Sara watched the small bird with great interest and then pushed forward, ever so slightly. "b.u.t.tons?" she said in shy, low tones. "Can I help? I mean, well..." Her voice disappeared weakly as she scanned the many creatures who now turned their attention back to her.

Sally nudged b.u.t.tons, and the two close friends needed no more communication.

"I know of no one who could be of greater use," said b.u.t.tons and looked about acknowledging the ready acceptance of the small dragon.

Sara, who had dropped her head at her rash suggestion, raised it quickly at the rapid acceptance. She grinned at the two small dogs and at Iggy who beamed joyously at the newcomer. Scared she might be, but she was rapidly gaining confidence as other creatures made known their ready appreciation of her offer.

All Sara could say was "Wow" as she settled back to await events.

b.u.t.tons quickly organized the forest friends. The discussion was brief, and the marching order was decided. Biff, the bear was to lead off, closely followed by Boomer. Behind them came the two dogs, with Iggy at their side. To the joy of all, Sara had spread her wonderful wings and lifted into the air gracefully and swiftly, circling over head.

Thus, the group moved more quickly and with greater confidence as they made their way through the forest to the swamp. The path taken by Biff was easily traversed by the group selected to tackle the rats. They soon arrived at the Great Swamp.

As they broke from the covering forest, b.u.t.tons had raced up to the great serpent and joyfully greeted him with a warm kiss on his broad snout. Ssserek smiled as he always did when meeting the Scotty dog, and, if the truth were to be known, there were those in the crowd who shuttered inwardly. His great wisdom and strength were sincerely appreciated by all inhabitants of the forest and field; nonetheless, few sought him out willingly.

Sara wheeled overhead, taking the scene in, and then had turned to swoop in, landing beside the serpent and the dog. Ssserek rose to his fullest height as the young dragon landed, and then slowly inclined his head in greeting.

"Welcome, your most gracious highness, Princess Vintrix Sarandra. Your presence is both a joy and pleasant surprise. Welcome to our forest and field, may you grow in even greater beauty."

Sara's eyes were bright as she solemnly bowed, then she curtseyed as she replied, "Great is the fame of Ssserek among our brethren, your wisdom most esteemed, your strength notable among the mightiest, your cunning told and retold around our fires."

Iggy's voice came from the rear of the group. "Boy, listen to them. At this rate, the horse will be tail only."

The serpent suddenly appeared before the squirrel. He lifted one eyebrow as he bent down to squarely face Iggy who, to his credit, had not moved. "Yessss, my young friend. You're correct. We must move quickly, but not so quickly that all civility is lost or the correct amenities are forgotten. You do agree?"

He c.o.c.ked his head, listening.

Iggy's throat had suddenly constricted at the snake's sudden appearance, but he was never without words. "Well, well," he coughed, "then let's be off." And suiting action to words, he moved as quickly and nimbly as his small legs would permit, racing through the crowd to take refuge against Sara's side.

Ssserek laughed aloud and moved toward the swamp where everyone waited. "b.u.t.tons," Ssserek said, "you and Sally will go with Delph. Moose and bear can be our forward guard. Otters and racc.o.o.ns, keep to the rear and sides, keeping an eye out for anything unusual. Bison and Saint Bernard will rove, keeping an eye on our friend, the peccary. If he sinks, fine." His eyes had sparkled in good humor, although the small peccary was not so sure he didn't mean it. "But don't let him tarry over the succulence of the water greens."

Ssserek paused as he gazed about the group. It was a fine crowd, not to be taken lightly, clearly representing the forest and field. They would do the job, whatever it might require. Then, he gazed closely upon Iggy who waited with bated breath. "Well, my little friend, just what are we to do with you. Hardly a mouthful for any self-respecting rat."

Iggy came to his fullest height and would have answered boldly, but Sara nudged him before he could open his mouth.

She was smiling as she addressed Ssserek. "I do not know how I can be of a.s.sistance to you, but in my small way, I will do all I can."

Ssserek nodded in return, trying mightily to suppress the grin which strove so hard to escape him. "Hmmm, well-said, your most gracious highness."

