Chapter 8: The Hunts

It started again exactly like he expected. He was lying next to Carie. They had felt the urges of The Season and once more had satisfied themselves until the urges had passed.

"Clang!" he heard from the meadow. It was loud enough to wake every deer in the forest. This was followed by more shouting and more ringing filling the forest with the announcement that Man was back in the forest to kill.

"Stranger?" Carie asked eyes filling with dread.

"Yes, Man is back for us," he said. "After dark we will go to our viewing place to watch and see if we can understand what he will do this time."

The noise got much louder as if almost in front of them. The shouting also seemed louder as if more Men were on the meadow. It was not the same as before and the difference bothered him.

"The fawns," Carie said almost as an afterthought.

Claris is wise; she will keep them in the clearing until night. We must not walk around in the forest during the day. Man can be anywhere. For now we stay still and stay hidden.

They spent the rest of the day in their glade trying to rest among the increasing clamor of Man's building in the meadow. Every time he almost fell asleep, some new sound would force him wide awake. As usual as the greater light set, the noise stopped. He waiting until it was completely dark before he got up.

"We will go first to the clearing and get Stuben. Then I want you to take him and Claris and go up to the place we hid from Man last season. I will send the others up soon. I will join you there. I want to see what Man is doing and I do not want many deer around me."

"I understand," she said. She looked relieved he hadn't asked her to go with him.

They went to the clearing, already most of the fawns had gone back to their mothers. Delon was gone.

"Where did Stena go?" he asked Claris.

"She was going with Balo to see what all the new noise was about," she said.

That was what he did not want to happen. There was something different this time and until he knew what it was, the fewer deer nearby the better.

"Tell all the deer that come here I told you to tell them to go to the place we hid last year," he told her. Claris, you go there now. I will see you when the greater light comes."

He did not wait for comments and hurried quickly away. He took the long way around avoiding the stream that ran down the hill. He walked carefully and noiselessly through the dark woods. The wind was again blowing across the meadow where he could not smell anything from the Man cave. He called out in a low voice several times when he smelled other deer. He told them all to go up to top of hill and wait. As the lesser light started to rise, he got to his viewing place. As he expected, Balo, Stena and Delon were already there.

"It is different this time," Balo said out loud as he approached.

He stood next to Balo and looked at the meadow. As before the Man cave was lit with bright light. There were small Man caves along the ground nearby. The small Man caves that they usually put up across the end of the meadow so they could look along its full length had been moved. They were now standing along the long side of the meadow. They were in a row along the edge of the forest on his side of the meadow. That was different than he had ever seen it before.

"Man is going to do something different this time," he said, "But I do not know what it is."

He thought about it for a while. "We will hide in the same place as last year. It is still hard for Man to climb it from the meadow. Stena you should take Delon and go there now. I am going to call the herd. Balo I think you should go with her and watch the others."

"Yes, Father," his daughter said and she left with little Delon. Balo stayed back looking concerned.

"I will be fine," he said.

"Balo took off. He came around the forest toward the small stream that led to the clearing. He called out loudly several times and then went to the clearing. Immediately he heard dogs barking loudly, but they did not sound as if they were running toward him.

He ran quickly toward the small clearing and waited. In twos and threes most deer came. He explained quickly what he wanted done and where they should go. Fortunately there were no arguments. He did note that Duro and Sinno were not there along with some of the three and four year old males and females. All the five year old males came to him for instructions, It was just as the greater light first appears that they all managed to get to the top of the hill and bed down. He found Claris, Carie and Stuben bedded down behind some rocks. Balo, Stena and Delon he was told was at the far end of the group. He lay down with his family and waited. It was not for very long.

First came the smell of fire and dead meat burning, but it was not deer. Then he heard the noise of several Man Machines that seemed to be moving away from them. He then waited for the shouting he knew would come as Man tried to get behind them and chase them onto the meadow only this time that did not happen. A little while later he heard faint shouting, but it was coming from far away toward the Man path forest. As they rested the shouting got a little louder. Then he heard it.

"PHAMM, PHAMM," went the killing sticks only these were close. In fact they sounded like they came from the edge of the meadow near them. There were other sounds of killing sticks, but these were in the Man path forest. It was then he realized what was happening.

"Man is not hunting here," he told Claris and Carie. "Man is hunting in the Man path forest. He is trying to get behind Veron and his herd and push them out on this side of the forest. It is not far from there to our meadow. As they run into our meadow the Men in the small Man caves will kill them."

He listen to the noise go on until the greater light had almost set. Then it stopped and he could hear the shouting from the Man cave. Again there was the smell of burning deer in the wind. He almost vomited because the smell was so strong. Some deer did throw up some of their cud.

After it was fully dark he found Balo and talked it over with him.

"They went after Veron's herd today," Balo said. "Veron was afraid if too many deer join his herd it would bring Man. It looks as if he was right."

All he could do was nod his head in agreement. "I am afraid he was. I heard several sounds from the killing sticks inside our meadow and the Man path forest."

"I hope Veron and Stabo are alright," Balo went on.

"They both are wise, they will be alright," he answered. The he looked around the forest near them. "Have you seen Duro and the other deer?"

"No, not a sign of them," Balo said anxiously. "They did not come up here."

"Well I am not going to go looking for them," he said. "Right now we need to get the herd fed and have them drink. We will do that now."

Balo nodded and went away. He got the herd to eat the grass in the large open area between his forest and the forest he had chased Geno to. After they ate he led them down to the stream that flowed into the small pond and clearing near where he lived. As soon as everyone had eaten and drank their fill, he got them all back hidden well before the greater light rose and it started again.

Man hunted in the Man path forest that day also. Only this time Man used dogs. He could pick up traces of barking dogs on the wind. What he heard plainly were more sounds of the killing sticks. None of the killing stick sounds came from his meadow. Instead they came from the Man path forest. He heard several during the day. In his meadow he heard more clanging noises from where the smaller Man caves had been. Between the dogs, killing sticks and clanging noises, no one got any sleep that day.

That night he let Balo take the herd to feed, while he went back to his viewing place by himself. As he looked again he could see the brightly lit man caves, and the fire, and the Men smoking and drinking, but the smaller Man caves had been moved back to where they usually were. That told him they hunt in his forest tomorrow. He turned and lefty his viewing place. Immediately he picked up the scents of four deer near him. There was Duro, Sinno, and two others he did not know.

