Nektara sat alone in the antechamber to Crismus’ domain. Todrick had left hours ago. The old owl had taken one look at the fox and pronounced that it was too soon for his visit and had sent him back to Verdant. Todrick had seemed disappointed, but Crismus told him there were others the fox needed to meet before the owl could answer his questions. They would be waiting for him back home. When the fox tried to ask who they were or how Crismus knew all this, the owl had turned away.
Nektara had heard that the Great Owl could be enigmatic. Furs rarely got a straight answer to their questions when they came to consult him. But sooner rather than later they all came to learn the truth within his riddled words. It’s why they continued to flock to him even though frustration was sure to be the result.
She was sorry to see Todrick go. He’d been a wonderful travel companion. He’d listened with rapt attention to everything she’d had to say. As far back as he could remember he’d lived in Verdant and her stories of the outside world, as modest as they were, fascinated him.
It seemed unusual to her that a fox would be from the City in the Treetops. Todrick himself had been at a loss to explain how it came to pass. He was an orphan with no memory of his family so there was no one he could turn to for answers. He’d hoped that Crismus might be able to help him, but the owl had turned him away.
Nektara missed his company now. After Todrick had been dismissed, she’d tried to introduce herself to the Great Owl. But Crismus had seemingly ignored her and turned back into his domain, leaving her quite alone to wait his leisure.
She was getting nervous again. She held her flute in her paws. She was hesitant to play it here. What if her playing disturbed Crismus and he dismissed her as he had Todrick? Well, maybe just a little tune. If she blew softly, maybe the Great Owl wouldn’t even notice! She took a chance and played.
“You are quite talented…” the aged voice said to her when the oursa had blown the final note.
Nektara nearly jumped out of her fur! Crismus was standing next to her and she hadn’t even noticed! How long had he been there? Was he angry to have been kept waiting? Had she blown her chance?
The old owl seemed to sense her anxiety and at once put her at ease, “Don’t worry, everything is as it should be. I’d been waiting for some time for you to start playing so I could come to greet you.”
Nektara blinked, “Excuse me, sir? I don’t understand.”
The owl shook his head, “There are no sirs, here. Just a tired old Crismus.”
“If you’re tired, I can come back another time….” Nektara offered.
Crismus smiled, “Nonsense. I tire with the weight of my years and that’s unlikely to change with a simple night’s sleep. Besides, you’ve waited long enough for what I have to say.”
Nektara was not convinced, “Are you sure? I really don’t mind! I have my sleeping roll with me, I can just sleep outside and wait until you’re feeling more refreshed.”
The Great Owl again shook his head, “It is time! If you would be so kind as to follow me.” He started to turn.
Nektara nodded, “Of course!” She was ready to follow the old owl anywhere. He was leading her to her destiny…