Chapter 28: The Rescue of Callahan
At the Dog Town territory, the slightly older Brandon Wishford, now twelve years old, was lying on the grass at his humble farm. Next to him on the left was a brown Appaloosa horse named Brisket, and next to him on the right was a border collie girl who was his age. She had red hair, blue eyes, a white hat, blue bandana, brown vest, light tan shirt, blue pants, brown gloves and boots. Her name was Ellie Redstone, a collie that Brandon met when they went to the Dog-Town rodeo arena for simple practices.
"So, this is your farm, huh...?" Ellie asked Brandon, staring up at the western skies.
"Yeah." Brandon would answer Ellie. "Nothing much around here... Just our farmhouse, a barn, silo, and lots and lots of land. And of course, the horses Ma and Pa raise."
"Well, by the looks of it, I reckon that it's all open and wide, like a sweet slice of heaven remained on Earth..." For Ellie, it was a piece of Heaven to be there with Brandon.
"Yup." Brandon replied to her again, although there was something that seemed to be troubling him, despite being alone with Ellie and his horse.
"... Umm, Brandon? Is there... something wrong?" Ellie saw how troubled he looked.
"No... Well, not that I... know of..." Brandon was at a loss for words.
"Aw come on, Brandon... There's somethin' you're not telling me! What's eatin' you up?" She would not leave until he told her the truth.
"... Bullying." This was what Brandon was only able to tell Ellie, bringing up the truth about why he acted like this.
"What!? Who was it this time? Was it Carl again!? I swear to the Spirit, or God, really... He's gonna wish that he won't—" She was about to get up and go find him, only for Brandon to interrupt.
"No, no no. Ellie, Ellie... It's not him. It's... ... Bullying in general." Brandon tried to be more specific. "Have you heard of High Wind Gulch?"
"Yeah, I've heard of it. We all did... Didn't they take the city back from those awful eagles?" Ellie thought of Edward Nosedive, his awful wife and son in the newspapers.
"Mhm, and they renamed it Avian City. However... Since Pa told me it was a place of unity and freedom for all birds, I heard... ... other rumors about buzzards getting picked on." The memory of his Pa's words never left him.
"What about 'em?" Ellie implied.
"I don't know... Pa told me it was because the eagle family were a bunch of heartless racists. And that everyone else who stood up to their tyranny almost lost their lives. Now I understand why Pa wanted me to stay on the farm..." Brandon still longed for a journey, a journey that he could make for himself. "Not only are there innocents getting bullied, hurt, or killed by others, but there is a lot of corruption in this Mesa... Pa, well... he says our town ain't corrupt. At least, that's one good thing..."
Once Brandon told Ellie what he thought about the certain eagle family who tried to terrorize the town's buzzards, along with how corrupt most people were, she was given a darker perspective of the world that they live in. She only wondered what her mother, Evangeline would say... "... So, you're saying that... the bullying and corruption in Avian City bothers you? Not Carl?"
"No, not him. Just... the other thing." Brandon and Ellie referred to a young anthropomorphic bulldog that was their age, who went by the name Carl T-Bone Brook. Formerly Brandon's bully, Carl had soon respected him in the past 2 years while Brandon was 10.
"... Oh, I see... Well, what would you have wanted to do?" Ellie wanted to hear it from him.
"... Save the town, in... some way?" Brandon implied.
"Are you sure? You wouldn't have handled it. After all... that was four years ago. You were eight at that time, remember?" Ellie had told the conflicted Brandon. "It would've been too early to be a hero..."
"Yeah..." Brandon had reluctantly agreed with Ellie, but he still felt guilty in some way that he didn't go and help out. Maybe it was for another time...
"Well, I think I know how to do just that!" An idea came to Ellie that might help Brandon out.
"Wait... you do?" Brandon asked her out of his curiosity.
"Yeah! A little playin' pretend wouldn't hurt. Say, I'll be the "bank robber", and you'll be the "lawman"... I'll need to borrow on of your horses first, if that's okay with your folks." Ellie had suggested.
"Huh, well... Heh, I guess I... I guess I could ask Poppa." Brandon agreed to it.
"Haha, okay!" Ellie was excited to do something to get Brandon's mind off of the subject that bothered him. Through play, this would make more sense due to the collies still in their youth... Brandon rarely ever had any playmates, but Ellie did tend to visit him often. They would soon go over to the barn where Austin Wishford worked with another horse. "Howdy, Mr. Wishford!"
"Howdy, Pa." Brandon greeted Austin.
"Ah, Howdy to you both. Ya need somethin'...?" Austin wondered.
"Yeah. Say, do ya have a horse I can borrow for a little while?" Ellie asked his permission.
"Huh? Wait... where's Dottie?" Austin looked around, wondering why Ellie didn't have her horse.
"Oh, Momma's taking care of Dottie at home. She had a bit of a fever, so I decided to walk here." Ellie answered him.
"Heh... brave of you, lil' one. Well, you can pick out any of the horses that are good enough to work with you. Say, we have this one golden yellow lookin' mare... Goes by the name Grace." Austin showed her where the horse was.
"Grace?" Ellie looked over to the stall to find where the mare was, eventually finding her with the help of the nametags. "Holy cow... She's beautiful!"
Grace, a golden yellow 4-year-old mare was by herself in the barn, later looking over to see Ellie and Brandon. She gives off a little bit of a gentle nicker and snort, showing the red-haired collie cowgirl that she was friendly.
"Isn't she pretty, Ellie?" Brandon hoped she liked the mare.
