Madarak — Debbie Manber Kupfer

A single feather of rainbow hues was the inspiration.The Great Zog of Manus Wu gazed down at it and decided it was a sign. The time of the gathering of the avians was almost nigh. Of course it could have been because he was molting, but what would be poetic or prophetic about that? And the Great Zog was convinced he was a prophet, a wielder of magic.He decided they would come here. And he would announce their arrival. Birds from around the globe would flock and glory in their feathered beauty and his, of course.And thus the first Madarak was born.This year Madarak, or Bird Con as it's colloquially called, is taking place in Nashville and bird shapeshifters and animagi from around the globe are descending upon the convention grounds. Some like Jenny and Tessa fly in on their own wings. Others like Oswald and 104-year-old Gloria Ainsworth fly on a first class jet. While Alaskan friends, Jayda and Timothy, hitch a ride in a self-driving car? What could possibly go wrong?The P.A.W.S. Saga continues with Madarak!