Hubert The Crow 6z4x2z

Hubert the Crow

Annett Denison

Copyright © 2019 by Annett Denison.

ISBN:

Hardcover Softcover eBook

978-1-7960-7347-8 978-1-7960-7346-1 978-1-7960-7348-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only. Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 11/29/2019

Xlibris 1-888-795-4274 www.Xlibris.com 806116

Thank you to my granddaughter Lauren for your illustrations and encouragement. You are brilliant.

On a sunny road on the edge of Devon (Debm- said by pushing the b up through the hard palate in your mouth with your tongue and through your nose and keeping your lips pressed together for them; to be regionally correct). Anyway, onward with this tale.

There’s a wide grassy verge on this wide but fast moving road called the A38; that a crow named Hubert calls home. He can be seen strutting up and down the grass verge, pacing out his little kingdom and squawking with outrage if anything dares to set foot on his patch. He calls this grassy verge home as he can’t fly. He can’t fly, he will tell you, as he was traumatised by a terrible accident when he was a baby. When he was a fledgling he fell out of the nest…….well he thinks he fell. Luckily he was already fully fledged and was a bit of a late starter. His Mum and Dad weren’t too concerned when he fell. After all he was a grown bird. They were a bit relieved actually because it was time he left and they’d had enough of his nonsense. Hubert, as he will tell you, was always a bit delicate. His Dad would say he was typical teenager.

Crows are generally very family minded and normally the family stick together to the point that last years chicks will help to raise this years’ babies; Helping the parents to feed and teach them. Crows are intelligent and can learn all sorts of things. It has been written they have the intelligence of a seven year old child. If they a new flock of crows they will even learn the dialect of crows from other regions. “Oo arrs” as opposed to “Och aye the noo.” Crows come from a group of birds that are made up of Ravens, Magpies, Jays,

Chuffs, Hooded and Carrion Crows. They are cheeky, clever and have really good memories. Their brains are larger than the average bird. They stash food in lots of different places and can where they’ve put it all.

Hubert was intelligent and chose to use his intelligence to be naughty. Hence Huberts’ abrupt departure.

Hubert’s’ parents loved him but didn’t want his younger brothers and sisters to learn his naughty ways. There was little enough room in the nest. So Hubert roosted(slept)in the lush hedgerow that ran along the side of the verge. He had learned to enjoy his solitude and understood after a short spell of sulking why it was time to leave.

A mishmash of Birch, Hawthorne, Cow Parsley, Ferns, Brambles and Angelica made up the hedge that backed onto a small copse of trees behind. The hedge where Hubert resided was an ideal home for a bird who should be in the treetops. It kept him safe and warm in the winter and sheltered him from the hottest sun in the summer. There’s a sign very close by that reads ‘Whiteball Landfill’. Luckily Crows are a species of bird that don’t migrate for the Winter; so he was able to withstand the coldest of weather. Hubert had been living on the verge for a while and had begun to see it as his own little kingdom nowhere he ruled with a rod of iron. No one was allowed to set claw, paw, hoof or foot on “his” verge without his permission. On a windy day in May Hubert was marching along when a small brown mouse hopped onto the verge. “Oy”, shouted Hubert imperiously, hurrying over the to the spot where the little mouse had stopped and was nervously hopping from foot to foot. “What do you think your doing mouse? …… This is my patch, what do you mean by tresing on it?” “Sorry sir Mr Crow,” squeaked the Mouse in alarm, “I didn’t mean to tres. I had no idea that you owned this grass verge, I thought it belonged to the local council”

