“Meow!”

Kennedy closed her front door and leaned her weary back against it. In and out, Endora wound around her legs. She toed off her sensible heels and unhooked her bra.

“Meeoooow,” Endora cried pitifully.

“Okay I get it you’re dying of starvation. Here you go greedy pants,” Kennedy said opening a can of cat food.

For a moment Kennedy juggled the idea of takeout versus leftovers. With her head deep in her fridge over some questionable tuna salad Kennedy decided she just wanted to sleep.

After pulling her dress over her head, Kennedy wriggled out of her control top pantyhose. Finally free, she lay on her comforter on her bed. The database crashed twice today and old moneybags Millard dropped by and talked her ear off. Her lids were heavy. Half sleep already Kennedy stretched. That’s when she heard the rustle of feathers.

Kennedy rocketed to her feet. Her eyes darted around her bedroom. Maybe it was a dream, she thought. Then the sound of rustling against fabric. Her pillow moved. Kennedy thrusted her hand searching. She retrieved a handful of blood and black silky feathers. Kennedy made the sign of the Book.

“Caw!”

Bloodied and battered, the Harbinger climbed out from beneath her pillow.

“Milady, your presence is requested at the round table of the Sigils. Bring your crossbow,” the bird crowed.

Kennedy bowed her and made the sign again to show her acceptance of the quest. Her cat jumped on the bed and rubbed her head on Kennedy’s forehead.

“You might also want to throw on some pants, warrior princess,” Endora said. “Hey birdbrain you want to follow me for a first aid kit and shot of whiskey.”

The bird looked over Kennedy and the hopped away following the cat.