Eric and The Fox

Chapter 11 - Lucas, The Chief of the Ferret

Chapter 12 - Into The Champlain Hills

Written by Karen Backway

Read by Rachel Anderice

“The badgers are gone.  They simply got up and left this afternoon.  And they were so wonderfully kind,” Lucas reported.  “Whatever you said to them Mr. Eric, had a huge impact.  We are indebted to you sir.”

“Thank you Lucas.  I’m glad I could help,” Eric accepted this praise as graciously as he knew how.  “Is there a way off the island that does not lead into The Champlain Hills and Ridges?”

“Unfortunately, no.  Do not go sir.  They are filled with nasty critters,” Lucas begged the group to make a new home on the island.  “You are welcome to stay, please do not go into The Champlain Hills and Ridges.  It’s not safe.”

“That is very kind Lucas,” interrupted Vivian.  “But we must return to our homes on the forest mainland.  We must get back to the families we left behind.”

“If you must go through The Champlain Hills and Ridges, I will join you.  I am familiar with The Champlain Hills around the west island river as it tracks north toward South Ridge,” Lucas insisted.

“That is very kind Lucas, but not necessary,” argued Rod.

“Oh yes my friend it is very necessary,” insisted Lucas.  The Champlain Hills and Ridges are huge and unfriendly.  It is very easy to get lost and I am afraid you underestimate the danger.  We will leave at dawn.  Tonight we celebrate and rest in peace for the first time in a very long time.”

News of the ‘kind or silent spell’ spread like wildfire through the ferret colony and by the time the group walked through the main section of the colony celebrations were ongoing.  “Eric, The Kindness King,” the ferret chanted, full of praise and joy.

“Oooh, I like that, Eric, The Kindness King,” Sylvie teased Eric.  “Sir Eric, the stuff of legends, The Kindness King, may he live forever.”

“Oh please, let’s keep that between us.  The fellas back home will never stop teasing me,” pleaded Eric.

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Early the next morning, Eric, Sylvie, Vivian and Rod followed Lucas along the ridge heading to the west shore of the island. 

“Are you certain you wish to proceed with your decision?” asked Lucas.  “The Champlain Hills are dangerous and desolate since the great fire.”

“If it is the only way off the island then yes, we must try to return to our families,” answered Rod.

“Are you sure?  The island is lovely and all of its inhabitants are friendly.  Only the badgers stir up trouble,” argued Lucas.  “And now they are gone, thanks to Eric.”

“Yes the island is lovely, but that one way bridge on the east river is a trap for unsuspecting travelers,” explained Eric.  “That bridge is a problem that needs a solution.  At the very least it should be removed.”

By noon the group of travelers rested at the foot of The Stone Water Bridge.

“Oh dear,” sighed Vivian.  “Fox are not keen on swimming.”

“You three can ride on my back as we cross,” said Eric.  “It will be crowded but you won’t fall off.”

“It’s true,” Sylvie said, reassuring Vivian and Rod who stared at Eric in disbelief.  “I rode on his back for much of the journey here, I never once so much as slipped.”

“What's the plan, once we get to the other side?” asked Vivian.  “It doesn’t look like there is much cover.”

“None, for miles,” answered Lucas.  “It’s a bleak land.”