“Er who?” Hubert looked puzzled. “What’s one of them?” “The Council?……… they are the people who mow the grass and pick up the litter. They own this whole road, verges included” Said the Mouse with authority. “I own this patch,” argued Hubert, “I’ve never heard of this Council fellow you’re talking about and nobody has ever challenged me on the ownership.” “Er……Never mind,” Said the Mouse who could see that this was not the time to try to educate the bird. “I wonder, sir, if I could walk across your verge please, I’m in a bit of a hurry and it’s a long way around if I try to avoid this verge?” “Oh well yes” the bird returned, staring down his beak and fluffing his feathers importantly, “since you ask so politely.” You’re very young to be running around on your own Mouse……Do you have a name, it seems awfully rude to keep referring to you by your surname.” “Call me Walter”, the Mouse introduced himself, standing on his hind legs and offering his paw. “And I am Hubert”, the Crow announced grandly, puffing out his chest and taking Walters’ paw in his wing tip. With a deep bow and a flourish of his feathers Hubert continued, “I am the ruler of this verge and very happy to make your acquaintance” “Now” He asked briskly, “why are you in such a rush?” “Would you happen to be acquainted with Harry the Hedgehog?” Walter asked. Staring up at Hubert worriedly as the bird eyed him beadily. “Yes I know Harry, why what’s up with him?” Walter looked pained, “he got hurt last night when he tried to cross the road, I’m going to help Mrs Hegdehog with her hoglets. They’re newly born and she needs

a babysitter so she can go and forage for some food. As you can imagine, Harry isn’t much help. He had his foot crushed. Mind you he was lucky it was just a motorbike……” Walter chattered on, oblivious to the confused look on Huberts’ face as he hopped over the concrete verge and started across the grassy expanse.

“Tell me Walter”, Hubert questioned, following the little mouse through the lush green grass. “How do you know all these things?” Walter laughed, a joyful sound, full of exuberance. “I have a very good friend who taught me to read and I go to the library”. Hubert was becoming more frustrated with his own lack of knowledge in the face of all that this little brown mouse knew and all the strange words he used. “Excuse me for asking Hubert, why aren’t you flying?” asked the little mouse curiously. “I can’t fly.” Hubert announced sadly. “Never have been able to.” Hubert told Walter the woeful tale of his fall and Walter listened carefully. “Mmm.” said Walter thoughtfully. “Have you tried since?” He asked Hubert. Hubert looked shocked “No!” he said with a quaver. “I could fall again and hurt myself badly.” Walter was sceptical. “I think you could fly easily.” Said Walter firmly. “Do you really?” then “Honestly.” Stammered Hubert. He could feel hope filling his heart at this young mouses’ confidence. “Would you like to?” asked Walter. “Well of course I would, I would love to be up in the sky with my family.” Hubert replied wistfully. “I think my friend could help with you with that.” said Walter firmly. “Can I meet this friend of yours?” Hubert demanded. “I’ll see what I can do.” The mouse called back to Hubert as he hurried off towards the wood.

A few days later Walter came to visit Hubert and invited him for a walk through the woods.

“That’s if you don’t have any other pressing appointments Hubert.” Walter was always a polite young mouse. His Mother had taught him well. “No no, nothing I need to do.” chatted Hubert as he started to stroll along beside Walter. “Where are we off to?” Enquired Hubert with interest as he noticed that the little mouse appeared to be in a bit of a hurry. “We’re going to see my friend, as I promised.” announced Walter. “Really?” Huberts’ eyes rounded in shock. “Um…. Why?”

“Well you did say that you wanted to meet her Hubert.” Walter grinned excitedly as he answered Hubert. “I think that we can help you with your flying problem.” Hector eyed the Mouse uneasily. “Will it hurt?” He asked the mouse with some trepidation. “Oh no” Walter said, whiskers quivering earnestly. He clasped his front paws to his chest. Too excited to stand still. “I think she could help us.” “what do you mean-she?” “The lady who can help you fly again.” replied Walter firmly. “What lady?” squawked Hector, alarmed. “Do you mean a real human lady? I thought we were going to see a friend of yours about reading.”

“We are.” Said Walter looking mysterious. Hector shivered and his feathers fluffed up. “How would you talk to a human lady?” He asked in confusion. “She can talk to, and understand us” Walter said excitedly, racing into an explanation before Hubert took fright and refused to listen. “She can talk to all animals and birds!” Walter added. “She has special powers and she made a potion with magic….” “A Potion?” Huberts head was spinning with all these new ideas. “Hold on Mouse, I need time to think.” “Oh no,” Said Walter “If I give you time to think, you will find excuses not to meet the witch.” “Witch?” squawked Hubert. “Even I have heard of a witch.” Walter looked at Hubert with a frown on his little face. “yes and by the sound of it you haven’t heard anything good.” “She’s lovely.” Walter continued, stamping his foot crossly. “She’s my friend and she’s kind and loves animals. She also likes to help.” Hubert watched his new friends face contort into an angry look as his voice rose. “Well excuse me.” Retorted Hubert. “I haven’t heard a lot about witches, but when I was a chick my Mum and Dad always told me to be careful of witches. They told us stories about how bad things could happen to you if you involved yourself with a witch.” “This witch isn’t like that.” Walter defended his friend hotly. “Alright Walter don’t snap my head off” Hubert held up his wings in front of him defensively “Well,” Walter huffed and loosened the fists that his paws had tightened into. “Maybe you need to meet my friend before you offer an opinion.”