"You bet your broccoli, Brandon!" Ellie had beamed up with joy, now excited for this moment to borrow Grace for her pretend play scenario with Brandon. "Now, all I gotta do is lift my bandana up to portray the robber... Ya got a star or something for you as the lawman?"
"A star... I dunno. I think I have a toy one..." Brandon remembered the one he had since pup-hood.
"Then go find one, Brandon! We'll be meetin' out on the fields..." Ellie was getting excited by the minute.
"Alright, you're on..." Brandon would go up to his room located in the farmhouse, which hadn't shown any signs of aging due to how it was cared for by the family... He finds a toy sheriff star, which would one day be a visual representation of the hero he may be in the later future. Taking some time to reflect on his potential destiny, Brandon smiles a little more, later placing it on the left side of his vest as he went outside... Grabbing Brisket's reins, he later saw Ellie holding Grace's reins, knowing that the two were ready to play their pretend chasing game. "Alright, Ellie. I found it!"
"Good! Now we can start playing! How fast can Brisket go, I wonder...?" Ellie had questioned Brandon as soon as she mounts on Grace's saddle. "Ready to chase me, "sheriff"!?"
Brandon sits up on Brisket and took his reins, smiling in agreement with Ellie.
"Alright! Here's how it's gonna go. If you're able to reach me before I "escape" the farm through the archway, then you win! If I eventually "escape", then I win! Three... two... one...!" Ellie started the game.
"Yah!" Brandon spurred Brisket on to chase Ellie and Grace through the farm in their friendly game of pretend. This was actually enjoyable for both collies, since it got Brandon's mind off of his more serious thoughts... For now, he could just enjoy this moment. "C'mere, "varmint"! I'll catch you!"
"Can't catch me! Yahoo!" Ellie cheered and laughed as she rode Grace around the farm while Brandon and Brisket chased the two... A very pleasant day was highly enjoyable by the two collies, feeling the rush of the wind and warmth of the sun as they continued with playing pretend. Lawman Brandon tried his best to catch Outlaw Ellie, but who knows in the end of whoever really won that game...? Regardless of the winner, their fun time was the perfect "getaway trip" from their problems and issues. Brandon and Ellie bonded more together, but as for Harmony and Baron in Avian City...
Baron and Harmony, their spirits high from their recent victory, eagerly followed Sheriff Falcon McGriff as they set off towards the unknown. The sun had barely crested the horizon, casting long shadows across the dusty trail that led out of Avian City. Raven McFly, the wise raven who arrived in their town, fluttered from branch to branch above them, his sharp eyes peeled for any sign of danger. The map lay rolled up in Falcon's saddlebag, a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be unfurled. The air was thick with the scent of saddle leather and anticipation as the party of unlikely heroes rode towards the horizon, the sun rising in a fiery display of oranges and reds that painted the sky. The journey to Windy Stone would not be an easy one. Falcon had warned them of the treacherous terrain that lay ahead, filled with hidden dangers and ancient secrets. The town of Avian City had provided them with the best horses, supplies, and weapons that could be mustered. Each member of the rescue party had their own reasons for joining the quest, but all shared the same goal: to save Mayor Callahan and bring an end to the remaining Nosedive family's tyranny once and for all.
Baron, now riding his trusty steed, Thunder, left to him by Clarence's allies, felt the wind in his feathers as they galloped through the vast Moo Mesa landscape. He had grown up hearing tales of the legendary gold mines and the greed that had consumed so many. The map was their compass, guiding them through the twisting canyons and towering rock formations that stretched out like the bones of some long-forgotten creature. Harmony, ever the eager learner, studied the map closely, her sharp hawk eyes noticing every detail that could help them along the way. Their journey was punctuated by moments of quiet camaraderie as they shared stories and joked, but the gravity of their mission remained ever-present. The air was taut with tension as they approached the treacherous territory that surrounded Windy Stone. Falcon McGriff's eyes scanned the horizon, his years of experience as a sheriff making him aware of every potential threat. The map was clear: they had to cross the Whirlwind Gap, a narrow ravine notorious for its unpredictable winds that could sweep the unsuspecting off their feet. Raven McFly circled above, his sharp eyes peeled for any signs of danger or deceit that may lie ahead.
As they entered the gap, the wind began to pick up, whipping through the narrow space with a ferocity that sent dust devils spinning around them. Baron tightened his grip on Thunder's reins, his heart pounding in his chest. Harmony, riding alongside, looked over at him, her feathers ruffled by the gusts. Falcon raised a hand, signaling for silence, and the group slowed to a cautious trot. The gap grew narrower, the walls of rock rising steeper until they were little more than a shadowy canyon, the sun's light struggling to pierce the gloom.
Raven McFly dove down from his perch, landing on Falcon's outstretched arm. He whispered something in the sheriff's ear, his eyes darting around the area as if searching for hidden threats. Falcon nodded gravely, then turned to the group. "Stay close," he instructed in a low voice. "These winds can be tricky. They've been known to hide more than just sand and rock." The words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the danger they faced.
The group of heroes continued their treacherous journey through the gap, their eyes peeled for any sign of the corrupt Nosedives or their allies. Baron felt the winds tug at his hat, and he could see Harmony leaning into the gusts, her sharp hawk eyes unwavering. The canyon walls grew steeper, the gap narrower, until it felt as if they were riding through the throat of a giant beast. Thunder's hooves echoed off the rocky walls, the only sound in the deafening silence that the howling wind allowed.
Falcon McGriff's gaze remained sharp, his eyes darting from one side of the gap to the other, his instincts honed by years of serving the law. Raven McFly, ever the vigilant scout, took to the skies again, his dark form a stark contrast against the burnt-orange sky. He squawked something to Falcon, who nodded solemnly before relaying the message to the group. "Raven's spotted something ahead. Stay alert. We may not be the only ones looking for the tower."
