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Chapter 6

An early winter night settled over the valley of the Sanvean. No moon shone from above, and the darken wood surrounding the avian temple merged seamlessly with the night.

Just past midnight, in a chamber high atop the great pyramid, the high priestess of the temple was in the throes of a fearful nightmare. But it was no ordinary dream. It was a premonition. A glimpse of things to come.

And in Alicia Majoris' chamber, she struggled against the troubling vision. In it her friend, Shelly Proudfoot, was dying in childbirth. Her hybrid child had grown too large for her small body to bear. And the terrible labor to come would claim both her life, and her unborn child, Shean.

The vision was suddenly broken by the image of Shean. The half equine and half eagle stood before Alicia in a form he would take in his early twenties, and the young man cried out for Alicia's aid.

"Medical knowledge cannot prevent my mother's death," Shean said within Alicia's dream, "Only Genevieve can help us. Please go to her, bring her to my mother's side, and she will reshape her. Please! Help us!"

Alicia suddenly woke from her dream. She lay in the darkness of her chamber, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "Oh Shean, what you ask..."

Alicia shook her head. Slowly, she rose. And went to her chamber door. She quietly stepped from her chamber, hoping not to wake her brother. But as she looked down the darken passageway, there was a light coming from her brother's room.

The black eagle sighed, and went to Imar's door. Gently tapping her claws upon the wooden frame, she made her way inside. Imar sat on the edge of his bed, writing in a dream journal. A book the mystic kept when he would have strange dreams, making notes of them, hoping to glean meaning from them later.

"Was I crying out?" Alicia asked. "I am sorry to have disturbed you."

"Nay," Imar replied. "I too was paid a visit by the young master Proudfoot. The hour of his birth draws near, and he is growing desperate." Imar shook his head. "He knows his mother is in danger, and he seeks the aid of the Sorceress Genevieve."

Alicia swallowed. "He also spoke her name in my dream, he seems confident that the witch would help us." Alicia said. But then she looked troubled, "It is not logical to seek out the sorceress. We should instead turn to trained medical professionals." Alicia said, nervously smoothing her feathers.

"There may be some wisdom in his desire for Genevieve's aid." Imar said, "I have studied his condition, and there is a grave danger both to him, and to his mother. The unusual nature of his physiology is more than his mother's body can bear."

Alicia shook her head, "But is the danger posed by a vengeful witch lesser than the dangerous complications of Misses Proudfoot's hybrid pregnancy?" Alicia asked.

Imar smiled, and took his sister into his arms. "I do not believe we will find a vengeful witch. The Sorceress Genevieve has been cut off from society for over twenty years. I believe we will find a repentant woman who wishes to make amends, and return to our society."

Imar looked into Alicia's golden eyes, "The young master Proudfoot has unprecedented access to the spirit world. He can see many things that are not clear to even our eyes. I trust his judgment."

Alicia put her cheek against her brother's chest, "I pray you are right." Alicia said softly. "I pray that we are doing the right thing."

"Have faith." Imar said, "And you should return to your chamber and try to get back to sleep. We have much to plan come the dawn." Alicia smiled, and patted his shoulder. Making her way back toward her room, Alicia put her hand to her head. "If the child of Shelly Proudfoot requests magic to save his mother, why seek the sorceress? He is surrounded by magic..."

But the mystic realized that the child was no more magical than she was. He simply had a spiritual window that gave him great insights. Much like herself, and her brother Imar. Reaching her bed, she slowly eased back down. "Oh Shean, I pray you are wise in your choice."

Alicia sighed, and settled down. The darkness was soft, but the mystic's sleep was long in coming.

***

In downtown Albany, the companions sat glumly around the table at Hamburger Mary's. The crowd around them seemed to sense their melancholy, and the mood of the fellow diners was quiet, and reserved.

Shelton sat with his husband Hector the grey harpy eagle. Hector's cousin Victoria sat with her fox Timothy Buttons. Their relationship was growing deeper each day, and through the sadness of Shelly's condition, all were happy to see Victoria and Timothy growing deeply in love.

The lion Ulan van Kesselring sat with the company, as did Rakim the doctor. Rakim was talking about a new surgical procedure where an infant could be surgically removed from it's mother should complications arise. "But the success rate is not great." Rakim said, hanging his head.

Ulan spoke up, "I had the strangest dream..." he said, as all eyes turned to him. He cleared his throat, suddenly shy about relating the strange dream. "What was it?" Shelton asked.

"Well, I had the strangest dream that Shelly's baby appeared to me. I mean... he wasn't a baby when I saw him..." Ulan nervously cleared his throat again, "And, He mentioned this person's name. Someone my Dad once encountered. He said this person could help Shelly."

Hector and Shelton leaned close to Ulan, looking expectantly.

And shyly, Ulan continued, "Well, have you ever wondered why I am an outwardly male lion, yet I have female sexual organs? My father, I mean... well, it's very confusing."

Ulan hung his head, and Rakim put his hand on the young lion's shoulder. Ulan patted the larger lion's hand, and smiled appreciatively.

"My dad," Ulan continued, "He was once kind of an asshole. Very chauvinistic. And not such a nice guy. He met this lioness while on a wilderness expedition, and he tried to force himself on her." Ulan looked at his hands, wondering if he should continue. But he remembered how urgent Shean Proudfoot had been in his dream. If there was the slightest chance that Shean's premonition could come true...

Ulan drew a breath, and continued, "There was something about this woman that my father encountered, she had some kind of magical power. She made my dad's sexual organs become a woman's sexual parts. Dad was not born that way, not like I was. He was changed by this woman."

Ulan clasped his hands over his face, and all at the table gazed at the young lion in stunned surprise.

Finally, Victoria asked "Did... your father later become pregnant with you?" And Ulan nodded. "Yes." He finally said. "And it seems I inherited his condition."

Shelton thought about all of Shelly's dreams, and how they seemed to be visions that came to pass with stunning accuracy. "This dream you had where Shean told you this woman could help Shelly..." the pony asked, "How real did it seem to you?"

"I have never had a dream like that before." Ulan replied. "It was totally real to me."

"This person Shean spoke of, where are they now?" Shelton asked, "The one who... made your father...." Shelton's voice trailed off, but Ulan smiled, "My dad would know. I think."

Everyone noticed how Shelton had a very hopeful expression on his face, and his optimism was contagious. "I think what Shean is implying," Shelton said, "is if this woman has the power to change people's bodies, that she can make Shelly bigger, so that she can safely give birth to Shean."

