The Cream Colored Vixen

Pg.61-70

"Hello, Sweetheart. Surely you've heard about the trespassing wolf?" The baron asked.

I sat down next to her quickly. "Yes, but that's not why I'm here." Mudfern grew concerned. "Earlier, Turtleheart mentioned Splashedice and Rosetail. Who are they?"

Mudfern closed her eyes and seemed to breathe in the memory. "The founders of the Ice Kingdom. This story had been passed down from my father, Bravetail, which was passed down to him by his mother, Nalatail. Want me to tell you the story? Lionweight doesn't go in the cave often."

"Yes, please." At least a story will make me feel less guilty.

"So long ago when the Fire Kingdom had established our naming system, Raven had her second litter of pups whom she named Rosepaw and Splashedpaw. As stem pups, a new rule was put into place: our royal blood leadership rule. Roseheart had always craved to lead the kingdom, but with this new rule, it'd be impossible.

"When they became full roles, Roseflare shared her concerns with Splashedice. They were both dissatisfied by our laws. One night, they just disappeared. The foxes found a nice place to settle and set camp. Roseflare, then Rosetail, had Splashedice's pups and officially founded the Ice Kingdom.

"The Ice Kingdom's name was not only based on the leader's mate. Fire represented the Fire Kingdom, and ice weakened fire. The Ice Kingdom runs on a completely different set of rules. I don't know what but King Sharptail hates to admit that even though we outnumber them four to one, they are as powerful as we are."

I calculated the numbers in my head. "They only have eight foxes?" The baron nodded, and I froze. "They must be insanely powerful if they are as strong as we!" I thought out loud.

"Can't a baron get some sleep without a stem pup screaming in his ears?" Lionweight was at the cave entrance.

"Hello," Mudfern answered.

Lionweight narrowed his eyes at his denmate. "Anyway, I heard Tigerhold will be moving to the Barons' Den. Darn reynard thinks he's still a young pup even though he's a few moments younger than me." I caused this.

Lionweight saw the grief in my eyes and comforted me. "It's not your fault. Tonight was your first patrol, and my brother was getting old anyways. He took our father's words too seriously. 'Live life 'till your paws fall off and your eyes go blind.'" The Great Deerspring.

He flopped down next to Mudfern. "Bet he never told that to my half-sister after the fire to demolish her scenting."

Mudfern shoved Lionweight. "Rude! It was never Burntfire's fault! She's lucky to have survive the fire thanks to Deadlight. You see why this thorn bush has never had a mate?"

I wasn't able to answer. Lionweight burst, "And who was your mate? Hmm? Oh, right! You never had one either."

Mudfern stood up and shook her silky fur. "All the reynards were too shy to ask this stimulating hound." She passed a sly look at the other baron. Lionweight just grumbled and went back outside. "You should go see your mother now, Sweetheart."

"Oh, right!" I tumbled out of the den and headed towards the Guardians' den. I hope Ashbristle won't think this was his fault, but now I can't help thinking being a guard was the right choice.

* * *

A full moon had passed since the wolf attack, and I'd already learned everything about being a guard. The night of the wolf attack, Turtleheart was too angry to think about watching over me that night. She seemed to have forgotten after that, so I continued with my nightly visits with Quietheart.