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Part X: Knifes, axes, clubs, fire, and pecking

Andrew did not get much time to consider the situation they were in for as Sonja launched herself at the club wielding son the father came at him with his axe raised. It’s sharp edge flashed as he charged. Fighting a large brute armed with an axe was not something Andrew’s life had prepared him for and he wasn’t exactly sure as to what Sonja had expected him to do with the little knife she had handed him. His eyes shifted slightly to catch her deftly avoiding a crushing blow from the son’s club, her wings keeping her balanced and graceful.



The swinging of the axe snapped his attention back to where it belonged.

“You’re not wanting dis fighting here,” the man said as Andrew staggered backwards. “You just run along away and say I forget you was bothering what’s mine.”

He wanted to say something witty; make a brave bold statement that would make this foul man give pause in his desire for attacking, but all he could muster as adrenaline clogged his mind and muscles what a slight gurgle and something that sounded like “whu-shu”.

The axe whipped out at him again and Andrew stumbled in his effort to avoid it. He tried to force his feet to find purchase in the ground but found himself on one knee quickly enough. This is going badly, he told himself. He rolled away from the next blow that settled the blade of the axe into the soft dirt next to his head. Andrew decided that surrendering was going to be his best option.

A small squeal of pain from Sonja changed his mind instantly. He couldn’t look over to see what was going on with her, but she had been hurt and that thought bit into him. It spurred his instincts awake. His next roll was smoother and with purpose. A handful of dirt went up towards his opponent’s eyes and Andrew swung his knife wildly. The father waved his arms up to block the dust causing him to miss seeing the coming blow. Andrew was touched by a bit of luck as his blade found purchase and drew up a small red line across the man’s belly. It wasn’t a deep or dangerous wound, but it did tell the bird trapper that Andrew could bite and forced a change in the pattern of attack. The large man began to circle, clearly prepared for more defense than before.

“You okay?” Andrew called out.

“Not really a time for talking, mush,” came the reply. She sounded tired to him and he remembered what she had said moments ago. “I’m going to need your help…”

Andrew looked down at the knife and then quickly back to the brutish man and his axe. There was no way Andrew was going to win using force or even speed. This man was a fighter and Andrew clearly was not. It was, however, also obviously clear to him that this man was not a thinker. Andrew looked around. What could be a help? Two tied down pack mules the two used to carry their stuff, the campfire, and a tree full of newly freed ravens was all he could see. It needed to be enough.

Andrew dodged away from the man and darted towards the campfire. He saw Sonja out of the corner of his eye. Her wings were drooping slightly and he could see blood dripping down into her eyes, although the youngster with the club seemed equally hurt.

“Cor! You gets back here!” the father screamed. “Der chance to run was what’s you refused already.”

Ignoring him, Andrew reached into the campfire and wrapped his hand around one of the burning branches. He blotted out the searing pain from the heat as flames danced up his arm. Straightening up, he turned to face the father who tossed him a disdainful look.

“What’s a bit of branch going to do to me?” he asked.

Andrew smiled. “Nothing to you,” he said as he tossed the burning wood towards the pack mules. It landed right on the grass underneath the father’s beast and the ground lit up immediately.

“Them’s me missus ponies!!” the man screamed as he dropped his axe and ran towards them. “Leave the bitch!” the father screamed to his son. “Save your ma’s ponies!”

As the man rushed to keep the beasts from burning, Andrew darted over and picked up the iron axe. He spun and sent it flying off into the darkness.

“I got rid of the axe!” he shouted as he turned to see the club come down onto Sonja’s shoulder sending her to the ground.

His body and mouth reacted without him thinking. Legs pumped and he began moving towards her and at the same time a sound came from him that was equally strange as it was familiar. All the boy with the club heard was a strange and loud “Cawing” sound and then the rustling of wings. Many wings.

The ravens that had been both Andrew’s friends and fellow prisoners left their observation post and swarmed the boy. They were on him before Andrew reached Sonja’s side. He grabbed her up into his arms and began to run, ignoring the sounds of the son as the flock of friends dipped their beaks into his skin.



When his legs would take him no farther, Andrew laid her down on the soft grass. Her wings had faded as had her sword, but the light in her eyes were still bright as she looked up at him.

“We did it!” he said.

She smiled. “Yes, we did.” Her voice was weak and carrying no small amount of pain in it.

The raven who had sat with him his first night as a bird came swooping down landing on his shoulder.

“Nice lady,” he said.

“I told you,” Andrew answered.

Sonja laughed briefly. “Good thing you remembered how to speak raven.”

Andrew frowned then looked at his friend.

“Don’t ask me. I always have been able to speak raven,” The raven said.

“He says he’s always….” Sonja reached up and placed a fingertip against Andrew’s lips causing him to stop.

“Bring me to the court,” she said softly closing her eyes. “I’m going to go to sleep now.” A soft little low-pitched squeaking sound came from her as her head dropped to the side.

“Your lady snores?” the raven asked.

Andrew smiled as he started to wipe some of her wounds clean.

“I think it’s cute,” he said.