Wolf Warrior

Eleven

Trouble was brewing. On returning to camp, Franky and I were greeted with news. A dog-sized bat circled in a figure-of-eight above, squeaking,
"Moonlightgrowl has called a meeting. He says everyone must attend." The bat then flew back into a cave, leathery black wings creating a breeze as he flew by. Franky and I glanced at each other anxiously; Growler must have something serious to say. Growler only ever called meetings to announce very good or very bad news. And from the sounds of things, this meeting was unlikely to be good news. After snacking on some fresh bilberries, I heard Growlers distinct, urgent howl. Long and piercing, it signalled only one thing. It was time for the meeting. Everyone stopped what they were doing and sat in the assembly area, in front of a large boulder. Effortlessly, Growler leapt onto the boulder. His charcoal-colour fur shone like a black diamond in the sun that was peeking through the trees. When everyone had arrived, Growler began to talk.
"Snowdrop Army, The Nightstar Army is going to do full-on battle with us."
There were several alarmed cries of 'but we've never got to battle point!' from the audience. Growler made a sort of loud 'uff!' noise to quieten them. He continued,
"Well, they are and if they win, they'll get Franky and the entrance of the forest, meaning they'll be able to leave the forest carry out their plans."
There were more shocked cries from the audience. But they turned on Franky, saying he was responsible for this and it was a revenge attack. Thankfully, I was taller than the sesthing, raging animals and held Franky out of reach. Suddenly, Growler lived up to his nickname and growled a ferocious, angry growl. Everycreature went silent.
"As I was saying." began Growler. "You musn't blame Franky. That's what the Nightstar army wants us to do, so he runs away and is recaptured. All we can do is prepare ourselves, train to fighting standard and fight bravely. We musn't give up - You never achieve anything by thinking negatively."
Growler lowered his head and hopped off the boulder. I felt like I'd been stung. A battle? Really? Oh boy... I looked at the alarmed animals around me. I decided I needed some time alone and went into the forest with my bow and my quiver.
*******

But once in the forest, I didn't feel like practicing. I sat down on a log, thinking. What had I got mysef into? We could win... but how? And how would I cope in this battle anyway? I frowned at this. I didn't want to think depressing stuff but somehow I couldn't help it. The Snowdrop army's mood seemed so melancholy all of a sudden. The wind whistled through the trees as I sat down, thinking, pondering. A little while later, Brindlemark came over to see me. His tail wagged slowly in greeting.
"You haven't shot any arrows." he commented.
"I'm not in the mood to do so." I sighed. "War worries me." I admitted to him.
"Worrying only makes it hurt more." Brindlemark responded. He lay down beside me and continued,
"With any bad situation, positive thinking is very helpful in making you feel better. But I don't think it's just the battle that's worrying you. Is there another factor, perhaps? I haven't been there for you very much lately..." He asked gently.
"No Brindlemark, it's not you." I told him. I sighed again and stroked Brindlemark. I felt him tense up under my hand but relax as he realised I meant it in a friendly way. "I have family outside of the forest and they'll be so worried about me. I also met a boy today and have realised that being different bugs me - I want a human friend."
I was surprised at what I was admitting. If it had been any other place or person, I wouldn't have said anything about Giles : technically, I'd talked to a potential enemy. But with Brindlemark around, I found it a lot easier to talk. Brindlemark noddded his grey head and replied,
"I'm sorry there isn't another human in this camp to be with you, we can't really help you with that." Brindlemark began. I nodded. Then he continued,
"But Skye, it's okay to be different, we don't judge you. As for your parents worrying - they're not." Brindlemark grinned wolfishly. "This is a magic wood and as you were destined to come here, magic has ensured that those who are not involved with the goings-on in these woods never find out where you've gone. That is, until the task you must do is complete and you leave. Trust me, everythings going to be fine." Brindlemark licked my hand lovingly. "Also, sorry about the hostility I displayed to Franky - I know you're probably still mad at me for that." He apologised.
I accepted his apology and for some time, we both sat contentedly on the log, with me stroking Brindlemarks thick grey fur. Brindlemark was a true friend.