“Okay”. Said Hubert, “Sorry Walter.” Hubert cocked his head to one side and studied Walter closely. “You really like her, don’t you Walter.” Hubert watched his friend. Glad to see Walter was calming a bit. “Yes I do Hubert.” Said Walter earnestly,” and you will too when you meet her, She is so nice you won’t be able to help liking her.”. Thinking about all that Walter had told him Hubert was silent for a moment. Walter turned to look at the Crow seriously. “Look Hubert, Its’ the summer solstice in a few weeks. It would be a really good time to try flying. There’s 16 hours of daylight and the magic is really strong on that day at Stonehenge.” He continued. “and the Druids will be there too.” A sparkle lit his eyes for a moment as he thought about it with excitement. “Walter, I have no idea what you’re talking about but who is this Witch who can talk to all of us and is it safe to talk to her.” Hubert looked at the mouse with a question in his eyes. Walter chuckled, his face lighting up with relief. “Yes its safe to talk to her and her name is Melisande. “Stonehenge is a circle of stones on Salisbury plain that is said to be full of magic. The Druids are an ancient sect that worship at the stones.” He continued as he skipped along the path that he had been leading Hubert along. “See the little house in the trees there?” He pointed up ahead. Ahead in the wood there was a stone cottage with smoke curling from the two chimneys. It was set in a large garden full of flowers with a well tended vegetable patch. It had a lime green gate that matched the water butt at the far end of the house; and the window frames were blue to match the front door. “Do you really think she can help me?” quavered Hubert nervously. “You’re not

just humouring me cos you think I’m daft are you?” “Why would I do that Hubert?” asked the mouse. “Its cruel to make fun someone who can’t do something. It would be a much nicer world if we helped people with their problems instead of saying nasty things, That’s just mean, I have better things to do with my time.” Hubert looked at the mouse consideringly. “You are a very clever little mouse aren’t you Walter.” “I read a lot of bad things in the humans newspapers Hubert.” Said Walter sorrowfully. “and I’m sad that with all their intelligence; humans can’t be kinder.” “Getting back to your problem Hubert. It won’t be easy getting you into the air,” said Walter returning to the original subject.“but yes, I believe that with Melisandes’ help we can do this.” Walter continued with conviction, “” Melisande has strong magic and she would be able to help you all right.” “We should ask her if she will take us with her to see Stonehenge. Just think of that Hubert.” Walter added as inspiration struck. “Humans have been talking and writing about Stonehenge and the magic there for hundreds of years. The Druids have been worshipping the stones all that time too. If we meet the Druids while we’re there they might be able to help you too! In fact its’ the perfect time for a first try with all the magic in the air there.” Walters eyes sparkled with excitement at the thought. “Melisande will be heading there and we could catch a lift with her.” “What do you mean Walter, catch a lift,” Hubert looked mystified, “and why would Melisande want to go there?” “You’ll see”, Walter skipped along to the gate then turned back to look for Hubert. “Come on Hubert, Hurry up.”

