[Child of the 7th Age]

We must act. We must act as quickly as we can. Who know's how long it will take the two leggeds to hurry back to the Inn even if little Wren can find them?

With these stern words reverberating through his head, Owl turned to address the other animals who had by now now lined up inside the courtyard, crowding together as tightly as they could. He explained what he had seen outside on the plain and reminded the animals that they would have very little time to act. Once Owl had finished his speech, everyone began squalling and howling at once, nervously inquiring what they must do to protect themselves.

"This is all very well and good, Owl," snorted Old Hedgehog, his squeaky voice rising above the general din, "But at least the two-leggeds are inside. Yet, here we sit in the courtyard, real sitting ducks for any flesh-eater who waltzes by. I beg your pardon, ma'm, of course." Hedgehog offered hasty apologies to two fat ducks who were seated on the far end of the circle.

One of the mice, a mother surrounded by half a dozen babies, nervously squeaked, "Hedgehog is right. We have no protection here, not even a hole in the ground to use as a burrow. Some of us can fight. I know I can. And a few of us can fly away. But we must find a safe hiding place for our little ones who can't leave and who would be too frightened to defend themselves. She glanced down lovingly at her own children who by now were snoozing together in one large pile, oblivious to all danger, their tails and heads intertwined.

"You're right. You're right." others hastily agreed. "But where? Where should we take them? They can't stay here, not out in the open."

"There is that old shack in the woods just off the river." Bear added. "Perhaps we could take the little ones there?"

Owl gave a hoot and solemnly shook his head. "No, I do not think that is a good idea. We must stay together. If we take the little ones to the river, we would have to send good fighters with them, and our strength here would be cut in half. And how do we know these slavering beasts wouldn't turn from the Inn after their attack and immediately make for the old shack, once they get the scent of the place. No, I believe it is better that we make our stand here. Anyways, there is a safe place to hide....that is, as safe as any place can be in these hard times. The larger animals can bed their little ones down in the stable. And the ones who are small...... Well, I am sure they have extra room in the Inn, even if only up in the attic." Owl squinted upward, noting an open window on the topmost floor.

"But will they let us in?" Hedgehog protested. "Animals and two-leggeds just don't mix. It's not as if we were their precious cows and hens that they spend so much time protecting."

"Yes, Owl, perhaps we should wait for wren to return and the other two-leggeds will help us. At least they will understand what we want to do and why we want to do it."

"Humph!" Owl responded. "We must act now. We need to get the little ones safely put away so the rest of us can organize our attack. There's no time to lose! You there, Buck, , lead the young foxes and deer and the other large beasts over to the stable and make a racket until someone opens the door and you can barrel in. The rest of you, come with me!"

A large contingent of baby animals---mice, conies, toads, squirrels, otters, an assortment of birds, and even an ant or two--went scurrying along behind Owl and Bear and mounted the steps of the Inn. Bear pushed against the door of the Green Man and the whole herd of creatures came tumbling into the large common room, much to the astonishment of those inside.