The Lanterns of Silbenwald Flicker in the Storm

It was a most unusual morning in Silbenwald. During the night the wind had woken up, and now it blew boldly through the old trees. The warm lanterns that hung from every branch — the ones that made the forest glow so cosily — began to swing and flicker. Some rocked back and forth like playground swings. The soft mist that usually lay still along the ground was sent spinning and swirling by the wind. The fireflies had gone into hiding, tucked deep inside the cracks in the bark. Silbenwald held its breath.

Balduin the badger sat at the entrance to his burrow and watched the flickering forest with wide, uncertain eyes. Balduin liked things cosy. He liked his tea, his soft cushion and the steady, peaceful glow of the lanterns. But today the lanterns were anything but steady, and Balduin furrowed his broad brow. He lifted his nose and sniffed the air. It smelled of rain and wet leaves. The badger gave one long, slow sigh and said quietly to himself: "Someone has to look after the lanterns — or the light of Silbenwald will go out altogether."

All at once, a flash of red darted past Balduin. It was Fippa the squirrel! Fippa leapt from branch to branch, quick as lightning, her bushy tail whisking back and forth with excitement. "Balduin, Balduin!" she called. "Have you seen? The great lantern on the Heart Tree is flickering terribly! If it goes out, no one will be able to find their way to the centre of Silbenwald!" Balduin nodded gravely. "You're right, Fippa," he said. "We must get to the great lantern on the Heart Tree." Fippa settled herself on Balduin's broad shoulder, and together they set off.

The path to the Heart Tree wound through a hollow lane where the old tree roots arched over the track like doorways. There, right in the middle of the path, sat Piek the hedgehog, rolling this way and that because the wind kept pushing him off course. "Piek, whatever are you doing?" called Fippa, gripping Balduin's ear to steady herself. "I'm trying to walk in a straight line, but the wind keeps shoving me!" squeaked Piek. Balduin laughed warmly and held out his great paw beside Piek like a shield. "Come with us," said Balduin. "Together we are stronger than any wind."

And so all three of them made their way through Silbenwald. Balduin strode ahead, steady and calm. Piek trotted close beside Balduin's paw, sheltered from the gusts. And Fippa kept watch from above, scouting out the path. The lanterns above them flickered and trembled. Now and then one blinked out for a moment, then glowed back to life again, as though it had given itself a little fright. The mist had grown thicker and curled softly around trunks and stones like a cosy blanket. A few brave fireflies peeped out from their hiding places and blinked after the three friends curiously, as if to ask: "Can you really do it?"

Suddenly a deep, unhurried "tu-whoo" reached them from the branches overhead. The owl was perched on a thick bough, gazing down at the three of them with calm golden eyes. She spoke slowly and thoughtfully: "I have been waiting for you. The great lantern on the Heart Tree needs fresh lantern wax. Without it, the light will fail." Balduin looked up. "Where do we find lantern wax?" he asked. The owl tilted her head and replied: "At Honeyboulder Hill, where the ancient bees make their home. But hurry — the storm is growing stronger."

Fippa knew Honeyboulder Hill well. She sprang from Balduin's shoulder and bounded ahead, leaping from root to stone to branch. Balduin and Piek followed as fast as they could. Then, just around the far side of a great oak, the fox came running towards them — and in his paws he held a small, round jar that glowed golden as honey. "I've already fetched the lantern wax!" the fox cried, his bushy tail sweeping with pride. "I heard the owl too, and I wanted to help." Balduin beamed. "How wonderful that we are not alone!" he said.

Together all five of them hurried to the Heart Tree. The Heart Tree was the oldest tree in all of Silbenwald, its bark lined with deep grooves and its branches stretching out in every direction like open arms. From its very highest branch hung the great lantern, and it was flickering now in the most alarming way. The fox passed the lantern wax up to Balduin. But how were they ever to reach so high? Fippa gave her bright little laugh, tucked the wax carefully into her mouth and scurried up the trunk as nimbly as ever. Everyone below held their breath.

Fippa climbed with the greatest care until she reached the very top. With her tiny paws she opened the lantern, placed the new wax gently inside and breathed on it — just the softest breath. The flame leapt up, golden and warm and strong. The great lantern shone once more, steady and sure, even in the midst of the storm. And as if at a signal, Balduin heard one lantern after another rekindle across the forest and burn on calmly through the wind. The fireflies poured out of their hiding places and danced joyfully around the light. Silbenwald was glowing again.

Balduin, Fippa, Piek, the fox and the owl all stood together beneath the Heart Tree and looked out at the gleaming forest. The wind grew quieter, as though it too had let out a long breath of relief. The mist settled back softly and peacefully around the trees. Piek sniffed the air and said in a small, happy voice: "It smells like warm light now." Everyone laughed. Then they all walked together to Balduin's burrow, drank warm tea and listened as the storm outside grew gentle and still. The lanterns of Silbenwald burned on through the whole night — warm and safe — for everyone who was ready to sleep.