The twins walked in silence for a long time after they had turned away from their home. Each was consumed by their own thoughts. The herald had tried to initiate conversation a few times but any time he asked a question, he would be greeted with one-word answers. So, he had resigned himself to observing the beautiful jelly bean-crested hills that the pale dirt road wound through.
A black eagle soared high above them, riding the chill drafts that blew above the rolling terrain. It watched the four small specks traveling north on a humble-looking dirt road. The grayish brown ribbon threaded through bright green hills towards the rest of the kingdom. Its eye swiveled about, checking the surroundings. Then, the eagle shrieked a loud call to the skies and pointed itself down towards the ground.
Below, still trudging on the warm earth, Maddy, Tyler and the herald heard a faint cry.
"Um. Jerome?" Maddy asked, after pausing a moment to remember the man's name "What do you think that was?"
"I don't know and I don't like it," he responded. "Stay close."
Maddy looked to Tyler. His features were drawn. A tone in Jerome's voice told him more than words ever could. Something was wrong. He watched Jerome pull out a dirk from a sheath behind the saddle on his horse. The bay paced frantically in fear. The weapon's polished blade gleamed in the sun and for a moment, all was quiet. Then, something black came pummeling at them from behind one of the hills with a loud shriek. Maddy and Tyler ducked in fear. The black eagle flew just a few feet above them and towards Jerome, who stood firm with his weapon and his horse's reins tightly in hand. The bird was unfazed and came at him low. Jerome swung at the attacker. The twins watched the blade become a shining streak in the air and a dark feather drop to the ground. But the eagle was not to be stopped. Before Jerome could attack again or avoid it, the dark bird circled and came at him with its talons open. The twins watched in horror as is swooped down on the man. It locked its long talons into his clothes and ripped off a chunk of his tunic and shirt. Jerome swung at it in an attempt to retaliate but missed. Still holding the pieces of pink and white cloth, the black creature beat its wings heavily to gain altitude. The gray dust on the road flew up and all covered their eyes. Maddy coughed on some dust that had blown into her mouth. Jerome almost doubled up to maintain his balance in the wind and swirling sand. Tyler crouched low to the ground. When the trio exposed their eyes again, the eagle was just disappearing over the crest of the nearest hill.
"What was that?" asked Tyler, standing up.
"Whatever it is, I don't want to risk another attack," replied Jerome, keeping his dirk in hand, "We move. Now."
Maddy stood and readjusted her pack. Jerome picked up the black feather with a handkerchief, as if only touching it could bring the horrible bird back. After tucking it in a safe pocket, he started forward and his horse reluctantly followed. Tyler looked to his sister to be sure she was alright. She met his gaze with a look that told him she was startled but alright. Then, they faced forward and trudged behind the herald and his horse.