It was early morning.
The sun hadn't even risen yet, but the good creatures of Redwall Abbey were already up and getting ready to start their day, for Abbot Grant was hosting a feast in celebration of the Winter of the White Sky!
Duncan practically flew out of bed when he realized that he'd overslept, waking up only when Grant knocked on his door.
He threw the door open and glanced down at the mouse, panic alight in his eyes. "Huh, wha? Did I miss the scoff? Oh Abbot please, tell me I didn't miss the blinkin' great feast! Tell me..."
Grant smirked and put a paw on the hare's shoulder.
"You didn't miss the blinking great feast."
Duncan instantly relaxed.
"Whew. If you'd only held it in the beginning of winter, Sah, I'd not have overslept--"
Grant clicked his teeth and brought a forepaw up to the hare's mouth to silence him.
"Aah, but I held it back for you, remember. You were sick from stuffing yourself with scones during those early days of winter. I remember you droning on and on about how if you missed the feast, you'd die out of sadness..."
"I certainly did not!" Duncan retorted, going red in the face.
The Abbot flashed a smile. "You certainly did. Come now, we need to set up! I know we'll be in need of extra paws in the kitchens, especially when Chrysanthe gets here. And I still have to wake up Bracklew and see if Drubble has the drinks ready..."
Together they headed down the hallway.
OOC-
Okay, guys, here it is!
Let's not bring in the horde until the feast is over. The Redwallers deserve at least a little break, y'know?
Mortembell the vixen, Redwall's Recorder, groaned at the antics of Duncan and Grant in the hallway. She rolled over and tried to close her eyes when Stumbly the mousebabe pulled back the covers.
"Bell, Bell! We 'ave t'go to da feast! Stumbee's hungwee!"
Mortembell picked up Stumbly lightly and set her back on the floor.
"Why don't you go and tell those two outside that I'll be out soon. If you do that, I'm sure Drubble will let you taste the drinks with him!"
Stumbly clapped her paws with delight and toddled over to the slightly ajar door. She pushed it open and tugged at Grant's robe.
"Fatha H'abbot, Bell says she be out soon and I gets t'taste da dwinks wif Dubble!"
The vixen emerged in the hallway, fiddling with her robe.
"I'm here, Grant. Go on Stumbly, run along now. Take Max with you!"
Mortembell shook her head.
"Never get used to this Abbey. Sun's not even up and everybeast is already gettin' all set for the feast. I still haven't got over dinner last night yet."
*****
Deep in Mossflower Wood, a lone vole puffed heavily as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Maniacal laughter filled the trees as two dark forms appeared in front of him. The vole screeched as a scrawny stoat knocked him to the ground and pinned him down. The grotesque face of a blind hedgehog filled the vole's vision.
"Hmm, you can see...Can't have that can we? HEHEHEEEHEEEE!"
The vole screamed in pain as the hedgehog's sharp claws raked out his eyes. The vole gurgled and went to the Dark Forest. Muddle shook his head sadly.
"Another one that can't handle the truth. HEEEEHEHEEEE! One-Ear ain't gonna get us, let's get outta here!"
The hedgehog and stoat vanished into the trees.
Ava the Badgermum joined the hare and mouse as they headed down the hallway. Dressed in the traditional habit that all Redwallers wear, she walked without the use of her cane. The piece of wood was now collecting dust in her room. "Morning, Father, Duncan. Mmm, I can already smell the bread baking from here."
Grant chuckled when Stumbly left, the young squirrel Max fast on her heels.
He turned to Mortembell, shrugging.
"Oh, you will soon enough. There's lots of things we didn't get done last night, so don't you worry. The feasting part of the feast will probably be around twilight."
Duncan grinned and nudged Mortembell. "He means that the good part of the feast will be around twilight. Eh, eh?"
When Ava arrived, both hare and mouse smiled at her.
"Morning, Ava!"
Duncan sniffed the air. "I, too, can smell the bread baking....Burning. Burning?! Oh Martin help us, the bread is burning!" With a yelp of surprise, the hare sped off down the hallway.
"Which one of you villains is burnin' bally bread?!"
A fat mouse was nearly bowled over by the racing hare. Putting his cook's hat back atop his head, Friar Rusk's normally jolly face soured at the sight of the gluttonous hare. Signaling for two mice to take the lightly burnt bread of of the oven, he lifted one of the hot loaves off of the tray. "No one's burning bread except the oven, Duncan. Here, take a look at this loaf."
The mouse held the bread out to the hare. A nearly indistinguishable black mark ran along the bottom, where the fire had reached too high and seared the loaf. "Just a little burnt, nothing to be worried about. You'll still get to eat it."
OOC: Stumbly is female.
BIC:
Mortembell chuckled.
"Hi Ava. Looking well as always."
Duncan sniffed the air and ran off yelling about burning bread.
"Hares. They're all the same. Well, shall we go and make sure he doesn't appoint himself cook to 'fix' the problem?"
Ava laughed. "The Friar is not coward when his blood's roused. He's dealt with Duncan before, I doubt Winterberry will give him much trouble."
OOC-
Oh no, sorry!
IC-
"Oho, I'm lookin' at it alright. It looks good...Ah, warm bread on a cold winter's day..." Duncan sniffed the bread and grinned, attempting to take it out of the friar's paws.
Rusk tried to pull the bread out of Duncan's grasping paws. A final tug by the hare broke the bread into two pieces. The Friar breathed a sigh of exasperation. "Well, you can have that piece, hare."
He called a work break. Taking his section, the Friar set it on a cutting board and selected a sharp bread knife. Cutting it into enough slices for the rest of the kitchen crew, he pulled out a small amount of butter. Carefully, Rusk spread the creamy concoction onto each slice, the butter melting on the bread. All the kitchen helpers took a slice and dug into it. Offering the knife and butter to Duncan, the mouse spoke around a mouthful of bread. "Here, might as well have the butter to boot."
The vixen sighed.
"Well, if there's a feast that needs cooking, I suppose I'd best go get the prisoner to help out. No use letting him sit down there while we all slave away."
Mortembell trotted off down the steps to the cellars. She waved to Drubble cellarmole who was busy moving barrels of drinks up to Great Hall and unhooked a keyring from her sash. Mortembell turned the key and shoved open the heavy oaken door. Rapshade sat there, chained up to the pillar. Mortembell wrapped the chain around his paws and took the free end.
"Time to help out in the kitchens, Swifty."
*****
One-Ear, Champion of the Vigil, sheathed his katana. The fox motioned to a small group of Vigil soldiers, who emerged silently from the bushes, weapons raised. Damien Branchsnatcher, One-Ear's second-in-command, used a footpaw to turn the bloodied corpse of the vole onto its back. He winced at the shredded, eyeless face of the poor creature, turning gravely to the Champion.
"Another one. Lookit 'is robes. This one's from Redwall."
The fox cursed. He issued swift orders to the soldiers.
"You two, get rid of this poor sod. Take 'im into the bushes and bury 'im. Damien, take three soldiers with you to Redwall. Tell 'em the news. The rest of you are with me."
Damien nodded, selecting two otters and a black squirrel.
"Charm, Rivertail, Asher. We're goin' to Redwall."
The squirrel tucked his sling back into a knapsack and watched One-Ear lead the remaining soldiers off deeper into the woods.
"This early?" Rapshade's teeth clattered as he stood up, nodding at Mortembell's words. The ferret looked about tiredly. He hadn't been out of his cell that often, and each day had gotten increasingly colder. The former pirate shivered and glanced at the door. "Wh-why is it s-s-so cold down here?"
--
Duncan eagerly spread the butter on his piece of bread and tucked in to it.
"Mmph, Rusk, this is delicious? What'd you do different--burn it?" He burst out in laughter, wiping a year from his eye when he was done and letting out an awkward sigh.
"...It was good bread, I'll give ya that."
"Thank'ye kindly mate. Say I didn' miss the feast did I?" A short cheerful looking otter walked though the open wicker gate grinning at the squirrel who held it open for him.
"Don't think so."
"Figure if'n I'm even a moment late that'n Duncan t'will make it disappear. Say your lookin' sweaty, been runnin'?" The otter asked as the squirrel closed the gate and slid the bolts into place. The squirrel did look sweaty, even for such a cold morning. The crisp air, and crunch of frost on the grass that heralded winter didn't seem to chilly to either beast protected under their winter coats, and clothing.
"Been training. Running is a part of that."
"Oh aye Bracklew everybeast knows that, but tis time to be a celebrating ain't it. Ye can take a break an' come to the feast." Bracklew looked discontented shaking his head quickly.
"No Aver I don-."
"Right see you there. And you better smile, one o' me squirrel mateys be bringing his daughter. 'Bout your age, mayhap ye could talk. Ye could use somebeast to talk too. Tally'hoo." Aver left the shocked looking Bracklew by the gate and jogged across the frozen lawns to the main Abbey building chuckling to himself. He'd probably have to drag the squirrel warrior to the feast, but Bracklew needed it.
Coming up to the door Aver slipped it open sniffing in the smell of breakfast. He had eaten only a small snack before leaving the otter holt, his crew would be arriving later to join in the feast. Following his nose Aver let himself into the Abbey and made his way to the kitchen.
The Friar grudgingly smiled. "Ha ha, very funny, Winterberry. Be off now, I don't want a salad missing next time I turn around."
As the fat mouse moved to supervise the creation of a trifle, he bumped in Aver coming in the door. Squeaking in surprise, Rusk quickly covered it up. "Ah! Ahem, oh, it's you, Skipper. If you're here for your hotroot soup, it's over there by the moles. Careful, they've been adding their own spices to the mix."
<O>
Asher stood up from where he had been inspecting the vole's body. "Hmph, Redwallers. Not a good warrior twixt 'em."
He leaned again a poplar tree, waiting for the others to get underway. He was constantly moving, checking his bowstring, testing the edge on his dirk. One paw on a branch, the black squirrel watched One-Ear head off into the depths of Mossflower. He had his own private thoughts about the fox - he was far too scared of the Abbey to start. Then there was the sword, and the crossbow. Asher preferred traditional bows to the high-powered bolt shooting weapon that the fox carried.
Damien tapped Asher on the shoulder.
"Come on, we're goin' to Redwall."
The squirrel nodded to Charm and Rivertail, who dived into the creek and began to swim towards Redwall.
"Let 'em swim, we'll go through the trees."
*****
Mortembell pulled on the chain roughly.
"Its the chill o' death, Rappy. Your time is comin'. Don't worry, its nice and warm in the kitchen!"
The vixen trotted up the stairs, pulling Rapshade behind her. She pulled him into the kitchens and clipped the chain to a bar on the side of an oven. Mortembell affixed a heavy lock to the chain and left Rapshade to the mercy of Friar Rusk. She took a plate and some food and left the kitchens in search of Drubble.
Duncan left the kitchens right as Skipper came in.
He nodded to the otter before stepping out into the hallway, satisfied that he'd eaten the bread.
"Mayhaps I'll sneak back in later without old Rusk ever knowing," he said to himself, chuckling and slinking away.
--
Rapshade gasped and stumbled tiredly behind Mortembell, basically hopping along due to his broken leg. He nodded in silent acknowledgement of Friar Rusk, then turned his head towards the window. Snow was coming down fast, adding something lighter to the still-dark sky. The ferret's eyes widened; he'd come from a warmer place and spent his whole life at the ocean. He'd never seen or heard or snow before.
Normally he'd keep quiet, but it sent him into a state of panic.
Rapshade's black fur fluffed up. "Aaah, what in th' sea is that? 'T looks dangerous! Is it?"
Rusk glanced out of the window. "Hmm? Oh, that's snow. It comes around during winter. Fun to play around in, but dreadfully cold. Sometimes it builds up against the doors and we can't get out until it melts."
He turned his eyes on the ferret. "Huh, I suppose you know nothing about cooking, eh?"
Rapshade raised an eyebrow.
"So it's dangerous, aye?" He dropped his gaze when Rusk looked at him and made a comment about cooking, drawing the ferret back to his current situation. He pawed at the chain that bound him to the oven and tried to adjust himself to be comfortable, but it didn't seem like it was going to happen.
"No...sir."
--
Duncan spotted Mortembell in the hallway and ran up to her, tilting his head.
"Do ya know where Drubble is? Grant wanted me to see if the drinks were ready...I think."
The mouse waved a paw. "Not life-threateningly dangerous. Now, if you can't cook, then I don't know why Mortembell brought you down here."
The Friar called out to the fox in question. "Mortembell! Can you come here for a minute?"
Rapshade looked down and shuffled his paws.
Now Mortembell was probably going to drag him back into that damp cold cellar and chain him up again. He'd be stuck having one-sided "conversations" with Drubble.
He had to think fast.
Damien vaulted over a low branch and swung through the trees. He called over his shoulder to Asher.
"Ever been t'Redwall? I lived there 'til me an' One-Ear ran away and founded the Vigil. I bet they're sitting there Feastin' rather than keepin' their guards up."
*****
Mortembell stopped and looked around Duncan.
"Yeah, I'm on my way to find 'im before those Dibbuns drink everythin' in sight."
The vixen's ear was caught by Ruck.
"Yeah, what is it, Friar?"
Asher responded to his companion. "Yeah, a long time ago. Different Abbot. Different time. Feastin' is pretty much their profession."
<O>
Rusk pointed to Rapshade. "He knows nothing about cooking. And I can't have him move things around with that lame leg of his. Is there anything else he can help out with? Certainly not in the kitchens."
Mortembell grinned cruelly. She unlocked Rapshade's chain from the oven and clipped it to a nearby sink.
"He can wash the dishes!"
*****
Damien halted in the outskirts of the woods. He clung to a branch and peered at the Abbey below.
"Okay, go knock on the gates. I'll see if Charm and Rivertail are here yet."
Asher dropped to the ground in a shower of leaves, walking toward the big Abbey gates. Keeps a reverse grip of his dirk, he pounded in the door with the hilt. "Hello? Anybeast hear me?"
Rapshade didn't protest although he was fuming inside.
He glanced at Mortembell, frowning and shooting her something similar to a glare.
"Who knows," he said, trying to keep the venom out of his voice. "Maybe I'm not bad at cooking...?"
--
Grant heard the knocking and raced straight to the gates.
He pressed an ear to the wood and then called out, "Who is it?"
Asher called out. "The Vigil! Mind if ye open up?"
"Those creatures that run around with One-ear. Excuses me Abbot." Bracklew had heard the knocking as well and had come across the lawns behind Grant. The hollow-eyed squirrel attempted to lift the bar that held the door shut with one paw. Grunting he almost lost control of the heavy wooden beam.
"On the other paw Father. If you would be so kind as to grab the other end."
~*~*~*~*~
Shaking his head Aver waved a spoon at Rusk's back. "'Ow many times do I 'ave to ask ye to call me Ave. Skipper was me father, aye an' a hundred times better Skip then me." Spooning down a mouthful of the hot soup, and crunching on the shrimp Aver listened to the conversation with interest.
"I'll keep an' eye or two on th' ferret mates. Least I c'n do." He offered as he continued eating his soup.
Grant smirked to himself and grabbed onto the other end of the beam, lifting it with Bracklew's help. "Why're you out here when you should be inside, getting ready for the feast?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at Bracklew. The Abbot had to be honest with himself; he wasn't too happy about the squirrel's new demeanor. It was like he had come back from the battle as somebeast completely different.
He opened the gate and smiled at Asher, dipping his head in greeting.
"It's nice to see you again, Asher. Come on in." He glanced around curiously, shivering as a cold gust of wind burst through the gates, which had been acting as a barrier from the worst of the weather when closed. "Brr! It's mighty cold. Is One-Ear with you?"
--
Rapshade glanced at Aver. He didn't know the otter, at least not directly.
He'd heard his name but had never seen him up close. The ferret narrowed his eyes.
Asher's eyes roved over the small squirrel next to the Abbot. He hadn't been here last time. The little whelp looked like a wannabe warrior. Turning his gaze back to the Abbot, he made a quick bow to show his respect. "One-Ear isn't joining us for this meeting, no. Although there should be some other of our number arriving soon..."
OOC: FYI Bracklew never really forgave One-ear after he cut down the mast. His dislike has only grown as the fox continued making a name for himself with the Vigil, and attacking vermin. Its not hate, its just dislike and a little bit of jealously.
BIC:
"You got here just in time to stuff your faces." Bracklew commented tactlessly crossing his arms. "Huh couldn't expect anything else from the Vigil. What's One-ear up to now? Murdering some more creatures that irritate him?" The squirrel warrior's ears flicked back in a sign of boredom.
Asher scoffed. "Ha, you wish. As a matter of fact, there's some bad news that I've been sent to tell you Abbeybeasts."
Asher was tempted to say it then and now, but decided to wait for Damien.
OOC: Wait, so was Grant Abbot at the same time as the events of Welcome to Redwall?
OOC-
No, Liam was.
Also I'm kinda waiting on Groddil to post so you guys can go ahead.
OOC: Sorry guys. First aid courses and all that.
BIC: Damien Branchsnatcher hurried to the gates, flanked by Charm and Rivertail. The squirrel nodded to Asher and began to speak in a low, but slightly mocking tone.
"Another one; a vole this time. Your creatures are still gettin' killed; you need t'do somethin'. Mount wallguards, get the Guosim to patrol the nearby woods, I don't really care. If you keep sittin' here feastin', sooner or later every liddle band o' vermin from here to the Fire Mountain is gonna try to get in at some point. Lookit 'ow ye dealt with Rapshade, surely a liddle concern fer your own safety'll help. Our job is t'protect Mossflower, but fools who do nothin' to help themselves are dead to eyes o' the Vigil."
*****
Drubble Cellarmole sat quietly in a corner of Great Hall, testing drinks with Stumbly and Max. The cellarmole waved pleasantly as Mortembell and Duncan approached.
"Gudd mornin' to ye zurr, an' you too murm. What can oi do fer ye?"
The vixen took a quick drink of strawberry cordial offered to her by Stumbly and looked at the stack of casks.
"I take it you're ready? Need us to lend a paw?"
The mole shook his head.
"Oi brought up everything, murm. All 'ee drinks 'ee cudd need tonoight, all 'ere."
Mortembell nodded with satisfaction.
"Best just make sure that these two don't drink everything before the feast even starts. Come on you, go play outside."
Stumbly nodded. She tapped Max and ran off giggling. Mortembell whispered to Duncan.
"Bless 'em. I 'ope they don't 'ave t'go through the same things we 'ad to. Hope they stay innocent."
Grant flattened his ears and shook a paw at the squirrel, taking a step or two forward.
"Now Damien, don't go calling us fools!" He snapped. The mouse frowned and narrowed his eyes, clenching and unclenching his forepaws in annoyance.
"A vole this time, you say? And what is there for us to do, besides keep everybeast inside? Nothing! Just like you said, you protect Mossflower...and all of this is not happening here at Redwall, it's happening just there; Mossflower." He scoffed and began walking inside, shutting the gates behind Damien and Asher so no unwanted visitors would happen to stop by.
It angered the Abbot each and every time the Vigil members told him of a new death.
"And what is this nonsense about vermin bands coming? We haven't had any problems with that since Rapshade, and I'll say, we took care of him greatly. I'm not worried about vermin bands coming to Redwall."
--
"What are you thinking, sending two Dibbuns outside in weather like this? Mortembell." Duncan clicked his teeth and ran off after the two young ones, skidding to a halt in front of them.
"On second thought, Mortembell wanted you to go wake up Fangfang. Isn't that right, Mortembell?" He looked up and winked in her direction, hoping she'd take the hint.
--
After watching Aver a while more, Rapshade chose to speak.
"I have a name, you know. It's not "ferret"."
The vixen shrugged.
"Yes, of course. Go on."
As the two Dibbuns ran off once again, Mortembell rolled her eyes.
"They wouldn't have done what I told 'em to anyway. That Stumbly'd just turn around soon as I couldn't see, raid the kitchens, then go annoy Ava. And it really ain't that cold, stop worryin'."
*****
Damien kicked the gates in rage.
"FOOLS! DITHERING IDIOTS! DON'T LISTEN TO US, STAY WITHIN THOSE WALLS AND DIE THERE! I MAY OT APPROVE OF ONE-EAR'S METHODS BUT BY THE GATES OF THE DARK FOREST, WE'RE TRYING TO HELP! THROW IT ALL AWAY!"'
The squirrel bared his teeth and stormed off into the woods.
OOC: I think that the Abbot closed the gate when Damien was inside.
BIC:
"Oh aye ferret, but th' name Rapshade sounds to cap'n'ish fer ye don't ye think?" Aver had finished his soup and slapped the empty earthenware bowl down by the wash drain next to a massive pile of greasy pans and pots.
"Right matey there be a lake an' a half o' grease here that needs scrappin'. Friar don' like idle paws, ye clean em off, I'll wipe em dry. Step to it mate."
OOC-
Yeah, Damien and Asher are inside.
Unless he's just raging inside? Because in that case, Grant will be laughing...And so will I. XD
IC-
Duncan sighed, watching as the two ran off.
He clutched his paws together and glanced at Mortembell. "I have a reason to be overprotective, you know," he said almost blankly.
"Anyway, Drubble, wouldya mind letting an old hare like myself test the drinks, wot wot?"
