"My sons, be wise, and be strong, both of you."
His mother's last words echoed through his mind as gazed steadily ahead. The thrones that had once belonged to him and his brother now lay empty; Ehedetor now sat in the largest, most ornate of the thrones, and Doboslav had fled, along with any disloyal hares of the Long Patrol. A blaze of fury rushed through Ehedetor, and he stood suddenly, grabbing the warhammer that had rested against the throne. He swung wildly at his brother's throne, over and over, until it was naught but a pile of rubble on the ground. He stood, panting, and the door to his throne room creaked open.
"Alright, sah?"
Falter Ellick Sodsworth, Soddy, stood at the door, peering in, his unnaturally long ear nearly touching the ground. The hare glanced at the stones on the ground, which had formerly been a gorgeous throne, but seemed unfazed.
"Of course," rumbled Ehedetor, though he was breathing heavily. "Soddy, have the runners returned yet? I want news of my brother."
"M'not sure, I'll jus' go and find out, shall I?"
"Yes. Do." The mighty badger, still breathless, set down his hammer and returned to his throne as Soddy vacated the room.
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"My sons, be wise, and be strong. Both of you."
Doboslav scoffed aloud as he thought about the words his mother had said as she lay on her deathbed. Doboslav knew that his brother wasn't wise, that he was a hot-headed, stoic fool, who would drive Salamandastron to ruin should he hold the throne. Doboslav regretted fighting, regretted that he had been forced to leave his rightful home, and that so many of his loyal hares had dropped everything to follow him.
Now he sought Redwall Abbey, the legendary fortress in the middle of Mossflower Woods. He knew the Abbess to be kind, though Doboslav remained pessimistic that she would allow them to wage their war from the Abbey. But one way or another, Doboslav knew he would need to find a place to set up base, for his brother would not rest in his pursuit of him; the stakes were too high. Doboslav knew that war was ahead, and he intended to be the victor.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Soddy stood outside the door, shaking his head. Ehedetor was in a rage, the hare knew, and those bouts of fury left him tired. The Long Patrol veteran was used to seeing his liege infuriated, having fought beside him in many battles, but for him to destroy his brother's throne... He sighed. Reconciliation between the twin badgers was unlikely.
"You; Ridjard," Soddy said, as the young hare passed by.
"Find Leafblade. Ask him if the runners have returned. Ehedetor wants to know."
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Ichabod frowned. It was rare to see Doboslav in a foul mood. Still, the band of hares continued their trek through the rain, on their quest to the Abbey.
"Lights ahead!" Somebeast called.
Sure enough, Ichabod could make out faint light further down the road, a sign that they had nearly reached their destination. Sure enough, before long the mighty sandstone building had emerged from the storm. The band of hares approached the gate, and Doboslav stepped forward, knocking three times on the door.
They waited for a response...
Ridjard de Trovela, the juvenile hare lept to attention as the high ranking hare called to him. He began ranting as he saluted, "Yes, sah! I will right away, sah! I'm on my way sah!" then he paused and asked Soddy, "Uh, where might he be?"
Soddy rolled his eyes, though the Ridjard's energy certainly impressed him.
"M'well, 'e should be at the gates, watching for the runners. That's where I left 'im, I think."
Ridjard saluted, and immediately ran off. Once at the gate he spotted General Leafblade and he called out, "General, his lordship requires your presence, sah!"
Captain Rolf Leafblade, quickly approached the young hare, "Alright bally chap, I will attend to his lordship immediately." He turned and poking the young hare's chest, said "By the way, I am Captain, not a general.
~
Rolf saluted Sodsworth and Lord Ehedetor as he said, "My Lord, you wished to see me?"
"Have the runners returned?" Asked Ehedetor, staring down the hare. "I want to know where my brother is. And what he's up to."
"Not yet my lord, but judging by the small dust cloud coming from the north east and speed of those young gallopers they will be here about tomorrow at dawn"
Ehedetor nodded, and gestured for Leafblade to exit.
"Be prepared to greet them, and send them straight to me."
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At Redwall Abbey, the massive door that served as an entrance creaked open, and the youthful Abbess Tella opened the door. Her eyes opened wide in shock at seeing the Badger Lord and the company of hares, and she seemed at a loss for a moment.
"Doboslav? Why are you here? And the Long Patrol?". She asked. She knew both brothers, though she had a habit of mixing them up. She often guessed which was which.
