The Sampler Platter: A Little Bit of Everything

by Susan Skylark

Many Sorrows Borne

  Swords clashed about them in the night and the screams of men, triumphant or a final despair, rushed to deaf ears for the embattled pair had no focus but their own deadly dance. One by one, the sounds of conflict died away until only this last skirmish remained. The survivors watched, stunned at the skill of both swordsmen, but finally it was over. The large man, clad all in dark brown and gray, struck a blow upon his opponent’s sword hand and the defensive blade went flying. The man in brown laughed in anticipation, drew back his blade, and made ready to strike the fatal blow. Then the world froze, as if that one moment were all of eternity. The two men studied each other curiously in this strange and unending moment. There was no fear in the eyes of the man about to be pierced through, only a strange sort of pity. The moon was up and there was light enough almost to see clearly but it seemed all about them turned to black and even the moon seemed hidden beneath a sudden cloud. All for a moment was dark and when they could see once more, so could they also move and speak.

  Price, the astonished man in brown, grunted in dismay, “where is my sword?”

  Cass, the man awaiting his doom looked about curiously and said, “where is everyone and everything?”

  Price shivered, “this is no natural night.” Cass nodded his agreement but did not seem afraid. Price turned on him in anger, “why are you never afraid? You are afraid neither to die nor to find yourself in this strange ethereal nothingness!”

  Cass smiled, “what have I to fear? I know Whom I believe.”

  Price sat down with a great sigh, “I should have known! Of all the annoying people to find myself trapped in a limbo with, it must be one of the Brethren!”

  Cass laughed, “and what is so wrong with that?”

  Price snarled, “you go around preaching to everyone, regardless of whether they wish to hear you or not, that we had all best be good little children or the Master’s wrath will come upon us! You think yourselves better than everyone else and cannot fathom that most people would rather just get on with their own lives as they wish them to be. You have no idea what it is to suffer and bear the sorrows of a common man, trapped as you are in your happy little mythology or perhaps if your Master does exist he must keep you from any hurt and harm.” Cass held up his sword hand and studied it quietly, the last two fingers were missing where Price’s blade had struck. Price growled, “well perhaps you know what physical pain is, but have you ever known real pain? I could teach you a thing or two about living in the real world and the misery that comes with it. If your Master is so good and loving and powerful, then why are men allowed to suffer?”

  Suddenly all was dark again and Cass felt himself drawn to sit beside his erstwhile companion upon the log he had taken as his own. The pair might be miles apart in ideology but in that unnatural night, they were drawn together by the need for another, any, human presence. A light came again, or perhaps a lessening of the darkness but only on one side, before the stunned pair, all else was utterly dark. “What is going on,” whispered Price.

  Cass said quietly, “I think you just might get your chance to show me all your sorrows but first I fear you must see my own.”

  Price snorted, “at least it will be a short tale. What can you know of such things?” And then they were silent, as before them the ethereal light resolved itself into a picture but unlike the paintings and drawings with which they might be familiar, this picture moved. Price asked, “what is it?”

  Cass said in awe, “memories. Memories of my early days. You have been granted your wish.”

  Price groused, “this is weird, wish or no, I want done with this!”

  Cass said, “I am afraid the only way to end it is to go through it.”

  Price sighed, “well get on with it then.”

  Cass began to speak, as if he were speaking from a well rehearsed script. As he did so, memories flashed before them. Price watched and listened in wonder, musing to himself what his own turn would be like. The story before them went something like this…

  A little boy of ten was holding the hand of a girl perhaps two years older. Two taller children could be seen as shadows off to the side; all were raggedly garbed and they stood in a shabby room around a withered woman upon her deathbed. Cass began, “my mother died when I was ten. We never knew our father but there was a man living with us for as long as I can remember. After my mother died, he stayed on out of habit or necessity, perhaps both but certainly not out of compassion or fondness for us. My two oldest siblings ran away from home within the first year after my mother’s death leaving only myself and my sister at home. The man never did anything to support our strange little family and left it to us to fend for ourselves, though he demanded a portion of our scant income for himself that he might pass the time more pleasantly in the local ale house. My sister kept house and earned what she could with her hands. I was ever out looking for any sort of work, and when that failed I was forced to beg and even on occasion steal, for if ever I came home with too little, the man was sure to be outraged and would beat us severely. So it was that two years passed in this way when I was out upon a market day and having failed to find an honest means of making my day’s income, I was reaching for some small trinket upon a merchant’s table when I felt my hand grasped by one much larger and stronger. I tensed in fear but knew I was caught and there was no use in resisting.

