A shadow fell across the fields as the sun sank lower and lower under the horizon. A young otter stood in the last remaining strand of sunlight, a shield on her back. On the trail to the north, Thorn the Fearless had met the odds. The summer had been long and good, though it had been eventful. Turning back to look at the setting sun, Thorn saw the two pairs of gleaming eyes. “Come on out, you silly beasts! Come and meet the Shieldmaiden!” Thorn laughed. A squirrel and a badger flew out at her, laughing and joking. The trio wrestled together, before Thorn stood up, triumphant, the squirrel on her shoulder, the badger at her side. The badger stood at attention. For a badger, she was small. Named Dawnsky Longstripe, she and Thorn were great friends. The squirrel, though she tried hard to look