The Mouse scurried under the gate and up to the front door. He looked back as Hubert cawed at him. “What?” “I can’t get in,” called Hubert impatiently. “Oh”, laughed Walter, his eyes twinkling with humour. “Sorry”. He jumped back off of the step in front of the door and scurried back to the gate. “I forgot for a moment there that you are a lot bigger than me. See this side of the gate?” He gestured towards the right side of the gate post. Hubert looked closer. “Ah yes, I see.” He nodded. There was a hole in the drystone walling visible through the rock plants that had been planted artfully in hollows along the wall; If you looked in the right place. This was where a helpful young witch had taken two of the stones out a long time ago to assist the slightly bigger animals to get into the garden. Hector hopped through the hole by the blue gate post and hurried up the path behind Walter. He frowned and stopped for a moment. “What a strange feeling.” He thought to himself. Like something wet stroking his feathers. He shook his feathers out, looking around suspiciously. “Won’t the witch mind us visiting without invitation?” Hubert put his fears into words. “I mean…um…She won’t get cross and cast a spell on us will she?” Walter chuckled “No Walter, Melisande won’t mind. She’s expecting us. And I’ve already told you she won’t hurt you.” Walter hopped up onto the stone step and then onto the large flowerpot beside the door. He sprang up onto the windowsill and knocked politely on the window. “Diablo?” Called Walter, “Are you there?”. “Who’s Diablo?” Asked Hubert suspiciously. “You haven’t mentioned him

before.” A Black face appeared at the window and Hubert fell back off the step in fright. “Aahh, What’s that?” Screeched Hubert in fright. He scuttled behind a convenient plant pot. Walter hurried over to Hubert. “I’m so sorry Hubert”, The mouse apologised humbly. “I forgot to mention Diablo. He’s Melisandes cat, her familiar. He won’t hurt you, he really won’t will you Diablo.” Walter appealed to the cat for assistance as he stood just inside the window watching them. “And why would I be wanting to hurt the two of youse” said the cat with a strong Irish lilt to his voice. “The saints preserve us, do I look like a murderer?” He slipped through the window, pushing it further open in the process. “Hubert, is it?” The cat slunk forward sinuously on soft paws and sat down in the front of the plant pot, behind which he could see a heap of quivering feathers. Diablo lifted a paw, gave it a flick and then proceeded to wash his ears. The Crow stuck his head around the pot and fixed Diablo with a beady eye. “Cats chase and eat birds” He accused the cat who had now moved on to a full body wash, giving close attention to between his toes. He was a very clean cat. “Well I can’t argue with that now can I Walter?” Diablo agreed amiably “So I should be stalking you now should I?” “Stop teasing him.” Walter scolded the cat. “Hubert I told you. Diablo is a witches familiar. That means he’s special and he doesn’t eat birds or mice. He doesn’t need to. He has magic of his own. And Melisande feeds him well” He added for good measure. “Really?” Hubert was astonished. He took his head from the corner of the wall

he was trying to blend in with and stared at the cat. “In a former life I was a Leprechaun and I got turned into a cat by a miserable old witch in a fit of temper cos I wouldn’t lend her my luck when she was playing Bingo” Diablo began. “I still have a bit of the old lucky magic but I keep it pretty quiet normally. He said with a hard look at Walter. Walter looked chastened “Sorry Diablo,” “So ’tis the witch you’ve come to see then is it?” asked Diablo with interest, in his soft Irish brogue. “Well……” began Hubert looking anxiously at Walter “Yes” piped up Walter, jumping in to fill the awkward pause. “We need Melisandes’ help”. “So that’s the way of it is it now” said the cat with interest. “What on Gods good green earth would a crow need a witches’ help with?” “Diablo?” called a voice from the window interrupting Walters’ answer “Have you seen Walter yet?” “Aye Mel” The cat called back, “I was just about to accompany them in”, he said. Then with a flick of his tail and a quick leap, Diablo jumped onto the windowsill and disappeared through the window. The two friends looked at each other. Diablos’ face appeared at the window again, startling Hubert and making him jump back a bit. “Well are you coming in or not?” he asked impatiently. “Melisande is waiting” Walter could hear Huberts’ knees knocking together in fear. “Don’t be nervous.” He tried to comfort Hubert. “Melisande is nice, you’ll see.”

Hubert followed the mouse through the window feeling like he was heading into trouble. His tummy was jumping and he wanted to run back home quick. The only thing stopping him at the moment was the lure of being able to fly.