--
Rapshade took a deep breath, reminding himself that he had to be calm.
He put on an extremely fake-looking smile and snatched a rag up from the side of the sink so he could begin washing the plates.
"Ha hah...Y' know...My mother named me Rapshade. I get t' keep my name, don't I?..." His voice sounded desperate and despite the forced smile he did not look happy.
He grabbed Aver's bowl and dunked it under the water.
OOC: I'm gonna wait for Bracklew to make a move.
OOC: I'm not entirely sure where Damien and Asher are. Is Asher still in the Abbey? Because Damien stormed off.
BIC:
Laughing Aver picked out a ragged looking washcloth and waited for Rapshade to complete the first dish while twisting one of his whiskers thoughtfully. "I dunno mate, I suppose if'n she actually named ye Rapshade she must'a disliked how ye looked. Though if'n it tis an' insult, I suppose I c'n stomach callin' ye by it. Eh Rappy?"
The black squirrel stared defiantly back at the Abbot, butting into the argument between Damien and the mouse. "Abbot, sir, I completely respect the role that your Abbeybeasts played in the takedown of the sea vermin Rapshade and his crew - a black rat's body washed up on the shore not a few weeks ago - but I seriously doubt that ye have enough warriors inside the Abbey to effectively defend yoreself. I fended off the Abbey from Flitchaye a bit ago, aye, there was an Abbot not dissimilar to you. But we had a lot o' 'elp, warriors from the woodlands like me n' Damien. Not to mention a badger."
Asher drew an arrow strapped the outside of his quarrel instead of the inside. It was a barbed tip; a vermin-made arrow. He showed it to the Abbot. "This here's the same arrow that pierced my side after that battle, a ferret archer snuck up on me. I got him right back twixt the eyes, his corpse may well be there covered in debris. My point is, Abbot, Mossflower isn't safe. Mayhaps the Abbey made it safer, but never will a beast be free to walk the forest unharmed."
"Hey squirrel," Bracklew snapped spreading his arms akimbo. "Look around, nobeast is attacking the Abbey. Besides even if they were there are more then enough creatures ready to drive them off." His tail flicked as he jabbed a claw at the irate Damien.
"And everybeast knows Mossflower isn't safe, just the way it is. What would you have us do? Arm everybeast up, tell them some unknown enemy is about to attack them? If you haven't noticed Redwall is supposed to be a place of peace, its not some military base of operation. We aren't about to pick up swords and slaughter everybeast that twitches their nose wrong at One-ear. If we have to fight to protect this Abbey I will be the first to draw my sword." Bracklew's paw dropped to touch the hilt of his sword, the blade of Martin the Warrior.
"But you can't come in here and frighten poor Abbeybeasts to death with warnings of, 'there might be a boogybeast out there that will come and kill you all.' So if you have nothing else worth saying leave." Realizing he had just said more words to one beast then he had all that season Bracklew shut his mouth glaring resentfully at the older black squirrel.
Asher immediately turned and pushed open one of the huge front doors to the woodland. "Well, that's that. If you feel that way then we might as well leave. Coming, Damien?"
Damien glared at Bracklew.
"Coming. Let's let these arrogant beasts stay here with wool o'er their eyes."
The Vigil squirrel scoffed as he left the Abbey.
*****
Drubble brandished his mallet fiercely at Duncan.
"Don't 'ee even dare, zurr. Thurr be enough fer erreybeast, let it stay that way."
Hackles raised Bracklew stalked after Damien bending over to scoop up a pawful of frost and mud. Lips pulled back in a growl he hurled the clod of muck into the back of Damien's head splattering the other squirrel with the frozen grit. Wiping off his paw on his tunic Bracklew chattered his teeth hissing at the older squirrel.
"Arrogant? Looks whose talking, you like to talk big, and the Vigil likes to brag about their accomplishment, murdering outnumbered creatures. Why don't you come in here and face up to me, pull the wool off my eyes why don't you?"
Damien drew his sling, quivering with rage.
"Brag about our accomplishments, do we? You should be grateful, because the world out there would be a difficult place for soft little Abbeydwellers like you. Want to fight me do you? I'll show you how we keep Mossflower safe!"
The squirrel snarled, fitting a stone to his sling and swinging it hard towards Bracklew's left paw."
Seeing the sling coming Bracklew tried to pull away, he was fast but Damien was faster. The loaded sling connected with his damaged paw, the force of the blow and Bracklew's off balance attempt to dodge sent the younger squirrel heavily into the frosted grass. Spitting in pain Bracklew clutched his damaged paw to his chest as he picked himself up.
"Yeah, safe? Clearly, except you came here to tell us how unsafe the woodlands are. Make up your mind!" With those last words Bracklew leapt forward swinging a punch at Damien's face.
Abbot Grant gasped and dove in front of Damien, anger flashing in his eyes.
"Damien! This is supposed to be a time of peace! Is this what you call heroism, dropping in on places and starting fights?" He frowned at Bracklew and aimed to block the squirrel's punch, sending a glare Damien's way.
"Either calm down or get out. We do not need your drama here."
--
Rapshade slammed the clean bowl down in front of Aver and reached for another, going at it furiously with the rag. He quickly completed five more dishes and piled them on top of the bowl, then grabbed a cup and dunked it underwater, sending little droplets everywhere.
It was obvious that what Aver said had ticked him off.
--
Duncan grinned and held his paws up defensively.
"But that's just the thing, old chap, there's enough for everybeast. There should be enough for me, wot!"
Damien shoved Grant roughly out of the way.
"Leave? Gladly. Care to take this out into the woods, you pitiful excuse for a warrior?"
Catching Grant before he could hit the ground Bracklew spat at Damien's feet and drew his sword. Pointing the blade at Damien. Bracklew's left paw was still curled close to his chest, and tears of pain were springing to his eyes.
"Get out. And stay out. I don't fight cowards who push elders round. Its beneath me." Bracklew advanced to force Damien and the Vigil otters out, his sword still raised towards Damien's chest.
Grant yelped and stumbled into Bracklew, nodding his thanks. He then turned and eyed the other squirrel.
"Bracklew's right. And if you are so glad about leaving, please do start on your way." He said curtly.
Damien spat in Bracklew's face.
"Cowards? Beneath you? One-Ear might have been one of you once, but I ain't. I got no qualms killin' you fer threatenin' the vigil. You want me dead? Fine. Go ahead. See if you consider yerself a peaceful, honorable Abbeybeast then! Mebbe we shouldn't do our job. Mebbe we should just LET the vermin take over Mossflower and attack this place. Forget what One-Ear wants, I'm done with the Vigil!"
"Go inside Abbot, get something warm to drink. You'll get sick out here in the cold." Bracklew sheathed his sword so he could wipe the saliva off his face, his lower lip twitched ominously. "I'll make sure the Vigil finds their way out."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Smiling as if he didn't even notice Rapshade's anger Aver wiped the bowl dry grinning at he growing pile of clean dishes. "Matey ye sure work good when ye are angry. Aye, mayhap I could get ye mad up on th' third floor, th' place could use a good sweeping. Oops ye missed a spot on this pan, do it again."
The Abbot sighed, backing reluctantly towards the door.
"If I go inside, I'll be trusting you to be responsible with this. Alright, Bracklew?"
--
Rapshade swapped the cup for the pan and showed it to Aver when he was done.
"'S that better, sir?" He asked forcedly, keeping his eyes adverted and on the ground. The ferret's tail twitched and crinked up in annoyance as he let the otter's comments sink in.
He set the pan down and grabbed another cup, but since he wasn't thinking straight it slipped through his paws and shattered on the ground.
Cursing loudly, Rapshade hopped up and down on his good leg. "Yowowowch! 'T got in me footpaw, th' blasted thing!"
"Yes," Bracklew growled in reply to Grant keeping his eyes locked on Damien. Waiting until the mouse was a good distance away he jerked his right paw towards the gate advancing until he was directly in front of Damien. Looking up with a hate laden glance Bracklew spat back, sending spittle into the older squirrel's face.
"Get out, your not welcome here."
~*~*~*~*~
Taking the pan Aver inspected it carefully nodding sagely. Picking up his rag he wiped it dry. "Aye very well done Rappy, like I said, ye work good when ye'r angry." As he set the pan down Rapshade dropped the cup sending shards across the kitchen floor. Aver jumped away frowning as Rapshade hopped about.
"Hold still ye fool ye'll push it in deeper. Now 'old still an' give me yon footpaw I'll dig it out."
Rapshade grimaced and stopped hopping, positioning his paw so Aver could have a look.
"This is what happens when I'm mad," he said through gritted teeth.
OOC: Did Damien just leave the Vigil?
OOC: Yup. He never really liked One-Ear to begin with.
OOC: SAY WHAAAAT
@sand: is Bracklew talking to Asher, Damien, or ell of them in general?
OOC: I'm making a guesstimate and DPing to move the action along.
BIC:
Asher's dirk was out since the beginning of the fight, but he had declined to interfere with it until Damien announced his resignation. Eyes narrowed, the black squirrel sprang in front of his fellow soldier. "One minute, Damien. You can't just up and leave the Vigil."
He smirked. "An' I wouldn't doubt that One-Ear'd hunt ye down as well. At any rate, g'day to ye, Abbeybeast. Carry on feastin', the Vigil'll take care of the small vermin band headed up the path. Huh, One-Ear's probably finishing up that lot right now."
Beaconing to the two otters, Asher made a short little bow to Bracklew, the same as he had given Grant. Naturally, he was obliged to show his thanks to even a beast he disliked. Asher kept some of his qualities from long ago. In a flash he and the otters were back in the woodlands.
Damien watched idly as Asher, Charm, and Rivertail left the Abbey. The squirrel lazily twirled his sling.
"That fox is wasting his time. He can kill as many vermin as he likes, but those fat, lazy slobs in that Abbey don't care 'bout their own safety. Let 'em all die. You with me?"
Charm shook her head in disgust as Rivertail uttered a harsh whisper.
"Asher's right. One-Ear won't fergive ye for that, mate. You know 'ow much 'ee hates deserters, to say nothin' o' 'is second-in-command."
Damien snorted.
"To Hellgates with that, he can find a new second-in-command. There's plenty 'o ways to kill vermin without having to take orders of him. Whadda ya say, Asher?"
The black squirrel's voice came from behind the gate. "Nah, I tried settling down once an' work in' by myself. It never worked. Good luck, Damien."
Asher and the otters fully disappeared into the woodland. The squirrel told Charm and Rivertail to stay hidden and provide a lookout for the Abbey while his leapt into the branches and took off towards where One-Ear had gone.
Damien gave an unsettling chuckle.
"So that's it? Just gonna leave me here? All 'o ye? Yer no better than that fox! I 'ope you all die with 'im! Hear me? I'LL SEE YOU AT THE DARK FOREST'S GATES!"
The squirrel bashed his head into a tree trunk, then vaulted onto a branch and disappeared through the foliage.
*****
Meanwhile, the three companions were close on the tail of One-Ear and the remaining Vigil soldiers. Rivertail was scouting ahead; the burly otter prodded at the carcass of a hare, torn to bits and still clad in the remnant of a Vigil tunic. Rivertail motioned for Charm to join him, and she obliged. The female otter looked at her brother worriedly.
"He's still warm."
Rivertail turned to look at Asher, when a barbed arrow shot down from the trees and thudded into the otter's neck. Rivertail gasped, gave two short steps, and collapsed on top of Asher. Two more shafts struck the otter's back as Charm screamed in pain. The female otter was locked in combat with a large, grizzled rat. The rat growled as his rusted blade sliced open his enemy's leg. Charm stumbled backwards, kicking out at the rat. She threw her spear, which pierced the rat's paw. He dropped his sword and jumped upon Charm. More rats emerged from the bushes and dropped from the trees. One rat drew his bow and loosed a shaft at Asher.
Like chain lightning Asher dodged the shaft and slung his knife, burying it deep in the vermin's chest. He counted fifteen of the rats in all, far too many for him to fight. He had to get Charm out of there as soon as possible. Quickly felling another rat with his own bow, the squirrel loosed his knife and worked his way over to Charm. Slaying the rat assaulting her, he assisted her up and hurried into the woodlands. "Can ye still swim?" He asked urgently. She nodded, glancing fearfully at the slain body of her close friend. Asher's tone softened as he wiped away a tear from her face. "Alright. Those vermin'll be coming after us, so get in the river and go the ford of the path and the river. We'll meet there."
The squirrel sighted the sparkling water and pushed her towards it, nocking arrow to string as he turned to face the approached vermin. "Ssss'death!" He yelled, the twang of the weapon music to his ears. The rats charged blindly, flailing about with tooth and claw, until they realized that Asher had disappeared into the trees and Charm the river. Cheated of their prey, the band decided to camp down and nurse their wounds.
Further into the wood, Asher slapped a pawful of bankmud and a dock leaf on his wound, a rat had gotten him with a spear. Grunting in pain, the squirrel continued to the ford.
Waiting until the Vigil had fully left the Abbey Bracklew strained heavily on the heavy wooden gate. Pushing it closed he bent down to recover the wooden spar. His left paw still curled close to his chest and throbbing in pain the squirrel wrapped his entire right arm around the spar and lifted with his knees. The task was difficult for a healthy two armed beast, for Bracklew it was downright impossible.
Reaching out his left paw Bracklew steadied the wood biting his tongue as his paw stung in protest. Rushing the spar forward Bracklew deposited it clumsily locking the gate to from any unwelcome beasts. Sinking to his knees Bracklew clutched his heavily his damaged paw tears springing unbidden to his eyes. Hastily rubbing them away Bracklew stood and tried to move some of his claws. It was no use, he'd need Rayne to check up on it again.
Cursing Damien the squirrel trudged across the frozen grass as a few snowflakes landed on his red fur.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"No, that matey is wot 'appens when ye drop yon glass on ye footpaw. Now old still n' clamp ye jaw." Rubbing his paw across Rapshade's footpaw Aver soon discovered the nearly invisible glass shard. Securing the thin piece between his foreclaw and thumb the otter jerked it out sending a small spray of blood out of the wound.
"There not to bad eh? An look'it th' size o' that beauty, ye 'ad half a cup shoved up yer leg Rappy."
"This is your fault," Rapshade whispered as he tried to wipe the blood off his paw. He had had just about enough of this otter. As Aver was inspecting the wound, the ferret leaned over and grabbed a heavy pan from the pile, aiming to smack the otter hard on the back of the head with it.
"It's Rapshade, not Rappy!"
Opening his mouth to yell Aver was cut off by a loud clang. For a moment the otter stared at Rapshade opened mouthed before his eyes rolled upward and he slumped over looking as if he had fallen asleep.
Rapshade grinned and laughed tauntingly, plopping the pan in the sink before staring down at the unconscious otter. "Ye poor thing, falling asleep on th' job. Well, that leaves me t' be in charge of meself, okay? Aw, but y' can't answer, can you."
The ferret snickered as he picked up one of the smaller shards left by the broken cup and tried picking the lock on his chains. A few minutes passed before he heard a satisfying little click and the chains slid off.
Holding his injured leg off the ground at an awkward angle, the ferret gingerly hopped around Aver, using the counter to support him.
OOC: Before I post with Rusk, where exactly is Rapshade?
OOC-
Still in the kitchens, thinking he's being all sneaky mainly because he either doesn't care or forgot Rusk was there.
OOC: He's still chained to be sink, right? And there are a bunch of assistants in the kitchen, so he better be sneaky about it.
OOC: He picked the lock on his chain, and they're in the back by the wash drains, the only time assistants would go over there would be to bring a stack of dirty dishes, or a helper to bring a bucket of fresh water. So quite often.
OOC-
Yup.
OOC: I'm totally clueless, it's morning, right?
The ford was deserted. Charm hauled herself up onto the back, using her paws to staunch the wounds she had sustained in the earlier battle. Footpaws dangling in the stream, she set out her sling and pouch of pebbles, letting them dry in the soft sunlight filtering through the trees. Charm found it hard to believe that just minutes ago, she had been engaged in a life-or-death struggle with a gang of rats. A recent recruit into the Vigil, she had only been protecting the woodlands full time for two seasons. Rivertail's dead body was burned on the back of her eyelids. She would get revenge!
A sudden movement startled her as Asher dropped out of a tree, leaves swirling down around him. The squirrel set down a pile of herbs next to Charm. "There ye go. I scavenged them on my way here, we should patch ourselves up before reporting to One-Ear."
Charm bound her wounds properly while Asher mouthed pawfuls of water from the stream. The young otter was once again startled by another sounds, while Asher didn't bat an eyelid at the squirrels who had materialized from the surrounding shrubbery. There were three, all sturdy creatures with their own weapons. One carried a bow and a knife, like Asher, while another was armed with a simple broadsword in a scabbard slung over the back, and the third squirrel came with a quiver full of lances. All three nodded to Asher and waited as he stood up. "Charm this is my team. Brush, Harnam, and Applelad, our newest member. We're usually the raiding and hostage rescue party, squirrels tend to be adept at that."
He gave a wink. "Now, let's go say hi to One-Ear."
A few minutes later, Brush, the one with the bow, stood back up from where he had been kneeling over the path. As a tracker, Brush stayed ahead to keep track of the trail. Everyone else stopped as he outlined what he found. "Alright, so One-Ear was fighting some more vermin. Looked like a different band of the rats that attacked you and Charm, Asher. Tufts of grey hair, blade marks on the ground. Look, here's a snapped arrow. One-Ear continued down there with the rest of the beasts he had with him."
Asher squinted down the way that Brush was pointing. A blade shined in the sun. "That's him," said the black squirrel. The group took off toward the distant figure.
OOC: Long post is long.
As Charm and the squirrels approached the Vigil, a loud cry rang out through the trees.
"VIGILAAAAANCE! MOSSFLOWEEEEERRR!"
One-Ear's vigil squad rushed out from the bushes, overrunning the rats in the trees. The fox jogged over to Asher and Charm as his troops cleaned up the remaining rats.
"There you are. We got attacked by those scum while you were away. Where are Damien and Rivertail?"
*****
Damien puffed as he dropped from the trees; He needed a rest. Under his breath, the squirrel cursed One-Ear and the Vigil, cursed the foolish Redwallers. He chuckled, they would learn their lesson sooner or later. Damien gasped as a branch snapped behind him.
"HEEEEHAAEHAEHAEEA!"
Damien shook his head.
"No. No, no, no. You're the Vigil's problem, not mine! Get away!"
The squirrel unfurled his sling and glanced around wildly.
"Stop! Leave me alone! One-Ear's the one you want, he-"
Muddle shrieked with glee as he launched himself at Damien, snatching the sling and wrapping it around the squirrel's neck. The hedgehog squeezed tightly until the Ex-Vigil soldier went limp. Muddle grinned at Begskin's emergence from the woods. The stoat drew his blade and struck Damien with two quick, rough slashes to the head. The squirrel woke instantly, screaming with pain. Muddle kicked him unconscious and giggled.
"HEEAHAHAAHEEHEEHEEHA! Begskin, grab him!"
The stoat obliged, picking up Damien's limp bleeding form. The two madbeasts and their prisoner disappeared into the trees.
Asher made a salute to One-Ear. "We were assaulted by another gang of rats, they killed Rivertail with shafts. And Damien... Well, we ran into some problems at the Abbey. They think that we aren't doing our job, and that they don't need help. Damien deserted, he's probably deep into Mossflower by now. Permission to take out my team and track him down, sir?"
OOC-
It's morning, yeah.
Also, are you gonna post with Rusk? Or Mortembell could've heard the clang made by the pan, I dunno. I don't want to fall out of my own RP again. ;)
One-Ear kept a stern face, but inside he was seeping with rage. The fox ignored Asher as two Vigil soldiers dragged a squirming weasel before him. One-Ear pressed his crossbow under the weasel's chin.
"Are you the leader of these vermin? What are you doing in Mossflower?"
The weasel spat at One-Ear
"None 'o your business, foxy. But fer yer infermation, I ain't the leader. They don't go out with patrols like us."
One-Ear kicked the weasel, knocking him flat. He kneeled over the cowering vermin, pressing the crossbow into his face.
"What do you mean? There are more of you? How much? TELL ME!"
The weasel shook his head.
"Not tellin'. If I tell ye any more, Fardan'll kill me. Hellgates, Alfhild'll probly kill me anyway for tellin' ye what I did!"
One-Ear's eyes were cold. He pulled the trigger of the crossbow, sending a powerful bolt straight through the weasel's brain. He stood up and kicked the body into a bush.
"What makes you think I won't..."
The fox put away the crossbow and turned back to Asher.
"What do you mean, you 'ran into some problems?'"
Charm looked up from where a Vigil Medic was checking her wound.
"He got into a fight with Bracklew. We got thrown out o' Redwall at swordpoint and told we weren't welcome there anymore."
One-Ear was frustrated. He snarled at nobeast in particular.
"Damn that squirrel! Our relations with Redwall were already stretched thin as it was, before he goes off and starts attacking creatures. Yes, Asher, go find that scum and bring him back to the Vigil, dead OR alive, I don't care. Great, now I have reparations on my plate as well. Gukom!"
A small hamster scurried up nervously. He looked over a pair of spectacles at the fox.
