Stepping out of the darkness, what had looked like a mere shadow stood tall. It was skull-crusher, the drotch’s main leader. His muscular body was fused with steel and some say the metal reached his brain and heart. He had fox skulls in his belt and was clutching a diamond tipped broadsword dripping in blood fresh from one of the wolf’s chests. His mask was made of pure titanium and completely concealed his face. He took a warhorn from his pocket and blew it so loudly the trees shook. Bears, wolves and lions were now crowding the street.

When the battle had finally ceased, blood covered the streets and was abundant. Cautiously, Helter crept back to the bins in the alleyway. Suddenly, a pang of fear spread through him. Skull-crusher was probably here for Skelter and Pop.

By dawn, the three fox cubs had left the town of terror and were now trekking across the anthill plains, heading for the rocky range. The journey took at least 8 hours and so, when the brightness of the sun drew to a close, they found themselves building a hut to withstand the cold night air. Glowing, the air was filled with fireflies which hummed gently, unsettling Pop. They could hear a faint rumbling coming from the volcano. Helter checked the map to see if they were on the right path but skelter told him not to worry

Outside the shelter, the wind started getting more violent and cold. Inside, the fire Skelter had started was nicely baking the apple and toasting the bread. Scared it would get lost, Helter unpacked the only gift he got from his grandfather before he passed away. It was a small, serrated blade encrusted with a glowing, white gemstone. Some say, when you hold it, you get telekinetic, invisibility and clairvoyant powers if you were worthy. Helter grasped the handle and felt warmth spreading through him like a flame travelling through his veins. Suddenly, he saw a repeating video on his head of bears and wolves pouring out of a cave.

There was a thunderous noise coming from the mountain and the rocks seemed to creak and bulge until it sounded like a bomb being blown apart and many different beasts poured out of a newly created cave entrance. Within moments, the cubs were bound up with sticky, red ropes. Pop nestled closely to her older sister and Skelter gave the beasts withering looks but Helter was busy hiding the blade.

Too late. A shadow strided out of the cave and the beast crouched down, either in fear or respect. “Thinking about making a run for it?” Skull-crusher taunted. ”I’ll do what I’m known for if you do manage, not that you can go anywhere.” They were carried into a spacey cavern and layed down. They realized this was the motherload of drotch, waiting to be deployed. Petrified, Helter glanced at Skull-crusher. It looked as if the drotch were preparing to raid Handen’s hideout, the one place they thought they would be safe.