The Adventures of Button (20 page)

And Iggy?

Well, he, too, stood exactly where he was, still holding the match, but a badly charred and crumpling match. Gone were his whiskers, his pride and joy, his well-kept though ragged whiskers. Now, only a few stubby remains could be seen, sticking out of his blackened and soot-covered features.

He gazed around, breathing carefully and slowly. He looked at the small dragon who was beginning to grin in spite of her inner turmoil. He glanced around for Buttons and Sally, who were sitting up with Biff.

Iggy felt his sides and face, sought out his ears, which, like his nose, were frazzled and blackened, and rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

Then, placing a paw to nose, he sneezed and reeled backwards, tumbling down the hill to come to rest at Buttons’s feet.

Buttons laughed as Iggy got to his feet. Iggy frowned, and then he, too, laughed. He leaped aright, holding one paw over his chest and the other in the air, a salute, and he announced, “Our dragon is lit.”

Just then, everyone turned as they became aware of the sound of pounding hooves and the thunderous approach of Boomer, the young bison. The Great Forest filled with the sound of his heavy hooves hitting the ground. There could be no mistake as the earth seemed to bounce as the sounds approached. And, obviously, he was in a hurry, for as they looked up, his figure could be seen tearing through brush, bushes, and everything else in his way as he raced toward the small group.

Iggy sat up to better view the racing bison. “Wow, oh, wow, I wonder what’s up. He never hurries that way.”

Sally glanced hurriedly from Biff to Buttons. Iggy was right, the small bison was literally tearing his way to them, brush and bush flying from his heels, the dust rising in small whirlwinds.

He skidded to a stop in front of Buttons, the dust rising as it did around Iggy and Biff, only to settle on all of them, causing much coughing and glares as it settled. The bison was puffing heavily, having come some distance. Taking a deep breath, he blurted out, “The White Mustang is missing. The rats have him. The herd is frantic and don’t know what to do. And . . .” He would have continued with his staccato delivery, but Buttons interrupted.

“Easy, Boomer. Catch your breath. What do you mean ‘the White Mustang is missing’?”

The young colt who was born to the herd was the latest to bear that name, only one White Mustang being born into the herd every few decades, representing the strength and freedom of all creatures, never to be broken to halter or saddle. Buttons and Sally, the only creatures having any relationship to man, had been proud to be present at his birth and knew how important he was to the horse herds of Oklahoma.

Boomer’s sides heaved with the exertion of his race across the field and forest, but slowly brought himself under control.

“It’s awful. What they did.” He looked at each one in turn, his great brown eyes tearing up even as he spoke. None could recall the young bison ever being so badly disturbed.

Sally approached him, and sitting, peered long and hard into his sad eyes. “Out with it, Boomer. What happened?” Her ears were pulled back against her head in her mounting anger and concern.

Having overcome their initial fright over Sara’s first flame, birds and other animals of the forest had slowly regained their positions around the glade. They now moved closer, their anxiety clearly rising as they listened.

Boomer, the bison continued, “It was the rats. We haven’t heard anything in so long a time, we’d forgotten.” He sighed, his flanks heaving with suppressed emotion. “They attacked the mare late this morning as she returned from feeding. Two attacked her forelegs, biting her hard enough to partially cripple her.” His voice became steely. “It cost the two rats their lives, but it was enough to slow her.” He sighed again, more loudly as he recalled the events of that terrible moment.

“Several other rats led the poor, frightened colt away.” Boomer raised his head, looking long and hard at the Great Forest. He would have sobbed for the lost colt, but he was too proud.

“Frightened as he was, they couldn’t make him leave his mother without nipping at him continuously. The birds and creatures in the trees saw it all. He would have fought, puny as his new legs were, but he didn’t have the strength, and there were too many. They harassed him constantly. Never let him get near his frantic mother. She lost sight of them very quickly.” Buttons broke in. “Look, Boomer, where did they take him? Surely, the birds could have seen.”

