Eric and The Fox
Chapter 15 - Meeting Mama Bear
Chapter 16 - A Hike to The Champlain Lookout
Written by Karen Backway
Read by Rachel Anderice
“Well done, Eric! Well done,” said Lucas when the group finally slowed to a trot. “As for the rest of you, please, be mindful, we are in The Champlain Hills. Assume serious danger is everywhere. I must admit though, that was quite the fox fight. I've never witnessed a Vix and a Tod defend their pup.”
“Spunky taught us how to set up an alcove avalanche trap. Worked well, huh team,” said Eric.
There was a flat ledge facing east over The Champlain Hills, dreary as it was, where the team rested for a bit before moving on.
“Quite the team you have there, Eric,” said a voice.
“What? Who said that?” asked Sylvie.
“I did. My goodness you have grown young fella,” said Mama Bear.
“Mama Bear, gosh. What are you doing here?” asked Eric.
“On the contrary, what are you doing here? I live here. You do not,” chuckled Mama Bear. “Let me look at you.”
Mama Bear lumbered awkwardly and circled around Eric.
“Hmm. Reckless, just like Moon. No Shine in you whatsoever,” commented Mama Bear.
“Reckless?” questioned Eric. “I wouldn’t say that.”
“Oh really? Dragging a young fox and her Tod and Vix into The Champlain Hills, casting spells you don’t even know will work, and throwing badgers off the ridge? I’d call that reckless, yes,” argued Mama Bear.
“Oh. How do you know about that?” Eric looked down at the ground shyly.
“Now you hold on right there,” Sylvie interrupted before Mama Bear could answer. “He didn’t drag me anywhere, he has been very courageous and brave, thinking fast under pressure.”
“Oh, very feisty. What a wonderful friend you have Eric,” said Mama Bear. “She will keep you under wraps for sure.”
Mama Bear looked at Sylvie and continued.
“Eric, I know all the activities in The Champlain Hills and along its ridges. That is my job, which I believe I do quite well. You should not have come this way. Surely Moon and Spunky warned you about the dangers of The Champlain Hills and Ridges, especially for a young pup like yourself. Sadly it grows more and more dangerous as the months pass.”
“We were trapped on the island and The Stone Water Bridge is the only bridge off the island,” argued Eric. “We must find our way back to the forest. We cannot leave the forest tribe. It’s our home.”
“It would have been safer in the fields, not up the ridge. The badgers inhabit these ridges now, after being washed downstream - saving your family I might add. And they are a rather miserable bunch. They have had a very hard time learning to get along and share with their neighbors. Nonetheless, here you are. What is your plan?” asked Mama Bear, yawning. “Pardon me, soon time to hibernate.”
“Follow the river north until we can cross the river then get back to the forest mainland.”
“Hmm. And your back up plan?” asked Mama Bear.
“Umm. That’s all I got, at the moment. But we will figure it out as we go,” Eric said confidently.
“You have been listening to Molly and Abby, those delightful little fluffs,” chuckled Mama Bear.
“For now, I can escort you to The Champlain Lookout,” offered Mama Bear.
“Oh yes please, thank you Mama Bear,” said Eric.
“I cannot interfere with The Champlain Hills activities, I am the historian,” said Mama Bear, winking at Eric. “Though I do make some exceptions. Would you like me to send a message to Mama Owl?”
“Oh yes please, thank you,” answered Eric.
“Hmm. Yes. I will let her know you and your little band of friends intend to follow The Champlain Ridge Divide back to the forest with your band of friends,” said Mama Bear.
“Oh yes, Mama Bear, you are very kind,” Eric said, giving Mama Bear a great big bear hug.
“Oh goodness, you have grown so much from the little ball of fluff that ran off with Molly,” laughed Mama Bear.
