I wandered quietly through the forest being careful not to make any loud noises. I was in unfamiliar territory and was not interested in stumbling into a situation that required me to use of a lot of energy. I proceeded farther, satisfied that I was doing alright in my goal. It was late in the day, almost time for supper. A cool breeze blew past me and I hugged myself. Warm summer days were fading fast and the leaves on the trees where already changing colours as they prepared for the long winter ahead. I thought of the warm meal that awaited me at home. My friends and family would definitely have made it home before I would. Words of wisdom, from Constance, my badger friend filled my head as I remembered I told her I would be home on time for dinner tonight.
"You be back on time for dinner tonight Martin." Constance said, waving a wooden spoon in the air at me.
"Constance! I am shocked that you would say such a thing!" I replied, faking a hurt but playful tone.
Constance rested her free paw on her hip and I twirled past her grabbing my backpack and daggers off the counter behind her. She had just finished baking honey scones. A sweet smell filtered passed me. Unable to avoid temptation, I quietly reached my paw to grab a scone for an on the road snack. A sharp pain shot through my paw as my hand made contact with the treat.
"Ow! Constance!" I whined in pain as I rubbed the back of my paw.
She was much faster than I thought. I looked at her and she was chuckling, twirling the wooden spoon like a weapon.
"You know I am going to starve to death around here!" I continued, swinging my backpack on.
"Then be back on time Martin!" She replied.
I laughed. I was truly lucky to have her. She always took good care of me.
"Martin," she said in a more serious tone. "Be careful. They are not easy to deal with."
I nodded and headed out the oak door and off into the morning mist. Constance's waving form disappears from my view.
I snapped back to reality as I heard silent rustling in the bust beside me. They had found me. My heart pounded in my rib cage. I barely had enough time to crouch and turn towards my attacker when a growl emerged from the bush and a blur of fur launched itself at me. I braced for impact.