Books and old books

Chapter One

Morris was one of three kittens born to Sabrina and Dark Star. On the first day after his eyes opened, he boldly went on his first adventure. It wasn’t far, just to the edge of the straw bales that provided the hiding place for his mother, Sabrina, his two sisters, Alexi, and Jenni. He may have fallen over the edge had Sabrina not grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and carried him back to their nest. Arriving at the nest, Sabrina scolded Morris. “Morris, I have told you that you can’t leave the nest alone. There are many dangers out there.” Morris replied, “I can handle anything.” Sabrina looked sternly at Morris, then pushed him back next to his sleeping sisters. Sabrina said, “I have to go hunting, do not leave the nest for any reason, you hear me?” Morris lowered his head.

Sabrina crawled up between the bales to the opening. Once in the open, Sabrina found a dead pigeon a foot away. She quickly scanned the inside of the haymow. She found her mate, Dark Star, watching from high on a stack of bales. They missed each other, but a primitive drive could cause Dark Star to hurt their kittens, so they had agreed to stay apart until that drive no longer bothered him.

The next morning, Morris struggled to reach the top of the opening. He sat there watching the pigeons fly around above him. After a couple of minutes, he felt odd, he searched around above and below. Then he saw another cat on the top of the high stack of bales. His mother was the only adult cat he had ever seen. The stranger looked much larger than Mother. His shiny black coat glistened in the light through a high window. And on his chest was a large white patch of fur. Morris was about to say something when Mother appeared suddenly. Sabrina yelled, “Morris, get down in the nest immediately.” Morris obeyed without question. Sabrina looked up at the Dark Star. They nodded their heads. Dark Star disappeared, and Sabrina ran down to the nest. Reaching her kitten, she found them playing together. She sat and watched them for a while. She felt the need to remind them about leaving the nest, but the girls were staying hidden, and Morris hadn’t left the opening to the nest again. She decided to let it pass. She lay down to feed her kittens and rested.

Later that night, Sabrina found another pigeon outside the opening. She searched the area and found the bright yellow glow of Dark Star’s eyes as he watched her. Again, they both nodded. Sabrina began eating while Dark Star stood watch.

Days passed, and Morris did as his mother told him. He and his sisters played in the nests, growing bigger and stronger. One night, Morris woke up, and his mother was not in the nest. Curiosity got the best of him, and he started climbing toward the opening. Reaching the end of the tunnel, he heard his mother’s voice. Peeking out, he saw his mother and Dark Star sitting side by side, near the edge of the bales. Their heads were touching, and both of their tails were playfully twitching. Sabrina said, “My love, soon you can see your children and we can be together again as a true family.” Dark Star’s voice was gruff, but there was passion too, he said, “My dear, we have been apart for too long. I look forward to meeting our children and getting to know them. Tell me about them?” Sabrina giggled softly. Alexi and Jenni are remarkably close, they enjoy playing with each other. They are both so sweet.” Dark Star smiled and asked, “And Morris? What is he like?” Sabrina laughed again and replied, "Morris not only looks just like you, but he also acts like you. He’s bold and daring, and even as stubborn as you.” Dark Star responded, “Stubborn? I’m not stubborn?” Sabrina softly said, “Okay, if you say so.”

Morris was surprised by what his mother had said about him being so much like Dark Star. The biggest surprise was that Dark Star was his father. Morris wasn’t sure why, but he felt fearful of knowing that. Before he was discovered, Morris went back to the nest and quickly closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. A few minutes later, his mother returned to the nest. She checked his sisters and then him, before curling up to rest.

More days passed, and Morris considered asking his mother about Dark Star. To ask about something he shouldn’t know about would raise questions, which he didn’t know how to explain without getting himself in trouble. His mother had taught him that eavesdropping on others was wrong. Then his mother came down into the nest. Sabrina sat in front of her three children. She was smiling, and her green eyes sparkled with excitement. Sabrina said, “Today is a special day. Today, you three will be introduced to the rest of our clan. You will leave our nest to join the clan celebrating you and will become full members.”

Morris and his sisters were so excited, they jumped around and play-fought with each other. Sabrina patiently waited for them to calm down, then asked, “Anyone here want to join me?” That caused them to burst into jumping about again. Sabrina turned and headed to the opening and the celebration.

The three followed their mother into a clearing in a grove of trees not far from the barn where they were born. Seeing the outside world was so enormous. Their mother had pointed out other things along the way, a house, where things called giants lived, but none lived there now. The trees, and a stream that they crossed using a thing their mother called a bridge.

