14 THE FLOCK

CHAPTER 14 THE FLOCK Brightbill had been the leader of the flock ever since his first migration. The geese followed him because they trusted him, and he hoped they'd trust him one last time. "The flock needs to leave," said Brightbill to the other geese. "We've all seen the damage done by the poison tide, and the situation is only getting worse. I think it's best if you find a safer place to live."

第十四章羊群自从布莱特比尔第一次迁徙以来，他一直是羊群的头领。 鹅跟着他，因为它们信任他，他希望它们能最后一次信任他。 “这群鹅需要离开，”布莱特比尔对其他鹅说。 “我们都看到了毒潮造成的破坏，情况只会变得更糟。 我觉得你最好找个更安全的地方住。”

The geese glanced at each other, unsure what to say. And then Loudwing spoke up. "What about you, Brightbill? It doesn't sound like you're going anywhere." "My mother and my friends are trapped on this island," said Brightbill. "So I will stay and help them as best I can. But the rest of you should leave."

鹅们面面相觑，不知道说什么好。 然后响亮的翅膀说话了。 “你呢，布莱特比尔？” 听起来你哪儿也不去啊。” “我妈妈和我的朋友们被困在这个岛上，”布莱特比尔说。 “所以我会留下来，尽我所能帮助他们。 但是你们其余的人应该离开。”

Glimmer turned to her mate. "Brightbill, you know I'd never leave you and Roz behind. If you're staying, I'm staying." "I'm staying too!" said Loudwing as she waddled over to join Glimmer and Brightbill. Before long, a whole gaggle of geese had joined their leader, committed to staying with him, no matter what. However, not everyone joined. Five other geese were huddled close, whispering. And then a goose named Finefeather stood tall. "There's nothing any of us can do about the poison tide," she said. "We've decided to take Brightbill's advice and leave." The two groups of geese faced each other. For generations, through grueling journeys and harsh weather, their flock had been united. The members had changed, the times had changed, but the flock had always held together. Until now. "Where will you go?" said Brightbill. "We'll fly over the ocean to the mainland," said Finefeather. "And we'll find a lake or a river where we can start a new life." "Good luck to you," said Brightbill. "May the wind be at your tails." Finefeather took a deep breath. Then she beat her wings and led her small flock of geese into the sky.

微光转向她的同伴。 “布莱特比尔，你知道我永远不会丢下你和罗兹的。 如果你要留下，我也要留下。” “我也要留下来！”响亮翼摇摇摆摆地走到闪闪和布莱特比尔身边。 不久，一群叽叽喳喳的鹅加入了他们的领袖，承诺无论发生什么都要和他在一起。 然而，并不是所有人都加入了。 另外五只鹅挤在一起窃窃私语。 然后一只名叫细羽的鹅高高站了起来。 她说：“对于毒潮，我们都无能为力。” “我们决定接受布莱特比尔的建议，离开这里。” 两组鹅面对面。 几代人以来，经过艰苦的跋涉和恶劣的天气，它们的羊群一直团结在一起。 成员变了，时代变了，但羊群始终团结在一起。 直到现在。“你要去哪里？”布莱特比尔说。 “我们要飞越海洋到大陆去。” “我们会找到一个湖或一条河，在那里我们可以开始新的生活。” “祝你好运，”布莱特比尔说。 “愿风吹着你的尾巴。” 细羽深深地吸了一口气。 然后，她拍打着翅膀，带领着她的一小群鹅飞上了天空。