"Yes, One-Ear?"
"Gather your things. We're leaving for Redwall. Now."
Gukom nodded and fled the battleground, heading for the Vigil encampment. One-Ear beckoned Charm to him.
"The state you're in, I doubt you'll be coming with me. With Damien gone and Asher chasing after him, I'm leaving you in charge of the main army. Keep an eye out in case the rest of those vermin show up."
Charm nodded.
"Won't let ye down, One-Ear."
The fox smiled as Charm limped away. Gukom tugged lightly on his sleeve.
"I'm ready."
"Good, let's go."
The fox led the hamster away from the Vigil, on the path to Redwall Abbey.
OOC-
Meet Roscoe.
IC-
As One-Ear and the vigil members headed down the path, a short weasel wearing a tattered red cloak snickered to himself and began following them through the undergrowth.
He may have been a scrawny thing but he was hotheaded and full of himself. He also hadn't heard of the vigil, not really--due to being quite antisocial.
The weasel rubbed his paws together and drew his dagger.
He'd raid them.
With a loud yowl, he flung himself out onto the path in front of them, swinging his dagger wildly.
"Put yer paws up an' gimme yer things, or else 'tis death!"
OOC: Only One-Ear and Gukom went down the path. Charm and the rest can still see them, though.
BIC:
One-Ear rolled his eyes.
"You never learn do you? I just finished mopping up the rest of your little band."
The fox drew his katana and forced Gukom behind him.
"You want to test me, weasel? Go ahead, stab me with that thing. When you do, you'll be defenseless. Besides, there's more of us than there are of you. VIGILAAAANCE!"
Charm emerged from the bushes, spear raised, along with twoscore Vigil soldiers.
The weasel, Roscoe, screamed in terror and dropped to the ground in a flurry of cloak and dagger. He hadn't expected these creatures to be warriors at all, despite how they looked.
"W-w-what'dyou mean, my little band? I'm not part of any band!"
One-Ear reached down and grabbed Roscoe by the neck. Gukom scurried forwards and retrieved the dagger.
"Coincidence, don't you think? We just finish off a scouting party of vermin when you suddenly show up? Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you right now."
Roscoe started sweating.
"I, uh...'cause that'd be mean?" He narrowed his eyes and aimed to bite into the paw One-Ear had around his neck.
One-Ear winced at the bite, cuffing Roscoe soundly over the head and sending him sprawling once again.
"Do you really think I care about that? I'm busy, but you can tell Charm all about your horde. Gukom, tie him up."
The hamster grabbed a coil of rope and approached the weasel.
Roscoe flinched when One-Ear cuffed him and started trembling when Gukom came to tie him up.
"I told ya, I'm not part of any band!" The weasel snapped. He turned his eyes on the hamster just then and frowned.
"And what even are ya, a fat tailless mouse?"
One-Ear kicked Roscoe roughly, bringing him back to earth. The fox placed a footpaw on his neck, holding him down as Gukom timidly wrapped the rope around Roscoe's paws. He ran another rope around the weasel's footpaws.
One-Ear kicked Roscoe again.
"Shut up, scum. Don't insult Gukom!"
The fox signalled to a hare and a squirrel, who between them carried the bound weasel back to the Vigil Camp. One-Ear watched the rest of the Vigil begin to dissipate and spoke in a whisper to Charm.
"Find out as much as you can about these Alfhild and Fardan characters, see how much he knows about their horde. We need numbers, skills, everything. By the time I get back from Redwall, I need to know how soon they'll be here."
With that, the fox and hamster left down the path.
*****
Charm, now back at the Vigil camp, sat Roscoe, still tied up, in One-Ear's tent with her. Two soldiers stood guard in the tent as she absentmindedly poked the fire with her spear.
"Alright, weasel. The basics. What's your name."
"Roscoe," said the weasel reluctantly.
"And I don't know anythin' about this horde, so you'd better let me go. Yer wastin' yer time!"
Charm shook her head.
"Not going to happen. ALFHILD! FARDEN! Ring any bells? WHERE ARE THEY? HOW MANY OF THEM ARE THERE?"
"Aargh! Why're you yelling?!" Roscoe exclaimed, staring wide-eyed at Charm. "An' for the last time, I don't know! I've got no clue!"
Charm sighed with resignation.
"Fine, you ain't part o' the horde. Still, you have to know somethin'. You saw the battle ground as we came here. Those rats, seen 'em before?"
Roscoe shrugged defensively and began trying to wriggle his way out of the ropes that bound him while he explained. "Y-yeah, well, I figured they were just rats, y'know? Just rats. There are rats everywhere. They ne'er really stood out t' me at all before, except fer one time when I tried t' raid a couple of 'em...I got pounded, couldn't see outta my right eye fer weeks. But that's not th' point, 's it?"
"How about big groups o' rats. Not just rats, but ferrets, stoats, all manner of vermin. Seen any big groups movin' around lately?"
Roscoe tried gnawing on the ropes.
"Don't worry yer...sweet likkle 'ead...I didn't see any o' that."
Charm noticed Roscoe attempting to chew through the ropes and poked him roughly with her spear.
"Don't you dare. There's me in here with you, two guards outside, and the entire Vigil in the surrounding area. You wouldn't last five seconds. Now tell me the truth, and maybe One-Ear won't kill you."
Roscoe squeaked in annoyance, "Oww!" After Charm finished explaining, the weasel quit his gnawing and fixed her with a glare. "I have been tellin' yew th' truth, ya dumb riverdog." He sneered.
"Alright then, mister insolence, one more question. When you saw the rats, where were they. Compared to now, of course."
Roscoe grinned snidely and stuck his tongue out at her.
"They were in th' forest, genius! Got any better questions, or are ya jus' gonna make me sit 'ere an' waste my time?"
Charm hit Roscoe in the gut with her spearbutt.
"Where? This side o' the path? Near the Abbey? WHERE?"
Roscoe moaned and doubled over, tears springing unbidden to his eyes.
"F-farther away! Not by th' h'Abbey!" He blurted, bursting out crying. "What kind of horde is this, even?! I want t' go home!"
"Oh, you poor baby. Liddle weasel that tries to attack us has a sobbing fit when the 'poor, defenseless beasts' fight back. That's how things always go for scum like you. Now, I'm going to stay right here with my spear at your neck 'til One-Ear comes back and decides if the information is good enough to let you go or not."
"He's gonna kill me, isn't he!"
The weasel crumpled on the ground, sobbing and weeping.
OOC-
(Let's wait for Sandy and Sagey).
OOC: Good idea.
BIC:
"Shut up, scum. If you keep whining, I'll kill you myself."
Trees quietly rustled as the party of four squirrels swing through the branches. Brush had picked up the trail of the traitor Damien and now they were following it. Applelad was leading, lance in paw, when he gave a yelp and grabbed a branch to stop his movement. The whole team tried to stop before they hit him, and Asher leant over next to the squirrel. "Good thing you stopped, mate. We would've fallen into that clearing."
Harnam was the first to descend into the cleared. Brush dropped from the tree next to him. "Huh, pawtracks, a scuffle. Two or three beasts."
He looked up at Asher. "Think it's the hedgehog?"
The black squirrel nodded grimly. "Only possible explanation. Applelad, you're with me. Brush, take Harnam and follow the river. If either of us find him, try and get Damien out. Alive. Kill his captors, they deserve to die. After a day, meet back at the oak, the one that's leaning to one side."
They split up and disappeared into the woodland.
Quote from: Sagetip on February 21, 2016, 05:14:07 PM
OOC: Before I post with Rusk, where exactly is Rapshade?
Eh? Eh? You gonna post with Rusk or no? ;P
Padding up the stairs Bracklew pushed his way sourly into the infirmary. The large room was empty and painstakingly cleaned. Glancing around Bracklew decided the Sister was absent and was about to leave when a mouse appeared from under one of the beds holding a broom.
Blowing dust of her whiskers Rayne nodded to him while putting away her broom.
"Can I help you?" The mouse asked dusting herself off.
"Paw," Bracklew grunted holding forth the swelling paw. Scolding under her breath the healer sat Bracklew down inspecting the injury gently prodding it and running her claws though the slowly swelling flesh.
"You ought to be more carful Brack, this looks bad. Did you smash it?"
"Sling clubbed it."
"Sling! You were fighting?"
"I was driving the Vigil out of Redwall." Bracklew said shortly glaring down at the bed. "And one of them clubbed my paw with his sling, that's all." Scolding under her breath Rayne continued prodding and inspecting the paw shaking her head.
"There isn't much I can do for this. You've damaged it beyond repair. I have to say once again it would be wise to remove it."
"NO!"
"Keep your voice down, as I've already been told you'd rather keep something that will do nothing but pain you, so the best I can do it put it in a cast." Nodding his consent Bracklew closed his eyes clenching his jaw. Carefully as she could Rayne fitted a cast wrapping over the damaged paw as Bracklew did his best not to flinch. When she was finished Bracklew grunted his thanks to her and disappeared leaving Rayne to clean up the extra bandages and pinesap glue. Sighing the mouse placed her extra supplies away before leaving the infirmary.
She needed to talk with Mortembell.
Grant ran up to Bracklew in the hallway.
"There you are! I got worried for a second when I looked out the window and didn't see anybeast in sight. He didn't hurt you bad, did he?" The mouse asked worriedly, glancing at Bracklew's cast.
Shaking his head Bracklew ran his pw across the new cast. "No father, I'll live." For a moment he looked as if he was about to ask something then he changed his mind continue the conversation of his damaged paw.
"Rayne want's to amputate it still. She thinks that's best. What do you think I should do?" Bracklew hadn't come to another creature for advice beyond Petu. A feeling of uncomfortable weakness crawled up his spine as he let slip he might be confused, and hurting. Biting his lip the squirrel waited for the Abbot's answer wishing he hadn't spoken.
Grant stared long and hard at Bracklew's paw and then eventually turned his gaze to Bracklew himself. He smiled comfortingly. "You should do what you feel is best. If you want to keep your paw, then why listen to Rayne? You still have feeling in it, judging by the fact that you even needed to see Rayne in the first place. Who knows? In seasons come you may be able to use it again as long as you exercise it now." He began walking down the corridor, pausing every few steps to glance back at Bracklew.
"How about you come to the feast? You've disappeared a lot this past season, and I know that Duncan really misses having you around. In fact, we all do." The mouse winked knowingly. "I should hope to see you there, if you're not too busy."
The door shut behind him.
It wasn't long before Harnam happened upon the remains of a fire. "Here, Brush. How old would you say this is?"
The tracker knelt down to look at the ashes. "Hardly two hours. I'll go find Asher and Applelad, they were checking the ridge. There's broken foliage over there, follow the path and wait until we get back."
Harnam watched Brush take off back the way they came. He turned to follow Muddle and Begskin's path, moving through the trees to remain undetected. Within minutes he found a small side stream shore inhabited by his targets. The squirrel retreated into a maple, watching and listening carefully to the captors and their prisoner.
~O~
Friar Rusk finished putting the candied strawberries atop a huge woodland trifle. Taking a sample of the meadowcream, he tasted the sugary concoction. "Perfect. Listen, I'll take some work of off your paws and bring these dishes back to the washroom. Don't let anything go wrong, chiefly letting Duncan into this kitchen!"
Picking up a large stack of dirty bowls, the tubby mouse carried them into the washroom. Unable to see around the dishes, he said, "Skip- Aver, mind taking these off my paws? Any longer and I'm liable to fall, and we don't want any broken dishes, aye?"
One of Rayne's assistants rushed up to Mortembell. The vixen nodded and, frowning, she made her way to the Infirmary.
"Hey, Rayne. You needed t'see me?"
OOC: Sage, don't do anything drastic to Muddle, Begskin, and Damien. If you end up capturing Damien, the other two need to get away.
OOC: You were supposed to post as them, do you want me to have the whole team gathered?
OOC Yeah, go ahead. Send 'em in to grab Damien and I'll have Muddle and Begskin run for it.
Meeting Mortembell at the infirmary door Rayne gestured the fox inside. Closing the door the mouse healer tapped her healers satchel self consciously.
"Mortembell, ah I don't know how to put this but Bracklew came in just now needing his paw worked on again." Seeing Mortembell's confusion Rayne continued hurriedly. "He sustained the injury while forcing some of the Vigil out of Redwall. Now I didn't press the matter but I know your son leads the Vigil. If the Abbey Warrior and the Vigil are at odds that might cause trouble. Do you have any idea why your son's followers might have attacked Bracklew?"
Mortembell shook her head in shock.
"No, I have no idea. One-Ear was never an enemy of Bracklew's, but he did have to take whoever he could get to form the Vigil. Who was it, did Bracklew say?"
OOC: K.
BIC: Heavy breathing announced the arrival of Asher and the rest. All four squirrels observed Muddle and Begskin tormenting Damien. Eyes narrowed, Asher signaled for Brush to join him and for Harnam to move down to the ground.
Damien was bound to two stakes, forcing him to stand up straight, arms outstretched. Terror had been the only feeling he had been experiencing thus far, captured by two madbeasts and begging to die. He didn't expect what happened next.
Two arrows zipped through the air, neatly severing his bonds as a squirrel emerged from the woodland, sword at the ready. Damien had dealt with Asher's team before, and he sorely hoped that they weren't here to kill him. Muddle jumped backwards in shock as a lance seemed to grow from the ground at his footpaws. He and Begskin fled the streambank in fear as two more arrows thudded into the ground. Damien stood stock still as the sword-wielding squirrel, Harnam, walked towards him. The shining sword started to rise up over Harnam's head, and Damien started to back away. "Please, don't kill me! I'll come peacefully!"
The sword swept down and hit Asher's dirk with a resounding clang. The black squirrel scowled at Harnam. "I said that we were taking him alive! Applelad, you have the rope. Get down here."
The young squirrel expertly bound the traitor for the second time, removed the ropes that Muddle had put on him. "Huh, searats think that they're the best knot tyers. Show them a thing or two, I will!"
Resigned to his fate, Damien followed his captors through the woodland.
"Aver's being rude an' ignoring everybeast, you'd be lucky t' get an answer from 'im." Rapshade said, smirking when he realized that Rusk had plates piled up so high in front of him that he could not see. The ferret snickered and snuck around the Friar and out the door, enjoying his freedom.
--
Roscoe sniffled and continued his sobbing despite Charm's threats.
He hoped One-Ear would hurry up and get back soon so he'd know what his fate was.
One-Ear and Gukom emerged from the bushes near Redwall Abbey. The fox shook his head sadly.
"Here we go, Gukom. Stay behind me, this may not go down well."
Taking a deep breath, One-Ear drew his katana. He thumped heavily on the gates with the blade's heavy hilt. The fox shouldered the sword and tried to look as sorrowful as possible.
OOC-
Groddil, capture him. ;p
IC-
Rapshade ran towards the exit as quickly as he could with an injured leg, which wasn't very quick at all, though he still made it to the gates by the time One-Ear arrived with Gukom.
The ferret clicked his teeth and cursed under his breath. Of course somebeast would arrive right as he tried to escape!
"Do come in!" He said, in his best imitation of Grant. Balancing awkwardly on one paw, he shoved at the beam and somehow managed to slide it off. It was a foolish plan, but he didn't care. He'd make a run for it as soon as the gates were open.
OOC: With pleasure...
BIC: One-Ear kicked the gate roughly, sending it swinging open. The fox was initially shocked at the sight of Rapshade there to greet him. As the ferret tried to run past, he tripped on Gukom, who stood quivering behind One-Ear. In an instant, the fox's blade was at Rapshade's throat.
"Trying to run, eh Swifty? You know, with a broken leg, your namesake doesn't really work anymore. Gukom, go tell somebeast I caught him."
One-Ear levered Rapshade up, the katana braced against Rapshade's back.
"Alrighty, we're gonna take a nice walk back inside. You try to run, the Vigil WILL find you. And then I won't be so merciful..."
Rapshade quailed at the sight of One-Ear, the fox who had cut down the mast. It was technically him who had broken the ferret's leg. Fumbling for words, he pointed a shaky paw in the direction of the gates.
"I thought...I thought you were an idiot...Er, no, I mean, I thought y' were somebeast else..." His voice became mumbled and then was soon silenced altogether as he began limping inside, looking ashamed with himself.
"Now, now. You've got everything you could need here. Food, water, a place to stay. If you decided to leave, all you would have is me on your tail. Maybe if you go back in an' beg fergiveness, they'll let ye live. I know I wouldn't, but it ain't up to me."
*****
Mortembell suddenly stopped her conversation with Rayne. Ignoring the mouse, she peered out the window. It was One-Ear! The vixen shot off down the stairs.
"Grant! One-Ear's here! He caught Rapshade!"
Grant looked up and began chasing after Mortembell.
"What do you mean, caught Rapshade? I thought he was with Rusk and Aver?"
--
Rapshade shuddered and glanced solemnly at One-Ear.
"I'm not doing any begging. They won't kill me," he hissed.
One-Ear shrugged.
"Maybe not, but if they get sick o' you, they'll give you t'me. Then, you may have an accident...MOVE YOURSELF!!!"
*****
"Well, Rapshade was out there. The gate was open, and One-Ear was pushing Rapshade back inside at swordpoint."
Rapshade hopped forward a bit more when One-Ear yelled. After a few more paces his leg gave out and he plopped down in the snow, covering his eyes with both paws.
"Can't walk so much with a broken leg an' a sword at me back," he muttered. "I don't know what I was thinking, trying t' run like that. You go on, sire, 'n' I'll just lay here and die...."
--
Grant raised an eyebrow at Mortembell.
"He's either here to apologize, cause trouble, or eat. Care to find out?"
"I don't care what. He's my son, Grant. He did stop Rapshade from getting out, hear what he has to say."
The vixen would not have further conversation. She strode boldly out onto the snow-covered lawn. One-Ear was standing over Rapshade lying in the snow.
"Lie here and die, then, don't affect me. Redwaller's might 'elp ya, but I certainly won't."
"Oh really?"
"M-mother...I..."
Mortembell stepped back.
"How about you leave the ferret alone and explain yourself. Grant, I'll let you do the talking."
Grant rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh, looking as if he was trying not to lose it. These Vigil members were driving him up the walls today.
"First thing's first: what are you doing here, and...Martin help me...why is he on the ground?"
One-Ear shrugged.
"HE is down there because he tripped. If I wasn't here, he'd be long gone by now. As for me, I'm here to apologize for Damien. I was hardpressed to find soldiers, but I should have taken more consideration into account. As sorry as I am for what transpired, now is not the time for us to become enemies. We were recently attacked by a band of rats. Their number was considerable, yet they were only a scouting party."
The fox took a deep breath.
"Father Abbot, I fear we have a horde on our paws."
Rapshade sat up, looking suddenly interested when One-Ear mentioned a horde.
"Mortembell, take the ferret inside. Because he tried to escape you may punish him as you please..." Grant whispered, turning to One-Ear.
"It's okay. You're not Damien, after all. Let's go up to my chamber, and there you can tell me all about the rats. If that's okay with you."
Mortembell unclipped a pair of cuffs from her sash and clipped them around Rapshade's paws. The vixen tightened the cuffs until they dug painfully into his wrists and pushed him inside.
"Back to the cellars for you, Rapshade. You're not seeing the sun for a long time..."
One-Ear gave a sigh of relief.
"Thank you for listening, sir. I'll join you to discuss the rats, but then I have to get back to the Vigil."
Grant padded inside and halted by the steps that led upstairs so One-Ear could catch up.
"Are you sure you wouldn't want to stay for the feast while you're here?" He chimed. "Hordes or not, it'd be nice to relax and have fun for once."
Rapshade had to chomp down on his tongue to keep from crying out.
The cuffs felt so tight that he was surprised he wasn't bleeding.
"N-no, please, Ma'am, give me another chance an' I'll be good. 'Tis too dark an' cold down there. Just one more chance. Please? I'll do everything y' want!"
Mortembell slapped Rapshade roughly in the face.
"Did ye give Duncan's liddle Mixy a chance? Didn't think so."
The vixen clamped the cuffs around the chain in the cellar. She kicked the ferret roughly in amongst the barrels and slammed the door. She locked it tightly and stormed off.
*****
One-Ear shook his head sadly.
"I have other business to attend do. Besides, the Redwallers wouldn't like it if they saw me around here. The Vigil ain't too popular."
OOC-
Is whatsisname the mole still in the cellars?
Also, Rappy will remember all of this when he gets free...Muhaha.
IC-
"I'm Abbot and I don't hate you," said Grant as he unlocked the door to his room and hopped on the couch.
"But I can see how the Vigil would come across as scary to those who don't know about it. Anyway, the rats. What happened with them?"
--
"Aahh!"
There was a loud crash as the barrels fell, sending Rapshade sprawling yet again.
The ferret coughed and hid beneath his paws to hide the unwanted tears that sprang to his eyes.
He felt so weak and humiliated and like his leg was on fire. Why hadn't Rayne done anything about that? She'd given him his medicine before.
He gave up and let the sobbing take over.
OOC: He's in Great Hall at the moment. I should probably point out that Rapshade's prison cellar is a little side one, different to the main one. The actual drinks cellar doesn't have twenty locks on the door and a ferret chained up within.
