Chapter 4 – Wise Owl, Keeper of Secrets The small company walked on, tired from the long night. At last they stopped, unsure where to go next. “I know one who sees all that happens in these woods,” said Sly Fox. “Perhaps he will guide us — Wise Owl, Keeper of Secrets.” Excalibur and Clever Hare shared a weary glance. To them, an owl was more hunter than friend. But for Arthur’s sake, they agreed to try. High in an old oak they found him, feathers dark, eyes shining like coins in the moonlight. Wise Owl looked down, cold and distant. “A rat, asking for war?” he said. “You are small. The king is strong. Best hide and live.” Excalibur’s whiskers shook, but his voice stayed firm. “Arthur chose me when no one else would. I will not leave him now. If I must go alone, I will.” Clever Hare lifted his ears. “The king burned our burrows. He hunted my kin for sport. Will you stay silent while he harms us all?” Even Sly Fox bowed his head. “Perhaps the rat shows more courage than we have, old friend.” Wise Owl was quiet a long while. Then he spread his wings. “Wisdom I can give, but wisdom alone cannot defeat a tyrant. You need strength. Seek Proud Wolf, who rules the shadows. Men fear even his name.” From his breast he pulled a single feather, silver and strong. It drifted down into Excalibur’s paws. “Show this to Proud Wolf. He will know I sent you, and he will not harm you.” Excalibur held the feather close. For the first time, the path ahead did not seem so dark. Together the rat, the hare, and the fox set out again, guided now by the promise of strength yet to come.
