Kel wasn't at all in a hurry to get away from the castle.

After all, the forest they were about to venture into was known to be infested with spidrens.

Cautiously, she rode Hoshi into the pine tree's shade, Neal close behind on his horse.

But for a few hours, the ride was quiet. They talked occasionally, but only every now and again. All this time, Kel felt as if she was being watched and followed.

Soon though, they heard a rustle in the bushes. Kel tensed, causing Hoshi to nicker softly and stamp her hoof.

Neal drew to a halt, and climbed off his horse. Pulling out his sword, he crouched slightly and gestured for Kel to be quiet.

A small melodious bird sang out, causing Neal to jump. Suddenly, out of the bush came a bird that had feathers of purpley-blue, and a golden beak.

It walked with pride, and Neal discovered why when he found a beautifully woven nest in the bush nearby, sporting silver eggs, cushioned by purple feathers.

"Kel, come take a look at this!" Neal whispered loudly as he could.

Kel did, and gasped when she got back to the saddle to find that the bird had laid an egg on her bag.

She heard Neal gasp, and saw a shower of brown feathers and squawking bodies rain down on Jump, the dog.

He jumped about playfully, barking and yapping.

It occurred to Kel right then that she had felt like someone was watching her and following her, because her sparrows were!

Laughing, she kissed Neal and hopped back into the saddle, listening to the chirps and squabbles of her sparrows. The new leader, Peanut, sat on her shoulder, giving her directions.

His wife, Pear, sat on her other shoulder, telling her babies and fellow sparrows to hush up.

Neal soon noticed that Jump was having a hard time staying on the horse with Kel because the sparrows were crowding his space and flapping their wings in his face.

Neal offered to take Jump, and Kel thanked him.

"Yes please!" she laughed, and Neal ginned. "At least it's only one Forest Creature that I'm taking on Kel!" he called, and Kel smiled.

"Whatever is mine is yours Neal!" she reminded him, and his smile faded.

Laughing, she nudged Hoshi into a canter, leaving Neal feeling bewildered.

"What am I to do with SPARROWS?" he groaned.