  I looked up into the eyes of a tall man; they were stern but beneath was humor and joy. He asked me no questions but said quietly, “you must not steal lad. It is a bad habit and only leads to worse. It is a harsh world but better to starve than to steal.” He tossed me a silver coin and suddenly vanished into the crowds. I stared at the coin in wonder, it would feed us for two weeks! His strange words touched my mind, but more his kindness touched my heart. He was well within his rights to call the guard and have me arrested but instead he had pity upon me in my plight. It was the first kindness I had known since my mother died, save those small attentions my dear sister was wont to give.

  Another two years passed and my sister had grown into an attractive, though shabbily clad young woman. She confronted the man one day, feeling it her duty to inform him that she wished to marry. Seeing his tenuous existence threatened, he flew into a rage and would have hurt her severely but I jumped between them and told her to run. With terror in her eyes, but knowing there to be no other choice she complied. Instead his wrath fell upon me. I do not remember much, save that it hurt terribly and then the blackness took me. I never saw the man again, perhaps he thought me dead and ran in fear or was perhaps ashamed of what he had done, but I do not know what came of him. My sister however was neither faithless nor faint of heart. When the man was gone, she came back for me and bore me to the house of her beloved.

  Those were happy years. She married a blacksmith’s apprentice and I lived with them, doing what I could to help out. But it was not to last for she died in childbirth. My brother-in-law was grieved to his core but he said I could stay on if I wished, but it was too painful for both of us so I withdrew and took again to the streets, but alas I had lost my boyish charm and few would give alms to a healthy young man. I was hungry and thought again of stealing, but the memory came of a man who once took pity on a small, hungry thief. I decided that starve if I must, I would not attain a living dishonestly. The memory intrigued me and I set out to discover who and what that man was. He wore a sword and a rather distinctive uniform. I discovered the identity of his brotherhood and set out myself for Astoria. How it was I arrived there alive I cannot say, but it was certainly a miracle! There I learned many things, but most of all I discovered the Master’s love for wandering humanity. I had suffered, but he had suffered more, especially when he need never have known sorrow! I dedicated my life to the Brethren from thence onward. You might accuse the Brethren of knowing neither sorrow nor pain, but we know it as much as other men. We simply know that we are not alone in be
aring it and that it will not last forever. One day it will be replaced forever by joy and not remembered after.

  But as long as life lasts, sorrow is attendant unto it. As a Student, I met a remarkable young lady and not long after she became an Apprentice of the Brethren. I was not long in following suit and we agreed that after our apprenticeships were finished and once we had the Lady’s blessing that we would be married. Ah, the undying hopes of youth! Two years passed and we each had our adventures in the wide world though more often sundered than not, but we had the future before us so the years passed swiftly. I was released from my apprenticeship and my beloved was due back at any time and then we might begin our lives together for she was already finished with her apprenticeship. Each morning for a month, I stood upon the battlements watching the distant road, but never did she ride back. Word finally came that she had fallen in the course of her duties and was forever lost to this world. I grieved, as all men do, but the Lady would not leave me alone to stew in my grief. She sent me out and gave me purpose and something to focus on besides my own shattered heart. With time came healing and also new relationships. I was by that time old and experienced enough to take on an apprentice of my own. He was a bright and lively boy and did much to ease the tedium and weariness of travel. I watched over him as some combination of friend and father and loved him as if he were my own son.

  Two years passed and his own time of promotion was imminent, though I would miss him sorely I knew he would do well and was infinitely proud of him. But we had one last mission together. A great king was concerned for his daughter’s wellbeing until she was safely married so he had asked the Lady for help. Our job was to keep the Princess safe and out of the hands of those that might benefit by her disappearance or demise. She slept in an inner chamber with no windows and only one door opening into a sitting room that had a single window three stories above an enclosed garden and with a single door into the adjacent hall. The boy was enamored with the Princess though I told him it could never be, yet in his heart he yearned for things he could not have. We had argued that night and I had sent him to bed, thus requiring me to stand watch at her door in his stead though I had spent the entire day guarding her while he had rested in anticipation of a night’s watching. I leaned against her door in the sitting room and was nearly dozing with weariness when a noise in the garden below roused me. The noise came again and I recognized it as the sound of climbing feet upon the vine covered wall below the window. The trespasser’s head soon appeared in the window, but he wore a dark mask so I knew him not. I heard his sword being drawn and the next moment he leapt upon me. My heart sank for I knew this man, if not by his face then certainly by his fighting style for we had sparred many times over the last two years, but he had never fought like this. This time either he or I must certainly die.

