Rook

long.”
    “Well, thank God we pay Dr. Crisp several hundred thousand pounds a year,” I muttered under my breath. “Apparently, that’s just to mind the ducks and give us all checkups.” From the opposite end of the table, Alrich caught my eye and gave a slight commiserating smile. It was clear that he’d heard me.
    “Master Henderson has informed me that the revelations that will emerge from the creature will be of great significance and will need to be kept highly secret,” continued Sir Henry. “So Lady Farrier and I feel that only we, as the heads of the organization, should be present when Master Henderson draws the prophecy forth. We shall attend the process, and then confer as to what answers it is safe to share. Rest assured, your discretion is unquestioned, but you also understand that some secrets must be kept as secret as possible.” With a face like a thundercloud, Bishop Grantchester led the applause this time, little spurts of inky smoke popping out from his hands.
    “Well said,” he managed through gritted teeth. Wattleman looked on with his eyes shining as Henderson continued to expound on his powers. Apparently, only he could draw out every nuance of the prophecy, through his natural talents and his studies. By the time Dr. Crisp entered from a side door, amnesia was actually looking like a pretty good option. The scientist came over to me, bent down, and spoke quietly.
    “Rook Thomas, the duck is ready in the next room. Now, I’ve been advised that not everyone in the Court will be witnessing its prophecies?”
    “Yeah,” I said. “Just one in a series of delightful changes in plan. Here, let me introduce you to our new expert.” I cleared my throat, and, for a wonder, Henderson actually paused in his lecture. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I’ve been advised that the subject is ready for you. This is Dr. Crisp, our in-house expert on, well, essentially everything,” I said. “He’ll give you the details that they have already gleaned about the creature.” Dr. Crisp moved forward, smiling politely, and Henderson took his hand.
    “Thank you, Dr. Crisp. It is very pleasant to meet you, but I have quite a bit of experience in these things, and I’ve found it best not to clutter my impressions. I’m sure you understand.”
    “Well, research—” began Dr. Crisp, but Henderson was already ushering the heads into the room where the duck sat. I was slightly gratified to note, just before the door shut, that the duck looked supremely unawed at the sight of them.
    “I’m very sorry, Dr. Crisp,” I said in an undertone. “This has always been an important project for Sir Henry, and so we must respect his decisions.”
    “I quite understand,” said Dr. Crisp. “Do you know how long he has been working on this?”
    “I’m not quite certain,” I said.
    “Around forty years,” said Dr. Crisp.
    “Forty years?”
    “Yes.”
    “Forty
years?”
    “Yes, that is how long the rumor of the duck has been going around the country.”
    “Dr. Crisp, I understand that the world is a strange place. I’ve just spent the better part of a half hour being told in an offensively patronizing manner how strange the world is. But you are telling me that this duck is older than me?”
    “That duck has been in the same family for three generations,” said Dr. Crisp.
    “The duck is immortal?” I squeaked. People looked around in surprise, and I flushed.
    “The duck is… long-lived,” he said.
    “I’ll say.”
    “We don’t know how long-lived it will be. The only way to know if the duck is mortal is to stay alive until the duck dies.”
    “That’s very scientific,” I said. “But that duck could drastically alter the way this organization is run. Finally, we’ll have clear insight into upcoming events. And as far as we know, it will be an asset forever. Think of the good we’ll accomplish!”
    He smiled, and then the door of the duck’s room slammed open. Everyone’s head jerked around in shock.
    Henderson stood in the doorway, his hands soaked in blood, feathers in his hair.
    “This duck tells me nothing!” he shouted.
    F or a moment, we all froze in horror. Behind Henderson, Lady Farrier looked as if she was going to throw up, and Sir Henry was holding his head in his hands. Henderson took a deep, shuddering breath, and spoke again, this time quietly.
    “This duck tells me nothing.”
    “And so you felt compelled to kill it?” asked Bishop Alrich dryly.