BAD NEWS

  Icalave raced through the trees in the dark night. The sun was no longer visible beneath the canopy. His eyes were pealed open, the reflection of any light glistened in them. He ran as quietly and quickly as possible. It took him a few hours to reach the forest edge. The vast Shamrok River he had crossed earlier with Genera seemed to have become more wilder. With great caution and balance, Icalave made it safely across. He was tired form all his running so decided to have a drink from the river. The river shined back at him with the reflection of the moon on the water. He dipped his head to make his first lap from the water. But it did not smell right. He took a small taste and spat it straight back out. It tasted awful. The water had a bitter and fowl taste to it. He looked at again. He noticed this time small bubbles around the waters edge that were not friendly. He looked back across the river to the forests edge. The trees nearest to the edge appeared to have started to die, Their very leaves turning a horrible shade of brown from the poisoned water.
  Icalave disgusted and outraged by this turned and looked upstream. He could see the bubbles and poison affecting all the banks of the river. There was only one explanation for this, Icalave thought to himself, Mann.
  As determinedly curious as he was, he knew he wouldn't be able to go and explore No-Manns Land without the aid of his fellow brothers. Also he still had to deliver the message that the Wind Wolves had been discovered in the mountains. The Wind Wolves had recently been acting strange. Knowing that their home land was close to Manns and just below Tredwood Forest, they had not been attacked by Mann and their recent behaviour was inexcusable.
  It was still another few hours from Icalave's home from the river, so denying himself a drink, he set off for Icizlwen again.
  The temperature dropped dramatically as he neared home and he became slightly more happier. Snow started to fall around him and the trees started becoming more like tall brown twigs sticking out from the ground. Remembering what had happened with Genera and the two wind Wolves he became more cautious, even thought it was further North-East where the incident had happened.
  It had almost reached complete darkness before Icalave had his first glimpse of home that day. Icizlwen was wedged between four mountains, each covered in snow from top to bottom. In the middle lay the icy fortress that was giving off a small glow of multi-coloured lights which helped to find it in the dark amongst all the white snow.
  He bounded full speed towards it with its rock hard and extremely tall icy walls. The sooner the news was delivered the sooner action could be taken. Icalave was not one to let things dwell. Once inside, he bolted for the Chamber of Zios, where the Ice Wolvians leaders always gathered. There was lots of curving and turning to get up to the Chamber and Icalave accidentally knocked over a few others in his rush. Curses followed him but he had no time to stop and apologise. Suddenly he stopped, the doors of the Chamber were right in front of him, grand like those of the Grande Stack only these were made from ice. And they were well guarded. Obviously the leaders must have been inside, for there was a loud racket coming from behind the doors.
  Icalave walked up slowly to the guarded doors, keeping his stride and pose as superior and wise as possible. He reached the doors and said in a loud, hopefully not too loud, confident voice," I wish to speak to the Slitca, for I have important news for him." The Slitca was the Ice Wolves equivalent of a King.
  "I do not trust you. There have been rumours that Wolvians, including some of our own, have been turning to spies against us." The guard in charge gave Icalave an eye-slitted glare, an expression of distrust ran on his face.
  "I am aware of this," Icalave replied, still keeping his confidence, "it is important that I speak to him..."
  "All Rangers are supposed to report to their group head," called out a high posh voice. Icalave snapped his head in the direction of the interrupting voice. A short Ice Wolve, well groomed and alot more elegantly stanced than Icalave's attempts stood in the place where the voice had come from. How had this small Wolvian recognised him to be a Ranger? Was it the strong stance? Or the over cautious eye, seeking danger well before it occurred?
  "No Ranger should ever be allowed to speak to the Slitca directly, safety procedures." The short Wolvian walked over to Icalave. He was so small and vulnerable, Icalave imagined he could take him out with ease.
  "I am here to report urgent news to the Slitca and it is to be for his ears only until he wishes to pass it on," Icalave sternly replied.
  "All Rangers are to report to their group head and no Ranger should ever be allowed to speak to the Slitca directly," the small Wolvian repeated. Icalave could feel his anger beginning to bubble. With great reluctance, he resisted wiping the small Wolvian out. It chuckled heartlessly.
  " So it is you then." Icalave tried hard not to put on a baffled face. "The Great Icalave, or that's what they call you now? You've been gaining quite the reputation." Was this a trick? Thought Icalave. " I've heard many of your exquisite stories Mr. Great. Supposedly your last encounter was with a pair of Wind Wolves in the Blizlow Mountains?" Now Icalave was starting to get confused which made him angry. "Oh yes, word by mouth travels quickly these days doesn't it? I shall tell the Slitca of your triumphent return? And I shall pass on this greatly important news for you, otherwise, all Rangers must report to their group heads. No Ranger is allowed to speak to the Slitca directly." The smug grin that had now found its way onto the small Wolvians face was enough to make Icalave tear to him to shreds. But with great restraint and humiliation, he obeyed his instructions. The only thing that he did not know was that Icalave was the head of his own group. This returned the tiniest grin onto Icalaves face.