  It was a mortal blow to the boy but no less to myself. Here was a lad I had loved like a son yet he had betrayed me. Had I done something wrong in his training? But no, each heart must choose what it will do and it was his choice alone that led to this dreadful end. It is the same with all the Master’s children, they must choose to serve or deny him and in the end they must live with the consequences. The Princess was roused by our noise in the adjoining room and as soon as all was safe, the King decided that she would be wed without delay. And so my mission was ended but my grief was only begun. Again, with time and the Master’s love, the wounds begin to heal but ever is sorrow a companion on this weary way called life.” So did he finish and for a time the flashing picture grew still.

  Price nodded, “I suppose you have suffered a few things in your life.” He smiled in anticipation, much as he had done preparatory to striking down Cass before they had been interrupted. “Now it is my turn,” continued he, “prepare yourself for true sorrow!” The picture flickered to life again and this time it showed a stout boy with a sour look on his face confronting a pair of angered parents. Began Price, “I grew up with stern and demanding parents. Nothing was ever good enough for them. They demanded that I obey them in everything and thought they knew better than everybody. Of course they did not and no one can be expected to be perfectly obedient.

  In my frustration, I spent more time with a couple of older boys who knew what it was to have fun. They also showed me how freeing a bottle of ale can be after a rough day. We began pulling pranks and having fun all around the village and folk began to call us troublemakers and villains. Old Man Walters was especially vociferous and after one tirade to my parents, he very nearly got me kicked out of the house. Of course we had to retaliate so we set his barn on fire. That did not go over at all well with our elders and we dared not let ourselves be caught. We ran away from home and decided it was high time we learned to fend for ourselves. We wandered into a distant city and began to really enjoy life, but that sort of thing cannot last long without a means of income. So we began stealing, just like you, to maintain our lifestyle. Unlike you, when we were caught we did get into trouble. At first we were flogged but the next time they tossed us into the quarries. But the quarries, though miserable, did not kill us or cure us. They hardened us into true rebels and renegades and also allowed us to get to know others of a similar mindset. Finally, we were released and formed this little band of thieves to prey upon whom we will. You have had a few set backs in life, but my entire life has been one of trouble and misery and you dare tell me you know sorrow?”

  Cass replied, “it seems to me that most of your trouble you brought upon yourself, first by disobeying your parents and then the law.”

  Price smiled grimly, “but who is it of the two of us that has enjoyed life the more? You have nothing but a string of dead acquaintances and are forbidden all the little pleasures in life.”

  Cass said, “I have had my share of small joys, though you might not consider them such. I would think carefully if what you consider to be ‘pleasure’ is truly worth the price you pay to obtain it and if it actually brings you joy. All the joys of this life are marred by sorrow, true and abiding joy waits until this life and its sorrows are through.”

  Price groused, “an end which I was planning to give you.”

  Cass said quietly, “I would carefully consider your own life. This vision or whatever it is, is not sent for our amusement but as a warning that you need to look after your own soul lest the sorrows of this life seem a veritable joy compared to what comes afterward to those unfaithful to the Master.”

  Price stood in anger, “I do not need any of your pontifications. If only I had a sword!”

  Suddenly the world was back as it had been; the unending moment resumed and at last it found its end. Price towered over Cass with blade drawn, his cronies were urging him on, and a look of grim resignation was in Cass’ eyes. He shook his head sadly and then fell with the inevitable stroke of Price’s sword. Price smiled down derisively at the prone form with glazing eyes and said, “and what has your sorrow gained you?” He laughed and began cleaning his sword. With their foes dead, the rest of the bandits began ransacking the merchant train they had raided and then moved off to find somewhere to sleep for the night.

  Price lay dozing at his post, though he was supposed to be on watch but the ordeal with the dead Brother had tried him more than he knew. He was not surprised when the ghost came to him in a dream. “And now the encore,” scoffed the sleeping bandit.

  Cass nodded, “you knew I would come?”

