Chapter 4 - Lavender returns

Penchance, my lovely queen, what terrible thing has befallen our colony, called Lavender as he strode toward her. The sun is ready to rise as it always does, and you and all the cats I've seen, appear healthy and strong. What could possibly cause such anxiety in your features? O Lavender, our worst fear is upon us, the danger I've always felt would come, has happened. Whiteflower Field's future is lost . Both young princes were taken from the church ruins two sunrises ago...by humans.

How could this happen? What carelessness caused the princes to be in harm's way? started Lavender. Stop...do not seek blame here, ..certainly not with Bella or the guards. They are distraught and Bella is inconsolable. Her kits have been taken from her weeks before nature intended. They were barely weaned and were never outside the den in the church. They have no idea of humans or the dangers to be found in their world. If these humans abandon them, they will be lucky to survive. We must find them and bring them home. Penchance started to pace back and forth in her den.

Penchance, you have never been further than the edge of the forest north of the cemetary. You have no idea of the size of the world, or the distances humans can travel in one day. It will be nearly impossible to find the princes ourselves. These are smart young tomcats. We will go into the countryside to look for them and they will look for us. We will speak to the neighboring colonies and ask them to be on the lookout as well. Be thankful it is in their nature to seek their homes. They have their Memories and if it is Godswill, they will return to us one day.

Now, I must report to you, Bella and the entire colony, of other terrible happenings. Go, George and sound the alarm. Tell all cats you see to gather together in the church in 30 minutes from now, after the sun is risen. We must make a plan to secure our safety. There is much danger and sadness in the world for cats now. What the humans call "War" is happening once again all over the country. Humans are killing each other and every living creature within reach with bombs and guns. For what reason, I cannot fathom. Nor can I begin to describe the horrible tales I have heard in the City, in the 10 sunrises since I last left the colony.

What do I care about war among humans, siged Bella. I have lost my only kits. These wars are nothing new. My memories tell me of much hunger and sadness many generations ago. Mother, you know it was a human war that led to the raid on our colony and sent your father to the bridge. Humans are vile creatures unable or unwilling to recall the Memories of their ancestors, so to avoid such dreadful times.

Exactly right, replied Lavendar. That is why we must be prepared. If what I hear is true, the bombs and guns will soon be falling on England and may well find their way to our colony. If that time arrives, we must be ready to fight. We will need to find a way to secure food and safety for everyone here. But even more important, we must be prepared to help those homeless creatures who will be leaving the cities and seeking safety and comfort in the countryside. Not all of those who come this way will be our friends. Some will see our homes and want them for themselves. Hunger, cold and fear are terrible foes and will cause many creatures to do unspeakable things to leave these things behind.

See now, the sun is rising, we must be on our way to the church. Come Penchance, Come Bella, my plan requires much from you. So saying, Lavender strode over to Bella, gently butting his face against hers, and licking her face with his raspy tongue. Yours is a pain that fills your heart, and makes it almost impossible to go on, this I know, but I also know that you must stand now with your family and the whole colony purred Lavender. You must do your part. Your pain will be your armour. Wear it bravely.