The Return of the Princess of the Scarlet Macaws

The story was as ancient as the forest of Ima in Belize. It has existed for as long as the creatures in these perpetually drenched rainforest lived. It has been told and passed on from lips to lips, from generations of old until today. Many of those who heard shoved off the story as a mere legend, a narrative to impart to their children to remind them of the consequences of disobedience. Some of the animal kingdoms took advantage of its literary wealth. A thousand coded trees bears the records of the stories of fables, legends and visions of the captivity and the return of the Scarlet Macaw princess who would rule the kingdom of Ima.

“It is a treasured secret and none of the wise, —even the old mysterious-looking Elf Owl who nested on the cavity of the Kapok Tree, will know. What can somebody who benefits from other creature's labour to have a burrow, ever know about the value of a noble kingdom?,” argued the astute eagle. “Oh, those fellas are excellent hunters but they are the lousiest builders. Poor Harvey, the hawk, took days burrowing at that Kapok tree, and made it particularly cosy. While he was out looking for a mate, the whole Elf Owl family took over it. They laid their soft feathers and made it their roost. Then as if to signal that their mission was accomplished, they guarded the burrow with their stocky body as they watched throughout the night with their massive head on display as if to proclaim ‘We owls know it all’.”

King Agila was surrounded by all kinds of raptors who came to hear about the Scarlet Macaw princess. He used to be all-powerful and stern- looking. His brazen and imperial eagle gaze turned softer and nobler throughout the years. If the forest whisperers are to be trusted, they said the change started when he lost his daughter and his wife in an abnormal phenomenon. It was too transcendental, no mundane language can explain it. It wasn’t clear what happened since no one was able to speak of it but the incident left him mourning and questioning Ya-Ima, the ruler of the Ima rainforest.

“It has to be you Ya-Ima, but why?” He could be heard furiously demanding an answer. But his endless moaning was met with silence. At other times, we was seen perched on the tallest tree quietly sobbing, his head bowed low and his wings meeting on his chest as if to self-soothe. “I have a long lists of remarkable journeys and my triumphs were incomparable in all known canopies. But despite all these, I was was utterly defeated. I have no power beyond what was given me,” King Agila's voice broke into sobs as he shook violently in tears.

Ya-Ima’s purpose was hidden. It was only after King Aguila recognised Ya-Ima’s dominion over all the kingdoms that he understood that the supernatural loss he experienced was part of his mission.

Down below the luscious ocean green, the feasting and preying went on. The banal and the carnal beasts and their festivities remained uninterrupted. The news about King Agila’s loss spread though the land, through the canopies and through kingdoms. “The remarkable and the mighty was subdued supernaturally?” The lion was roaring in disbelief. Regarded highly himself in the land kingdoms of the rainforest, he struggled to make sense of how a powerful warrior of the air kingdoms was suddenly quashed in a way that no one could explain. “Unless I see it with my own eyes what this invincible power is that brought Agila to his feet, until then l suppose that this is nothing but an obscure attempt to instill fear in the land. I am not to be threatened by anything, I am a king!”

Despite the grand demonstration of courage, Akon, an African elephant who was undisputed in his sniffing skill, smelled the scent of fear from the lion’s tail. “This is ominous! Oh, ominous indeed. I have never sniffed so much fear as this in my entire life. What can possibly bring fear in the heart of a king?” Akon was quietly examining the scent but she hushed any desire to share her thoughts. It will be futile to talk about the scent of fear. Nobody will understand.

“The fate of this rainforest lies in the return of the Scarlet Macaw princess. All the animals in this rainforest, on the land, on the canopies, and above have populated this rainforest and lived sufficiently. They have installed their kings and created their kingdoms. For thousands of years, kingdoms were perpetuated. But now the coded trees are glistening at midnight. Ancient symbols flashes through the sky as the celestial bodies align together. The revelation is ocurring. There is only one who alone can decode the meaning of those symbols. Without the return of the princess of the Scarlet Macaws, the whole kingdoms under the Kingdom of Ima rainforest will disappear. If you care about your families, your land, the canopy and the air, you need to bring the princess back to Ima.”

