The great wars of nature reserves. Chapter Fourteen: Snowstorm and ambush.


It turned out just as Mossy had calculated. It snowed a little more throughout the dinner, until a strong north wind picked up and blew so fiercely throughout White Deer Park and outside the nature reserve. Mossy is Hurkel and Shadow's real friend, he even loved badgers. Because he has been friends with old Badger, who mistakenly believes he is old Mole, Mossy's father. Mossy had to pretend to be one, because of Badger's old age, until he died a little later in the autumn and Mossy mourned him.

Throughout the year, Mossy has had to be alone sometimes, even though he has good friends, like the fox family for example. But after he met Hurkel and his mate, they became inseparable friends for life. And that's a good thing, even old Vixen and Charmer thought. But right now there was a snowstorm outside Hurkel and Shadows earth, Mossy was outside for a short while and sees how his results have given him. Before, no one believed in him and his theory, but even today everyone does.

Even Swift began to believe in Mossy's truth about the storm. And even the blue and gray foxes in the silver fox clan's territory have had to hide from the snowstorm. Pearl, grieving the death of her mate, is huddled with her two fox cubs resting during dinner. She had put her tail over the little ones, so that they would not freeze from the cold wind blowing outside their little cave. Although she is happy to have her two cubs alive, she was a little worried about her brother's absence.

At the home of old Fox and old Vixen's big earth, everyone, at least half of the fox family and some animal friends are gathered. They look at the storm through the opening of the earth and think it is so unpleasantly stormy and chilly at the same time. Old Fox has had to think about the solution to all the worries for a very long time, the storm has been going on for at least two days. But finally he called out to everyone to come to him and listened to what he has in mind.

Fox: "I have decided what we are going to do about this situation."

All the animals pricked up their ears and listened carefully. Likewise the fox family: Old Vixen, Swift, Ranger, Rebel, Scarlet, Friendly, Charmer, Pace, Roamer, Violet, Windy, Whisper, Rusty, Faith, Russet, Sapphire, Grace, Little Bold, Valiant, Diamond and Rosa. And the other animals in the meeting: Silvia, Covin, Bolt, Dash, Hasty, Chipper, Spike, Whistler, Speedy, Perry, Owl and Hollow.

Dash: "What have you decided, Fox?"

Fox: "Since we can't keep surveillance on forever, some animal has to try to negotiate with Silver at some point."

Spike: "Oh yeah, and what does that mean, anyway?"

Fox: "That means I have to do it. I'm going to the silver fox territory and negotiate with Silver, once and for all!"

When everyone heard what old Fox said, everyone was of course stunned. Even old Vixen was terrified of what her beloved mate was saying and is directly against his ideas.

Vixen: "No, Fox! You can't go there yourself and negotiate with them!"

Hollow: "I agree with Vixen's words, Fox! You could get killed!"

Fox: "Listen to me very carefully now!!! We can't go on like this for as long as we want. Besides, I'm responsible for what Adder did to his favorite godson just then."

Charmer: "But, dad, what she did was for her tail's sake, not just for all of us and freedom."

Ranger: "I agree with Charmer, Fox. I can actually stand what she did to my father and my brother, Bounder. But in this case, we can still manage to keep our tempers pretty good and never surrender."

Fox: "Your tirelessness is pretty limitless for you, Ranger. But if we are all to have new peace in farthing land and all of White Deer Park, we have to make an attempt."

Bolt: "That's right! Quite right, Fox!"

Rusty: "But isn't it too dangerous to go alone to those silver foxes' territory?"

Roamer: "No way! This is watertight, I know. We can trust Grandfather with that."

Faith: "I think it's too risky, anyway."

Owl: "With their "Beast" on their side."

Spike: "Urgh! I actually get an unpleasant feeling when I think about the great cat."

There was soon a lot of chatter around, and old Fox felt that it was getting a bit too much of all the chatter, which he had to give everyone's attention.

Fox: "EVERYONE BE SILENT FOR A MOMENT!!!"