Then, he could no longer repress the grin as he laughed, "Yes, go on. Do it, wisest of dragons, it'll not be forgotten." He turned to nod to b.u.t.tons who had placed herself between the eye k.n.o.bs of Delph, the gator in preparation for getting underway, as Iggy muttered to himself, "Course, she's the wisest. She's the only dragon here." Then, more loudly, he said, "OK, so I'm not of much use. I'll stay behind." He pouted as he slumped disconsolately to the ground as Delph moved offsh.o.r.e, with the two dogs perched on his back.

The otters quickly moved into their a.s.signed positions as the twin racc.o.o.ns took up their places. Bear and moose surged ahead of the party, making their way silently and surely through the murky waters. Dog and bison moved in behind as Ssserek swiftly made his way to the alligator's side. Bobcat, peccary, and others who would be part of the party moved forward also, ignoring the small squirrel watching unhappily from the sh.o.r.e.

Elmer, the large Saint Bernard, brushed by Iggy and entered the water smoothly. He swiftly swam to the fore where his great strength would be most useful. He briefly greeted the alligator and snake, and smiled warmly at b.u.t.tons and Sally, the two dogs he considered with greatest esteem.

Iggy sighed. He wasn't very big, and not at all good in a fight, particularly since he always got beaten. But he always fought hard and never failed to give his best. Nuts! He hated being left behind. He turned to enter the forest when Sara, who had not left yet, coughed.

Her eyes gleamed, and the warmth and affection contained therein was almost too much for the ground squirrel. "Come, my little fire bringer," she said softly, "let us show them how to do it." She motioned to her back.

Iggy wanted to shout, but words failed him. He wanted to dance, but there was no time. He did what Sara bade him to do. He raced over to her, and with a giant leap, launched himself onto her shoulders. Iggy gripped Sara's neck with all his strength.

His breath did indeed leave him as the small dragon launched herself into the air, leaping straight upward as she fanned her wings. Iggy's small paws gripped as hard as he could as they soared over their group of friends. He wanted to shout, but couldn't. Keeping his stomach with him was all he could handle for several seconds. But being a squirrel and accustomed to leaping from branch to branch high above the ground, unlike most ground squirrels, he quickly adapted to the new and incredible sensations of flying.

Then, he shouted. With joy and with glee and with all of his strength. What fun!

Sara circled and dipped as she pa.s.sed over the swimming group, Iggy waving one paw as his enthusiasm and confidence grew. A dozen hawks soared higher in the air, watching for any unsuspected movement, no better guardians as they were. Around Sara's head glittered many hummingbirds, the smallest leading them in complex spirals and turns, always moving just in front of the small dragon and her joyous rider. Directly in front was the small frog, who indeed had explored every nook and cranny of the swamp. To the amazement of all, Delph had formed a firm friendship with the frog who was often to be found resting comfortably on the alligator's back. Hardly a small morsel to the ever-voracious alligator. Delph had come to respect the frog's keen wit and knowledge of the large swamp.

Rat Island soon appeared, even hidden as it was in the deepest and darkest part of the swamp. The group had taken the shortest way possible. Like the surrounding silent water, the island was shrouded in gloom with large dead trees of many past years tossed up against the banks. Moss drooped from trunks and broken limbs, and the shadows were black. Nothing could be heard, the silence was thick everywhere A single clearing could be seen and, it was toward that that the group directed their way.

As Delph-with Ssserek in front and the bear and moose on either side-climbed ash.o.r.e, a huge rat silently moved onto the sand. His fur was silver and his features were sharply pointed. Hatred clung to him like an evil cloud as he surveyed the group. He knew them, but if he feared them, it could not be seen. The five, with b.u.t.tons and Sally clambering to the sand to stand beside Delph, slowly advanced toward the rat. As they did so, the shadows behind seemed to move, and then many large rats gathered behind their elder leader.

Each party slowly surveyed the other, taking in numbers and strength. As they did so, hawks took up positions on dead trees, and the hummingbirds silently settled on the highest branches. This could not be the affair of the latter, but, nonetheless, their support was there for the rats to see and wonder at. On the other hand, the hawks were to be feared as they leaned forward to listen.

The elder rat hissed suddenly, "And to what do we owe this unwelcome intrusion? You have no rights here. Go away." The last was spat out, his large eyes gleaming red and balefully.

b.u.t.tons spoke up, her voice clear and vibrant. "We have come for the White Mustang. As you well know, you cannot keep him."

"We know you, little busybody. Go away."

b.u.t.tons moved ahead of her friends "We are here for the White Mustang. We will not leave without him," she repeated.

