Damon searched the rocky cost for a cave in which to spend the remaining part the night. He carefully picked his way over the slippery stones. The sheer cliff side rose before him. He paused and stared. It was way larger then he had expected. The moonlight shone on a small, narrow path winding up the ledge. Falling from such a high place would most likely result in an instant death. Damon shuddered. Recalling the marks on the map, he entered a tunnel at the base of the cliff. Because it was too dark to see ahead, he took a small candle from his sack and lit it. The flame was not very bright, but it was enough. Soon the tunnel split. He hesitated a second before choosing the narrowest one. It became so narrow that he could hardly move. After what seemed like forever, the tunnel widened and he stepped into a small cave. In the center was a pool. The crystal-clear water sparkled from a shaft of moonlight, which shone threw a crack in the roof. He breathed a sigh of relief. This would be his camp. He took a long drink of water, and then spread his cape out on the stone floor. He lay down and closed his eyes. Sleep came to him almost immediately.
As the first rays of sunlight shone across the shore, Damon lay on a pine branch overlooking the slave compounds. To the far side was the vermin’s quarters: a rock building. The slaves place was like one long cage dived into six sections, with nothing over it to keep the rain and wind out. He was horrified at what he saw. In one cage a family of otters was huddling in a corner. In another, a pair of mice sat talking quietly in hushed voices. Three squirrels were franticly racing up and down the bars of their space. Alone, an old hare stood gazing at the colorful sunrise, singing a well-known song. It was not long before it was picked up by all the slaves, their sad voices mingling in the air.
When I left you that one fine day
I held up my hand and said “Please stay.”
You started to cry and asked me “Why?”
I answered “Listen to me and dry your eyes.
I have to go. It’s the warrior’s way.”
Wait for me by the cheery tree
Listen to the hum of the honey bees
Watch the fall of the colorful leaves
If I don’t return please remember me
You stay here and do the chores
Please feed the children and watch the door
I’ll be away on a far off shore
In the middle of a big ole war
I have to go. It’s the warrior’s way
Wait for me by the cheery tree
Listen to the hum of the honey bees
Watch the fall of the colorful leaves
If I don’t return please remember me
If I don’t come back home
Remember I have not left to roam
I’ll come back one summer day
Unless I am by vermin slayed
I have to go. It’s the warrior’s way
Two guards, a fox and a rat, swaggered up to the cages. “Shut it, ye lily-liver scum.” The fox snarled. The slaves only sung louder. The rat scowled at the fox. “Me ‘ll show ye how it’s done.” He waved his saber threateningly. “No vittles today for de lot of ye. See how ye like that!” The slaves stopped, but apparently only because the song had ended. They congratulated each other and wiped tears from their eyes. “Well sung, chaps.” said the hare. The guards stomped off. “Well, ye told them, Aviso.” said the fox. “Aye. Bet ye they won’t be a-singin’ when they see us eatin’ and they ain’t getting’ any.” Aviso the rat sniggered. Damon shook his head and then returned to his cave
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