Read Online Doveland by Martha Moore - Free Book Online Page A

delivering messages, which included motor bikes. Eventually, they proved unsuccessful, not only because of the bumpy terrain, but there were reports that wildbirds had been seen pecking at the riders’ helmets, causing vehicles to overturn. For Clovis and Homer, it was business as usual.
    One afternoon, they were returning to the sidelines when they spotted a bird lying in the mud on the forest floor. Taking a closer look, they couldn’t identify any characteristics except a wing with the bloody numbers BEF206. It was evident that Somerset had been attacked and pecked to death. Homer became angry.
    â€œWhat a horrible way to die, Clovis.”
    â€œPlain murder.”
    â€œThey didn’t have to kill her.”
    They dug a small hole to place her remains.
    â€œIf we had known she was in danger, we would have guarded her.” lamented Clovis. “From now on, it will be our duty to protect all allied carrier pigeons so that they can safely deliver their messages.”
    Homer agreed. The death of Somerset came as a warning to Clovis and Homer, because it was a direct consequence of theirongoing exploits which ultimately had mobilized a war among the birds.
    The next day, another allied carrier pigeon was liberated. As he flew over the deep woods toward allied headquarters, the patriots secretly followed him to insure his safety. As the allied carrier flew out into the open sky, two enemy carrier pigeons leaped out of the forest on his trail.
    â€œThere they are, Homer!”
    Homer was angry and set out to avenge the death of Somerset. He placed his claws firmly into one of the bird’s neck while putting his weight on the carrier pigeon’s back, holding his wings closed, and they slowly descended.
    â€œWhere do you think you are going bird slayer?”
    The other carrier pigeon was also taken by surprise when Clovis wrestled him down to the ground before releasing him.
    Clovis insisted Homer let the pigeon go unharmed, and the bird flew hastily back into the forest.
    Homer was frustrated with Clovis. “Why are we just letting them go after what they did to Somerset?”
    â€œWe have done what we came here to do, Homer. Mission completed!”
    â€œYou are so stubborn, Clovis.”
    The bird empire was ruled by Vogelzar, and he had officially declared war on the patriots, as well as the allied carrier pigeons. Clovis knew that one day they may be compelled to use deadly force.
    One morning as daylight barely peeked through the forest, rapid thumping sounds awakened Clovis. Homer was pecking at every morsel on the ground without pausing. After joining Homer on the ground, Clovis watched him for a moment.
    â€œWhat are you doing, Homer?”
    â€œIf this forest is destroyed, there won’t be any trees, and if there aren’t any trees, then there won’t be any seeds, and if there aren’t any seeds, there won’t be any food.”
    â€œRise above it Homer. We will always be able to find food.”
    â€œAnd look,” leading Clovis to his nest. “I’m losing my feathers!”
    â€œYou are molting, Homer, all birds do.”
    â€œYou mean it isn’t because I’m not getting enough food?”
    â€œNo, didn’t your father teach you about that?”
    â€œWe were never close. He said that I wouldn’t listen to him anyway.”
    For a moment, something about Clovis distracted Homer.
    â€œI never noticed those marks on the side of your neck before.”
    â€œAre they like the ones my Papa had?” asked Clovis proudly, turning his head side to side, recognizing it as a sign of maturity.
    â€œYes, I remember.”
    â€œAnd Homer, I’ve noticed that you have grown much faster than me, and the combs over your eyes are a brighter red.”
    â€œI got that from the pheasant side of my family.”
    Clovis and Homer thrived in their maturity, and began to form a bond that would surpass their childhood rivalry. They