I opened my eyes, slowly regaining consciousness. Where am I? What happened to me? What about the squirrel, the tree?  When I opened my eyes fully, I saw a large figure standing in front of me. It was a giant hawk. Not surprising, this place is weird. I thought, looking at the hawk. It was staring at me.

It was a beautiful hawk with feathers of three different colors; yellow, red and blue. It's beak was a beautiful shade of yellow. It continued staring at me with it's sharp gaze.

"So you're awake?" It said. I wasn't surprised because I already expected it to have the ability to talk. I wondered if the hawk was also evil.

"What place is this? What happened to me? " I looked around and realized I was in a nicely woven nest even bigger than the hawk.

"To cut the long story short, you where attacked by Bushytail and fell from that tree..."

"Why was the tree growing or was it just my imagination? Was everything that happened and is happening a dream? " A confused me interrupted the hawk's words.

"No, everything that happened and is happening is not your imagination, neither is it a dream. You are at the border of the enchanted grove. That's trees growth was one of the magical  powers of the squirrel. Bushytail has a connection to the tree. "

" No wonder that branch was like that and she said it could turn me into a nut like she did to other people. "This hawk seemed nice.

" As I was saying, you fell from the tree and I caught you "

" Wow, thank you " I was kinda grateful to the hawk.

"I caught you because you seem use ful to me " The hawk had a wide grin over it's face.

" W-what do you mean?" I was sensing impending danger. Maybe this hawk was just like the squirrel after all.

" You want the key to the enchanted grove, don't you?" It asked still with a grin on it's face.

" Y-yes I do" I then suddenly remembered the words of the wise man.

" I am Lyra from-" I wasn't allowed to complete my sentence.

" The village of Aquaridge, right? I heard your entire conversation with Bushytail. I can help you get that key if you do something for me. And if you don't, I will eat you up for lunch."

I was afraid and thankful of it at the same time. At least it is going to help me get the key from Bushytail.

" What is it I can do for you ?"

" You're the first of the travelers I have ever picked for this. From your conversation with Bushytail, I can see that you are a bit brave and young. You are going to help me get back my precious eggs from that stupid snake over there, Viperis. "

Oh, what have I gotten myself into again.

" But why can't you do it yourself?" I had already said this before I realized what I said could cause trouble for me.

"The snake is very powerful and it stole my eggs 1000 years ago. The eggs are three in number. The snake kept it among his priceless possessions. I have tried many times to retrieve it, but he is much more powerful than I am " The hawk looked sober.

" Did you say one thousand years? " Do hawks live for that long? Well this is no normal hawk.

" Well yes. I am the only one who can hatch the eggs and bring them to life. "

I remembered that I had to go back before thirty days. I wondered how long I had been unconscious.

"How long have I spent here in your nest?"

" Well, only three days "

At the sound of three days my heart began to beat fast. I knew I had no other choice than to obey the hawk.

" Where is this Viperis? "

" He lives in that hole not far from here. Just go straight down. " It used it's beautiful wing to point at it.

The hawk spread out her wings and carried me on her back. She then dropped me on the ground and I walked as quickly as my little legs could carry me to the hole.

   ***

Everywhere was dusty and dark and I could see no sign of life. I walked further into the hole and coughed occasionally.

As I further walked, I felt something slimy on my legs. I knew it was a snake and my body wouldn't move. I remembered the words of the hawk saying Viperis was very powerful.

"A visitor. Come in" It interrupted my thoughts.  Is this Viperis or what?

" W-who are you? " I was still frozen and couldn't move.

"Those are supposed to be my words. Anyways, I am a servant of Sir Viperis. I guess you want to see him. " The snake seemed kind but I had experience with the hawk already.

I  am Lyra. " I decided not to tell him that I came to restore our water and blah blah blah just in case.

" Good to hear that. I guess you want to see the king. "

" Y-yes sir " I also did not to tell him my original purpose of coming because the hawk and the snake were enemies.

" Well, come on in. You're the first ever human visitor to come to the palace of Viperis. "

We walked into the hole and it gradually became bigger until I almost forgot it was a hole and it looked like a small city. When I entered further into it with the snake servant, I couldn't believe what I saw.