The bird didn’t stop flying until she was sure the bats would not follow, but her fears were unfounded: for the Lord had all ready dealt with the matter. Her landing was awkward and the five tumbled to the ground. It took some time for all of them to regain their composure from the chase; but when Gabriel held up his bloody arm, Gideon and the others rushed over to aid him. Once Gabriel’s arm was bound, everyone went over to thank Astra for her heroic feat.
“That was some flying!” Ragel said with a smile
"Yeah if it wasn’t for you, we would be dead," replied Gideon.
Gabriel knew different. He gave the bird a dirty look.
"How’s the leg?" asked Peppi.
"It hurts a little, but I’ll be fine," said Astra, "But my left wing has lost a few feathers, flying will be difficult."
The five continue to shower accolade after accolade on her. Gabriel couldn't believe his eyes and ears. If they only knew what she was planning to do and who her allegiance was sworn to, then they would change their tune.
"A hero like you deserves a medal," said Peppi.
"Thank you," said Astra, "but---
"Hero?" Gabriel said coming forward, " She’s no hero. She’s a dirty bird!”
Gideon walked over to Gabriel.
“Don’t start again Gabriel.”
"She set us up! We were suppose to die in that city. We wouldn’t be in this predicament if it wasn’t for her."
Gideon had an expression of doubt on his face.
"Gideon, I’m not lying," Gabriel said, "Go and ask her yourself."
Gideon returned to the bird. Peppi was still inspecting her wounds.”
"We can’t get those wounds fixed here," said Peppi.
"There is a place where we can go," said Astra standing on one leg, " I’ll be able to make it there with all of you."
Gideon jumped into the conversation. He wasted no time with words.
"Astra, Gabriel tells me that you are on the side of Dranus. Is that true?"
The falcon was quite for some time, which told more about her than the answer she gave.
Peppi and Ragel stepped back.
“Do–do you believe his word over mine, I saved you.”
“I trust his word more than yours; that city was pure trash. Maybe you are up to
"You have to understand— " Astra said hurriedly.
"Don’t lie," shouted Gabriel, "Tell the truth."
The falcon lowered her head.
"Yes its true, but-"
Peppi and Ragel walked away, and seeing this reminded Astra of her loneliness from her own kind.
"No, wait," she said hopping forward, "I’m sorry. It was wrong--I know that now."
The five continued to walked away. Astra caught a glimpse of Gabriel grabbing his arm; and using it to regain respect among the group, she brought to light the terrible fate awaiting Gabriel.
"What about the young hare?" Astra said, "He needs help. He won’t survive with a cut like that. We both need to get to Brunehaven.”
Gideon turned around briefly taking into consideration the bird’s warning.
"Ignore her," said Peppi.
"But she’s right," said Gideon, "None of us know where to go. How bad is the arm, Gabriel?"
"Real bad,” the hare said cringing, “it stings."
"All right, you’ve got our attention, but only for Gabriel’s sake. What is this Brunehaven?
"It's probably another lie," said Peppi.
"No, it is a city of birds. It lies within a mountain. It is a city where we birds fly in peace and with a sad heart. It is there where we can get treatment for our cuts.”
"She’s forgetting something," replied Gabriel, " She’s a traitor to her own kind. I doubt they will listen to her."
"That might be true," Astra said taking a deep breath, "but they’ll help you none the less.”
"I don’t trust her: once a servant of Dranus, always a servant of Dranus," said Samson,
“When you do wrong all trust is lost.”
"Have we not wronged God in our lives, Samson?" said Gideon, "He forgave us. I say we give her another chance."
Samson dropped his head in retrospect. He remembered his time as a judge and
remembered how God, despite not deserving it, gave him mercy and restored his lost sight.
“You’re right,” he said, “You’re right. Fine, let’s find this Brunehaven.”
♦
It was agreed that Astra would be given another chance, and everyone crowded upon her back. The flight was sluggardly due to Astra's injuries. She had to stop once in awhile to regain her strength for the next flight. After hours in the air, they began to see something against the dark background of the sky. The snowy, white caps and rocky slopes became visible as the moonlight revealed it. There was a cave entrance, whose girth diminished the size of the six, that sat high from the mountain's base. Astra flew in. It was dark, for a moment, and with the gift of seeing in the dark, the whole cave became apparent to all of them. Everyone could hear the thunderous noise of chirps and squawking. The sound grew as Astra flew further in. The falcon maneuvered around a labyrinth of stalagmites until they came upon another opening. Through that opening hundreds of birds were
flying about. There were albatrosses, pelican, herons, geese, ducks, vultures, curassows, quails, pheasants, and barbets just to name a few. Some passed by slowly , while others whipped by like rockets. The birds had their own pattern of flight as not to bump into one another; this being a trial and error routine, which resulted in many bruised noggins until the pattern was perfected.
