The Starlings and the Voice in the Hedge

A flock of Starlings heard a soft voice speaking from inside a hedge.

“The old Hound keeps the orchard locked because he despises free wings,” it said. “A brave bird would steal the key from his collar.”

The Starlings had never thought the Hound despised them, but the voice praised their courage so warmly that doubt seemed cowardly. They swooped at him until one bird tore away the key. The Hound, bruised and ashamed, left the gate.

That night a Fox entered the orchard. By morning the nests were empty of eggs, and the voice in the hedge had fallen silent.

“Why did it not take the key itself?” asked the youngest Starling.

The oldest looked toward the fox tracks. “Because it had found wings willing to become paws.”