The End of the Beginning
Kathryn Woodfurrow
My name? Kathryn Woodfurrow. At least, its the name I gave myself. A
squirrel is what I am. I have no family. I have no memory. I know nothing at
all. Nothing. Except, of course, that I had become a wanderer. Since not so
long ago as you would think actually. It's been maybe less then one season
since I lost everything. One name, however, remains in my mind. That name
you ask? Salamandastron. As I have traveled, I have learned it is the place
of badger lords. The mountain of the fire lizard they also call it. Anyway,
I figure it is a clue to regaining my memory. So it was there that I was
heading. I caught my first glimpse of the place that was soon to become my
home while I was traveling down a small river on a single log. Little did I
know, it was to be much more then a home. So much more.
Part 2: Arrival
It was midday before I reached the great mountains entrance. It's shadow
told me from
which direction I had come. South.
Finally, I had finally reached my destination. Perhaps someone here had
known me long
ago. Perhaps they could answer the many questions which lay as a heavy
burden upon my
mind's weak soul. Who am I? Where do I come from? Who were my parents who so
seemingly
abandoned me memoryless? A voice told me over and over again that the path
of life is revealed
within time if the goodbeast is patient enough. Patience, I told myself,
patience.
I fell limp and weak from lack of water and food. The scorching heat of the
sun had made
my weak body heavy.
The last thing I remembered was a pair of paws picking me up and carrying
me
somewhere. then, blackness.
Within my fevered dreams I kept hearing that familiar feminine voice
calling out to me.
"Be safe with the one of emerald eyes."
I saw the outline of a squirrel lady. In one paw was a bow, in the
other...
"Sickle, bring water. I think she's coming around."
I opened my eyes slowly to see an otter standing over me. A female hare
hurried up and
layed a bowl of water to my dry mouth. I drank greedily and did not stop
until the bowl was
dropless.
"Let me see our visitor." a deep voice boomed out.
"I'm sorry Milady, you can't see her now. She has just awaken and I believe
she may
need to rest-"
"Bolderdash, Furpaw. She only needed a little food. Now let me by you old
waterdog."
the voice slowly softened into that of a friend.
"As you wish. It's your mountain." the otter mumbled under his breath.
I sat up in my wooden bed as a large badger entered the room and walked up
to me. Her
eyes were a wondrous green. I bowed respectivly as best as I could in a
sitting position.
A tall male hare came up beside the female badger.
"State your name and rank, wot!"
For my sake I decided to be quick to answer that one.
"Kathryn Woodfurrow sir. I am a wanderer."
The badger scratched her head.
"Hmm, the name's Lady Ara Quickshot. Gained the name by my bow skill.
Perhaps later
you can tell me how you came to my mountain. For now, you may rest. My
friend Furpaw is our
doctor. He will see to your needs. Best otter in all Salamandastron!"
Furpaw stepped forward as Ara left.
"Only otter in Salamandastron." He corrected.
Salamandastron. I repeated the word over and over to myself. I had
arrived!
TO BE CONTINUED
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