"I know you are there," he said out loud.

"A moment later four male deer came out of the forest near him lead by Duro. The other stayed behind him.

"How are things going here?" he asked.

"Thing are all well here," Duro said sounding like he himself was a herd leader." Man is getting too clever in finding us. We need to go someplace else."

"Suit yourselves," he said. "It is your lives."

"We do not think you are right," Sinno stammered.

"That is nice," he said now talking firmly like he would to a fawn.

"We also think you have been herd leader too long," Duro added. "We need new deer, with newer plans."

"Like who, you Duro?" he spat out.

"You could do worse," Duro said.

He took a deep breath and seemed to relax before leaping ahead quickly until he was only a short distance from Duro. It caught Duro and the others off guard. He looked long and deep into Duro's eyes.

"Anytime any of you want to challenge me, please come on," he said tersely. "I would wait until Man left the forest, but I certainly do it while you still have your antlers. You know where to find me. Anytime you are ready, Duro. Now are there any other questions."

No one said a word. He nodded. "Very well, Man will be here tomorrow. He will try and get behind you and chase you into the meadow where you will die. Where you hide and what you do is up to you? I am waiting with the rest of the herd on the top of the hill. I hope to see you later. That is if you all still alive."

He turned and walked away silently, all the time listening just in case one of them wanted to charge him from the rear. None of them moved a muscle.

He ate near the edge of the forest and drank from the stream before empting himself out. He then climbed his hill and found Balo and told him what happened.

"You don't think they would try something like Razor?" Balo asked.

"I do not think they have the courage," he answered with distain. "Still keep a watchful eye on them. In the mean time Man will hunt here tomorrow. We need to get ready.

"I have been telling the others about not running into the meadow," Balo said. "I also reminded them not to allow Man to get behind them."

"Good," I want to discuss something with you, Stena, Claris and Carie when this is over." With that he left and went back to his family.

He found them standing just outside the forest looking at the other forest off in the distance.

"I have often wondered how the deer there live," Claris said.

"Most likely much like us," he answered. "We can think about that later. Right now Man will hunt here tomorrow. We must be ready."

Man did hunt in the forest and did come up their side of the meadow almost to the top of the hill before yelling again. They went down the hill, but he did not hear any killing stick sounds. That means they were not driving any deer downward. After the greater light was overhead, he heard man going up the hill in the far end of his forest near where Duro and Sinno lived. Again there was shouting and this time he heard dogs running loose. Soon he heard the dogs barking loudly as if chasing something. The noise moved from the end of his meadow across the far side near to where the bear lived. He heard one dog yell out and then another as if in pain. A little while later there were Man noises near where the bear lived and this was followed by many noises from the killing sticks. All he could think about was the bear. He knew bear might be there, or he could be over the hill. He just did not know. He could not do anything about it now. All he could do was save the others in his herd. As the greater light went down, again the Men went back to the Man caves and started shouting. He walked alone to the edge of the meadow and looked. It was too far away to see plainly, but there was meat burning and some of the scents smelled like it came from a bear. He swallowed hard.

He circled around the far side of the meadow being as quiet as possible. The wind was blowing from the Man caves so he knew the dogs would not smell him. He waited until he got below the bear's den and started to climb upwards. As he approached the den he called out, but there was no reply. As he got closer he picked up the one odor he hated to smell, the earth like smell of blood. He stopped and cautiously approached the den. There were fresh odors of bear, but more than one. He could smell his bear and another.

Near the den he smelled a large pool of blood. He took in the scent through his noise. It did not come from his friend the bear but from another. There was something else. It smelled of a deer, a deer that had also spilled a lot of blood. He followed the odor and found it led to a deer laying dead on the side of the hill several lengths from the den. He got closer and he could see it was Sinno, but he was not killed by Man. He had huge claw makes on his neck and side, and his insides were spilled out onto the ground. Sinno had been killed and partly eaten by a bear.

"This idiot and the others lead Man right to my den," he heard from in front of him.

The scent of the bear he knew filled his nostrils. The bear was down wind of him so he could not smell him. "What happened," he asked

"The dogs came. My mate knocked two of them away, but Man came with his killing stick and killed her."

"I saw it and smelled it on the way over here," he said. "I am sorry she is dead. You killed Sinno?"

"Yes, that idiot and his two friend brought Man here and now my mate is dead. I wanted revenge so I took it. I will finish eating him later. Where the other two are I do not know, but I got their scents. I know they are part of your herd, and if I smell them again, I will kill them."

"They are not part of my herd," he explained, and told the bear what had happened.

"So if they would have listened to you everyone would still be alive," the bear growled "The idiots," he repeated.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes, the dogs never found me. They smelled Ura and went for her," the bear went on.

"Can I approach you?" he asked.

"You did not cause this, I will not harm you," the bear said and came into the open.

He walked up and smelled the bear. He smelled fine. "The deer you want is named Duro. He approached me and told me he should be herd leader. I told him he could challenge me at any time."

"If I find him, he is dead," the bear growled. "Ura was the only female in my territory. I am getting too old to go out and fight for a new one."

"I know, we are all getting old," he said.

It was then he caught another scent. It was a deer and it was approaching. The smell was familiar and he realized it was Stabo. What was Stabo doing outside the Man path forest?

"You son is coming," the bear said with equal astonishment. "What is he doing here?"

"I do not know, but something must have happened. Can I call him here?"

"Yes, again he did not cause my pain," the bear answered.

He bleated once loud enough to be heard close by, but not loud enough to be heard in the meadow. Stabo bleated back and came up the hill. He stopped at the den and he could see and took in the odor of the blood. Stabo walk up to them and saw Sinno's body on the ground and looked at him and the bear.

"I am sorry to disturb you," he said in a low tone. He could tell something else. Something had upset him and it was not this. He dropped his head. It could only be one thing"

"Who was it this time, Stabo?" he asked.

"Father, Veron is gone," he said choking up. "He was killed by Man yesterday," he said. "I told mother and Balo and they told me you had come this way. I knew this is where you be."

"What happened," he demanded to know.

