The sun had hardly shown its head when Helter woke with blurry vision, clearing away the crystallized sleep in the crooks of his eyes. Something was tapping on the log and it didn’t sound pleasant. Helter decided to be brave and so he took the lantern outside. However, it was just Clive, telling them the drotch had burnt Frenzy Forest and were heading their way. Helter woke the others and they packed up their things, following him out.

As they set off, the woods were covered in morning frost and the still, lifeless trees dropped a few crinkled autumn leaves. There was the occasional rat bone or fur covered skin but they tried to keep their heads high, despite the fact their tracks would be seen by the drotch and they would no doubt follow them. Just then, Helter spotted what looked like civilization. He checked the map and his blood froze. It was the town of terror.

Several hours later, the group found themselves pacing around the outskirts of the buildings, finding a safe place to enter when at last, they found a deserted alley. They slipped into it and ducked down low, so as not to be seen. They found a group of bins and decided to make camp there.

The smell of the garbage would be obnoxious but, being foxes, they didn’t mind at all. They eventually got hungry so climbed into the bins and fished around until they found some mackerel leftovers, remains of water and a spider or two.

As night crept up on them, they set up a few old blankets to rest on and laid their jackets on them as duvets. They came closer together to preserve body heat and stayed incredibly quiet and still. 

Helter crept in between the bins. They needed food. He stayed low and skirted the wall. Terrified, his eyes darted around, looking for bears, wolves or lions. He could see a lamp-lit tavern and could smell salmon and sea bass cooking over a spit. Helter spotted a deserted market and picked up an old backpack that was on the street. He managed to nab 5 cod, 2 loaves of bread, a box of salad and a flask of soup. Not very fresh but hey, it was still food.

Suddenly, a drunken voice from the tavern called out “Hey, what’re ya doin?” A scar covered face with a bloody nose and shards of glass in his cheek leered out the window. A bear picked up a sharp battleaxe from a stand and padded outside. Helter crouched down, so as not to be seen. A brown foot pounded the road.

3 wolves finished sharpening their fangs and raced towards the bear to assist him. Helter waited in the shadow, hoping that he would not be seen…