“What was being said among them? Is he to be their next meal? Should he make a break for it or hope they don’t look further into the noise?”
Before this thought had fully formed Redfurred was being lifted by the scruff of his neck, his legs no longer reaching the ground, breaking through the leaves he had a clearer view of his surroundings. There were hundreds of them! Three times his size, lumbering heavy creatures with snouts, encircled with curled teeth, stained red by what Redfurred could only guess at. The Aggressor holding Redfurred threw him into a cage roughly made out of branches. Time slowed. Sitting helplessly, watching the Aggressors set up camp. They did not do any of the heavy lifting themselves, instead they had Others shackled together, whippings snapping more than necessary to encourage a faster pace.
Once a gang of Others came within hearing distance.
“Psst! Hey, hey you! Where do you hail from? Why are you in chains?”
They looked at him out of the corner of their eyes while continuing to roll fallen trees into a structure of some sort.
“Please, I am from the meadow beyond the trees. I need to know, should my people be afraid?”
Still, they stayed silent besides the puffing of their breaths.
Night fell once more. The Others worked into the night. Finally, the Aggressors lead them to the trees near Redfurred’s cage. Still shackled together they were tied to a tree so they could not run.
“Its not like they have the strength left to to run anyway” thought Redfurred.
A pile of slugs was thrown down next to the captured, they devoured them hungrily.
“They are offering food, but food not fit to eat”. Redfurred mumbled.
At this one of the young Others turned his head slightly, the first acknowledgment Redfurred had received after a day of attempted communication.
Once the Agressors rambled their way into the newly built structures the young Other inched his way as close to Redfurred as his chains would allow.
“Greetings respected Other. I have heard your cries throughout the day but dare not say anything until it was safer. My name is Creek-Dweller, I am here with some of my people, we are the Natives from the hills to the East.”
“Why are you here in such circumstances? We have many Stories that speak of your clans. You are respected by us, the Caretakers as you respect life and nature”.
“Our Captors, they came to our home. Only a few at first. A few here, a few there. They set up camp on a hill top outside of our village. Slowly their numbers grew, mostly though reproduction. At first they abided our way of life and respected the land that feeds us. We lived in harmony. We lived together in Peace. But then, they began contradicting out leaders who are lead by our Stories. Of course, many of us objected. But it was too late, we became Occupied.”
“What do you mean? How can a visitor force his ways in your home?” Redfurred whispered.
“That is what has happened. Though I cannot explain or justify how.” Creek Dweller sighed. Continuing in his story he begins crying, “The Oppressors gave us a choice. Either we could alter our ways, embrace their Stories and ideals or become slaves.”
“That is why you are here, chained together without respect.”
“Many Natives caved, from fear for their families and lives. Natives became Surrenders. You have heard rumors I am sure. It is all true, the Aggressors are coming to be Oppressors, spreading evil with their beating drums. My fellow Natives who are now Surrenders, I cannot judge them, facing death or worse yet, slavery, your instinct of survival kicks in. I myself tried running. Yes I Creek Dweller was caught. My Ancestors are surely ashamed. So here I am, being forced to extend the reach of the Oppressors that have ruined my home and life.”
Before Redfurred could reply an Aggressor stepped out of the nearest structure and snorted something in their direction. At that display of displeasure Creek Dweller pulled back to his group, raising a paw in farewell.
Redfurred leaned back against a branch. “I must warn the other Caretakers. These creatures do not come in peace, they come with Maliciousness and as Eaters of Power. “ he thought. “No, I am dehydrated, not thinking clearly, did that Native even speak to me? I must be imagining. Surely this is all a misunderstanding and they will release me in the morning. Then we can discuss things diplomatically.
https://steemit.com/fiction/@corbie/a-legend-of-the-occupied-part-1
https://steemit.com/writing/@corbie/we-occupied-part-2
https://steemit.com/writing/@corbie/we-occupied-part-3