Wouldn’t his Mum and Dad be proud if they saw him flying like all his brothers and sisters; and it would be nice to go home to the treetops and visit. Hubert landed on the cluttered table on the other side of the windowsill and looked around. He found himself in a bright sunny kitchen, lit by another window on the far wall and an open stable door at the back of the room as well as the window behind him. Standing by a large range cooker called an Aga that spanned the inside and fourth, wall was a young woman with long dark hair and a welcoming smile on her pretty face. “Hello Hubert” She said in a low gentle voice. “Welcome to my home,” Hubert spied Walter sitting next to the large cream Aga; on a folded blanket. To Huberts’ nervous eyes he looked relaxed and comfortable, nibbling on a piece of cheese; beside Diablo. “Come on over,” said Walter. “There’s plenty of room” “Ah no that’s alright Walter” Hubert shifted his feet nervously and eyed the cat.” I’m fine over here.” Melisande spoke soothingly. “There’s nothing to fear here Hubert, No one is going to hurt you or make you do anything you don’t want to.” Hubert hopped on to the back of the chair tucked in under the table and eyed Melisande curiously. “How come I can understand you?” asked Hubert.” Thats what I don’t understand. You’re human.

You shouldn’t be able to communicate with us.” Melisande laughed. “I made a special potion that allows us to hear and understand each other.” She explained.” I have been using it for a long time to assist animals who are sick or injured so that they can tell me what the issue is and then I can them on to Otto the local Vet so that he can treat them.” “Oh” Harold was again reminded of how little he knew.” But I haven’t drunk any.” “No, indeed you haven’t Hubert.” smiled Melisande.“The potion is spread around my house and garden. The moment you through the gate, you are touched by my potion and hey presto. It stays with you and you will now always be able to hear and understand humans. It can be very handy” Hubert stared at Melisande consideringly; all his nervousness fading in the face of the calm acceptance from the cat and the mouse sitting side by side on the blanket being warmed by the heat radiating from the range cooker. “Hmm,” he thought to himself. “That could be very handy” He ruffled his feathers and settled more comfortably on the chair back. “So now we can get down to business?” enquired Melisande. Hubert nodded. Melisande seemed like a nice person. Walter appeared to trust her and from what he said; truly believed that she would help Hubert. so why not. After all, he had nothing to lose. “So what do we do then”, Hubert asked. “We are going to go to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice. We are going to meet up with the Druids. They are going to help with the Magicks. Druids have been around in history since the fourth century, they are descended from Celtic religious figures and were suppressed by the Romans during their reign in England The Druids were prized as Advisers and Sorcerers in the courts of Kings and Queens of England through the centuries and the magic has been ed down through families.

So with the combination of their magic and mine we will get you into the air.” “So when are we going?” asked Walter excitedly. “The Solstice is tomorrow and tonight the festivities start so now would be a good time. It will give us time to get there and set up our tent. The party goes on all night and then first thing in the morning we can do the deed.” Melisande stated firmly. “I have already spoken to Davyth, the Druid priest. He’s a friend of mine and he will be there tonight.” “Do you have anyone you need to tell that you won’t be home tonight Hubert?” Melisande asked. Hubert goggled in amazement. Everything had been arranged already. “When did you arrange all this.” his voice rose in astonishment. “it didn’t take much arranging.” said Melisande. “We were all going to the Solstice festivities already so a phone call to Davyth and we were ready to help.” “So is there anyone we need to so they won’t worry?” “No.” Said Hubert. “I live alone” “OK then. We need a set of wheels so follow me” Melisande walked with the three of them out through the back door and down the path to the big stone building that sat behind the cottage; ing a herb garden and some fruit trees. Melisande trailed her hand along the tops of the herbs releasing the fragrant aromas of Lavender and Rosemary. “Where are we going” asked Hubert a trifle fearfully. “I told you Hubert ?” replied Melisande gently. “We need a set of wheels to get us there” “Oh yes” Hubert laughed nervously, “the wheels”. In his head he had visions of

