Birds of a Feather
Prologue
“Stupid Bird”, Prince Blake kicked the cage housing the Dragon-scaled dark feathered raven. “Charles, I thought you said it could sing. As far as I can tell this oversized rat with wings does nothing but eat and glare at us.” The excessively large teenager kicked the cage once more as his older well-dressed tutor walked over.
“My prince, please do be careful. That ‘Stupid Bird’ as you call it, cost us a fortune and required several of your mother’s best hunters to catch.” Charles leaning forward on his cane; the disapproving look evident on his face. “I should also remind you my prince that this bird is intended as a gift for your betrothed and doesn’t belong to you. I suggest you stop tormenting the poor thing and let the men load it onto the wagon.”
Stomping his foot in anger, Prince Blake turned towards his tutor, “show some respect you crippled old fool or I swear you’ll regret it.” A panicked expression crept across his face the instant those words left his princely mouth. He was unable to issue an apology before his back was against the dirt and Charles cane was pressed against his forehead forcing him to lay there.
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“Respect my young prince must be earned and you have yet to earn mine. I’ve tried to teach you that lesson many times but it never seems to take root. No matter. Since you are so interested in this creature you will give me three facts about it before I let you up.”
The prince glared at his tutor with all the hate and venom he could muster, if only he had been born just three years earlier. “This species of ravens doesn’t age, they can grow very large and can’t fly without the help of spells thus have been given the nick name of spell birds.”
“Not quite right but close enough. They use magic directly via instinct unlike mages who require spells and intent to manipulate magic”, Charles corrected. “Although, these birds are able to mimic human speech. So in theory, if the intent was there they should also be able to cast spells just like a regular mage.”
“This stupid thing cast spells. Don’t make me laugh”, the prince scoffed. “This thing hasn’t made as much as whisper as far as I hear. If it weren’t for mom’s sense of humor I’d roast this thing over an open fire.” Prince Blake rolled his eyes bored of the entire situation.
“I suggest a change of attire before we set out, we mustn’t keep the princess waiting.” Charles looked at the raven one last time as its cage was being placed onto the wagon. ‘Prince Blake is indeed correct about the queen. This gift most definitely had her trademark touch of symbolic irony.’ He felt a slight shiver along his spine before suppressing the thought in favor of making the final preparations for their long journey.