversation.
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