“I’ve been in contact with representatives at the wildlife department, and they’ve agreed to reset the original hunting boundaries,” Quarkey Bird said. “They didn’t realize it brought hunters so close to Anipal Land, and agreed to our original terms of keeping a fifty mile radius of our borders off limits.”
“Some politician was getting kickbacks from landowners on our borders to allow hunting,” Jinx said, “but we took care of that.”
“I’ve heard you guys have a way with the politicians,” Wiley said.
“A good bite on the butt usually does the trick,” Zack said, “but while it’s funny, it leaves a bitter taste in the beak.”
Henrietta stared at them. “What about us? You aren’t turning us back in, are you?”
“Goodness, no!” Quarkey Bird said. “You’re free to live on our borders. In fact, there are several farmers in that fifty mile radius that have agreed to take you in. They’re in the process of preparing areas for you with appropriate accomodations and feeding arrangements. You can live here with us until they’re ready.”
“Which should be in a week,” Jinx said. “The farmers are quite efficient out here, and they’re pleased to have you.”
“As for the coyotes, there is land on the outskirts available for you to hunt and roam,” Quarkey Bird said, pointing at a map of the Anipal Land area. “There are several uninhabited regions in the area, and you’re free to settle wherever you like.”
“And there’s no yarn, bouncy balls, or confetti there?” Wiley asked.
Zack laughed. “All of the toys have been returned to our grandparents attic. You don’t have to worry. If you keep your end of the bargin by living in peace, we’ll keep our end and not get those toys out for another ‘attack of confusion’ again.”
“It was quite efficient,” Henrietta said. “I’m not happy about being used as bait to draw in the coyotes, or at being drugged, but at least you kept everybody safe and didn’t hurt us.”
“What she means is, thanks to Chloe for not launching a kung-fu attack,” Wiley said.
Chloe giggled. “There was no need for violence.”
“We’re sorry we crossed into your lands with our dispute,” Henrietta said, “and for egging your castle. Is there anything we can do to make it better?”
“Actually, you already have,” Chloe said. “We’ll be enjoying some of the best scrambled eggs and omlets ever tomorrow morning for breakfast. We put your egg ammo to good use!”
“We’ll help with cleaning up the rest of the castle, repairing the ammo shed, and with repairing your French Fry express,” Wylie said. “We’re sorry for that. We thought you were harboring the chickens and were trying to draw them out.”
“The important thing is that the mystery is solved, and everybody is on good terms,” Quarkey Bird said.
“Does everybody agree to the terms?” Jeff Musk asked.
“The coyotes do,” Wylie said.
“So do the chickens,” Henrietta said.
Jeff Musk shook hands with Wylie and shook Henrietta's foot, and presented them with the peace treaty, which both sighed. Jeff stepped out on the balcony and held up the signed treaty for everybody gathered below to see.
“We have peace!”
A cheer went up, as every anipal scrambled to prepare for the party to come.