Two hours had gone by searching for Kier when Ina spotted Medes flying towards her. He glided effortlessly, dodging tree trunks just below the crest level. He fluttered his wings to slow his flight and perch on a branch near the Witch.
"You need to follow me," said the owl.
"Is he alright?" she asked.
"No."
It had been shocking for Ina the first time she saw an animal, a Familiar, shed a conscious tear. Animals were not supposed to cry out of sadness. But Familiars did. Medes was doing it, and it made her tremble.
"No. I don't think he's alright," said the owl.