“A glorious plan,” Fiona the fox clapped slowly from where she was standing. Everybody looked down and realised she has ben listening. Why was the princess lost anyway?,” the sly fox asked. His singular intent of appearing is to sneer. “The Scarlet Macaws are joined by their brothers and sisters, ruled by the the most intelligent and highly sociable, Thanan. Look at the Hahn’s, their smallest cousins. How gullible, how adorable, how obedient. Do you see how they respond in servile submission to their superior, the mighty Thanan? What in your part of canopy is missing that a grand quest is set out? As if Ima is incomplete! Isn't this already perfection? This is our paradise. Look, isn’t it enough that you and I are here. The macaws are sweet, I get it,” she said with a chuckle. “They vocalised like no Ima creature can ever do. But whoever came up with this random thought that we need a Scarlet Macaw princess for the perpetuity of Ima was delusional. We don’t need anyone let alone a bird from the species so inexplicably dull. The kingdom of Ima will survive, everyone else who says otherwise are lying,” says the fox. Down below the canopy those who heard her words agreed and easily went on their way.

“We need to examine the codes. No one has seen these codes light up at midnight in such a mysterious foreboding. Something is about to happen,” King Aguila said, his eyes searching in the sky.

There was no hint of pretentiousness in King Agila’s words and demeanour. Even when his words cut deep leaving the hearer’s heart potentially pierced and bleeding, they knew it was for their sake that what was spoken was spoken. And even in his flagrant outburst whenever he points out his hearer's lacklustre understanding, those who realised their ignorance kept coming. The proud ones thought they have nothing to gain and left.

Far and wide, King Aguila’s reputation grew. His warnings resounded throughout Ima. Some of the other birds belonging to different species wondered-sometimes with admiration, at other times out of jealousy, about what spiralled King Aguila’s influence in this matter. Those who witnessed his works thought of him as a celestial teacher who sees beyond the canopy and beyond the future. "The fate of all kingdoms lies in the will of Ya-Ima, the ruler of all. The codes have revealed that Ya-Ima’s ultimate will is to find the princess of the Scarlet Macaws. Without this coming to fruition, terrifying events will devastate the entire kingdoms of Ima. A merciless havoc was determined," King Aguila proclaimed in solemnity.

There were a few remaining Scarlet Macaws living among their species. One was a hapless bird whose voice hasn’t been heard for as long as they can remember. She would stare at the sky as if waiting for something to appear, her eyes moist of tears and her frail body about to give in to an unrecognisable disease of the heart. The voice of Thanan resounded throughout Ima. All the Macaws gathered together and with boisterous merriment, they danced and squawked their way all day. All, except one Scarlet Macaw whose forced smiles camouflage her broken spirit with a forced smile.

“When will you return? My soul has dried up, I’m weary with yearning. I have longed for your return. Seventy years… it felt like eternity! I couldn’t bear remembering the day of your captivity. Remember, it has to happen,” she sobbed quietly.

It was then that Thanan, a blue and yellow macaw appeared out of nowhere. “You are deep in your thoughts again. The kingdom has flourished under my rule. My wisdom was incomparable that even the most divisive of our species gather with us united as one family. We are the envy of everyone in Ima for our filial loyalty and familial cohesion. The decision I made seventy years ago was right. We, macaws are known for love and obedience towards our family. Anyone who dares transgress our law will die or be abandoned for captivity. Only then will the younger generations know that our kingdom is only for those whose wisdom and obedience surpasses all known kingdoms. Those who err shall die or be banished.” Thanan arrogantly paced in front of the old scarlet macaw.

Sensing the disengagement on his listener, he went on with his pep talk. “When the princess ventured beyond the boundaries of the Macaws, death or captivity were the only choice left for her. You have been proven the wisest in all your ways, to allow me to carry out her punishment.” Thanan, with his unwavering self assurance knew that the old scarlet macaw can only agree to him. He flew in an aerial performance and sang a human song- the highest, most sophisticated known music in the Macaw territory. Those who heard the music were overwhelmed with emotions. His voice was the voice of a sublime deity," the macaws thought. They bowed their head as tears rolled down their faces. “Thanan, the most glorious among the Macaws,” they proclaimed in unison.

