Chapter One: Going Home

Beechtail was in his least favorite spot; the top of a tree, with Maplefur. At first he had been glad when the abbot allowed him to leave the infirmary; he had wanted exercise and some fresh air, but being able to walk meant climbing lessons. "So you can be a proper squirrel," Maplefur had said.

Maplefur pointed at a nearby tree, "Okay, let's try this again, jump to that oak."

Beechtail was confused, "That's an ash."

"Sorry, ash, that's what I meant." Maplefur replied, Beechtail was sure she wasn't paying attention; her eyes had the unfocused look of somebeast who's not aware of their surroundings.

Maplefur had been acting oddly all day. Beechtail, however, decided that she would probably tell him what she was thinking about eventually. Right now, he needed to concentrate.

He leaped out of the tree, and grabbed at a branch. He caught it! He was amazed; this was the first time since his fight with Nettleclaw, and the second time ever that he had managed to jump from one thing to another! Moments later his euphoria was stifled by an ominous snap. He plunged downward, clutching the branch, which was really just a twig. "Aaaahhhoof," He landed a few feet away from a cluster of dibbuns, who were having lots of fun seeing him fall out of trees.

ZIk and a tiny mousemaid named Miccip pulled him to his feet, "Mista Beetail, you norra suppose to be fallen outta trees, youse a squiggel, heeheehee."

"Hey down there, show some respect for the abbey warrior," called Maplefur from the top of the tree, "And Beechtail, maybe next time you'll grab a thicker branch, but that'll be tomorrow." She climbed effortlessly down the tree, "It's almost time for dinner, and if Lutran gets there first, there won't be any left."

The dibbuns took Maplefur's words quite literally, and ran towards the door of Great Hall as fast as their little legs could carry them. Maplefur, however, was in no hurry, and wanted to talk to Beechtail.

"Beechtail, I've been thinking; I wonder if there are any other survivors from Angdelve besides us."

"I doubt it," Beechtail replied, "We saw the refugees getting killed by Nettleclaw's archers."

"I know, but that wasn't everyone in the town, my parents and my baby brother weren't there. I want to go back; I can't stand not knowing."

Beechtail remembered how he had felt when his parents never came back from a scouting patrol. It was two days before their bodies were found. He didn't know which was worse, knowing they were dead, or not knowing anything, "Hmmm, I'll ask Lutran. If the abbot lets us, I guess the three of us could take a trip back. If we hurry, we might make it back before winter."

Maplefur gave him a quick hug, "Thanks," she whispered.

Beechtail found it hard to concentrate on anything during dinner; he was only mildly amused when Zik and Gurbie the molebabe slipped a large amount of hotroot pepper into Lutran's drink, and couldn't believe it when he drank it without noticing the addition. After eating, he spoke with Lutran and the abbot about Maplefur's plan. Both whole heartedly agreed.

"Well, Maplefur," Beechtail told her, "we're going home."