  The bandit laughed, “you think we could share that weird experience and have it end simply with you dying? Come, was it worth it?” Cass cocked his head in question and the bandit snarled, “all your prattling about joy ever afterward fool! Is the joy worth the pain?”

  Cass smiled in wonder, “all the sorrows that the world holds cannot begin to compare with the least of the joys that are to come. It is more than worth it! To have suffered tenfold more, it would still be worth it.”

  Price smiled, “then I
suppose my own reward will be great, considering all that I have suffered?”

  Cass shook his head, “it is not a matter of how much one suffers or prospers in this life. It is what we choose to do with the Master. Reject him and all your sorrows and hard work are futile, meaningless! It is cast into the pit of Nothingness with your blighted soul and all is vain! Your life can only mean something if given fully into the Master’s keeping and used to his glory.”

  Price sighed, “you came back from the grave to tell me that?”

  Cass nodded, “the Master would have none lost and for some reason has gone to great extremes to reach out to your hard heart.”

  Price smiled, “I am flattered but I am afraid I like my debauchery far too much. We might have been friends I think, a pity you never made it to the quarries.”

  Cass smiled sadly, “a pity for you perhaps but a mercy to me. We might have been friends but now I fear we are sundered for all eternity.”

  He vanished and Price wakened with a start. There was shouting and the sound of clashing steel and hooves in the night. The camp was under attack! He drew his sword and leapt into the fray. The merchant caravan had been a decoy to draw this band of thieves out of hiding that the local militia might make an end of it but alas the thieves had struck before the soldiers were ready, but no longer did they hold back justice. Price lay dying while the rest of his dismal little band met a similar fate. He thought over his pathetic life and wondered what the point of it was. The blackness gnawed at the edges of his vision and then loomed up and consumed him utterly. Finally clarity came and an answer with it. It was all vain, all of it, as vain and empty as the eternal, starless night that now consumed him. The fool Brother had been right but still Price would not change his mind, even if he could have.

 

  Meant For Evil

  It was a time of severity and famine throughout the world. While hunger spurred war and rebellion throughout the lands of men, the Akoni, the shape-shifting raptors of the far northern plains, did their best but even they went hungry more often than not. The most severely affected were the young ones and the most wretched of these was the youngest of a pair of hatchlings belonging to a particular couple. Usually only a single egg was laid but rarely two were produced. Under usual circumstances this second hatchling struggled but usually survived. During these years of want, the youngest undoubtedly perished for only the strong survived in their proud world. Both chicks were hungry, and it was obvious the youngest was in trouble. His mother spoke quietly with his father one day, thinking themselves unheard but the eldest chick was listening to their hushed quarrel. Said she, “I cannot abide the thought of abandoning the poor little thing to die alone. Let us all go hungry together.”

  Said he, “would you rather watch both your sons die of hunger?”

  The elder chick shuddered at this thought, knowing his parents unlikely to decide against his brother thereby dooming them both; he decided to take matters into his own hands. He knew himself the strongest and he had also matured to the point that he could now change forms at will. He could not yet fly, but that would come next. His brother was completely helpless being unable to fly or change forms as of yet. And if he had any say in the matter he would never reach that stage. While his parents continued their debate he went in search of his brother.

  He found the pathetic creature curled up in the shadow of a small rock trying to escape the searing heat of the summer sun. The elder took on the form of a man in his prime and grabbed hold of his young brother about the neck and throttled him. He tossed aside the crumpled form without a thought and went in search of his parents. In mock alarm he rushed in upon their deliberations to say his brother was dead. They rushed to the scene of the crime and looked upon their unmoving offspring in astonishment. His mother was inconsolable but his father’s eye held a thoughtful light. He smiled slightly at his ruthless son who glowed with his sire’s approval of the deed. The family quickly moved on from that sad place, leaving the forgotten chick alone upon the plain.

  They had not been gone an hour when a new intruder made itself known in that place. A small party of men, making their way north stumbled upon the spot and one picked up the motionless bird. He gasped, “this is it! What we came all this way to find. Look! A snow falcon!” The others gathered round and looked at the wretched little thing.

  One said unhopefully, “I think it is dead.”

