Part Five: An Advancing Shadow

Walter had failed to get his father to do anything about the wolves. He had failed to convince his father that an attack on the city was inevitable. He had failed to help the afflicted rabbits of his kingdom. He had failed again and again with no solution being proposed. There was nothing he could do, because he had failed.

After finally washing up and addressing his wound Prince Walter went to sit on the balcony looking over the city. He needed time to think. He had been sitting there awhile, deep in the pit of thought, when something made him almost jump out of his fur. A white hand had touched his shoulder. Walter jumped up and the embarrassed doe smiled shyly and looked at her toes. He liked that smile.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, your highness.” Junafur said.

“It’s totally fine, fair lady, please sit with me.” He sat back down and patted the spot beside him. “And please, call me Walter.”

She sat down, “And please, call me Junafur.”

Walter laughed at her imitation of his voice. How funny, just a moment ago he felt defeated and sad, now he was happy and laughing. Junafur must be special, he thought.

“So what happened with your father?” she asked, concern on her face.

“He refuses to listen to me, like usual. It’s hopeless.” Walter sighed, what could he do to change that? The question appeared in his mind once more.

“Walter, you can’t lose hope that he’ll change. You must hope and pray that your father’s eyes will be opened. You can’t lose hope, I won’t let you Walter!” Junafur implored. Walter laughed.

“It’s no laughing matter. This is serious, Walter. Promise me you’ll never lose hope! Promise!”

He sighed again and looked down into her bright eyes, which he noticed were rimmed with tears. “I promise.” he said, no indication of jesting on his tongue. 

“It is well.” she said and she pulled him into an embrace.

After a moment of silence, they looked out into the vast blue sky. Junafur looked to the east and her eyes grew suddenly wide. She jumped up.

“Walter, it looks like a bad storm is coming, let’s go inside.”

Walter looked to the east as well. It was true, an enormous black mass was on the horizon. But there were no other signs of rain. Junafur grabbed his arm, indicating to go inside the palace, but Walter shrugged her off. He stared into the east. She took a step beside him and looked confusedly at the darkness. 

“It isn’t moving like other clouds.” she said, barely more than a whisper.

“No, it isn’t,” he agreed.

Walter gasped.

“What is it?”

“It’s- it’s- it’s an army.” he stuttered, fear growing tenfold.

“An army of what?” she asked, her fear too swelling. She faced Walter.

“Birds,” he whispered.

They stood there and watched the advancing shadow come from the east.

To Be Continued...