"You know after his injury he could not run as fast. He was getting better, but he had not fully recovered. Man brought dogs and they managed to get behind us. We were fleeing away from the end of our forest that is near the Man cave. We knew Man be there. Man had dogs, the big dogs and they started to chase us. Veron could not keep up. He stopped and two of the dogs attacked him. He told Alana and his son and daughter to keep running. He managed to fight them off, but before he could run Man came up. Veron tried to get away, but he could not run fast enough. Man used his killing stick on him. He died quickly."

"Did you see this?" he asked.

Stabo shook his head, "No, Alana did and she told me. There were others that got chased into your meadow and died. Most of those who were killed came from the other forest. It was not a good day. Between Man's shouting and the dogs, several of us are gone."

He dropped his head and almost started to weep. Veron had been right. The many deer in the Man path forest had brought Man. Now he had to think of something to do.

Chapter 9: Aftermath

It was just after the greater light rose that Stabo and he made it back to the clearing. Young Bambi, Gena, Young Claris, Claris, Carie, Stuben, Balo, Stena, and Delon were all there. He was surprised at the gathering. It had been many seasons since the family was all together. All were looking sad. He went to each and nuzzled them and then spoke.

"Stabo has told me. I am sorry it had to be Veron. I watched him grow up; he was like another son to me. The first thing we must do is make a plan for the Man path forest. He then turned to Gena. "How is Alana doing?"

"Not well," she said. "Alana saw the whole thing and there was nothing she could have done, yet she partly blames herself."

"There was nothing she or anyone else could have done," he said. "That will pass in time. The next thing we must do is have a herd leader for the Man path forest. Stabo there is only one deer who I see that can do that."

"I know me," Stabo said grudgingly. "I do not want to be herd leader. If I did I would have stayed here."

"I know," he said. "I never wanted it either; I got it just the same. You have it now and you will have it for a while because there is no one else to do it."

Stabo took a deep breath. "You are right of course, Father. I just wish I had help."

"For now you have Balo and me, but you are right we do not have a lot of deer that have been trained to be herd leader except you, Balo, Stena, and Gorro. Young Bambi, I do not know how much your Father was able to teach you."

"He was teaching me," Young Bambi stammered, but with the other deer coming and his injury, I did not get much training. I am not ready to take over if that is what you mean."

"No, you will not be ready for at least two seasons so you have time to learn. Delon and Stuben also need to start learning."

He could see Carie nodding approval in the back. She had asked him several times to start training their son. Until now he was too young.

"I would also like to learn more," Young Claris spoke up. My Father has been of great help, but again he and Veron were busy this year."

"There is also my younger sister," Young Bambi said. "Father told me she had been asking all kinds of questions about how to live in the forest."

"One more," said Stabo. "One of the deer that came from over the hill is a large three year old male named Felon. He has said that his herd now has no leader. He saw how Veron and I acted leading our herd. Especially, how we took care of the others that came from his old forest. He asked me if he could learn from us and then go help his herd."

He lost the count of how many he would need to train, but it was more than he liked to teach with just him and help from Balo and Stabo. It would have to do because that was all he had to teach. The winter was no time to start. He needed the grass and other plants to grow muscle and that did not happen in the winter which was fast approaching. There was also a need to start soon. He had to admit to himself he was getting older and soon he might not be able to train anyone.

"Very well, this is what I think we should do. Come the spring we will start. I will teach all of you who want to learn. I will tell you it will be difficult, but we must have more deer ready to become herd leaders or help out the current herd leaders. I rather train deer I know, and other than this Felon, I know all of you. We will then start in the spring. In the meantime Stabo you go back to your forest. There should not be much danger after Man is gone. Soon our antlers will fall out and that will be the end of it until the next Season. I know you do not want this, but for now you are herd leader in that forest."

"What about my Mother," Young Bambi asked.

He did not hesitate, "If your mother wants to come here along with your younger sister that is fine with me. She will be welcomed in this forest for as long as she wants. If she wants to stay there, that is up to your herd leader," he said and looked at Stabo.

"Alana is welcomed to stay where she likes for as long as she likes," Stabo answered immediately.

Young Bambi nodded his appreciation. There was one more thing he wanted to say and he wanted it off his chest.

"There is one thing you must know. During the hunts, I was approached by Sinno, Duro, and some of the new deer. All told me they did not want me to be herd leader. I told them they could challenge me any time they wanted. When Man went into the forest with his dogs, they panicked and led Man and the dogs to the bear's den. The bear's mate was killed there. The bear escaped. The bear killed Sinno and is out looking for Duro's blood. He can have it as far as I care. I want nothing to do with Duro. If I see him I will run him out of the forest. As far as I am concerned he can join Geno in the forest beyond our hill."

The others seemed shocked. "You did not tell me they wanted to challenge you," Balo said. "I would have stomped their tales into the ground."

"If they would challenge me openly and alone, no you will not do that. An individual challenge must be fought by the individual. The only time that has not been done was when Bambi lost his temper with Krono. Other than that I will fight them one on one if that what they want. If they want to come as a group like Tarro and Razor, then yes we stomp their tales. Do not worry. I can take care of Duro. He is neither strong, nor wise, and he is no longer welcomed in this forest."

"He is not welcomed in my forest either," Stabo said showing some anger. "I do not need a deer who will lead Man and his dogs to others. If any of you see him, tell Father or me."

"Is there anything else," he wanted to know.

"Yes," Gena said with a sob, "One more important thing. Who tells my Father about his son?"

He suddenly felt much deflated. Gena was right. Bambi had to know and there were only two of them who should do it: Gena and himself. Gena might have a fawn growing inside her so that was out. Stabo would also want to go if she went and he was needed here. That left only him and he knew the way.

"I will do that," he said calmly. "I will go myself because I do not want any of the doe going. I need Stabo and Balo here to take care of the forests. Besides I have already made the trip."

"And almost died for it," Claris said loudly. "I am carrying no fawn so I will go with you."

"I will go also," Young Bambi said.

"No," said Stabo. "I need you here. You are the only help I have and I might need you if Man stays. In this case I think my Father knows best what to do."

Young Bambi looked disappointed but nodded his head.

When will you go?" Balo asked.

"Tonight, I need to get there and back before the first snow. It is too easy to track a deer in the snow. Also, there are more hungry mouths to feed the deeper into winter we get. I need to get there and get back quickly."

