Chapter 29: Walking On

"Are you okay, Ash?" Charlotte asked.
"Fine," Ash sighed. He clearly couldn't fight everyone fretting over him.
"Where is Mt. Ice located?" Rusty asked Fan.
"Not too far away," Fan promised.
"My paws ache," Dust mumbled.
"Already?" Stone snorted.
"Let's get moving now," Eclipse said.
Since Healers (What Medicine Benders were called for short) were the wise animals of Bending, they were listened to often. With Eclipse's advice, the patrol walked on.
"Are we almost at the Water Tribe?" Rusty asked hopefully.
Airia laughed. "We're nowhere close, Rusty."
"Aww," Dust muttered.
The patrol kept walking north, through the forest. Ash sniffed the air. His belly rumbled as he could smell prey.
Airia put her tail in front of Ash. "We're not hunting yet."
Aww, Ash thought disappointedly.
They kept walking. Ash jumped on top of a rock, and stood high, pretending he was leader.
Someday, I'll be a leader...hopefully, Ash thought, longing to be the one calling, "Benders! Gather!"
"Ash, keep moving," Charlotte called.
Shaking his head, Ash jumped off the rock. He caught up to the group.
Finally, the patrol exited the forest.

Author's Note:
So, what do you think? Would Ash make a good leader?