War - Battles of the Wild - The Darkened Moon

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: GRIFFARA

"Alright, Ash," I start again, now that Alena and Luna are gone. "I know you think you have that monster under control, but Quickstrike and Lightningflame were injured because of it." 

"I know, I'm sorry! but please don't hurt him!"

I sigh. The kit has obviously grown attached. "I think it's best if you stop visiting it, and hopefully it will leave on its own, alright? As long as it doesn't attack again, I won't order anyone to hunt it down." 

Ash hung his head. "...Thank you Griffara. But can I-"

"No, Ash," I say as gently as I can. "This monster can't hang around camp any longer. It's dangerous."

"...Ok."

"You are dismissed." 

Ash trudged out of the den. I watch him go, before moving toward the book case and pulling out the leader's journal from it's spot beside the ceremonial crown and scribbling in a few details about the monster. 

I set the book back, pause, then adjust the crown so that it catches the lowlight streaming through the entrance of the den. I close my eyes, letting out a deep breath. So much has happened since the ceremony. 

I shake out my feathers before heading back out to visit the  trading party and see the news wares. And then, hopefully, get something to eat.  

As I step out of my den, movement at the treeline catches my eye. There, Alena and Luna are laying in the shade, But Alena leaps up when she sees Ash approaching.  

I smile. Despite her annoyance at the kit, Alena does care about him. 

I turn, heading toward the growing crowd around the trading cart. I nod to Zamboni as I pass, who is chatting with my Fifth, Softrunner the golden retriever. They both give me a smile. 

The clan parts respectfully before me, and I soon arrive at the edge of the cart where I spot Atlas, as well as Coppertooth, Coal, Florence, Shiningstar, and a few others. 

Coppertooth and Coal were collecting Blacksmithing material from the cart, and Florence and Shinigstar were getting help from Atlas to carry herbs, splints, bandages , and various other medical supplies back to the Med den.

Coal looked intently at the fine engraving tools placed neatly in a wooden box. I could almost see his mind working as he imagined what new designs he could carve with them. 

Despite being quite young, Coal is a fast learner and was taught very well by his mentor Coppertooth. However, the boy also has an innate artistic flair and an attention to detail that can't be taught, evident in his intricately decorated armour.

"Oh, Coal!" yelled OJ. The winged border collie instantly perked up, looking over at OJ. "I got these orange gems, they're called spessartite. I was wondering if you could whip me up a fancy set of armour with them set in it?" 

"I'm in high demand at the moment so it might take a while, but I'll work on it as soon as I can."

"Aw, no special treatment for your favourite Warrior?" 

"Tell you what, give me the spessartite and I might be able to make a few adjustments to my schedule." 

"Here, come get them then," just as Coal goes to take them, OJ tugs the bag out of his reach.

 I chuckle. Even though Coal is only a year older than OJ, he's still infinitely more mature than the orange tabby.

"Don't make me brand you again," Coal said teasingly, snatching the bag of spessartite gems and tucking it under his wing.

OJ flicked his tail, smirking. "I dunno, I think I kinda liked it."

Coal gave him an open mouthed stare, before finally mustering up one word. "Weird."

Coal then quickly turned and walked away, heading briskly toward the Blacksmith's den.

OJ ran to keep up, supressing a laugh. "I was joking! Joking! Please don't ban me from the Blacksmith den."

"You better not distract me again," I heard him mutter, before they both disappeared into the den.

"I feel like we shouldn't have seen that," whispered Maya to Coppertooth. 

"Ugh, you're telling me." Coppertooth rolled his eyes. "That tabby has been in the Blacksmith's den almost every day. It's already annoying enough, but what makes it absolutely unbearable is that Coal is too dense to take the hint." 

"Wait, he doesn't know-?" 

"Ugh, no!" Coppertooth growled, exasperated,  his metal canine tooth flashing.

"I'm not the brightest, but even I got the hint that Dahlia liked me once she started writing me poetry and picking me wildflowers," said Firelash with a chuckle. Her usually fierce expression softened as she thought about her mate.

"OJ is one step away, believe me," Coppertooth muttered, rolling his eyes.

I talked a bit to Atlas about the trip once he was done helping Florence and Shiningstar. Once he got to the sandstorm and rat-monsters, I think he could tell that I was a bit shocked. 

"I'm glad you're all unharmed," I said. "Mind if we discuss the rest of the trip over dinner? It's been a long day." 

"Mm, that it has." 

With that, we headed off to the fresh prey den.