"But..." Victoria said cautiously, "She doesn't sound like a very nice person. Why would she chose to help Shelly?"

Shelton looked to Ulan, and the lion looked helplessly back at the pony. "I don't have any answers for you Shelton." Ulan said. "I know that this woman, Genevieve I think her name was, I know she got into a lot of trouble, and she was sent away. I have never even met her."

"Maybe we should talk to your dad." Shelton said, the hopeful expression in his eyes growing stronger with each passing moment.

***

Shelly lay in her bed and tried her best to rest. It was been almost two months since Hector's cousin had come to stay, as well as the Brownfoot clan taking up residence within the home.

Gradually, Eleanor could see that Paul badly missed the sea, and that Misses Brownfoot had become absolutely enchanted with Eleanor's home. It seemed the best for all that Eleanor allow the Brownfoot family to inherit her home, and for Eleanor to try her hand at being a sailor with her husband. "My new daughter will get to see many wondrous places." Eleanor said, gazing upon her daughter's egg.

Satisfied that all was well, she stepped back, and with impressive muscular power she leapt up to the walkway high above. Benjamin Brownfoot's eyes went wide at the regal lady's athletic display.

The badger let out a surprised whistle, and watched Eleanor make her way to Shelly's room.

Shelly slowly opened her eyes, and saw a great golden eagle face smiling down on her. Eleanor sat on the edge of Shelly's bed, and ran her finger's through the mare's flowing mane.

"You are going to be okay." Shelly's adopted mother said with confidence. The mare smiled weakly, and touched her hand to Eleanor's thigh. "Shean seems to think so." Shelly said, patting her belly with her other hand. "I have not heard from him in several nights, I think he's been going around scaring up help."

Eleanor covered her beak with her wing, in that all too familiar gesture that Shelly thought was extremely cute. "Don't tell me he's spoken to you." Shelly asked.

Eleanor nodded, and then she touched Shelly's brow. Looking deeply into her former son's eyes. "He came to me in my dream, he told me who his spirit had once been." Eleanor said softly. And Shelly clasped her hand around her mother's arm. "It's okay." Eleanor said, her voice thick with emotion. "We all seem to share a strange interconnectedness that I am beginning to see is not all that uncommon."

Eleanor smiled, and again smoothed Shelly's mane. "You and I have likely shared many past lives together. Our meeting in this life was likely no accident, but in this life we have an extraordinary window into these miracles through Shean's connection to the spirit world."

Shelly took a mental note that Eleanor had referred to her son as Shean, and not Justin. The mare was happy that her mother would not view Shean through a veil of Justin's memory.

"Well," Shelly said, "If you happen to see a certain little birdie before I do, tell him his mother needs some reassuring for a change." Eleanor smiled, and laid her face against Shelly's breast. "I love you Shelly." The eagle said softly, wishing she had lips with which to kiss her equine daughter with.

***

Karl van Kesselring heard his son's voice call to him from downstairs. The lion rose from his reading chair, and made his way to the stairwell. "Hello son!" Karl called back, "What tidings...?" Karl's voice faltered when he saw the two enormous harpy eagles waiting with his son. "Hello!" Ulan said brightly. "These are my friends, Hector..." Ulan said, gesturing to the thickly built male eagle, "And Victoria," Ulan continued, nodding to the more athletic looking female eagle, "And Timothy, and Shelton." Ulan said, patting his mammal friends on their shoulders.

Karl made his way down stairs, and hugged his son. "It's good to see you." Karl said warmly, "And welcome!" the lion said, bowing to his son's companions. The party made their way to the kitchen, and made small talk while Karl made some tea, and drew a tray of salted meat from the refrigerator. Suddenly the air was split by a great rumbling sound. Shelton laughed loudly as the eagles both clutched their bellies. Their stomachs had issued a great rumble almost in unison. Karl laughed, and offered the avians the salted treats.

"Dad," Ulan began, "I need to ask you about something." Karl smiled, and nodded. "Dad," Ulan said again, "I need to know where to find Genevieve." The elder lion seemed surprised at the question. "Oh, well..." Karl began, "I'm not exactly sure how to contact her. I know she was sent to Wake Island. Far up in the northern waters of the Tethys."

The horse seemed to be very interested in this, and Karl asked "Why do you seek her?"

The tall female eagle chimed in, "The witch might be able to save my friend's sister."

Karl looked doubtful, "The Sorceress Genevieve thinks only of herself. I doubt..." But Shelton interrupted, "We have reliable information that she might help us with our cause."

"Well," Karl said, "Then that would truly be magical."

***

That night, a bright sliver of the winter moon lit Alicia's chamber. The black eagle lay within a deep slumber. She was at peace, but soon a dream came to her. Within her dream, Alicia stood upon a calm shore, looking into a deep forest. Lush, and mysterious was the wood. And Alicia saw a trail that led into the shady grove. Inexorably drawn, Alicia followed the path into the wood.

The trees seemed to whisper to the eagle, and as the wind moved the great branches, the leaves softly sang to her. Alicia made her way through the wood to a sunlit clearing. There in the sun stood a tall figure. Alicia could barely make out the dark shape.

But then the figure turned, and looked to Alicia. And Alicia's breath left her. There, in the clearing, was Alicia herself. A bright halo of light surrounded her, and upon her head was a laurel of leaves.

Alicia cried out as she woke from her dream. She looked around her chamber, and struggled to catch her breath. With newfound determination, she leapt from her bed, and made ready to depart for the north.

Later that morning, after a modest meal, Alicia gathered her utility harness and prepared to depart the temple. Her brother Imar made his way into her chamber, and looked to her thoughtfully. "I should go." he said, after a moment.

"Believe me," Alicia said, "I'd prefer to not face the sorceress. But your strengths are different than mine, and I think my skills offer the greatest chance of success."

Imar nodded, and before Alicia could blink Imar had closed the distance to her, and put his arms around his sister. "Take care." Imar said, his voice great with concern.

Alicia smiled, and roughed the black plumage of his neck. "I hope what you have said is true. That I will find a repentant woman, instead of a vengeful witch." Imar closed his eyes, and hugged his sister tightly. "It is my hope that you will find the better angel of her nature."

Alicia reflected upon her strange dream. "Perhaps I shall find the better angel of my own nature."

***

In Eleanor's gallery, Paul sat with his wife. Eleanor lay cradled in her husband's arms, and the two golden eagles chatted with Benjamin and Catherine Brownfoot. Just then the door opened, and Shelton rushed in with Hector. "Mom!" Shelton called excitedly, "We have a lead on someone who might be able to help Shelly!"