Soon everyone began to calm down from all their bickering and realized that old Fox wanted to continue. Soon everyone was quiet and he could continue on with his ideas and plans he had in mind.

Fox: "I know how you all feel about my solution, but as I said before and I'll say it again: we can't hold out hope for much longer. We also have to convince Silver that he can't have the Beast as his bodyguard anymore. Because if it's what the warden's housecat says, this big lynx can do just about anything on his own."

Swift was the first to start to understand what old Fox was referring to and agree. So do Bolt, Dash, Owl, Hollow, Spike, Covin, Ranger, Friendly, Charmer, Rebel, Whisper, Scarlet and Russet. Almost everyone does, except old Vixen who is a little worried, and Charmer knew that too when she noticed how her mother was feeling.

Fox: "But don't worry for me. I've already arranged who gets to go with me and who gets to stay here. Plus who's going to tell Laird about Trey's survival."

Swift: "Okay! Uh... Who are they going to do it?"

Fox: "You Swift, who are chosen as the temporary leader of my grandson's place, can come with me. They probably know you and also know that they will let us get close to Silver. Friendly and his son, Pace, are also coming along and will be our bodyguards."

Pace: "YES!!! Always ready!"

Friendly: "So, so! Take it easy, Pace!"

Fox: "Rebel sends this important message to the Laird. And also tell him to bring some strong stags from his herd and come with you to the Silver Foxes' territory."

Rebel: "Shall be done!"

Fox: "And for the rest of them, stay here and keep guard around and make sure nothing happens. I don't think they'll attack us all after the snowstorm."

Covin: "And me, then?"

Fox: "You can stay with my family and help. Because if you come with us, it'll end even worse, than the other one who is the worst."

Covin: "Yeah, that's true."

Fox: "Owl leads with Whistler, Speedy, and Perry, and watches over farthing land, while Hollow flies over the silver foxes' territory, watching over them and the four of us there."

Hollow: "Yes, Fox. And I understand."

Fox: "And Ranger take charge here while we're gone. We'll leave after the storm has passed."

But old Vixen crept closer to old Fox and nuzzled his left cheek so lovingly and was still worried about her dearest mate, who has been with him since the incident with the rabbits in the river and he disappeared from the animal group for the time being.

Vixen: "You are very wise and brave, Fox. Especially when you once wanted to sacrifice yourself to the wrath of the poachers and everything, just to save us, of course. But do you really have to do that, considering your old age?"

Fox: "Vixen. Silver is probably much older than I am. And Plucky is still wounded for a while and we don't even know if he will fully recover soon. That's why I have to do what I have to, and you have to try to understand me what I think about my decisions."

Vixen: "You know very well that I do too, Fox. Mmmhh... And I trust you."

Owl: "Sometimes he is terribly stubborn. But he has sentimental feelings anyway."

Hollow: "Just like you when we first met, Owl."

Owl stared a little embarrassed and heard what Hollow said and claimed. But she still realized that she was, especially when she was out looking for her future mate long ago. But Little Bold calmly walked forward and sat down in front of old Fox and old Vixen. And he kind of started to complain a little about his great-grandfather's decision.

Little Bold: "Shouldn't I come with you, great-grandfather? I saved Swift once and I'm sure I can do it again."

But old Fox shook his head immediately and gave his great-grandson the answer and little Bold was a little disappointed. Both old Fox and old Vixen had to explain everything to their unfortunate great-grandson.

Fox: "Not this time, little Bold. You and Silvia have helped us enough. I know you're big and strong enough. But you still have a lot to learn even more than that."

Vixen: "I agree with your great-grandfather, little Bold. You're still a little too young to handle everything on your own. Your grandfather realized what he did before he died, and he didn't want you to end up in the same path as his and your father."

Silvia: "There's something to what your older relatives say, little Bold."

Fox: "Exactly. But you're more than welcome to help Ranger, if you want. And one day you'll probably take your father's place as the new leader of Farthing Land."

