Dream - Howler on a beach (6 of 27)

The ebshine takes the Girl down, sending her rolling in the waves, rolling in the dreams. She sees herself washed ashore again, only not on the spire's shore. The island's like the spire, but it's not piercing through the sky, no. It's lying on a bed of water, stretching far and away. She stands on the shore and looks out over the bright deep blue. She's never seen anything like it. For a time, the Girl just stands and stares, listens to the birds sing, to the waves crash. She looks up the beach and sees another shipwrecked soul, another stranger. She doesn't move though, just watches as the surf throws him about, pushes him up higher, until he rolls over and sits up. A massive Howler flaps down, larger than she's ever seen. Four brown wings kick up the sand around the boy that's washed ashore. She hears the bird howl, hears it call, hears it shout. She understands the words, knows they're meant for her. Howlers are old animals. They give wisdom or they take life, as they see fit. Big enough to pose a threat, private enough not to roost near any houses or buildings. Howler says she's trapped, just like everyone else on the island. Can't leave unless someone climbs to the top of the highest peak and wakes the Dreamer there. The Howler flaps higher, turns, look the Girl dead in the eyes. She can feel it watching her, seeing her through time and space. Howlers are Old. Scary Old.