11 Hatching Day

CHAPTER 11 HATCHING DAY The Land of the Firehawks was very busy the morning of the ceremony. Skyla weaved garlands from vines and flowers to hang as decorations. Tag gathered fruit and nuts. Even Claw was helping out by keeping a close eye on the golden eggs.

Everyone was very excited about the ceremony, especially Blaze.

"I can't wait to see the firehawk hatch!" she said. Blaze flew from one side of the temple's great hall to the other to hang up Skyla's decorations. Blaze landed next to her friends. "It was amazing when you hatched," Tag told her. "At least we know what to expect this time," Skyla said. "When your egg caught fire, we thought something terrible had happened!" Tag placed the food he had gathered into large golden bowls. He laid them out on the long table.

"The hall looks wonderful," Talia said, looking around. "It is time to begin." TOOT-TOOOOT! A loud trumpet sounded. Soon the hall was filled with hundreds of firehawks waiting for the ceremony to start. "The hatching ceremony helps new firehawks gain control over their powers right away," Talia said. "All firehawks are born into fire. It gives us strength and power. It shows us the way to the light— the way to know what is good."

Blaze nodded. There was another loud trumpeting sound. TOOT-TOOOOT! Two firehawks started banging on drums. They led the way through the crowd, with Talia following behind. Tag, Blaze, Skyla, and Claw walked beside the leader of the firehawks. The rest of the firehawks followed in a line.

Once everyone was outside the temple, they gathered around the nest. The six golden eggs looked shinier than ever. Tag thought they might even be glowing. "Blaze," Talia called. "Step into the nest." Tag patted Blaze's shoulder. "Good luck!" he said. Blaze smiled and climbed into the nest. The drums stopped, and everyone was silent. Then, one by one, the eggs lit up. They burst into golden flames, which reached higher and higher until Tag couldn't see Blaze anymore.