THE SETTING, DUSK
IN A PASSENGER TRAIN, LATE SUMMER IN 1985.



Seth lay in his cage as the train rattled and shook. He was given some meat and raisins, but that seemed hardly enough. Seth wanted out. As the train rattled he thought, where am I going?
Suddenly the train screamed to a slow stop. Sounds of screaming where heard everywhere. The train had hit something. As suit cases fell one hit Seth’s cage opening it. Afraid of staying any longer, he ran out then jumped out the window.
Falling from the train he caught the ground with his feet. Now running as fast as he could to freedom. He had gone some distance before he came to a full stop. Sitting down tongue hanging out, he looked at the meadow that he now was in. “This should be a good spot” he said and started digging.
After his new den was done he looked around to see a forest near by. I wonder what kind of food they have here.
Walking into the forest nice and stealthy, sniffing the air to see if there is any predators in the area.

Howling sounds in the distance, Seth pricks his ears up.
Its coming from the train, they are after him. Seth ran all night to get away from the dogs it’s a good thing that he was a good runner.

Back at the train, “well I don’t think we will be able to find that fox don’t forget that kind can run like the wind.”
“Jim I guess we’ll have to wait the return trip to get another one. Its too bad.” Jim pats the other on the shoulder “Swift foxes haven’t left the whole world yet Dan. We still have a chance.”

Tyden was finishing his evening meal when he heard dogs in the far distance. He didn't like dogs in his territory, it usually meant that they were hunting him.

Tyden was finished with his meal and started to jog lightly toward where he heard the howling. The howling seemed to be at the boundry of his territory or beyond it.

Tyden entered the meadow that acted as the boundry of his territory. There was no need to chase off the dogs if they weren't in his territory but Tyden looked around the territory and noticed some dirt that was thrown upon the surface. A new fox den has been built here.

Tyden sniffed at the ground and found the scent and followed it which led back into his territory. It obviously was not a vixen but being his age and still without a mate, he could use some company; if the fox was freindly.

Tyden followed the scent and awaited to see what he was going to find.

Tyden was still following the scent and didn't see Seth when he spoke which caused to be frightened for a moment and jump back a couple feet with his ears up and looking at the new fox. Yikes, don't scare me like that. Tyden laughed at the thought of him being scared by another fox. Anyway, my name is Tyden, and this is my territory from stretching back to that meadow to a few dozen miles behind you. Glad to have some company.

Tyden sat down and looked at the swift fox, Seth was a lot smaller than he was. He was sure that this was the same fox that dug then den back in the meadow. Maybe this fox has something to do with the dogs Tyden thought to himself. Do you know anything about those dogs that were barking earlier?

Tyden growled at the thought of dogs chasing Seth. It's a shame that those dogs or humans didn't chase you this far into the woods, they would have regretted ever thinking about coming through he ever again. Tyden didn't say anymore for a few seconds to give himself a chance to cool off.

I usually don't hunt near the boundries of the territory but there probably are mice or voles somewhere around here. If you want some fish, there's a nice lake about two miles southwest of here. He looked past Seth, toward his own den. My den is about four miles back that way. I don't usually sleep in it but around it. I see that you already made yourself a home, there's some fine soil in that meadow and the den should be of good quality. Tyden smiled at Seth, he knew that Seth was a bit worried about him being angry with him about the invasion and defacing of the territories boundry.

What kinda fox am I? Tyden asked himself. Of course, I'm none other than a vulpes vulpes. And everyone knows that we are not endangered. Tyden never seen another red fox before except for the ones in his family but he hasn't seen them since they parted. He ate the mouse that Seth offered him. All my family have either been black or white foxes, sometimes silver. Surely you've at least seen a black or silver fox before.

Tyden started to walk toward his den but continued talking signaling for Seth to follow; I've lived around here most my life. I've been fighting with hunters and hunting dogs from before I could remember though. This must be a popular hunting ground but it seems to be lighting up. Tyden stopped and waited for Seth to catch up.

Ah, fur farms Tyden said to himself and sat down. He lowered his head in thought. That's one of my dreams, is too raid a fur farm; give those sick human employs what they deserve but I am only one fox. Chasing off hunters around here already keeps my paws full. Tyden stood back up and continued to walk toward his den, the sun was starting to set. He didn't know if Seth would follow him or not, he didn't mind to have the company.

I usually don't sleep in the den, but I do sleep around it. If you want you can use my den for tonight. It's open for you to use. Tyden continued walking along. He did not want to think of the horrors of fur farms but Seth did bring it back up again and he had to tell him the truth; It would be great to help out the foxes but with these wounds, I'm not what I used to be. I have fought against many hunters and their dogs which left many scars in my skin. One such incedent left a small slit across my throat, but you can not see it underneath the fur. The truth is, that I have never attacked a human on offense, everytime it I have been in a fight with a human or his dog, it was for defense; and I'm afraid to attack a human when I know that it is putting me in an unnescarry risk. Tyden sighed, I wish I could do something about it but I can't.

Tyden stopped. He has never expected to tell anyone about this. He was glad to have the company but he hated to discuss this issue. Usually he debated it in his mind and didn't like doing that even. Without much more hesitation, he headed for the den again. He didn't say much more on the way there.

Tyden woke to a scream. He looked up at the sky only to see many stars, it still was rather late. Tired, Tyden stood and stretched.

Stumbling, he walked over to his den and looked in; he couldn't see Seth, he must have gone deeper into the den.

Tyden wondered if it was Seth that screamed, it must be a big change to be living in the wild since he has only lived with humans his whole life. I'm surprised that he could hunt well enough to catch mice already, but that's natural instinct I guess.

Tyden went to the nearby stream, took a drink and headed back to the den.