“A few weeks later Zareen left the cottage, too. She had packed a bag and ventured deep into the jungle, only to return a few hours later. She looked stunned, her expression distant as she reverently stroked her stomach with her fingertips. Mrs. Bluebird recognized the signs immediately: Zareen was pregnant. She shared the news with her husband, who was surprised but trusted his wife’s discerning eye regarding such matters…”

“From its high perch, the Tash Snake laid eyes on a new opportunity. A bear had emerged from the trees, lumbering toward the garden where Zareen hummed to herself, gathering vegetables. With her head bowed and her mind filled with hopeful daydreams, she was oblivious to the massive predator’s approach. The snake watched with cold anticipation…”

“Mrs. Bluebird stepped forward, leaving Mr. Bluebird to mind their eggs, and thanked Shay for saving her husband. She told him she was a small bird of little wealth, but that she had a secret stash of seeds. If he was willing to wait, she would bring them as a reward. Bonny was not sure exactly what people ate, but Shay was welcome to the seeds if he wanted them…”

“Mrs. Bluebird told him that, yes, it was time for her to lay her two eggs. Tawny was astonished. Two eggs? He had thought there would be one. Two eggs were… well, it was twice as special, that was what it was. Bonny had doubled their chance of growing a family. Tawny collected himself and stood beside his brilliant wife. Whatever she needed from him, he told her, she would have. He meant it. He would even fight the giant if it came to that. Mrs. Bluebird glanced about nervously, hoping it did not…”