trying to balance on a wheel. He wasn’t sure how that was going to work. Melisande led the way to the double doors at the front of the barn. “We keep all the vehicles in here” she said as she pulled open the doors. Inside the shed there were a few vehicles. A large black vehicle with lots of shiny bits on it, a large black motorbike; a blue vehicle and as Melisande led them to the other side of the biggest vehicle they saw a small blue and white scooter with a sidecar. “What, this one?” said Walter in surprise. “Yes” replied Melisande firmly. “This is my Vespa and she is very reliable.” “Okay” said Hubert slowly. He had never been in a vehicle in his life. Of course he had seen many in his time living on the verge, but he didn’t think he’d ever seen any like the little combination sitting there with all those much bigger vehicles as if it owned the barn. “Right,” said Melisande. “Come on boys. Hubert you sit on the seat in the sidecar and you, Walter can sit in the front of my jacket collar, in my scarf.” Melisande gently lifted Hubert into the sidecar and placed him on the blue padded seat. Then leaning down she held out the flat of her hand to Walter, “Come on Walter, hop on and you can tuck yourself in.” Diablo jumped up onto the back of the Vespa without a word; and settled himself down on the spare seat atop the single man tent and small mound of luggage tied there. Walter curled himself up in the softness of Melisande’s woollen scarf and tucked his tail around him. He could smell the fragrance of soap and a nice flowery scent from Melisandes’ warm neck and he cuddled down.“Wow, he thought to himself “This must be what first class travel feels like.” There was a sensation of movement and Walter looked out from his comfy nest in Melisande’s scarf to see her wheeling the bike out into the spring sunshine. “OK guys, It’s going to be a bit noisy to start with and then we’re off” Melisande pushed down on the starter pedal and there was a roar of noise that settled quickly into a rhythmic rattle.

“Oh my”, exclaimed Hubert, standing up with his feathers bristling as if prepared for flight.“is it supposed to sound like that?” he asked anxiously. Melisande laughed. “my little Vespa always sounds like she’s a rattle away from death but she’s one of the best kept vehicles in our barn. She’s just a bit elderly, that’s all.” With this last comment Melisande slid onto the seat and off they went. As they sped down the road Hubert could feel the wind in his feathers. It teased at him as his instinct to fly nudged up against his old fear of flying.

Melisande never drove faster than 30 miles per hour on these narrow roads but to Hubert it felt like the next best thing to being on the wing.

He poked his head over the front of the sidecar and looked down the bonnet. He was just able to see out if he stretched as tall as he could. Hubert could see the road winding along in front of them and wondered for a second how long it would take to get to this Stone henge place the others kept talking about. From where he stood it looked as if the Vespa was flying along. He hopped to the edge of the seat and clung tightly to the blue leather, his heart starting to beat faster with excitement. Eyeing the small windscreen in front of him Hubert experimentally jumped up onto the dashboard and then on to the screen. Suddenly being battered by the rush of the wind flying at him Hubert felt the ruffle of his feathers and his wings lifted.” Oh my,” he thought,” this must be what flying really feels like”. Huberts’ wings caught in the rush of air and he lifted, his heart hammering now with excitement. He felt himself start to rise up… then promptly tumbled backwards and landed in a heap on top of the groceries on the floor of the sidecar with a loud squawk. Melisande stopped the bike with a screech of brakes; nearly rolling Hubert under the seat as she stopped. She leaned over and peered into the sidecar “Are you alright Hubert? What happened there?” Hubert rolled over and stood up, tidying his feathers with a quick shake. “Harrumph”, He cleared his throat, “Just a minor mishap”. Walter poked his nose out from his cosy nest in Melisandes’ scarf and blinked his eyes sleepily, then tucked his head back out of sight. Diablo hid a grin and settled himself more comfortably.

Finally satisfied that his feathers were looking tidy again, Hubert hopped onto the seat and settled down tucking his feet beneath him with a flounce and a fluff of his feathers.. “All set?” said Melisande hiding her amusement at the birds’ antics. On they drove for hours until they could see the stones on the hill in front of them as they sped along the A303 this side of Aylesbury. The sun was beginning to set and the view was quite spectacular. “Look Walter”. Melisande spoke quietly so as not to frighten the mouse lying against her throat. “Walter?” she tried again. She felt small movements as Walter stretched and then a little face popped up beside her chin. “Oh my,” Walter breathed excitedly, knowing what an important and sacred place it was” Is that it? Stonehenge?” “Yes,” said Melisande. “That’s Stonehenge.” Hubert heard the voices and sat up from where he had been dozing with his head under his wing. “Are we there yet?” he whined plaintively. Melisande turned off the A303 onto the road to Aylesbury and said “Look to your right Hubert and you will see for yourself.” “So those things, are they what we came to see?” asked Hubert unimpressed at the ‘pile of rocks’ he could see in the short distance. “Yes Hubert that is Stonehenge, in all it’s glory with thousands of years of history and prayers soaked into the rock.” “They were hewn from the Welsh hills and dragged here, piece by piece to make a landmark that can be seen for miles.” continued Melisande, her voice sounding louder as she turned into a parking space and cut the engine.

