By Abigail Falanga
I swing to a higher branch, the beast’s massive jaws nearly closing on my tail. Gnashing teeth and fiery eyes lunge high—higher than I’d calculated—sharp claws scrabbling at bark. I’m out of reach, barely, and my fingers itch to slash at it with one of my blades downward to ensure my escape. No time. I must get away!
When I scramble to the highest branches, though, I ready my bow.
The beast growls and paces below, huge and ferocious as a wolf. It’s of a similar shape, but dark as night and with drooping ears. One swift shot, and the creatures of this forest would live in peace again. But something makes me reluctant as I nock an arrow and take aim—something I’ve seen and can’t account for. Something…
I shoot just as a tiny voice screams.
I miss; my shaft harmlessly strikes the beast’s flank.
It yelps and then whimpers as the other creature runs toward us, the thing whose cry had startled me into missing my shot.
A human child. It drops into a protective crouch beside the beast, chattering with worry.
Even now I could put an arrow through the monster’s heart, and without injuring the human pup. But I’ve made up my mind and dash away through the branches.
***
I arrive early at our arranged rendezvous, and I pass the time waiting by sharpening my antler knives and questioning my decision.
The moment the sun disappears behind the hills, faint footsteps approach.
“Is it done?” the old badger demands the moment he and his mate enter the clearing.
I glance up as the others, normally mutual enemies but now allied against a common threat, gather around me: three owls, a family of ferrets, a grouchy-looking snake, a cautious fox, and one belligerent gnome who is the representative of a nearby clan. I sheath the knife and rise to my feet to make my report and present my case.
“The beast lives,” I announce, loud enough for them all to hear.
A gasp runs through the clearing.
An owl rasps, “Was it too much for you? You said you could take care of any monster. You seemed eager for the fight when you heard of our need!”
“I could slay it, and I will if it comes to it. But while I was down in its territory, I saw something you didn’t tell me about, or you didn’t know.” I pause and look around to make sure they’re all listening. “The beast has joined with a pack of humans!”
Some glance around looking confused and even shocked. Others look away.
The ferret matriarch snarls. “What of it? Humans are as much a threat as any wolf-beast!”
“Are they?” I snap back. “Have they not tossed scraps of food that you have gathered? Have they no right to be here in these woods? Do they not deserve our respect?”
“They’re newcomers, barging in with their buildings and noise,” she mutters. “Why are you on their side, anyway, Master Maplebark? You’re a squirrel.”
“A Xintixa,” I correct. “And I’m not on their side, or yours. But they deserve honor, for they are humans, and moreover I saw great love among them as I was stalking the beast.”
They say nothing for a moment in the gathering twilight.
“Then what do you suggest we do, Master Maplebark?” the badger rumbles.
I allow myself a tight smile. “The most dangerous thing of all.”
***
For nearly two days I run back and forth to negotiate a parlay.
Finally, they’re all gathered back in the clearing, me in the middle nervously fingering my bow, the animals trying not to cower on one side, the beast glowering but seated on the other.
“Well?” it barks. “I’ve come under agreement of truce. What do you want?”
“To know why you have chased and killed some of our people,” the badger says, his voice a bit tremulous. “Master Maplebark says you are at peace with the humans, wolf, so why attack us?”
“I am not a wolf; I am Dog, and the humans are my masters,” the beast says as he holds his head high. “I attack you because you enter my humans’ territory, steal their meat, and kill their chickens. You are the intruders, and it is my duty to guard against you. There is another human pup coming soon, and I fear for its safety with the likes of you nearby.”
The ferret matriarch hisses.
I speak up quickly, before she can make things worse with an angry argument. “What if these animals agree not to enter the humans’ territory? Would that satisfy you, Dog?”
“That may be acceptable,” Dog answers, pawing the ground. “But you must stay well clear of all my humans’ territory and possessions.”
“And in return, you would no longer hunt and kill these animals?”
Dog takes longer thinking about it. “Yes. But I will show no mercy if any trespass, let that be understood.”
“Can you agree to that?” I ask the animals.
They consult among themselves, muttering in low tones that sometimes turned into outright arguments.
Finally, the badger speaks up, “Yes, it goes hard with some of us since that area was once common to all travel and hunting, but we will agree to never enter the humans’ territory.”
“Good!” I clap my paws.
“I still have business with you, squirrel,” Dog huffs at me.
“Later,” I begin, but can get no further because suddenly everyone is talking.
“The humans venture into our woods sometimes. What about that?” the ferret matriarch demands with a shout.
“And when does this agreement end?” the fox asks.
“What about flying over?” hoots an owl.
“We’ve said nothing about tunneling under,” the gnome suggests. “Now, what I want to know is—”
I sigh, longing for the peace and quiet of the treetop inn I’ll open one day.
But then again, maybe I’ll be mediating this kind of discussion all the time when I finally buy it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Awesome story. The Negotiator reminds me of Narnia, except in our world.
Thank you so much! It’s always an honor when a story is compared to Narnia. Talking animals always enchant me, because it’s so interesting to hear their perspective.
Abigail Falanga, aka StorySpinner
Maplebark’s going to be busy, all right.
Very busy! lol
Thanks for reading!
Abigail Falanga, aka StorySpinner
Thank you for reading!
Behind the scenes stuff:
– This story was based on a dream I had one time about trying to reconcile my very large black dog with the small wildlife she loved to chase. It was a fun dream that stuck with me, and when Phezznibbet Maplebark came along I knew he would be the perfect central character for it.
– I included something that I don’t often see in stories about wild animals and humans: The animals respect the humans. This seems to me more accurate to the way Creation is set up; even in our fallen state, in which animals fear us, humanity is still in a place of stewardship. And even in real life, many animals seem to like and respect people (probably because we give the best skritches).
That’s all for now!
I’d love to know your thoughts so comment if you can :D
Abigail Falanga, aka StorySpinner
Like the story and the characterizations and how everyone is trying to get along… sort of. But yeah, Master Maplebark is going to be very busy, especially if these human continue to encroach, and too many real humans do.
I enjoyed the story a lot & I enjoyed the perspective! Good work!
I agree, it is excellent!
The negotiations were long, and hard. But Phezz finally returns from his parlay with Dog, an agreement struck. He calls the forest creatures together to happily tell them he has secured their peace and prosperity, the lives of them and their children, unto 10 generations. Most rejoiced to hear the news. Except the Mayflies. They were like “WE ONLY HAVE PEACE FOR 10 DAYS??”
Awww I love the fantasy, classic Disney-esque vibes of this! I wasn’t expecting a Fog to be the main antagonist, but I enjoyed seeing him firecely protecting his humans, and the forest animals’ attempt to compromise 😊
I take it the negotiation doesn’t go for any cats out there? They definitely wouldn’t agree… at least my cat TinTin wouldn’t agree; he likes Voles way too much. Then again, I didnt see any Voles partake in the conversation. Well done, Abigail. I love that the dog agreed, but with no mercy if they trespass.