Free Echoes from the Lost Ones by Nicola McDonagh Page A

“Excuse me, if you will, but did I hear rightly that the young fem, Adara, called upon the raptors?”
    “She did.”
    “Then she has the gift. She will be of use.”
    I huffin’ well knew it. Didn’t take long for someone to glean my importance. My mood of contemplation and cosiness left me quicker than a blink and I gave myself up to my full height, which was not so tall, and said, “Now look Ladies, I am more than grateful to you all for letting us abide here for a short while. But, I do not take pleasure in the ensnaring and ultimate demise of our birdybird friends. In fact I will leave now if you mean to force my acquiescence in that matter. In fact…”
    “No, no. You misunderstand Odelia’s remark, my dear one. Our prize egg layer has gone missing and it may be that with your powers you can persuade said chickle to return. Now calm down and resume your sitting position if you please.”
    “Apologies a thousand fold,” I said and plonked my carcass back upon the softly pouch. “It’s just that the last time anyone demanded my abilities be put to the test, well, hence the reason we are here.”
    “I have never understood those that partake of flesh. I find there are more than ample tit-bits to satisfy my deepest hunger, right here in the forest,” Odelia said and sat next to me. “You have power for one so young.”
    “Not so certain I’d call what I do ‘power’.”
    Odelia smiled, slipped her arm around mine and leant her rust-haired head upon my shoulder. However, after not more than one quickly breathing in, did said head jerk itself away and a pretty little hand clasp its delicate little nose.
    “Goodness, how you throw up a stink. May I suggest a soak in something fragrant? Lest our finery become tainted.”
    “Thanks for bringing my lack of clean to one-and-all’s attention.”
      “Do not be offended. If you wish it, I would offer both you and Wirt the comfort and cleanliness of our bathhouse,” Audrey said, and before I could say yes or no, Wirt clapped his hands and answered in the affirmative for us both. Audrey nodded to Odelia, who stood and proffered me her hand. I took it and she pulled me from my cosy place.
    Wirt came a-scurrying over, linked his arm under Odelia’s  and mine and said, “Will ye find the chickle first?”
    “I can but try. Although I have never sung to fowl before and am not certain that my call will be apt.”
    “Do not question your ability, Adara. Have faith in what you do and who you are and you will find the note that you require,” Audrey said, and with her encouraging words, I left with Wirt and Odelia to call forth a chickle.

Chapter Nine
    The Chatter Of Chickles

    We stepped outside and walked towards the open courtyard that held the veggie beds and fruit bushes. I could not help but be gladdened by the lushness of my surroundings. Trees and ferns are all well and good, but they loom all haphazard and tangled like. Here all things green grew in such neat rows, that it caused a soothe to the eye and heart. Back home all I ever saw was concrete and stone. On special occasions some straggly plants were plopped into a dull container by way of brightening the place up a bit. All it did though was to accentuate the blandness of the place. Not so here. Here, all was leafyiness and colour.
    “I see you are admiring our crops, such as they are.”
    “I am indeed Odelia. They are a welcome sight and distract the thoughts to lighter themes.”
    “Really? And what insignificant subject are you thinking of now?”
    “Oh, nowt in particular.”
    Odelia put her arm around my shoulder and drew me close. She reached out, grabbed Wirt’s elbow and pulled him beside her. We stared at each other and Odelia gave us a mischievous grin. “I am wondering, Adara, do you have a beau where you reside?”
    I pulled away and said all indignant like, “No I do not.” Then I looked at Wirt and turned my back before my face caught alight.
    “How sad. Still I am