Sanctuary

It is told of a time before the burning sky when those of the flock dwelt in a beautiful garden.

“Dugen, wisest of the flock, please tell us the story of the before time. Tell us about when our kind lived in paradise,” said Madix the Brave.

“Long ago and far away, our people dwelt in a paradise. Two-leggers were not allowed to enter this garden, so we all lived in peace,” Dugen the Wise said.

Less than a week had passed since the time of loss. The morning was cold and still as the birds waited for their daily journey into the city. They would feast on the garbage of the two-leggers, then return to rest in the woods.

“Cardigan, do you see those two-leggers trying to hide from us? They are so arrogant,” the bird said.

The crows had grown accustomed to humans watching them, and it would be their downfall. Paying little attention as the man approached them, the birds chatted.

“He’s box-squawking again. What is so important about that little box that makes them talk to it so much?” said Cardigan the Calm.

“Do you hear that? A Thumper, I don’t like those two-legger things,” said Darwin the Meek.

The machine drew closer, and the men turned and moved away.

Dugen the Wise sensed danger and told those nearby to flee. Seconds later, the sky glowed bright orange.

“It burns, the sky burns,” came the cries of those who had not left their roost.

The survivors of the conflagration returned to find the burnt remains of their clan.

“Why would they do this to us?” asked Madix.

“Madness is the only explanation,” said Dugen.

The flock once numbered dozens of birds. Only seven remained.

“We’re doomed. The two-leggers will return and burn us, too,” Artic the Small cried.

Although she did not know it, men moved in with guns to finish the slaughter. An outbreak of bird flu prompted the culling of the crows.

“We must go to Sanctuary now or face death,” cried Dugen.

Madix and Cardigan scouted ahead as the seven began their journey. The birds must travel through unknown skies to find the home of their forefathers—a place known only as Sanctuary.

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