believe you're here."
Birch opened his mouth to protest, but suddenly realized that many young bucks were about. He froze. "Yes, then," he said, regaining his composure. "Campion, come with me. We'll find Korin a place to bed down along the stream - maybe she can fish." He walked over to the mountain lion, who held her bloody paw up, and she gave him a challenging look. Birch paid no heed. He began to speak with her as he and Campion moved off.

Bambi and Herla turned to Huckleberry. "Friend, how about you and your hawk tell us about what you're here for?" Herla asked.

"Hang on!" Skander interrupted. "I wanna come. Let me listen - I want to hear about my blood herd."

Herla stared at Bambi. This whole incident - Birch's outburst and the deer failing to listen to Bambi - had made Herla snap back into his place as a Captain. He wanted orders now. "Yes," Bambi agreed hesitantly, "He can listen in. I... I think he needs to know these things. Call Ronno and Faline. Fleetfoot!" he called to a buck at the edge of the clearing and told him to get Bambi's two old friends.

Soon after, they were all there and Huckleberry and the hawk explained what had happened, each respectively. "I'd like to see my homeland freed," the bird finished. "I'll help your puma if you let me stay and help take out these bucks. I... I saw them on their way in, and that huge grey one was killing some songbirds... he was attacking... the... the animals," he added softly, his eyes glazed in horror.

All was silent after this. It was almost deafening. "I should have seen that coming," Herla whispered. "He's been... away from his anters his whole life."

"Well," Bambi stared at Skander. "That's your father. I doubt he holds to your expectations?"
The young buck said nothing. "Anyway," Bambi continued, trying to sound brisk, "It's time we start making preparation for the real battle to begin. The rut is coming on fast, now, and we need to prepare for battle. We'll make make-shift warrens above ground - thorn walls and such - to keep the does with fawns safe."

"I can't think of anything more unnatural," Ronno said, astonished.
"Yes, but Nacht and Trar break the natural way of things - rabbits do it. This is better than them." Bambi replied. Ronno hesitated but nodded. Indeed, he still didn't get along so well with the prince, but his jealousy was gone.

"I'll get started," Skander stood up, looking determined. "Give me some plans."