In the cavern wall, hundreds of barrows were formed giving the birds a place to nest and raise young. Astra descended to the ground, taking care not to crash into anyone, in a circular pattern until she grounded awkwardly. The mountain floor was for birds that could not fly or flew for short periods. It was evident that Astra was one of the largest birds. Most of the ones on the mountain floor were slightly smaller than the rabbits.
Gabriel was helped off by his friends. The small birds crowded around the strange visitors. Ragel pulled out his axe.
"Put it away," cried Astra, " They won’t hurt you."
From the crowd came a fat hen named Hagabel. Most of the birds quickly moved out of her way; for her corpulent frame typically caused other birds to be tossed about mercilessly to the ground. Upon seeing Astra, Hagabel lowered her head in a challenging manner. She was ready to unleashed her cutting tongue which she was known for; and no bird, how large or small, could ever escape it.
"Astra! Surprise, surprise," said the hen bobbing her head, "What right do you have to return here? You were forbidden to come back to Brunehaven."
"A friend of mine is hurt," replied Astra, " Brunehaven was the best place for me to bring him to."
"Oh, I see," said the hen, "Using others for you own benefit again. Knowing you, you’re up to no good as usual."
A response was making its way from Astra' beak, but the sudden movement of the smaller birds held her vicious comment in secret. All of the birds began to crowd Gabriel and the other four. A kiwi, who was quite curious, began to pull at Gabriel's jacket.
Gabriel swiped him away. The birds jumped backwards almost in unison, surprised by the rabbits reaction.
"He’s a little edgy isn’t he?" replied the kiwi.
Most of the birds agreed, nodding their heads as one. Hagabel not overly impressed by the strangers, returned her focus on Astra.
"When are you leaving Astra, and make it quick, the sooner you leave the better.”
"And the sooner you lose some of your poundage, the ground will be a safer place for these birds to walk upon."
The fat hen stood agape, sunk her head down into her feathery frill, and jarred with such extremity that many thought that she would explode in a burst of feathers.
"You dare to insult me with--with--with insults!" screeched the hen.
She left the scene, to the joy of everyone, knocking a few birds to ground as she went.
Now with the hen's exit, the birds were even more curious of the strangers. The five were pushing birds to the left and right just to get some space.
"Back," shouted Peppi, pushing one bird to the side, "back I say! Give us some room.”
As the falcon watched the five get acquainted with the birds, her mind brought her back to that dreadful day when she was exiled from Brunehaven. The accusations and the
name calling was all to familiar; and although she was glad that only one of them attempted to conjure up old feelings, Astra still had to see the leader of the flock.
"I'm going to see Tion," she said addressing everyone, " I hope he is will to listen to me.
Just stay here until I come back.
"That won’t be a problem,” Gideon said as the birds continued to crowd them.
♦
As Astra took to flight once again, none of the birds paid any attention to her as she approached a large hollow in the cavern of the mountain. The cave was surrounded by hieroglyphics of three birds. There were torches that lit the cave with a grayish hue, which gave the cavity a daunting appearance. Once inside, Astra slowly approached a large bald eagle that sat in a decorative nest. He looked to be sleeping; for his head was buried under his wing, but another bird flew up from behind. Upon seeing her, it approached her quickly as if to assail her. This snowy owl, named Ruffletin,( for some of his feathers stuck out from his neck to form a ruffle) accosted Astra; and despite his smaller stature, Ruffletin's piercing look was enough to make Astra lowered her head in reverence immediately.
The owl was an adviser to the bald eagle. Ruffletin usually reminded the birds of Brunehaven of the rules passed down by their ancestors. He would always say that they must follow the rules exactly or risk banishment. The owl looked at the falcon with his big saucer-like eyes, and began to rebuke her severely.
"You have a lot of nerve showing up here after what you did," replied the owl.
"The only reason I sided with the Dranus was to give the skies back to us. I did it for all the birds of Brunehaven."
"Your logic is just as foul as your presence," replied the owl, " You are in league with the one who put us in this place. We have been flying in this cave for years, only going out for food and even then some of us don’t come back. You are a traitor. You are banished by the law of Brunehaven, now leave!"
“Let me explain.” she said.
“There nothing to explain!” said Ruffletin raising his voice, “Now get out, Astra, or I will strike you down!”
