The Treasure Thief.

Image of a small squirrel leaping from a tall tree branch to another tree branch

Fatal jump

You are up high in the tree, your squirrel heart drumming in your tiny chest as the wolves howl and bark below. They leap up, their fearsome claws scraping noisily against the tree bark, but they can't reach you. You've used your squirrel speed and smarts to climb just out of their reach. You're safe for now, but you can't stay in this tree forever.

Looking across the canopy, you see another tree not too far away. A jump from here seems possible - though it's wider than you usually attempt. Remembering, you trust in the squirrel agility that helped you evade the wolves. Something else catches your eyes; a falcon circles above, crying out with a sharp, echoing call. It feels like a warning. But you know you can't stay here for long. You take a deep breath, gathering your bravery as you prepare to leap.

And so, with your courage running high, you jump! Squirrel muscles work hard, propelling you through the air, leaves rustling behind and beneath you. The jump wasn't perfect – you land a little lower than you planned! The wolves see and start pacing in excitement. But you aren't afraid. You stand strong and ready, the memory of outsmarting a troll giving you confidence. And so, you stand firm, determined to face whatever comes next.

The End