BIC: One-Ear noticed Gukom approaching with a small platter of food. The fox took a scroll from Gukom's basket and a drink of October Ale.
"This here's a map of Mossflower. So Redwall's here, and the Vigil camp is here...We found the rats close to the path, there was quite a large number. Twoscore, mebbe. We interrogated one of them, apparently they were only a small band o' scouts for a larger group. A horde. We also captured a straggler, he should tell us where they came from and where they're going. If push comes to shove, my men stand ready to defend the Abbey."
OOC-
Good...Because she kicked him into some barrels like twice now. If there were any drinks in there they'd make quite a mess. XD
IC-
Abbot Grant silently wondered where Gukom got the food as One-Ear related to him the events of the horde. "All right," he said with a sigh, "I'll be careful. Thanks for telling me this. It really ruins the mood, doesn't it?"
The Vigil encampment was quiet, save for Roscoe's devious mutterings. Applelad strode jauntily in, twirling his lance expertly. He was followed by Asher and the others, Damien held tight between them. Asher threw down the tortured squirrel. "Alright, lissen here. Yore gonna stay put till One-Ear an' my goodself return. Harnam will keep watch over you, and he'll report anythin' that you did that ye should've done. So be'ave yoreself."
Without waiting for a response, Asher turned to Brush and Applelad. "You two, report to Charm. She's in charge around here."
The black squirrel took off through the trees toward Redwall to report to One-Ear.
Grant's door banged open and Bracklew flew into the chamber closely followed by a rabbit that was around his age. The squirrel looked worried and as his gaze passed over One-ear to Grant it hardened slightly. Ignoring the fox Bracklew approached Grant quickly.
"Father brother Milus found Aver in the kitchens, he'd been hit on the head by a pan. Rayne is with him now but that's not he problem. Rusk told me Aver had been keeping an eye on Rapshade. I think our prisoner might be trying to escape!"
One-Ear folded up the scroll and handed it back to Gukom. The hamster dropped both scroll and scone as the door banged open. One-Ear listened idly to Bracklew as he pulled Gukom away from the vittles.
"Already dealt with. I imagine mother has him locked up so tight he can't even move by now. Oh, and Bracklew? I cannot say how sorry I am about Damien. I have soldiers tracking him now. If you want to 'speak' to him, see me when I am here next."
The fox pushed lightly through the doorway, followed closely by Gukom.
*****
Charm heard Brush and Applelad give their names and enter the tent. Not taking her spear off Roscoe, she called over her shoulder to the two squirrels.
"What happened? Did you find him?"
Grant stood up.
"Aver, hit over the head with a pan? That's just awful! He's not dying, is he?" The mouse asked, scuffling over to Bracklew and Petu once One-Ear and Gukom were out of sight.
"He was trying to escape. Apparently One-Ear caught him outside..." The Abbot grumbled and slapped a paw to his forehead.
"Sometimes I just don't know..."
Glaring at One-ear's receding back Bracklew felt his temper rise slightly. Forcing himself to look back at the Abbot, Bracklew shook his head slowly.
"No, he's fine. And I guess everything else is too."
"He looks chipper sir, though Rayne says he'll have quite a lump on his head. Oh and he has a few cuts from glass that he fell on but they are not bad. A glass cup must have gotten pushed onto the ground during their scuffle." The rabbit Petu added cheerfully. "I'm sure the good fellow will be up and hungry once that feast gets started. Say, when is that supposed to begin anyway?"
Alone, Asher faced the great gates of Redwall. Eyes narrowed, he took a few steps back before running forward and making an almighty leap. Claws out, he clung to the stout wooden gates. Working quickly, he scaled the walls bare-pawed and swung over the battlements. Descended the stone stairs, he inspected the marks made by One-Ear, Grant, and the captured Rapshade. The black squirrel glanced up at the approach of One-Ear. "Hi, sir. I was just coming to report to you. Damien's captured, I left the rest of my team at the encampment. Muddle and that stoat from Rapshade's crew got away, though."
~O~
Brush saluted Charm. "Yeah, he's not goin' anywhere. No casualties on either side, marm. Harnam's out there keeping guard."
Charm nodded to the squirrels, and between the three of them they carried Roscoe out to where Damien was being held. The otter motioned to a hole in the ground with heavy wooden bars set above it. She kicked open the cage and shoved Roscoe in roughly.
"Chuck Damien in there with the weasel. One-Ear can deal with both of them when he gets here."
"No, please. I need help, my face...Uuuh."
Applelad and Harnam gripped the blind squirrel by the shoulders and threw him bodily into the pit. The squirrel landed heavily on top of Roscoe. Charm dumped a heavy rock on top of the wooden bars.
"Won't be escaping from there. Enjoy each other's company."
*****
One-Ear shoved open the gates again in strode into the woodlands flanked by Asher and Gukom.
"Good. Shame Muddle got away, though. I would have rather you captured the hedgehog, but Damien still needs to be punished for what he did."
The black squirrel snorted. "Huh, he's blinder than a bat. I was thinkin' about gettin' Muddle out so we c'n kill him, an' here's my plan: we bait him. The hedgehog's never gonna come out straight at us, so if'n we lie in wait for him to attack whomever we set out, then we can send some arrows through his skull. What do ye think?"
"Who's blind? Damien? Figures. No matter, he deserves it. A few days in the hole and we'll hand him over to the Redwallers to do whatever they will with him. As for Muddle, how exactly do you plan on baiting him? Send someone out into the woodlands unarmed? Could work..."
Asher shrugged. "Well, we'd need somebeast who could conceal a blade, look helpless, generally the picked-on type. I used to know a weasel who was like that, a thief, I dunno if'n he's in Mossflower any more."
OOC; Yes, he's talking about Roscoe.
One-Ear grinned.
"As a matter of fact, I believe Charm has a weasel that sounds very familiar back at the Vigil..."
"Really? Probably him, if he tried t'attack ye. I'm sure we'll both be glad to re-make acquaintances."
The squirrel leapt ahead, speeding towards the camp...
OOC-
Heehee! XD
He described Roscoe perfectly, but don't tell the weasel that! ;D
IC-
Roscoe grumbled and tried getting up.
"Gerroff, you great fat lump!" He snapped, wriggling out from underneath the squirrel. The weasel got back on his hind paws and dusted himself off, glowering around the cage.
"Why do they even 'ave this?" Putting on his best impression of Charm, which wasn't a good one, Roscoe strutted about the hole, calling out, '"Oh, I'm Charm, a beautiful otter with genius ideas! One of 'em was to dig a hole in the ground an' put all the creatures we kidnap inside it!"' Idiotic. Stupid. Otter!"
--
Grant broke a smile.
"You know, Petu, maybe we'd already be done preparing if the interruptions would cease! Want to help out?"
"Shut up down there, fool!"
Charm turned to see Asher, One-Ear, and Gukom enter the camp.
"Welcome back, Sir. Asher, nice to see you. We put Damien and that weasel, name o' Roscoe, down in the pit. They're ready for you to deal with 'em."
The fox peered down into the gloom.
"Get the weasel out. Leave Damien in there for a bit."
Charm obliged, pulling Roscoe roughly from the pit.
"Okay, weasel. Do you know this squirrel?"
"Fool? Ha! Whatever yah say bounces off me an' sticks on youuuuu---aaaarrgh!"
Roscoe yelped and flailed his paws as he was yanked out of the pit. The weasel snorted indignantly and stuck his tongue out at Charm, elbowing her roughly in the side as he strode past her, cloak trailing out behind him like a flag.
"Gentle, will you?! Not everybeast 'as fur as nice as mine, so don't you go ruinin' it fer me."
He sneered and halted in front of Asher, scanning the squirrel up and down.
"Naw...Wait. I do know 'im! He was there when I broke into the h'Abbey an' stole a cake, then he went out to fight some Flitchaye or somethin'. Asher, isn't it?"
The squirrel in question crossed his arms. "Aye, Asher. I should hope that ye remember me."
He turned to Charm. "Bind him tight. Where's his dagger? I'll be needing it."
OOC: So, unless you and/or Ashleg want otherwise, I was thinking that we waited a little bit before we did the trap thing.
OOC-
Yes, let's wait. Right now we *should* be focusing mainly on the feast rather than having action.
IC-
Roscoe snorted in amusement.
"Bind me? I'm not hurtin' anybeast by standin' here, am I? Oh, watch out fer the dangerous weasel, he'll slay ye with 'is eyes!" He grinned crookedly and laughed to himself.
"Come on, Charmy, there's no need t' bind me; I won't be going anywhere cause you guys are a bunch of meanies and would kill me if I did anything."
Asher laughed. "Sorry, weasel, but you're not pulling that on me. Abbot Liam was far to lenient for you, maybe Grant would do a better job. At least he has an otter at the Abbey."
Reminiscing, the squirrel brought himself back down to earth. "Enough of that. Charm, don't lissen to 'im, I've seen 'im pull many a trick on decent beasts."
OOC: So are we just gonna focus back on the Abbey now?
OOC-
We can multitask like we've been doing, just less action here and more antics at the Abbey.
IC-
Roscoe smirked and cast a glance at Charm.
"Really, all I did was lie about a cake an' get chased out. Judge me how you want to, but let's be honest here." He snaked his way over to Charm until they were practically touching, and whispered so only she could hear, "I'm kind of ineffective."
OOC: Okay, give me the locations of everyone in the Abbey. I don't want to have Ava talk to Grant at the doorway when he's really in Great Hall. ;D
OOC-
Grant's in his room with Bracklew and Petu, Duncan's in the Great Hall helping set the table, Fang is...somewhere, and Rapshade's locked up again.
OOC: Alright, thanks. *tries to think of something for Rusk or Ava to do*
"Would I?" Petu scoffed his long ears standing straight up. "Yes sir I would, my mum always told me I'd make a jolly good chef. And I'd like to meet rabbit that doesn't know his way around a kitchen. Hares to the table rabbits to the ovens I always say. I'll go make myself useful. C'mon Brack." Pulling Bracklew along with him Petu made his way towards the kitchens waving to Grant as he left.
OOC: Last post for tonight. Have fun ya'll.
Gukom shakily held his paw to Asher, holding the dagger.
"I-I-I have it, Asher. I took it off him when we were attacked..."
Charm snatched the dagger and handed it to Asher. She wrapped a rope around Roscoe's footpaws and bound his paws tightly behind his back.
"Okay, he ain't going anywhere fast."
Roscoe casually rolled his eyes, having long forgotten that he was crying just minutes ago.
"Why'd you want to see if I knew him, an' why does he need my dagger? It's not even that sharp. I'm not doin' anything, you know. The ropes are unnecessary. Y'know what? Methinks you all just like tyin' up vermin..."
One-Ear kicked Roscoe roughly.
"YOUR dagger, is it? Why should 'ee give it back, so ye can stab us? I don't think so. You're lucky Asher thinks yer useful, or I'd 'ave t'be pretty thick to let you live right 'bout now."
"Owoww! What's with all the kickin' and shovin'? It actually is my dagger." Said Roscoe, falling into an awkward sitting position when One-Ear kicked him.
He glowered up at the fox, unable to rise again because of his bonds.
"An' I've never actually killed anybeast. I'm a thief, not a murderer."
"Well, you won't need a knife to steal things, will you? Anyway, Asher, tell us the rest of your plan..."
OOC: I suggest we stop and wait for Sage.
Roscoe growled.
"You're right. I need a knife so creatures like you don't suddenly appear an' start kickin' me!"
OOC-
Don't forget Sand.
Asher nodded to One-Ear. "Sure. Roscoe here is the ideal target for Muddle. He's already small - otherwise he couldn't get into the Abbey - and with some work we can make him even smaller."
He winked at the weasel as he threw the dagger up, spinning it twice before catching the blade neatly. Inspecting it, he noted the sharpness. "'E's right, the blade'll need some sharpenin'. It's a stiletto, too, quite a fine one. Probably stole it."
With lightening speed he slung the dagger as he had his dirk, shearing through Roscoe's cape and thudding into a tree trunk. Retrieving the blade, he tugged it out of the trunk easily. "The cape'll 'ave t'go, it's too fancy. We've got some old cloaks that'll conceal the blade easier.
"Well, yore watching me expectantly, so I better get to the point. Roscoe 'ere will act the humble traveler, tattered cloak pulled about 'im, dagger hidden. My team an' whoever One-Ear wants to work with will follow the weasel, and when Muddle finally attacks we'll swoop down, kill or capture 'im an' the stoat, and emerge victorious."
He looked at Roscoe. "Whether yore dead or alive."
After sweeping up the remaining glass mess and helping carry Aver up to the infirmary the two young would be chefs found themselves a place amongst the busy workers and set to work. Petu and Bracklew began making what the rabbit called, 'Woodland Greater Pasty' while Friar Rusk occasional looked over their shoulders worriedly.
"Now we got everything? Mushrooms, carrots, Brussels, crystalized apple slices mm delicious, gravy, crust, chives, these little cubes."
"I'm fairly sure Sister Anila said they were diced potatoes." Bracklew said tugging at the collar of his tunic. His ears twitched slightly and he sweated in the warm hustle and bustle of the kitchen. Feeling uncomfortably out of place the squirrel tried to inch towards the door. "Yeah, you sure you know how to cook? Maybe if we just stay out on the wall tops and keep watch, let the professionals do their work..." Catching Bracklew before he could make a dash to the exit Petu pulled him back over the large mixing bowl where he was shamelessly mixing a concoction of sugar, hotroot pepper, and flour.
"Course I know how to cook, I whipped up that salad nice and pretty over there didn't I?"
"That was a salad, and all you did was mix lettuce and tomatoes together." Bracklew muttered quietly as Petu poured the spicy and sweet flour over the top of his vegetables and gravy.
"This mix will give the pasty a nice tang, now pass me the orange thingies will you." Petu said happily ignoring the salad comment. Bracklew passed over the orange peels with a sigh grudgingly resigning himself to suffer.
Fangfang's door flung open. Stumbly marched irately to his bedside and, together with Max, she ripped the sheets from the bed.
"Faaaaaang! Wake uuuuuuuup!"
*****
One-Ear looked at Asher with a cold glare.
"Kill. Not capture. Feeding that thing and keeping it alive is a waste of our resources. Your team, along with Charm, will follow Roscoe into the woods. When those two creatures lie dead, take the weasel's blade and set 'im loose. I need to find out where that horde is."
Fangfang shrieked and practically flew out of bed, darting to the back of the room until he realized it was only the Dibbuns.
The rat grinned sheepishly and ran a paw over his ears.
"Max? Stumbly? Geez! Ye scared th' daylights outta me! How'd you get in 'ere anyway?"
Max winked at Stumbly and shifted paws.
"Heeheehee! Through ya window!" he fibbed.
--
Duncan marched into the kitchens with a matter-of-fact look on his face.
"I'm done settin' the table, wot!" He halted over Petu's salad and peered down at it, taking a long sniff.
"......Petu, friend, that looks like a marvelous salad. You must be a professional..."
--
Roscoe growled and shook his head.
"Heck no, I'm not gonna be the bait fer this 'master plan' of yours! What'd' ya take me for, stupid?!" The weasel bared his teeth. "Ruining my stuff an' kickin' at me while I'm tied up isn't gonna make me want t' do this. In fact, it doesn't even concern me what this alleged spikedog an' 'is stoat friend do." He bent his head and started gnawing through the ropes that bound his wrists.
A sharp rap on his jaw from the hilt of Asher's dirk made the weasel wince. "Hey, either you stay captured 'ere until you die from starvation, or you do what we ask of you and you might 'ave a better chance 'o survivin'. Then agin, there's a bigger chance of you dying. I would think it's a good deal, aye?"
OOC-
Lessen up on the powerplaying, please. That goes for you too, Grododile. ;)
Remember how in part one we'd ask before PPing? :P
IC-
Roscoe flinched and glared up at Asher, flattening his ears.
He tried to talk despite his smarting jaw. "Really? I'd rather starve than have my eyes ripped out. Tough luck gettin' me on your side. It's a horrible deal. What kind o' Woodlander are you, anyway? An' I thought you guys had honor...or that you at least liked me a little, Asher."
OOC: Okay.
BIC: One-Ear growled.
"No honor among thieves, Roscoe. You go out there and draw out Muddle, you can go free. Otherwise, we throw you straight back into the pit, and you can die down there with Damien."
The fox nodded to a mouse, who opened the wooden grating over the pit.
Glancing over his shoulder as he slipped the Woodland Greater into the oven Petu nodded sagely. Using his large back foot he closed the over door and then went over to stand next to Duncan.
"Aye sir, you can't ask for anything much better then that." The rabbit winked at Duncan and slipped a tomato slice off the salad and into his mouth. "Mm, sweet and juicy, this Abbey sure knows how to grow its food. Though this salad could use some shredded cheese, and maybe some crushed acorns. Don't you think?"
OOC: I didn't think that that was too much powerplaying, but I'll stop and ask. (Detente y peinsa!)
BIC: Asher looked away. "That was a long time ago. Honor ain't the right thing. Remember that ferret Rapshade? He was supposed to die, but those Redwallers kept 'im alive. He jus' tried t'escape today. An' that's 'ow 'e pays back mercy from woodlanders? Yore sorely mistaken. If you wanted honor, ye should've gone to Redwall."
Brush and Applelad approached Asher. "Sir, we couldn't 'elp overhearin' your conversation," said Applelad. Brush continued. "We thought that the section of the path that goes into the woods would be the ideal place to ambush Muddle."
"Very well. Harnam, go over there with the other two and start setting up for a stakeout. Charm an' I will follow up."
Asher didn't lock eyes with Roscoe as he spoke. "Ye'll 'elp us, lessen ye find it easier to roam the woodland constantly on the alert fer a crazy hedgehog an' a stoat."
Mortembell appeared in Fangfang's doorway.
"Lying little Dibbuns, aren't you? Morning, Fang."
Stumbly giggled at Mortembell and skipped past her down the hallway. Maybe they could find something in the kitchens...
*****
Drubble was bringing more drinks up to Great Hall when he heard strange sounds coming from the side cellar. The hedgehog sat on a cask near the door.
"Err, zurr Rappy, are yurr alright in thurr?"
Stumbly was dwarfed by the huge figure of Ava. She blocked the Dibbun from entering the kitchens by simply standing in the doorway. The badgermum put on her best Dibbun-humbling frown and glared down at Stumbly. "Where might you be going, eh?"
Roscoe went back to chewing the ropes.
"Uh-huh, Foxie, keep spewin' rubbish. I'm a thief, but you're a murderer." He looked up, eyes glimmering tauntingly. "You could technically be considered a thief too, y'know, 'cept the difference 'twixt us is that I steal objects an' you steal lives and objects--like my dagger over there."
He turned to Asher when the squirrel replied, sneering.
"Guess I don't matter anymore. It was too long ago."
--
"Oh, I bally well do think!" Duncan giggled, throwing open the doors to the pantry.
He ran inside and came out with a small block of cheese and a bag of acorns, setting them down on the table.
"I'm pretty sure there's other good stuff in there, too. Why don't we just make a mix of everything we can find? I'll call it the Petu-Duncan Delight!"
--
"No, Imma 'onest squirrel." Max said, smiling innocently before bounding after Stumbly.
Fangfang chuckled and padded up to Mortembell, pushing down some fur that was sticking up on his head. "Hi? What's goin' on, are you an' the little ones tryin' to prank me? There's not even a window in here. I don't know where 'e got that from... Sounds like somethin' I'd say."
--
Rapshade lifted his head when he thought he heard Drubble's voice outside the door.
Had he been crying that loud? Angry with himself, the ferret called in reply, "I don't know why you even care!"
Rubbing his paws together Petu grinned mischievously. "Excellent plan sir, maybe some onions, and chestnuts, and watercress, then we can mix a topping of honey and oil." The rabbit vanished into the pantry and reappeared with his arms filled with a random assortment of food items. Stacking them along the counter he produced two freshly sharpened knives and offered one to Duncan.
"Your sword sir, shall we bring battle to these vegetables?" Bracklew who was watching half interested from the sidelines raised an eyebrow at the odd collection on the counter. But held his silence wanting to see the outcome.
Mortembell laughed as she followed Fangfang down the hall.
"You gotta love 'em, 'ey Fang? We were all young once."
*****
Drubble shook his head sadly.
"Thurr's no need to be saddened zurr, oi loikes talkin' with 'ee. Yurr shudd be thankful to be yurr, it bain't worse than havin' Mortybell's young 'un get 'is paws on 'ee, burr aye!"
*****
One-Ear spat on Roscoe.
"Except the beasts I kill all deserve it. Stop chewin' on those ropes, or so 'elp me, you'll be joinin' 'em, and we can find someone else to lure out Muddle."
OOC: Permission to get Charm to try and throw Roscoe in the pit. so it psyches him into helping?
OOC-
Permission Grant-ed.
Grant, granted! See what I did there? ;D
IC-
"Yes, wot, let's give 'em blood and vinegar!" Duncan shouted, chopping into an onion with his new 'sword'. He grabbed one of the newly sliced halves and waved it up and down, talking in a high voice, "'Oh no, sir, don't put me in that bloomin' salad!' But I have to! 'Not on my watch! Hi-ya, ya!' Aaaaaargh! That's it, I'll get you now! 'No, nohoho!'......F-father Abbot!"