After Shelton related the story of Ulan's father, and his transformation, Eleanor sat back thoughtfully. "I am terribly worried about such a person changing Shelly in such a profound way."

Shelton nodded, and looked up to the walkway toward Shelly's door. "But," Eleanor continued, "I was visited by someone close to us. Someone with special powers. He said that someone would come to our rescue, and would help Shelly."

Paul rose, and went to the telephone. Eleanor looked to him, and Paul gestured out the front window, toward the north. "If we are going to travel to Wake Island, we shall need a ship, and a crew."

***

The next few days passed without incident, and on a cool Friday morning, Elizabeth Brownfoot lay with her parents in one of Eleanor's spare rooms. Just then she heard a soft tapping on the large front doors. She rose, and skipped her way down stairs. Jonathan Brightwing alighted from the railing above, and landed next to the girl. "Go ahead and answer!" he said to the girl.

And Elizabeth eagerly opened the door. A very large crocodile stood in the doorway, his bulk filled the archway, and his visage was quite frightening. But from his throat came a very gentle voice. "Hello," the croc said, "My name is Erwin. I am a friend of Paul Silverstone is he..."

"Hello!" Paul called from the railing above. "Come on in!" Paul vaulted from the railing, and landed into the gallery. He rushed to the crocodile, and threw his arms around him. The big reptile knelt down, and hugged his former Captain. "It is so good to see you Captain Sil-" "Just call me Paul now!" the eagle said, "I'm not your skipper anymore!"

The crocodile bowed, and smiled warmly. Soon, a great breakfast was prepared, and Erwin sat on the floor near the table, for no chair in the home would bear his weight. Elizabeth was utterly fascinated by the large reptile, and constantly traded curious glances with the crocodile.

"What is the status of the Arctic?" Paul asked after a moment. "The ship has just been upgraded with two of the newest Rolls Royce J5 fission reactors. We can easily make 32 knots once we bring in all the rigging." Erwin said.

As the engineer of the ship, Erwin took great pride in the Sealift Arctic's functioning.

"That would make it a week's voyage each way. Plenty of time to get there and back before my daughter hatches." Paul said thoughtfully.

Ashley shifted in his seat, and then asked his father "Paul, Jonathan and I were wondering if we could go along?"

Paul looked to the two eagle brothers, and then he smiled broadly. Ashley's wings began to flap excitedly. "Really?" he screeched. Jonathan looked less sure of the venture, but he too was pleased at the idea of going on a sailing voyage.

"There are no passengers," Paul said sternly, "You will be tasked with many menial duties since you are not trained sailors." Ashley was undaunted, "What better way to gain some experience!"

Paul smiled again, and then looked to Shelton and Hector, "I expect that you would like to accompany me? This Genevieve might require some convincing." Shelton nodded, and Timothy chimed in, "I too would like to go." He then looked to Victoria, making sure he had not volunteered for something she would disapprove of.

"I would certainly love to go" Virgil said, entering the kitchen. The group looked to the bald eagle. Virgil looked tired. In the last month, whenever Shelly would sleep, Virgil would remain awake, and make sure she was comfortable.

"It would be good to have you with us..." Paul said. "But obviously, your place is here."

Virgil nodded, and put his large hand on Shelton's shoulder. "You carry all of my hopes Shelton." And Shelton brushed his lips over Virgil's fingers, "I love you Virgil." Shelton said in a husky voice. "I want you to know that. I love you."

Eleanor's expression became very touched, and Virgil knelt beside the stallion and hugged him. "I love you too brother. I wish I could capture the words to convey how much I care about you, and our Shelly."

Paul patted Shelton's arm. "Then we leave in the morning. There is no time to waste. Ashley! Jonathan! Prepare your affairs!"

***

The bus rolled through the shipyard gate, and Paul caught sight of his old ship. The Sealift Arctic. The November skies were grey, and far out to see a storm looked to be brewing. The Arctic was a freighter, with three large masts. Being more like a schooner of yesteryear than a modern cargo ship.

The Sealift Arctic excelled in getting supplies through ice choked northern passages, where a modern vessel could become jammed in the ice.

Several Union Navy officers were on the pier, and they saluted to Paul. Paul was an officer of the Union Maritime Service. While not a regular naval officer, Paul Silverstone carried a commission from the Chancellor of the Union, making him a Captain in the Union Naval Reserve.

Paul returned the officer's salute, and Ashley was very impressed by his new father's apparent authority.

A lieutenant approached, and shook Paul's hand. "Very good to have you back sir!" Paul smiled warmly to the officer. "Paul!" a voice called. The golden eagle turned, and was greeted by the new captain of the Sealift Arctic, Captain Charles McGinn.

"Thanks for coming back on board!" the handsome equine said. "Charles!" Paul said, shaking his friend's hand. "Thanks for taking this bit of leave, and letting me take the 'ol girl out one more time!"

The crew assembled their luggage, and their supply of stores. In order to secure the use of the Sealift Arctic, Paul had explained the mission as a rescue operation. To bring back a rare blood donor for a very sick person. It was a slight distortion of the truth, but Paul was comfortable with it, given the circumstance.

The ship set sail just past 4pm. Ashley and Jonathan were handed over to a tall mink steward, who's name was Janus. "This way..." Janus said, leading the boys to the galley. Ashley marveled at the motion of the five hundred foot vessel in the water. "This is where you will work," Janus said, showing Jonathan a deep sink area. "And here," Janus said, "Is where you will work." the mink said to Ashley, directing him to a freezer. "I need the perishable stores placed in the freezer." Janus said to Ashley, and with that, the mink departed.

Ashley began stacking the stores into the freezer, and Jonathan was momentarily confused, as he had not been instructed to do anything. But he quickly crossed the galley and began to help his brother stack the stores.

Janus peered into the galley through a narrow slat in a roll up window, and was pleased that Jonathan had began to help his friend without being instructed to do so. "Eagle youngsters can be lazy." the mink said to himself with a laugh. "Glad to see these ones are not."

Later, Shelton made his way into the pilot house, and watched Paul at work. Busily charting the ship's course with his navigator. Shelton had never seen this side of Paul before, and his adopted father was truly impressive in his element. Eleanor would likely be swept off her feet if she could see her husband at work.

"Ah, Shelton." Paul said, "Let's go get some chow." The eagle took the stallion by the hand, and led him below to the galley. Upon entering, they were met by Ashley and Jonathan. The two eagles were wearing aprons, which bore a crescent moon. The trade symbol of a ship's steward.