Once they entered the clearing, they saw many cats of all colors and sizes. Morris looked around, taking in all the new sights, then a movement caught his eye. On a branch in a tall tree, he saw Dark Star, sitting, observing the activities in the clearing. Morris noticed light reflecting something sitting on Dark Star’s head. Sabrina was standing next to him. She asked softly. “You know who that is?” Morris stared at Dark Star and replied, “He is Dark Star.” Sabrina continued. “He is our King, the leader of our clan.”

Dark Star began climbing down to the ground, and then he approached the two,  Sabrina and Morris. When he arrived, he said, “Lady Sabrina, welcome to the celebration. And who is this?” Sabrina bowed her head and replied. “Thank you, Dark Star. This is my... son, Morris.” Dark Star smiled and bowed his head toward Morris, then added, “Young Morris, I am pleased to meet you. Do you know who I am?” Morris stared at him, then calmly said, “My father.” The answer shocked both Sabrina and Dark Star. Sabrina started to speak, but Dark Star held up his paw for silence. Dark Star sat and he cocked his head, then asked, “What makes you think that?” Morris couldn’t believe he had said it. Now he had to think fast. He replied, “Our markings are almost the same. I can feel it too.” Dark Star looked at Sabrina and replied, “Lady Sabrina, you were right when you described your son, our son.” Sabrina smiled and added. “Morris, you are always surprising me. Today, you have outdone yourself.”

Alexi and Jenna overheard the conversation and came running. They stopped next to Morris. Their excitement was obvious. Sabrina said. ”Girls, this is Dark Star, King Dark Star, and your father.” The sisters didn’t wait to ask, they went to their father to hug him. Dark Star smiled and hugged his daughters back, and grinned at Sabrina, who returned a smile.

After a minute, Sabrina moved to sit beside Dark Star, then leaned against him. Morris joined the hugging. From around the clearing, cats were cheering, smiling, and joining the celebration of the family being together. For hours, the clearing was celebrated.  The family talked and played until the children fell asleep, curled up between Sabrina and Dark Star. They stayed until it began getting dark.  Sabrina said. “Time to get these three back to the nest.” Dark Star replied, “Why can’t we go back to our nest. We can stay together now.” Sabrina smiled and nodded. They woke up the children and led them to their home. Back to the barn, and a stall on the ground floor. They entered where fresh straw was and soon curled up together in the corner.

In the days that followed, Sabrina and Dark Star began training their children on the dangers of the outside world. They went in different directions each day. One day, into the tall grass that grew on the other side of a road that led to the empty house and the barn. Another day, they followed the stream in the same direction the water flowed. One day, they explored the house. Then one day Dark Star sat his children down and told them about dangers. He explained that the skies held danger, too. Birds could attack from above, and you may never see it coming. Eagles and hawks can easily pick up a kitten or adult cat and carry them away, never to be seen again. The next danger Dark Star talked about was Naswoo, the king of the rats, and Barny, Naswoo’s General. Dark Star told them about the battles between the cat clan and the rat force. The two hated each other and swore they would destroy each other. These battles started farther back than Dark Star could remember. He could see that his children were scared; maybe they were too young to hear the history. Sabrina added, “I think that’s enough for today. I’ll have enough trouble getting them to sleep.

Chapter Two

The morning came too early. Everyone was sleeping late, except Morris.  Being as quiet as possible, he went outside. The sun felt so welcoming, the warmth soaked into Morris’s body.  A sound in the distance caught Morris’s attention. The sound was getting closer. Morris felt a vibration through the ground. The vibration intensified equally with the sound. Morris could tell it was coming from the direction of the road. Morris ran towards the road, eager to see what caused the noise and the ground to shake.

Standing in the middle of the road, Morris continued to be excited about what he might discover. Soon, the noise was so loud that Morris moved to the side of the road. Suddenly, Morris saw a huge thing traveling on the road, towards him. Morris stepped into the grass to stay hidden. Morris watched the thing pass by him, then stop by the house. Morris moved quietly through the grass to get closer to the thing. The noise stopped along with the ground shaking. A moment later, the side of the thing moved, and Morris was startled when a large living thing moved out of the bigger object. Morris realized this creature was what he was told was a giant. Morris stayed hidden. Then two other giants appeared from around the other side of the noisy object. They were even larger than the first one.  Morris began shaking as fear took over. The two largest giants went towards the house, while the other one remained by the noisy object. Morris felt a little less scared, so he moved along with the two giants. They moved to the house and went inside. Morris moved closer, soon he was next to the outer wall. Morris listened; he heard voices. He tried so hard to make out what they were saying that he didn’t hear the smaller giant come up behind him. Before Morris could react, he felt the giant pick him up off the ground. Morris tried twisting, biting, and clawing, but he couldn’t get loose.