Duncan's ear stood up rigidly, and the onion dropped from his paw to the bowl.
Abbot Grant stood in the doorway, looking confused and amused at the same time.
"Duncan, why were you pretending that onion was attacking your arm?" He mused. "I'll never understand you."
--
Fang grinned.
"Yeah. But I'm still young, it's you who was young once!" The rat stuck his tongue out and bounded down the hallway before Mortembell could do anything in reply.
"Betcha can't get me!"
--
Roscoe growled, "Sure. Try an' justify it. Idjit."
--
"It's cold an' dark an' it hurts, sir, please, I can't take it anymore."
Rapshade murmured, gritting his teeth. He'd never said much more than a word to Drubble in the past; their conversations had been one-sided.
Still, the ferret sniffled and wiped a tear away with an angry swipe of his paw. He wanted nothing more than what he used to have, but he knew he'd never get any of it back. His whole life had come apart in front of his eyes that day in the fall when the Redwallers came after him.
"At l-least tell Mortembell I'll work again--please, Drubble."
OOC: Cheers.
BIC:
One-Ear kicked Roscoe to the ground once again.
"Fine. See how long you last in the pit while Damien bleeds on ye. Charm!"
The female otter crossed over to Roscoe's side. She rolled the bound weasel into the pit and slammed the cage door. Dusting off her paws, the otter yelled down into the pit.
"Not exactly Redwall, but its yer new home!"
OOC-
What about all your other characters? XD
IC-
"Ughh...Stupid cage, stupid squirrel. Fine!" Roscoe snapped. "I'll do yer bidding, One-Ear, but I'll do it my way. Now lemme out!"
OOC: Derp.
BIC:
One-Ear shook his head sadly.
"Change your mind often, don't you? Sorry, but I have other business to attend to first. You can wait."
The fox strode off towards his tent. Along the way, he stopped at the side of a hare not much older than himself.
"Buckhorn. I've heard good things about you. How would you like to take Damien's place as Second-in-Command of the Vigil?"
*****
Drubble wiped a tear from the corner of his eyes.
"Burr hurr hurr, oi'll certinkly 'elp yurr zurr. Nobeast shudd have t'be trapped down thurr. Oi'll go talk ter Mortybell naow!"
The cellarmole blew heavily into his apron and toddled up the stairs towards Great Hall.
*****
Mortembell stopped for a breather at the foot of the stairs.
"Yeah... *huff* Fang. I ain't as *puff* young as I...used to be. Insolent young...beast, go play...with the Dibbuns. Leave...the feast...to the adults...hah hah haaaa...uuuh. Oh, 'ello Drubble. What...is it?"
The mole waved a digging claw at her disapprovingly.
"Oi was talkin' to zurr Rapshade, marm. Oi thinks ye shudd give 'im another chance to wurk, oi do!"
Mortembell dismissed the matter, taking several deep breaths and walking off.
"He's had more than enough chances, Drubble. He needs some time alone."
*****
Damien felt something thud into his back. Weakly, he reached out instinctively, groping and grabbing at Roscoe.
"Help...me!"
"Help you? Uuh." Roscoe wrinkled his nose in disgust and rolled off of Damien, snorting under his breath. "You ain't gettin' any help from me. You'd only turn on me once it's been a few years an' we haven't talked for a while. Just like Asher!" Said the weasel loudly. "You know why?! Because you'd be too busy with helping a group of jerks do their things!" His voice rose evey few words till it was fairly obvious he was talking more to Asher than anybeast else.
--
Fangfang waited at the top of the stairs, inching slowly away because he wanted to see if Mortembell would chase after him or not. When he decided it'd been too long he crept back over there. "I 'eard you mention Rapshade....Er, Drubble."
Drubble looked at Fangfang sadly.
"'Ow's it feel, gettin' yurr matey locked up like that, zurr? Oi thinks it be's very unjustified that 'ee ain't allowed turr prove 'imself."
Mortembell turned around.
"He did, Drubble. He lost that privilege WHEN HE TRIED TO RUN AWAY!!!"
Drubble shook his head and retired to the cellar, muttering darkly.
"Oi wudd do the same in 'is position, hurr hurr hurr. Mortybell wuddn't keep oi locked up, no zurr!"
"I don't know..." Fang glanced at Mortembell.
"Er, er, remember how nervous I was when I first came 'ere? I'm sure ya do since y' attacked me an' all...an' Rappy's probably feelin' triple that, plus embarrassment an' the pain from 'is leg. And aye, he might deserve it, but he'll only get more bitter."
The rat nonchalantly shrugged and headed off down the hallway, flicking his tail.
Quote from: Groddil on February 25, 2016, 01:43:33 AM
OOC: Derp.
BIC:
One-Ear shook his head sadly.
"Change your mind often, don't you? Sorry, but I have other business to attend to first. You can wait."
The fox strode off towards his tent. Along the way, he stopped at the side of a hare not much older than himself.
"Buckhorn. I've heard good things about you. How would you like to take Damien's place as Second-in-Command of the Vigil?"
*****
Needle had been picking his teeth with a splinter of wood when he noticed his captain approaching. He flicked it away quickly, his ears perking up at the proposition. "Why, yes sah! I would be honored!" He scratched his head thoughtfully. "Why's Damien off the job, wot?"
OOC: You don't need to quote me.
BIC:
One-Ear's voice was dripping with contempt.
"Where do I start? Damien started a fight with our friends over at Redwall, making them dislike us even more. Next, he decides to quit the Vigil so I don't punish him, and runs off into the woods. He gets himself captured by Muddle and Begskin and has his eyes torn out. So, even if he was still part of the Vigil, he would be in no position to command."
The tall hare chuckled. "Well, I suppose I can take the responsibility, wot?" Needle fiddled with his tunic. "Pity, in all honesty. Seemed like a fit-and-well leader to me, ya know?" He straightened-up, saluting One-Ear. "Ready for duty sah!" He bellowed, as he stood at attention.
One-Ear handed Needle the map of Mossflower.
"See that cross on the map there, north-east of the Abbey? Marshal the troops, you and I are taking a scouting party to check out the woods. Charm and Asher can handle Muddle."
*****
Drubble sat back down on his barrel near Rapshade's cellar.
"Burr, sorry zurr. Mortybell wuddn't listen to oi. Lukks loie you ain't comin' out any toime soon!"
There was some high-pitched mumbling and then Rapshade called hoarsely, "But why can't you jus' open it?"
"Oi doesn't 'ave the keys, zurr. Ye isn't in moi cellar, only Mortybell can open that yurr door."
Needle tokk the map into his own paws. "Hm. Consider it done." He said, his tone changing quickly. "Alright chaps, I'll need some volunteers, we're going on a patrol, so shape up!" he yelled assertively. The proud hare looked back at his captain. "Ya sure about, Muddle ol' chap?" he said, as he put his knife in it's sheath and his sling under his arm. "I know he's blind an' all, but the poor chap's gone and lost it."
"Please...Can't you bring Mortybell here?"
Rapshade asked, shivering at the cold draft that seemed to forever stay in his room. The ferret found his dislike for Mortembell growing by the second.
Once I get free, she's good as dead.
Drubble gave a short, resigned sigh.
"Oi can ask again, zurr, but she already said no to oi. If'n she does open that yurr door, it'd have to be furr a very gudd reason."
*****
One-Ear checked his weaponry and handed everything non-essential to Gukom. The fox clenched his paw at the mention of Muddle.
"Blind or no, Asher and Charm are more than capable of hidin' in the bushes for him to taik some bait. They'll get 'im, trust me."
Rapshade rolled his eyes and leaned back against the wall.
"Y' could tell her I need medicine, which...isn't a lie. My leg's also still broken, but I guess that's not urgent to them." He said the last part too low for Drubble to hear through the door. This all was what he deserved, yet he could not take it.
I'm the captain of a great ship, so I shouldn't have to sit here kissing up to the needs of some ignorant Redwallers!
He sighed and shook his head.
Laughing uproariously Petu mutilated a head of cauliflower with his knife while speaking to Grant. "Oh yes Father, Mister Winterberry was being attacked by that onion, and if his war shouts were anything to go by he was losing. Badly." Unable to keep the smirk from growing on his face Bracklew stepped forward claiming a knife from the sharpening station holding it tightly.
"Ha you two couldn't cut a mushy apple if somebeast guided your paws. I'll show you how a real fighter uses a blade." Petu jabbed a claw at Bracklew winking at Duncan and Grant.
"Ah ha. Is that so my one pawed friend you are at a major disadvantage. Besides your looking at the two greatest chefs ever to step footpaw into this Abbey. We'll out chop, out cook, and out mix any challenger any day. Isn't that right Duncan?"
Asher peered down at Roscoe in the cage. "Turn on ye, aye? I don't recall ye being particularly fond o' me. Jus' like every other vermin, kissin' up to their superiors and backstabbin' them when the time's right!"
The squirrel motioned to Charm. "I'm going t'go up ahead and meet up with my team at the path, follow with the weasel whenever y'like."
The squirrel disappeared into the woodland that he knew best.
At the path, Applelad sat on a midsection branch of a cedar looking over the path. Nibbling on a chestnut from his small provision pack, he spoke through bites. "Fair day for an ambush, I'd say. The snow muffles most of the sound, the weasel'll stand out against the white well."
Harnam, who had taken charge of the ground, was on the opposite side of the path. Seeing that he had no ranged weapons to use, he was ready to attack with his double-edged sword. He glanced up at Applelad. "This better work, y'know. One-Ear'll be in a rage if'n it doesn't."
A rustling of leaves announced the arrival of Brush, who had temporarily went abroad to scout out the surrounding area. "Seems clear to me," he broke in. "Remember, no beast disturb the snow on the path or in the vicinity. We want it to look like no one's here."
Asher entered the scene. "Stop chunnering, all of you. Applelad, yore far too low. Harnam, you could stand to be deeper into the woodland. Brush, you an' I will be in that rowan. Alright, take cover. Charm should be along with our bait soon."
Charm smiled as the squirrels began getting the ambush ready. She opened the pit and dragged Roscoe out. The otter draped a rough brown cloak around his back and stuck a dagger in his belt. She motioned to a team of archers who put arrow to bowstring and retreated into the bushes.
"Okay, Roscoe. Those archers have got their arrows trained on your back. You try to run, they'll get you. Nice and slowly, take a stroll unsuspecting like through the woods. If all goes well, we'll let ye go."
She gave Roscoe a light push.
*****
"Oi will, zurr. Oi will! Anything t'help a poor beast such as yurrself, burr aye!"
The cellarmole from his barrel and wandered off in search of Mortembell.
Duncan twirled his knife.
"It absoballylutely is!" He exclaimed. "Challenge accepted, foe Bracklew!" The hare let out a battle cry and began hacking away at some lettuce.
Grant blinked repeatedly and gave an awkward little laugh before slinking away unnoticed and closing the door behind him.
--
Rapshade nodded and couldn't help but feel a little bit of appreciation for the mole.
He could almost grow to like him.
--
Roscoe yowled out in defiance, "Superiors?! If that's how it is, then I hate you, too!"
The next thing he knew he was standing outside the cage with a different cloak on.
The weasel scoffed and narrowed his eyes. "Nice try, Charm, but I'm not doin' this with my paws tied--an' I said if I'm gonna do this that I'm gonna do it my way, so there's no need fer this cloak an' a fancy stroll. I'm gonna walk through the woods, find a nice little tree, an' pretend t' be asleep. Got it, riverdoggy?"
Charm looked down her snout at the weasel.
"Fine. But make no mistake, you run, we kill you."
The otter called out to Asher.
"Change o' plans. Follow 'im through the woods 'til 'ee stops. When 'ee does, be ready."
Asher motioned to Brush and Harnam, they immediately hoisted Charm up into the trees. Asher apologized. "Sorry, marm, but Roscoe's need to be the only tracks. Harnam, guide her. Brush, Applelad, keep your weapons ready. Fire as soon as both of our targets are in sight."
Charm took a spare bow from one of the squirrels. She motioned to the forces down below, who turned their weapons away from Roscoe and joined One-Ear and Needle's scouting party. The otter fired an arrow near Roscoe's footpaws.
"Hurry up, weasel! The next one may not miss..."
"Wh-what are you doing?! Untie my paws, addlebrain!" Roscoe snapped, glaring up at Charm and the others. "I can't walk with ropes round my paws!"
OOC: Whoopsies.
BIC:
Charm sighed with resignation. She took a knife from her belt and threw it down to Roscoe.
"Cut 'em yerself!"
OOC-
Poor forgotten Drubble...
IC-
Roscoe leaned heavily forward and caught the knife in his teeth.
"Thanks f' yore considderashion!" The weasel remarked around the dagger's handle, looking snide as he cut through the ropes around his wrists.
He transferred the weapon to his paws and sliced through the ropes that bound his footpaws.
Sticking the dagger into his belt, the weasel shrugged the tattered cloak off and pulled his own red cloak around him.
"I'm goin' now!" He glared up into the trees and then started on his way, weaving and slinking around trees and bushes so that his pawprints became intermingled and hard to follow.
OOC: Just for the record, there aren't any other tracks around, and Brush is an expert tracker. What exactly does Roscoe plan to do?
BIC: Asher gripped Charm's bow. "Don't you know anything about secrecy? Muddle won't bite if'n yore shooting arrows at Roscoe's feet, no matter how much the weasel deserves it."
OOC-
He's just giving them a hard time. ;)
Quote from: Ashleg on February 25, 2016, 11:48:42 PM
OOC-
Poor forgotten Drubble...
OOC: Hey, it takes time to track someone down.
BIC:
Supported by several squirrels, Charm was carried swiftly through the trees. The otter struggled to stay still; she was used to being on firm ground. No matter how difficult Roscoe's pawprints became to follow, the skill of Asher's team kept them hard on his tail.
*****
Mortembell felt somebeast tug on her robe. Turning around, she rolled her eyes. It was Drubble.
"For the last time, I am NOT letting Rapshade out of there. Not happening!"
"Burr, but marm, 'ee be's sick, oi tell 'ee. All coughin' an spluttrin', 'ee sounded loike 'ee dinnae 'ave much longer left!"
Mortembell sighed.
"Then tell Rayne to get her medicine and meet me at the entrance to the side cellar. I'll let her in to treat him, but that's it!"
Nodding his head, the cellarmole looked around for Rayne, before heading for the infirmary.
Roscoe hopped over an old log and then turned around and went right back the way he came, muttering under his breath.
A large, snowy pine tree caught his eye. The weasel grinned and rubbed his paws together.
He slunk up to the tree and plopped down underneath it, crossing his legs.
"Alright, here I go, about t' put myself in danger fer the Vigil's selfish needs. As we all know, the oh-so-noble Vigil is too scared an' weak t' do it themselves!"
He shot a glare up at the trees where he knew the group was watching and then leaned back against the tree trunk, pushing his hat over his eyes.
"Stupid eyeless spikedoggie should be 'ere soon..."
Nearby, a bush rustled. Quiet laughter and hushed whispers echoed through the woods. The bushes began to part, and a hedgehog slowly crawled out.
Roscoe's tail twitched but otherwise he showed the hedgehog no sign of acknowledgement.
The weasel kept up his façade, and it seemed to be working.
Reaching out, the hedgehog tapped Roscoe lightly on the shoulder.
*****
Drubble cracked the Infirmary door open slightly.
"Burr, Rayne, marm? Do you be's in hurr?"
Thinking it was Muddle, Roscoe pulled out his dagger and leapt up.
"We've got 'im!" He shouted.
"Ohhho...lissen, 'edgepig, yer dead...An' ain't you supposed t' be eyeless?"
OOC: Wat.
OOC-
It's not Muddle...Groddil PM'ed me.
Rayne nodded to the cellarmole motioning for him to come in. "Good morning Drubble, did you crush your paw under a barrel again? Just one moment and I'll get to you, I'm almost finished with Aver." The mouse adjusted the compress she was pressing onto the otter's head.
"Is it feeling better Ave?"
"Loads," The otter said giving her a brave smile. "I'll be right as rain in a few hours, no ferret can keep me down for long."
"Well your going to have a slight concussion, but I believe you should be fine for the feast." Leaving Aver to hold the compress to his head Rayne walked over to Drubble shaking her head sourly.
"Can you believe Rapshade, smashed Skip over the head with a frying pan. Could have killed him. Its beyond me why we keep him, he's just a risk and does nothing but eat and waste good herbs. Imagine if he got out and held one of the dibbuns hostage, I'd hate to think what the vile creature might do. So what is it you need Drubble?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Both squirrel and rabbit joined in the vegetable chopping with vigor. Bracklew soon discovered that with only one paw he couldn't keep certain food items from slipping away from his knife and shooting across the kitchen. This of course simply added to the hilarity until a tough beechnut shot away clipping Friar Rusk's hat off, sending it into the soup he was preparing.
A moment later Bracklew fled the kitchen while Petu glanced over his shoulder at the space Bracklew had occupied only moments before. "Say Mister Winterberry sir, did you see where Brack shot off too? He sure left in a hurry."
Chucking, Duncan grabbed everything they'd cut and dropped them in the bowl.
He grinned and shrugged. "Probably went off to fetch Friar Rusk a new hat, wot!"
--
Maxy raced down the hallway until they came to the Cavern Hole. He tugged on Stumbly's arm and gave an excited little skip.
"How 'bout we gon' play inna snow, eh eh?"
Breathing lightly and feeling far better then he had in a long time Bracklew wandered into the presumably empty Cavern Hole. As he walked the length of the hall he spotted the two dibbuns partially hidden behind a table.
"Hey you two? What are you up too today." He called cheerfully as he ambled over.
Stumbly squeaked and bolted for the door.
*****
Drubble stuttered and wouldn't look Rayne in the eyes.
"Err...nevermoind, marm. Oi was gunna ask 'eee t'lend a paw, but oi can handle it."
The cellarmole left the infirmary, fed up and twitching.
*****
"GAAAAH! Lemme go, lemme go! Dunno wut yer talking 'bout, slimebeast! Don't hurt me, life's too short, lemme goooooo!"
The hedgehog continued to struggle and squeal. He kicked and bit and hit, wrenching his way from Roscoe's grasp.
"Maaamaaaaaaaaaa! This weasel's tryin' t'stick me wid a dagger!"
A second, much larger hedgehog emerged from the bushes, swinging a large spiked club.
Young Max giggled at his friend when she squeaked and ran away. Turning to Bracklew, he rocked on his footpaws. "Nuffin'," said the small white squirrel, breaking into a smile.
"What you doin'?"
--
A mother hedgehog? Roscoe's jaw dropped.
He was still for a moment before leaping in the air and shouting angrily at the trees above him, "You set me up! Addlebrains! Jerks! Frogwallopers!" The weasel broke into a sprint, then tripped and scrambled clumsily through the snow on all fours a little ways.
"Ugh...it's too deep!" He spat out a curse or two and then pulled himself back upright, taking a few steps backward.
Gasping, he held his paws out infront of him to brace himself in case he was whacked by her club.
"Lissen, lissen! I'm not tryin' t' stab yer brat, th' mean old angry creatures in th' trees are forcin' me t' act as bait fer a crazy murderous spikedog or somethin'. I mistook it fer yer son. Kay? So don't hit me!"
The mother hedgehog swung her spiked club roughly at Roscoe.
"Oh really? Insult us, tell lies and fibs about "blind hogs" runnin' around the woods. I ain't seen 'em with me own eyes, 'ow do I know yer tellin' the truth? And what are these tales about creatures in the trees? SPEAK!"
Asher dropped from the trees, surrounded by his squirrels and Charm. Catching the mither's club with one strong paw, he drew his dirk with the other. "Marm, there's no reason to be upset. Calm down, an' I'll explain."
"So you come for me now, eh, Asher? Forget you." Roscoe snorted and turned his back on Asher and the hedgehogs, marching away.
The mother hedgehog waved her club menacingly at Roscoe as he walked off.
"Oh, ye can run, child-murderer, but ye can't hide!"
She shouldered the club and turned to Asher.
"I believe introductions be in order. My name be's Amaline, and this 'ere troublemaker is Narzle. We live in these parts wid a couple o' other hogs, but none of 'em be's blind.'
"Stop makin' assumptions about me, stupidhead!" Roscoe called over his shoulder.
Dusting off his paws, the weasel broke into a sprint.
Asher signaled to Applelad and Harnam, who sped off after the weasel. He held out a paw to Amaline. "Pleasure, I'm sure. Apologies for the trouble we caused you and yore young 'un, we misidentified you. We're jus' huntin' a blind hedgehog, name o' Muddle. 'E 'as a stoat with 'im. Give us a shout if't ye see any of them, our war cry is "Vigilance."
Roscoe turned just in time to see Applelad and Harnam speeding after him.
The weasel growled and quickened his pace, kicking up dirt and snow as he went.
"Cursed Asher!" He panted, halting near a stream which had been frozen over.
Should he cross it?
Amaline took the offered paw and shook it profusely.
"Never heard o' no Muddle, but why in Dark Forest's Gates are ye huntin' a hog? An' why does 'ee 'ave a stoat wid 'im?"
