Dawn broke over Lukaya’s weary shoulders. A flock of hadedas flew overhead, their wailing cry reminding him of a desperate baby. He looked up at the prehistoric birds and whispered, “Help me.”

One circled downwards, before careening into the back of the cart, landing as awkwardly as a toddler trying to walk. Tucking iridescent wings, it raised its large head, and stalked towards the man. The zebras trudged forward, as if it did not matter to them whether they pulled a man or feathered friend.

The large bird settled beside Lukaya as its fellow flock flew onwards.

“Please,” he said, “tell my wife to wait for me.”

Without a word, the hadeda took to the skies, its large wings almost knocking Lukaya to the ground. As the bird rose into the air, the flock wheeled about. They circled around, gathering their comrade into the formation, before carrying on. Soon only their cries remained.

* * * * *

A flock of hadedas landed before the stallion, who skidded to a halt. Nonzame slid off, the leather water bag sloshing at her side. The birds opened their beaks wide, and released their sorrowful cry.

“I cannot stop!” she screamed back, over their siren wail. “I cannot. My baby is waiting for me.”

The birds screamed and screeched, flapping their iridescent wings.

“Look,” she implored, thrusting forward the water bag. “My baby is caught in the land-of-in-between.”

Bird by bird, they approached, cocking their heads and eyeing the water before taking a drink.

The stallion snorted, stomping his hoof. But the birds paid him no heed.

When the last bird had taken its drink, the flock took to the skies.

As woman and stallion rode on, they could still hear their mournful cries.

* * * * *

Lukaya could smell the air changing. Salt clung to the foggy threads that slithered past. The landscape grew greener, dust turning to soil. The coral bead had grown hotter and hotter. “Onward,” Lukaya urged his mares. But they were too slow.

The coral bead shattered, leaving man and beasts to follow in the wake of its floating fragments.

 ***

Tell us: How would you feel if you were Lukaya?