The giant spoke, and it was a female voice. Despite his fear, the voice was soft and sweet. As much as he fought against it, Morris found her voice soothing. The giant brought Morris into her arms and hugged him. Morris realized it felt almost as nice as when his mother held him. The giant rubbed her cheek against Morris, he couldn’t stop relaxing. The giant carried Morris into the house, where the other giants were. The giant said, “Mommy, I found this beautiful kitty.” The one she called the girl. “Lilly, that may be full of fleas or diseases.” Lilly replied, “Mommy, he doesn’t have fleas. I’m going to call him, Blackie.”

Morris stayed in Lilly’s arms as other giants arrived and carried things into the house, entering different rooms. Lilly held him when she sat at a table and ate food. She gave him little amounts of her food to Morris. It smelled really good, so he accepted it.

After she finished her food, Lilly carried Morris into a different room. After closing the door, Lilly set Morris on the floor. Morris rushed to the door, but there wasn’t room to get through. Then Morris saw a window. After a jumping series, Morris was at the window. He searched for an opening. When he saw his mother and father watching him from the tall grass.  Morris realized how badly he had messed up by the looks on their faces. Tears formed in Morris’s eyes, and he wondered if he would ever be with his family again.

Morris curled up next to Lilly after she had put him on the bed next to her. He couldn’t sleep. The mistakes he had made and why he was separated from his family.  When the morning came, Lilly woke up and hugged Morris. She then carried him into the bigger room where they had been the night before. One of the bigger giants was going in and out of an open door, bringing things into the house. Morris took a chance and hissed as loudly as he could. Lilly was caught off guard and loosened her grip on Morris. Morrison turned and, with his claws out, drew his paw across Lilly’s hand. Lilly screamed and let go of Morris, who moved the second he landed on the floor. Within seconds, he was out the door and disappeared in the tall grass. Breathing heavily, Morris didn’t stop until he was in the barn and back with his family. His arrival woke everyone up. They all joined in a family hug, so pleased that he was back. Mother and father scolded Morris for going out on his own. They were frustrated that he had been sought by the giants, but amazed he was able to escape.

In the days that followed, the children only left the nest with one of their parents. They continued to explore other areas around the barn. Sabrina and Dark Star continued to press that there were many dangers besides the giants and the house.

Chapter Three

Waking up to a sunny day with a light breeze, Morris was the first to stir. He saw the rest were still asleep. He quietly left the stall and then the barn. He stood absorbing the warmth of the sun. Trying to make up his mind on where I was going to explore today. He was convinced that he was old enough to make his own decisions. He started for the tall grass on the other side of the road. The road held his curiosity, too, which would be his destination for tomorrow. Running across the road, then quickly entering the tall grass so he would be hidden from the danger from above. The grass was still wet with dew, he followed a path already there. He wanted to make his own path, maybe the next time.

He walked and walked, then a noise broke his peace. He froze and tried to determine where it was coming from. Listening carefully, he realized there were two sounds, coming from two different directions. His parents hadn’t taught him how to deal with this. The noises got closer. Morris lay as flat as he could, but it didn’t help much. Then he decided that making his own path, now was a suitable time to start. He rose to his feet and turned to the tall grass on his left. He forced his head through the blades, his body to follow. He managed to get in far enough to conceal himself. Again, he froze and listened. Thinking there was a chance the grass would close behind him. It felt like hours, but he could tell the source of the noises had come together. He could hear grudge voices exchanging words. Then the voices stopped, and he heard the noises were moving together away from where he had entered his path. Morris waited until he couldn’t hear any noise, then he made his way back along his path to the main path. Looking both directions and seeing no movement, he entered the path. He decided he had had enough exploration for one day. He started to run down the path, toward the barn. As he turned a corner, he found himself face to face with two creatures. Coming to a complete stop, he looked back and forth from one creature to the other. Knowing that these two were not cats, fear filled him. He quickly turned and ran in the opposite direction. Fear drove him on, but he could hear them closing in. He was running so fast that he stumbled over his feet. He turned to see the two creatures slowly walking toward him. He tried, but his feet failed him. The creatures closed in.