Asher shrugged, uncharacteristic of him. Motioning Charm forward, he explained what he could. "As far as I know, he's an insane creature who can see the future. The stoat's insane too, they were both at the Abbey until they escaped. They've been haunting the woodlands since the autumm."
Harnam made a leap and gracefully sailed over the stream. Turning around, he blocked Roscoe's way with his sword. "Really, weasel, you think that in the short time you were with us, that you'd've learned by now. Give up, and I won't harm you."
OOC: So, when will Muddle put in an appearence?
OOC: Well, technically he already has. Next one is probably way later on, once the Vigil has been distracted by the horde, they return to camp, set another trap, Begskin dies, Muddle escapes, CURTAIN!
OOC: Oh, so the Vigil will refocus on the horde then. Okee dokee. Back to the feast.
BIC:
Friar Rusk pawed the top of his head, staring at his white chef's hat now floating in the soup. He turned around to face the culprits. "Alright, which one of you did it? Petu, Duncan, confess! And where'd Bracklew go?"
Grinning broadly Petu put on a air of innocence closing his eyes and letting his tall ears droop in a curious expression. "Whatever do you mean Friar Rusk? We were just here innocently and quietly creating our masterpiece. We definitely had no part in anything that you might be accusing us of."
~*~*~*~*~
"I'm hiding from Friar Rusk." Bracklew admitted watching Stumbly run away. "I sent his hat off into some soup, and decided to clear off before he noticed who it was." Bracklew flicked his tail slightly shaking his head before glancing at the white squirrel, his eyes went slightly blank as memories flicked though his head. Days with Mixy roaming the many corridors of Redwall, their games and tricks they got up too.
~*~*~*~*~
"Ah alright. Well if you need anything later just come tell me." Rayne watched Drubble scurry off a bemused expression on her face. Shrugging she strolled back over to check on Aver.
Drubble thumped heavily on the door to Rapshade's prison.
"Err, zurr...Oi talked t'Mortybell, she told me she wudd open th'door fer Rayne t'come in..."
Rapshade blinked.
"Huh? She did? And I thought you'd forgot about me...sir." The ferret chuckled sadly and shook his head.
"When'll she get here?"
--
Duncan nodded in agreement.
"If you want me to tattle, I'll tell you; it was Bracklew. Now now, off you bally well go, Friar!"
Meanwhile, in the hall with Bracklew, Max's ears drooped.
"Why you look sad, Mista Bracklew..?" He asked curiously, raising an eyebrow. He looked a lot like a younger Mixy in that moment.
--
Roscoe crouched down and looked Harnam over, glaring.
"Get away from me," he snapped. The weasel suddenly leapt up and went shooting over Harnam's head, landing on the ice behind him.
Roscoe clawed at it to gain balance as he scrambled across. "You'll never get me! I'm done with you all!"
As Harnam twisted to keep his eyes on Roscoe, he slipped on the ice. Applelad dashed past him and the squirrel dug in his sword point to haul himself up off of the cold ice. Muttering, he continued the chase.
Roscoe pelted across the field, scooping up some snow as he went. He quickly made it into a snowball. The weasel sniggered and shot it behind him at Applelad's head.
"Eat snow, mangepelt!"
Drubble scratched the back of his head and mumbled quietly.
"Err, sorry zurr, but oi cuddn't bring 'er down 'ere. She was goin' on about how bad ye are, so oi cuddn't exacterly ask 'er to 'elp ye..."
Rapshade mumbled something under his breath and scratched furiously behind one ear.
"B-but Drubble sir... She still might've come down 'ere. What about...Fang, or th' Abbot?"
Drubble shrugged.
"Oi 'ave no idea, zurr. Oi dinna tell Rayne o' yurr predicment, so unless Mortybell does, which oi'm doubtfull 'bout, ye seem t'be stayin' there. Mmmm, Th'Abbot don't like ye, but mebbe Fangfang could 'elp ye. He did know yurr, which is helpful, burr aye! Oi'll go ask Fang, oi will!"
Once more, the cellarmole left Rapshade to himself
Fangfang was in the Great Hall helping Abbot Grant finish setting the table.
Grant sighed and ran a paw down his face. The rat was giving him trouble, unintentional or not. The Abbot clicked his teeth in annoyance. "No, Fang, stop putting the knives inside the cups--and no, it doesn't look good! What's that on the other end of the table? A tower of plates and bowls? I'll admit that that does look kind of good in a decorative way, but you need to take it down! Nobeast can eat with the dishes like that. Fangfang...ugh."
Drubble tugged respectfully at Grant's robe.
"Hurr hurr, excuse oi zurr, but cudd oi borrer Fangfang fer a minute?"
Grant looked relived.
"Of course, Drubble. You know what? Borrow him for more than a minute. It's okay with me." He smiled and winked before pushing Fangfang up to Drubble and stepping away.
Fang twirled a whisker with one claw.
"Why, if'n I were smarter I'd think he was tryin' ta get rid o' me!"
Drubble waved his paw absently at Grant in thanks as he motioned to Fangfang to follow.
"Come yurr, zurr, down to moi cellars. Oi need ta talk t'you 'bout somethin'."
"Down to your...Ooh! Yer gonna 'ave me test drinks 'er somethin! Sure, mate." Fang grinned and started off after the cellarmole.
Drubble paused outside Rapshade's cellar.
"Sorry, zurr, that ain't whoi oi wanted ee. Rapshade wanted ta see ye, burr aye."
Fang's eyes narrowed. "Oh, really? I don't know if'n I want to see him..." The rat looked over his shoulder and then turned back towards the door, sighing quietly.
"Who'm I kidding, he was basically me brother. At one time. I guess I'll see 'im."
Drubble wiped his brow with relief.
"Thankee zurr. Oi think 'ee needs someone other than moiself t'talk to."
Fang nodded slightly.
"So are ye gonna open th' door or are we gonna kick it down?" He grinned and rolled his eyes, whispering, "I know we can't do that last part. Hah- Grant'd kill me!"
Drubble shrugged.
"Only Mortybell can open the door, zurr. Oi don't 'ave the keys to this yurr cellar. Maybe oi cudd wait until she opens the door to bring Rapshade food tonoight, an' prop the door open."
"Good idea...an' brrr, it's cold down 'ere!"
Fang shivered. "Yikes! Only Mortybell, eh? D'ye think she's too harsh on 'im? I mean, fer one, it's freezing down here with that draft, an' two, he hardly gets any food. Poor Cap'n...I mean Rapshade. He's no cap'n anymore..."
For a moment Bracklew stared down at Max stunned. Eyes widening he suddenly spun around sprinting for the door. His tail streaming behind him, the sword slapping against his legs, Bracklew ran. Gasping he made his way up the east wall steps up on the battlements. Reaching the secluded southeast corner he collapsed pulling his knees close to his chest. He remained that way for some time, snow slowly piling on his head and shoulders. A single tear ran down his muzzle, he shook and stood up and walked slowly along the wall his head up.
He couldn't allow himself to be trapped in the past. He had to work towards the future, and whatever it might bring.
One-Ear inspected the assembled scouting party, nodding with approval. The fox checked equipment, switching out swords for bows, choosing swift, lightly-armored troops to accompany them. When he was satisfied, he sent the scouts out into the woods and trotted in the front ranks with Needle.
"It may take us a while to get to the woods north of Redwall, hopefully the vermin haven't moved on yet.
Asher nodded to the mother hedgehog. "Well, we best be on our way. Like I said, if you lay eyes on the hedgehog or the stoat, shout our war cry. C'mon Charm, we can head back on foot. Applelad and Harnam should be back with the weasel, they've never lost a beast yet."
Amaline nodded. Dragging the spiked club behind her with one paw and Narzle squirming with the other, the mother hedgehog disappeared through the bushes back towards her den. Charm watched them go and turned back towards the camp.
"You're right, let's go. Make sure Damien hasn't managed to get out or something."
OOC-
I posted with Roscoe.
IC-
Max raced off after Bracklew, paws tapping lightly against the ground.
Being small and young, he quickly fell behind. "Why you run away, Mista Bracklew? Is we playin' tag?...ah.." The squirrel toppled over panting and then took off again.
"Wait fo' me!"
Roscoe's snowball was pulverized as it struck Applelad's lance. Shaking the white snow from his face, the squirrel leapt into the trees to continue the chase in hiding. He knew how chases went; Roscoe would be influenced by the adrenaline flowing through his system and the weasel wouldn't think straight. Applelad grinned as he readied his lance.
Roscoe vaulted a dead bush and continued running, kicking snowy plants out of his way every once and a while. "Give up!" He called behind him, growling.
"I'm not goin' back, not now an' not ever!"
Something red riding up behind the treeline soon caught his eye--the belltower of Redwall Abbey!
Roscoe let out a little hoot of excitement and charged towards it.
Now he knew where he could hide.
Bracklew's ears flicked as he remembered the presence of the younger squirrel. Turning around he sped down the wall steps stopping Max from following him up.
"Sorry little pal, I thought of somebeast, I just needed to be alone for a moment. Lets go back inside, and help with the feast." Scooping Max up with one paw Bracklew put him on his shoulders and began trotting back towards the Abbey shaking the momentary terror and grief away.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Stepping back Petu inspected the diverse salad nodding slowly an appraising look on his face. "I got to say Mister Duncan, we make quite a team, whoever said rabbits and hares couldn't cook, er chop didn't meet us." He grinned and added a quick, "Wotwot."
Charm strutted back into the Vigil camp, which was largely vacated. She peered down into the pit at Damien rolling around pitifully. The otter winced.
"I don't care if he goes crazy because o' this or not, we can't let 'im sit down there bleeding. Asher, help me get 'im outta there, he needs a healer."
Asher reached down and grasped Damien's paw, roughly hauling the blind squirrel up onto the path. Turning his eyes away from the gruesome sight, the squirrel spoke his part. "Well, the least we can do is bind 'im up. I don't have the experience for this, you probably don't either. Maybe we should take 'im to Redwall, aye?
Damien whimpered in pain.
"No, not Redwall. Leave me alone, no!"
The squirrel gingerly touched his bleeding face and winced.
"Just leave me in the pit..."
The black squirrel crouched down so he was level with Damien. "Yore choice. Leaving an injury like that wide open is cause for an infection, not healing it could hurt you further. I've heard of creatures who got themselves healed at the Abbey an' lived t'fight another day. An' I've also heard of creatures who are blind, but are still able to live long an' well. Take yore pick."
Damien crawled towards the pit.
"No, don't like Redwall. Pain, hurts. They'll make it worse...Don't want that! Help...me..."
Asher grabbed the back of Damien's tunic, and with a swift rap on the head from the hilt of his dirk, knocked the squirrel unconscious. "Let's go," he said. "Damien isn't a lightweight."
OOC: Hope the PP is okay.
OOC-
*cough cough*
I posted with Roscoe...
IC-
Maxy waved his paws similar to how a bird would flap its wings, enjoying riding on Bracklew's shoulder. The young squirrel beamed.
"Lookit me, I'mma birdie! Dis is fun, I like playin' wif yew, Bracklee!"
--
"Wot wot indeed, young chap." Duncan smiled as he dusted his paws off on his tunic, then stepped back to admire the 'salad' he'd made with Petu.
"It looks so good, I think everybeast in the bloomin' Abbey should try it!"
--
Fangfang stood there for a while, agreeing but not too content with the plan. At last he thought of something; "Er, Drubble? I could ask Mortembell 'erself if'n I could see Rappy...'tis different from lettin' 'im out. I think."
Rusk glanced over Duncan's shoulder. "I think everyone in the Abbey should burn it. That's no salad, let me show you how a professional does it."
Gathering his ingredients, the Friar quickly added his own recipe. "See, you want to add these shelled sunflower seeds for some extra crunch and flavor. They're not meant to be noticeable."
Tossing in a pawful of the seeds, he grabbed another bowl. "These are cooked potatoes doused in vegetable oil and seasoned with an herb mixture. They compliment the greens very well. Make sure not to put too much in, or it'll overpower the lettuce and spinach.
"And this, I made this dressing recipe a while back. Some vinegar, garlic, mixed in with some oil to loosen it up. Simple but flavorful. See, doesn't that make it so much better?"
~O~
Harnam had caught up with Applelad, and both were still pursuing Roscoe, but hidden in the trees. Taking a lance in hand, Applelad made a mighty throw, putting the weapon a few feet in front of the weasel.
Duncan wrinkled his nose.
"You just...murdered our salad...." The hare looked like he was at a loss for words. Glancing at Petu and at Rusk and then back again, eyes wide, he suddenly burst out laughing and dealt the Friar a hearty slap to the back.
"Good thoughts about the crunchin', mate! A beast can never have too much of that!" He reached for the bag of sunflower seeds and turned it upside-down over the bowl, drowning the salad in seeds.
"Much better! Last but not least, it needs a different kind of sauce. Got any of that, eh eh?"
--
Roscoe let out a shriek and flew up in the air, landing on all fours a few paw-lengths away from the lance that had embedded itself in the ground before him. The weasel jumped back to his paws and charged forward. Redwall was nearing. All he had to do was get over there before Applelad and Harnam.
A long strip of ice ran down the hill, and the trees were thinning. Roscoe grinned naughtily.
"Oho...Looks like I'm in luck!" He rubbed his paws together evilly before making a huge leap over the snow and onto the ice. The weasel dug his claws in to steady himself and then saluted in the direction of his persuers.
"Bon voyage, addlebrains!" Purple eyes glinting, he kicked off and let himself slide quickly down the ice patch, gaining some distance between him and the Woodlanders.
"Good luck, an' I'll see ya when yer dead!"
Emerging from a nearby bush, Narzle shrieked at the sight of Roscoe spinning towards him. The young hedgehog cowered fearfully as Amaline rushed out. Pushing her son back into the brush, she swung the massive spiked club, leaving it stuck in the ice directly in Roscoe's path. The mother hedgehog grinned with satisfaction and sat down to watch the fireworks.
*****
Drubble shrugged.
"Ee can troi zurr. It wudd be better if we 'ad permission, but oi doubts she'll agree with us."
Roscoe turned to look over his shoulder and sneered, vaulting the club.
"What was that supposed t' be, eh? My my. Idiots these days!" The weasel shook his head. If anything, that had slowed him down a second or two because he'd had to jump.
It really had no effect.
Once the ice thinned and then was gone altogether Roscoe bounded the remaining length to the Abbey and then threw himself upon the gates, wailing uproariously, "Lemme in, lemme in!"
There was a click and the gates flew open to allow him to stumble in. Abbot Grant caught the panting weasel by the arm and glanced at him quizzically.
"I know you. You're that weasel that Abbot Litho took a liking to..."
Roscoe caught his breath and did a little dance of despair. "Yes, yes! Close th' gates an' I'll explain!"
--
Fang shrugged. "I mean, it's worth a try, eh? Let's go find 'er." He started up the stairs and then halted to see if Drubble was following.
Amaline shrugged. She retrieved her club and led Narzle back into the woods.
"Was worth a try."
*****
Drubble followed Fangfang up to Great Hall and spotted Mortembell by the door.
"Thurr she be, zurr."
The mole took a step in the vixens direction just before she disappeared outside. Poking his snout around the door, the mole called Fangfang to take a look.
"Look over thurr, it be's a weasel wid Abbot Grant at th'gates. Oi wonder what 'ee's doin' 'ere..."
Roscoe relaxed as soon as the gates were shut and locked.
"Th' h'Abbey sure looks pretty with th' snow..."
"Yes, it does, doesn't it? Anyway, why are you here?" Grant guided him over to the wall, not noticing Mortembell, Drubble, and Fangfang.
Roscoe shuddered. "Th' Vigil, sir, they want t' use me as bait or somethin' t' catch a scary murderous spikedog..."
Grant's eyes widened. Muddle? "...That's horrible."
Back by the door, Fangfang stood next to Drubble, looking quite confused.
"Weird," Fang whispered, screwing up his nose.
"Seems like they've been acquainted b'fore 'er somethin'. Anyway..." The young rat bounded after the vixen, leaving Drubble at the entrance.
"Mortembell!"
Drubble rolled his eyes as Fangfang sped off without him. Rapshade was Fangfang's captain, he could talk to Mortembell. The cellarmole decided to go and help out in the kitchens.
*****
Mortembell turned around at the sight of Fangfang bounding through the snow towards her.
"Oh, Fangfang. What is it, why the urgency?"
"Uh..." Fang bit his lip.
"I was wonderin' if'n I could talk ter Rapshade."
Mortembell raised an eyebrow.
"He's in isolation at the moment. What do you need to talk to him for?"
"Er, well..." Fang turned to see that Drubble was gone.
He didn't want to blame the mole so he made something up that sounded convincing; "I jus' want t' see how 'e's doin'."
Mortembell sighed.
"Can't you just talk to him through the door...Nevermind. You can talk to him when I take him dinner later."
Fang scratched behind an ear, watching Mortembell quizzically.
"So why's 'e been in, erm, isolation? I mean, I know 'e usually is, but th' way you worded it sounded like 'e did somethin' today...that was bad..."
The vixen stared at Fangfang quizically.
"You didn't know? He tried to make a run for it. If it weren't for One-Ear an' that hamster showing up when they did, who knows where he'd be?"
"Somewhere else...?" Fang asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Poor Cap'n. I mean Rapshade."
Mortembell stifled a giggle at Fangfang. She knew she shouldn't, after all, Rapshade had donne that to him.
"Anywhere. He'd be free to terrorize some other hapless beasts. Without an abbey to protect themselves. Now, what I want to know is who that weasel is..."
Fangfang scoffed, giving Mortembell an unimpressed look.
"Pff, Mortembell. Yer so silly. 'E's a weasel, of course!" He tugged at his cloak and started towards the weasel.
"I'm gonna go ask 'is name. C'mon."
Mortembell raised an eyebrow sarcastically. She quickened her pace and stopped at the door before Grant and Roscoe got there.
"Hey, Abbot. Who's the weasel?"
Grant looked surprised to see Mortembell, but he shrugged it off.
The mouse narrowed his eyes. "This is Roscoe. He knew the Abbot before me...although I wouldn't call him an honest, loyal friend, I will help him wait out your son's gang so he can keep those brilliant purple eyes of his." Shaking his head, he led the weasel inside.
Roscoe stuck his tongue out at Mortembell.
OOC: Inside the Abbey?
OOC-
Yup.
Walking around the Abbey building towards the main door Bracklew spotted the small group of creatures milling about. Smirking at Max's playing he shook his shoulders jostling his passenger.
"I haven't heard of any birds with bushy tails and muzzles Maxy. Though that's not saying there aren't any. Maybe there is a Maxbird out there somewhere." He bypassed a patch of ice approaching Grant and the weasel. "Father Abbot, who's this?" He asked his voice growing slightly colder as he addressed the older beasts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hm I had already added sunflower seeds before that." Petu confirmed raising an eyebrow. "They were just hidden under the celery leaves, crystalized apple, horse radish, burned bread, and honey sauce. I suppose we can never have to many sunflower seeds though" Petu attempted to garnish the salad but only succeed in dropping some of the ingredients out onto the floor.
"This bowl is overflowing! Friar quick we need a larger bowl."
Deftly, the Friar grabbed a larger wooden bowl and covered the smaller one with it. Flipping the two bowls, he removed the smaller one from the top. "There. You'll have to mix it up a bit again, what with the proliferation of seeds that Duncan added."
Ava ambled over to where Grant and Roscoe were. "What do we have here?" She asked, locking eyes with the weasel.
<O>
Applelad and Harnam stopped at he woodland fringe, watching as Roscoe disappeared into the Abbey. Harnam turned around. "Let's go, that 'uns out of our paws."
Mortembell rolled her eyes at Bracklew.
"He knew the last Abbot aparanetly. So Grant's shelterin' 'im here from Muddle."
*****
A Vigil scout running ahead of the main party stopped to catch his breath. The mouse sat on a fallen log near the east wall of Redwall Abbey. As the scout dusted himself off, he heard voices and ducked behind the log. Nearby bushes rustled as a ferret and a stoat stumbled out. The stoat burped and threw a flagon of grog into the woods.
"Well, mucker, this is the good life, huh?"
"Sure was. Remember that farm from last summer?"
The stoat giggled.
"Oh, yes. Bunch o' weak liddle woodlanders who couldna even fight back."
"We sure dealt with them, huh?"
As the two vermin continued to joke about their murderous exploits, the mouse shivered. He took a sling from his pocket and fitted a stone. He swung it swiftly, launching the small rock. The ferret grunted and lost his footing. The stoat stared at his fallen comrade dumbly, before drawing his rusty blade.
"Eh, reveal yourself! I'll gut yer like a fish!"
The mouse was terrified. He threw sling at the stoat and ran.
A dark figure appeared out of the surroundings and gripped the mouse's arm. A blade was out at the scout's throat as a husky voice whispered in his ear. "Where ye running to, aye? Wot's yer name?"
"M-m-m-my name is Marble. I'm a s-s-s-s-s-scout for the Vigil. Don't kill me!"
Asher came into view, locking eyes with Marble. "I'm Asher, and I'm from the Vigil too. Ye've probably heard o' me before. Now, let's take care of those two vermin back there."
