Wren

“How long have you been eavesdropping?!” Mouse shrugged, “Such a strong word. I prefer to think that I innocently overheard some remarks.” “‘Innocent’ is a strong word to describe you. How long!?” I snapped. “Long enough to hear that Reinna thinks you’re an extraordinary bird, perhaps even more special than Alnore.” “She didn’t say that.” “She didn’t have to. Didn’t you feel it from her?” “No!” Mouse laughed. “Wise, wise Wren. You’re always so lost in your mind that you miss things of the heart and the world. But since you trust your mind more than your heart, let’s think this through.” He ignored my disgusted glare. “Would you agree Alnore is the greatest animal in the land?” “Alnore would say all are equal within the Light of All.” “Of course HE would say that,” Mouse chuckled. “But what about other creatures? Would you agree that most animals respect, revere, or fear Alnore?” That was undeniable. “Yes,” I said. “And by Reinna’s account, Alnore has been interested in you ever since you hatched. Right?” “You remember a lot for innocently overhearing our conversation.” “I have a sharp memory. But I am right, aren’t I?” I heard Denek’s sharp voice say, “Avoid him,” but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. “Yes.” “So, why would the Great Alnore, The Sacred Bird, The Winged Warrior and Messenger of the Light of All, be so interested in a common sparrow? The reason, even if unclear, must be important, don’t you agree?” “Yes,” I said. Mouse’s logic made my heart squirm. “You’re not an umbratore, a creature of darkness, are you?” he asked, smirking. “No!” I blurted. “Of course not!” “No, of course not,” he smiled. “But neither are you a creature of Light, like Alnore, are you?” I turned my head. “Are you?” Mouse persisted. “I don’t know,” I mumbled. “No, you don’t,” Mouse replied. “And that’s what makes you so tremendously fascinating, Wren. How does an otherwise common sparrow command so much attention from the two most powerful creatures in the land?” “TWO most powerful creatures?” Mouse’s eyes widened before he doubled over, laughing. “Styxn?! Styxn is as interested in me as Alnore?!” “Of course, Styxn! But he isn’t just interested in you, Wren. He’s obsessed with you. His interest goes far beyond Alnore’s care for you. Alnore disappears for days without telling you where he is going, and he seldom mentions you when you’re not at his side. But as for Styxn, a day seldom goes by when he isn’t asking me or others about you or obsessing about Alnore’s interest in you.” A chill crept down my neck. “You tell Styxn about me?” “Not everything. It’s never good to show all your paws to another creature.” “What do you tell him about me?!” “Mostly what any creature would say about you: where you were that day, who you counseled, what you told them, and of course, anything Alnore might have done with you. But you’re getting distracted from my point.” “There’s a point other than to make me angry? Provoking me seems to be your life ambition.” “Wren, I enjoy getting under your feathers. I do. But I’m more than just a handsome rogue who loves to get a rise out of you.” I opened my wings. Mouse held out a paw, suddenly serious. “Wren… wait, I need to tell you something. Something important. Don’t fly away. I’ll climb up to you.” He scurried up the tree, deft as a squirrel. It felt unnatural. When he reached my branch, he scooted close. Styxn’s stench smothered his fur. I held down a drop of vomit. “Wren, we are tiny animals whom the land’s two most powerful creatures have drawn into their confidence. We alone hear their deepest secrets and intentions. Don’t you find that odd?” “It crossed my mind.” “And isn't it also odd that you are a sparrow named Wren and I’m a rat named Mouse?” “My mother named me Wren. Well, my nest mother, in any event.” “I’ve heard the story,” said Mouse. “My tale isn’t as elaborate. I know my true name, but I am called Mouse because Styxn insisted upon it from the day he saved me from being eaten by a snake. He killed every creature that knew my litter name and then swore that should I ever utter it, he would kill me, too. It wasn’t until I heard Alnore had taken in a sparrow named Wren that the puzzle became clear. He intends me to be a mirror of you.” I stiffened, claws clenched and breath frozen. My heart raced. I didn’t want to believe Mouse, but I felt he was telling the truth. “Why?” I rasped. “That, Wren, is the real question, isn’t it? Why are you so important to both Alnore and Styxn? Why are you so important that Styxn would kill all my friends, family, acquaintances, and even enemies to make me some sort of equivalent to you?” My stomach soured. “I’m so sorry, Mouse. I never knew. I never asked for any of this.” Mouse waved a paw, “It’s nothing you did, Wren. It’s who you are. The reason existed long before either of us was born.” “How could that be?” “How, indeed? I’ve asked myself that over and over. I refuse to believe in any power beyond this world and yet, how does one explain this? And if there is a power beyond this world shaping eternal events the way wind and water shape rock, then you must be the most important sculpture in the land, for YOU, Wren, are the center of this entire drama. You’ve wondered why I’m so interested in you. That is why.” Mouse’s eyes glistened. I felt them wanting to overflow, but unable to do so. I touched his paw, offering what comfort I could. Even if he was not to be trusted, he deserved a shred of kindness.