08 The Hidden Surprise

CHAPTER 8 THE HIDDEN SURPRISE As soon as the giant birds were out of sight, Skyla raced up the closest tree to look for Blaze. Tag took to the sky. He soared over and under the nests, searching everywhere. Something moved in the nest below him. Tag quickly landed on a branch and hid out of sight. He peeked around some leaves and froze.

Not all the giant birds had left their nests! One of them had stayed behind and was sleeping in the highest nest on the tallest tree. Tag waved at Skyla and pointed at the nest. Skyla's eyes grew wide. She leaped from branch to branch until she landed beside Tag. "Do you think that bird stayed behind to guard Blaze?" Skyla whispered. Tag nodded. "The other nests are empty. Blaze must be in that nest, too." "Then let's go get her!" Skyla said.

Tag flew to the next branch to get a better look. ZZZZZZ! The giant bird was snoring. Tag could not see any sign of Blaze. I need to get closer, he thought. Tag shuffled slowly along the branch. He moved closer, closer, closer to the nest. The giant bird was even bigger than Tag had thought. Its beak was as big as he was! Tag gulped as he took a step closer to peek inside the nest. Suddenly, the giant bird ruffled its big feathers. Tag jumped! He almost slipped off the branch, but held tight with his talons.

"Blaze!" he whispered toward the nest. "Are you in there?" There was no reply. The giant bird snored softly. "Blaze?" Tag called again, a little louder. "It's me, Tag." "Mmmmfffff!" a voice replied. The giant bird ruffled its feathers again. But Tag had recognized that voice! Hope rose in his chest. Then he spotted a smaller bunch of feathers beneath the giant bird! It was Blaze!