The V-formation cut through the sky, heading toward the distant coastline.
The massive bird at the head of the formation held its wings wide, gliding on the updrafts. Its golden eyes reflected the ocean and white-crested waves below as it replayed the brief conflict and the strange reaction of the two-legged beasts.
'The order to retreat was the right call.'
'The unknown means risk. Those yellow strips, with their overpowering aroma, must be a new kind of bait. The cunning of the two-legged beasts is etched into the memories of our bloodline, passed down through the generations.'
"Return to base! Men, shake your tailfeathers and keep pace!"
The leader's long cry carried on the wind.
The flock behind him immediately adjusted its formation, following closely. Their companion with the injured wing was flanked by two escorts, keeping its flight steady. Leave no brother behind—that was the first ironclad rule he had established.
The cliffside nest soon came into view.
