Student Publishing Program ::

Kyle George

Fowl Play

       “The Crows are returning.”
              The football field was quiet. A deep fog was steadily rolling in. Two gulls were perched on the post overlooking their home. All was calm before the storm.
              “Geoffrey, get back to the nest. Now.”
              “But Father, I want to fight!”
              “Don’t be a fool; you’re just a boy. The best thing you can do for your people is to stay safe. We’ve lost enough good men already.”
              “But Father, I shall fight valiantly! We shall fight side by side as you did with your father. Do you expect me to just stand here on the sidelines while I watch my flock battle its last stand for the Holy Land? I was born on this field. It is my home and it is my duty to protect it.”
              “Geoffrey, the crows will stop at nothing to annex this land. They will kill every single one of us if that’s what it takes. You must protect your mother and sisters.”
               A distant cry came from the west, signaling the approach of the Crows.
              “Get to the nest.”
              “But—“
              “Now!” The gull flew off into the foggy sky, leaving Geoffrey alone. Geoffrey did as he was told, and returned to the nest. However, it was only to retrieve his armor in which he placed over his beak and abdomen. He then flew out in the path of his father.
               The fog had grown very heavy now and visibility was diminishing. Geoffrey flew on with glory. He flew like a falcon, going faster than he ever had before. As he approached the battlegrounds he could hear that the fighting had already begun. Suddenly, a black figure collided into Geoffrey, sending him plummeting toward the ground. He found himself lying in a pile of mud. He quickly leapt out and flew back up. His white feathers had been completely stained brown.
               Only the vague dark figures of the crows could be seen, giving the seagulls a strong advantage. Geoffrey spotted two crows very close to him, facing the opposite direction. Geoffrey’s father spotted three.
                “For the Gulls!” Geoffrey yelled as he charged toward the enemies. But before he could reach his target, a spear soared through the air and struck Geoffrey, killing him instantly.
                “Got one,” said Geoffrey’s father.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2012 EDITION]