Everyone agreed with him. "Balo, I will leave the forest herd with you. You will be herd leader until I get back," he said.

"I understand, Stranger," he said trying to reassure him.

"It is too late to go anywhere today. I suggest we all stay here and rest. We all have journeys to take tonight.

That day he heard the clanging noise again. He also heard the noise of many Man animals. He could tell Man was leaving the meadow. The hunts were over for this season. As soon as it was darks he and Balo went quickly to their viewing spot and again the Man cave was dark and the small Man caves were gone. They went quickly back to the small clearing.

The others were all in the clearing, Stabo, Gena, and Young Claris lay together with the other side of Stabo lying against his mother. Claris smiled like she was a mother again. He and Claris lay together. Stuben stayed by himself. As soon as the lesser light rose they quickly ate and then all those who lived in the Man path forest departed. He walked with Claris to the edge of his forest.

"I rather have the bear claw me again than do this," he said to Claris.

"I know," she said and nuzzled him. It still made him feel warm inside. As they left he caught a familiar scent near the hill at the edge of the forest. Claris smelled it too. He got suddenly mad.

"Duro," he called out loud. "Come here now!"

The five year old male approached head down and walking reluctantly. He got within five lengths and stopped.

"The bear told me what happened. You lead the dogs to him. His mate is now dead because of you."

"The bear killed Sinno," he stammered out.

"Yes, and he wants your blood also. If I were you I leave this forest and go to the forest far over the hill across the large empty field. Your chances of getting there alive are better than trying to live here. No one wants you here Duro."

He looked at Claris who spat some of her cud on the ground and turned her back on him.

"I have to leave, do not be here when I get back," he said and went on his way leaving Duro struck dumb.

After they had walked out of the forest, Claris looked at him. "Do you think he will go?"

"If he wants to live he will," he said. "Now quiet we can't make much noise while we cross. Try and empty yourself in the stream. Scavengers will not pick up on your scent if you do."

They moved quickly along the stream following it carefully. The air was cold and the night clear. The night light glowed brightly and the lesser light seemed bigger than before. The wind was in his face all night so he could smell nothing ahead of him. He just hoped there was nothing behind him catching his scent. They moved on for all of the night. It was funny he noticed the grass seemed shorter than before. He also noticed none of the funny animals he had seen before. It was quiet, none of the mouse like animals he had heard before were running around. Even the birds were quiet. It was like everything was going to sleep for the winter like the bear. As the first sign of the greater light appeared, they stopped. They found a hill with high grass at the bottom. They both lay together behind the hill and rested in the grass out of site of everyone, he hoped.

It seemed to get colder in the open away from the trees. Both he and Claris snuggled in tight to keep warm. The greater light did not show well that day. Its face was hidden by clouds. The wind also picked up. The hill protected them against most of the wind. They rested there until it was almost night. Then they got up.

"I want to go ahead a little and see how far we have to go," he told Claris

"I will stay here," Claris said.

He moved off quickly going to the next hill. Past that was an open space where he could see Bambi's forest. It looked like they get there in one night. Satisfied he started back as he rounded the corner he saw something that that shocked him. Claris was talking to another deer. She was talking to Duro. With the wind it be useless to try and sneak up on them so he just came out running trying to close the distance as quickly as he could. There was no way he would not be seen. Duro looked at him and then used his rack to push Claris to the ground in front of him. He then fled across the small stream. He went to stop to see about Claris.

"I am fine," she called to him.

He ran hard after Duro. He could leap father than Duro could and slowly closed the distance. Duro tried changing direction quickly trying to throw him off. It did not matter, he stayed on him. Duro then tried a sharp fast turn and slipped. His back legs went out. By the time he could recover he was on him. He charged straight into unprotected rear with his head down. He felt his antlers hit something soft and seemed to go into it. It was then he heard a scream from Duro.

"My leg," Duro yelled out.

He looked, there were several small holes in his rear left leg. They were all bleeding out. Duro stumbled and fell. He was on him and kicked him hard.

"I told you to go and you did not listen," he yelled. "You should have listened to me because now you are dead."

"You are going to kill me," Duro screamed.

He was going to killed him, but he stopped. He looked at his wounds. Duro would not be able to run fast with a leg like that. It would take time to heal. Too much time before something out here smelled the blood and went after Duro. He calmed down and got control of himself before answering.

"No Duro, I am not going to kill you. I am not going to do anything more to you. You are bleeding and there are scavengers out here that will smell that blood and find you. You cannot run any more to get away. They will find you and tear you to pieces just like the bear did to Sinno. It would be a mercy for me to kill you. A mercy I will not give you. Good bye Duro."

He turned and went back to Claris. All he heard was Duro yell, "NO! do not leave me."

He got to Claris and looked her over. They were a few scraps marks from Duro's antlers but otherwise she was unhurt. She looked at him. "You did not kill him," she said sounding pleased.

"I have had enough death for one season," he said looking back. "Besides, there are many others who will gladly kill him for a good meal. What did he want?"

Claris looked straight ahead almost with contempt. "He was begging me to talk to you about asking Bambi to let him live in his forest. He was afraid that alone and not wanted in any forest he would die this winter."

"That is most likely true," he said.

"I told him after what he did, he would be lucky if Bambi did not kill him. He got upset and that is when you came back."

"And he wanted to be herd leader," he grunted. "You cannot tell others what is the right thing to do if you cannot tell yourself what the right thing to do is. I am glad he is gone. Let us be off."

They traveled that night. The running had tired him and he did not move as fast as he did before. That amount of effort would have not bothered him in the past. Perhaps he was getting too old. It was almost full light and they were still just outside Bambi's forest. They could cover the distance in the light or bed down here. Both he and Claris thought they should both bed down here and wait. They were close enough to run into the forest if they smelled danger. They ate their fill grass. There was plenty of it, but it tasted old and dry. They ate enough to fill their hunger and then stopped. They emptied themselves in the stream and then rested. He fell right to sleep with Claris lying close to him. He felt very warm inside.

That day the clouds got thick and there was rumbling in the skies. A little while later he started to feel wet on his back. It was a cold rain that fell on them, but then it stopped and soon white flakes were falling from the sky. The first snow of the season was on them.

"I had hoped we get back before the snow," he said. "We have to hope it clears up soon. I do not want to go back leaving our tracks in the snow all the way back to our forest."