“Ruffletin,” came a voice from the back of the cave, “Leave her be.”
The owl turned to his leader.
"Sir,” he said tip-toeing over to the nest, “ you know the rules. She has come back to ask for a pardon- - a weak attempt if you ask me. The moment we forgive her, is the moment we'll regret it. Sir, my advice would be—"
"No advice needed, Ruffletin," said the eagle.
Tion rose from his nest, and walked over to Astra. The bald eagle was the largest of both birds. He looked at Astra with concern; he saw the cuts on her leg.
"You're bold for coming back, and in returning you brought wounds from a battle. Was it the bats?"
Astra answered the question by dropping her head slowly.
"I'm not the only one who is hurt," she said, " There is a young hare who has--"
"Hare?" Tion said cutting her short, " How did you come upon this creature?”
"I’d rather not say," Astra said nervously.
"I’d rather not say?” the owl replied in a mocking tone, “Sir cast her out. She’s up to no good, I tell you. Can’t you see she’s playing games?"
Tion paid no attention to Ruffletin and continued with his questions.
"Since you won’t answer my last question, then how about this one: Where is the hare?"
"Here, on the mountain floor. Four others are with him, can you help him?"
Ruffletin nudged his way in between the two to break the conversation.
"Sir,” he said looking at Tion, “She's a traitor, by the rules mind you; she has no voice here. I’m sorry if a hare is in trouble, but the rules are the rules."
The eagle glowered at the owl; who after realizing the his leader's look was not a pleasant one, began to scoot backwards. Tion turned his attention outside of the hollow.
"Follow me, both of you."
The three birds left the cave, and went to the mountain floor. The small birds moved out the way to make room for the three. The birds above ended their flight at the sight of the leader, and joined the others below. All was quiet for sometime. Tion saw the creatures of color; he also saw the black hare holding his arm tightly.
"Are you the one Astra has told me about?"
"If its good I am; if its bad I am not." said Gabriel.
The eagle laughed. He went over to look at Gabriel’s arm. The wound was deep and from the looks of it, it was showing signs of infection.
"So what do you think?" replied Gideon.
"How did this happen?"
"We were attacked by the bats near the city of Ishmalhal." Astra said.
Ruffletin came to accost Astra, but Tion gave him a look to tell him to stay put and be quiet. Tion asked Astra to explain further; and after the story, there was no doubt that the falcon had done a good thing in saving the four from the city.
"So can you help us?" Astra said.
"Astra you wounds will heal easily, but,” Tion said with a pause, “I have nothing to help the rabbit. We can only ease his pain."
"Wait, there’s nothing--nothing at all!" cried Gideon.
"No, I’m sorry. We birds are immune to a bat's nasty bite, but to any other creature all the germs are just like venom. All I can do is to send the humming birds to gather berries needed to make a balm. Once the balm is applied to your arm, the juice will num the pain.”
The eagle’s words were cold, but true. They left a deep sorrow in everyone’s heart of what was to become of the black hare. No one said anything in order not to arouse any more feelings of pity for Gabriel. Gideon put his hand on Gabriel’s shoulder, and he planted his head into his teacher shoulder; both could hardly hold back the tears.
The hummingbirds were sent out promptly and returned safely. The berries were applied to Gabriel’s arm and it did alleviate the pain as Tion said. The eagle brought the five to his cave. Ragel and Peppi went to sleep. Samson, Gideon, Gabriel, sat together. Gideon knowing the inevitable, tried to steer his pupil in the right direction.
“Gabriel we need to talk. I’ll be frank with you, it would behoove you to trust God immediately.”
The black hare was silent.
“This is no longer a choice–you will die. I pleading with you,” Gideon said passionately,
“ Give you life to God---Trust Him!”
“No!” shouted the young hare, with such force that it could have shaken the mountain itself.
Gideon backed away, shedding a tear as he did, and left the hare alone. Gabriel sat along the wall quietly.
Gideon along with Samson recited a Shavronite poem to aid the impending sorrow: The Lord is not slack in life
The Lord is not unjust in his ways
With Him I shall have no strife
As I live the short and humble days
Pain and woe will come
Trial and storm for sure
They may be burdensome
But God is always the cure
Gabriel heard every word, although he pretended that he did not; but as he did he felt strange- almost sick at times. His vision became blurry. He shook his head, and his sight became clear again: there was no doubting that the infection was taking its toll.
Chapter 15: Gabriel’s Dream
Outside of the cave, Ruffetin, Astra, and Tion along with the other birds, were doing a little reciting of there own, but it was far from ideas of the Holy One.
