The Obelisk

-Chapter 39-

The Shadowmanes were close.

Forest skidded down the hill and jumped on top of rock, but tripped and fell in his momentum and crashed right into a young Shadowmane.

“Ow! What the—oh, hi!” The Shadowmane stopped and turned to look down at him. She had almost all the colors of the rainbow— blue, pink, purple, yellow— and a bit of black here or there. Forest felt rather embarrassing on the ground, so he slowly sat up.

“What this?” An older, bright green and orange Shadowmane stepped forward.

“I’m so sorry,” Forest said, jumping up.

“It’s OK, Spotfur,” the first Shadowmane said. “He looks harmless.”

I do?

The others caught up from behind, panting. Rust waved, Spark nodded, and Crimson just scowled nervously.

“These are my friends,” Forest said. “We—“

He realized all of the Shadowmanes had stopped now. They were turned and squinted curiously at the newcomers. Whispers eddied through the group. There were lots of them—and least fifteen—if Forest counted right. “We, uh… a friend”—Crimson snorted as he said it—“told me you could help us with something.”

The young Shadowmane bristled with excitement. “Of course! We can help you! Father!” She called. “Some carnivores request assistance!”

“Hault!” Called several voice from behind Forest. He whirled around to see six Terror birds a few talonsteps away, each one big and imposing as they stood tall.

“Hault? On who’s authority?” A deep voice asked form the Shadowmane crowd. Everyone moved out of the way as a large, handsome Shadowmane stepped forward, radiating power.

The terror birds exchanged cautious expressions. “Chief Blazeheart,” one of them greeted. “We are sorry to intrude on your visit.”

“Are these carnivores with you??” A Terror bird demanded.

The Shadowmanes gaze passed Forest, Crimson, Spark and Rust, and he said, “they are now.”

“What—“ the Terri bird was hushed by the others, and one said, “do you know them?”

“I will,” Blazeheart said with a bob of his head. “These young carnivores need assistance, i they have nothing to do with you. I will take them out of your claws and we’ll be on our way.”

“Of course, Blazeheart,” the lead Terror bird bowed slightly, and gestured for the soldiers to follow. “Enjoy your stay.”

As they left, the first Shadowmane said, “Thankyou Father. You must meet these carnivores!”

“I understand you want friends,” Blazeheart said to her. “But first, we must get to know them. And they require our help, apparently?”

“Yes,” Forest said.

“Then you may come with us. We are on our way to the Ruins for our last days stay, and then I may assist you with what you need. You may stay at the back of the group. Nyx, you can escort them.”

The juvenile Shadowmane shuddered happily. “Thankyou, Thankyou, Father!”

“Your welcome.”