As they emerged from the gap, the land opened up before them, revealing a sprawling, unexpected sight. Amidst the cacti and dusty plains, a lush, green oasis stood out like a sore thumb. Cotton fields stretched as far as the eye could see, their white bolls bobbing gently in the breeze. A small community had been built around the base of Windy Stone, with anthropomorphic avians of various species working the fields, their faces a mix of hope and despair. Baron's heart sank as he realized the grim reality: Windy Stone had been transformed into a secret plantation, exploiting the very people it was meant to protect.
The group slowed their pace, approaching the outskirts of the community with caution. Falcon McGriff dismounted, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of trouble. "Be cautious," he murmured to the others, his expression grim. "We ain't sure who's runnin' this here show or what kinda welcome we'll rustle up."
A young crow, barely more than a hatchling, approached them, her eyes wide with hope and fear. "You ain't here to take us, are ya?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Falcon McGriff knelt down, his eyes gentle. "No, little one," he said, his voice a comforting rumble. "We're here to save Mayor Callahan and put an end to the Nosedives' rule. Do you know where they're keepin' him?"
The crow girl looked around nervously before nodding. "Mr. Whipcracker, he's the boss 'round here. He works for the Nosedives. They got a big house on the hill," she whispered, pointing to a grand mansion overlooking the plantation. "He's got Mayor Callahan in the cellar, I heard."
Almost unable to believe what she'd heard, Harmony exclaimed, "In the cellar? What on earth could possess him to commit such a despicable act against Callahan, tossin' him in there like a piece o' trash?"
The young crow nodded solemnly. "Mr. Whipcracker's got a cruel streak a mile wide. He's been takin' bribes from the Nosedives and Otto Bulloney for years," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "They've got all sorts of secrets stashed in that house."
Baron's feathers bristled at the mention of Otto Bulloney's name. His father's murderer and Becky's unjust incarceration were not forgotten.
The crow girl looked up at them with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Thank ya, misters and miss. I'm Connie. If ya need anything, I'll do what I can to help. Just don't tell nobody I talked to ya, or Mr. Whipcracker'll have my hide," she pleaded, barely more than a whisper.
Falcon nodded gravely; his expression filled with determination. "Don't you worry, Connie. Your secret's safe with us. Now, tell us, how do we get into that house without bein' spotted?"
The little crow girl thought for a moment, her beak tapping against her chin. "Well, there's the secret tunnel," she revealed, her voice barely audible over the rustle of the cotton leaves. "It's hidden behind the old waterwheel. But it's a tight squeeze, and you gotta be careful of the rats. They ain't too fond of company."
Falcon's eyes narrowed with interest. "A secret tunnel, you say?" he mused. "That might just be our way in."
Baron felt his feathers bristle at the thought. The idea of slavery, of any creature being treated as property, was something he could never abide by. "We'll find another way," he murmured, his voice tight with anger.
But Falcon McGriff was already considering their options. "Maybe we can use that to our advantage," he said thoughtfully. "If they're expectin' a delivery, we could slip in unnoticed." He turned to Baron and Harmony. "You two stay here. Raven and I will scout the area, find the tunnel, and make sure it's clear. If all goes well, we'll send for you to join us."
Baron and Harmony nodded, their thoughts racing as they watched the sheriff, and his companion vanish into the shadows. They turned to each other, a silent understanding passing between them. "We've got to make this look convincing," Harmony murmured, her eyes scanning the nearby area for anything they could use.
They quickly put together a makeshift "delivery" using a burlap sack filled with rocks, painting it to resemble a bag of grain. Harmony's sharp mind suggested they leave it by the main entrance of the mansion, where it would be sure to catch the attention of the guards. With the sun dipping low on the horizon, they hoped the fading light would make their ruse more convincing.
Baron took a deep breath, trying to ignore the knot in his stomach. "Alright, let's do this," he murmured to Harmony, his voice steady despite his fear.
They approached the mansion's grand entrance, the heavy wooden door looming before them like the mouth of a dragon's lair. The guards, a pair of burly wolflike canines with hardened eyes, eyed them suspiciously as they dragged the sack of rocks closer. Harmony put on her best innocent face, fluttering her eyelashes. "We've got a delivery for Mr. Whipcracker," she chirped, her voice sugary sweet.
Baron played along, trying to keep his nerves from showing. "Yeah," he croaked, "from the general store. We heard he was runnin' low."
One of the guards snarled, his teeth bared. "What's in there?" he demanded, poking the sack with his rifle.
Harmony giggled nervously, her eyes darting to the sack. "Just some... uh, special feed for the horses," she improvised. "Mr. Whipcracker's got a soft spot for 'em."
The guard grunted, his eyes flicking between them and the sack. "Well, you better get it to 'im then," he said, gesturing towards the cellar door with a jerk of his head. "He's in the stables."
Baron and Harmony shared a relieved glance. The ruse of harmless delivery birds had been successful for the time being. They hauled the weighty bag, their approach to the mansion fraught with the sense of impending peril. Upon reaching the stables, they encountered Mr. Whipcracker, an intimidating anthropomorphic cougar whose eye gleamed maliciously. Amidst the dim illumination, the only interruptions to the silence were the sporadic snorts from the horses. Dressed in brown footwear, khaki trousers, a dark brown vest, a white long-sleeved shirt, and topped with a substantial straw hat, he loomed over a quaking young colt.
