A Basket Full of Magic
Written and read by Rachel Lynn Anderice
Chapter 16 - The Battle Plan
“We can have a honey station close to shore but hidden near the edge of the forest,” said Mama Owl. “It’s hard to prepare when you don’t know what to do with it. Maybe honey is somehow poisonous to them. I hope we don’t have to force feed them.”
Mama Owl called all of the animals together.
“Friends of the forest, The Quillza, a half-sized porcupine that can spin very fast, want to invade the forest. The magic that protected the forest from the fire is hidden and must remain hidden. They want to steal it. They must not succeed,” said Mama Owl. “Gophers, please dig several holes along the sandy bit of the shore. Slightly bigger than a half-size porcupine. We want them to fall in but not be able to climb out because their quills get stuck.”
“Got it,” said the gophers and they walked over to the sandy part of the shore and started digging.”
“Fox, chipmunks and squirrels - find a hiding place and stock it full of rocks you can throw at a Quillza if it lands. We will bombard them where they stand,” said Mama Owl. “The bees will come when called and will sting them from all sides all at once. The Quillza won’t know where to fire their quills.”
“What about us?” asked Molly.
“You two stay with Spunky. The Quillza, want you for your buttons and we must not let that again,” answered Mama Owl. “Spunky, hide with and protect Molly and Abby. Clobber The Quillza if they come close.”
Mama Owl continued.
“Galen the eagle, has agreed to keep watch and warn us if he sees any dust tornados approaching. The Quillza move very fast. Even with his warning, we won’t have much time. So be ready. Please stay hidden. Do not risk getting hit with a quill. The beavers are on their way. I had hoped they would already be here. We will do the best we can without them.”
“And finally,” said Mama Owl. “If you do get hit by a quill, it hurts. But it only puts you to sleep. Do not worry, you will wake up. We will keep you safe while you sleep. You have your tasks. Let’s defend our forest.”
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“Spunky, I need your help,” said Mama Owl. “Please follow me.”
Spunky trotted along behind as Mama Owl flew into the forest a short distance. When she stopped she pointed at an old wooden box. I want to place this next to the flat rock ledge on shore. We need a place to trap prisoners and ensure they cannot fire their quills at us.”
“Sure thing. To shore,” agreed Spunky.
“Alright. Now we wait,” said Mama Owl. “We will see what the morning brings.”