The eagles smiled broadly, and waved to their loved ones. Ashley then showed Paul and Shelton to their seat, and handed the two a small menu. Paul watched as Jonathan met Erwin and the other engineer, an equine named Parker, and led his guests to their table.

Paul was very pleased that Ashley and Jonathan's ego did not seem to be injured by the service role they were pressed into. Indeed, the two seemed to relish having a job onboard a ship. Perhaps the two had found a profession that they could truly put themselves to?

Two days later, the ship was nearing the northern reaches of the Tethys sea. The weather was worsening, and the ship encountered a strong storm as it drew near to Wake Island. By mid afternoon there was freezing rain, and the ship faced a hurricane west wind.

Paul stood in the pilot house, and carefully monitored any alarms that might signal a hull breach.

"If Ashley and Jonathan still want to be sailors after this storm, then they will truly have made up their minds to join up." Paul said as the ship pitched several degrees to port.

The intercom suddenly crackled, "Pilothouse, Engineering." Paul thumbed the switch, "Go ahead Erwin."

"Captain, number two reactor is at six, nine, seven, decimal five degrees. Recommend shutting down number two." Paul's wings slumped, this would affect their speed through the water, and make their ride a whole lot bumpier. "Concur engineer, shut down number two." Paul said.

"Okay guys, here comes your trial by fire." Paul muttered, thinking how miserable Ashley and Jonathan must be right now.

Below, the two young eagles were gleefully laughing. "Jon, watch this!" Ashley said as the ship pitched, and Ashley pressed himself against the bulkhead, seemingly held there as if he were mounted to the bulkhead.

"That's so weird!" Jonathan said laughing. "This is so cool!" Ashley said as he slid back down to the deck.

***

Early next morning, their destination came into view. Wake Island was once a small outpost, long since abandoned.

The Helician lordship of the former eagle monarch Ferdinand II had taken possession of the Island, and had suggested to the sorceress Genevieve that she take up residence on the island.

And now, the Sealift Arctic approached the island. Seeking it's sole inhabitant. The crew stood on deck, looking out through the mist at the lonely looking shore. Just then, a black shape streaked across the sky. Victoria let out a startled cry, and prepared to leap into the air to challenge any intruder.

But the black shape slowly glided back over the ship, and lightly touched down on deck. "Master Shelton!" Alicia said, bowing to the stallion. "Truly, you are a horse who has many friends."

Shelton smiled to the temple priestess, and Victoria regarded the black eagle with curiosity. "Greetings," Alicia said to Victoria, "I am Alicia Majoris, I did not mean to startle you."

"So, you are here for the same thing we are?" Shelton asked, and Alicia nodded. "Your nephew can be very persuasive, for someone who has not even been born yet." Alicia said, smiling.

A motorboat was prepared to carry the mammals ashore, and the eagles flew the distance to the beach.

Alicia lightly touched down upon the peaceful shore, and looked into the darken wood beyond.

The shadows of the forbidden forest seemed to whisper to her, and in that moment the black eagle was struck by a long held vision of the creator's darken forest. His tranquil sea, and his tall ship waiting upon a distant horizon.

This image had echoed through the eagle's mind since her childhood.

But now, Alicia looked out across the waters to the Sealift Arctic. The vessel was perfectly framed in that vision. Alicia wondered if her vision was not of the legend of the creator's forest, but rather this very moment in time. This moment was predestined. Alicia reflected upon her dream of the sunlit grove. She knew her life was going to change. She only hoped that she could save Shelly in the process. Looking back to the surf, Alicia watched the rest of the company wade through the water, and assemble on the sandy beach.

The morning sun was breaking over the horizon, and a warm glow lit the tops of the trees. Alicia gestured to a path, and the company set off through the seemingly ancient forest. The deeper they delved into the wood, the more it seemed that they were no longer in the world of Land, but somewhere else entirely.

Alicia guided the company through the wood, she sought out the strongest life force she could detect, figuring that would be the sorceress. The sun climbed high into the sky, and the party sat down to rest. Paul looked upon a map of the island, and then folded it into his belt. "The terrain we see is not what should be here. Wake Island shouldn't have this dense forest." Paul said.

"It is the work of the sorceress." Alicia said. Finally, the black eagle rose, and called out in a loud voice "Genevieve, please, show yourself."

And from a nearby stand of trees, a tall lioness stepped into the light. She was imposing, but not intimidating. She had lovely tawny brown fur, and long curly black hair. She stood nude, wearing only a laurel of leaves in her hair. Her deep green eyes flashed in the mid day sun. And slowly, she approached the party.

Alicia stood stunned, the lioness looked so much like Alicia herself had appeared in her dream.

Victoria was awed by the lioness, but the harpy shyly averted her eyes. Embarrassed by the sorceress' bare form.

Alicia then composed herself. She was fascinated that she could feel nothing of Genevieve's power. No feeling, no hint of who this woman was. Alicia could sense all living beings, but from the sorceress, nothing.

Genevieve took note of Alicia's curiosity, and she gave Alicia something to sense. A fantasy. Genevieve projected to Alicia a vision of the two of them having a sexual encounter. Alicia put her hands to her cheeks in embarrassment.

And Genevieve winked to the black eagle. "Good morrow." the sorceress said. "You have traveled far, what brings you to my wood?" Genevieve asked the party.

Shelton stepped forward, and Genevieve looked upon him intently. She began speaking to the party, but to Shelton, the woman was speaking directly to him. Into his mind.

"It is good to see you again young master Thorbardin. Your spirit has not been in the world in many a long age." The sorceress said, and Shelton gasped, breaking the mental link.

"...so please" Genevieve was continuing to the rest of the party, "Come, make yourselves comfortable at my lodge. It is not far from here."

Alicia felt extremely uneasy. She felt no malice from the sorceress, other than the sexual desire that the lioness had for the eagle. Alicia was worried that the price of helping Shelly would be a sexual tryst with the lioness. But if that was the cost, then Alicia would pay it.

As Shelton walked, the name Genevieve had spoken echoed in the stallion's mind. Obviously she had known some person that the pony had been in a previous life. But who?

An image stuck in Shelton's mind, of a great black tower rising up through thick grey clouds.

Shelton shook his head, and continued on. But Victoria appeared beside the stallion, and put her hand on his shoulder. Shelton looked up to her, and Victoria's expression was uncharacteristic for the tall valkyrie. It was the expression he would see Eleanor wear. It was motherly love. Shelton wondered if Victoria was being shown glimpses of her own past life, when she was Shelton's mother.