Baron's stomach lurched as he recognized the cruelty in the cougar's gaze, a stark contrast to the gentle demeanor of Clarence. "Good evenin', Mr. Whipcracker," Harmony greeted with a forced smile. "We got your order from the general store."
The cougar's whip cracked sharply in the air, making the horses skittish. "What's this?" he snarled, eyeing the sack.
Baron's heart hammered in his chest as he stepped forward. "It's a special kind of feed, sir," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Guaranteed to make your horses run like the wind."
Mr. Whipcracker's gaze swept over the sack, then back up to them, his eyes narrowing. "You ain't from around here, are ya?" he growled.
Harmony swallowed hard, her grip on the sack tightening. "Our... our ma sent us," she improvised, her voice quavering slightly. "Said it was for Mr. Whipcracker, and no one else."
Mr. Whipcracker's eyes narrowed further, his whip twitching in his hand. "Ma? What ma?" he snarled, taking a step closer. "You two ain't got no business bein' here, not unless you're one of the Nosedives' pets."
Baron felt the weight of his lie heavy on his shoulders, but he held his ground. "Our ma works at the general store," he said, his voice as steady as he could manage. "She just said it was for you, and not to give it to nobody else."
Mr. Whipcracker's eyes narrowed, turning into slits. He was looking at Baron very intensely. "Your ma, huh?" He took a step closer, and the whip he was holding made a threatening cracking sound. "What's your name, boy?" He asked in a way that showed he really wanted to know, staring sharply.
Baron felt a bead of sweat trickle down his neck. "It's, uh, Billy," he blurted out, the first name that came to mind, leaning back a little when Whipcracker got too close to his face.
Harmony's eyes went wide, and she took a step back, playing along. "And I'm Becky," she said, hoping the name of Baron's mother wouldn't raise further suspicion.
Mr. Whipcracker studied them for a moment, his tail swishing ominously. Then, with a gruff laugh, he waved them away. "Alright, Billy and Becky," he sneered. "Take it to the kitchen. And don't go snoopin' around where you don't belong."
Baron and Harmony exhaled in relief, sharing a tense smile as they carried the sack into the mansion. They hadn't anticipated their cover being blown so soon, but their quick thinking had bought them precious time. Falcon had been right; they had to be cautious.
They moved through the dimly lit corridors, their hearts beating in sync with their footsteps. The mansion was a labyrinth of shadows, each room seemingly more ominous than the last. Falcon had taught them to trust their instincts, and those instincts told them that danger lurked around every corner.
As they approached the kitchen, Falcon's distinctive whistle echoed through the air, a signal they had practiced countless times. It was their cue to stay put. Harmony's eyes searched the room, spotting a dusty old grandfather clock in the corner. "Perfect," she whispered, gesturing for Baron to help her move it.
They dragged the heavy clock aside, revealing a hidden compartment in the wall. Baron's eyes widened as he pulled out Mayor Callahan's journal. Its pages were yellowed with age, filled with the scribbled secrets of the Nosedives' past. The ink was faded, but the words were stark and clear, detailing a history of treachery and deceit.
Harmony's heart raced as she flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the entries with a growing sense of horror. "Baron," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, "this is it. This is proof of what they've been doing!"
Baron leaned in, his eyes scanning the journal. The words seemed to dance before him, telling a tale of greed and power that spanned generations. The Nosedives had manipulated, lied, and cheated their way through Avian City's history, leaving a trail of pain and suffering in their wake. The journal spoke of a time when vultures and buzzards were vilified and oppressed, of deals made with Otto Bulloney to keep the town under their control.
"How did Mayor Callahan get hold of this?" he wondered aloud, his voice filled with a mix of anger and awe.
Harmony looked up from her own perusal of the journal, her eyes reflecting the same emotions. "It's like he knew," she murmured. "Knew that one day, someone would need to know the truth."
The clock ticked solemnly in the corner, a silent witness to the secrets it had guarded for so long. Baron felt a shiver run down his spine. It was eerie, as if the very walls of the mansion were whispering the story of its inhabitants' dark deeds.
"We need to get this to Sheriff McGriff," Harmony said urgently. "It's evidence of their crimes."
Baron nodded, his thoughts racing. "But first, we need to find Mayor Callahan and make sure he's safe. Connie said he was thrown into the basement."
They moved quickly and quietly, their footsteps echoing through the mansion's deserted halls. The air grew thick with the scent of dust and despair, a stark contrast to the warmth and laughter that filled Becky's kitchen back in High Wind Gulch. Harmony held the journal close to her chest, her eyes darting left and right as they approached the door leading to the basement.
As they descended the creaky stairs, a faint light glowed from the kitchen below. Baron's heart skipped a beat as he heard the clanging of pots and the shuffling of feet. He signaled for Harmony to stay back and cautiously peeked through the crack in the door. What he saw brought him back to reality with a jolt. An enslaved chef, an elderly tortoise with a scarf around his neck and a battered apron over his shell, was busy at the stove. His eyes were clouded with resignation, but as they met Baron's, a flicker of hope shone through.
The tortoise named Tortilla looked up, his eyes widening at the sight of the young buzzard and hawk. He paused for a moment, then cautiously beckoned them closer. "You're not from around here," he murmured, his voice low and gravelly. "What brings you to this forsaken place?" Baron and Harmony exchanged a nervous glance before explaining their mission to free Mayor Callahan and expose the Nosedives' corruption. Tortilla's expression grew grim as he listened, his grip on the spatula tightening. "I see," he said, setting aside the frying pan with a sigh. "I've been here longer than I care to remember, cookin' for those monsters. They think they're so clever, but all they know is fear and greed." He pointed to a hidden panel in the wall with his free hand. "The basement's down there," Tortilla whispered, his voice barely audible over the crackling fire. "But beware, there's a trapdoor. It leads straight to the secret tunnel." His eyes shone with a spark of defiance. "I've seen 'em take many innocents through there. It's a way in and out for those they don't want found."
