Gwair stood, tapped solid wood,
‘If there’s nothing else to say
I’ll be on my way, then. I take
I’m having a signal squadron.’
Palmyredes nodded, approached,
‘Good luck, stay off southern roads, make
straight for Dinas Arcani, fast.
Observe only, do not engage,
no stupid solo heroics.’
Rapid snuggled goodbye hugs,
Gwair strode into sunlight, held
arm to side, pitch whistled; air
folded; longwinged falcon landed.
‘There you are, my human, am
I back on station? Ceinfach
had nothing to fear from me
while he’s working with Llewei.’
‘Bryn, your restraint’s brilliant;
however, more’s required, we’re
heading south with a squadron.’
Peregrine Bryn, slyly winked,
‘No snacking on team members?’
Gwair gentle stroked front feathers,
‘Worse, far worse; I’m placing them
under your wings protection.’
Bryn chuckled, finger nibbled,
‘Weight upon my wingspan! Well,
I’ll be waiting on above.’
Launched across courtyard, cried
ready code, ascended sky,
attained standard watcher height.
Gwair, neck tapped, spun, saw Safir’s
stealthy smile behind, laughed hard,
‘You’re getting too good at that!
Safir half shrugged, spread hands wide,
‘Simple to catch preoccupied.
Being bird obsessed—blindsided!
So: how was meeting’s briefing?
All that we were expecting?’
‘You read your Dad really well,
I’m heading down to Dinas.
Spread the other scouts from there;
you’ll follow under Llewei.’
‘Anticipate preparation
makes us ready for action.
Sitrep’s such: Ieuan’s refuelling,
Mâir Isca’s squadron’s ready.
If I get him loaded, you want
to go pick up the pigeons?’
Fast fist bump made agreement.
Gwair broke into jog, reached
Vindolanda’s central loft.
Squadron Leader Mâir head bobbed,
pigeons boarded portaloft,
each calling off coo by coo.
‘Mâir Isca, an honour and
a pleasure. Are you all briefed?’
Battle scarred plumage bob paused,
beady-eyes return locked on Gwair.
‘Three Five Seven Squadron’s ready,
young human. As always and as ever.’
Mâir sharp turned, strutted aboard,
‘You may now secure the hatch.’