“Enemy in sight.”

 

He was a bearded man whose staggering height seemed to reach the lowest cloud.

 

“Roger that.” 

 

They have one mission. Protect the fortress. 

 

“Enemy is approaching. Deploy the troops.” The bears emerged one by one forming a blockade in front of the fortress. The gentle expressions they wore on their faces and their differing sizes were not to be underestimated.

 

The bearded man smirked. He had a cavalry of his own. He raised his right arm and waved it forward motioning his battalion to come forth. Snakes. Spotted ones that slithered almost mechanically to protect their commander.

 

“Prepare the catapults.” Inside the fortress, they picked up their projectiles and set them in place. The moment came. It was time to attack. “On my count. 5… 4… 3… 2…”

 

“Time for dinner!”

 

“Awwwwwww.” The children’s protests sounded off from within the fortress. They laid down their wooden spoons and paper balls as the bearded man crossed enemy lines. He pulled back one of the pillows of their fortress and smiled at his son and daughter.

 

“We must refuel!” The bearded man scooped up his children and tickled them as they left the stuffed bears and plastic snakes frozen in battle.

 

At least for now.