The two youngsters nodded solemnly, the gravity of their task weighing heavily upon them. "Thank you, Tortilla," Harmony said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We'll do everything we can to put an end to this."
The tortoise chef handed them a crumpled piece of paper with a recipe scribbled on it. "Take this," he urged in a hushed tone. "It's a special dish, one that'll put those guards out of commission for a spell. Just mix it in with their usual feed—they'll never suspect a thing." His eyes grew shrewd, his expression a blend of hope and caution. "But be careful, children. The Nosedives are crafty, and Mr. Whipcracker is not to be underestimated."
Baron and Harmony studied the recipe, their heads swimming with the unfamiliar ingredients. "What is this stuff?" Baron whispered, holding the paper closer to the flickering candlelight.
Tortilla leaned in, his voice a low hiss. "It's a bit of kitchen magic," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "My grandmother taught me. A pinch of this and a dash of that, and you'll have a meal that'll put 'em right to sleep." He paused, his gaze shifting to the pantry. "You'll find what you need in there. Just be quick about it."
Baron and Harmony darted into the pantry, the shelves groaning under the weight of untouched jars and sacks. They worked in silence, their hands moving with purpose as they gathered the ingredients. Harmony's eyes widened as she read the recipe aloud. "Dried dandelion petals, crushed chameleon crest..."
Baron nodded, his mind racing. "And we'll need to get to the guards before they suspect anything."
They gathered the ingredients and mixed the concoction with trembling hands, the air thick with the scent of the potent blend. The recipe called for a pinch of dried dandelion petals, crushed chameleon crest, and a dash of sleepy-time sage. They hoped it was enough to do the trick.
Baron and Harmony tiptoed back to the kitchen, placing the tainted food on the tray. The guards were stationed in the corridor, their eyes drooping with each passing minute. The aroma of the potion wafted through the air, seducing them into a false sense of security. Tortilla had told them it was best served hot and that the effects would be almost instantaneous.
They approached the guards, their hearts racing. "Dinner's ready for you fellas," Harmony called out, her voice as sweet as honey. The guards perked up, their stomachs growling. They didn't suspect a thing as the two laid the tray before them, the food steaming and fragrant. Despite not recognizing who the teens were, their mind was only focused on hunger.
Baron watched nervously as the guards took their first bites, the potion working its magic. Within moments, their eyes grew heavy, their heads lolling back as they slumped to the ground, unconscious. Harmony and Baron shared a look of triumph before quickly moving to the hidden panel Tortilla had pointed out.
"We did it," Harmony whispered, excitement bubbling in her voice.
But Baron's mind was already racing ahead. "Now we need to find Mayor Callahan," he reminded her, his expression serious. "Stay close," Baron murmured, his voice barely audible.
The stairs grew steeper, the air colder and damper as they descended into the bowels of the plantation. Harmony clutched the candle tightly, the flame casting an eerie glow on the cobwebbed walls. They could hear the distant murmur of voices, the occasional clang of metal, and the muffled cries of the oppressed.
"Tortilla said it's down here," Baron whispered, his eyes scanning the shadowy corridor ahead. Harmony nodded, her grip tightening on the journal. They had come so far, faced so much together. This was it—the moment of truth.
The basement was a labyrinth of cold, damp corridors lined with cobwebbed shelves and rusty cages. The air was thick with the scent of despair, and the distant sound of sobbing filled their ears. Baron's stomach clenched at the thought of Mayor Callahan trapped in such a place, but he pushed the fear aside. They had come to save him. Tortilla had warned them of the trapdoor, and sure enough, they found it hidden beneath a pile of old sacks. Baron's heart hammered in his chest as he carefully pushed the sacks aside, revealing the dark square outline in the floorboards. Harmony held the candle closer, casting a flickering glow that illuminated the dust motes dancing in the air.
With bated breath, they lifted the trapdoor and peered into the abyss below. The stench of fear and decay wafted up from the darkness, making Harmony's eyes water. Baron's gaze searched the shadows, spotting a figure huddled in the corner of the dimly lit cell. "Mayor Callahan?" he called out tentatively.
The figure looked up, his eyes red and swollen with tears. "Is...is that you, Becky?" His voice was hoarse, hope and disbelief mingling in his tone.
Baron and Harmony exchanged a puzzled glance. "It's us, Mayor Callahan," Harmony called out gently. "Baron Buzzard and Harmony HawkTail. We've come to rescue you."
The figure in the cell stumbled to his feet, squinting in the candlelight. Recognition dawned on his face as he took in the sight of the two young avians. "Baron? Harmony?" His voice cracked with emotion. "You've...you've grown."
Harmony stepped closer, her eyes brimming with tears. "We've come a long way, Mayor Callahan," she said softly. "And we ain't leavin' without you."
The mayor looked at them in amazement. "You two," he murmured. "You're all grown up. It's been four years...four long, terrible years." His voice grew stronger as he took in their determined expressions. "But you're here now. You've come to save me."
Baron nodded firmly, his feathers ruffling with a mix of pride and anger. "We ain't just here for you, Mayor," he said. "We're here to expose the Nosedives' corruption and end it once and for all."
Harmony held up the journal, the flame from the candle dancing in her eyes. "We've found evidence of their crimes."