"My mother is dead. Ehedetor has exiled me, and the loyal members of the Long Patrol. We need a place to stay the night, and plan our next move. We were hoping we could spend a few nights here, Abbess." Doboslav said, bowing his head. He neglected to mention that he intended to operate out of the Abbey. He would save that for breakfast, and a private meeting between the Abbess, him, and any other creatures they deemed had importance in the discussions.
OOC: Alright, Doboslav is in the Abbey. We're going to timeskip to dawn after/during Scott's post, so we can get this rolling for real. ;D
OOC: Finally, Brother Eldon can get in the action!
At dawn a galloper came running up. The young hare stopped in front of the long patrol captain,"Scouted up north east, Captain"
"Top o' marks young lad, Lord Ehedetor requests your presence, wot wot."
The young hare entered, the room in which Soddy and Ehedetor were in, "My Lord, it seems to me that the rebels have fled north east, toward Redwall Abbey."
Ehedetor stared blankly ahead, registering what the runner had said.
"Redwall..." He nodded. "You're dismissed," he said, gesturing to the hare. "Soddy."
"Yes sah?"
"You and Leafblade are to head to the Abbey immediately. Convince Abbess Tella not to allow Doboslav to stay."
"Yes, sah."
Soddy left to fetch Leafblade, and Ehedetor was left alone with his thoughts.
******************************************DAWN, THE NEXT DAY*******************************************************************************
OOC: Alright, here's the stitch; The meeting is soon to begin; attendees will be Doboslav, Ichabod, Eldon, and maybe an NPC or two. At some point, Leafblade and Soddy will arrive at the Abbey, and be invited to the meeting.
Doboslav sluggishly climbed out of bed. Well, beds. Because of his huge frame, the Abbess hadn't been able to give him a proper room; instead he had been left to sleep in the Gatehouse, with two beds pushed together. His Long Patrol had camped outside of the Abbey, though a few captains were permitted to set up tents within the walls. Stepping outside, Doboslav wasn't surprised to find Ichabod and Captain Jilthing J. Jarvas standing outside the building; he had asked the two to join him in the meeting. In silence, the trio walked to Cavern Hole, where the meeting was to be held.
They arrived there, with Abbess Tella already sat at the head of the table. They took seats, and both Jilthing and Ichabod began to happily partake in the scones that had been left out. However, the Abbess and the badger sat in silence, awaiting Brother Eldon.
Haenrok stood to one side in the room, arms folded. He had been asked to represent Skipper, and as honored he was for the position, the situation made him uncomfortable. This Doboslav may be a badger, but if he and his brother were having troubles between them then it would cause problems for others.
Brother Eldon stopped outside the main door to the Abbey, finishing up his morning run along the base of the Abbey walls. Breathing lightly, he let down his habit to its normal length and stepped inside. As he walked towards Cavern Hole, he smiled and dipped his head to the early morning cooks and servers bustling about the hall preparing breakfast.
Pausing a moment before he joined the meeting, he thought briefly over the situation. A Badger Lord and half of the Long Patrol, exiled from Salamandastron: a truly disastrous situation. He had no doubt that conflict, possibly bloodshed, would follow in its wake. Badgers are not particularly forgiving when they feel something is their prerogative. Hares, while far less vengeful, are supremely loyal, and not afraid of battle.
He sighed and shook his head. Nothing good would come of this. Nevertheless, it is the duty of Redwallers to offer shelter and aid to those in distress, and certainly these exiles were in need. What worried him was what might come afterwards.
Folding his arms, he entered Cavern Hole and bowed respectfully. "Mother Abbess, Lord Doboslav." He also nodded towards the otter and hares. "Brother Haenrock, officers. How may I be of assistance this morning?"
"Is this everyone, Abbess?" Asked Doboslav. She nodded. He gazed around the room; his two hares, the aged Brother Eldon, the Abbess, and an otter. Three representatives from each party.
"As you have heard by this point, I'm sure, my brother has claimed the throne of Salamandastron. The throne which is rightfully mine." He gazed dramatically at the Abbeydwellers. None seemed surprised.
"I intend to fight for my claim, along with my Long Patrol. We may be exiled from our home, but we intend to reclaim it... However... My brother is likely to pursue me, to ensure I cannot attempt this pursuit of my title as ruler of Salamandastron. If I am to engage in this conflict, I need a citadel to operate from."
