Cut Short

[Chokk]

The beaver spat splinters onto the ground as he sat with his back against a rock. The others had decided to rest for the night at the lodge. It was safe there, quiet, and to somebeast who was unaware of the situation, peaceful. He lifted a piece of willow wood to his mouth and ripped off another hunk with his over sized front teeth. His mind pulled him in multiple directions, keeping sleep at bay. The new moon had passed not two days hence making for a rather dark night. Crickets chirruped in the grasses that lined the river. He took in a deep breath as he watched his river drift by. Only a few weeks ago he had sat by this same river with his son.  He had spoken to Charokk of many things that night. Someday he would take over leadership of the river community. Beasts would look to him just as they looked up to Chokk. His family, and all the beasts around would come to the head beaver for support, guidance, and for any other matter that might come to paw.

"Keep a level head. Don't speak until you've thought through your words. Don't put to action anything that has not been fully considered." Chokk spoke the advice he had given his son quietly through a mouthful of wood. If only the beaver would have followed his own wisdom so much that troubled him would not be part of his life. He spat fragments once more and then held out the wood to inspect his work. He had chewed the willow into the rough shape of a kingfisher. Chokk stood and dusted himself off. He placed the carving in a crack rock on which he had been leaning. It would continue to watch his river long after he was gone.
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He had retraced their paw steps but in reverse, bringing himself ever closer to the encampment of the water rats. He would free Rallentando or die in the attempt. He could not silence the thoughts in his head. He had let himself down, his community, his friends, his family. He had slain another woodlander in cold blood. His attempts to save the river community from the wrath of the slavers had completely fallen apart. The accursed Kotir still stood. If he continued on the course of action the vermin had agreed on, it would continue to bring strife to countless others. For the first time he found himself fervently hoping his attempt at saving Rallentando would end in his death.

Chokk crawled on his belly towards the outskirts of the encampment. Perhaps he would come upon the rabbit and be able to set her free without notice. Guards were posted but there was always the possibility he could slip by. He could just make out a guard standing to the side of a small fire. Quietly the beaver loaded a stone into his sling. He whirled the weapon twice by his side and loosed the stone. It whizzed through the air and took the guard in the neck. He crumpled to the ground. Chokk waited on bated breath but nobeast responded to the commotion.

"Odd that he's the only one about." He uttered the words as he slunk from the bushes and came upon the rat. The hunted gurgled as Chokk leaned down near him. His life blood was already spilling out. the edge of the fire hissed and an acrid smell wafted through the air as blood touched hot embers. The beaver leaned nearer.

"Tell me where the captives are and I'll make yer dying swift rat."

The rat could only gurgle. His windpipe had been crushed by the stone and blood was coming forth from the wound. His eyes rolled wildly as he pointed north into the center of the encampment. Chokk pulled forth his dagger and silenced the rat forever. As he wiped the blade clean the beaver made his way forward. He knew they would find him now, he was striding boldly through their camp. It did not matter, nothing mattered anymore. Everything he had lived for was gone.

Soon he saw them. Rallentando, the owl, and the fox, tied down and held fast in a cage. As he came closer he saw movement on all sides.

"Get the beaver!" The shout rang out.

Chokk moved as quickly as he could. He rushed forward and pulled out his dagger. He was almost to the ropes that held his friend.

"Rallentando! I've come for you!" The beaver reached out between the bars and pulled one of the ropes holding the rabbit captive. "I won't let them keep you prisoner. I'll help-" His words were cut short as a familiar feeling went through him. Chokk glanced down and saw a spear growing from his side. The weapon had pierced him right through the ribs. The same rush of heat and the sensation of deflation filled his senses.

"He's trying to free der prisoners! Get him!"

"I came-" The words caught in his throat again as an arrow took him between the shoulder blades. Chokk lifted his eyes to meet Rallentando's. "I came back for you miss." The beaver's eyes misted over as he spoke his final words.  "I won't betray you."