The Guosim were surprisingly kind to Alex and his traveling companions after hearing Alex's song. They were even given their packs back. The young shrews gazed admiringly at the strange creature. They asked him to share more of his songs. Alex was more than happy to entertain them. Some of the older shrews also stopped what they were doing to listening to the new songs that they had never heard before. Even young David found himself happily listening to this strange creature's songs. The Scottish terrier Scottie McBrawl and his companion Braveheart Trueflight also enjoyed them. As they got ready to go, Log-a-Log Gale asked if anyone knew any new marching songs. A young shrew called 'Alfoh Brookback' said: "Young Alex knows some good songs. Why not let him sing one as we march?"
Gale Bigboat said to Alex: "No beast is forcing you to sing Alex, but it would help us march to the River Moss if we had a song to march by."
Alex had asked that they would ask him to sing as he had spent most of the afternoon sharing his songs with the younger shrews, including Alfoh Brookback. So he started humming a lively tune that the shrews had learned earlier that day. The shrews in question began to beat on their drums, pipe on their flutes, and strum on their mandolins. As the lively tune picked up tempo, the shrews began to march to its beat. Alex began to sing the words of the song:
Tell everybody I'm on my way
New friends and new places to see
With blue skies ahead
Yes, I'm on my way
And there's nowhere else
That I'd rather be
Tell everybody I'm on my way
And I'm loving every step I take
With the sun beating down
Yes, I'm on my way
And I can't keep this smile off my face
Cause there's nothing like seeing each other again
No matter what the distance between
And the stories that we share will make you smile
Oh, it really lifts my heart
So tell them all I'm on my way
New friends and new places to see
And to sleep under the stars who ask for more?
With the moon keeping watch over me
Not the snow, not the rain,
Can change my mind
The sun will come out, wait and see
And the feeling of the wind in your face
Can lift your heart
Oh, there's nowhere I would rather be
Cause I'm on my way now
Well and truly
I'm on my way now
I'm on my way now
I'm on my way now
I'm on my way now
Tell everybody I'm on my way
And I just can't wait to there
With blue skies ahead
Yes, I'm on my way
And nothing but good times to share
Tell everybody I'm on my way
And I just can't wait to be there
With the sun beating down
Yes, I'm on my way
And nothing but good times to show
I'm on my way
The instruments round the last notes as Alex sings the last verse:
Yes I'm on my way
Most of the Guosim enjoyed the song. The only exception was that of Flugg Longblade. He sneered: "What a ridiculous song! Why would anyone want to be happy in spite of bad weather and a boiling hot sun? It doesn't make a lick of sense!"
Young David Loosepaw who had been marching alongside Alex (getting his head ruffled throughout the entire song) said thoughtfully: "I think that it means no matter what happens, as long as you know what going to do, you should try to look on the bright side."
"Who asked you, vermin whelp?" Flugg retorted.
"That is enough!" Gale Bigboat said suddenly, holding up a paw. "Something doesn't feel right about this place."
They had reached the River Moss but some inner sense told Log-a-Log Gale Bigboat that danger was around them. It proved true, because suddenly - out of nowhere - a horde of runty tree rats were surrounding the traveling creatures. The highland dog looked ready to fight. For aside from singing, Alex learned that the dog was also a wrestler. And Braveheart Trueflight looked ready to peck and claw anybeast that was looking for a fight. Alex knew the rats were painted ones. They were extremely dangerous beasts and as they surrounded the traveling party, Alex hoped that in spite of their appearance, he would still be able to make it to the abbey.
Author note: The song 'on my way' is from Brother Bear. And the previous song was adapted from James and the Giant Peach adapted from 'My name is James' and changed to fit the story. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. Fanficgirlofallworlds, joereddam, Datboi Clay, and many others. The story is just beginning to heat up, so stay tuned.