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An old man slept on the couch, bundled in blankets.
“Necker?” Calvin walked in, the fire vanishing from his gaze.
“Huh? Who’s there?” The old man rubbed his face and white beard, suddenly awake and a bit lost.
“It’s Calvin.”
“Calvin? Is it really you?” The old man stood, straightening his white shirt and fixing his pants.
“It is.” The two hugged, Calvin at least a head taller than the old man. “What happened? Where are all the firehawks?”
“Come.” Calvin followed the man into a bedroom. “I moved the last one into your parents’ bedroom,wanted to keep her and her eggs safe.”
He opened the door and on the bed sat a large hawk, red and orange feathers created a shimmering effect, and a tuft of purple plumes adorned the top of the bird’s head. The hawk lifted its head and Calvin smiled.
“Henrietta.” Calvin sat next to the fowl and stroked the bird’s side. It cooed at him. “You were always the strongest one.”
“Is Miss Rose with ya? She told me to watch the hawks but then never came back. People at the market said one of the traders took her.”
“No.” Calvin’s shoulder sagged, and he leaned over to kiss the hawk on top of her head. “But I’m going to get her, but after you tell me what happened to our flock. Is Henrietta really the only one left?”
“I’m sorry, Master Hawk.” The older human shook his head. “The snakes kept coming and every night more of the firehawks were killed or died off. Everything here is tainted. I brought this one when I noticed she laid eggs and kept her safe.”
“The snakes we passed are all dead,” I said, moving to step around the bed and look out the round window. “What killed them?”
“All of them? That can’t be. How?” The human joined me and peered outside, squinting. “Our prayers have been answered. The All Father has blessed us!”
Suddenly, with a loud, excited yelp, the old man rushed out of the bedroom then outside to where we were just looking. He pointed at the grass, bending down, and clapping his hands before stomping on something I couldn’t see.
“This is who your sister left in charge?”
Calvin sighed. “Necker is a family friend. He’s a bit eccentric but he’s trustworthy.”
Though I was curious to see more of where Rosalie grew up, I knew time was not on our side. “Calvin.”
“I know. Give me a few moments to gather supplies and prepare Henrietta.”
“Prepare?” I stared at the bird who lifted its beak toward Calvin’s hand.
“Yes, she and the eggs are coming with us. She’s the last of the firehawks from the North. She’s more important than you or I.”
“How do you suggest we travel without upsetting the eggs?”
Calvin’s lip curved upward, and he gave me a glance from head to toe. “You think you could pull a cart while you run?”
Rage vibrated through my body and if the mother hawk wasn’t resting beside him, I’d punch the human hard enough to teach him a bit of respect. “Be careful with your words, human.”
Laughing, Calvin stood and met my furious gaze. “You’re the one who fell for my sister. I’m deciding if you’re worthy enough to keep her.”
