Wolf's Meeting with Goatsent

Wolf lay himself down on the floor of grass, knowing full well that the goats would not come within shouting distance if they didn't feel safe around him. He placed his chin on his crossed forelegs and waited. Soon he heard the trip-trot of hoofs and he forced himself to lie as still as possible. The steps stopped, and Wolf raised his head. He was surprised to see Goatsent separating from the herd and continuing his approach.

Goatsent stopped at arm's length. "Good evening, Wolf."

"Good evening to you too, Mr. President. I am honored to meet you."

Goatsent squared his hesitant shoulders and puffed out his chest. "Well, we have a little problem that I think you might be able to advice us with." A pause. "Minister Vixen sent us a letter asking for us to give political asylum to a journalist from your forest."

Wolf's ears perked up. "Are you talking about Stefolous?"

"Ah, you do know him. Yes, that is the one. However, we are reluctant to take him in, for we feel that he would not be able to adapt to our environment."

"That is extremely wise and considerate of you, Mr. President. You are absolutely right. I wished that Minister Vixen had come to me first."

"Oh, you have a solution?"

"Yes. In fact there is a part in the forest which I have marked as my own, and one which the rats are afraid to enter. I have hidden quite a number of asylum seekers there."

"Then you have a pond and lily pods for the tortoise."

"More than one. In fact, one pond in particular is filled with lotus flowers. I think he will love the roots, and help us keep them in check."

"Ah, that is a perfect eco-system for him. I will write back to Minister Vixen and ask her to contact you."

"I don't advice that, Mr. President. The message may fall into the paws of Rat, and the Great Spirit alone knows what will happen to the Minister and Stefolous after that. I will approach her myself, and offer Stefolous my sanctuary."

"Very well then. So this issue is resolved."

"Yes, it is Mr. President. For your side. The problem, however, has just begun for me."

Goatsent bowed his head, and clicked his fore-hoofs together, then turned and trotted his way back up the slope with his cabinet in tow. Wolf sat up and turned his head to the jungle as he wondered how he was to approach Vixen. Obviously, she had not sought his help because she was suspicious of his intentions. He decided to invite her to his part of the forest, and do a tour for her before suggesting that she leaves Stefolous in his care.

He growled. Stefolous was a great prize. There were so many things he could do with a journalist who had become a symbol of free speech, and maybe he could get some information about Owl too, for apparently the tortoise had been in the same prison as the accountant.

A younger wolf lay himself down in front of him. "My Chief, you look troubled."

"Yes, I am trying to think of ways to make Vixen trust me."

"The minister does not trust even her own family. In fact I heard that she put a scar on her older brother's face."

"You are right. She is a devil. Then I will have to be frank with her."

"That is very wise. She already has less than flattering opinions of us so trying to make her see otherwise will only turn her away."

"That's right Grange. I will have to tell her the truth and persuade her that it is in my best interest to keep Stefolous alive and healthy."

"She will not like it."

"She has no choice." Wolf howled victoriously, and call after call responded from scattered distances. He smiled, for he had done it intentionally for Rat's benefit.

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