Free Lupus Rex by John Carter Cash Page B

join ranks with us.” The prince nodded. “Some of us must guard the field and, first, you, my prince, while I must away with a number to seek your turncoat brother.”
    Fragit stood tall and scanned the field. “Order to all! Order to all! Reform circle!”
    It took a few minutes as the wounded rose and spread out, but when all those able to stand were back in circle, it was clear the impact of the treacherous revolt. All counted, there were ten of the guard dead, two crows from the general army and eight traitors. Twenty from a murder of fifty-nine. With the six conspirators escaped, only thirty crows gathered in a vague circle.
    “Traitorous quail!” called Ophrei, pointing to the woods. “All this blood, and still we are forced to spill more!”
    All eyes turned to follow the rook’s gaze. Staggering out of the brush was Cotur Ada, the eldest of the quail, with Banka of the guard close behind. He walked purposefully and upright toward Ophrei, a clear conviction branded in his eyes. He showed not an ounce of fear.

 

     
    Chapter Six
    Watchers and Eavesdroppers
     
     
    Y SIL FOLLOWED HIS grandfather’s command to remain still, more out of fear and self-preservation than for the sake of respect. He watched while Cotur Ada made his offer to the crow Banka and heard with dread. He knew that even if the crow were to take the offer from his grandfather, it would surely mean the death of the elder quail. When Banka had agreed, Cotur Ada urged the babes to go with the elder Incanta and never look back. Through all this, Incanta did not speak one word. Only upon departure did she look back to Cotur Ada.
    Before disappearing down a quail’s trail hidden beneath a trestle of cloaked panic-grass and bull thistle, with a voice feeble but definite, she spoke: “You may very well command the ear of the King-in-waiting with your last words, likewise the sorcerer and also the General. What will you do with your tongue, old bird?” With that she ushered the chicks into the brush and disappeared. She was nearly blind, but she knew the trail by heart. Ysil said a prayer she would find her way, for the day was wearing on and the dark would soon come. He prayed them safe haven through the night.
    Monroth and Ysil lay as still as possible, watching and trying to hear what Cotur Ada and Banka were saying, but they could make out none of it, for now they spoke in hushed tones. Then the crow pressed the quail through the brush at the edge of the field and then into it. Ysil and Monroth watched helplessly as Cotur Ada walked to the murder and to his fate. Behind him walked Banka, needing to do little to urge him on.
     
     
    G OMOR WAS BORED. The day in the Vulture Field was hot and the wind was still. And besides that, it was creepy and strange here. He much preferred his home den. Adventure was exciting and all, but home was home and that was that. He wished he had been asked to go with Ysil and Monroth. He considered them upon a true quest, albeit dangerous.
    He decided to go over and get a better look at the deer and coyote resting on the far side of the field. After some coaxing, Cormo had gone with him and, more easily, Harlequin. It was of no worry to be near the deer, but the coyote was different.
    “It must be safe if the deer is just lying there unconcerned with the closeness of the predator,” said Harlequin.
    So, taking to a tight group, and edging inch by inch closer to the coyote, their eyes locked on his, the three came within speaking distance of the adopted residents. Both animals considered them, flicking the ever-present early fall flies with their tails, the deer chewing the cud and the coyote a bone. Neither animal granted the arrival of two young quail and a rabbit much notice. It was Cormo who spoke first.
    “Hello,” he said. The deer just glared back.
    “Hello, my tasty one.” It was the coyote who answered.
    Gomor shivered. “Um, hello, sharp tooth. Uh, what brings you both to the Vulture Field?”
    The