"Nothing we can do about it," Claris said. "We cannot go back now. We are here."

"Yes and it is getting colder and the snow is falling," he said. "We need to get under cover. I hear or smell no sign of man. I think we should run into the nearest trees."

Claris nodded and they got up quickly and bounded the short distance into the trees. There was nothing between them and Bambi's forest. It took them only a short while to cover the distance. They both saw the lake, but that was too much in the open. They ran instead into the cover of the pine trees at the edge of the forest and only then stopped to rest. After they caught their breath they moved cautiously toward the far hill where he knew Bambi and Faline lived.

Now for the hardest task of all.

Chapter 10: Surprising Help

"Do you think Man is here?" Claris asked.

He looked around the forest and took in a deep breath. He smelled the pine trees and other animals. There was a linger scent of deer, but no Man. He reminded himself he never smelled Man when Ronno and Marol were killed. "He might be here; and did you see any deer in the open? Bambi is too wise to let the herd stay in the open during the day if he even thinks Man is around."

They continued walking among the trees noiselessly until they got close to the end of the lake. He did not catch any familiar scent. They found the small glade that Bambi and Faline had bedded down in before, but there was only a light lingering scent. They had not been here for a long while.

"They could be in the deep forest clearing," Claris said.

Claris was right. "Let us go there," he agreed. They walked and as he walked he felt his head itching. A sure sign his antlers were getting ready to fall out. They walked quietly, wind in their faces. As he got closer he smelled four familiar scents. They still approached cautiously. He saw the small clearing in front of them. He saw no one, but then they might be bedded down by now. He waited until he was close and then made a small bleating noise.

A few second later he heard movement near the clearing. Out into the open walked Bambi followed closely by Faline.

"I will do this," he told Claris. There was no argument.

There was a lump in his chest as he walked closely. Then Gorro and Delene came out. Gorro's rack now might be as large as his father's. Both Claris and he walked into the clearing. All four deer looked surprised for a moment. Bambi ran up to him looking to greet them as always. He got within three lengths of him and then stopped dead in his tracks along with Faline. His eyes sank. As they came closer, Bambi dropped his head and closed his eyes. Bambi could see it in his face.

"Which one," he stammered out.

"Veron," he told him softly and then told them all the same tale Stabo had told him. By the time he was done, that lump was in his throat and even he had trouble speaking without choking up. No one said a word. All he could do when he was done was add, "I am truly sorry."

"He was afraid that was going to happen," Gorro said looking at him with tears in his huge black eyes. "Maybe if I was a little faster when we fought those three large males he would not have gotten hurt and he would be alive now."

He did not like where that was going and stood up straight. "NO!" he shouted. "This is no one's fault. As herd leader he defended his forest. He protected his mate, his family, and their unborn fawn. Gorro this is no one's fault, especially yours. Do not think this."

"He is right, my son," Bambi said head still hung low. "You are not to blame here. I was the one that taught him what to do and how to behave. If anyone is responsible it is me."

"That is stupid too, my friend," he said tersely. "None of us were smarter than Veron, only luckier."

Nothing else was said for a while.

"If you all wish to be alone, we will leave," he offered.

"No," Bambi said barely getting the words out. "You are as much our family as my son was. Thank you for coming to tell me yourself. I know it was difficult and dangerous at this time of year."

"It had to be done," he said in a low voice.

Bambi uttered, "My son," and then turned his back on them and walked away. He did not follow him. Faline looked heartbroken. "I remember when he was just a fawn," she stammered out. "It was when you came into the forest Stranger."

"I remember," Claris said and walked up to her. They both nuzzled each other and Claris followed Faline into the forest.

Gorro also walked back into the forest without a word. Delene followed close at his side. He was left alone in the clearing feeling disgusted at himself for being the one to bring such sadness to those who did not deserve it. His only consolation was at least they heard it from him. He lay on the ground and even though, like Bambi, he disliked showing deep emotion to others, let his own emotions out and sob uncontrollably.

He must have fallen asleep because sometime later he felt Claris lie next to him and get in close for warmth. They lay there the rest of the day trying to sleep. The greater light had already set when they were awakened by the approach of the others. They got up and silently walked out into the open area by the lake to feed on the dwindling grass still partly covered by the melting snow. The grass was wet and mostly tasteless, but it did fill the gnawing hunger in his stomach. He first smelled and then saw the other deer of the herd out feeding. They ate without talking to each other and then drank out of the lake. The lesser light was overhead when Bambi, Faline, Gorro, and Delene approached them.

"I have not been kind to your two and I am sorry," Bambi said. His voice was back to normal. "This just struck us all very hard. I ask you to forgive me. I guess you will have to leave soon before the snow?"

"There is nothing to forgive, my friend," he said. "Yes, I like to get back. It is too easy for others to follow us in the open with snow on the ground. Also it is much colder in the open and I want to be back before the real cold of winter begins. I also have to prepare. It is going to be a very busy spring."

They all looked at him "Why is that?" Bambi asked.

"There are many who have asked to be trained to become herd leaders. Veron's son and daughter want to be trained. Stabo daughter Young Claris wants to be trained as does his son Koren and his two new daughters. Stena's and Balo's son Delon wants to be trained, and my son Stuben wants to be trained. I will have a full time of it."

"Do you have any help?" Gorro asked. "I could come back after our fawn is bigger in the early summer."

"No," Bambi said. "You will be needed here. Do you have any help, my friend?"

"Just Balo and Stena, but they will have a family to take care of, as will I," he said "Stabo needs to be herd leader in the Man path forest at least until Young Bambi is old enough to take over. Who else is there? It will be a struggle, but I will manage. I have too. Who else is there?"

"I see," Bambi said and looked at Gorro. "Let me think about this. I am pleased so many want to learn. It makes me feel better that there will be others to come up to replace my son and us."

They talked for a while. He was happy to see that Gorro and Delene were definitely now a pair. He did not need his nose to tell him they were a mated pare. In the spring she would have a fawn also. Life in the forests does change, but it does so with new life. He was happy for them. The rest of the herd left them alone. At this time of year and well into next spring there will be only winter's hardships to deal with and the natural predators. Man's influence would not be felt. Claris, Faline and Delene went off by themselves and he and Bambi did some light sparing. It was hard because all their antlers were loose. It was more exercise than training, but it kept their minds off of other things. As soon as the greater light showed its first sign, Bambi told the herd to go back into the forest. He followed them back to the clearing before Bambi stopped them.