“Yes, they did see. The birds saw it all, but only to the swamp.” As an afterthought, he added, “Silly birds, they were too terrified to follow any further.”

He sagged, his strength ebbing for a short while as his friends looked on.

“Easy, easy, Boomer. We’re with you,” Buttons spoke the minds of all there.

“Where was the herd?” queried Iggy, his eyes large in his head as he thought of the repercussions. “They must have heard.”

Boomer looked at his small friend, Iggy, who was standing on his hind legs to get that little bit closer. The bison smiled briefly, “Yes, the cries of the mare could be heard, but the colt was gone before the stallions arrived. They tore the forest apart in their anger and would have attempted to cross the swamp by themselves. Fortunately, they were stopped.”

Biff huffed and puffed at the news. “Well,” he said, “what happened? Who could stop them? Even we, bears would have been hard-pressed against the herd.”

Buttons smiled. “I can guess. Delph, the gator, right?” She glanced from one to the other, her eyes saying much for the strength and support of her friends.

“Well, it was Delph, the alligator who stopped the first rush into the swamp. But he couldn’t have held them back, not even in his own domain. The stallions were furious beyond sense or fear.”

Sally glanced at Buttons, and both nodded in turn. There could only be one creature who could stand up to the stallions and have any chance of coming out of it alive.

“Ssserek, the snake,” they said in unison.

Boomer shuffled his hooves. “Ya, ya, it was Ssserek. Boy, did he bring those stallions to a complete stop. They practically ran over one another in their hurry to get away from him as he rose from the water at Delph’s side. What a sight that was.” He grinned at the recollection.

“It had been impressive, all the great stallions roaring in their anger as they entered the water, the first appearance of Delph as he porpoised into view like a superpowered submarine. The angrier young ones would have attacked the alligator, but then, suddenly and unexpectedly, there was the incredible head of Ssserek, turning from side to side as he glared at them. His hiss of anger stopped them cold in their tracks. Their anger cooled real quick in his presence and Ssserek sent me to find you.”

Everyone started to speak at the same time, suggestions flying from the creatures now crowding around the hill. The noise was growing rapidly in volume, and angry words could be heard.

Everything stopped when Buttons barked, “Hold it, everyone. Just take it easy. We’re all going to have work together!” Then, properly hushed, they all gathered around the small Scottie, forming a semicircle of close friends, waiting for her next words.

At first, Sara had sat totally puzzled by the sudden flurry of activity with the arrival of Boomer, the bison. But Iggy had sidled up close to her and whispered hurried explanations into her appreciative ear as the bison had explained the situation as well as telling the small dragon about the swamp, Delph, the alligator, and Ssserek the great rattlesnake. Sara’s eyes grew larger as Buttons spoke again.

“First, we’re going to need greater numbers and strength and size if we are to move across the swamp. The horses are too big and could never make it through the deep muck however much they might try.”

“Ah, Buttons,” Boomer interrupted softly. “I already told Milo, the moose as I passed the zoo. He was under his favorite tree as usual.”

Buttons grinned at Sally, then answered Boomer. “You did fine. I know of no one better able to handle the swamp. Boomer grinned broadly at the praise.

Buttons quickly organized her forest friends. “I want Elmer, the Saint Bernard. He can swim all day. She looked into the trees, seeking out a particular hummingbird. “Pip, where are you,” she yipped.

The smallest and brightest of hummingbirds suddenly appeared above her head, turning upside down, the better to watch the Scottie.

“Now, remember this long enough to get them to the swamp in time,” Buttons admonished the smallest of birds. “Tell Elmer where to meet us and then go find Rarebit, the frog. No one knows the swamp better than him. Now, off with you.”

Pip would have responded in his usual hurried fashion, but knew all too well the importance of the White Mustang to the great horse herds and to the forest and field in general. He simply disappeared so quickly and went about his business.

