My laptop is still not functioning, but thankfully, I can access the files from my phone!

Chapter 5

Inside it was a hum of activity. Walls and roofs were being repaired and rabbits were cleaning everywhere. Heather led Weezie to Picket’s room and found Mother was still there. She smiled.

“Done work already?” She asked as Heather bent to hug her mother.

“For now. How is he?” She asked. Weezie sat next to Picket, her face full of shock and tears. Sween raised an eyebrow. Heather mouthed, ‘Picket’s friend’, and she nodded.

“He hasn’t moved or anything. But I am sure he will wake soon.” Heather managed to smile. “How are you and father? Did he gather those from Akolan like he planned?” Sween nodded.

“He did. They are working at tidying up this palace while we wait for instructions. Speaking of which, the prince came by and asked if you were nearby. I told him you were working, and he asked me to tell you that the council will start near dinner time.” Sween explained. Heather nodded, her eyes un-focusing for a minute.

“Heather, you better rest for a bit before you go.” Sween suggested with a smile. Heather nodded, then smiled. “I suppose you’re right.”

Turning to Weezie, she added, “Weezie, let me know if you need anything. And take care of yourself.” Weezie nodded but her chin quivered; she jumped up and wrapped Heather in a hug. She was caught off guard, but hugged her back. Pulling away, she headed to the door and left, not looking back, for fear of crying.

Heather rested for a bit, but when images of yesterday’s events rushed at her, she decided that she would do something else until the council began. She re-organized her satchel, straightened her dress, and exited the room. She started to head to Picket’s room when a hand grasped her shoulder. She spun around and saw Father.

“Hello, Heather. Had a busy day?” He asked with a smile. Heather hugged him, returning a smile. “I suppose so. What about you? Mother said that you’ve been leading those from Akolan in the clean up.” Whittle nodded.

“Yes, we have. Only the palace, mind you; but tomorrow, unless we are stationed elsewhere, we will start around the city.” Just then, lord Blackstar approached. He smiled, despite how exhausted he looked. “The council is gathering.” He announced. He then turned around and headed back the way he had come. Whittle took a step forward, then offered his arm to her. “Shall we?” He asked with a wink. Heather smiled. “We shall!”

They entered the council chamber and Heather was amazed at how many were present. Mr. And Mrs. Weaver were there, seated along the side of the table facing the door where the Longtreaders had just entered and smiled. Heather looked around the room and saw Smalls at the head of the table; he smiled at her and motioned to two vacant chairs to his left. They took their seats and Heather noticed Emma, Winslow, and another buck we sitting to Smalls’ right, with an elegant and vaguely familiar doe closest to the prince. Heather blinked. Wait… that, isn’t that… She racked her brain. Lady Glen! Of course! The widow of Jupiter the Great looked at her and smiled, bowing her head slightly.

Seated beside Emma was an older buck; he looked like he had seen many things throughout his life, both good and evil; but there was a spry and liveliness that seemed to follow him. Then on the side of the table that Heather and her father sat was lord Blackstar, another lordly looking rabbit, Heyward, another buck, and… Kyle??!? Her jaw dropped.

He looked haggard and unwell, but he sat with a calm countenance. He looked around the room as well and met Heather’s gaze. He smiled sheepishly, and a cloud seemed to cover his eyes. Before any more questions could bombard her mind, Heather noticed the Smalls rose from his seat.

The heir of Natalia looked around the room, mentally counting all those present.

“Well,” he began loudly, the chatter in the room quieting. “I believe we all are here that could be present. Some of our councillors and comrades are in the hospitals recovering; therefore we can only envision our strategies for the recovery process before acting on them.” He paused, swallowing a few times and drawing a shaky breath.

“I… I feel unsure as to what I say and do now. Morbin… has been defeated. The Mended Wood has come… we have all ‘borne the flame' and now are free.” Heather smiled, unable to hold some tears at bay for the joy that had arrived.

“We have lost many of our leaders and the cost has indeed been great. But they gave their lives for the freedom of others. Lord Blackstar, lord Booker, as well as my brothers, have spoken with me to fully explain and update what has occurred since my, well, break from responsibilities. But that time away was not what I would have expected. Thankfully, a friend of mine soon arrived where I had been buried and we both made our own discoveries in regard to history.” He smiled at Heather and she blushed.

“From what I gather, all the civilians were evacuated to some farms south of First Warren. Then the injured are in the hospitals. I’ve been looking around First Warren today and I think you all can agree with me that the damage is extensive. As my council, you all are here to help me make decisions that will benefit our kind and our homes. What then, are your thoughts on this situation?” Smalls took a breath, looked around the table, and sat down.

He had presented what had to be shared; now it was time to come up with solutions and plans. But what should be done first? Heather tried to draw a map in her mind so as to pin-point everything that would have to be done. But trying to think of, well, everything, she couldn’t. What’s to be done first? She wondered.

Sorry about the format... and typos!

Blessings,

A. R.