He sheathed his knife and nocked an arrow to his bow string. "The one you hit is still alive, so if'n ye hit 'im right on the head that'll put 'im down. I'll take the other one."
"I'm Roscoe, an' I'm here cause the Vigil's tryin'a kill me." He suddenly looked smug and did a little wave of his cloak, smirking at the little cluster that had formed around him and Grant. "Indirectly of course. Say, am I famous or something?" The weasel grinned and clicked his teeth. "Because I could get used to this!"
Grant looked Roscoe up and down before ushering him inside and away from the group. He hissed under his breath, "You aren't famous; you're bleeding."
--
Max had never seen a weasel before.
Sliding down Bracklew's shoulders, he grabbed the older squirrel by the paw and tried leading him inside. "Let's go afta dem. Heeheehee!"
--
Duncan grabbed a wooden ladle and started mixing the salad.
He looked like a joke.
"Say, Petu, what's the best thing about this salad?"
Mortembell scoffed.
"I'm not surprised. What did the Vigil do?"
*****
Stumbly, who had been hiding in Great Hall, noticed Max and Bracklew walk past. The mousebabe giggled as she ran out from under the table and grabbed Bracklew's other paw.
"What's go'n on, Mista Backew?"
*****
Marble stuttered. He shakily drew his dagger and took a step forwards as the stoat rushed them. The stoat swung his cutlass in a wide sweep, slicing Marble down the middle. The mouse stared at the awful gash running across his torso and felt light-headed. He dropped the dagger, took two steps, and fell to his knees. Marble coughed up blood as the stoat moved towards Asher.
Allowing himself to be dragged along by Max Bracklew didn't notice Stumbly until she had grabbed his paw. Hissing in pain Bracklew retracted his paw quickly jerking it out of Stumbly's grasp. Not wanting the younger creatures to notice the momentary pain he kept a smile on his face, though his voice was slightly strained.
"Hullo Stumbly don't grab that paw, hold my right paw if'n you want. Me'n Max are following the Abbot and that weasel. Roscoe." Bracklew's eyes narrowed as they followed behind the weasel and his escorts. "I'll have to keep a close watch on him, more work for me." He added to himself.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hm, that it t'was made by the two best chefs in this Abbey. Or maybe cause it contains over two hundred an thirteen ingredients." Petu guessed stroking the fur on his chin thoughtfully.
Stumbly began to cry.
"WAAAAAAAAAAGH! I DIN MEAN T'HURT YOU MISTA BACKEW WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
The mousebabe ran away from Bracklew and Max.
Roscoe turned to Mortembell and Fangfang, rolling his eyes dramatically.
"Oh, they only betrayed me, beat me up, an' threw me in a pit. No big deal!"
"How long do you think you'll be needing to stay with us...Mister Roscoe?" The Abbot asked.
Roscoe took in his surroundings and gave a little skip, wiping the snow off his paws as he walked.
The sweet aroma of fresh-cooked food wafted through the hall, causing the weasel to grin.
They're having a feast!
"...Maybe till mornin'..."
Suddenly, somebeast behind him burst out crying. Whirling around, the weasel grasped the hem of his cloak and sized Bracklew up and down just before Stumbly ran off.
"What in th' name of Mossflower did you do t' that kid?!"
Mortembell raised an eyebrow.
"Betrayed you? You don't exactly look like the kind of beast that One-Ear works with."
*****
Whilst running from Bracklew and Max, Stumbly ran full pelt into Roscoe. Mortembell quickly rescued the mousebabe from falling backwards and held her to prevent her running off again.
Roscoe frowned.
"Not yer precious One-Ear. Asher betrayed me--yaargg!" When Stumbly barreled into him, he fell full-force into Grant.
The two looked at eachother and chuckled nervously before Roscoe got up and dusted his paws off.
Fangfang burst out laughing.
Stumbly broke free of Mortembell's grasp, bawling her eyes out once again. She grabbed Roscoe firmly around the leg and held on tightly.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHH! I'M SOWWEE MISTA WEASEL! I DIN MEANT IT! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Roscoe gasped, glancing down and flailing his arms.
Maxy glared at him accusingly.
The weasel curled his lip and glanced around before attempting to calm Stumbly down by patting her on the head once or twice.
"Shh, sh, shuddap! It's okay..."
Stumbly whimpered, but stopped crying. The mousebabe sniffled once or twice, then tightened her grip on Roscoe's leg. Mortembell attempted to pry her off the weasel, but to no avail.
"Great. Abbot, how do you usually dislodge persistent Dibbuns?"
"Great seasons, has she already taken a liking to him or something?" Asked Grant, grinning widely. "And no, I wouldn't know that, Mortembell. I'm an Abbot, not a Badgermum. Remember? We could always fetch Ava..."
Roscoe glanced down at Stumbly for a while before smirking and ruffling her headfur.
"Eh, she'll get off when she wants to. I don't mind."
Stumbly grinned mischievously.
"Maybe I not get off eva! Den Wosco has to cawwy awound Stumby alla day an' 'ave t'feed Stumby. I am uncomftable tho. I'm gettin' off now."
The mousebabe released Roscoe, allowing Mortembell to disentangle her from the weasel's leg.
Roscoe shook his leg once or twice and hopped in front of Grant, waving a paw in his face.
The weasel adopted a condescending tone. "You must be famished, sir, let's git ya somethin' t' eat."
Grant smacked his paw away. "That's just your excuse to find out what that smell is, isn't it? Don't give me that look, I know what you're up to. You just want our food..."
"Kind an' caring Redwallers let weary travelers join their feasts, no?" Sneered Roscoe, raising an eyebrow.
Fang smirked and nodded at Mortembell.
"It is nearin' twilight. Ye think th' feast'll be ready soon?"
Mortembell nodded.
"Soon, most likely. We've been getting the feast ready all day, after all."
The vixen watched Stumbly as she tugged on Roscoe's cloak.
"Stumby's hugwee, Woscoe. Stumby can take you to kitchen if you help Stumbly get da vittles from da high shelves!"
"Vittles, eh? Why didn't you say so? Lead th' way!" Roscoe said, starting off after Stumbly. "Though I might not be able t' reach. If y' haven't noticed, I'm short."
Grant slipped over to Mortembell and Fang and nodded in the weasel's direction.
"Will you two please go after them? I have to keep getting things ready and it'd take a lot off my paws." He sighed and rubbed his temple. "Every knock at the gates that I think is Log-a-Log turns out to be...the opposite of Log-a-Log. She's usually not this late."
"Mebbe bein' h'Abbot isn't fer you, eh Grant?" Fang chimed.
His grin faded as soon as Grant shot him a cold glare. "Or...yer a great h'Abbot..."
"Oh, but Woscoe still be's talla than Stumby! Dis way, dere be lots o' nice food!"
Mortembell nodded at Grant.
"Certainly. I didn't feel like letting Stumbly wander off with him anyway."
The black arrow hissed out of the shrubbery, burying itself in the stoat's throat. Another one slew the ferret, still on the ground. Asher emerged, a third arrow at the ready. Kneeling down by Marble, he inspected the wound. "Deep, clean cut, though."
Gathering a few herbs and ripping a strip of jerkin from Marble's coat. Wrapping the wound as best as he could, he helped the mouse up.
"Lissen, One-Ear's band is probably close to us. Just head west, that's where I'm going."
"Then let's go!" Fang said, bounding off after Roscoe at the same time the weasel broke into a sprint.
Roscoe halted near the doors to the kitchens and took a big sniff. "...Oho, this is th' place alright. Lead the way, likkle mousebabe!"
OOC: Hey guys, just saying, are none of you reading my posts? Because I had Ava greet Roscoe a few pages back, and nothing happened.... And this happens a lot. So, next time, cane you be more careful, and read other posts before posting yourself?
OOC: Oh, sorry about that Sage. I do normally check, but I must have missed that one.
BIC:
"No need, we're right here."
One-Ear and the Vigil emerged from the bushes.
"Marble was one of the advance scouts; we just caught up to him. If those vermin were part of the horde, then...they must have come from...probably north-west of here. Asher, we're right next to the Abbey, can you take him there?"
OOC-
Quote from: Ashleg on March 02, 2016, 10:56:56 PM
"I'm Roscoe, an' I'm here cause the Vigil's tryin'a kill me." He suddenly looked smug and did a little wave of his cloak, smirking at the little cluster that had formed around him and Grant. "Indirectly of course. Say, am I famous or something?" The weasel grinned and clicked his teeth. "Because I could get used to this!"
I made him answer both of them at once, since Ava said "What do we have here?" Roscoe answered "I'm Roscoe." ;p
OOC: Okay. I'm just reminding you guys.
BIC: Asher nodded. "Sure. Come on, Marble, let's go."
As they separated from the main party, he questioned the young mouse. "How long have ye been in the Vigil?"
Marble coughed again, spitting bloody phlegm into the bushes. He leant heavily on Asher and spluttered, pain racking through his entire body.
"Me...I've been here for...about...a week? Maybe more..."
*****
Stumbly led Roscoe into the kitchens. The mousebabe giggled at the antics of Duncan and Petu, and she snuck behind a cabinet. Stumbly beckoned for Roscoe to do the same as she pointed to a large pastie cooling on the windowsill.
Asher raised an eyebrow. "An' yore an advanced scout? Good work. Maybe I can show you a things or two with a sling, get you to really be able to use it."
"Advanced? No, I'm not advanced at anything.I just go ahead and look out for stuff. Altough, that sling training could be quite helpful if I don't want...GAAAAH! If I don't want THIS to happen again, huh?"
"Advanced as in advancing ahead."
Asher looked at the wound. "Well, you just handled yoreself wrong. When yore all alone, fight from the shadows. Use the cover to your advantage, vermin find it harder to fight back at something they don't see. Lay traps. One of the best skills is to mimic voices, which makes them fight among themselves."
Changing his face to look like a vermin, the squirrel sounded totally different. "Huh, well, if'n we stick 'round 'ere much longer, we could be ambushed! It's all yer fault!"
Smiling, he explained the power of such a skill. "You can instigate arguments, make them turn away from you, distract them. There's a lot of options."
Marble tried to laugh, but pain coursed through his body. The mouse continued to cough up blood.
"If I make it through this...Come on, the gate's right there..."
Asher pushed ont eh gate, but it was locked. Muttering insane curses, he banged on the gates. "Open up! We have an injured creature out here!"
Mortembell stopped suddenly from pursuing Stumbly and Roscoe. She turned to Fangfang.
"D'you hear that? Sounded like somebeast shoutin'..."
The vixen waved to Ava.
"Hey Ava? You hear that shoutin'? Sounds like somebeast wants t'get in."
Ava nodded. "I'd say. I'll go see what it is, no need to disturb the Father."
The badger ambled off to the gate.
"Stupid rabbits be ruinin' a perfectly good salad by th' looks o' it. Idjits.." Roscoe muttered, creeping after Stumbly. He kept himself low to the ground as to not be seen as he approached the window.
"Oh, yew want that? Heh heh. Consider it done, my small friend!" He quickly lunged up and snatched the pastie, then wheeled around on his hind paws and bolted out of there.
"Run!"
Duncan whirled around.
"What in the blazes?!"
Friar Rusk acted quickly, he'd dealt with Stumbly before. "Quick, Duncan, get Mortembell! Everybody else, leave off your kitchen activities and start the hunt! We all know Stumbly's favorite hiding places, don't waste time."
Grabbed a copper ladle, he quickly left the room in searching for the culprits. "They're much too fast for us, find shortcuts to cut them off!"
"Thanks, Ava. I'd get it myself, but Stumbly's gettin' up to mischief with that shifty Roscoe character."
*****
Marble spat some more blood.
"Ah, forget it. Go back to the Vigil. If I make it, they'll bring me in."
*****
Stumbly squeaked with glee and ran after Roscoe as quickly as her little legs could carry her. The mousebabe pushed past Mortembell and dived under the table.
Ava nodded. "Not a problem, Mortembell."
With a heave of her huge paws, she lifted the bar off the gate and set it down on the snow. Opening the gate, she peered at Asher and the mouse. "I can see you're the hurt one, and that's far worse a wound then it sounded. Come in."
Asher shook his head. "No thanks, marm, I'll be going."
Roscoe darted after Stumbly, but to no avail. He let out a screech and crashed headlong into Mortembell because he wasn't paying attention, sending the pastie flying high in the air.
"Oof!"
Fang sniggered and grabbed Roscoe by the arm to pull him off.
The dazed weasel rubbed his head and then adjusted his hat snootily, staring down his nose at Fangfang.
"Er...Finally, somebeast I'm taller than!" Fang exclaimed, racing out of the room to let Roscoe deal with Mortembell himself.
"Are not!" Roscoe called after him. The weasel smiled guiltily and wrung his paws when he noticed what had become of the stolen treat.
"...I guess we can't eat that now, since it's on th' floor an' all..."
Stumbly's eyes lit up with joy as the pastie splattered on the floor near her. The mousebabe leapt from under the table, diving straight into the food. Mortembell shakily pulled herself up, and dusted off her robe. The vixen could hardly suppress a smile at the sight of Stumbly practically swimming in the pastie. She reached down and quickly rescued the mousebabe, if it could be called rescuing. She held Stumbly's paw tightly and cocked her head in Roscoe's direction.
"So...why were you stealing food?"
"She put me up to it." Said Roscoe with a smirk.
"That an' I was hungry."
"You know, you could have just asked...But is that true, Stumbly, you little rascal?"
Stumbly grinned smugly at Mortembell.
"Yep! I wanta to haff da pastie, so Wosco help me to get it, and he haff some too!"
Mortembell shook her head in mock disgrace at the mousebabe, who she ushered towards Max and Bracklew.
"Run along, you pestilence."
Stumbly let go of Mortembell's paw and skipped merrily away. The vixen shrugged.
"Well, I guess its fine. There's plenty of food here."
Duncan left the salad to Petu and walked up behind Mortembell. The hare raised an eyebrow at Roscoe. "Who's the weasel, Mortembell?"
Mortembell shrugged.
"Some wanderer that knew the last Abbot. The Vigil took him prisoner, but he escaped."
"She's right, y'know." Roscoe curled his lip.
"The 'Vigil' is a bunch of baloney if'n you ask me. Anyway, all o' ya know my name now, but I 'ave no clue about you. So, hi, I'm Roscoe. Yew are...?"
"Mortembell. I'm the Abbey Recorder, and One-Ear's mother. You've got a point, what he's doing does't please me, but what's an old vixen to do, huh? The hare is Duncan, he was a Long Patroller once. Came here after...after he lost his wife."
Mortembell dropped her voice to a low whisper, so as Duncan could not hear.
"He lost his daughter too, but he never seems to talk about it. You ever heard of Rapshade the Swift?"
"That's awful sad fer him," Said Roscoe. The weasel looked like he was considering what Mortembell had said, then shrugged.
"Rapshade th' Swift is a fancy name, that's fer sure. I've only heard of him; 'e's one of those corsair types, right? What'd he do, kill 'is daughter?" He asked rather loudly.
Something somewhat like shock flashed through Duncan's gaze.
"I have a mess to clean up," said the hare shakily. He slunk back over to Petu and started straightening up the area.
Mortembell slapped Roscoe lightly.
"What did you say that for, idiot? Yes he did, we got him chained up in the cellar for it. Fool, go back to the kitchens and stuff your face. At least then you won't be talkin'."
"Chained up in th' cellar?" Asked Roscoe, easily recovering from the slap.
He perked his ears. "Can't go stuff my face now, ye got me too interested. How'd you manage t' get him in th' cellar?"
Mortembell scowled at Roscoe.
"We attacked his ship, killed his crew, and broke his leg. Sunk the ship and brought him back here. Now, I've got nothing more to say until you go and apologize to Duncan."
With that, the vixen strolled off after Stumbly.
OOC-
...Stupid autocorrect. Fixed.
IC-
"Fine. Sorry, Duncan!...Heh, 'Duncan'...what kind o' name is that..." Roscoe shrugged and followed after Mortembell.
Fang met them in the hallway.
"H'Abbot says food should be ready soon!" He noted, grinning. "I've ne'er 'ad a real feast before so this should be interestin'."
Mortembell nodded at Fangfang.
"Yes, it will be. I think it's about time to take Rapshade his supper, care to join me?"
"I guess," Fangfang said. The rat still found it very odd to hear the ferret being referred to as something other than "Cap'n".
He shrugged and yawned, glancing down the hallway. "What'd'you normally give 'im?"
Mortembell shrugged.
"Whatever's on hand, I guess. You fill 'im a beaker o' somethin', I'll get food."
The vixen turned around and headed for the kitchens.
Fangfang followed Mortembell back inside the kitchens and grabbed a cup from off one of the tables. He messily poured some strawberry coridal in it once he was positive nobeast was watching, blue eyes flicking back and forth nervously.
"Okay, Mortembelly, I got it! Jus' water is all......"
Mortembell nodded absently. She snatched a plate and piled some scones and a bowl of soup onto it.
"This should do...Let's go."
The vixen left the kitchens, balancing the plate on one paw while she unhooked her keys from her sash.
"Woah, I'm surprised yer givin' 'im that much. Usually 'e jus' gets a little...slice of somethin'." Fang couldn't help smirking as he followed Mortembell down to the cellars.
"Hmph. He normally gets a scone or two with supper, and there is a feast goin' on, so better wastin' it on him then throwin' it away. I am quite hungry, though..."
The vixen took a scone from Rapshade's plate and munched on it idly.
OOC: Um.... Marble?
OOC-
Marble is dead. RIP.
Kidding...
IC-
"Ah, alright." Fangfang opened the door to the cellars and vaulted the stairs, skidding to a halt near Rapshade's door.
He turned around and waited for Mortembell, looking excited and unsure. "Er, maybe Cap'n...I mean Rappy...could join us fer th' feast? Yer probably gonna say no.."
Quote from: Sagetip on March 04, 2016, 12:55:42 PM
OOC: Um.... Marble?
OOC: Ava was getting the door, remember?
BIC:
Mortembell walked past Fangfang, placing the keys into the lock. She opened the cellar door and placed Rapshade's food and drink on the ground. The vixen whirled around at the rat's comment.
"WHAT? Absolutely not. Too many creatures here have lost loved ones because of him, they won't let him sit up there with them. And, quite frankly, neither will I."
Mortembell kicked the door shut and ascended the stairs, forgetting that the keys were still in the lock. Drubble, who had been lurking nearby, quickly emerged from the shadows and snatched the keyring, which he twirled proudly.
"Hurr yurr go, zurr. Oi 'as Mortybell's keys oi do. Now yurr and oi can free Rapshade from 'is prison, burr aye!"
EDIT:
OOC: Aaaargh! We've done it again!!!! Sorry, Sage, I keep missing your posts! Aaaaaara gn ht!
BIC:
Marble shakily took a step away from Asher and fell flat into the snow. He managed to steady himself on Ava and gave a weak wave to his squirrel companion as he left. The mouse looked up at Ava.
"Are we goin' inside now, marm?"
Marble gave another cough, quickly turning his head away from the badgermother.
Ava truly realized the extent of the mouse's wounds. Scooping him up in one huge paw, she rushed into the Abbey. Laying Marble out on a table not yet filled, she called out. "More bell, Rayne! There's an injured creature, and it's bad! Sword wound at the least, though there could be more."
Mortembell had just stepped into Great Hall when she heard Ava call to her. The vixen quickly rushed over and assessed the situation.
"Looks like he's got a laceration stretching from near his neck down to the top of his left leg. Suffering from blood loss, may go into shock...we need to get him to the infirmary and bandage him up right now. Ava, grab him, I'll find Rayne."
With that, she dashed off in search of the Abbey Healer.
Walking slowly down the hallway with Aver the mouse healer kept nodding in a satisfied way. A sudden flash of fur caught her eye and she turned to see Mortembell racing out of the great hall. Concern etched on her face Rayne held up a paw to signal the vixen.
"Bell? Are you alright? Is something wrong?" She asked worried at the expression of agitation stamped on Mortembell's muzzle.
~*~*~*~*~
Having managed to break away from the main crowd Bracklew carried Max along the tables underneath Martin's tapestry. Craning his neck to look up at Max Bracklew chuckled.
"Heh, ready for this feast tonight? That's if we ever get to it."
Mortembell breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Rayne.
"Oh, I'm so glad I found you. Ava found somebeast wounded at the gate, he's taken a sword down his torso. She has him on one of the empty tables, come on!"
"I'm gon' eat all th' st'awbe'ies!" Maxy exclaimed, nodding in agreement with Bracklew.
He raced along the tables and then halted to look up at the wonderful portrait of a mouse in shining armor.
The little squirrel's eyes widened. He glanced over his shoulder at Bracklew and giggled.
"Dat mouse has th' same sword as you."
--
"Why would ye want t' free Rapshade?" Fangfang asked, beckoning with one paw for Drubble to follow him into the cell.
Rapshade forgot about the food and blanched as soon as he noticed Fang. Feeling that his eyes would give him away, the ferret looked down.
Drubble followed Fangfang into the prison cellar scratching his head.
"Hurr, but oi thought that be's wutt 'ee wanted, zurr. It ain't roight t'keep anybeast locked up loike this yurr, is it, burr aye?"