"There are things I must discuss in private with Faline, Delene, and Gorro. I know you are like family to me, but this I must do alone with my son and his mate. Please do not be offended."

That did surprise him. He looked at Claris and shrugged." I understand. We are not offended. We will bed down near your old place by the hill," he told him and they both walked away.

As soon as they were well clear of the others Claris looked at him with puzzlement. "What was that all about?" she wondered.

"I have no idea, but I think we will find out soon," he answered.

They found the old place he had slept when he was in Bambi's forest before. They lay down and slept through most of the day. Around him he heard nothing. They drifted off to sleep before something woke him when the greater light was nearly overhead. He looked out onto the large clearing around the lake. It was free of any large animal. If Man was around, he had nothing to kill today. They both woke as the greater light was setting. Both of them walked into the woods to empty themselves and eat some of the leaves near the hill. It was well after dark when he saw movement in front of him. Bambi and his family were walking into the open.

Bambi stopped and took in a deep breath. He let out a loud call. "HERE. . . HERE. . . All Come Here."

"He is calling his herd," he told Claris."Bambi didn't say he was calling for a gathering. They slowly got up and walked over. Several of the deer recognized him and greeted him. Claris was looking around and soon saw her older sister Cara; she had a male fawn near her losing his spots and growing a winter coat for the first time. They looked at each other and ran to embrace.

"Sister," Claris said and nuzzled both her and her fawn. He did likewise.

"I did not expect to see you back again," her sister said looking happy."This is little Roko, who is my son."

"The fawn looked shy and tried to move away from the strangers. All the while Claris was looking around.

"Where is mother," Claris asked.

Cara dropped her head. "Mother got sick last winter and it carried over into the spring. She seemed to be getting weaker. One day last spring she said she wanted to walk in the forest by herself. No one ever saw her again."

"Mother," Claris muttered and turned and walked away.

"I am sorry," Cara said to him. "I did not mean to spoil your visit."

"It was already spoiled," he said, and told her about Veron.

"Poor Bambi," was all she said.

After a while the open clearing was filled with deer; some of the older deer still had their antlers. There were also young fawns for whom this would be their first winter. There were more deer than he could count. Bambi's herd was at least twice as large as his. He stood in the back. After a while Claris joined him again.

"I am sorry about your mother," he told her in a low voice.

Claris looked straight ahead and said in a clam voice. "At least she died that way rather than being killed by some Man."

"Come here," Bambi called to them. They both went and stood next to but behind Bambi and Gorro. It looked as if Gorro had eaten something sour. Delene looked worried too. Something was up. As they approached Bambi noticed the look on Claris's face and then saw Cara.

"I am also sorry about Ate," Bambi said and rubbed Claris' forehead.

"What is going on?" he wanted to know.

"Listen," Bambi ordered.

What that Bambi walked out alone and spoke loudly to those around him.

"As you can see Stranger and Claris have come back to our forest. They bring the sad news that my son Veron was killed by Man during the hunts. My son was a good deer and died defending his herd. He had children, but they are far too young to take over his position."

There were choruses of condolences and well meaning talk. Bambi ignored it. "Stranger has also brought word that there are many other deer in his forests that want to learn how to be a herd leader: too many for him to teach alone. He will need help and I and Faline have decided to help him."

That got his attention. He never thought or wanted Bambi to leave his native forest. There were cries of no and please don't go Even the older males looked shocked and a bit scared remembering the disaster of Ronno and Geno on the herd.

"I know what you are thinking, but I have a son Gorro, and I have taught him much better than my first son, Geno. Gorro will not make those mistakes. Gorro is wise and knows what to do. He knows how to avoid Man. Both I and Stranger have taught him well. What I must ask the herd is will you accept my son Gorro as my replacement?"

That was the tricky part. If one of the males objected there would be a blood fight right here. He didn't think they try to gang up on Gorro with him and Bambi there. That would not stop them after they had gone. Gorro was going to need help and he did not have anyone to send him.

"I wish to speak," one of the large herd males said and walked forward proudly. He had to be five or six seasons old and still had a large rack, but smaller than his, Gorro's or Bambi's.

"Ceon may speak," Bambi said. Even Faline and Delene were nervous.

Ceon stepped forward and also spoke loudly. "I have seen Bambi teach Gorro much like he taught Geno. The difference between Geno and Gorro is while Geno was strong on the outside, he was weak on the inside, He gave into his feelings too quickly. Gorro is not weak on the inside and like his father, he keeps his feelings under control. I knew Bambi would one day turn the forest over to his son. I wish it could be a season later than now, but that is not to be. I have also seen Stranger come here and help Bambi rid us of Tarro who was even more of fool than Geno. If Bambi and Stranger think Gorro is ready to lead, then I will follow. I know I cannot do it."

He stepped forward. "Gorro has also visited my forest. I too have taught him as well as I can how to avoid man and how to keep the herd out of danger. He is like another son to me. He is brave, wise, thoughtful, and I feel he is ready to lead."

Bambi and Faline smiled openly at him. He looked around. There seemed to be general agreement among the herd. Then Gorro stepped forward until he was alone in the middle of the herd.

"I will lead you if you wish," he said loudly, "But it has to be your decision. No one can decide this for you. If anyone objects to me being leader I want them to speak up now."

He looked closely at the older males. Males do not normally like being told what to do by a younger male. He did not see any that had looks of dissatisfaction. For now Gorro was in charge.

"Does anyone have anything else to say?" Bambi asked.

There was nothing but silence.

"Thank you for allowing me to be your herd leader," Bambi said finally. "I ask you to show Gorro, the same respect you showed me. I do not think I will return here. I was proud to be your leader, Farewell."

With that Bambi stopped and walked away with Faline following. A few of the herd walked up to Gorro to ask what they should do.

"We will feed now and drink," Gorro said with authority. We must be off the clearing before the rising of the greater light. I do not think Man is here, but we should be careful."

