Chapter One

Leaves flew from under my claws as Mama and I foraged for food. We scraped up leaves, tore off rotten tree bark with our beaks, and dug holes in the ground with our talons.
        I spotted a juicy grub, and my head darted forward, scooping up the bug in my beak. It was gone in a heartbeat. Mama watched me proudly, her brown and gold feathers glittering in the afternoon sunlight. My heart filled with love at the sight of her - beautiful, strong, perfect. 

      That night, as we settled into our nest, bellies full of bugs and fruit, Mama began to tell a story. 

        "Once upon a time," she whispered, her voice soft and soothing. "The first chicken was born. She hatched of a golden egg which had fallen from the sky, and she was the most beautiful being in the world. She had flowing golden feathers, and ruby-red comb, and eyes sharp enough to pierce the darkest night. Her name was Serenity. Serenity traveled the world, creating insects and fruit for future chickens and other animals to eat. She had chicks, and taught them how to build nests and care for their offspring so they could continue the chicken species. 

        One day, Serenity met a human and they became friends. The human enjoyed Serenity's company so much that he gifted her a valley in the Eastern Mountains where she could build a haven for her chickens. In return, Serenity agreed that the humans could farm and eat her chickens, as long as they were respected and the humans followed her conditions. 

        So Serenity set off to build the haven. In the valley, she dug rivers, planted trees, and constructed safe barns, nesting areas, and feeding stations for the chickens. She created a magical boundary around the valley so no predators could enter, 

        So, Serenity Valley was formed, a safe and welcoming place for families of chickens to shelter and thrive, away from predators and harsh weather. Serenity told all of her offspring the directions to the Valley, if they ever had the need to go there. They told their chicks about it, who told their children, and so on. The directions to the Valley were passed on from generation to generation, and now I shall give them to you."

       Mama smiled down at me, and I fluffed up my feathers expectantly. My beady eyes danced with excitement. "I want to go there," I breathed.
       "One day, you can," Mama replied. Her eyes darkened slightly, but I didn't think anything of it, too busy daydreaming about the fabled valley and the treasures it held. "When your need is greatest," Mama continued softly, "follow the North Star to the River of Ice. From there, take the river eastward towards the Great Hills."
     Confusion flickered in my eyes. "But you will be there to guide me, won't you?"
     Mama clicked her beak and glanced away, hesitating before she answered. ".... something could happen to me someday, and I need you to know how to get somewhere safe, if need be. But don't worry, little one." She ran her beak through my downy feathers affectionatly. "I won't be leaving anytime soon. I love you more than anything, Hazel. I would never abandon you."
       I scooched closer to her, mixed emotions swirling in my chest. Something happening to Mama? Never. Mama was the sort of creature that was always there to lift you up and clean your feathers and tell you a story. Whenever I tore a claw or twisted a feather, she was there to soothe me and right it. Whenever I was hungry, she would gather me some grubs, and when I was cold, she would snuggle close and sing. Mama would never leave.
       ... right?