  The finder smiled widely, “no, look! He is breathing.” They eagerly claimed the abandoned little creature and gladly turned southward again. They had come hunting such a creature as it was sure to make them rich men, but it was considered insane to venture forth on such a quest for few ever returned. But the chaos further south had made the journey north not seem so mad, yet here at the end of their quest they decided they had had enough. Their pack animals were dropping in hunger and exhaustion, while they themselves were in little better shape. But at least they had found what they sought without encountering worse, which surely lurked farther north.

  The little bird soon roused from his comatose state and though surprised, welcomed the food and water his new caretakers urged upon him. By the time they had neared civilized lands once more, he was on the verge of health but so too did he find himself in chains. They hooded him when he was not being fed and kept him fettered that he could not escape. He bided his captivity well, knowing that when he was old enough he might change forms and escape and also that his current hosts were much more dependable than his own family had been. Unlike most of his kin, he was very curious about humanity. Finally the rains came and with it the famine dissipated and eventually peace ensued. By this time, the little bird was not quite so little and found himself in the keeping of the greatest King then ruling among men. He also felt himself on the verge of some great change.

  The King was eager that his expensive little hobby grow quickly that he might try flying him all the sooner, but first came a different stage of maturity for this strange creature from the north. One day the fledgling just knew that he had the ability within himself to be other than he was. He waited until dark and all were gone to bed and then he tried. He became a little mouse and was soon free of both hood and jesses. He scampered away triumphantly but nearly made an easy meal for a passing cat. The cat shrieked to be set upon by a dog that had once been a mouse and both were chased off by an infuriated servant upset at the din at such an hour. The dog became a deer and vanished into the woods. The stag pondered his future, should he return home to his people or continue for a time to dwell among men? His own kin had nearly abandoned him to starve and his own brother had tried to murder him. No, he would remain among men and see what the creatures truly were. Then perhaps one day he would return to his own kind once he tired of wandering among lesser creatures. He could perhaps visit the dragons but they were solitary creatures and more often asleep than not. Unicorns were wise but wary and would know he was not one of them. No, men attracted his fancy being both intelligent and busy and sociable. There was certainly much to learn about them, especially as to why his own kin despised them so even as he himself felt despised.

  Dawn was creeping over the horizon and a braying horn and howling dogs came to his ears; he smiled for he had become the quarry of the hunt. With a thought he became a crow and sat unobtrusively in a tree while the hounds passed beneath and whined as they circled and sniffed continually but could track their quarry no longer. The baffled huntsmen moved on and the crow cawed in amusement. There was one determined young lad who seemed reluctant to give up his prey and continued to look about long after his fellows had ridden on. It was an easy task to become a large bear and knock the man from his saddle, but it was not such a wise idea for the horse panicked and fled while the Akoni felt some regret for assaulting the poor boy so. He had intended no hurt to the lad, only to steal his horse and trappings but the horse was gone and the boy lay senseless on the groun
d. The Akoni sighed, took on the form of a boy about the same age and sat beside the youth until he came to his senses. The boy was not long in coming to and gaped in astonishment at the youth sitting next to him.

  The prone boy stammered, “where is the bear?”

  The Akoni asked, “what bear?”

  The boy’s eyes went wide and he lapsed again into darkness. The sound of approaching hooves drew the Akoni’s eyes as the hunters returned, having missed the youngest member of their party. They accosted the stranger, “what happened here?”

  The Akoni said, “the boy’s horse took a fright and left his poor master as you see him. I saw what happened and could not leave him alone.” They thanked him for his thoughtfulness and asked after himself. He replied, “I am but a stranger here with nothing but the clothes on my back.”

  One of the men in the party smiled, “well lad, I am sure the boy’s mother will be most grateful for the care you have taken of her son. She is one of the richest ladies in the land and a widow; the boy is all she has left of kith or kin.” They welcomed the Akoni into their party and escorted the injured boy to his mother who was indeed grateful though the Akoni was the instigator of the whole ordeal.

  They soon adopted the stranger as a cousin and he and the injured boy, Duncan, were soon fast friends. The Akoni had soon discovered that humans required names to tell each other apart and he assumed the name Kite, after the man who had taken him out of the far north to be his pseudonym, whilst he dwelt among men. He enjoyed immensely the companionship and fun of his newfound brother, something his kin would have greatly disdained for theirs was an austere and practical life. After a year, Kite felt himself quite an expert on humans, at least on noble sons. He began to wonder if there were not more to life and began to think of leaving. Duncan, it seemed, was having similar thoughts, perhaps because boys that age, regardless of species, often wonder what adventures life yet holds for them. They spoke together of this growing unease with the status quo and Duncan broached the subject of riding to Astoria where it was said many a man had made his fortune or found his future. Kite had heard many rumors of this strange city, good and bad, and was quite intrigued by the prospect of finding out the truth for himself. Duncan’s mother would prefer her son to remain safely at home but she could deny him nothing, so tearfully bid him farewell and the two lads soon set off for Astoria and the adventures that must surely lurk in that storied land.

