The Fox of Wales

Chapters 7-8

Chapter 7: Abigail's Escape

"I hope you are comfortable." Abigail was. She was sitting in a large bed and had been waited upon all day by many servants. The Oracle had seen to that himself. Now, he stood before her as she ate.

"I am so sorry to keep you waiting, my dear. I hope you can forgive me for being away so long." The Oracle had brought with him into the room, two armed badgers. Abigail was taking no notice of him. She kept eating, savoring every bite she took. Her stomach still growled for more. 

"This is the best food I have ever tasted." 

"Good. You will noticed that your clothes have been washed. Your hair has been done up. Your shoes were shined. You will be living in comfort when you are in my presence. It is a shame to let you starve." He snickered as he said this. 

"Where is the Fox? Surely he would like to eat some of this before I explode. I don't think I can finish it all."

"The Fox will be tended to. I would like for you to tell me where you come from. Humans must have a place they call home."

"Why...yes. I do live very close to this place. I live in a cabin."

"Sounds pleasant. And where would this cabin be located?" 

"Near this very forest. This forest is quite beautiful. I don't understand why everyone fears it so." 

"Child, there is much you do not understand. I have lived here since I was young. I have seen treacherous deeds performed at the hands of many. That is why I proclaimed myself King of the Animals. I did it to protect my friends from the villainy of humans." 

"But I am not a bad person. I have never wronged you." 

But the Oracle grew serious. 

"How do I know you will not come back here with an army and crush us in our sleep? I do not know. Therefore, I must take steps to ensure the safety of my people." 

"What will you do with me?" 

"I will not harm you. You can be certain of that. I only mean to take some of your memory." 

"Why, I would never send an army upon you!" 

"That is quite enough. You will do as I say! I am the King of this land and I will will not be disobeyed. You will be taken to the procedure tomorrow morning! I have spoken!"

Before Abigail could protest, the Oracle got up and left the room. His guards closed the door behind him. 

Abigail sat on her bed and started to cry. There was nothing she could do. She was an unwilling prisoner. 

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Later in the evening, when she had calmed down quite a bit, there came a knocking upon the door. Abigail jumped up at once and opened it. She saw the robed animal standing in the doorway. 

"I beg your pardon, I hope I am not interrupting anything. I am still loyal to the truth. The Oracle is a wicked dictator."

"I have found that out for myself."

"Then you must come with me. I shall break you out of here and we shall rescue the Fox."

"That sounds lovely." 

"You best put on more than just your pajamas dear lady." Abigail did just that. She threw on a long coat and headed for the door. 

"We must be very quiet. The guards will kill us both on the stop. Me, for being a traitor and you for being a runaway."