Sara watched the small bird with great interest and then pushed forward, ever so slightly. “Buttons?” she said in shy, low tones. “Can I help? I mean, well . . .” Her voice disappeared weakly as she scanned the many creatures who now turned their attention back to her.

Sally nudged Buttons, and the two close friends needed no more communication.

“I know of no one who could be of greater use,” said Buttons and looked about acknowledging the ready acceptance of the small dragon.

Sara, who had dropped her head at her rash suggestion, raised it quickly at the rapid acceptance. She grinned at the two small dogs and at Iggy who beamed joyously at the newcomer. Scared she might be, but she was rapidly gaining confidence as other creatures made known their ready appreciation of her offer.

All Sara could say was “Wow” as she settled back to await events.

Buttons quickly organized the forest friends. The discussion was brief, and the marching order was decided. Biff, the bear was to lead off, closely followed by Boomer. Behind them came the two dogs, with Iggy at their side. To the joy of all, Sara had spread her wonderful wings and lifted into the air gracefully and swiftly, circling over head.

Thus, the group moved more quickly and with greater confidence as they made their way through the forest to the swamp. The path taken by Biff was easily traversed by the group selected to tackle the rats. They soon arrived at the Great Swamp.

As they broke from the covering forest, Buttons had raced up to the great serpent and joyfully greeted him with a warm kiss on his broad snout. Ssserek smiled as he always did when meeting the Scotty dog, and, if the truth were to be known, there were those in the crowd who shuttered inwardly. His great wisdom and strength were sincerely appreciated by all inhabitants of the forest and field; nonetheless, few sought him out willingly.

Sara wheeled overhead, taking the scene in, and then had turned to swoop in, landing beside the serpent and the dog. Ssserek rose to his fullest height as the young dragon landed, and then slowly inclined his head in greeting.

“Welcome, your most gracious highness, Princess Vintrix Sarandra. Your presence is both a joy and pleasant surprise. Welcome to our forest and field, may you grow in even greater beauty.”

Sara’s eyes were bright as she solemnly bowed, then she curtseyed as she replied, “Great is the fame of Ssserek among our brethren, your wisdom most esteemed, your strength notable among the mightiest, your cunning told and retold around our fires.”

Iggy’s voice came from the rear of the group. “Boy, listen to them. At this rate, the horse will be tail only.”

The serpent suddenly appeared before the squirrel. He lifted one eyebrow as he bent down to squarely face Iggy who, to his credit, had not moved. “Yessss, my young friend. You’re correct. We must move quickly, but not so quickly that all civility is lost or the correct amenities are forgotten. You do agree?”

He cocked his head, listening.

Iggy’s throat had suddenly constricted at the snake’s sudden appearance, but he was never without words. “Well, well,” he coughed, “then let’s be off.” And suiting action to words, he moved as quickly and nimbly as his small legs would permit, racing through the crowd to take refuge against Sara’s side.

Ssserek laughed aloud and moved toward the swamp where everyone waited. “Buttons,” Ssserek said, “you and Sally will go with Delph. Moose and bear can be our forward guard. Otters and raccoons, keep to the rear and sides, keeping an eye out for anything unusual. Bison and Saint Bernard will rove, keeping an eye on our friend, the peccary. If he sinks, fine.” His eyes had sparkled in good humor, although the small peccary was not so sure he didn’t mean it. “But don’t let him tarry over the succulence of the water greens.”

Ssserek paused as he gazed about the group. It was a fine crowd, not to be taken lightly, clearly representing the forest and field. They would do the job, whatever it might require. Then, he gazed closely upon Iggy who waited with bated breath. “Well, my little friend, just what are we to do with you. Hardly a mouthful for any self-respecting rat.”

Iggy came to his fullest height and would have answered boldly, but Sara nudged him before he could open his mouth.

She was smiling as she addressed Ssserek. “I do not know how I can be of assistance to you, but in my small way, I will do all I can.”

Ssserek nodded in return, trying mightily to suppress the grin which strove so hard to escape him. “Hmmm, well-said, your most gracious highness.”