The Legend of Pardus

Chapter 4: Protector of the Forest

Note from author; To note I am writing this off of Wattpad, So when I'm finished with writing a chapter, I will publish it on here.
Thanks for any feedback!
A few weeks later...
It took me a few weeks before I was able to walk again, but until that time, my friends helped me as I had helped them. My wounds had all but disappeared. After I was back in my daily routine, the leaves were already beginning falling off the trees. This snowfall was early. I sat on the top of my mountain overlooking my territory. It had definitely grown since I first made friends. Some of the mountain lions and bobcats said they would help me expand the border, and they did tremendously. the territory expanding beyond what I could see to the south. The wolves were still a problem, they were definitely looking for faults in our territory line. Honestly I didn't think they got the message.

I sat upon my mountain, watching the small brown dots of the herd move by the river. a lone eagle flew over the valley in the distance, screeching loudly. The mountains, the sky, the woods and river, all so peaceful. I sighed and pulled in the sweet scents of the summer grass and late flowers. I had definitely grown up since I first came here, being the real threat to this forest when I had first came. I glanced towards the north, looking at the wolf pack's territory, then up further towards the highest snow covered peaks, sharp and deadly. I could see winter storms brewing over the menacingly sharp peaks. It wouldn't be long before the first snow came.

"Black! Black!"
Someone called from below. I looked down the side of my mountain and spotted Inferno trying to climb up the mountain twenty paces from me. I took a last look at the approaching winter storms, then went down to greet him. He had wedged himself on a very small ledge next to a long drop, his legs were shaking badly, his fluffy orange tail tucked tightly between his legs. I made my way above him on a flat rock, then chuckled, asking,
"Why did you follow me up here?"
"I was j-just wondering what y-you were doing."
He squeaked, trying not to look down. His yellow eyes were panicked. I carefully grabbed his scruff and helped him up upon the flat rock. He mumbled,
"Thanks."

I grinned, seeing his hair begin to lie flat away from the long drop. I walked back to the top, Inferno followed closely behind. I sat down, looking at my surroundings once again. As Inferno laid down beside me, I spoke,
"I was thinking about the coming winter. If it starts as early as the next few sunsets, this entire forest may go hungry. There will be a long snowfall, I can feel it."

Inferno looked up at me, speaking his thoughts,
"No one has ever thought about snowfall. You really are connected to this landscape."
"What?"
I asked, looking back at him, cocking my head in confusion. He got up, mumbling,
"Nothing, just a rumor I've heard."

Rumors could be bad, but some could be good. I would have to get into this later. I followed Inferno, who had found my easier trail back down. I made my way over steep ledges and huge boulders until I got to my cave. I jumped down from above the cave entrance, startling the long billed bird in the tree. (it took a while, but I managed to befriend him. He still hadn't told me his name) A mountain lion and 2 bobcats were waiting for me inside. I walked into the cool cave, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. The bobcats walked up to greet me, both of them were a bit bigger than I remembered. I spoke first,
"Hello Odalis, Dahab. Good hunting I see."
"Greetings Black, we have someone here who wants to meet you."

Odalis answered, Dahab motioned to the mountain lion. I thanked the two, who walked over to the mountain lion. I then directed my attention to the newcomer. He was laying in a new nest, looking as if he had run for miles without stopping. He noticed I was coming and took a steady breath in. I stopped a pace from the nest and spoke,
"Greeting traveler, your new here."
The mountain lion stood up, explaining,
"I have traveled far from my home higher up in the mountains, the snow has come earlier this season. If I stayed, I would probably starve to death already. I sense the snow has followed me here."