The old scarlet Macaw watched silently, enduring the pain she secretly holds in her heart. If the times and events are interrupted, the princess will have no chance of returning home. The plan has to be carried out without the slightest deviation. This very moment has been written in the codes. It has to happen exactly as it is. Seventy years and the princess will return from captivity. The old scarlet macaw watched on as if she herself was among those who exalted Thanan. Her sorrow for her daughter drowned her grief for the macaws who do not realise who is in their midst.

The next day somewhere in Honduras, Batia glided a regal gait. She flapped her wings and tiptoed towards her owner. She has lived long enough in her master’s house that she knew what can brighten up his mood. “Good morning, it is nice to see you handsome!,” Batia screamed. She was trying so hard to master her speaking voice but it just always come out sounding like a shriek. “Lucky, you are sassy. If not, I wouldn’t tolerate your voice” the master looked at her with affection. Her owner took some of berries and hand fed Batia. “Nutriberries and premium pellets for the most gorgeous bird in the whole world,” says her master. “Off to work. Come on! Off to work!” Batia cajoled her owner. The car engine revved up and minutes later, Batia was alone on her cage.

She was about to get on with her vocalisation when all of a sudden, a blinding light flashed in a corner. A bird phantom with an outstretched wings and on her head a flower crown. An enchanting voice filled the room, “Remember, it has to happen. As if she was zapped back to her reality, she suddenly realised who she was. “Ima, my queen mother!,” she wailed. She remembered everything like it happened only yesterday.

The kingdom of macaws punishes anyone who dares to venture out of their borders. Thanan, her mother's brother made the queen mandate this law at the pretence of protecting Batia whose carefree attitude always lands her in trouble. One day, she was out in the canopy hovering here and there, dancing, laughing, and singing. She was the life of the scarlet macaws. Thanan seizing the opportunity of being with her alone, lured her out of the canopy and into the forbidden realm. He disguised his intention by telling her of a surprised celebration for the gracious princess.

“The kingdom wants to express their delight and sublime love for the princess. They are secretly gathering at this time to honour you through our festivities,” Thanan proclaimed in her usually majestic deep voice. “Come along, Princess Batia.

Noticing that they are exploring an unknown track, Batia inquired where they were heading. “Possibly where you would not even thought of going,” he replied. “Come on, it is a surprise! You shouldn’t know.” Suddenly she saw men standing in a short distance. "Poachers!," she was caught off guard.

When she realised that she crossed the border she looked back to Thanan who suddenly halted.Thanan gave her a long evil look and a grinned. Then he blared the most ear-piercing squawk to alert the poachers and announce that someone crossed the borders.

Thanan led her to unknowingly violate the very law that her queen mother mandated to protect her. Thanan’s alarming voice reached through the kingdom. They all rushed to the scene to see who is the transgressor. “Death! Death!” Each can be heard with their judgement. “Who dares violate the law of the queen?,” they asked to each other.

When everyone arrived they saw their princess begging to be released. But her fate has already been sealed in the cage. Thanan has betrayed her and led her to where the poachers were waiting for any sign of a macaw. “Great, this is going to sell quickly. What a beauty!,” one of the poachers gloated at Batia.

“Batia!!!!”

The queen who was drenched in sweat and struggling to contain her emotions called out her daughter’s name. The time she dreaded has come. She knew it is going to rip her heart apart, but no amount of knowledge prepared her for the indescribable pain. “It has to happen,” she blew the words in the air, and that was the last words that Batia heard from her mother.

The immense despair of the old scarlet macaw made her bitter and for a while she couldn’t speak. The love for singing and squawking has left her lips. Batia’s unspeakable sorrow and fear of the unknown made her struggle. One day she woke up without memory. Whether it is her brain trying to help her cope, or whether it is a forced resignation to her fate, she couldn’t remember. From then on, she has forgotten her happy days with her mother, along with the memory of their heartbreaking parting.

As if by unexplained coincidence she realised that for the first time since her captivity, the cage was left open. “Remember, it has to happen,” she heard her mother’s voice again. She flew in dizzying excitement, her wings weak from captivity, but her will to fly back home overtook her whole being. She didn’t know where she is going but her heart led the way.

