This print features in the Highland Knights 2024 calendar available here.
 
Guardian Of The Nuts
 
In the heart of a dense, mossy Scottish forest, there lived a courageous red squirrel named Rufus. November had arrived, and Rufus knew it was a time when food was scarce. The sneaky grey squirrels often attempted to steal the precious stash of nuts he'd diligently gathered throughout the year.
Determined to safeguard his precious nut hoard, Rufus hatched an ingenious plan. He'd always been a resourceful squirrel, and this time was no different. He scoured the forest for anything that could help him protect his treasure, and his eyes fell on a discarded piece of shiny metal.
Rufus decided to forge himself a suit of armour. His little paws worked tirelessly as he used stones as hammers, rocks as an anvil and leaves to cushion the metal. He even managed to forge a sword from a discarded knife from a picnic.
Once he donned his tiny suit of armor, Rufus felt invincible. The metal clinked with every step, and his fellow forest creatures stared in amazement. He was the squirrel knight, guardian of the nuts!
November's chill winds howled through the trees, signalling the grey squirrels that it was time to stock up on their winter reserves. They descended upon Rufus's territory, determined to swipe his cache. Little did they know what awaited them.
Rufus, now a gleaming sentinel of the forest, stood tall beside his stash. He bravely confronted the grey squirrel invaders with his sword at the ready. They were taken aback by his unexpected appearance and the tiny knight's unwavering determination.
"Back off!" Rufus declared in a squeaky, determined voice. "These nuts are under the protection of the Squirrel Knight!"
The grey squirrels hesitated but soon realized Rufus was serious. They decided that the shiny knight was not to be trifled with and retreated to find their own winter sustenance.
With a triumphant flick of his sword, Rufus watched them disappear into the woods. He had successfully defended his beloved nut hoard. The little knight's armor might have been made from discarded scraps, but it had served its purpose brilliantly.
As November turned to December and the forest floor was blanketed in a frosty white, Rufus knew his stash was safe and secure. He shed his makeshift armor, stashing it away as a memento of his victory. The forest creatures, now with respect for Rufus's determination, celebrated with a feast, sharing nuts and stories by a cozy, crackling fire.
Rufus had not only protected his nuts but had also earned the admiration of his fellow squirrels and the title of "Squirrel Knight," a legend that would be whispered through the Scottish forest for generations to come.