Why The Birds Fly

"Do you ever wonder why the birds fly like that?" Lilly asked, pointing up to the sky. A flock of white dipped and soared overhead. Probably pigeons, Sedric guessed. The two were lying on the hill watching clouds go by like they had when they were youngsters.

Sedric chewed on the grass in his mouth for a thoughtful moment and asked, "What do you mean?"

The two were an odd pair. Lilly, a noblewoman lying sprawled on the ground in an expensive gown made of fine silk. Sedric, a stable master

in his worn wool clothing. Stained and ripped in places.

"This flock right here, for example. Do you suppose they do it for fun? Do you suppose they do it to feel free?"

Sedric was about to answer when the bells began to toll in the castle chapel. Four tones. It was almost time. It was little wonder Lilly was thinking of freedom on a day like today.

"I'm sure they're having a dandy ol' time," Sedric said, pulling Lilly to her feet. His deft fingers pulled the grass out of Lilly's fancy hair and straightened her skirts. "Best hurry on now, Mistress," Sedric told Lilly, "Master Ruben is waiting for you."

Lilly stretched onto her tiptoes to give Sedric a kiss on the cheek, "I will miss you most of all. Goodbye, dear friend."