The Dark Sire Issue 4 (Summer 2020) | Page 12

splashed about her face, jumping and crashing like the waves of the Colorado as she toddled over to Problem- Solver. Just as the babe got close enough to pluck a feather from Problem-Solver’s chest, Problem-Solver took to the air and landed just a few feet away. The babe huffed, her quarry now just out of reach, and continued to toddle towards Problem-Solver. Problem-Solver led the child along the path, where even more adults were beginning to crowd. These adults grumbled under their breathes as they smashed themselves up against the railings. The best location had been claimed by the group from God’s Creation Church, much to the chagrin of all the other visitors. Problem-Solver could still hear Coach Biehl’s drone floating above the canyon. “God you have made us lords over all of your creation! We possess it and steward it for your glory!” The words were so hilarious to Problem- Solver that she snapped her beak manically. She had to hold herself back from letting out a few more loud knocks to remind the humans who really possessed this canyon they so admired. The snaps of Problem-Solver’s beak egged the child on over a pile of rocks and onto the path again. She toddled on giggling towards the bird who continued to let her get close only to jump out of the way at the last minute. Problem-Solver enticed the toddler along the hiking path that followed the curves of the rim. As the two went, the humans thinned out and the trail grew quiet and peaceful. As soon as they left the last human behind, 10