Chapter 13

The fang buried itself in Monofluro's head. He was killed instantaneously by the time Fleetfoot hit the ground.

There was a blur of sand as the newly-freed hares of Salamandastron (excluding Balinger, Al, Velvet and Friska) drove their one-time captors off the shores. Friska had acquired a stick, of which she was beating Monfluro's body with, shouting "You norra 'urt Fweetie no mores! Scalysnouty, flippen poisontweeth!" Horrified, Al grabbed the dibbun and turned back to Fleetfoot.

"Is she okay?"

"She is alive, but not by much. Balinger, find the infirmary hare. Al, Friska, come with me."

As Balinger passed the snake, he pulled the fang out and trod disgustedly on the carcass.

As Al passed the rats still out cold, who were knocked against the wall by Fleetfoot, he trod disgustedly on them, sniggering.

A few days later, the four had not moved from the infirmary bedside of Fleetfoot. For some reason, Friska began pulling on Fleetfoot's ears. At that moment, Fleetfoot said, "Al, get this little annoyance off of my ears, please, it's beginning to hurt.

"Fleetfoot," Velvet said.

"Don't throw me out right now, Velvet. I don't need to be yelling right now."

"No. You can return to the position of second in command, or you can return to the wandering life."

"What do you think I would pick, that's probably the easiest choice you ever gave me." Fleetfoot said, smiling. "I'll return to my old position of second in command."

"Welcome back, Fleetfoot." Velvet said. "Welcome back."