The large rat stepped forward, and his fearsome minions moved ahead, their teeth gleaming cruelly in the shadows.

"We do not fear you, little know-it-all. Go away Take this rabble with you, and leave us in peace."

Sally and Ssserek moved as one, taking position at b.u.t.tons's shoulders, with Delph right behind. Sally spoke.

"You know we will not leave. Your foul army cannot win."

The old rat hissed loudly at the intrusion and was about to threaten further when he was abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of Sara, with Iggy clinging to her neck. She whirled over the heads of the rats, sending many scurrying for shelter within the dark confines of their evil island.

Then, she settled to the ground, almost landing on the large rat who was forced by her precipitous descent to scuttle backwards, hissing as he did so.

Iggy's squeaky voice could be heard as he loudly whispered in Sara's ear. "Great landing."

The elder rat would have launched himself in retaliation on the little squirrel, but Sara preemptively swung her head down and around so that her nose was almost touching the rat's.

"Good afternoon. I am Sarandra. How are you?"

Her soft dulcet tones made the old rat cringe inwardly for the second time, but he was made of stern stuff and did not budge.

"Another soft-bodied snack, I vow," sneered the rat.

"Fine day, is it not?" Not to be outdone was Sara.

"A brown bag of chewies, it seems," he hissed.

"Oh, father of rats, may your whiskers grow ever more bushy," cooed Sara.

b.u.t.tons moved forward one more time and slowly eyed King Rat.

Ignoring the dragon, his eyes blazed as he spoke, "We'll not leave our prize to you without harsh payment." He glared at Sally who smiled back.

Ssserek leaned forward menacingly. "What will it be?"

b.u.t.tons smiled as sweetly as Scotties can, which, after all, is rather winning. To no avail. The old rat was not to be budged.

Ssserek rose in the air, and then he smiled, beckoning to b.u.t.tons and Sara to approach him. The otters and racc.o.o.ns caught their collective breath and waited. No one knew what was going to happen when Scotties and rattlesnake put their heads together. Whatever it was, it would be worth the price of admission.

b.u.t.tons, Sally, Ssserek, Sara, and Delph had their noses together only momentarily. Iggy grinned and waited.

b.u.t.tons sat before the rat and lifted one paw delicately. "You don't seem to understand, old fellow. We will have the young mustang." Her soft brown eyes glittered with humor. "After all," she murmured almost to herself, "it is a horse for your kingdom."

"And," began the rat, "my precious little..." Suddenly, he snapped at b.u.t.tons's nose.

"None of that," warned Ssserek as he lowered his head for battle. He was quickly joined by the bobcat and peccary as they ranged alongside the serpent.

"Easy, you two," spoke b.u.t.tons. "We must be more persuasive, our arguments more to the point, our position more una.s.sailable. After all, this is the king of rats. We must treat him with the respect due."

Ssserek grinned as he winked at the others behind him.

The two racc.o.o.n twins raised an eyebrow apiece, then grinned in return, and sat where they were. "You're the boss," they vowed.

b.u.t.tons motioned to Sara, who then approached the rat and carefully arranged herself before the rat of all rats. Sara smiled. And coughed delicately behind her small paw. And then she took a deep breath.

Her ribs lifted as her chest expanded. She lowered her head, as the watching crowd exhaled together, she puffed and blew.

Nothing happened. She looked at b.u.t.tons. Her eyes were round, and some doubt could be seen as she lowered her head apologetically to Ssserek and b.u.t.tons.

The great rat snickered, and the chittering behind grew in volume.

"Oh my," said Sara. My pilot light is out." She looked with dismay at the rat who preened as his tail whipped to and fro.

Sara turned to the rat imploringly. "You're not afraid of fire, are you?" she asked innocently.

"I'm not afraid of anything," King Rat snapped.

"Hey, no need. I can do it," stated Iggy, boldly stepping forward as he searched his ragged tail.

"No need, my grungy little friend. This is Rat Island. I do the honors."

"Now, hold on," Iggy was adamant. His fur started to rise along the ridge of his back as he leaned forward. "I can do it."

"Look, my scrawny little friend, move aside for your betters." The old rat rose to his full height. He was indeed a fine looking rat, as such things go, with his black nose, large beady eyes, and silver fur. But his naked tail flicked angrily back and forth, belying his fine words. His anger was rising.

