Free Darkwing by Kenneth Oppel

glances. He had always enjoyed a lofty status,but it had never been higher than now. The prowl seemed to have grown considerably in the month he’d been away. As the saurians died out, the felids began leading a privileged life with virtually no predators. There were countless newborns gambolling about, their mothers watching over them, smugly tired.
    He lazily imagined the life ahead. He would mate with Panthera; she would be glad to bear his many children. And what exquisite hunters and fighters their offspring would be.
    His brow furrowed. As the prowl’s numbers continued to swell, they would all have to forage farther to find enough food. And if the other beast kingdoms enjoyed the same prosperity, would there not come a time—all too soon perhaps—when scarcity would become their new enemy? Unless …
    As Carnassial sprawled on a broad branch, licking his paws meditatively, Patriofelis joined him. Carnassial stood deferentially and allowed his leader to settle himself. For some time, Carnassial had known he was a special favourite of Patriofelis, prized for his prowess as a hunter. He had served the prowl well over the years, defending its territory, tirelessly seeking out the saurian eggs. He’d even heard talk that he was being groomed as the next leader. Carnassial wondered how much longer Patriofelis would live.
    “You must be weary,” Patriofelis said.
    “Never,” Carnassial replied.
    “An excellent reply,” said the leader, and for a few moments, they lounged side by side in companionable silence.
    “We are many now,” said Carnassial, looking at his fellow felids stalking through the undergrowth.
    “We are indeed,” Patriofelis purred contentedly. Carnassial paused for a moment before replying. “Perhaps too many.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Carnassial wondered if he was being rash, but with his new glory still hovering about him, would there be a time when his words would be better received?
    “We’ve been successful, yes,” he said, “but the more numerous we become, the harder it will be to feed us all.”
    Patriofelis licked his tail complacently. “There has always been enough food in the forests for us.”
    “But we share the forest with many other beasts. And with the saurians gone, they will flourish too,” Carnassial pointed out. “We all feed on the same things. Before long there will not be enough.”
    Patriofelis looked thoughtful. “The world is wide. We can increase our feeding grounds.”
    “Of course,” said Carnassial, making himself pause respectfully. Patriofelis batted Carnassial fondly with a paw. “The world is at peace now; even the best hunter must allow himself to rest.”
    “Ah, but who will hunt us next? That is the question.”
    “The birds are of little consequence, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
    “No, I was thinking of the other beasts.”
    “It’s never been the way of beasts to hunt one another.”
    “If we were wise, we would be the first to do so.” Carnassial had turned to his leader and lowered his voice. His ears flattened against his head.
    “What are you saying, Carnassial?” Patriofelis growled softly.
    “It’s as you said. With the saurians gone, all the beasts will inherit the earth. Someone must emerge as the new rulers. Let it be us.”
    Patriofelis stroked the greying fur of his throat with his claws. “How would you achieve this?”
    “We must find more food for ourselves, better food.”
    “And where would we find such food?”
    Carnassial lowered his voice further still. “I have only to cast my eyes around this forest.”
    “You are suggesting we eat other beasts?” Patriofelis said, appalled. Carnassial swallowed. It was too late to turn back now. “Let us be the hunters, not the hunted.”
    “And what of the Pact?”
    “The Pact is completed. Its work is done. This is a new world now.”
    “These creatures were our allies against the saurians.” Carnassial sniffed. “I did not see so many of them. They