Eric and The Fox
Chapter 17 - Attack and Escape
Chapter 18 - Surprise Catapults
Written by Karen Backway
Read by Rachel Anderice
“Why didn’t you share your fur with us before? My goodness what a treat that would have been,” complained Sylvie teasing Eric. “Now we are almost home.”
“Next adventure perhaps,” answered Eric with a chuckle. “I’m afraid I’m fresh out at the moment.”
“It was very kind of Mama Bear to escort us this far, wasn’t it?” asked Sylvie.
“Most kind of her for sure,” answered Lucas. “I wonder if she could help with The Stone Water Bridge. Perhaps she could stop the inhabitants of The Champlain Hills from crossing onto the island.”
“It doesn’t sound like she interferes much with daily activities. And she just settled in for the winter,” argued Vivian. “Besides, when will you get a chance to talk with her again?”
“I sure do understand now why The Champlain Hills are to be avoided,” said Rod. “The sooner we get back to the forest the better. I miss my pups.”
“Shouldn’t be long now,” said Eric. “I can smell it. The air is already fresher and the ridge is declining. I’m looking forward to a roll in the grass and a splash in the creek.”
“Oh no thanks, I’ve had enough waterworks for now and forever,” said Vivian.
“It’s been awfully quiet this part of the journey,” commented Lucas. “Too quiet, makes me suspicious.”
“I would agree,” said Rod. “There are no birds or…”
<<<SWOOSH>>>
Rod didn’t finish, he was knocked to the ground.
“What was that?” asked Rod.
<<<SWOOSH>>>
Lucas was knocked over.
<<<SWOOSH>>> <<<SWOOSH>>> <<<SWOOSH>>>
“Take cover, behind those rocks. I’ve heard about these things before,” shouted Eric.
The group tucked in behind a rock protected from behind by the ridge.
“The Quillza. They are flying porcupines,” explained Eric. “They are super fast. So fast you only hear them swoosh. They fire their quills which knock you out.”
“How do we fight them?” asked Lucas.
“With honey, something we are short on right now,” answered Eric. “Honey gums up their quills so they cannot fly or fire their quills.”
“Would anything sticky work?” asked Vivian.
“I would imagine,” answered Eric. “But I’m not certain.”
“A little way back up the trail I saw some berries. We could crush them and make a paste, it might be sticky enough,” suggested Vivian.
“They seem to have retreated for the moment, let’s make a run for it. It’s certainly worth a try,” agreed Lucas.
