Chapter Seven

Horty slumped himself down on his bed, weeping uncontrollably.


The next morning was bright and sunny, with beautiful weather and delicious food. Everybeast went down to the dining hall fresh-faced and chipper.

All except two: Horty and Gerrith.

Gerrith was looking rather solemn as he sat down and helped himself to breakfast.

Horty's countenance was glum and his usually straight shoulders were slumped.

Windblade noticed this, and immediately decided to have a talk with the both of them; separately, that is.

"What's the matter, Gerrith?" asked Ferrl the squirrelmaid. "What's the grim look for? You look like you're going to a funeral!"

Gerrith shrugged. "Oh, I suppose I ate too much last night."

Ferrl nodded. "Aye, and fighting that hare probably wasn't too good for your stomach, huh?"

Gerrith looked over at where Horty sat. "I suppose."


Later Gerrith told Windblade that he and his army would be leaving that day, much to the Badger Lord's surprise and disappointment.

"But you've only stayed one night. Don't you think you could all remain for a few more days? It's been so long since I've seen you."

"Oh, I couldn't do that to you; you've already got your hands full with feeding all these hares."

"Nonsense! I insist that you stay. It'll be no trouble. Your friends miss you and your army are dearly loved by the hares. They'd be grieved if you left so soon."

"I don't think so," said Gerrith quietly, not looking at the Badger Lord.

Windblade narrowed his eyes. "What was that?"

"It's very kind of you to offer us to stay longer, but--"

"Why don't you think that the hares would be sad if you left?"

"Oh, I do," Gerrith hastened to explain. "It's just--"

"You don't think Horty would be sad."

The young ferret stared into the Badger Lord's piercing dark eyes.

"You think Horty would be relieved if you left."

Gerrith hung his head. "It's not that--"

"Did Horty say something to you?"

The badger's question stung Gerrith. "W-well. . . ."

Windblade reached out and brought the ferret's face up. "Tell me everything."

Gerrith sighed and told the Badger Lord all.

When he was finished, Windblade was silent for awhile. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft and tired. "His parents were killed by ferrets."

Gerrith blinked. "Oh. Oh I see. . . ."

"He resents the fact that he was made to stay inside the mountain while you were out there fighting with me and the hares. And you're his age."

Gerrith nodded, and remained silent.

"He also resents the fact that you beat him at sword fighting. Before, nobeast was as good as he at sword fighting; but now he was beaten by a creature that he holds a special grudge for."

Gerrith remained silent.

Windblade looked thoughtful for a moment. "Hmm, I think he also realizes that I think of you like a son, just like how I think of him like a son."

Finally Gerrith spoke. "He thinks you put me over him? You'd never choose favorites among your creatures!"

Windblade nodded, sighing. "I know, but I think he believes otherwise."

The ferret sighed as well and sat down. The Badger Lord reached over and took his paw. Gerrith looked up into his tired, kind face. "So what do you suggest I do?"

Windblade thought for awhile before answering. "Well, stay here a bit longer, but stay out of Horty's way. I'll speak to him. He usually listens to me."