Dazel could see Wiz Rooster addressing a group of pigeons in the assembly area of the Aviary School of Birds. The discussion seemed animated and the duck’s curiosity did not let her rest until she found out what the matter was.

“It’s time for everyone to go home. I wonder what Wiz Rooster wants with the pigeons at this hour,” mused Dazel. When the pigeons flew away in a flurry of silvery grey wings, Dazel made her way to Wiz Rooster. “Good day, sir,” she greeted him offering a platter of fresh strawberries arranged on a large banana leaf.

“Oh, thank you,” smiled the Aviary School principal as he nibbled a juicy, scarlet strawberry.

“The pigeons had a meeting with you today?” asked Dazel feigning innocence, hoping to get some revealing response from the rooster.

“Yes, we are working on something exciting,” remarked the rooster mysteriously. Dazel squirmed with curiosity.

Wiz Rooster laughed. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to tell you just yet, Dazel, my curious little duck. I don’t want to jinx this project. Once things work out, you’ll come to know,” he promised. With those words and last nibble of a strawberry, the rooster flew off.

But Dazel was not the one to rest. “I think I’ll pay a visit to the pigeons,” she plotted. She knew the pigeons mostly lived on the face of the cliff facing the sea. The evening was breezy and overcast and Dazel reached the cliff in no time.

She saw a flock of pigeons engrossed in their tasks. The cliff’s rocky surface had a series of neatly arranged nests which were a flimsy platform of straw and sticks.

“Hello, Pie,” greeted Dazel. Pie was one of her classmates and a good friend.

“Hello Dazel,” the pigeon said. “What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?”

“Oh, I just thought I’d pay you a visit and offer you some strawberries that Din Din shared with me yesterday,” Dazel said innocently. Pie was delighted, “Oh lovely!”

“I saw that the pigeons had a meeting today with Wiz Rooster,” the duck said as they snacked on the strawberries. Pie nodded distractedly. Dazel was frustrated. “It must have been important,” she continued.

“We are not allowed to share the news yet, but yes it’s very thrilling to be part of this,” replied Pie solemnly.

Dazel cajoled and coaxed but Pie was adamant not to reveal any details. Finally, Dazel had to return to her pond home, still in the throes of curiosity. That night, Dazel tossed and turned. Her over active imagination got the better of her and she dreamt of fluttering pigeons all night.

The next day was a Sunday and Dazel had planned to help Din Din in his garden. Suddenly she saw a flurry of silvery feathers in the sky. She glanced up to see a flock of pigeons flying towards the Aviary School. Just then Wiz Rooster, who was Dazel’s neighbour, also left his home. Dazel was intrigued. Downing a quick breakfast of sunflower seeds, she flew towards the school premises.

“Sorry, you are not allowed in school today,” said a large grey-breasted pigeon who was circling the school grounds. Looking at the intimidating size of the large bird, Dazel decided not to argue.

Her attempts foiled, Dazel flew towards the lakeside hoping to catch her best friend Delma. “There is something hatching and I’m so curious I can’t eat or sleep,” the duck complained.

Delma laughed, “Oh Dazel, you and your inquisitiveness!” Still not calmed, she flew towards the Fruit Park. Din Din, the dinosaur, was in his garden, weeding. “Oh, you’re finally here!” exclaimed a perspiring Din Din. “I have been waiting for you since morning. There is so much weeding to be done.”

“I’m sorry, Din Din. The pigeons are up to something and it’s driving me crazy!” apologizsd Dazel.

“The pigeons? I saw them at the Orange Orchard today with Wiz Rooster too. They were having a meeting with Dr Trish and Old Rex,” added Din Din.

“Oh my! Something big is cooking!” squawked Dazel. “I want to be part of it too. I hate feeling left out.”

“Everyone has their role to play, Dazel,” Din Din said. “We all can’t be involved in everything, can we?”

“I guess not,” Dazel agreed dejectedly. That evening when Dazel returned to her pond home, she saw Wiz Rooster waiting at the pond side. The citrus colours of the sunset cast a warm glow over the artificial pond.

“Well, well, Dazel. Your wait is finally over,” the rooster smiled benignly. “We will be needing your help in our venture after all.” Dazel beamed brightly, her heart filled with pride.

“Well, we are training pigeons to carry messages to and from different parts of D’Land in order to strengthen communication among the creatures,” revealed Wiz Rooster. “There is so much news which needs to be shared and sometimes even urgent messages. Dr Trish, Olly the octopus and all the elders of D’Land have long felt the need of a system by which we could share messages with each other — the birds, dinosaurs, aquatic creatures and all those who live far apart.

“So now the pigeons are being trained to work as messengers as they possess wonderful homing abilities. They will have to be paid in corn or grains!” explained the rooster.

“It sounds wonderful! How may I be of help?” inquired Dazel. “You will manage all the messages that go from me on behalf of the birds of D’Land to the other animal elders. And you will also help to oversee the messages that are received. The pigeons are building a small office near my home where some pigeon or the other will be on duty at all times. They will take shifts. You can visit them at the end of the day to record all the messages which have been sent or received,” said the rooster.

“It will be a pleasure,” replied Dazel humbly. “When do we start?”

“Next week!” replied Wiz Rooster pleased with Dazel’s enthusiasm.

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