Something about this place was affecting Shelton, and the members of his party. The pony felt vaguely uneasy, but he sensed no sinister intent.

Genevieve walked closely to Alicia, and as they walked the lioness' hand would brush Alicia's. Alicia suddenly took the woman's hand, and Genevieve smiled broadly to the black eagle.

"I will pay any price." Alicia said softly. But Genevieve tutted her, "You are truly beautiful Alicia. But I have a different desire which you could fulfill." Genevieve said softly. "Ah," the lioness then said, gesturing between a stand of trees, "My cabin."

The sorceress' home was a very modest lodge, not unlike Hector's boyhood home. It had no door, and the lioness smiled to the party as she gestured they go inside. "Make yourself at home." Genevieve said. "I regret I have no food... my condition is such that I require no physical nourishment."

Shelton thought it very strange that she would not need to eat. It would have driven the pony crazy to never be able to eat. Just then Genevieve appeared before the stallion, she smiled to him, and Shelton looked up to the sorceress. "What did you mean calling me 'Thorbardin?'" Shelton asked. Genevieve knelt down, and gazed deeply into Shelton's eyes. The sorceress began to search Shelton's spirit, gazing deeply into his collective past.

And there, in his distant past, she saw the time and the place that this equine had come into her life.

Over two thousand years ago, on the great plains of Thyssen, when they sky was still choked with ash from the cataclysm. The lion warlord Naseeruddin Kahn sought to build a great tower for him to glimpse the clear sky above the clouds.

For you see, the world of land has very few high points. And in the days of hardship, only the peak of the stone mountain was above the grey clouds of ash that choked the sky. And that peak was controlled by the eagles.

So the warlord Naseeruddin sought to build a great tower that would be his own peak with which to view the clear skies above, and feel the warmth of the sun. And so it was that a young Genevieve was in bondage. Laboring to build the tower with hundreds of other slaves.

Genevieve had not yet realized the power that she would wield later in life, and there she would have died in the cold and the rain. Under the tyranny of Naseeruddin's whips and chains. Were it not for the heroism of a small grey horse named Sampson Bard. Sampson led a raid on the warlord's camp, routing his forces, and freeing the warlord's slaves.

For his deeds Sampson Bard was re-christened by the king of the eagles. Sampson's name ever after was Sampson Thorbardin. Changing the meaning of Sampson's name from Bard, meaning "Herald," to "Mighty Herald."

Shelton fidgeted under Genevieve's gaze, and the lioness smiled. "Thank you Mighty Herald. I will be happy to assist you, and your sister. Across this gulf of time, I may finally repay my debit to you."

"But I have a request..." Genevieve said, looking to Alicia. The priestess looked to the sorceress, and Genevieve stepped toward the black eagle. "Please, release me from this burden. Take my power into your care, so that you may help your friend." For the first time since meeting the lioness, the eyes of the sorceress were fearful. But Alicia opened her arms, beckoning the lioness to her.

Genevieve took her crown of leaves from her head, and placed then upon Alicia's brow. And in Alicia's mind, the image of her dream self came to her. Heralding what the black eagle was about to become. Genevieve put her hands to Alicia's breast, and suddenly the black eagle's eyes were lit by a white lightning. Electricity shot from Genevieve's hands, into Alicia's body. As the sorceress transferred her power to the temple priestess, the lioness began to noticeably age.

When at last the transfer was complete, the now frail lioness crumpled to the floor. Shelton helped the lioness, and Genevieve groaned softly. "Thank you Sampson." Genevieve said in an elderly voice.

Shelton looked to Alicia, and the black eagle's golden eyes seemed lit from behind. She panted softly, and her wings trembled. Victoria drew near to her, and asked "Are you okay my lady?"

Alicia looked to Vicky, and nodded after a moment. "Yes." Alicia said slowly, "I just need to catch my breath."

Shelton looked back to Genevieve, and the lioness was noticeably older, just in the moment that he had looked away. Alicia knelt beside the lioness, "Is there anything I can do?" she asked.

"No..." Genevieve said, "Just allow the natural order to finally come over me." Shelton looked anguished, "You can't allow yourself to die! I never wanted anyone to get hurt!" Shelton said.

"Sampson," Genevieve said, "My memory of you is not from a past life. I was there with you, two and a half thousand years ago. The weight of my years has been a terrible burden, and giving my power to Alicia is the greatest reward I could have asked for."

Shelton put his cheek to the lioness' forehead. "Thank you." Shelton said. "Farewell, Mighty..." the lioness said softly, but Genevieve's voice faded away, and the lioness was gone. Shelton felt her relax as she died, and in Alicia's new vision, the black eagle saw the woman's spirit finally depart her body like a ray of light. "Farewell..." Alicia said.

***

The Sealift Arctic set sail, and the crew assembled in the dining hall. Paul smiled to Ashley and Jonathan as they served food and drinks to the crew. They made fine stewards, and Paul was glad that they enjoyed this entry level position until the boys gained more seamanship expertise.

As the company ate a fine meal, all were quietly reflective. Pondering not only Genevieve's sacrifice, but also Alicia's potential sacrifice. Would the priestess be bound to the planet as Genevieve had been?

"Do you know what you can do to help Shelly?" Shelton asked Alicia, and the black eagle looked thoughtful. "I suppose I can make her larger and stronger, so that she may safely bear Shean through his birth.

Alicia smiled, "Unfortunately, with this power does not come greater wisdom."

Paul chuckled, and Shelton smiled. "Thank you for doing this Alicia, thank you so much!"

Alicia reached out to pat Shelton, "It is my pleasure to..." but as the black eagle touched Shelton a large bolt of energy leapt from her clawtips, and passed into the pony's body. Shelton was thrown back off of his chair, and Alicia cried out in fear as she yanked her hand back.

The party careened their heads to look over the table, "I'm okay." Shelton said. But as he spoke, his voice changed. He put his hand on the table to haul himself back up, and his fingernails grew into claw tips. Hector gasped loudly, "Shelton!" He cried. Shelton stood up, and as he looked to his husband, the stallion's face was changing. His pink nose was darkening, and his large blue eyes were growing even larger.

There was a loud noise, as if someone were snapping a large branch. Shelton realized that his pelvis had fractured, and was reshaping. He marveled that it did not hurt, feeling instead like a mild burning sensation. Shelton gasped suddenly as more popping noises were heard.