Walter poked his head out further so that he could see Hubert. “Well Hubert?” prompted Walter with a happy smile, “Did you enjoy the journey?” Melisande gently took Walter from his nest in her scarf and placed him on the seat beside Hubert. Spying a large group of people getting out of an old bus she started walking in their direction “Won’t be a moment guys” she called back to the friends. The group were dressed in flowing clothes with various scarves and shawls to protect them from the spring chill. Diablo checked out the group. “That’s the Druids.” He told Hubert. Walter waited expectantly for Hubert to enthuse over the journey. “It was OK I suppose, Hubert grumped. “I slept most of the way.” “Me too,” sighed Walter happily. “It was great, so cosy and warm. In fact I would say that its’ the best trip I have ever had. Walter finally noticed Huberts’ sour face.

“Whatever is the matter,” Walter asked in a worried voice. “I can’t fly.” Hubert cried unhappily. Walter stared at Hubert in concern. “I know Hubert, That’s why we’re here.” “No no, I mean I really can’t Walter, I’ve tried” Hubert said woefully. “I tried in the sidecar on the journey up.” Walter looked at Huberts’ sad face. “Oh dear, what happened Hubert,” asked Walter sympathetically. “He tried flying while we were moving.” Diablo’s voice interrupted from the

back of the bike. “They were not the right conditions for a first flight and you put yourself at a disadvantage,” Diablo chastised Hubert in a kind voice. Then more briskly pointed out that Melisande was approaching with the group of Druids. She stopped beside the sidecar, smiled at Hubert encouragingly and introduced the large man standing beside her. “Hubert, this is Davyth, he’s the druid priest I told you about and he is most interested in helping you gain your flight again.” “Good afternoon gentlemen” smiled the large man with the mane of dark hair and bushy beard. “Its’ always a pleasure to meet new friends.” “Now.” he continued, raising his voice to encom the crowd around them. “Time to enjoy the bounty of the earth and raise up our voices in praise of the Gods and Goddesses.” The crowd of followers cheered and then returned to the old bus to unpack their tents ready for the night. The evening ed in a blur of singing and dancing with juicy morsels of food offered to both Walter and Hubert from the friendly druids as they enjoyed the festival. There were prayers and spells intoned with equal gravity and fervour. Melisande gathered up her companions and settled them into bed in various nests in the tent; made up from her scarf and a couple of blankets. Hubert felt his eyelids drooping and sighed with contentment. It had been good fun being with the group of Druids, known as a Grove. They had been kind and generous. Huberts tummy was full and he had a comfortable bed for the night. He had also gained more friends in one day than in the whole of the rest of his life.

The night ed quickly. Hubert woke to the sound of murmuring voices once or twice in the night but was soon lulled back to sleep by the knowledge that he was surrounded by his friends. The sun woke the friends with her bright greeting. “Morning everyone” came the booming voice of Davyth the Druid priest from outside the tent. Hubert opened his eyes and stretched his wings, then shook himself out ready to face the day. “Morning Hubert”, Diablo came strolling into the tent through the slightly open flap. “Morning Diablo” returned Hubert with a smile. He still found it a bit strange that he trusted this cat but with the amazing things that had happened in the last 24 hours and the kindness he had been shown, he couldn’t find any reason not to. “Ready to relaunch yourself as a fully fledged member of the wonders of the sky”, Diablo asked with a lilting chirrup. “Yes.” said Hubert firmly. “Come and get some breakfast then to fortify you ready for your maiden flight” Diablo teased Hubert gently. They stepped out of the tent to a scene that would not be out of place in a film set, with men and women cooking on an open fire and the scent of food strong in the air. “Over here Hubert, Walter.” Called Melisande, patting a stump beside her. Diablo jumped up on to the stump with a “bbbrrrp” and Melisande reached out to ruffle his fur. “Morning Dab,” she spoke affectionately to her friend of long years standing. Breakfast over they all pitched in to cleaning up and leaving the site as they had