Mayor Callahan took a shaky step forward, reaching out to grasp the journal. His eyes scanned the pages, widening as he read the entries detailing the Nosedives' rise to power, the forced labor, and the lies they had spread about the buzzards. "This...this is everything we need," he murmured, his voice gaining strength with each word. "The truth will set us free." He looked up at the two young faces before him, his own filled with a mix of sadness and admiration. "I had hoped Becky was safe, but to know she's been fighting this whole time..." He trailed off, his gaze lingering on Baron. "Tell me, what happened after I was taken?"
Baron recounted the events that had transpired over the years, the battles they had fought, the allies they had made, and the loss of Clarence and Avery to a tragic death, with Becky imprisoned unjustly. Harmony chimed in with tales of her father's heroics and the town's struggle against the Nosedives' tyranny. The mayor's eyes grew misty as he listened, his grip tightening on the journal that held the secrets of his captivity.
"And Becky," Callahan said, his voice thick with emotion. "What became of her?"
Baron's gaze dropped to the floor. "She's been in prison," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But she's strong. We're gonna get her out. Don't know how long it will take, but we ain't givin' up."
Tears filled Mayor Callahan's eyes, causing them to glisten as they slid down his cheeks. His beak trembled as he whispered the names, "Becky, Avery, Clarence." He inhaled deeply, summoning his inner strength. "So much has changed..." he uttered, the weight of his words heavy with emotion.
Baron's gaze returned to the journal; his curiosity piqued. "Why would your journal be hidden in that grandfather clock?" he asked.
Callahan looked at them with a weary smile. "It was a message," he said, his voice filled with a sense of pride. "For when the right people came along. You see, I knew the day would come when someone would challenge the Nosedives' reign. I had to leave behind something that could help bring them down. And here you are, two young heroes standing before me. That clock you found is the same one they took from my office, after I blacked out."
The revelation hit Baron like a sledgehammer. All this time, the journal had been waiting for them, another light of hope in the darkest of places. It was as if Clarence was speaking to them from beyond the grave, guiding them on their path to justice. Even if he didn't understand it all, he was still glad that he and Harmony found it in the most unlikely place.
Harmony was the first to break the silence. "Falcon and the other law birds have been searching for Windy Stone for ages," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "They never knew where to look until Raven McFly showed up with a map."
Baron nodded thoughtfully. "Raven's always had an eye for detail," he mused. "And he ain't one to back down from a fight for what's right."
"Indeed," Mayor Callahan agreed, his gaze drifting to the map in the corner of the cell. "But now that we have this..." he trailed off, his eyes lighting up with hope. "We can finally put an end to this madness. The Nosedives must be stopped, and High Wind Gulch can be restored to its former glory."
Before they could say more, the sound of footsteps echoed through the tunnel. The children exchanged a startled look, their hearts racing. Baron reached for his slingshot, ready to defend their newfound ally. The footsteps grew louder, and then, to their astonishment, Falcon McGriff emerged from the shadows, followed by Raven McFly and the other law birds from Avian City.
"Baron! Harmony!" Falcon exclaimed, his eyes widening with surprise and relief. "I was afraid that you two had been caught."
"We're okay, Falcon," Baron assured him, his grip loosening on his slingshot. "But we've found Mayor Callahan."
Falcon's eyes lit up at the sight of the mayor, his feathers bristling with excitement. "By the skies," he breathed. "You've done it, you two." He stepped forward and offered his hand to help the frail vulture out of the cell. "We've got to get you outta here."
Mayor Callahan's eyes welled with tears as he looked at his old friend. "Falcon," he choked out, his voice trembling. The two avians embraced, a bond of camaraderie and shared hardship palpable in the air. The law birds looked on, their expressions a mix of relief and determination.
Baron and Harmony watched the emotional reunion, their eyes wide with wonder. "How do you know each other?" Harmony asked, breaking the silence.
Falcon looked at Mayor Callahan with a mix of respect and affection. "We've known each other for years," he explained. "Before them Nosedives rustled up any politics, we were cowpokes fightin' for justice in Moo Mesa, even got into the same school over yonder in Jersey City."
"I'm sorry if I never told you all before," Callahan apologized, dusting his ragged clothes. "I guess time has a way of making you forget things without meaning to."
"Don't worry, Mayor," Raven McFly spoke up, his eyes gleaming with the excitement of discovery. "What matters is that we're here now. And with this," he held up the map he arrive in town with earlier, "we can finally bring those Nosedive followers to justice."
"But how do we get out without alertin' the guards?" Callahan's voice was strained, the years of captivity evident in his weary eyes. "I've never known of this...this secret tunnel."
Falcon nodded solemnly. "It's alright, Mayor," he assured, his eyes gleaming in the candlelight. "We've got a plan. This tunnel leads to the old riverbed, abandoned since the last flood. It's our way out."
Baron's thoughts turned to the slaves they had seen along the way. "But what about the others?" he asked, his voice taut with concern. "They're in danger here."
Falcon's gaze was firm as he met the young vulture's eyes. "We can't risk everyone for a rescue," he said. "It might create bloodshed if anyone made a mistake in being spotted. We need to get you, Harmony, and Mayor Callahan back to Avian City. With this journal and the map, we have the proof to bring down the slave traders here. The people here need us to expose their suffering and bring help."
Baron's feathers ruffled in frustration, but he knew Falcon was right. They had to think of the bigger picture. Harmony looked equally torn, her hand clutching the journal tightly. "But what about my mother?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. "We can't leave her behind bars."