"One such as Redwall..." He and the Abbess said, in sync.
"Out of the question," Abbess Tella immediately said, with a frown. "I understand your plight, Doboslav. I really do. But it is not the place of the Abbey to assist you. If any creatures volunteer to support you, that is their decision; but I will not endanger the denizens of the Abbey."
Doboslav frowned, as the hares on either side of him displayed agitation.
"The Abbey has never been able to defend itself from vermin without Salamandastron. Ehedetor will not go out of his way to protect the Abbey; I, on the other hand, would go any distance to do so. Please, this is the best decision for the Abbey."
She shook her head, though with less certainty.
"I cannot take your word for it, Doboslav. I have no way of knowing what your brother's ideals are."
"There are three of your people here, Abbess; perhaps we should hear what The Skipper's representative, and Brother Eldon think..."
OOC: The Abbess is free to control by anyone, by the way. Just to make sure everyone realizes. :)
Haenrok spoke first. "Why do you think you have more right for the throne than your brother? All I can see is you both are fighting like children over a toy you both want. Excuse my allegory," he added quickly.
"I am the eldest, if only by a few minutes. And I don't push that claim for myself; I intend to fight for it for the good of Mossflower. My brother is a warmonger; I intend to simply enforce peace within the realm," Doboslav never looked away from Haenrok as he spoke. "And the comparison is fine. It's not inaccurate." He followed with a chuckle.
OOC: I made a character, so I'm just going to jump right into it.
BIC: Josy Broadrudder bound into the meeting room, full of energy. "I'm sorry mates. I forgot about the meeting. How can I be of assistance?" She asked, viewing the room. She glanced over at the Badger Lord, respectfully bobbing her head, "G'day Lord," she said. She knew the problem between Doboslav and his brother. She and her tribe were strong supporters of Doboslav. She knew he was the best choice to rule Salamandstrom.
The Abbess shot Josy a harsh luck. "You can sit and listen." She said.
"Very well," said Haenrok, turning back to Doboslov after Josy's interruption. "But why would he trouble Redwall except for you bein' here? You know the risk to others if you're gonna start a war."
Josy slouched into a chair, looking crestfallen. "Fine..." she muttered under her breath.
"I don't deny, there is risk to the creatures of Redwall with my presence here. But Ehedetor, for all his faults, wouldn't squander the life of a goodbeast. He is likely to take prisoners where he can, if there's a war, and forgive the Abbey should he defeat me," Doboslav once again paused, and gazed around the room for effect. "However, he will not protect the Abbey if he does; should a vermin horde arrive, he will leave the Abbey to defend itself. Which would you rather; to fight for safety from great dangers in the future, or to gamble for safety from Ehedetor now?"
At this point, seeing the Abbess pause, Brother Eldon arose. "Lord Doboslav, I believe you are misunderstanding the issue at hand. Nobeast can foresee what is to come. Yet regardless of what the future holds, there are certain duties each of us has. Doubtless, as a Lord of Salamandastron, you understand duty: to protect the goodbeasts of the Western Shores from vermin who come to pillage and slay. Many a badger and hare has given their lives to that cause, and likely many will in the future. We, too, here at Redwall have our own duties: to care for the poor and the needy, the injured and afflicted. Such we have done for you (as you are dispossessed of your home), and will continue to do so as long as you are in need."
As he continued, he gazed calmly at the badger. "We are also bound to honor and protect all goodbeasts, raising paw in defense only to protect Redwall when it is threatened. We have forsaken violence. Such are the duties of our Order." He shook his head firmly. "We have the responsibility to bring peace, healing, and understanding to Mossflower, not war. The gates of Redwall must stand always open to those of good heart, even those with whom we do not agree. This is not to say we cannot aid you in your endeavor, but we could do so only through peaceful and fair negotiation, not steel and blood. For between good beasts there ought to be no conflict, neither for power, nor for glory, nor for any grievance. The way of peace is open to all those who seek wisdom and righteousness."
Josy sat forward in her chair, listening to Brother Eldon's eloquent speech. "Well said, Brother." she murmured to herself.
Doboslav dipped his head, chagrined by Brother Eldon's words.
"Yes, of course. Forgive me, please. I got ahead of myself, suddenly wanting to recruit the goodbeasts of Redwall into my war. That is ridiculous to ask. Any aid you offer, be it as mediators or as warriors would be amazingly appreciated, and having your Abbey open to me, even for this one day, has been a great service... But the question remains as to how long you will leave your Abbey open to me, to operate out of."