There were more questions and more congratulations. He could tell Gorro was nervous, but that would change with time. Some deer even asked him about his forest and the deer in it. They talked with the herd all night in between mouthfuls of grass or drinks of water. There seemed to be support for Gorro now, but what of when Man came back during The Season. As soon as the first sign of the greater light appeared, all the deer left the meadow. He and Claris made their way back to Bambi's clearing. He found them alone.

"You did not have to do that" he said to his friends, "But I thank you for it."

"It is necessary, but Gorro should have help," Bambi added.

"I can send Balo and maybe Stena if they agree. They have to come now before the snow and before the fawn Stena carries get so big as to limit her movements."

"Then we need to leave tonight," Bambi realized.

"Yes," he answered, "Tonight. Rest now, we will all need it."

"Can you convince Balo to come?" Faline asked.

"If Bambi and Stranger ask it, I think he will do it," Claris said. "Stena will follow Balo whether we like it or not."

"We can only hope," he said.

Chapter 11: Questions

They stopped to rest for the day beyond the place he had chased Duro. They were going to stop at the same place, but there was a strong odor of dead deer, and in the distance he could see the vultures feasting on some dead animal.

"Duro," Bambi said as a fact.

"What is left of Duro is more like it," he answered. He still felt uneasy because he knew he was responsible for this.

They all lay near each other and as before the noises and openness of the area made for a fit full sleep for all of them. Finally they all just gave up and lay close together waiting for darkness before moving on. There was a light breeze and the sky was overcast, but it did not look like rain or snow. He was thinking again about what Duro had told him. He had wanted to discuss it with his family, but decided against it. The last thing he wanted was to raise doubts in anyone's mind about what he was concerned about. He did not want to look weak in the eyes of those who might one day replace him. He decided now would be the perfect time. No one other than his closest friends were here and no one could overhear him. He spoke up clearly so all of them could hear.

"When I met Duro during the hunts he told me he did not think I was a good herd leader anymore and there should be a change. Naturally he thought he could do it, but it did make me think. Am I still a good herd leader? I did not want to say this in front of the others, but I know you three will tell me the truth. "

"Why would you say that?" Claris asked showing surprise.

"Before I came to this forest, I was in many fights with deer. I beat them, mostly, but I never hurt them, and I certainly did not kill them. Now in the past few seasons, I chased Kragus into the meadow to be killed. Bambi you and I killed Tarro and the others, and now this season I killed Razor and his males. Finally I lost my temper and hurt Duro so badly that he died. If fact I left him out here to die. Is that being a good herd leader? Am I becoming too violent?"

"NO! Claris said loudly. "Kragus and Duro were trying to hurt me. Tarro and his other males had hurt little Eta. Razor and his males almost starved their own herd to death so they could rule. I do not see how this makes you too violent."

There was a pause and then Bambi spoke up. "As you told me, sometimes violence is a part of being herd leader. I think what you did was unfortunate, but I think it was necessary. Anyone who hurt a doe or fawn, and starves their own herd needs to be stopped and you were wise enough to stop them."

That brought on his second and greater doubt. "Wise," he said resting his head on the ground. "If I was truly wise, maybe your son would be still alive. What I said to Gorro was true, it was not his fault. I led them into this. If anyone is to blame it is me."

The three of them looked at him in shock. He then spoke up on the one thing that bothered him the most. "I have to ask myself should I be herd leader? Should I be the one training the others next spring? Yes, I know that I have lived longer, had more experience, know more about Man. All of this is true, but does it all make me a good herd leader? I try not to show this to others, but you are my oldest and greatest friends. I need you to be honest with me on this, because I just do not know."

Bambi did something surprising. He got up, walked over to him and lay down with the tip of his nose almost on top of his. Faline came over and lay so her nose was next to his. Already he could feel his eyes misting up. He never liked expressing doubts about himself. A herd leader can never do that and remain herd leader. Was that what he was truly afraid of, not being herd leader anymore?

"You are the wisest deer I know," Bambi said rubbing his forehead. "Sometimes I think you may be wiser than my own Father. You have done things no other deer I have ever seen do. Mostly you are right, a few times you were wrong, but you always tried to do the right thing. A bad herd leader would never ask himself or others these questions. He would just do as he wanted. Next to my own Father, you are the best deer I have ever known."

"Next to Bambi," you are the only deer I would want to be close to," Faline said in that silky voice of hers. "I know I should not say this in front of Claris, but if I had never met Bambi, I would have gladly been your mate."

"I do not mind," Claris said to Faline with a smile before nuzzling him gently. "You are the only male I have ever wanted to be with. I am just sorry I cannot have more of your children. You are brave, wise, and you care deeply about others. A bad herd leader would not care and would not want to try to do something to help the others. We are your family, and we know you for what you truly are, and that is you are a deer that cares about his herd. Duro was a fool, we are not. You still need to be herd also know that we care about you very much."

All he could do was lie there with his eyes tightly closed and try not to lose control of his emotions. He was only partly successful. He only hoped they were right.

He could say nothing more and so waited until it was night. It gave him time to gain control of himself again. When it was fully dark, they all followed the stream and just before the rising of the greater light, they passed into his forest. He made his way up the hill. The deer were already off the meadow so he followed the stream back to the clearing. As they got closer suddenly Balo came out from where he bedded with Stena. Both looked at him and who was with him. Balo ran out and embraced both Bambi and Faline before greeting him. A short while later Carie and Stuben came out and greeted them all.

"I did not think I would see you two again," Balo said to Bambi and Faline. "Who is leader in your forest?

"I have turned my forest over to Gorro and Delene," Bambi told them. "Faline and I have come back with Stranger to help train those who will follow us."

"Gorro is alone?" Balo asked seeing at once the problem.

"Yes," he told them, "And that brings me to a question I must ask you two."

"You want us to go to Bambi's forest to help Gorro," Stena said as if knew it as a fact.

"You were always a very smart doe," he said and nuzzled his daughter. "Yes, I need you two to go to Bambi's forest to help Gorro. I need you to go now before the snow and the fawn growing inside of you make that impossible. That means leaving tonight or tomorrow."

"But what of this forest?" Balo asked. "What about us starting training this spring. If we go now, it will be mid-summer before our fawn is big enough to make the trip back."

"That is correct," Bambi added. "However I can help Stranger in this forest and I do have more experience in training than you. I can help Stranger and the herd best here. You and Stena can best help by helping Gorro. I am also asking you to do this because I know you are both Gorro's friend and can help him. You are also Delene's parents and can help her also."

