Tall Tales

Let me tell you a story.
Andros was the third son of a Russian Blue and an Abyssinian both very proud and very regal. From his mother he inherited a keen intelligence and from his father fierce loyalty.
From the womb Andros was a willful child always up to no good. When his brothers would be playing and mewling, Andros would be off by himself exploring the wooded area in which he lived. He picked fights with larger animals unafraid for he knew his father was never far behind and would dash in when he felt Andros had learned his lesson.
When he was just a kitten his father chose him from the group of six and brought him to the top of a sacred hill.
"Andros," It was the first time he had ever heard his name, and he felt that it was good and it was right. "You are my trueson and I pass to you the knowledge of our kind."
That night his father spoke of secret things, feline things, that no other has heard before him. Andros could not quite remember it all but he knew that when the time came to pass on his knowledge it would all return to him.
When he slept he dreamed of Bast the Devourer who would come and ask him questions about his training. In his dream he knew what he was to become. But when he woke he was once more Andros the Kitten, fierce and loved.
One day, while Andros was out exploring, a squirrel fell from his perch chittering "Ratatosk!"
Andros nudged the figure as it lay silently at the base of the tree, one arm wrapped around a thick route.
"Are you alright, friend squirrel?" He asked as he sniffed.
"Please...no eating...fambaly..." The little one muttered.
Andros opened his jaws and lifted the squirrel, who muttered faint protests.
"Please...fambaly...family...needing me."
When Andros pawed the squirrel onto his back he noticed a small locket in the shape of an exquisite leaf wrapped around the his neck. It was obviously made for a human but somehow came into the squirrel's possession."
Andros ignored him and carried him, careful not to bite down too hard.
He brought the squirrel who lay watching the other children play beneath the autumn leaves.
His brothers and sisters attempted to approach him, to share in the meal but Andros fixed them with his trademarked stare, his emerald eyes thinning away their resolve. They went back to playing.
"Mother?" Andros asked as he dropped the weakened Squirrel.
"Ah, Andros. You have brought food. Your father will be pleased."
"No, Mother. He is injured. I hoped you could help him. He says his family needs him, as we would need you and father should anything happen."
The Abyssinian smiled.
"You are wise beyond your years, child. And compassionate to a fault. It is true I know the ways of the healing forest. However, why should I aid this rodent?"
"Because it is right." Andros answered, sure of himself.
His mother laughed.
"Alright, my son. I will help him. Leave him with me."
The squirrel coughed suddenly and woke, "Please...Odinson...take to Odinson." He took off the leaf shaped locket and reached it out to Andros.
"Take it my son. It is time." His mother licked his forehead as a tear fell from her eye.
Andros reached out his neck as the leaf locket wrapped itself around him. As he turned away, knowing where he must go he bid farewell to his mother. Andros looked up and saw that a figure stood atop the sacred hill watching.
"Goodbye, Andros." The winds seemed to whisper. Then the figure turned and stalked away.

To Be Continued