Suddenly, a crashing sound came from the side of the path. A second later, Dark Star appeared between Morris and his pursuers.  Dark Star stood tall, his feet set in position to attack or ward off an attack. Dark Star said, “Naswoo, I see you are up to your old tricks. Attacking lone travelers.” Naswoo spoke with a crude tone and exposed his two oversized front teeth, one broken off, halfway up. “Dark Star, what are you doing on my land?” Dark Star laughed, “Your land? Nobody owns property. You can’t claim anything. You are a gatherer, like all of your kind, taking what you want and having no concern for who you hurt along the way.” Naswoo hissing, “You are not my king, I don’t serve you, nor do I care what you think. Leave now, or we will take you down.” Dark Star didn’t give an inch, he replied, “You are a pathetic eater of trash, you and your escort do not scare me. Remember the last time we scrapped. You lost half your front tooth.” I’ll be glad to finish the job and pull both teeth from raggedy head.”

Naswoo took a step back and replied, “If I weren’t late in joining my pack, I would be glad to show you who the true king is around here.” Dark Star made a quick forward movement, causing both rats to quickly run away. Dark Star laughed again and added, “Next time, Naswoo, we will finish this, once and for all.”

Dark Star turned to his son and said, “Young Morris, do you plan to die young?” Morris shook his head and replied, “No, father, I’m sorry.” His father moved closer to him and said, “Well, I’m sure your mother will have a few things to tell you. Both of us have been looking all over for you. We'd better get back, and your mother can advance your education.

The two follow the path back to the road, there they found his mother. She didn’t look happy to see them, even though she was. Sabrina spoke with a touch of tension in her voice. “Morris, get back to our nest. I don’t want to hear a single word from you. We will deal with this later. In the meantime, you cannot leave the nest without your father or me. Understand?” Morris knew he was in deep trouble. He nodded and made his way to the barn. Behind him, he could hear his parents speak.  His mother asked, “Where did you find him?” His father replied, “In the tall grass, on one of the paths.” Sabrina knew there was more, now her voice conveyed frustration. “There's more! Tell me.” Dark Star slowly explained. “When I found him, he was with Naswoo and Barny.” Sabrina’s voice is sharp. “What was he hurt?” Dark Star reported, “No, they didn’t get close to him, he’s fine. He’s a boy and just like his father, he fears nothing.” Sabrina scoffed, “We are not home yet. I’ll show him fear.” Dark Star spoke up, “I know how you feel, my dear, but he has been scared enough for one day. Relax until tomorrow, then we will talk to him together, okay?” Sabrina scuffed again and replied, “We’ll see.”

Dark Star followed them into the nest. Morris sat waiting for his punishment that he knew he deserved. Sabrina entered the nest. She stared at Morris, then, with a scruff, Sabrina began pacing back and forth in front of Morris and his sisters. Dark Star entered and sat waiting to see what Sabrina would do. She continued to pace, then stopped and glared at Morris for a moment. Then she began pacing again. Sabrina repeated this pattern two more times before leaving without uttering a single word.

Waiting until Sabrina was out of hearing range, Dark Star said, “Son, you must be more careful. Your mother and I won’t be there every time to step in. If Naswoo had his way, no one would have ever seen you again. Imagine how your mother, your sisters, and I would feel if we lost you? Morris lowered his head. “Father, I know I was wrong. I know I caused everyone to worry. I am sorry. Mother is really upset. What can I do?” Dark Star lay down and said, “Your mother takes your safety seriously, as do I. When we give you warnings and try to teach you about the world out there, listen, and remember what we tell you. These are not stories to scare you, they are lessons to learn that will protect you. These are the same lessons our parents taught us. There are honest truths behind them. Take them to heart.” Morris had listened by the expression on his face, he replied, “I see the value of the lessons, I will do better.” Dark Star replied. “Good, we start a different training tomorrow.”

Early the next morning, Dark Star started training his three children in fighting and defensive moves. Sabrina watched and sometimes offered her ideas that added to the options. The three learned quickly, and Morrison learned faster. He was determined to learn as much as he could. This pattern of learning continued each day. It wasn’t long before Morris had become a challenger to his father.

One morning, the family woke to Dark Star announcing that there would be a gathering in the clearing when the sun was highest. The morning was used to prime themselves until it was time to leave. They took their time going to the clearing. When they were near the clearing, other cats greeted them by bowing to their King. As they entered the clearing, two females greeted them and placed Dark Star’s crown on his head. Dark Star lowered his head to receive the crown, then thanked the two for their help. The clearing was bustling with activities. They stayed as a unit, moving about the clearing. After they had made a full circle, Sabrina said, “Okay, you three go play, but don’t leave the clearing without telling me or your father. All three agreed and went off to find more fun.