Shelton's body began to grow larger, and his clothing strained against his chest. Shelton opened his mouth to gasp, and as he did Hector could see his teeth recede into his jaw. The stallion's lips became pointed, and his muzzle became a beak.

Shelton cried out, and as he did his voice changed from a warm male note, to a soft female tone. Hector's eyes went wide as he realized that Shelton was turning into a female eagle. Not just a female eagle. But a female harpy eagle. Shelton's dapple grey fur was becoming soft grey feathers. And his mane of hair was becoming a great feathered crest.

Shelton's clothing ripped away from his body, and broad grey wings suddenly appeared from Shelton's back. Alicia sat wide eyed. Looking helplessly at Shelton's transformation as she gripped her beak with her hands.

Finally, Shelton's transformation was complete, and he held on to the side of the table as he steadied himself on his new avian feet. Hector rose, and put his arms around Shelton. Shelton's new eagle's eyes kept the brilliant blue hue

of his equine self. And Shelton regarded Alicia with his new vision.

"I'm so sorry..." The black mystic said, but Shelton's new womanly voice rang out, "Sorry for what? This is fantastic!" The party suddenly burst into loud chatter, asking Shelton how he felt, and marveling at what they had witnessed.

"This is terrific!" Shelton said brightly, "This is how we can help Shelly! We can make her an eagle!"

Ashley drew near to Shelton, "Why did you become a female harpy eagle?" the boy asked. And a strange expression crossed Shelton's face. "Because... since I met Hector, I wished I could be a female harpy eagle, so that we could..."

Shelton shyly looked to Hector, and Hector took Shelton into his arms. Hector then looked suddenly concerned, "I love you as an equine, I don't want to loose my Shelton..." But Alicia assuaged his concern, "Shelton can transform between his new form, and his former equine self, you have not lost your husband."

"Sherry." Hector said, "Your name is going to be Sherry when you are a female harpy." Sherry's beak gaped open, and her bright blue eagle's eyes smiled with love to her husband.

Alicia then stood, "Before I do anymore damage, I should take leave, and make haste to the lady Shelly's side." Paul looked surprised, "Are you sure you are ready to travel?"

Alicia smiled, "I shall be at Shelly's side come the morning." Alicia turned, and began to depart. But in that moment, Timothy called after Alicia. The black eagle turned, and Timothy ran across the galley to her. "Please," Timothy said passionately, "Please make me a harpy eagle too. I wish to be an eagle like my wife!" Victoria's heart soared when she heard her fox refer to her as his wife. "Timothy," Victoria called to him, "I love you no matter what form you wear."

But Alicia looked into Timothy's mind, and saw his motivations for a family with his wife to be. Against all of her protocols and judgments, Alicia touched Timothy, and imparted the gift of transformation into him.

Timothy turned back to Victoria, and his eyes went wide. Victoria rushed to him, and took him into her arms. Through his fur, Victoria could feel his body reshaping. Loud popping noises came from the fox as his bones shattered, only to be instantly remade.

"Oh, it sounds painful!" Victoria said with great concern. Timothy turned his face to her, as the thick fur of his neck slowly became red feathers. His snout suddenly lengthened into a beak, and through it he spoke, "It does not hurt."

Victoria gasped at the lyrical note his voice took as his throat became more avian. It was a beautiful voice. Still boyish, yet deep, and musical.

The already tall Timothy became even taller. His chest expanded, and Victoria marveled at his emerging avian physique. Timothy's wings sprang from his back for the first time, and his large eagle's eyes kept his reynard green color.

Indeed, Timothy's feathered down looked almost identical in color to his fox's fur. Sherry looked at her own feathered down, and she could see the equine dapple patterns in her grey feathers. Sherry's equine color pattern just happened to be a close approximation to a harpy eagle's.

Timothy panted heavily as his transformation neared it's completion. Victoria was surprised to see that Timothy had become eye level with her, and had even risen several inches taller than the grey valkyrie.

Alicia smiled at the two, and made her way across the galley toward the passageway leading topside. Timothy turned his head, and called to her, "Thank you, Alicia." The black eagle nodded, and the other members of the company began to applaud Alicia as she shyly ran her fingers over one of her pin feathers.

Sherry rushed to Timothy, and hugged him tightly, "I'm so happy for you two!" She said. Paul smiled as he noted that Shelton's midland drawl was even more apparent in his new female incarnation. Hector and Victoria joined the two new shapeshifters, as they hugged one another very tightly.

Alicia finally departed the vessel, leaving the party in thoughtful silence. All the crew members were lost in thought, amazed at what they had witnessed. But the silence was broken by a very loud growl. Sherry's eyes went wide, and she clutched her belly. Hector broke into amused laughter. "Welcome to the world of harpy eagles!" Hector said to his new eagle bride.

Hector took Sherry into his arms, "I think we need to get to our cabin." he whispered. And Sherry pressed herself tightly against Hector's chest, her eyes simmering with desire.

Timothy then looked to his Victoria, and a huge grin crossed his face. Taking her arm, he led her to their own cabin.

Paul put his fingers to his temple, "Eagles..." he said. And Ashley and Jonathan looked at each other for a long moment. But a grunt from the sailors reminded the boys that they were still at work, and the two young golden eagles went back to serving their crew mates their evening meal.

***

Next morning, the residents of the Silverstone home were finishing breakfast. Shelly looked very tired, and Virgil helped his wife up the stairs. She gasped in pain as the bald eagle guided her up the steps, and Virgil looked very concerned.

Safely upstairs, Shelly lay on her side, trying to get comfortable. Her belly hurt terribly, and she was very weak from lack of sleep. Shelly dozed on her bed, and it seemed that sleep was going to be a long time in coming. The small face of Elizabeth Brownfoot peeked into Shelly's chamber, and Shelly smiled, beckoning the young girl to her. Elizabeth padded into the room, and rest her face against Shelly's hand.

The little girl was terribly concerned for Shelly, and moments later many other family members appeared at Shelly's door. Virgil made his way inside, and sat next to Shelly. "I have called for Rakim," Virgil said softly, "In case..." Virgil hung his head, and Shelly gently squeezed his large hand.

"Sweetheart," Shelly said, "I am so happy to be bearing our child. I wouldn't want a thing to be any different for us. Besides, I keep having this dream that I am becoming an eagle. And we know that my dreams have a strange habit of coming true, huh?"

Virgil smiled, "You were an eagle in your past life," he thought to himself, "Does your dream mean you shall be an eagle again in your next life?"

