Disclaimer: While the attempt has been made to be medically accurate as far as is consistent with the fantasy world of Narnia, some artistic license has been taken, and statements made by Rawlstow are not to be regarded as authoritative.
Narnia and recognizable characters thereof are the property of the estate of C. S. Lewis; all original characters and story © 2021 FemaleChauvinist.

Do not post without permission. Do not copy/print without including the above disclaimer in its entirety.

A/N: My fox healer Rawlstow is introduced in my stories "Vulpes Medico: Winter's End" and "Vulpes Medico: Clever Fox," so you might wonder about some things if you haven't read those first. Barbie

Chapter One: Air Raid

The Eagle Flintbeak wheeled in wide, lazy circles through the blue sky over Narnia. The air currents were perfect for soaring, and he wasn't hunting but simply enjoying the feel of the wind in his feathers and the peacefulness of the air so far above Narnia.

Then that peacefulness was shattered by a scream, faint at first, then growing louder and resolving itself into words.

"Help! Help! Let me go! Don't eat me! Someone help!"

Flintbeak banked sharply, turning to see a Talking Rabbit struggling in the talons of a wild eagle.

With a scream of rage, Flintbeak dove steeply, his own talons spread, aiming for the smaller eagle's face. "Drop! Drop! Drop!" he cried in Aquiline. *

The eagle let out a startled cry of its own, not having seen Flintbeak above him, but clung tighter in defiance as the rabbit wiggled still more frantically.

But the smaller wild eagle was no match for one of the Talking Beasts of Narnia, and as Flintbeak pressed his attack, its talons loosened and the rabbit slipped from its grasp.

The rabbit gave another shrill scream of terror, pawing frantically at the air. "No! Don't drop me! Help! Help!"

As the defeated eagle soared away in search of easier prey, Flintbeak plunged to catch the rabbit as gently as he could in his own talons.

It gave another scream, too terrified now to Speak, and squirmed until Flintbeak was forced to tighten his grip lest he drop it. "Be still!" he ordered in an Eagle's wild, harsh rasp. "I'm trying to help; my talons won't cut you if you hold still!"

And terrified at last beyond endurance, the poor little creature went limp and unmoving in his claws.

Next chapter coming next week!

* Illustration for this scene can be found at www . deviantart . com [slash]femalechauvinist [slash]art [slash]Winged-Avenger-900168798

I proofread all my stories at least once before posting, but if you see any mistakes I might have missed, please let me know! (Note that this story is formatted using British spellings.)

Please note that I have internet access only once a week, and may not have time to respond to all reviews/messages. Thanks for your understanding! Barbie