The Aviary

We arrived in front of the castle, just like last time. It looked very different during the day. Less gloomy and imposing.

The teleportation went easier too. I didn't pass out, at the very least. My stomach hurt though.

The cockatoos shrieked in their cages beside us. I didn't blame them. Going all the way to Hawaii in less than a second definitely messes with your nerves.

I turned to Ms. Ackerman. "A little unnerving, isn't it?"

The witching bird, who had said his name was Hedgehog, stood in front of us. After a long conversation, we did convince him to help us make the trade. I still didn't think he trusted us completely, though.

The dog carriers, encased in blue light, floated beside him. "Follow me, please. I'll take you right to Millipede."

A pair of witching bird guards rushed forward as soon as we entered the building.

"Hedgehog!" one barked. "Why have you brought these humans here?"

Hedgehog tilted the carriers so they could see inside. "We would like to talk to General Millipede."

They let us through.

We made our way down the dimly lit hallway. To tell the truth, I was nervous. What if they kept Harrison anyway? But I didn't really have any other choice, and I was determined to get my friend back.

From watching Hedgehog, I could tell that he was a little worried, too. His feathers were slightly puffed out, and when we finally reached the door to General Millipede's office, he cleared his throat.

There was another pair of guards here as well. Hedgehog explained our circumstances to them and they opened the door for us.

Millipede met us in front of his desk. Even after spending time with both Cricket and Hedgehog he still seemed massive. "Why have you brought those humans here?" he growled.

Hedgehog took a step back. "They have come to offer us a trade," he said.

"What for?"

Hedgehog lifted one of the carriers with his wings. (Magic was not allowed in the General's office, after all.) "They have brought these six speaking greys, in return for the animal we took from them."

"This seems like a trick, Hedgehog. This is an unfair trade, and they know it," General Millipede said, peering into the carrier.

"I promise you, it is not. They seem to be very attached to the cockatoo. I believe they call him Harrison."

"That one has tricked us before," Millipede pointed at me. "I don't trust him."

"With all due respect, sir, we did try to kill him," Hedgehog said.

"Please. I just want Harrison back." As it turned out, I was not above begging.

Millipede sighed. "Fine. But watch them closely."

A moment later a guard came to haul the two carriers away. "Follow me," she said.

There he was.

Harrison.

They had moved him to a larger outdoor pen, definitely large enough for the six birds we had brought with us. The hot, humid air and mosquitoes bit at my skin. Around us, palm trees sprung and flowers bloomed. Harrison sat hunched in the corner of the aviary. His head bowed low and his crest laid flat. I had never seen him so sad.

"Harrison!" I yelled as we walked up to his cage.

He spun around and raised his crest as soon as he heard me. "Joseph!"

I met him by the door, Ms. Ackerman and the witching bird beside me. "I was so worried about you."

He looked at me, his pupils rapidly going in and out of focus. Then he shook himself and said, "it took you long enough."

I grabbed my suitcase from inside my now empty room. My mom wore a sad smile on her face.

"Be safe out there."