Little Bold: "Is that sure?"

Fox: "Absolutely. You're the one who was born with your father's, your grandfather's and my blood. So I'm sure."

Little Bold feels better about that comfort. Until Swift calmly walked up to little Bold and told him a big surprise.

Swift: "Even though you saved my life, I'm still deeply grateful for it. That's why I'm asking you to watch your aunt for me this time and make sure nothing happens to her while I'm gone, little Bold."

Little Bold: "But why should I watch her all the time anyway?"

Swift: "Both you and your siblings will probably be cousins. Do I need to say more?"

Little Bold: "What!? Are you and Windy going to have cubs? And you're not kidding, are you?"

But Swift shook his head, meaning he wasn't kidding. Both little Bold and his siblings were really surprised. Everyone was also surprised to hear what Swift said and looked at Windy, who was sitting there smiling at her mate and staring at him with her loving eyes. Swift also stared back at her with his blue eyes and smiled. And Whisper calmly walked up to her daughter and asked so humbly.

Whisper: "Is that really true, Windy?"

Windy: "Yes, mom. Swift and I are going to have cubs when spring comes. Besides, he and I agree on what he's going to do that's important for the future of our cubs."

Whisper smiled with pride for her daughter and also remembered how it was when she became pregnant and wanted her cubs to be born safely in the nature reserve, to secure her cubs' future and be close to the family even. Both old Fox and old Vixen also smiled at the happy news from their granddaughter and her mate, and little Bold now understood what Swift meant and nodded in complete agreement.

Little Bold: "Okay, Swift. You and my great-grandfather have convinced me. I'll stay here and help Ranger instead."

Scarlet: "That's good, Bold. I'm proud of you and your decision."

The rest of the fox family and animal friends thought so too. But such a decision would prove to be more complicated than that. It snowed and stormed for a long time throughout the evening and night, until the weather finally became milder and it was soon dawn. Those who dared to come out of the earth were Weasel, Measly and the female stoat. Measly went off to check on Hurkel and Shadow, while Weasel took her new friend, Stoat, to the stream to drink some water.

Weasel: "How are you feeling today, then?"

Stoat: "Well, thanks, just fine as you can see."

Weasel: "You shouldn't feel anxious about what Measly and I thought of you. Deep down, you're a good friend to all of us animals in White Deer Park."

Stoat: "Thank you, Weasel. You don't know how happy I feel after this?"

Weasel: "No, but I still know that you can never betray us again, Stoat."

Stoat: "True, Weasel. True."

Both Weasel and Stoat get along very well with each other. They were next at the stream. But the female stoat stopped at the big oak tree and explained to Weasel that she suddenly felt a little pee-pee and had to empty her bladder. Weasel understood what she meant and left her for a while and went down to the stream. But after the female stoat had done so and she was on her way to the stream, she heard the twig snap from the trees. When she looked up quickly, she saw something that scared her.

Stoat: "Mommy..!"

Down in the stream it was a bit open, despite all the snowstorm. Weasel took a little sip of ice-cold water, but soon she noticed that she seemed alone.

Weasel: "Where could she have gone? She couldn't have gone up in smoke, could she?"

Weasel wondered, while she looked around and looked left and right. Soon she went back to the big oak tree and called after her, but she wasn't there. Weasel became annoying and called and screamed so that some of the squirrels became a little deaf from the terrible noise and had to cover their ears. But after two minutes of walking with all the screaming and shouting, she stopped at the other big oak tree near the stream and paused briefly.

Weasel: "What is this anyway? She can't just disappear like that? I mean, if she wanted to prove that she's not a traitor anymore, then she can't just run away and leave me like this."

With her complaint, she turned around with an angry face and intends to go to Measly and tell him what happened. But suddenly she encountered someone standing in her way. When her angry face changed to one of bewilderment, she saw who it was. And when she heard this animal growling so menacingly, she jumped back and screamed in panic and sat down on the snowy ground. What she saw was a blue fox. Very similar to Scarface, but this blue fox has both eyes. Weasel trembled with fear.

