Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 134

In no time, Zeus returned with two rabbits in his claws.

Hayden caught the rabbits and tossed them into a cage. Zeus flew off again to catch more.

He moved back and forth, eventually catching nearly ten rabbits.

The game lasted only thirty minutes.

The eagles cried out as Violeta watched them through binoculars.

Every ten minutes, they released a new batch of rabbits, totalling three batches.

Once the three batches were over, so was the game.

Each falconer carried their cage, most filled with rabbits, though some had fewer.

Hayden's cage was almost bursting with his game.

The judge began to count.

When they saw Hayden's cage, the judge exclaimed, "Wow! That's a lot!"

Rabbits were pulled out and counted one by one, then placed into a larger cage nearby.

"Fifty-six rabbits in total! Not bad! You have the highest count so far."

The judge laughed heartily and held high expectations for Hayden. If all went well, Hayden was on track to win this year's Falconry Festival.

Those waiting in line behind him saw how many rabbits Hayden's eagle had caught and cast envious glances at Zeus perched on his forearm.

"Hayden!" someone called out.

Hayden turned.

He saw Violeta and her group riding towards him on horseback.

Zoren jumped off his horse, asking, "How many did Zeus catch?"

"Fifty-six," Hayden replied.

Sophia's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "Wow! That's the most I've ever heard of!"

Jasper and Liam approached, fist-bumping Hayden. "Zeus is impressive!"

Violeta and Niall also dismounted.

"Impressive! Zeus is truly remarkable," Violeta remarked.

She patted Zeus, which was perched on Hayden's forearm.

"Kee-eeeee-arr!" Hera suddenly screeched, as if disapproving of Violeta's attention to Zeus.

Violeta quickly pulled her hand back.

Niall laughed and teased, "It seems even eagles can be possessive."