"I still stand by the rules, Tion," replied Ruffletin, "Astra has done a good thing by saving the strangers’ lives, but that doesn’t excuse her from her disobedience. She is no longer one of us.”
"I thought that Dranus would give us back the skies if I helped him," Astra replied.
Tion looked at the falcon with concern.
"My dear falcon, the Fallen is about one thing: destruction. He does not care about you or anything else, only himself he seeks. The stories of old speak of this, and we all know that they are true. He wants all creation to be under him, even the Creator Himself.”
When Tion mention the Creator, Astra immediately expounded that Gideon had spoke of Him as well.
"These five may have a greater purpose than we know,” said Tion, “ but let us get back to the issue at hand. Astra, you did not come back just for the rabbit’s sake."
“No,” she said slowly, “I want to come back to Brunehaven. Although I have flown away from the dark walls of this mountain, I carried a heavy heart knowing that you all were still here. I come to ask for forgiveness. Tion, as our leader, I implore you to look beyond my naive actions. I extend my words to my fellow friends of Brunehaven as well. Forgive me.”
"Don’t listen to her!" shouted Ruffletin, " I do not believe this. Sir, do you think a few pitiful words will change her treachery?"
Tion thought for a moment. He looked at Astra and saw all her treachery. His eyes went to Ruffletin.
"The rules are the rules," said the owl.
The moment of judgment was at hand and Tion gave his answer.
"She will stay."
Ruffletin’s feathers stood on end and his eyes were much larger than before.
"But sir,” he cried, “She has broken the rules! She turned away from this flock and sided with Dranus---that dragon“
“Haven‘t we all sided with Dranus with out sins?” said Tion astutely.
Ruffletin, knowing that was the truth, looked around with some mortification.
“That’s not the point,“ he said, “She is an anathema—a reject to this flock and any other creature for that matter."
"I know the rules just as you do; for you remind me constantly to my agitation!"
exclaimed the eagle, "I will forgive her and allow her back in the flock not because of her attempts to right the wrong or because of her intentions to help the hare. There is another rule, Ruffletin, that you have forgotten that we birds must remember: Those who ask for forgiveness shall receive it."
Ruffletin was surprised that he had forgotten that rule; for he made it his duty to remember all of them. He closed his eyes and sighed.
"Well, I guess- I guess you’re right.."
"No bird will use the past to berate Astra in any way,” said Tion, “Birds of Brunehaven do not look on with spite at Astra. Do not treat her ill-willed any longer. I, Tion, have forgiven her. However, what will you do?”
There was a low murmur among the birds until a pelican, name Gurglebill, spoke up.
"I’ll forgive her. She was not the first of us to fall under the trick of the unicorn. It was a bird that was led to the glowing pool first."
Slowly the other birds agreed. There was cheering (more like chirping) and Astra was apart of Brunehaven once again. In the cave, Gabriel's infection was becoming worst. His mouth was dry and his vision continued to blur constantly. He called out to Gideon.
Gideon ,as well as they others, came to his side.
"He’s burning up!" Gideon cried, "What should I do?
"I don't--I don't know." said Samson.
"I not feeling well," said Gabriel, " I- I think the balm--"
♦
All Gabriel could remember was his teacher crying out to him before he passed out.
Slowly the darkness cleared away and he awoke to find himself in a different place. It was dream-like, but it felt real to him. He was lying in an open field that had grass of emerald. The weather was warm; and the sunlight shone with a glorious brightness. He concluded that he was not in the world of night any longer. Death, at first, passed through his mind, but Gideon had always told him that it was once to live and then the judgment.
The hare, with his ignorance knew he had not lived a good life to be in such a wonderful
place. The emerald field stretched as far as he could see. He got up to get a feel of his surroundings, and saw a small tree up on a hill. In fact, it was an apple tree, which was a delight; for Gabriel was starving. His stomach began to grumble.
"Quiet you,” he said to his stomach.
He began to walk forward and then he saw something he hadn’t before. A creature, which he could not distinguish yet, was reclined at the tree. The creature was bright like a candle flame, and Gabriel could only describe this creature as Light. He continued to walk, but an obstacle separated him and the tree. A ten foot crack was between him and the apples. The fruit was looking more delicious with every second and the hare’s stomach was beginning to annoy him.
"It doesn’t look that far of a jump. I'll give it a try."
“I would think before you do. You should listen to Me,” said the creature by the tree,
“That crack is larger than you think. Do not try to cross it on your own.”