Falcon's expression grew serious. "We ain't leavin' her behind," he assured her. "Freein' Mayor Callahan is the first step. With his help, we can gather more evidence and convince the higher-ups that Becky was framed while she sits at the federal prison. But if Whipcracker catches wind of this now, he'll make sure we're all silenced before we can even start."
Baron's heart sank at the mention of Becky. He knew how much she had sacrificed for the town, and now she was paying the price for it. But Falcon's words made sense. They had to be careful, play it smart. They couldn't just barge in and free everyone; they had to play the long game. Harmony nodded, her gaze flicking from the journal to the mayor and back again.
"We're with you," she said firmly. "We'll do whatever it takes to bring Becky home and clear her name."
Falcon nodded. "Good," he said. "Now, let's move. We need to be swift and silent. The night is still young, and we have a lot of ground to cover before dawn."
With heavy hearts, Baron and Harmony looked back at the other prisoners, their eyes meeting the gazes of the weary, hopeful faces. "We'll be back," Baron murmured, his voice barely carrying over the whispers of the night air. "We ain't just gonna leave any of you behind to suffer no more, we promise."
Harmony nodded, her voice quivering with the weight of her words. "We'll tell everyone," She called softly. "We'll make sure everyone knows what's happening here."
The prisoners watched them leave, their hopeful whispers following the group into the night. As they moved through the shadowy tunnel, Baron felt the weight of the promise they had made, heavier than any gold they could ever find. He knew that every step they took brought them closer to freeing Mayor Callahan and bringing justice to High Wind Gulch, but it was bittersweet knowing that Becky and the others remained trapped in the clutches of the Nosedives' cruel regime.
"I'm sorry," he murmured to Harmony as they hurried behind Falcon. "We're leavin' them behind."
Harmony nodded solemnly, her gaze lingering on the fading faces of the prisoners. "We have to," she whispered back. "For Becky. For everyone. They'll be alright for now."
The group moved swiftly through the tunnel, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the damp walls. Falcon took the lead, his eyes scanning the way ahead for any signs of danger. The air was thick with the scent of earth and the faint, distant whimpers of those left behind. Baron couldn't help but feel guilty as they passed by the bars of the cells, the eyes of the captives following them like beacons of hope in the dark. Suddenly, Falcon stopped, his hand reaching out to the others. He crouched down, pulling out the map and running his finger along a seemingly innocuous line before a sudden click resonated through the tunnel. The wall beside them shuddered, and a hidden compartment in the map popped open, revealing a folded piece of parchment. Falcon's eyes lit up with excitement as he read the tiny, meticulous script.
"What is it, Falcon?" Callahan asked out of concern.
Falcon's eyes never left the parchment, his beak moving slightly as he read through the hidden message. "This here," he said, holding up the paper with a tremor in his hand, "It's a map. To a secondary escape route." He unfolded it to reveal a detailed layout of the plantation, with a thin red line snaking through the underbrush and leading to an 'X' marked spot. "It's a way out, without goin' through the main gate. We can use it to escape, and then come back for the others."
Baron and Harmony exchanged glances, their hearts swelling with hope. "That means they won't be abandoned after all." Harmony said to them, despair leaving within.
Falcon nodded firmly. "We'll come back for them," he assured, his eyes gleaming in the candlelight. "But first, we must ensure Mayor Callahan's safety. His testimony is vital in bringin' down the rest of the cultists in hidin' out there. And lookin' into those unjust laws that drove him outta town."
The group made their way through the secret passage, the air thick with anticipation. The map was a treasure trove of information, not just of escape routes, but of hidden entrances and weak spots in the plantation's defenses. It was clear that Mayor Callahan had been preparing for a time like this, a beacon of hope in the darkest of moments.
Falcon McGriff's eyes never left the map as he led them through the twisting tunnel. The candle's flame danced in the breeze, casting eerie shadows on the damp walls, but it didn't waver his resolve. "We're almost there," he whispered, his eyes glinting with excitement. "The secondary exit is just ahead." As they turned a corner, Falcon paused and reached out with his wing, touching a seemingly random spot on the stone wall. With a faint click, a section of the wall swung open, revealing a narrow passageway. "This leads straight to the river," he said, his voice low and urgent. "We'll be safe once we're outta here."
The group hurried through the passage, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the narrow space. Harmony couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, her heart heavy with the thought of the prisoners they'd left behind. Baron's grip on the journal was tight, as if he could feel the weight of their mission in his talons. They had to get the evidence to the right people, to bring Becky back and expose the Nosedives for what they truly were.
Falcon's plan was sound, but it didn't make the decision any easier. Baron knew that rushing back for the others now would only lead to more bloodshed. They were teenagers, not an army. They had to be smart, like Harmony said. They had to think of Becky and Mayor Callahan's safety, and the future of Avian City.
As they approached the exit, Harmony couldn't help but whisper, "We'll come back for them," to herself, like a mantra. She saw Baron nod solemnly, knowing the promise was etched in his heart, a silent pact between them. They wouldn't rest until every last soul trapped in this hellish plantation was free.
The tunnel grew brighter as the moon's light filtered through the gaps in the crumbling stone, painting the walls with a silver glow. Falcon held up his hand, signaling for them to stop. They were close, so close. The sound of the river grew louder, the sweet scent of freedom wafting through the air. Harmony's heart raced in her chest; her eyes wide with anticipation. They emerged from the darkness into the moonlit night, the river glinting before them. To their surprise, a small boat bobbed gently by the bank, hidden under a tattered tarpaulin. Falcon pulled it aside with a grin, revealing a sleek vessel with supplies stowed neatly beneath the seats.