Later, two male cats approached with their heads bowed. One of the males reported. “We have received messages from lookouts that Naswoo and his force are planning to arrive at the clearing soon.” Dark Star replied, “Get the word to everyone, tell them to go to their homes. We need all battle-ready members to form a circle of defense in the middle of the clearing.” Dark Star turned to  Sabrina and said, “Get our children back to the nest and secure the nest from any attack.”

The clearing quickly shifted as many headed out, while ten males remained and formed a circle around their King. Minutes later, the circle readied for the rats that emerged from the trees from all directions. Dark Star spotted Naswoo standing proud beside Barney and his force of many rats. Dark Star left the inside of the circle to face Naswoo. Naswoo recognized Dark Star and stepped forward to meet him.

Back at the nest, Sabrina was having an issue keeping Morris from returning to the clearing. Morris said, “Mother, I’m almost an adult, you and Father have trained me to protect myself, it was also meant to protect the clan. My place is next to my father.” Sabrina replied, “If your father wanted you there, he would have told you to stay.” Morris said, “You and Father are sworn to protect me. Maybe this time the decision should be mine. I didn’t do all that training to sit back and watch.” Sabrina looked into Morris’s eyes, inside, she knew he was right. She replied, “Maybe we are too protective. Morris, join your father, and be careful. Naswoo and his force are dirty fighters.” Morris stepped forward and rubbed the side of his face against hers, then said, “Thank you, mother, I will be careful, and Father and I will return to you.” With that, Morris broke into a full run back to the clearing.

At the clearing, the battle had begun. With the odds being two to one. The clan was still winning. When Morris arrived, he saw teeth and claws slashing everywhere. Many rats lie dead or dying. A couple of cats were off to the side, nursing wounds. Morris scanned the battlefield, looking for his father. Failing to spot him, Morris called out. “Father, where are you?” Morris waited, no answer. Morris yelled out, “Father!” From one of the clan, Morris heard, “He went north after Naswoo.”

Morris quickly oriented himself. Finding North, he ran after Dark Star. Morris crashed through the trees and then the tall grass. He then heard his father’s voice. Morris ran faster. Rounding a bend in the path, he found Dark Star facing Naswoo, both prepared to face each other. Morris realized Barny Naswoo’s General was sneaking up to  Dark Star from behind. Morris yelled, Barny, turn and face me unless you prefer to attack from behind.  Dark Star, hearing Morris, realized he was trapped between Naswoo and Barny. Barny turned to face Morris, seeing a young, unproven prince. He progresses toward Morrison with his beady eyes showing excitement at adding the prince to his extensive list of fallen opponents.

Morris didn’t wait for Barny to attack. Ran straight at him. Barny was sure that the attempt to show off would be the princess's last try. Just as they were to collide, Morris leaped over Barny, and with claws open on both front paws, Morris raked Barny’s head and back, almost to the base of his tail. Barny crumbled to the ground, twitching and screaming in pain. Morris landed with his back toward his father. Barny continued to scream, then he went silent and motionless.

In front of Dark Star, Naswoo was trembling in fear, realizing his trap for Dark Star had failed. With a sudden turning away from Dark Star. Naswoo moved away, running as fast as he could. Dark Star broke into a full run after Naswoo. Landing several feet in front of him. Naswoo froze, looking from side to side for an escape route. Without seeing one, Naswoo started stepping backwards. Without a word, Dark Star charged Naswoo, slicing Naswoo’s throat. Naswoo couldn’t speak; he grabbed his throat and fell to the ground.

Dark Star and Morris walked side by side back to the clearing. The battle was over. The few rats that survived had run off. Dark Star checked on each member of the clan; some were battered and bloody, but all remained to share in the victory. After a full accounting of the damage, Dark Star gathered the remaining clan members and announced. Tomorrow, we usher in the true prince of our clan. Spread the word, high noon, everyone is expected.

The next day at noon, the clan gathered. Dark Star raised his paw, asking for silence. Dark Star spoke loud and clear for everyone to hear, “Members of our beloved clan. Today I want to announce that my son, Morris, was born with the blood right, though blood is not enough. He has honored his clan, his mother, and me, as well as himself, with his actions of bravery. Has achieved all requirements to become the prince of the cat clan. I now introduce to you, while crowning my son, Morris the Cat Prince!”