The Mountain King

     A shadow swept over the lush valley, blotting out the sun and piercing the air with it's shattering cry.  Looking up, one can see an outline of a giant wing, and then, in the blink of an eye, it is gone, a rapidly diminishing speck in the distance.  This speck soars high into the air before settling on the tip of a jagged mountain, screaming to all that it rules the Appalachians.  This declaration is heard all the way through the aforementioned valley, to a tall pine tree at the base of a mountain...

     "So, we'll rotate the jobs..." Ratwing was cut off by the scream.  Instantly, he stiffened.  "I've heard that voice before..." Except it wasn't him speaking.  It was Blaze.
     "You have?!" said everyone in the tree, turning to Blaze.
     "Yeah," he said softly, looking away towards the cry.  "His parents killed mine, and ever since I was a hatchling, he's tormented me.  I'd know that voice anywhere."
     "So would I." Interrupted Ratwing.  "He tormented me as a hatchling as well.  I was orphaned, and I wouldn't be surprised if his parents killed mine as well. " He narrowed his eyes darkly.  "Sounds as if he's the King now."
     Feather and Twister both looked confused, but Blaze nodded.  "The Mountain King."
     "Sorry, but what exactly is the Mountain King anyway?" asked Feather.  Ratwing looked at her as if just realizing she was there.
     "The Mountain King..." He began, but was cut off with a scream.  Of rage.
     A mostly black raven with white bands on his wings flew in, looking ready to murder someone.  "The Mountain King is stealing food!" he squawked.  "He has henchbirds keeping everyone away from fresh meat!" Ratwing looked at him incredulously.  "But, the Mountain King is supposed to protect the other birds of the mountains!" he spoke with an undeniable rage in his voice, and it steadily rose.  "He isn't supposed to steal food!" At this point his talons were shifting uneasily on his branch and he looked ready to fly off.  Twister interrupted his monologue.
     "Do you know him?" She said.
     "Yes" both the new bird and Ratwing spoke at once.  "His name is Bruno" explained Ratwing.  "I've seen him around before."  Bruno nodded, then looked around again.  "Something has to be done." he said with a quiet determination.  Ratwing and Blaze nodded at once, stepping closer.  They all looked at the two girls with expectation.

Author's Note: Sorry if it's confusing, all will be explained in the next chapter.