Scattered throughout cities and far-flung areas were different species of birds and animals who have been searching for her. They were those who have taken the King Agila’s warnings by heart. A flurry of information, birds squawking, mockingbirds singing, and land animals grunting and bellowing. Signals were passed on from one animal to another. “The princess of the Scarlet Macaws have been spotted,” the toucans were as excited as everyone. “Show her the way!” “Calling all the armies of geese, you need to divert the princess’s direction. I need a mob to fill east west of your location,” the herons were backing the mission. Hummingbirds sang the song of returning and the doves sent the messages back to the kingdom of Ima. It was a thrilling frenzy mixed with nervous anticipation of what could happen if the princess won’t make it in time.

It was at dawn today, that King Agila figured out one of the codes. If the princess do not return until midnight, the Kingdom of Ima will be wiped out. Everyone who heard King Aguila took the race against time. They need to find the princess and get her back before midnight. It was a long and perilous journey. Some of the birds safeguarded the route, while others figured out the fastest way.

Soon, darkness began to envelope the kingdom. “What is happening?,” asked the land animals. “It must be true, what they say up there. Look, it’s only midday and darkness have already encroached the land,” the tigress muttered. There was a sense of agitation everywhere. “The Macaw princess has to return. She is our only hope,” the mystic deer whispered. Thunder upon thunder rocked the canopies. Lightning jolted and struck the trees. “It has begun,” the owl closed her eyes wondering if the burrow he chose can weather the frightening deluge that is about to come. The time ticked away.

At quarter past eleven, all remaining hopes has left all the creatures at Ima. Everyone looked disheartened, scared, and shaken to their wits end. Most of them huddled together, comforting each other. The loudest thunderous bang was heard. A huge ball of fire landed somewhere close. Seven to 12. Then a great commotion occurred. A loud cry of joy was heard. The clouds cleared like daytime, the thunders were silenced and the lightnings stopped. Batia has returned. It was then that amidst everyone, the old scarlet macaw turned into a glowing deity. She appeared out of the storm, wearing a marvellous gown made of crystals, sapphires, and jaspers. “It has to happen,” she uttered the words of her queen mother.

Batia stared at her confused. Her heart was fluttering wild and with an abated breath, she approached the magnificent sight. “Mo-mother?,” she asked in disbelief. “I am Ya-Ima, your mother.” They held each other in a long embrace as the swirl of whirlwind enclosed their presence. Lights sparkled all over Ima, and all the animals bowed in reverence.

The tears have dried up and as soon as the whirlwind of glorious lights stopped, the queen and the princess macaws were now both transformed into deities. No one could dare look at their luminescent faces. “The princess has returned and so you will all live. All the kingdoms who vowed their loyalty towards Ya-Ima and her princess will continue to reign. But the betrayers will be punished,” declared Ya-Ima.

At that moment, all the macaws banded together and handed over Hanan to the deity. “It is against our law to betray our family, he must die,” said the an elder Macaw. Hanan couldn’t believe his ears. “Did you forget how the princess violated the law of the Macaw kingdom? If anyone has to die, it should be her,” he declared refusing to accept his sentence.

“Indeed, my princess violated the law of our kingdom, by crossing the border. She shouldn't have, " said the queen looking at her daughter lovingly. "Let it be known to all that all our laws were created to protect what we love. The law was not made to destroy and to kill the ones that the very law protects,” Ya-Ima declared.

“Hanan, you will be locked up and never to fly until you learn humility and true love. Only when you get rid of your evil pride and your haughty heart will you be restored. You have used the law to carry out your evil plan. You should be punished."

And with this the Ya-Ima and the princess of the scarlet macaws were gone. Forty years later, a flurry of scarlet macaws landed in Ima. The bright red, yellow, and blue spectacle glistened as the ray of sunlight touched their feathers. "Where did all these scarlet macaws come from?,” the whole Ima kingdom was puzzled. They have never seen such a large delegation of Scarlet Macaw in their entire life. And then they remembered the story of the princess of the Scarlet Macaws who was taken into captivity, who came back and disappeared but will one day rule over the Kingdom of Ima.