by Richard Provencher

Created on: November 20, 2007

URSUS

A powder of March snow upon a fallen log provided relief for the Chief Guardian's bruised nose. Earlier this morning he scraped this tender area against a sharp branch. Its hurting point remained behind as others of his forest-dwelling clan moved into attack position.

He continued to slowly rub his furry face against the soothing crystals, damp wood being thankfully noiseless as he remained upwind.

Later in the summer there would be a feast of ants, and he salivated in remembering the last time he visited this wooded area. In fact, he was sure he had come across this same fallen Cyprus tree, its upturned roots now providing a shelter from enemy eyes.

He peered anxiously seeking companions who also had made their way laboriously across the steep incline of this hillside. Their band of Guardians intended to defend this small valley where intruders had begun to invade.

Concern developed when packs of Canis Lupus began to show up for the first time in this area. Their growing presence placed in immediate jeopardy young and old Ursus who could easily be surrounded and killed. And that included their allies, the long-legged Family Cervidae and Alces Alces who were more helpless against fast moving packs of marauders.

A "Hush" of warning entered his brain. And his low growl escaped curled up lips as he spotted suspicious movements. About a hundred yards away, a Vulpes slunk into view, gracefully dancing around what must be a newly discovered scent.

Perhaps a mouse had taken up space there, or one of the young Ursus wandered into the vicinity. They had been cautioned to remain in their protected enclaves farther beyond the hill. And the cubs heeded stern warnings from their elders.

The canny one, a large Cannis Lupus, swung his gaze at the hill above and paused, perhaps sensing furtive eyes watching. In a few moments the wind shifted and the lone Vulpes nervously lifted his nose into the air, sniffed then turned to look towards a low brush on his right side.

This alerted the Chief Guardian, who emitted a low "Woof" designed to convey a message to others in nearby concealment. Their answering sounds ricocheted back and forth ensuring their readiness for anything amiss. Each was aware of the need to defend their land from invaders. It was his sworn duty to destroy enemies to protect families of their kin who lived in the valley.

He waited patiently for further Canis Lupus movements. It was known they used shorter legged Vulpes acting as Seekers to discover Ursus lairs,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>