Under the tree

Chapter 3

Sun led the group through several holes and tunnels until they reached a small burrow. There was moss and leaves covering the ground making for a very comfortable space. 

"You will be able to sleep here after you eat. Follow me and we will go back to the surface to hunt."

From there, Sun led them back to the surface and they divided into groups of 2-3. Raven went with Sun, Snow with Ash and Tiger. Raven crouched low to the ground and swiveled her ears. There! Raven silently crawled to where the clearing began. There, in the center of the clear, a squirrel scratched at the dirt.  She crept stealthily closer. Finally, she was within four feet of the creature. Raven tensed her muscles and pounced. The poor squirrel never saw her coming. Raven walked back to the burrow with the squirrel's limp body dangling from her mouth. The others had already found two birds and a chipmunk. Sun had yet to catch anything. The rest of the felines sat down to eat and watched his fruitless efforts at hunting. 

"He's not low enough, he sounds like a herd of galumphing elephants and he jumps to early!" Ash commented, her eyes following the orange and yellow cat as he ran back and forth. Finally Raven stood up.

"I can't stand this any longer. He's going to starve if he keeps going on like this."

She padded over to where Sun was trying to climb a tree in order to catch a squirrel. He glanced over as Raven approached. 

"Okay. First things first. If an animal goes into a tree. It's not worth pursuing. Let's go find something else''

The pair walked back to where Raven had caught her squirrel. A chipmunk was sitting on a rock, staring at it's paws. Sun bunched up, ready to pounce. Raven bumped him and he stopped. 

"What?" he complained. "I was gonna catch that chipmunk."

"We're to far away. Let's get closer."

The two creeped around the tree line till they were a stone's throw away from the prey. 

"Okay. Lesson 1. Butt down, shoulders back. A hunter must always remain alert. Don't make any loud noises or sudden movements until you're ready to pounce."

Sun did as he was told and lowered himself to the ground. Then he leaped forward and grabbed the chipmunk in his maw. Raven smiled.

"Well done. The pounce could have been better but, good job."

They walked back to where the others were waiting. The trio applauded when they saw the the chipmunk.  

"Great job, Sun." Ash said. "Let's go back to the burrow. My paws hurt from doing so much walking."

Sun led the group back to the tunnels and they curled up for the night. A chorus of good night's greeted Ravens ears before she fells into the deep, dark grasp of sleep.