"Looks like Clarence was plannin' for more than just a few," he murmured, his eyes scanning the boat with a mix of pride and sadness. It was clear that the late sheriff had been expecting a day like this, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. The boat was a symbol of his unwavering dedication to justice, even in the face of his own tragic end.
Baron looked at the boat with a newfound sense of awe for the sheriff who had been a mentor and a friend. He had always known Clarence to be a man of action, but the depth of his foresight was truly inspiring. Harmony's eyes shone with admiration as she took in the sight, her thoughts likely racing with the implications of such preparations. Even in death, her father's spirit lived on through them.
Falcon pushed the boat into the river, the water gently lapping against the wood. "Clarence was always a step ahead," he said, a note of sadness in his voice. "He knew this day might come, and he was ready."
Baron and Harmony helped Mayor Callahan climb in, the old vulture's eyes alight with hope and gratitude. The boat felt almost sacred, a vessel of liberation that Clarence had left behind as a spark of hope. Falcon took up the oars, his strong strokes cutting through the water with ease. The current was swift, carrying them away from the plantation and towards the open expanse of the river. The journey was quiet, the only sounds the rhythmic splash of the oars and the occasional distant hoot of an owl. They all knew the gravity of their escape, the lives that depended on them getting the evidence to Avian City. The boat's speed was a silent testament to the urgency of their mission, the river a silent witness to their resolve. Baron couldn't help but wonder how many times Clarence had made this same journey, carrying hope and justice in his heart.
As they traveled, Falcon spoke in hushed tones about the network of allies Clarence had built over the years. It was vast, stretching beyond High Wind Gulch, into the very heart of Avian society. They were a diverse group, united by their desire for a fairer world. "Your pa had friends in high places," Falcon said, his voice filled with admiration. "And they're gonna help us bring Becky back and tear down the Nosedive legacy for good."
The boat glided through the moonlit river, the stars above their heads a silent witness to their escape. Baron couldn't help but feel a pang of loss, remembering the times he'd sat by the riverbank with Becky, listening to her stories of the world beyond their town. Now, he was on a mission to bring her back from that very world, a mission that had grown larger than he could ever have imagined.
"We're gonna need to be careful," Falcon warned as they approached the river's bend. "There's bound to be Nosedive patrols 'round here."
The boat's speed didn't falter as it slid into the shadow of an overhanging tree. The city's skyline grew clearer, the lights of Avian City glittering in the night. The excitement of their impending arrival was tinged with dread. Baron knew that their journey was far from over; it was merely the first step in a much longer battle.
As they docked the boat at the city's edge, Falcon's expression grew grim. "I've got a feelin' we're gonna need more than just the journal to bring Becky back and put an end to the Nosedives' reign of terror," he said, his eyes scanning the horizon.
Mayor Callahan leaned heavily on the side of the boat, his expression a mix of fatigue and determination. "The Nosedives had their talons in deep," he murmured. "But we can't give up now."
The group disembarked, their boots sinking into the mud as they made their way towards the city's outskirts. The air was thick with the scent of corruption and greed, a stark contrast to the fresh, open air of the river. Falcon led them through the shadows, his eyes scanning the streets for any signs of trouble. They had to move quickly and quietly, the evidence they carried too precious to risk being found.
Once they were safely hidden in a nearby alley, Falcon turned to Mayor Callahan with a solemn expression. "Before we go any further, there's somethin' you need to know about the war four years ago." His voice was low, carrying the weight of untold stories and battles fought. Callahan's eyes searched Falcon's, a hint of understanding dawning in his gaze. "Edward Nosedive didn't just disappear," Falcon began. "He was killed, in a duel with Clarence HawkTail. It was a fierce fight, one that had the whole town on edge. The Nosedives had been stirrin' up trouble, and Clarence knew he had to put a stop to it. He challenged Edward to a fair fight, everyone watched as they dueled at high noon. In fact, the town fought back to regain their freedom." The vulture's eyes grew distant, recalling the tragic events of the past. "After Edward's death, his wife Edna fled with their son, Edmund. We thought it was the end of the Nosedive tyranny, but it seems they still have some remaining power we have yet to uncover out there." Harmony listened intently, her eyes never leaving Falcon's face as he recounted the battle that had shaped High Wind Gulch's history. Baron felt his anger flare, knowing Becky was still out there, a victim of the very family that had brought so much pain to their town. The silence grew heavy as Falcon continued, "But there's more to the story, somethin' that not everyone knows. The night Edward was killed, Old Man Travis, the legendary ghost from the campfire stories, appeared to Clarence in a vision. He spoke of a prophecy, a hero would rise one day, uniting all avians and bring an end to the Nosedive tyranny for good."
Mayor Callahan's eyes widened with shock. "What could that mean?" he whispered, his voice trembling.
Falcon McGriff took a deep breath, his eyes searching the night sky as if seeking answers from the stars above. "I don't rightly know," he admitted. "But the name Wishford... it ain't one you hear every day. It's gotta mean somethin'. Maybe there's more to that diary than Old Man Travis was lettin' on."
AN: Finally, an update to this story! I'm terribly sorry for not having updated for quite a while. Not because I was suffering from writer's block again, but because I was getting in the mood for Halloween last month, decorating, and baking, even doing some fan art in honor of the spookiest night of the year and the best holiday above the others that many love a whole lot. And who can blame them for that? Anyways, it looks like the rebels and renegades have finally found former Mayor Callahan after four years of disappearing due to a lie by the horrible Nosedive family that wanted power and control all to themselves at all costs. All they have to do now is find a way to rescue Becky and the other slaves from the plantation, but not without a full plan.