Downstairs, the front door slowly creaked open, and a tall black shape made it's way inside.

Catherine Brownfoot was just leaving the bathroom when she caught sight of the eagle. The badger was startled by the visitor's strange visage. The eyes of the eagle seemed to shine like spotlights, and her face wore an intimidating authority. Upon the eagle's head was a crown of leaves that seemed to somehow grow from the woman's brow.

But as the eagle smiled to Catherine, the fierce visage suddenly became warm, and friendly. "Greetings," Alicia said, "I am here to visit Misses Proudfoot."

Catherine meekly gestured upstairs, and Alicia made her way up the ornate walkway. From Shelly's room, Virgil heard Alicia's talons on the wooden steps. Eleanor always jumped up into the outside walkway, and so Virgil wondered what eagle might be visiting them.

The bald eagle smiled brightly when he saw Alicia appear at the doorway. "May I come in?" Alicia asked, smiling to Virgil. "Of course!" Virgil said, rising to meet the black eagle.

"Virgil," Alicia said, "I am here to remake your wife. She will be changed forever, yet will remain the Shelly you know. May I impart my gift into her?"

Virgil's eyes went wide, perhaps Shelly's dream of becoming an eagle might actually come true. Virgil gratefully nodded, and stepped aside.

Smiling, Alicia put her hands upon Shelly's enormous belly. Virgil felt an electric current in the air as he saw Alicia pass something into Shelly's body. Bright blue bolts of electricity flashed from Alicia's fingers, and Shelly gasped loudly as she was awakened from her sleep.

From the corner of the room, Elizabeth cried out, and Virgil took the little girl into his arms. Eleanor made her way into the room, followed by Mister and Misses Brownfoot. Alicia slowly took her hands from Shelly's belly, and she turned, and sat down on a nearby chair.

Virgil handed Elizabeth to Catherine, and then went to Shelly's side. Shelly looked to her husband with a confused expression. The mare was unsure if she was awake, or dreaming. But then she gasped loudly as a popping noise came from deep inside her. Shelly spread her legs, and moaned loudly.

As Shelly cried out, the mare's face physically elongated. Virgil gasped, and Eleanor looked dumbstruck as Shelly began to physically grow larger.

Eleanor clutched Virgil tightly and all in the room could only stare at what they beheld. Their Shelly was slowly reshaping. Changing. Transforming. Virgil cradled his wife's head in his arms as wings began to grow from the mare's back. Shelly's mouth yawed wide, but now bore no teeth, and her blond mane receded into her head, becoming soft feathers.

Shelly's tawny palomino fur became soft feathers of the same warm color, speckled with white across her breast and shoulder.

Great cords of muscle sprang up from under the transforming mare's feathered skin. And Shelly gasped loudly as her hips became very broad, and muscular. Her powerful barrel shaped chest heaved with the exertions of her transformation, and her golden eyes looked over to Virgil with reassuring love. Virgil pressed his face to Shelly's breast, and the newly emerging bald eagle hugged him tenderly as her transformation was nearly complete.

Shelly looked over to her adopted mother with Justin's bright golden eyes. But her son's eyes looked somehow different in Shelly's new face, seeming to have grown larger inside the new eagle's fierce, yet beautiful visage.

Suddenly, Shelly cried out. This time in pain. Fluid suddenly splashed the bedding between her legs, and the new eagle was wracked by a spasm as she threw her head back and cried out again. Elizabeth cried out in fear, "Shelly!"

But Catherine calmed the girl, "She is giving birth dear, she will be okay." And as Catherine had spoken, Shean began to emerge from his mother's body. Virgil took the infant into his hands as the baby was born, and Virgil looked down upon his newborn son in wonderment. The baby clasped his small hands around Virgil's thumb, and Shean made soft peeping sounds as he struggled to open his eyes.

Virgil looked over to Eleanor, holding his baby in his arms, and the golden eagle mother nodded to him. Saying without words, "Yes, this is indeed the greatest moment of your life."

***

Days later, the Sealift Arctic was back in port. The crew was disembarking, and all assembled on the pier. Captain McGinn awaited Captain Silverstone, and as Paul emerged and made his way down the ladderway, he saw Janus the steward meet with Captain McGinn.

Ashley and Jonathan stood by, looking longingly at the vessel, and Paul patted them approvingly. "You two did very well on this voyage. The crew really liked you."

The two eagle brothers beamed, "Thank you sir!" they said in unison. Paul gave a firm nod, pleased that they were adopting a fine military bearing. Just then Captain McGinn met Paul, and shook his hand. "I hear tell your two sons are very good stewards." Charles said, "Janus would like to see them stay on, and work with him in the galley."

Ashley and Jonathan's mouths fell open in happy surprise, and Janus nodded to them. "Would the rate of third mate be enough to entice you two into joining us?" Ashley flapped his wings excitedly, "Oh, we don't need..." but Jonathan clasped his hand over his brother's beak. "Third mate?" Jonathan asked, "That's ranked above a seaman, right?"

Paul grinned, "Indeed it is." The two Captains then discussed the possibility of shared command of the Sealift Arctic. One captain taking the ship in the spring, and summer. The other in the fall, and winter.

When the bus finally arrived to take Paul and his company back east to Albany, he hugged his stepsons tightly. "I love you boys, very much, I wish you all the best!" Paul stepped back, and looked at them thoughtfully. "Thank you..." Ashley said. "We love you too." Jonathan softly peeped.

Shelton, back in his equine form hugged his brothers, "I'll miss you guys very much!" the pony said. "Keep in touch!" The companions bid the crew goodbye, and loaded onto the waiting bus to return them to Albany.

***

In Eleanor's garden, Alicia walked. Pondering her new condition. She began to see her newfound abilities for what they were. The planet was sending it's power to her like a blazing lightningbolt. And Alicia needed to behave like a lightningrod, channeling the power, and controlling it properly.

She began to see that Genevieve had not acted irresponsibly with her gift. Indeed, Genevieve was a noble woman, as Alicia realized what havoc the gift could reap upon an unknowing recipient. Genevieve had demonstrated exemplary restraint in the face of such power.

Absently, Alicia stroked her laurel of leaves. Suddenly, the black eagle realized that the greenery she wore was a part of her body. Growing from the very flesh of her head.

Alicia also realized that she had not eaten for two days. She remembered what Genevieve had said. That she did not need physical nourishment. "What have I become?" Alicia asked herself aloud, "Will I be immortal?"

