Ian by Kat Mizera

Author:Kat Mizera [Mizera, Kat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kat Mizera

22

They walked into what looked like a barn, but once inside there were what looked like kennels, except made for birds. They were closed but roomy, with one bird in each.

“Oh, wow, is that a bald eagle?” she asked.

Ian nodded. “It was injured. Granddad rehabilitated it, but it can’t fly anymore, so it has to stay here. It’s called Wingman. I believe Finn named him when he was about twelve.”

“The bird or Finn?”

“Finn was twelve. I believe Wingman is about twenty-five.”

“Do they live a long time?”

“About twenty years in the wild, but longer in captivity.”

“Wow.” She looked around, her eyes wide. “Oh, look, that’s a peregrine falcon!”

“Yes, that’s Mercury.”

“Like the planet?”

“Like Freddie.”

“Was your grandfather a Queen fan?”

“Still am.” The older man joined them. “I see Ian’s showing you around.”

“Yes. This is amazing. I’m fascinated with birds, especially falcons and hawks.”

“Then you’ve come to the right place.” The duke walked over to one of the cages, pulled a long leather glove on his left hand and up his arm, and held it out to Mercury. The bird hopped on obligingly and the duke spoke to him in a soothing voice. “Hello, love. How’re you today? You being a good lad? Come say hello to Everly.”

She turned with a smile.

“He likely won’t bite, but don’t reach for him because he doesn’t know you and he might think you’re his lunch.”

She grimaced. “I won’t.”

“Ian, be a good lad and get Everly a glove.”

Ian nodded and grabbed a couple from a hook on the wall.

“Birds of prey aren’t like parrots and other domesticated animals, but I’ve had most of mine for a long time. I’ve raised Mercury since he was hatched, so we’re old buddies and he’s fairly tame. I still don’t trust him not to bite a stranger, though I can handle him.” He stroked the bird’s belly and Mercury cocked his head curiously. “As you can see, they’re not used to it so I tend not to do it, but he knows not to bite me.”

“He’s beautiful.”

“I think so too.”

Ian handed her a glove and she slipped it on.

“All right, hold firm and I’ll put him on you.” The duke transferred the bird and Everly’s eyes were wide as saucers.

“Say hello, Mercury.” The duke gave the bird a pointed look.

Mercury made a disparaging sound and Everly laughed.

“I don’t think he likes putting on a show for me.”

“Not this way, no, but when we let him fly, he’ll love it. Come, let’s go outside.”

They walked back outside and the duke grabbed a pouch, as they made their way to an open portion of the field.

“All right.” The duke motioned with his hand and Mercury flew away.

Everly watched the graceful bird land on a tree about five hundred yards away.

“Hold out your arm and make a fist,” the duke said to her. He put something on the top of her fist and she squinted.

“What is that?”

“Raw chicken. Now don’t make any rapid movements—he’s coming to get it.”

Sure enough, Mercury glided straight back to her, landing on her arm and immediately eating the treat waiting for him.

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