Kiowa peered from behind a building. His breath turned to ice in the freezing cold of a February flurry of snow. The flakes were a thin dusting on his burnt-orange-colored-fur. His ears and feet felt the frost and his nose tingled in the cold.

First Warren was dark. The sky was an eerie purple, lanterns lighting the falling snow. It was so quiet. It gave Kiowa an eerie feeling, as if someone was watching him. Winds started to blow, whipping snow in his face.

“We should stop here.” His comrade whispered. The buck had dark brown fur and hazel brown eyes. He had a double-diamond patch on his tunic.

“Why?” Kiowa asked, an edge to his voice. This was his mission, not this strangers.

“It’s getting too windy too see.” The buck said. Kiowa could make out the calm expression on his comrade’s face.

He must have a lot of training. I wonder where he’s from. Kingston, no doubt. Or Cloud Mountain. I’ve heard they are quit elite.

“So?” Kiowa asked, pushing aside admiration for this young buck.

“So we can keep going and hope for shelter, or go inside that building.” The buck said. Kiowa was afraid of the poor visibility, but frightened about what would happen inside.

“o! That’s Daggler’s dungeon!” Kiowa cried.

“I ain’t afraid of Daggler.” The buck said, pushing open the door.

Kiowa was afraid, but he followed.

Daggler’s Dungeon was dark and cold. Torches lined the walls.

“Wer’nt we just in here?” the buck asked.

“Yeah. And now we won’t get out.” Kiowa said, hearing footsteps.

“Thank you, Kiowa. Because of your betrayal, I am now a lieutenant.” The buck said.

“who is he? Do you know him?” Kiowa’s comrade asked.

“Lucas, one day you will know the truth, I hope.” Kiowa said.

“Keh.” Lucas laughed, “For now your going to prison.”

“Take me but let Kiowa go.” The buck said, bravely stepping forward.

“And you are?” Lucas sneered.

“Fleck Cove, sir.” He said. Kiowa’s heart was warmed by the act of kindness but knew he couldn’t let Fleck do this.

“Why would you give your life for a traitor?” Lucas asked, obviously interested.

“I-I don’t know. It’s the right thing to do, I guess.” Fleck faltered.

“Take us both.” Kiowa said. He could hear the falter in Fleck’s voice, saw him holding back tears.

“N-no.” Fleck said, “You need to be safe.” He said, looking at Kiowa.

“I can’t let you go, anyway.” Lucas said, tying the bucks with twine. Fleck struggled valiantly for a few seconds, then sagged in reality.

__________________________

Meanwhile…….

Echo and Whit crept through the dark halls of the palace. There footsteps echoed on the hard floor of the palace, no longer the bright cheery place it had been in King Jupiter’s reign. Now it was a dark, cruel place.

“Whitbie!” the bucks froze at Winslow’s sharp and bitter voice.

“Winslow, I’m joining the cause.” Whit said.

“What did you say?” Daggler asked, lunging out of the shadows and slicing off Whit’s ear.

“No!” Echo cried, lunging at Daggler. He caught the sword, heedless of the blade slicing at his hands, and yanked Daggler into a wall.

“C’mon Whit!” He yelled as the two bucks tore down the hall.

i have plans!!

[but they are mixed up in my head. really really mixed up. probably because i just ranted about Tales of Old Natalia three...lol... i'm so excited for it!!]

-Fleck