Josy was rallied by Doboslav's words. "I'd be glad to aid you in your cause, Doboslav. I'm sure I can recruit some other otters I know that would be glad to join your cause." Josy's face reddened as she looked at the Abbess, "I'm sorry..." she muttered.
"I'm not sure Skipper would agree with fighting another creature's war," said Haenrok to Josy, looking at her hard. "But. . . I'm sorry, Brother Eldon, but I think we're gonna have to pick a side here. We're either gonna get caught up in the middle o' two forces, (and I don't think gettin' sucked down a whirlpool like that'll be any good) or we move with one."
Brother Eldon shook his head slowly. "It is our duty to remain neutral arbiters. We cannot side with one faction of good beasts over another faction of good beasts; that is not our way. Surely, we will feed them and provide them a place to rest, as is our charge, but we cannot close and bar the gates against Lord Ehedetor, who has as much claim to our hospitality as Lord Doboslav. Not as a Lord of Salamandastron, but as a fellow beast, for Redwall recognizes no division of class or profession. If they have a conflict, we will surely aid them to resolve it peacefully. But no weapons ought to be drawn within our walls against any but vermin intent on conquest."
Suddenly out of nowhere a young mouse came in said, "Mother Abbess, sorry to interrupt, but, there are two hares outside and are demand entrance. There was a big commotion, when they said they were sent by Lord Ehedetor, it was terrible. What should I do? "
Josy looked over at Haenrok with a smile, "There are more otters in Mossflower than just Skipper and his crew." As the mouse came running in, she turned suddenly, a look of concern on her face.
The Abbess blinked in surprise at the news of the messengers. "Send them in. Tell them to be civil, or we will have them escorted from the Abbey. That goes for you, Doboslav." She said, turning to the Badger Lord.
"Of course, Abbess."
Soddy entered first, and glanced around the room. He had known Doboslav would be at the Abbey of course, but the number of beasts gathered around the room surprised him. Clearly their entrance had been well timed, as it didn't appear any important decisions had been made yet.
"'Ello, Doboslav. Abbess. Er... assorted others." he said, making eye contact and smiling at each creature.
"How nice, a meeting we can now talk sensibly," Rolf said as he cleared his throat, "I am Rolf Leafblade, captain of the Long Patrol, and this is Falter Ellick Sodsworth, head of the same aforementioned group, who serve Ehedetor, Lord of Salamandastron, Protector of Mossflower, Defender of Redwall Abbey, Masterof Brockhall, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera...
"We have come to discuss the situation we are all facing, which I am sure, you all are familiar with: The division within Salamandastron." Here he paused for a reaction, and continued, "It must be noted, while, it seems both brothers have claims to being lord of the mountain, it is clear however, that from birthright, Ehedetor is the rightful heir as being the first born." Here he stopped and watch Doboslav's expression.
Josy leapt up, "Be that as it may, Ehedetor is a warmonger! It would be disastrous for him to be the Lord of the Mountain. We need a Lord who is sensible and would fight to protect Mossflower and its inhabitants. Ehedetor would do the complete opposite!" Josy sat down with a huff.
Doboslav raised a skeptical eyebrow at Leafblade's words. He began laughing, a barking sound that filled the room.
"Is that so, Leafblade? I hadn't expected my brother to flat out lie, though some underhanded tactics were certain. I am the eldest."
Then Josy snapped at Leafblade. Doboslav couldn't help but smile at the otter as she fervently repeated everything he had told her.
Soddy put a paw to his face. Already this was going poorly for Ehedetor.
OOC: Sorry I've been slow to post; it's show week.
Josy smiled back at Doboslav and then turned to watch the rest of the meeting unfold.
OOC : are we still doing this?
OOC: I still would like to.
OOC: Me too. Unimaginative sort of disappeared again. . .
OOC: I'm still here as well, though my character never got accepted.
OOC: I think at this point you can just join in, but I'm not running it so...I really liked this RP, I wish we were continuing. Do you guys just want to keep going?
OOC: It's usually bad manners to take over someone's RP, but I PM'ed Unimaginative two weeks ago, and he's never responded, so I think it's safe to go ahead. I suppose, I'll take Doboslav and you,
@The Skarzs, take Ehdetor?