"Don’t worry, I’m a rabbit," Gabriel said proudly, " We were made for jumping."
“I know you rabbits are made for a task such as this- I made you that way. But if you try it you will see that my side will draw back one hundred feet when your foot touches the edge on your side. You will fall to your doom and will die; but if you listen and trust me, you will get to Me safety and enjoy some good fruit too.”
“You have to trust yourself.” said Gabriel
“This is no time for comedy,” replied the creature laughing. “If you want to live trust in Me.”
Gabriel thought for a moment and concurred.
“Well, what do I do?”
“You’ll have to have faith and take my hand.” said the creature
"It won’t work," Gabriel said, “Are you sure.”
“As sure as when I guided you all across to the world of night. Step to the edge and I will show you.”
Gabriel did so. Instantly, the ten foot crack expanded to a chasm impossible to jump. The side where the apple tree grew was one hundred feet away. Before Gabriel could say another word, the creature trotted over the chasm very calmly as if he was on solid ground. Gabriel was stunned. He had never seen anything so amazing as this. As the creature got closer, Gabriel manage to distinguish the creature was shaped like a red panda, but its countenance was that of light and flame that was so magnificent that Gabriel turned in fear.
“Stand,” said the red panda helping him to his feet.
Once to his feet again, and for the first time, he knew that he was standing in front of something greater than himself. He opened his hand.
“Take my hand and I will lead you across.”
"I can’t I’ll fall. Its impossible.” said Gabriel.
“Yes,” the panda said with a grin, “For you all things are, but with Me it will be as if you only took a step.”
“What if I fall?” Gabriel said.
“What if you make it over?” replied the panda.
Gabriel looked down into the chasm. It was a dark abyss, which put fear into the rabbit’s heart.
“Don’t look at that,” said the panda, “Keep you focus on Me and you will make it.”
Gabriel reluctantly placed his hand into the panda’s.
“Ready?” .
“Uh-- sure.” said Gabriel apprehensively.
The panda stepped forward, but Gabriel held firm in place. He was still afraid of taking the step.
“Plan on moving?” replied the panda look at him curiously.
Gabriel looked more worried than ever.
“Gideon is right when he prays that you need faith, for I see you have none,” said the red panda.
"He prays for me?" Gabriel said surprised from the thought. “He usually just grunts when I do something wrong.”
“ He prays for you every night. I put it in his heart to care for you. He sees great things in you, Gabriel, because I put it in you. And I will have you to do great things.
Let’s start by honoring your teacher's request: Take the step of faith.”
The hare finally made up in his mind to do it, and the moment Gabriel placed his foot over the edge; the side, where the apple tree was, it came over before he took the second step. Gabriel stood still like a statue. The panda tossed him apple. It bounced off his head; for he was still dumbfounded by what took place. Gabriel picked up the apple and took a bite. The nectar was a little sour but not in a bad way, it was a taste to heightened his sense: it was the best apple he had ever tasted.
"Can I have another apple, they're great!"
“As much as you like.”
"I like you," said Gabriel, “I want to know your name."
" There is a lie in your speech," said the panda, " your heart says you do not like me—
in fact you hate Me, and you hardly care to know my name."
Gabriel gave this creature a long look, trying to understand who had the authority to read the heart of any creature. God is the one who can do such things; he sees what we really think and Gabriel was receiving a taste of it. He saw the hare's bewilderment and began to state the purpose of Gabriel's visit.
" I am Glory,” said the red panda, “My Father and I called you into the world of night to make you the first king of Shavron. You have a grand battle ahead of you, and I will teach you how to fight.”
♦
"I already know how to do battle," Gabriel said, "I don't need anymore lessons."
A smile came over the red panda’s face.
" Your battle is not with flesh and bone, nor will your weapon be iron. This battle is of a deeper kind: where spirit meets with spirit and light meets with darkness. You have no skills in this area.”
Gabriel continued to listen.
“First you need to change, to trust Me. Your hatred for Me will ruin you and the ruin is great. When I made you, I made you to know Me, to worship Me, and to
“But what about the poison,” said Gabriel.
“I’m holding it at bay, and I will heal you if you believe I can.”
“I saw you walk over a chasm, and you helped me across—you can do anything.”
Glory smiled and said,
“I can do a lot more than heal you. Do you believe this?”
“Yes,” said Gabriel.
“Now, let me tell something about the world of night. Everything you have
experienced is a living parable. The world of night is the soul of any creature who rejects Me. The soul becomes the home of Dranus, and he seeks to completely murder that soul with sin. That is why the world is bland---without color. The soul