Prone To Wander (rough draft)

Chapter Twenty Five

The “someone” who seemed best to tell the dogs about the latest event, was Vincent himself. He tried to refuse, but couldn't deny that he was the best source of information about the enemy. Delivering bad news to Niki and Arkadi was an unnerving task, but the ermine felt some relief when Quinn agreed to be his escort.

The next morning they arrived at the den with the sun, Quinn stopped at the entrance, took a deep breath and said “good morning”.

Arkadi came to greet them. “This is a first,” he said, looking down at Quinn. “Is something wrong with Ruben?”

“No,” Quinn answered, “But we needed to talk to you about something. I don't suppose you could spare a few minutes?”

“Of course, come in. We were just finishing a meal... I think there's some left if you're hungry.”

There was indeed food to share. The dog had caught several rabits that morning, and one of them was practically untouched. Quinn mustered the courage to ask if he could take the whole thing, explaining that he'd share it with the kits, and even make use of the hide. The raccoon was pleasantly surprised when Arkadi said he was welcome to it, and to half of another hide which was left over.

“I really appreciate food,” Quinn said, “But unfortunately, we're not here just to visit.”

“Yes, you said you needed to talk. Go on then, what's the trouble? Your little captive hasn't done anything, has he?”

“Only if by “done something” you mean something good... he saved Malaki's little brother last night.”

“Saved him from what?” Niki asked, her interest piqued.

“From another ermine,” Vincent said, “One of the same villains who first lead you to that pit. He's not alone, and however many are left, they want to take the clearing back... and get rid of the rest of us.”

Arkadi stared hard at the weasel, “Come here,” he demanded. Vincent obeyed, he walked over, stood between the great paws and looked up. “Why would you risk your own safety, to rescue a squirrel pup?” the dog asked.

“Why? Because that's what you do for friends. Despite what I've done, those creatures have all been willing to give me a second chance. I could never repay them for that kindness. And I don't think there's a beast alive or dead, who's been a better friend to me than Ruben. So, his family is my family, I'd risk my neck for any of them... though to be perfectly honest, I didn't actually fight anyone last night.”

“You better be careful with that “family” talk,” Quinn said smiling, “Or Ruben might start calling you a brother too.”

“I'd be deeply honored if he did.”

“Well, I'll have to start patroling around the clearing more,” Arkadi grumbled, “That means our deal is going to have to change. I know the others don't keep you on a leash, so... even if I see you alone... I won't kill you. If you're willing to risk your life for those creatures, I can spare it for them. But, I'm still expecting your help with hunting lessons, when the puppies are ready.”

“Yes sir, of course. Thank you.”

When they left the den, Vincent was silent again. In part, he was quiet because Quinn had a rabbit and a hide in his jaws, and couldn't talk with him. He was also however, listening to Arkadi's words, still echoing 'round his mind. The dog wouldn't kill him, that was a great relief. His biggest fear was put to rest. But the words that meant the most to him were, “I'm expecting your help”. Those words weren't a command given to a captive, they were a reminder of an agreement, and that difference meant all the world to the ermine.

As days passed uneventfully, everyone wanted to believe that “Captain Rembrant” had been perminantly scared off by Quinn. Vincent insisted otherwise, and constantly warned the others not to drop their guard. He was proud to be an official member of the community, and no longer considered a captive, and was determind to prove himself worthy of the promotion. The ermine was as helpful as anyone could be. He helped Jacob find a new way to build doors for their houses, doors that a weasel had great difficulty in opening. He taught Malaki and his siblings how to track, and even how to fight. And of course he was the raccoon kits favorite teacher. Even as Cavan and Kelly began hunting for themselves, they still had fun “practicing” by chasing the ermine all over the clearing.

Ruben spent a good part of his days, helping Cavan and Malaki make, and learn to use their own bow and arrows. Quinn said he was still interested learning, but not enough to give up valuble fishing time.

There were store houses built in the clearing, for keeping a winters worth of food. Another house was built as well, which was meant to be Vincent's, but he never used it. He prefered his little nest in the corner of the raccoons tree house. It was such a peaceful time, that it was hard not to relax.

When it was time to visit the puppies again, Malaki and Ruben still went along. While an escort was no longer needed, there was safety in numbers, and the squirrels always enjoyed visiting their friends.

When they were invited into the den, Malaki rushed ahead as usual. What was unusual, was the gasp the others heard. Ruben and Vincent weren't sure what could be wrong, but ran in all the same. They saw Malaki patting one of the puppies noses, and he turned to them smiling.

“Look! Their eyes are open!” he announced, “And all their eyes are blue.”

“Most animals have blue eyes when they're little,” Ruben told him. “They'll change color as they grow.”

“And they're going to grow fast,” Vincent added.

“Yes, they will,” Niki said, “Before you know it, they'll be ready for hunting practice.”

The ermine gave a nervous smile, as two of the puppies pushed their noses into him. He patted them, admired their newly opened eyes, and tried to convince himself that they wouldn't chew on him when their teeth started coming in.

“I'll help you with the hunting practice, Vincent,” Malaki offered. “It'll be fun when they're big enough to play.”

“Fun, you say? Well, it doesn't bother me if you help... at least I won't be the only getting slobbered on.”

Malaki turned to Niki, “Do they have names yet?”

Niki took one of the puppies by the scruff, and set it down by the young squirrel. He was the largest of the litter, with a darker coat that was very much like his father's. “This is Angus,” Niki said, “They'll all have names before long, but he's the only one we've settled on so far.”

“Hello, Angus,” Malaki said, stroking one of the little black ears. He placed a paw on the puppy's nose, and the next thing everyone heard, was Malaki saying, really very calmly, “No no, Angus, let go.”

The puppy had managed to get a hold of his paw, all the way up to his shoulder in fact, and was suckling. “Well, he certainly likes you,” Niki teased.

“I like him too, but he's drooling all over me... can you get him to stop, please?”

Niki scruffed little Angus again, but without lifting him. He gave a disgruntled, squeaky grumble and let go of poor Malaki. The squirrel's fore leg and paw were soaked, but there was no harm done, and he went right back to patting the puppy.

“Get use to it,” Vincent said, “If you want to help with hunting lessons, they're going to be drooling on you more than that. And when we start lessons, they'll probably be twice, maybe three times the size they are now!”

Malaki grimmaced. Thinking of it that way, five puppies, nearly the size of Quinn, all trying to catch him at once... he wasn't sure of how much fun that would actually be. Then Angus got a hold of his paw again. Niki came to help, but the young squirrel said, “It's alright, I guess I don't mind. He's not hurting me.”

When the puppies fell asleep, and Malaki had freed himself, they said quiet “good-byes” to Niki and slipped out of the den.

They returned to camp and found the others gathered near the firepit, with freshly caught fish just starting to roast. Arkadi had been through, and once again brought them an apple, which Quinn was trying to cut into smaller pieces, so it would roast faster. It wasn't an easy task, as his only tool for this endeavor, was a stone that Cavan had been sharpening to turn into an arrow tip.

Malaki didn't care much about the food. He asked which way Arkadi had gone, and raced off. If he could still see the dog, just by peering through or over the brush wall, then he was close enough to be called back.