  Kite was fascinated to discover the Brethren and their peculiar ways. Amongst the Akoni, it was thought man was a fallen creature, beyond redemption or worth yet the Brethren seemed to think themselves very servants of the Master! And the more Kite attended classes, and watched and questioned these strange creatures the more he began to believe that the men were right and his own kin were wrong. Duncan stayed on for a year or two but soon tired of life in Astoria and knew his mother was yearning for his return. He spoke to Kite upon the matter, but Kite felt he could not yet leave this strange city. He bid his friend a sad farewell and remained in Astoria as Duncan set out for home. Kite smiled to himself at the pang of sadness that touched his heart at the parting, knowing his kin would think him a fool for having such fond feelings for a human! He sighed and wondered what to do with his own life. He had learned so much and had all of time to memorize the library but he was tired of study and yearned to try his wings as it were. It had been long since he had taken on his avian form and he knew himself full old enough to be able to fly. He could return to his people but he had come to love these strange creatures and was reluctant to return home to his cold, grave folk. He crept to the battlements one night, took again his falcon form and leapt into the night dark air. He landed on a rocky crag deep within the woods and stared forlornly at the moon, asking questions to which he knew there was no answer.

  But there came an answer from a truly marvelous source. The Master himself wandered into that rocky glade and asked, “would you forsake your kin and your marvelous native talents to dwell among men? Would you live a mere century or perhaps three when all of time could be yours to know?”

  The hawk cowered before his Maker and said, “I find myself loving these poor creatures more than my own kin and wishing to dwell amongst them as one of their own and not alone, a stranger as I am.”

  The Master smiled gently, “you have dwelt among them since your childhood and have a heart more akin to their own than to that of your proud and rebellious kind. I intended for your own kin to have such a warmth about them but they have chosen their own arrogance over myself and all others. You have dwelt among friendly and loving men, be not fooled for there are others of a darker or colder nature. Do you still wish to dwell among them? I made you as you are, gifted above all other races that walk the earth, but if you wish to serve me as only men were meant to then you may have your wish but know your days are now numbered and you have but one form.”

  The hawk sighed, “let it be as you have spoken for I will not be content in returning to my own people nor as an outsider amongst those whom I love most, no matter my power or lifespan.”

  The Master smiled, “then you had best return to the castle ere you must walk back naked!” He was suddenly gone and the Akoni knew his time was short. He raced back to his own room and the moment he entered his silent chamber he felt himself immortal no more.

  Kite found himself a true man and rejoiced in at last finding himself truly a part of the community he had come to love instead of a stranger in its midst. He was not long in joining the Brethren, the life he truly wished to live. He did not regret in the least the trade he had made and for the first time in his life, truly felt as if he belonged. He joined the Messenger sect and was ever to be found undertaking one insane mission or another for the Lady. So it was that many years passed and he was bidden to visit an old friend. Duncan was now an old man with three sons each vying for their father’s title and lands; he had sent to the Lady for help in settling his household disputes and she had dispatched Kite upon the errand. Duncan was delighted to see his old friend and the matter was quickly settled once the Brother had heard everyone’s claims and told them all what their nation’s rather confusing and numerous laws said upon the matter. The eldest would claim his father’s title while the two younger would gain some inheritance but nothing quite so grand as they had hoped. Duncan was just happy to have peace in his house once more. But it was not to last.

  The youngest son, Dennis, was not so easily satisfied and was determined to become rich in his own right, even if he must risk everything to do it. He decided to go north and hunt the legendary Snow Falcon. Kite was astonished at the idea, both at the risk the young man was taking and also at the threat to his former people. He brought his concerns to Duncan but the old man only shook his head, “alas, the boy will do as he pleases.”

  Kite said firmly, “then I shall accompany him to see that nothing goes amiss for anyone.”

  Duncan smiled, “thank you for taking such good care of my son.”

