[Rimbaud]

The edge of the forest was in turmoil, the earth roiling and twisting. Huge groans emanated from the darkly writhing forms within. Birds scattered from the treetops in blind fear and panic. Those on the ground nearby took to flight in alarm and the sky was become a mess, birds wheeling and fluttering, colliding. A small number of crebain flew in paths so erratic, that they struck the earth in their panicked wheeling, their vision compromised by others of the murder. Several crows had wounds that did not allow them smooth flight. Some remained ominously earthbound.

Akaaw opened a beady eye, cautiously. Not a wingspan away from him lay the mottled and crumpled shape of his advisor, abnormally still. He felt a sadness swell within him.

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Mitakaw had launched into the air when the panic calls had begun; now the noise was deafening, a screeching and cawing that threatened to rent the clouds above. There was no sign of Akaaw, or his chief lieutenants. He could not discern his father either. The young creban caught they eye of those of his once proud retinue that remained loyal to him as he flew, gesturing and urging for height. After a buffeting from the wings of the tumultuous sky, they cleared the morass of black chaos and rose above, into the chill grey air.

He cawed, loudly and insistently, the gathering call, and strove for more height. Many of the murder now came up, attracted by the command in his call. A fierce pride blossomed within him as he sensed the order he laid on them taking shape. Others around him sensed his growing control and joined in his call, and the skies gathered some small pattern. He was pleased with the effect of his will, but knew he was at risk should it appear that he was taking control. Already, he sensed strong minds in the flock streaking for him, with malice aforethought.

Mitakaw sent his brothers Narkub and Fingotin to the forests edge and they plummeted down, wings tucked into their bodies, trying to get as much speed for the fly-past as they could. They fell from the sky, two black dots dropping from the great circle, wheeling below the clouds.

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When, finally, he felt as though the murder was moving of one mind, as the single entity it should be, Mitakaw took them down, some half-mile from the battle ground and away from the edge of the forest. He had learnt some in the last few days and knew he was not ready to challenge Akaaw, should the strong crow still live. He wished he could have his father's counsel. He cautioned the murder to look out for itself and settled to the wait, trying not to appear nervous.

[ January 08, 2003: Message edited by: Rimbaud ]