"Balo and Stena looked at each other, more confused than anything else.

"I know I ask a lot of you and I know I am not giving you much time to decide, but the season is working against us," he told them. "Gorro will need help and Bambi and Faline can help me out here. You two are the only help I can send him."

"Delon will need to stay here," Stena said. "Will you look after him?"

"As if he was my own son," he answered

"This is coming too fast," Balo said. "Both Stena and I need time to think and talk to Delon. We will let you know this evening what we will do. That is my final word on this."

He knew better than to argue. Balo did not put his hoof down often, but when he did there was no arguing with him. "Well then tonight we will have a family gathering," he said and walked away.

"You think they will do it?" Bambi asked.

"I hope so," he said, "But if they do not, I cannot force them."

That night they all gathered again back in the clearing Both Stuban and Delon were there along with the others. It was crowded with all of them there. Stena and Balo arrived last and lay down at one end of the clearing. All turned to face them. Balo looked around and spoke up.

"Stena and I have discussed this between ourselves and Delon. We all agree it would be best if we two went temporarily to your forest Bambi. Delon has agreed to stay here and start training in the spring. I must tell you I am very reluctant to do this, but we see the need to help Gorro until he and Delene can get established."

"Thank you," Both he and Bambi said together.

"I wish to know one thing, Bambi," Balo went on. "What exactly do you want us to do? I know you made Gorro herd leader so we will not take over the herd, but I am unsure exactly what you want us to do."

"Stena, do you remember as a fawn how your Father would help me," Bambi said. "Every time he had something to say to me about the herd, he would tell me in private. Gorro is smart, but Gorro and Delene lack experience and you two have it. Share that experience with him like Stranger use to share his experience with me. Advise him and answer any questions he has as best you can. I do not think there are any more Tarro's there to make trouble, but having two large males there who are trained to fight can stop some deer from getting ideas too big for their antlers. When you do advise him, do so in private. If you question him with other deer around, it will diminish his authority in their eyes and that is one thing a herd leader must never allow."

"Understood," Balo said.

"Thank you again," Bambi said. "I promise you in return both Stuban and Delon will be trained as well as we trained you two."

"We will do what we can," Stena said with a smile. "Just like we were taught Now Bambi what do we need to know before we go there?"

That stated a long conversation about the conditions in Bambi's forest that went on for the rest of the night. They barely had time to feed before the greater light rose again. They all lay together as a single family during the day. The conversation still went on until they were too tired to continue.

That night all of them stood by the end of the forest looking down the stream that led to Bambi's old forest. He watched his daughter and her mate walk off into the darkness. At least it was clear overhead. It did not look like snow. As they disappeared around the first hill he turned back and walked toward his meadow and the darken Man cave. Most everyone walked in silence. All of them knew this was another major change in their lives. He wondered just how many more he would see.

"Stranger," he heard Delon call from the back.

"Yes," he said turning around.

"How do you think they will do, my Mother and Father?" he wanted to know.

"They will do the best they can," he told him like he would his own son.

At least that question he had an answer to.

Epilogue

Both he and Bambi stood in the meadow in the early spring evening. In front of them stood several deer each looking eager to begin. Felon was on the end. Standing next to him was Young Claris. Stabo's other daughters Karene and Charlene stood next to them and Koren his son stood to the side. Young Bambi stood in the middle, with his older sister Young Faline. Balo's child Delon stood next to her and his son Stuben stood at the other end. He turned to face Bambi.

"It begins again my friend," he said affectionately.

"Maybe for the last time," Bambi uttered.

"That no one can say," he told him. He then turned to face the others.

"You have all come here to learn how to be herd leaders," he told the group. "Some of you have already had some training; others of you have had none. It does not matter. We will teach you all the same. Being herd leader is the greatest responsibly any deer can receive. Most deer cannot do it. Others try and rule through might alone without any thinking and the herd suffers for it. What we will teach you will be hard and long. If you learn it, you can be a great help to the other deer in the forests."

"That is the important thing, you will be a help to the other deer," Bambi went on. "This is not about you or even your family. It is about the rest of the deer. That is why Balo and Stena went back to my forest, to help, not to be leaders."

With that Bambi stopped and got extremely serious. "What we teach you may end up causing you pain. It may even cause your death." With that Bambi stopped for a moment to swallow hard and took a deep breath. "You must remember it is about the other deer, keeping them healthy, keeping them alive."

With that Bambi paused for a second before adding, "If this is what you want to do, Stranger and I will teach you for as long as we can. You in turn must teach those who come after you because Stranger and I will not last forever. If there are any of you who have doubts, let me hear them now."

They all stood mute. They looked ready.

"Come with me" he said and walked to the far end of the meadow to a certain spot.

"All of you turn and face the Man cave," he ordered them.

They all did it immediately.

"Now what do you feel…?"

The lesson went on until late and the lesser light was ready to set. By then he could tell they were tired. Well soon they would be more than tired. "Very well but I want to show you one more thing tonight. I know what most of you have learned. You must be ready to unlearn many things like this."

He bleated once and immediately a large back mound moved quickly down the hill. The scent of a bear was soon evident. The deer in front of them took off into the meadow with the exception of two. Young Claris and Stuben stood still in place seeming to invite death with Bambi and him. The bear stopped about five lengths away and looked at the two young deer.

"You did not run from me. That is foolish," he growled.

"From any other bear except you, yes," Young Claris said and actually smiled at the bear.

Stuben also smiled broadly. "Besides, if there is one thing I have learned, is that my Father and Bambi are not going to stand still and let a bear eat them. My Father told me stories about you. I know you are his friend. You are my friend if you wish it."

"Intelligent," the bear said with admiration. "Then again I do know your Fathers and your Father's Fathers. I am not displeased. All of you be gone for now. Perhaps we will meet again, but ask Stranger and Bambi before you come to see me."

The two of them took off to join the others only now coming together on the other end of the meadow.

"I was right about your purpose here," the bear said with affection."You are here to teach others how to make life better in the forests. I wish I could do that."

"My friend, you just have," he said to the bear with his own smile.

With that the bear went back to his den and Bambi and he crossed the meadow to talk to the others. It was going to be a busy season.

The End

For Now