Chapter 4
Tim's POV
Suddenly all eyes were focused on me. This is awkward.
"What is the court of owls? Why do they want Grayson?" Damian asked.
I turned towards Damian. "Well there was this children's book about them. It was basically just a story to scare children. Basically, the court was founded by an extremely old family from Gotham. If someone did something to oppose them, the family allegedly sent the Talon to retrieve the head of victim. The Talon is their loyal servant who can supposedly live for one hundred years. When it's time is up-" I paused and looked at Dick.
No, that's impossible. Could Dick be destined to be the next Talon? No, it can't be. He wouldn't kill anyone. Would he?
"What happens when its time is up?" Jason questioned.
I turned and faced him. "It is laid to rest in their tomb after it retrieves the one the court has chosen."
Everyone turned to look at Dick.
********Break********
Bruce's POV
We would all be sleeping in the library tonight except for Alfred. He was out of town with Leslie for a medical conference. I hope he's all right. The library is connected to my study; so if something does happen, the Batcave is close by. I'd preferred we stayed down there, but the library is more comfortable and Dick was beyond exhausted.
Dick was sleeping on the couch in front of the fireplace. Tim and Damian were asleep on a pile of blankets in front of the couch. I bent over and pulled the blanket more securely around Dick. Looking down at his sleeping form reminded me of when he was seven years old. I whispered, "It's okay, Dickie. I won't let anyone take you from me. Never."
"Isn't that sweet. Perimeter's clear, if you were wondering." Jason mockingly said. He was leaning up against the doorway.
I didn't feel like arguing with him. I walked over to him and looked him in the eye. "Jayson, why don't you get some sleep? You look tired."
He looked a little shocked at my words. He clearly had expected a fight. "I'm fine." he stated, showing no emotion.
I laid my hand down on his shoulder. "Jayson, look… I know that we-"
He knocked my hand away. "Save it!" he spat venomously.
We stood glaring at each other, before a screech and a scream brought us back to reality.
We whipped around to find Dick completely petrified as a creature hovered above him. Tim and Damian were pressed against the wall, clinging to each other, both clearly frightened.
The creature looked hellish. The embers of the fire illuminated its cold, dark, dead eyes. Flames bounced off of the armor it wore. It was as if the creature had entered the room by using the lit fireplace. A feathery hand extended from the body revealing talons. Time seemed to have stopped completely. "Richard Grayson, the court of owls has chosen you to become the next Talon." It reached for him.