found it. Putting all their litter into a large bin liner ready to be taken with them to the nearest bin. Hubert could feel the nerves fluttering in his tummy as they all trooped back to the centre of the stones in readiness. Making all those lovely bits of sausage and bacon flop about uncomfortably. “Right then Hubert” said Davyth. “Melisande and I have talked out the plan and we thought that it would be a good idea if you were to start your flight from the top of one of the stone arches. This will give you a bit of lift to start off with so that you won’t have to work so hard at the beginning. I hope this meets with your approval?” Davyth asked Hubert. “Um yes thank you Davyth, I appreciate all the thought that has gone into helping me.” Hubert returned humbly. “There’s no time like the present,” Davyth leaned down and gently picked Hubert up in his cupped hands. Hubert nervously ruffled his feathers but remained still and trusting in the large Welshmans’ gentle hold. Walking to the nearest arch, he took a few running steps and jumped; thrusting Hubert towards the top stone. Hubert hopped from Davyths’ hands and landed, a little precariously on the side of the top stone. Hubert scrambled quickly, and using his beak to assist himself; climbed onto the top. “Righto Hubert, well done.” called Davyth with a grin. “Nice bit of footwork there boyo.” “Melisande? You ready?” “I’m ready.” replied Melisande from where she stood, waiting to begin. Davyth positioned himself below Hubert under the arch and began chanting. The other Druids ing in when it was their turn.

Melisande, arms outstretched to the heavens, as if she was conducting an orchestra; called to the Goddess for her assistance. Muttering the words of the spell that she had made at home in her workshop before she had met the bird; Melisande signalled to Hubert that it was time. Hubert launched himself from the stone arch, heads rose to follow him as he swooped down and he hit the earth. A furrow of earth parted behind him from the of his beak with the ground and he landed in a heap of ruffled black feathers. Walter and Melisande rushed over to where Hubert lay.” Hubert. “cried Walter. “Are you alright?” Hubert stretched his stick-like legs out the back and then a great guffaw of laughter burst from him followed by coughing. Hubert spit out the sticks and lumps of earth that he had collected in his beak. “Hahahaha, That was great,” he shouted as he hopped to his feet and shook out his feathers. “Did you see me,” He continued, excitedly. “I flew!” Hubert hopped around laughing. Walter shifted his feet awkwardly. “Um…. Houston we have a problem.” he joked weakly. “What do you mean?” chirped Hubert stopping mid-hop and studying Walter. “And who is Houston?… Is he a friend?” Walter rolled his eyes and sighed. “Come on Hubert”, Said Melisande briskly, “Back we go for a second try.” Hubert hopped along beside Melisande, excited and ready to have another go. “Right this time….” as they walked away Walter could hear Melisande giving

Hubert instructions for keeping himself up in the air. As he caught up with them he heard Melisande finish with. ………………..“But it was pretty good for a first go and it can only improve with practice.” Hubert beamed with pride at Walter “Did you hear that, my little friend.” he questioned Walter. “Not bad”. He chuckled again and prepared to be thrown up on the stone arch again. With a grin peeking through his bushy beard, Davyth lifted him and off they went again. “OK” called Hubert, standing on the stone arch and looking determined. Melisande signalled to Davyth and the Druids started their chant again.

Melisande lifted her arms and started to mutter her spell again. A large crack of thunder suddenlysplit the sky and a gust of wind lifted her hair from her shoulders and formed a halo around her. “OK Hubert, Time to go” she called to the crow. Hubert launched himself from the arch flapping his wings hard. “Go Hubert go,” chanted Walter. Heads rose to follow the age of his flight. Voices rose as the chant continued. Diablo sent a little Leprechaun magick to help. Hubert fluttered upwards and suddenly he was flying. Not just coasting but flying, swooping and fluttering in place. “Look, look I’m flying,” he shouted over the rolls of thunder and the cheers of the crowd below. “I can’t believe it!….I can never thank you enough Melisande, or you Davyth.” The witch smiled sweetly.” you can Hubert, Oh yes you can.” To be continued.