YAY! Finally here to update! insert halleluiah chorus Anyway, here 'tis, and I do hope to update sometime later in the week, but I'm really busy this week. Although, I do have it written already, so it shouldn't be too hard...

Disclaimer: Er, I actually think I own everything 'cept Mara in this one. Maybe not... --checks-- yup, I own everything but Mara, and Mossflower, obviously. Oh ya, and Salamandastron.

The squirrel staggered out of the forest, leaving a thin trail of blood. He saw the stone house and kept his feet moving.

One, two. One, two, he thought grimly, struggling to retain consciousness. He could vaguely hear the sounds of vermin crashing through the trees and forced his feet faster.

At last he made it to the door and collapsed against it. He weakly raised his paw, his energy spent from the trek, and thumped the door.

A large badger opened it and the squirrel fell across his footpaws. The badger bent down in alarm.

"Are you alright?"

"Stonepaw," he said hoarsely, "vermin coming. Right behind me. Run!"

Then he fainted.

Courage lifted the limp form of the squirrel and called for his father. Valiant came running, followed by Oakbud and Mara, who had a firm grip on the badger mother's paw.

"Vermin are coming this way. Looks like this one was shot awhile ago but kept coming to warn us. He says they are right behind him; what should we do?"

Valiant glanced out of the window but saw no movement, yet.

"Your mother and I will stay and fight. Take Mara and the squirrel and run. It must be a large horde if the squirrels couldn't fight them off."

"But-" Courage protested.

"Please, Courage," Oakbud said, "do it for Mara."

Courage heard a snap as Valiant broke the arrow and removed it from the squirrel's leg.

"Alright, I will go."

Oakbud handed him a strange leather item which he recognized as the baby carrier. He strapped it on and Oakbud put Mara in it so she was dangling in front of him. He rolled up the traveling cloak and shoved it in the pack before slinging the pack across his shoulder. Then, he quickly strapped the belt on the same shoulder, checking to make sure the sword was still there.

Valiant hoisted the squirrel onto Courage's empty shoulder and left to look out the window again. Courage went to the back door, but hesitated.

"Hurry, Courage! You don't have much time," Oakbud said.

"But, where do I go?"

"Take Mara to Salamandastron and then go wherever your heart leads you."

"That is so far! I don't know if I can make it!"

"Vermin are coming through the trees!" Valiant shouted.

"Please! Promise me!" Oakbud cried.

"I swear I will make it, Mother. Mara will be safe."

With tears streaming down their cheeks, Valiant and Oakbud kissed their children for the last time. Courage flew out the back door, his mighty legs pounding the ground as fast as they could.

He heard several arrows hitting the ground just behind him and he ran faster, the added weight of his sister and the squirrel not slowing him much. He dodged through the trees and ran, tears blurring his vision as Mara cried out in alarm.

"Maaaamaaaa!" she screamed.

Alright, I'm sorry if you think it's a bit short, but that was a good ending spot, so I had to stop. I think this is one of my favorite chapters so far, even though it is sad. --sniff-- Ah well. Anyway, REVIEW! (please)