  Kite laughed, “it is the least I can do for all the kindness your family showed to me so many years ago when I was the one in need. But first I must ask leave of the Lady.”

  Dennis was delighted to have such a companion and eager to see Astoria, of which his father spoke so fondly. He did not go alone for once rumor spread, he soon acquired five friends and distant relations, all eager to make their fortune. The little party soon set off for Astoria and the astonished Lady was not long in giving her blessing to Kite’s adventure. Kite was determined to keep the boys from harm and also to keep his own folk from falling into the hands of these well meaning mortals, for they did not know the birds were thinking creatures and a people all their own. It was late spring when they set forth and they knew they must not linger long into the summer lest they find themselves trapped by snow and worse in the far north.

  As they rode north, Kite ever felt himself longing for his former life and feeling for the fir
st time regret at his decision. He loved mankind dearly but in his heart he knew he was still an Akoni and wished there was some way to show his people what it was to love and be loved, especially by the Master! As the days wore on, one by one, the boys dropped out and went home until only Dennis and Kite remained upon the adventure. What they had thought would be a joyous lark and instant wealth and renown turned into days of discomfort and tedium with little hope of anything but imminent death by weather, predators, or hunger in that dreadful land. Finally even Dennis’ quailing hopes died and he said, “I am ready to go home now.”

  Kite looked wistfully about him, thinking it nearly the same spot he had been discovered as a chick, “I quite agree.”

  The unicorn whinnied fearfully as a great bear appeared from nowhere and charged at them with a baleful roar. The boy’s horse panicked and threw him to the ground. Kite slid from his saddle, threw the dazed boy aback the unicorn and ordered the beast to run with all speed and bear the boy home. The unicorn protested but Kite would not be gainsaid. With a resigned whinny he galloped south, the boy was so dazed that he could only hang on, not cognizant enough to know that his father’s friend remained behind to confront the great bear, alone and afoot.

  Kite knew his idea was insane but he also knew it was the only way to save the boy. This was no bear, in fact he somehow knew that this particular Akoni was also his murderous brother. He said as the bear came within feet of him, “come to finish the job then?” The bear stopped in mid-charge and his jaw dropped in astonishment. Kite stood there unafraid, his sword remained in its sheath as he said, “yes, I know who and what you are. Do not be surprised. And I also know what it was you did in this very spot so many years ago.” The bear just stood there and gaped in wonder. The creature smelled like a man, looked like a man, but there was something truly strange about him.

  “Yes,” continued Kite, “here it was that you thought you murdered your brother. A thing you meant for evil the Master has turned to good.”

  The bear’s slack jaw finally moved as it said, “it cannot be!”

  Kite snorted, “you throttled me and left me for dead! But I was not and neither did I perish of thirst, for I was taken by a party of men and have spent the balance of my days amongst them.”

  The bear snarled, “you have spent so much time among them that you even smell like one!”

  Kite said quietly, “I have become one of them.”

  The bear gaped in horror, “no!”

  Kite smiled wistfully, “I did it quite willingly you know. I have come to like them rather well and have ever felt more welcome among them than among my own kin!”

  The bear snarled, “they are a despised and wretched race! Even the Master has forsaken them for their part in His demise.”

  Kite laughed, “nay, it was the Master himself that allowed me to become one of them. He calls them beloved and I do not think it wise to dispute one’s Maker on such a point. It is our own people that have despised our Maker and all other creatures! Perhaps that is why I have returned, to teach our own wretched race what it is love others.”

  “You are as deluded and lost as the entire race of men!” snarled the bear, “and I will not let such contaminated thinking disturb our peace. I did it once and rejoiced at my perceived success. This time I will succeed in my attempt and rejoice all the more!” There was little Kite could do to resist the awful intentions of his brother and this time there was no doubt that he had finished the job.

  Kite stood outside of himself, watching his brother amble away in a satisfied manner; the Master stood beside him. Kite sighed, “I did try.”

  The Master smiled sadly, “child, that is all I ask. It is up to every thinking soul to decide whether it will accept or reject Me. One day your people shall come to their senses, but it will be long in coming and a painful lesson ere learned.” He smiled broadly, “come, greater things await.” They exchanged an excited smile and vanished from the mortal sphere. Dennis rode sadly home and told his grim tale, and long did the legend live on in Duncan’s family with many a child proudly bearing the name of that beloved hero.