Weasel: "You're... you're... you're not... S-s-sca-scarface, right...?"

Blaze: "I'm Blaze, Scarface's son. We arrived here at exactly dawn, after the terrible snowstorm, of course. And you're the weasel who betrayed my father's life and humiliated him."

Weasel: "Who!? Me?! Ha, I never would! Betraying him is one thing if that's what you think, but never humiliating him."

Blaze: "Oh yeah?! What's this thing my father remembered about the song you gave him, for example?"

Weasel: "What song?"

Blaze: "Fox is king of the castle, you're the dirty rasco!"

Weasel: "Yeah, that one! It was just a joke. A stupid joke! Hehe..."

Blaze: "Grrf..! My father didn't like that. And that's exactly why we're going to get revenge for him. The same way our pet has taken care of your friend who's gone missing."

Weasel swallowed with both worry and nervousness and wondered what Blaze meant by that. But then someone fell down and landed behind Weasel's back. When she looked over her shoulder and down, she saw who it was. Her disappearing friend, the female stoat, had bitten her neck to death. Weasel became even more scared than ever, she was about to run away from Blaze. She placed her right hand on the snowfield and began to stand up quickly, getting ready to run.

But suddenly the Beast appeared from nowhere, with open jaws and aimed for her left arm. And within a short moment, there was a "snap", Weasel falling backwards back into the snowfield and lying on her back. Blaze laughed mockingly at what the Beast was doing. Weasel didn't understand what was funny, until she discovered to her horror that her left wrist was gone, severed by the beast's strong jaws. She screamed in pain and wanted to run away anyway.

But the Beast grabbed her back with his right front paw and threw her against the trees and made her head hit the trees and was knocked out for a while. Mossy who was nearby, heard the terrible howls of Weasel's screams and had to hurry there and look up a little. He just stopped on the hill and looked down. There he saw to his horror the big cat, and in his company Blaze and twelve mixed of blue and gray fox troop.

Mossy also saw two lying on the snow. One is a dead female stoat and the other is Weasel, who is badly injured and has a missing left wrist. The little mole, Mossy, didn't know what to do. But before he was about to hurry away, he heard their conversation down there.

Blaze: "So there, yes! My father failed to break off her left arm before, but now it seemed like justice was finally served. But still, her suffering will be short. So go ahead and finish her off, Lynx, then we'll take the rest of the animals in farthing land."

But then something happens that neither Blaze nor Mossy had anticipated. The Beast spat out Weasel's left hand and placed it next to her emaciated body. Then he raised his head and said to anyone who would listen.

The Beast: "No!"

Blaze was completely confused by his spontaneous answer and couldn't understand what the Beast meant by that, really. He stared at him both puzzled and angry, wanting to know why.

Blaze: "What did you mean by "no"? Aren't you going to finish her off?"

The Beast: "Of course I wanted to, Blaze! But some surviving animal has to witness everything! Especially now that I'm going to do something to you and the fox troop, before I take them, all of them, in the whole of White Deer Park later!"

Blaze: "What the bloody hell did you mean? And what's that supposed to mean?!"

Blaze asked again and went a little closer to the Beast and wanted to know the answer. The Beast turned his head and looked at Blaze with his most evil gaze and gave him the answer.

The Beast: "That means changed plans, you little traitor...!"

Blaze: "What!"

Before Blaze realized what the Beast meant, the great cat raised his big right paw and gave Blaze a lightning-fast slap. Mossy witnessed what he saw what the beast did to Blaze, and soon it became terribly lively for the other fox troop. Mossy had to cover his eyes with his digging claws and did not want to see this unpleasant massacre they were doing right now.

Mossy: "Oh, so terrible..! So terrible..!"

Mossy cries quietly, without anyone hearing him. But it would be a while, before he quickly rushed to Hurkel and told them what had happened. But what happens later, you will all know next time.

TO BE CONTINUED