“KaCaw! Caw!” cried Akaaw, and soon much of the murder had settled down in the nearest available tree in anticipation of what news their leader might have.
Brak recognized Krikaw returning from the forest floor for what must have been a hasty breakfast, and glided down to join him on a branch left empty for senior members of the flock, just below the nest of Akaaw.
Krikaw was a friend, introspected Brak as he picked his way along the branch to a spot where he could see and hear Akaaw clearly, probably because he was one of the few senior crows who could put up with his sarcastic humor on a regular basis. Sure there were younger crows who laughed at his antics, but they were just being obsequious. Those attempts at ingratiation only served to irk him rather than impress.
Brak found the spot he was looking for and was soon joined there by Krikaw. He cawed in greeting to his friend and quickly preened the underside of one of his wings before speaking his mind.
“So what do you think Saruman has in store for us?” whispered Brak, “another pointless journey to the ends of Middle Earth? Or does he just have some minor task for us this time, like peck out the eyes of all his enemies from here to the Icebay of Forochel?”
Before Krikaw could answer, Brak added to his musings, “Well, it can not be any worse than sitting around here watching those beastly half-wits chop down some fine nesting trees! Anyways, what rumor have you heard amongst the flock Krikaw?”
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