Banarang

I

It had been a long winter. The village of Varki had never had such terrible storms. But now, as the new season spread in, and the earth was covered with tiny lakes, the creatures of the village were readying for the Feast of the Spring. All around young squirrels and mice played in the puddles as their parents searched through Banarang for nuts and herbs for the feast. The joyous occasion involved foods of all kinds, from spicy hickory nuts, to cooked leak salad.

Skivel Redsquirrel searched the shore of Roonca for some Mallow plants. She was finally old enough to bake for the feast, and she knew the right recipe. It only needed some Mallow root, which was said to grow in this part of the forest. "The old books read that the Mallow plants should grow right on this shoreline. So where is it?" thought the young squirrel. Suddenly, a low voice rang over the rocky shoreline, "WALLA WALLA WALLA!". Surprised, Skivel jumped back.

" Silly ' a squirreling. Don't ye know' in that this my' in fort?" Skivel recognised the voice.

"Come on out Driff, I know its you". Out of the nearby oak tree slid a young water shrew.

"How you know' in it was' in Driff. Me was being so quiet' in.". Skivel chuckled, "You rapscallion, what would you Mother say if she saw you climbing trees?. Now come on down and help me find some mallow". The shrew hurried down. He remained quiet for a minute or so. Then, out of the blue, Driff asked "What's a Mallow? Will it eat' in little Driff?" Skivel tried to keep a straight face. Shrews were such inquisitive animals. The squirrel maid explained what mallow was and she and the young shrew babe left to find some.

On the other side of the great Roonca river, lied the Willow forest. No trees grew there but Weeping Willow because the large branches blocked out all Sunlight. The weeping of the trees made the forest seems scarier then usual. Their was movement in this dark void, that no one got a good look at. An inquisitive beetle stood at the entrance to a small tunnel. A flash of movement, and the beetle was no more. Deep in the tunnel, lied the entrance to a badger's sett.

But this sett was filled with more then just badgers. Polecats, Martens, Rats and toads were seated, weapons of all kinds nearby. Outside, two large crows were on lookout for any strange beasts that were headed their way. Back inside, a large badger rested on a wooden stool. His eyes watched the crowd of vermin before him. He rose. In a calm voice, he spoke, "Welcome, welcome to the beginning of the triumph of a lifetime. My scouts have sighted a great treasure on the far side of the river. This treasure, called the Rose of Banarang, is in the possession of the

Council of Varki. You have been recruited to find it and get it at any cost. I, Rawfur the whiteskin will reward the one who can gain the gem first. Any questions?". The room quieted. Only whispers among the creatures was heard, with talk of plans and splitting the reward was heard among groups. The Rawfur spoke once more, "Oh, and you have five sunrises to get it. You are all dismissed".