The prospect actually struck fear into the mystic's heart. But if Alicia was to be the keeper of this conduit to the planet's power, she was glad to be the one to bear it.

But why? Why would the planet do this to a person? Alicia looked up into the softly swaying canopy of trees, and heard their voices ringing on the wind. Praising the black eagle. Professing love to their new mother.

And Alicia was struck by the legend of the mother nature. Was she now this mythical figure?

Slowly, Alicia's fears and doubts melted away. She realized that she need not struggle to contain her power. Rather, her mission was to unleash it upon the natural world. To nourish the forests, and to clear away the dead and the dying to make way for the new.

Alicia realized that Genevieve was the first incarnation of the mother of nature after the long dark of the cataclysm. When the planet was deep in slumber during those terrible years.

Bowing her head, Alicia understood her mission. And she felt fully in control of the power that was now a part of her.

Later that afternoon, Paul and his company arrived at the main bus terminal in Albany. He was happy that they had decided to take the bus, instead of flying. Covering the short distance back home from downtown would be easy. "Too bad you new eagles need some flight lessons before you can do a long flight." Paul said to Timothy and Shelton. The stallion kicked at the ground, "Yeah, I would have liked to try."

Just then Victoria caught sight of a mated harpy eagle couple disembarking from a bus. Victoria's mouth fell open. "Mom? Dad?" she called.

The harpy eagles across the station suddenly turned their heads, and smiled brightly as they caught sight of Victoria. "Vicky!" the large female called to her daughter. Victoria smiled, and turned to Hector, "Come and meet your aunt and uncle!" Taking the hand of her suddenly shy cousin, Vicky led him across the station to the waiting Ursula and Ulysses Steelspere. Shelton smiled to Timothy, and took the fox's hand. "Come on, let's tag along."

Hector looked very shy when he drew near to the relatives that he had never known. Memories of his mother and father welled up in his mind, and Hector tensed as Ursula stepped close to him. But Hector's aunt took him into her arms, and gently hugged him. "Oh, Hector." she said softly. "I'm so sorry for not being there for you." Hector gasped softly, the way an avian would cry. And Hector's uncle also put his arms around the young harpy.

"Mom, there's someone I want you to meet." Victoria said, taking Timothy's hand. And the harpy eagle parents smiled warmly, seeing the sparkle their daughter had in her eyes. "This is Timothy." Victoria said, and as the fox bowed to Ursula, he found that her arms were suddenly around him. "Pleased to meet you Timothy." Ursula said. And under the red fur of Timothy's cheeks, he blushed. But he took Victoria's hand, and said to the mother harpy "I want to marry Victoria."

Ursula took the young couple into her arms and a great gasp of emotion came from her throat. "Let's get back to our home," Paul said to the group, "There is much to discuss there."

Back at Eleanor's home, the mother eagle had just finished tidying up the kitchen when she heard the front door open. With a rush of excitement, she rushed to the gallery. There was Paul, smiling to her. "We seem to have picked up a couple of new eagles." Paul said with a laugh. "This is Ursula, and Ulysses Steelspere." Paul said, introducing Victoria's parents. Eleanor shook hands, and was glad to meet the eagles. "But where is Ashley and Jonathan?" Eleanor asked at last.

Paul made a gesture like he was swabbing a deck, "They seem to have found a job!" he said. Eleanor laughed, and then chatted with the Steelsperes. Shelton made his way upstairs, and peeked into Shelly's room. There on the bed was Virgil and another bald eagle that Shelton had never seen before. A tawny brown bald eagle, who wore a very happy smile as she slept.

Cradled in her arms was an infant, and Shelton marveled at his new nephew. "He does not look as strange as I might have envisioned." Shelton said to himself, admiring how seamlessly Shean's equine, and avian traits blended into one lovely being.

But then Shean's eyes opened, and looked to Shelton. A voice came to Shelton's mind, "That's an odd statement, coming from a stallion who can transform into a woman."

Shelton's mouth fell open, "Whoa! You can speak to me??" Shelly stirred from her slumber, and held her baby closer to her breast. Shean smiled, and closed his eyes. "Hi Shelton." Shelly said. "I'm sure you know that it's me."

Shelton sat on the edge of the bed, and ran his fingertips over Shean's small hoofed feet. "There are not many palomino colored bald eagles around." Shelton said smiling.

Virgil stirred, and gently touched Shelton with his large hand. "Alicia told us everything that happened up there." Virgil said. Shelton smiled, and asked "Everything?" And Shelly gave her brother a sly smile, "Yes, Misses Sherry." Shelton groaned, "I was hoping to surprise you with that!"

Shelton visited for a moment more, and then left the Proudfoot family to catch up on needed rest.

When Shelton stepped out to the outside walkway, he saw his Husband down in the gallery. Talking to his aunt, and uncle. His cousin was seated next to him. Hector had such a happy expression as he got aquatinted with his lost relatives. Apparently finding that they were all that he would have hoped they could be.

Shelton looked out the large window, and saw the black eagle Alicia in the garden. She seemed to have a far away expression, and Shelton decided to go to her. Venturing out into the garden, Shelton was joined by Timothy Buttons. The fox smiled to the stallion, and the two made their way over to the lady Alicia.

Nearing the eagle, Alicia opened her eyes, and smiled to them. "Thank you for thinking of me." Alicia said. And Shelton was taken aback, "Oh, well. Yes, you looked lonely out here."

"Do not fret master Shelton," Alicia said, "Indeed, I was preparing to return to the temple. There is much to plan for master Timothy, and the lady Victoria's wedding." Timothy shyly smiled, "Thank you my lady. And thank you... for everything."

Alicia bowed graciously. "I sense you both have questions, and to you Timothy I shall say yes. In your avian form, you can father children with your wife to be." Timothy looked embarrassed, but also very pleased. "And you, master Shelton. You will know you have become pregnant in your avian form when you cannot change back into your equine self." Shelton beamed, "Really?" he asked. Alicia nodded, "The change will not come over you, when you are with child. Not until you pass your egg. Now you must excuse me, my brother has many questions for me, and I must go to him."

Suddenly, the black eagle disappeared in a bright blue flash. Shelton stood wide eyed at the eagle's magical departure. Clapping his hands together, Shelton looked to Timothy, "Well, I think I need to shift into something more comfortable, and pay a visit to my eagle."

The fox grinned broadly, and his reynard eyes suddenly took the shape of an eagle's eyes. "Me too," Timothy said, as a chorus of popping sounds heralded his transformation into the towering red harpy eagle.

"Me too...."

-by Chris Sawyer