Green Fox Chapter 1

High above the valley, eagles soared, their majestic wings slicing through the air and casting fleeting shadows on the rugged cliff face below. Their piercing cries echoed as they circled the lone figure scaling the mountain, their talons poised to strike. This was their home, and he was an intruder. As far as the birds were concerned, the long-legged creatures belonged on the valley floor, under the trees where they could cause no harm. The mountain peaks were their domain, and they were determined to keep it that way.

“It will help with your headaches,” Cosi said through gritted teeth, his fingers white knuckled as they sought purchase in a narrow crevice. It was barely an inch deep, but it was enough to take his weight while he brought his left foot up and slid it onto the jagged outcropping. “You can’t miss it. Just look for the white flower and bring it back to me. Not like it’s halfway up a mountain or something.” A stiff wind buffeted Cosi, whipping his dark hair across his face. As he felt the rush of air from powerful wings, he lashed out instinctively, his fingers grazing the sleek feathers of an attacking eagle. “Leave me alone!” he yelled, voice straining as he pressed his face against the sheer rock wall. “I don’t want your bloody eggs.” A savage beak powerful enough to crush rocks snapped close to his head, sending a tremor of fear through his body. The eagle flapped once before wheeling away, leaving Cosi clinging to the precipice and muttering curses under his breath. “I’m getting a headache just doing this,” he said, shaking his head in frustration. “And the cuts, and the broken bones, and the rip in my shirt.” His breathing grew quick and shallow as panic welled up in him, but before it overwhelmed him, he pictured the village priest. All morning, while Cosi had split firewood, Boden had regaled him with stories from his past, making him laugh as he brought the axe down. It hadn’t taken long before Cosi realised all of his stories held a message, a kernel of knowledge that the priest wanted to share. Mostly about keeping his temper under control, something the young Cosi had struggled with. “It’s just a giant bird trying to kill you.” Cosi rested his forehead against the cool rock as he caught his breath. His hands were growing numb and a muscle in his leg had developed a twitch that might just knock him from the mountain if it got any worse. “Wouldn’t have to worry about my headaches then, would I?”

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