A Crow on the Horizon

A massive shadow suddenly blanketed our entire concrete table! I froze with one boot braced against the coin flagship, looking straight up as a giant black crow landed on the outer pavilion railing. Its shiny beady eye locked right onto the plump purple berry resting on our deck! I didn't hesitate—I snatched the notched iron key with both hands, held it high over my head, and gave a sharp, ringing clack against the stone edge! Clink! The crow blinked, ruffled its glossy black feathers in surprise, and took off with a heavy flutter back into the tall trees. Our flagship and rations are completely safe!