No beast is ever prepared for tragedy. Such was the case with Barkpaw and Lamara, and their
little son Sandypaws. A peaceful existence on the western plains had lulled the smithy
Barkpaw into a sense of security. It had been years since he had forged a weapon or even
used one. For many seasons his only business was the farmers around him, and tending to
their tools. He was a respected beast, and all that knew him admired his skill and loved
him dearly, for he was a kind beast. His wife was just as beloved, and together they eked
a living for the lands and cared for their new bundle of joy, Sandypaws. Barkpaw taught
him to wield weapons and prayed every night he would never have to use his skills, and
Lamara taught him the mystical lore of the badgers. Sandypaws became a proficient
weaponsbeast for his tender age, but never could wield the one weapon he wanted, that
was his father's sword.