Chapter 2 - Chapter 1: prelude to war

Auburn Claw stirred, gradually opening his eyes to a world cloaked in pain. The dull ache in his back served as a grim reminder of recent events. Laid upon a bed crafted from soft leaves within a modest wooden hut, he attempted to sit up, only to be met with a wince as the pain reverberated through his body.

The Gray one, his companion and mentor, occupied a corner of the room, diligently sharpening his spear. Upon noticing Auburn Claw's awakening, he spoke, "You're awake. How are you feeling?"

Auburn Claw's attempt to articulate words was stifled by a dry throat, prompting a nod in response. The Gray one, acknowledging his discomfort, fetched water from a small pot in the corner, pouring it into a leaf cup. "Here you go."

Sipping the water slowly, Auburn Claw felt the soothing relief cascade down his parched throat. Surveying the sparsely furnished hut—bare essentials of a bed, a small table, and rudimentary cooking utensils—he sought answers. "What happened?" he rasped.

"We were attacked by Talons," the Gray one responded, his tone laden with gravity. "They ambushed us at the lookout post. We managed to fend them off, but you got injured."

Recollections of the dreaded Talons, creatures wielding razor-sharp claws and wings that cleaved through the air, flooded Auburn Claw's mind. "I'm sorry," he uttered, grappling with guilt for the trouble he had caused.

"It's not your fault," the Gray one reassured, his usually stern demeanor softened. "Despite my earlier words, you're new to this, and we were all caught off guard. We need to be more vigilant from now on."

Determined to redeem himself, Auburn Claw attempted to rise again, only to be halted by the persistent pain in his back. "Take it easy," the Gray one advised, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You need to rest and let your wounds heal."

Accepting the reality of his vulnerability, Auburn Claw nodded, a sense of helplessness settling upon him. Once swift and agile, he now found himself confined to this small hut, unable to move freely.

"How long will it take for me to recover?" he inquired, a hint of dread accompanying the thought of prolonged confinement.

"It's hard to say," the Gray one replied, his tone serious. "Your wounds are deep, and it will take some time for them to heal. But I'll take care of you and make sure you get better."

Gratitude surged within Auburn Claw, an appreciation for the Gray one's strength, wisdom, and now, kindness. "Thank you," he expressed, his voice filled with emotion.

The Gray one smiled, warmth emanating from his eyes. "Don't worry about it. We're all in this together."

As Auburn Claw grappled with his recovery, questions of the tribe's future lingered. "Who will take over the patrols?" he asked hesitantly. "What has the tribe decided to do?"

"It's only been one moon since you were harmed," the Gray one responded. "I have informed the elders, and they will decide. Soft Spear and Golden Bark will be taking our patrol. The elders also sent a fast climber to bring word to the lizard folk about their own." The Gray one, setting his cup down, reached for another spear, his hands expertly maneuvering the sharpening stone. "There is a need for more spears. When your strength is enough, we will make more to support others while you recover."

Auburn Claw found solace in the notion of contributing to the tribe's defense, mitigating the embarrassment of his injury.

"Whatever happens, it seems there could be war," the Gray one mused, his eyes momentarily clouded with concern before he shook off the unease, scratching his belly. "Lots to do."