09 The Rescue

CHAPTER 9 THE RESCUE "Mmmmffff!" Blaze called from deep within the nest. "Stay calm and quiet," Tag told her. "We're going to save you." He flew to Skyla on the branch above. "Blaze is trapped in that nest beneath the sleeping bird!" he told her.

Skyla and Tag peered down at the nest below. The giant bird's long feathers covered Blaze. "How are we going to get Blaze out of there?" Skyla asked. "I don't know," Tag replied. "But that bird is not going anywhere, at least not until the others come back. And then there will be too many of them for us to rescue Blaze." "We have to get her out of there now," Skyla said. "I have an idea! Follow me," Tag said. He flew to the nest, and Skyla followed. Tag hopped to where Blaze's wing was peeking out beneath one of the giant bird's heavy wings.

ZZZZZZ! The giant bird continued to snore. "I'll gently lift the giant bird's wing," Tag whispered to Skyla. "You try and pull Blaze free." Carefully, Tag lifted up the giant bird's wing and crept beneath its huge feathers. He held the wing up above his head with his own shaky wings. "Peep!" Blaze called. "Shh!" Tag whispered. "Can you get out?" Blaze nodded.

Tag's feathers trembled as Skyla climbed into the nest. She helped Tag hold up the giant bird's heavy wing. Slowly, Blaze wriggled her body to try to get out from under the giant bird. Then she stopped. "Keep going! You're almost out," Tag said. Blaze shook her head. "My tail feathers are stuck."

"I'll help," Skyla whispered. She squeezed her way farther into the nest, getting closer to the giant bird. Tag held his breath. Then, with a soft peep, Blaze wriggled free! Skyla hurried out of the nest and gave Blaze a hug. Tag carefully lowered the giant bird's wing and joined Skyla and Blaze in a big hug.

"Thank you!" Blaze cried. "I knew you'd find me!" "We have to go before this bird wakes up," Tag said. "Blaze, can you fly?" Blaze grinned. "Get on my back, Skyla," she said. Together again, the three friends soared away from the tall trees. They landed at the edge of the island.