• Previous Chapters:
    Chapter One - 'Thoughts'
    Chapter Two - 'Rebirth'
    Chapter Three - 'Flying Nightmares'
    Chapter Four - 'A Rogue Echo'
    Chapter Five - 'The Medical Roost'
    Chapter Six - 'A Chance to Think'
    Chapter Seven - 'Interrupted Dream'
    Chapter Eight - 'Condolences'
    Chapter Nine - 'A Pleasant Distraction'
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    ‘Passing the Torch’

    --Bacchus, Dionysus, and Liber—

    A mournful hoot echoed throughout the forest as Dionysus saw the signal given by the trio of elders from his place in the sky. The old owl had been given the position as leader of ceremonies several years ago. In fact, if he could remember correctly, he was given it right around the time Aria was inducted as the Silverwing colony’s High Elder.

    It wasn’t the most dignified of positions; many owls thought burning the dead of other species was unheard of and appalling. But, Aria had convinced him otherwise through pointing out that he wouldn’t be suited for any other job. He was short for his species and a little on the heavy side. When he was younger and asked to be a soldier of the forests, he was laughed at and told that his size and awkward way of flying made him more suited to be a falling rock…now with his feathers graying with age; he looked more like a fuzzy rock now more than ever.

    He spiraled down into the deep part of the forest and inspected one of the fire keeps. There he found his two sons, Bacchus and Liber, gently fanning the flames with their wings. Bacchus, the older of the two, stopped fanning and turned to his father, “Father,” his voice was strong and lively, “did you see the signal? Is it time for The Burning?”

    Dionysus nodded, his large eyes admiring his strongest son, “Yes, my son, it is time for us to begin the flight to Tree Haven…” his crooked beak cracked to form an odd smile, “Grab a branch, Bacchus, tonight you will be the one leading the procession. Liber and I will follow behind with the herbs.”

    Bacchus hooted softly in excitement, “Do you mean it? I get to lead tonight?” the young owl admired his father’s job; it was something that always appealed to him. He wasn’t morbid in his interest, he just enjoyed the warmth of the flames and he ached to feel its power in his talons. He also enjoyed helping the creatures of the forest carry out their traditions, whether they were wrong or not.

    The old bird nodded, “Yes. I’m getting on in age and I may not be able to carry out my duties as well as I used too much longer. As my eldest son, you now get to carry the torch this night and every time afterwards.”

    Bacchus’s eyes sparkled with pride, “I’m honored, father, thank you.” He stood awkwardly on one foot as he moved the dried leaves on the outside of the fire a little closer to feed the starving embers. If he was to do a good job on his first ceremony, he would need a well fed fire.

    Liber didn’t seem to mind that his elder brother got chosen for the greatest honor his family would ever hold, he would do his best to help his father and his brother…he looked exactly like his father, so he knew it would be the only job he would be suited for…he knew Bacchus could easily become a soldier when it was needed…but he would always remain nothing more the overshadowed torch carrier.

    Dionysus spread his wings, “Liber, let us leave Bacchus to the fire, I think he can handle himself…we need to get the herbs ready, it isn’t a ceremony without them…” With that, both Dionysus and Liber took to the skies, “Bacchus,” Dionysus called back, “it will be your duty to decide when we head out. Raise a call when you’re ready for us.”

    Bacchus nodded, acknowledging his father’s words, and turned his attention back to the fire. In those flames, the young owl saw promise and the bright dreams he always had of flying with fire within his talons…