Iggy would have retorted in kind, but b.u.t.tons nudged her friend aside. "Please, Iggy. He really can do it."

The rat's lips curled as he sneered, "Yes, I can and should." He stopped and looked at the little dragon who remained sitting.

The rat turned to b.u.t.tons. "What's a little fire? I'm not afraid!" His glances flickered from one to the other of those before him.

"Excellent, most exalted of all rats." b.u.t.tons turned to Iggy." Let him have it."

Iggy made a big show of unwillingness, but cut it short when Ssserek's head began to drop The small squirrel reached back to his tail and carefully removed a match, its red tip gleaming like the rat's eyes He bowed ever so slightly as he handed it to the large rat, and then scurried quickly to the rear, and remained there, peeping around Biff's rotund figure from moment to moment.

The rat was nonplused. He held the match in the air, turning it one way and then another. He looked to Ssserek, then to Sally, and finally to b.u.t.tons, where his attention remained.

She smiled blithely. Stepping forward, she said, "All you do it, strike it against a rock."

"I know! I know! Any dummy knows how to light a match!" King Rat hissed.

b.u.t.tons glanced around and waited as the racc.o.o.n twins carried a large, flat stone forward. They carefully placed it before the rat and quickly left.

b.u.t.tons nodded toward the rock. "Then, it's quite simple. You hold it for Sara to breath on it. That will return her pilot light."

The rat searched the faces of the creatures before him, but could detect no subterfuge. He next looked at the dragon who watched, her eyes large, luminous, and, yes, rather pleading.

The rat swelled with fast-growing pride. He could do it. Only he had the dexterity and skills required. This would show them. He looked at the stone before him.

b.u.t.tons looked up at Sara, who was engaged in monitoring her insides. First, she rolled her eyes to the right, dipped her head, and then rolled her eyes to the left as she measured the growing sensations. Then, she smiled broadly at the rat.

"I'm ready, whenever you are," she crooned.

King Rat rose onto his hind legs, gazed carefully about, and then struck the match across the rock. Sparks flew, rats behind scattered, and then he held it high. The flame flickered brightly in the gathering dusk.

b.u.t.tons was watching closely, and then cautioned the rat. "Hold it down a little."

He looked at her, and then his eyes brightened. Of course, the little dragon couldn't comfortably reach it as he held it over his head. Beaming with pride, he lowered it until it was right before his nose. His long, grand whiskers twitched.

Sara nodded, and as b.u.t.tons and the others retreated, Sara let all of the acc.u.mulated gases within escape in a single huge burst.

Billowing flame and smoke engulfed the rat. So great was the blast that even the more daring of the rats behind were wrapped by the minor holocaust. There was much coughing and spluttering before the flames and smoke subsided.

King Rat stood there, and like Iggy before him, the match slowly crumbled to the ground. Gone were the whiskers, and much of the shiny gray fur. Gone was the pride. But not the anger, or the hatred, not the gnawing kind of hatred only rats can harbor.

King Rat raised one paw to his burned and scorched nose. He rubbed it as he discreetly coughed and surveyed the crowd before him. Yes, it must be admitted, there were some snickers at the back, but b.u.t.tons, Sara, Ssserek, and the others simply stood their ground, waiting. They had no smiles, and their features were grim.

No! There was one exception. The scrawny little squirrel was grinning broadly, thoroughly enjoying King Rat's plight. Iggy couldn't help it. He grinned even more broadly as he sidled up next to Sara. And then he moved before her, directly in front of the rat who watched with growing wrath.

The rat sighed. No, no, no. Nothing to do but admit it, but he was a rat and he had stood his ground, though his evil heart quailed within his breast. The dismay disappeared from his face, the hardness returning as he began to speak.

His tones were soft and low, apologetic. So soft and low that Iggy had to lean forward to hear. Precisely what the rat wished for.

Perhaps he could not win, but he could make at least one sorry. He could still hurt someone. And that someone was directly before him.

Only Ssserek and b.u.t.tons understood immediately what the evil rat intended, but only Ssserek had the speed required.

King Rat grinned evilly, and then, as though glancing to one side, he slashed at Iggy, faster than thought itself, meaning to take the small squirrel in the throat. Even faster was Ssserek's strike, brushing Iggy aside in a single quick motion. But not fast enough. Although King Rat had missed the throat, still he inflicted a mortal slash across Iggy's shoulder.