"No, but...I think 'e should be." Though it killed him to admit it, Fang really believed that if they let Rapshade go he'd only hurt himself and other creatures.
The yellow rat walked over to the ferret and sat down, nudging the food towards him. He gulped and glanced at Drubble when the prisoner still didn't acknowledge him.
"Er, Rapshade...'tis me, Fang. We 'ave yer food, an' it's more than normal since there's a feast upstairs!" Fangfang tried to sound enthusiastic though when he still got no reply his ears drooped sadly. "Rapshade..."
The ferret didn't look at him. "...I don't deserve t' see you." He mumbled, shifting uncomfortably.
Fang glanced back at Drubble for help. "Of course y' do!"
Drubble nodded.
"Nobeast shudd be subjected t'this, Rapshade. Oi thinks we shudd get 'ee outta here, what do 'ee say, zurr?"
Rapshade suddenly burst out sobbing again, collapsing on the cold stone ground.
"This is what I get, sir! This cell an' every kick, slap, an' jeer from Mortembell an' her son. So I s-say I can't, sir!"
He whimpered and cried into his arms. Fangfang grabbed the chain that bound his paws and pulled him back into a sitting position.
The rat frowned sadly as he tried to comfort him. "Cap'n, it's okay. It's okay, isn't it, Drubble?"
Drubble nodded.
"It doezn't 'ave t'be this yurr way, zurr. Us'n's can get 'ee outta 'ere, roight Fangfang?"
"I mean, we could, but th' Vigil... 'E won't last long with 'is leg like that." Fangfang whispered.
He again nudged the tray towards the ferret.
"Look, there's soup, it's warm. Stop cryin' an' drink it unless ye wanna freeze down 'ere." He tried to sound as commanding as he could, though he didn't do a very good job with it.
Rapshade coughed into his arm. "...I'm really not hungry, sir."
You're so skinny and sick looking, don't tell me you're not hungry! Fang thought. He inched over to Drubble.
Drubble leaned in close to Fangfang.
"'Ee be roight zurr, that yurr leg needs t'be fixeded. The Vigil ain't an issue to us'n's if'n they don't foind out, hurr hurr."
"Y'have th' keys, yeah?" Fangfang asked.
"We could unchain 'im an' sneak 'im inter me room; I'll lock th' door."
Drubble nodded. He took out the keys and swiftly removed Rapshade from his chains.
"Okay, zurr. How are you an' oi gonna do this?"
Rapshade rubbed his wrists where the tight chain had previously been and stood up, keeping his injured leg in the air and his eyes on the ground. Something similar to self-hatred flashed through the ferret's gaze for a second.
"I don't know why either of you like me. I don't deserve it."
"Exactly, though we fergive ye 'cause ye see yer errors now." Turning to Drubble, Fang added, "Here, we 'elp 'im up th' stairs t' me room an' lock 'im in there. It's better 'n' this."
Drubble hauled Rapshade to his shaky feet with a powerful digging claw, quickly looping the ferret's arm around his own shoulder.
"Ye take the other arm, zurr."
Fangfang quickly imitated what Drubble did but not before smiling at Rapshade reassuringly.
"If'n somethin' hurts yew, jus' tell us. Alright Drubble, let's go."
"Alrighty, zurr. Let's go."
The mole set off at a slow pace, helping Fangfang to support Rapshade.
"I think I can do it myself if y' let me take my time." Rapshade said at last when they approached the stairs that led out of the cellars. "Mortembell pulled me up by th' chain this morning so I basically 'ad t' run. This shouldn't be too bad in comparison.."
Drubble helped Rapshade to put his feet forwards.
"Ye can tek as long as ye loike, zurr. Tek it easy..."
"Aye, um...thanks. Don't laugh at me now."
After taking a deep breath, the ferret began awkwardly hopping his way up the stairs with one paw on the wall to support him. At one point he nearly slipped and fell, but he made it up the rest of the way and stood at the entrance, panting. He was obviously trying to hide something.
Fang raced up after him and cracked a smile. "Once we get there I'll go back down 'n' get yer food fer ye, Cap'n." The rat promised.
--
Meanwhile, back in the Great Hall, Grant looked out over the magnificent display of food that dotted the tables. He grinned and walked back towards the kitchen, where he poked his head in.
"You can clean up later. Let's go sit down to the feast--and Duncan and Petu, bring your salad. I'm sure the Dibbuns will be delighted by that!"
Following Mortembell into the Great Hall Rayne rushed up to the wounded mouse already opening her satchel. With practiced paws she began unwinding clean bandages and pressing them against the mouse's torso.
"He needs stitches, he'll have to be taken up to the infirmary. Ava can you carry him?" She asked pressing hard down on the bandages that were rapidly staining crimson. "Hello there, your in a little trouble huh. My name is Rayne, and I need you to stay awake and focus on me. What's your name?" She asked speaking to Marble.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"That he does." Bracklew confirmed turning his head slightly to see what the commotion was. Seeing he would be useless in that situation he remained where he was, but kept his ear cocked in that direction in case his name was called.
"I carry Martin's sword as Champion of Redwall. Should the Abbey be threatened by any outside force I am to take command and protect it. Course that's big joke. How is an invalid like me is supposed to protect an Abbey when I can't even protect myself from a bully like-" Bracklew stopped and changed the subject ,quickly looking over at Maxy.
"That's a lot of strawberries for one squirrel to eat. Maybe we could eat them together."
Marble continued to cough and splutter, spitting blood over the table.
"M-m-m-marble. My n-n-name is...Marble..."
The mouse began to quiver and fell unconscious.
Ava swiftly filled Mortembell and Rayne in on the situation. "Asher brought him here, evidently the mouse got in some sort of battle. I'll need to talk to Abbot Grant about this; please excuse me."
OOC: We need to assume that none of them are in Great Hal, because that's where Grant it. Just letting y'all know.
BIC:
Ava entered Great Hall and made her way over to Grant. "Hullo, Abbot, there's something I need to tell you. Could you spare a moment?"
OOC: Ava and Marble were in Great Hall. Grant was near the kitchens.
OOC: Okay. Ava went to the kitchens then. ASHLEG!
OOC-
Groddil, Drubble! ;)
IC-
Most of what Bracklew said about protecting Redwall flew straight over Max's head. He was too young to understand. At the mention of strawberries, the squirrel perked up again and batted playfully at Bracklew's ear.
"Ya ya, st'awbe'ies! Lessgo get 'm 'n eat 'm!"
--
Grant nodded.
"Yes, what is it, Ava? I'm trying to tell everybeast that the feast is ready, but that doesn't seem to be working."
OOC: Whadda ya want me to say?
OOC-
I dunno, make him follow them up at least. ;)
Drubble nodded in agreement with Fangfang.
"Everythin'll be all roight, zurr. Easy now, jus' put one foot in fron' o' the other, that be's the way to do it, burr aye!"
"I know how t' walk, Drubble, but putting weight on it isn't goin' t' help me. That just makes things worse." Rapshade said, limping over to the stairs that led to the room they were going to with Fang to support him.
As the ferret peered up the stairs, looking like he was dreading it, Fang suddenly kicked him down and leapt in front of him.
"Aaargh..What in th' blazes..."
"Shh, Cap'n, 'tis Duncan! Pretend yer not here." Fangfang hissed. Laughing sheepishly, he turned to the hare who was walking up to them.
"Rapshade's not here. Where're ya goin'?"
"I'm going to the Great Hall for the feast." Duncan frowned. "And Fang, you liar, you just bloomin' pushed 'im down; he's right behind you! Would somebeast mind telling me what's going on?" He glanced at Drubble as he said that last part, narrowing his eyes.
Drubble shrugged.
"Yurr, zorry, Duncan zurr. Mortybell wuz busy wid th'injured mousey that th'Vigil brought 'ere. She told oi to bring Rappyshade up to 'ee kitchens to 'elp clean up. Oi thought mebbe Fangfang cudd help me, seein' as 'ow they wuz mates once, burr aye! 'Ee's just nervous is all, 'ee 'asn't seen Rapyshade in a whoile."
Fang nodded. "Yeah! Um, but we're still mates, me 'n' Rappy."
"I really doubt Scumshade feels that way," Duncan said, not looking impressed. Fang stepped aside as Duncan pushed past him to get to Rapshade. The hare bent down and yanked him up by the scruff.
He tweaked the ferret on the nose. "I have a better job for you, but you can't do it looking like this." He said as he grabbed Rapshade by the ear and began leading him, stumbling, off. The hare beckoned with one paw for Drubble and Fangfang to follow him.
Rapshade yelped. "Owoww! That hurts, slow down! An' what's wrong with how I look now?"
Duncan rolled his eyes.
"Pirates. You need a bath...and that's the same coat you've been wearing since who-knows-when. It has blood on it. You can't clean anything lest you're clean yourself, Scumshade. Come help me, you two!"
Drubble followed Duncan and Rapshade, nervously tapping his digging claws together. The cellarmole snuck a worried look at Fangfang and shrugged his shoulders.
Duncan pulled Rapshade into a little side room and let go of him.
"Give me that coat of yours and then take a bath over there, ferret. Unless you want me to do it for you?"
After a moment's hesitation, Rapshade reluctantly handed over his coat to Duncan. "N-n-no sir, here...I'm gonna be fast!" He frantically slammed and locked the door, leaving Duncan right outside with Fang and Drubble.
Fang blinked repeatedly.
"Rap looks so sick without that coat," he whispered to Drubble. "I ne'er realized 'e was missin' so much fur....Hasn't Rayne been seein' 'im at all?"
Drubble nodded.
"Accordin' to Mortybell, she sees 'im occasionally, but doesn't give 'im 'ow much medicine 'ee needs, cause it's apparently a waste. Oi disagrees, think of 'ow much pain 'ee must be goin' through, burr aye..."
"'E hides it well, I haveta say." Fang whispered.
Duncan, meanwhile, was looking through the ferret's coat pockets to busy himself when his paw came across something. The hare pulled out a shiny purple necklace and held it up, twirling it on one finger.
"Curious. Seen this before, Fang? It looks valuable."
"...A-aye." Fangfang's eyes widened. "But I didn't know 'e still 'ad that..." The rat glanced nervously at Drubble.
Drubble turned his head to one side, not fully understanding.
"Whoi wuz that, zurr? Wuz it yurrs?"
"No; I don't know where 'e got it. He'd always wear it when we were little. I really thought 'e got rid o' it, though." Fang murmured.
"I bet he stole it." Duncan remarked.
The doorknob turned and, with a click, the door swung open.
Rapshade's fur stuck up here and there from him trying to dry it. His eyes lit up and went ablaze as soon as he noticed what Duncan was holding.
"Why were y' goin' through my stuff?!" The ferret cried.
Drubble shook his head.
"If'n 'ee wore it when 'ee was young, 'ow cudd 'ee 'ave stolen it?"
The cellarmole jumped slightly as Rapshade emerged.
"It wasn't oi, zurr. But Fangfang said 'ee thought yurr throwed it away. Wutt is it, zurr?"
"It's nothing, Drubble." Rapshade hissed, snatching it out of Duncan's paw.
Duncan gave him a light slap when he reached for his coat.
"No, Scumshade, not with that attitude and not until you can get the blood off it--and I don't even know about then, because it's still too captainish for the likes of you. Now walk. We're going to the Great Hall; I trust you know where that is." Duncan snapped.
Fang started off after them.
"I know it's not nothin', Drubble," he whispered. He snatched Rapshade's coat and walked up next to the ferret, sneaking it to him when Duncan wasn't looking.
"Hide yer sickness or you'll worry me, Cap'n.."
"I'm not dying!" Rapshade retorted. He quickened his pace when he felt Duncan's eyes boring into his back. So I say.
"The Vigil dropped off an injured mouse, hurt by what appears to be a sword slash on the torso. Mortembell and Rayne are tending to him."
The badgermum waited for Grant's response.
Grant grabbed Ava's paw and started down the hallway.
"An injured mouse? Who attacked him, did he say?"
Ava said, "Asher wasn't very specific, but I'm sure it wasn't an accident."
Leaning in close, she whispered her opinion to the Abbot. "Maybe there really is a horde in Mossflower, like you told me Damien had said. One-Ear could be right."
Grant folded his arms.
"I refuse to believe there's a horde in Mossflower, Ava. The whole thing with Rapshade happened on accident due to his steersrat deciding to explore; a horde can't just happen across Mossflower so soon after that."
Ava Gave grant a skeptical look. "Well, at any rate, there's a vermin band of some sort in Mossflower. We'll deal with that later; right now we have the mouse to help."
"He's unconscious he needs to be moved, immediately." Rayne insisted looking around for where Ava disappeared too. Moving to Marble's side Aver scooped up the mouse keeping the bandages pressed onto the wound.
"I'll carry 'im up Rayne, get upstairs an' get ye ready." Nodding her appreciation Rayne led the way up the stairs to the Infirmary preparing a bed. Laying Marble down he ripped off the mouse's tunic so Rayne could have easy access to his injury.
"The bleeding has slowed down, but he's still loosing blood. I'll need to slow it down before I can stich it up. I also need to clean it, swords can carry infection." Aver nodded slowly keeping pressure on the wound.
"I dunno 'ow to heal. I reckon I if'n ye tell me wot to do I'll do it jus' fine." Quickly and with carful paws the two worked in grim silence only speaking when necessary.
Mortembell followed the two upstairs to the infirmary, tearing open the cabinets in search of the needed medical supplies. Upon finding a satchel with clean bandages and sutures, the vixen rushed it over to Rayne.
"Here you go, Rayne. After you clean him up, we can stitch the wound and rebandage it. He'll have to lay low for a while, though."
"And the feast," Said Grant annoyedly. So a mouse they don't even know shows up and they suddenly forget about the feast? He sighed.
This is Redwall, not a hospital.
--
Rapshade and Fang halted near the entrance to the Great Hall and peeked in.
Duncan narrowed his eyes when he noticed the prisoner's tail fur fluff up.
"What?"
Rapshade turned around. "Was somebeast just stabbed? They were carryin' away a mouse with a sword wound..."
Duncan glanced at Drubble and then pushed Rapshade out of the way so he could see inside.
They were already gone. "Nobeast just gets stabbed at Redwall Abbey."
"But really, I know what I saw--"
"Shut it, Scumshade!"
Fangfang glanced at Drubble. "No, he's right, I saw it too. This is creepy. Mayhaps it was that weasel?"
Drubble nodded.
"Zo did oi, zurr. If'n it was yurr weazel, wuddn't th'whole Abbey be's in an upraar, troiin' t'foind 'im? Nay, oi thinks 'ees from outsoide the walls, one o' Muddle's victims. But then, wuddn't 'ee 'ave no ois? Oi don't know, it's all vurry confuzlin' fer a poor molebeast loike moiself."
Rapshade began to feel blood rising in his throat.
The ferret gulped and shook his head, trying to clear it.
"...Muddle, no eyes? What's that about?"
Duncan was about to intervene, but then decided to let the ferret talk for once.
"A stoater called Redfang came to th'Abbey last season an' attacked the assistant cellarkeeper, an 'og named Muddle. This was before moi time, y'see, oi wasn't cellarkeeper back then. Redfang escaped, but Muddle went insane. He joined up with one of yurr crewbeasts, another stoater, called Begskin. 'Ee murdered ole Fergbar the cellarkeeper, an' the two ran off. Naow, they attack travellers an' rip out their ois. Er at least, that be's what oi 'eard from th'Vigil."
"They rip out their...I wouldn't even do that!" Rapshade grimaced. Maybe it was good One-Ear had brought him back. A sick ferret with a broken leg would be all too easy for Muddle to catch, had he wanted to.
Fangfang perked his ears. "Are we tellin' scary stories? Cause I've got 'un! 'Tis called 'The Missing Barnacle'..."
Duncan and Rapshade groaned in unison.
OOC: Maybe "The Story of Jitterbug Jeff, the Ghostly Pirate!"
"Thank you Bell." Rayne said checking the Marble's pulse. "He's still breathing, and we managed to get the bleeding under control. I'll just give him an antiseptic and start the stitches."
"'E's out o' it." Aver pointed out as he backed away, his services no longer needed. "E' don't feel pain, or at least 'e can't respond to it." Rayne nodded not really having the time to explain that Marble could still feel pain, and he might wake up in the middle of the procedure.
Gently she massaged the open wound together lightly sealing it with a brush soaked in beeswax. That done she reached into her satchel producing a large needle and a thick circular thread.Glancing over at Mortembell the mouse held the two items out.
"How's your sewing paw? You work on this, I'll get him the pain killer." She looked over at Aver who was standing swinging his paw a short distance away. "You go down to the feast, tell them we have Marble stabilized and they can begin. We'll join them when we're done."
OOC: Story idea: Rayne goes on to be a paramedic in the Mossflower Hospital force.
OOC-
Sage, I posted with Grant in case you were wondering.
OOC: Rayne would make a excellent Paramedic. Especially since she's using medical know how that is a few hundred years advanced. Technically she ought to be apply leaches and not even know about antiseptics much less care, but who cares because RP logic.
OOC: Jes' hand me that chlorofoam, that'll keep the mouse it for this surgery session.
BIC:
The big badger reassured Grant. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. You're right, at the moment we should keep our focus on the feast. Rayne is more than capable of dealing with wounds. And ferocious," she added.
The badger joined the crowd of Redwallers gathering at the tables.
BIC:
Somewhere, deep in Mossflower woods, a bush stirred. One-Ear's snout poked up from the foliage. He squinted through the trees at a clearing, where a large amount of vermin lounged around idly.
"Needle. Vermin in the clearing ahead, about threescore. Take half the force, circle around and hit 'em from behind. Yell out Vigilance when you attack, we'll rush in to help you out."
*****
Drubble shook his head at Fangfang.
"Not zcaree ztorees, Fangfang, this be's th'truth. Oi remembers it, you wuzz 'ere when Muddle got attacked, but ye 'ad already left when 'ee went insane an' murdered ole Fergbar."
Asher had started towards One-Ear's position as he left Redwall, and as he neared the location he slowed and crouched low in the branches. Bow and arrow ready, he crept forward. Noting One-Ear and Needle below him, the squirrel whispered in a voice barely audible. "One-Ear, it's Asher. I'm up in the trees. Don't move, or you'l give away my position."
Eyes flickering back and forth, he assessed the situation for himself. "I can see a few vermin snipers up in the trees; weasels by the look of it. I can't take care of them all, so there's only one wing of your attack that I can protect from the arrows."
One-Ear nodded.
"Okay, Asher. Take out the snipers on the other side of the clearing, protect Needle's men. I don't feel like losing two second-in-commands in the same day."
A dark chuckle came from the trees. "Not an issue. On your side, there's four of them, one in that elm, another in the maple, and the other two in between them. Watch for the glint of their arrow tips."
He waited impatiently for the attack to begin.
Fangfang shrugged and stepped inside the Great Hall, nodding to Ava and Grant on his way. Duncan forced Rapshade to follow and then went after the ferret. "Er, aye, whate'er," Fang said, finding a seat at the table. Duncan plopped down beside him, and when Drubble came in Fang went on with the story. "So one dark an' gloomy day, a mouse was walkin' through th' sand when 'e--"
"Why's it a mouse now?!" Rapshade interrupted. "Y' change it every time, Fang, it's not funny anymore. Las' time t'was a riverdog an' now tis a mouse? This same thing can't keep happening to all these beasts..."
"Shh, Rap, it's my story." Fang said, unable to hold back a giggle at seeing Rapshade so frustrated over something so small.
Duncan slapped a paw to his forehead.
Grant watched as Ava mingled with the crowd. After spotting Rapshade, the mouse narrowed his eyes and started walking over. He sent Drubble an accusing stare.
Drubble gave a look at Rapshade to be quiet and waved at Grant.
"'Ello, zurr Abbot. Mortybell told us t'bring the prisoner up to work in yurr kitchens, but oi decoided we best take 'im t'the infirmary fer 'is medicine and t'look at 'is leg, seein' as 'ow Rayne be's busy up thurr. Cumm on, zurr Rappyshade, we 'as t'go naow!"
"Because both Rayne and Mortembell are very busy right now, he'll have to wait. He can work first, and if there is time, only then may he go to the infirmary." Grant said, narrowing his eyes. "...But mainly because you're acting suspicious about it. I don't think Mortembell would completely unchain him and leave him with you three," he said after catching sight of Rapshade's unbound wrists. The ferret seemed to notice as well and hid his paws behind his back.
The Abbot shrugged. "Rapshade, come with me. Duncan, please go upstairs and ask Rayne how long she thinks she'll be and if we should start the feast without her."
As the three dispersed, Fang cast a glance in Drubble's direction.
"I bet yew don't wanna 'ear th' rest I' th' story, don't you...?"
Drubble shook his head.
"Oi'd luvv to, zurr, but we need t'do somethin' about Rappyshade. If Mortybell foinds out that we've been loiin', well..."
"H'Abbot's puttin' 'im t' work, ain't 'e?" Fang asked.
"That'd cover it fer us'ns. Right?"
--
As Duncan ran upstairs, Grant entered the kitchens and handed Rapshade an old sponge and a bucket of water.
"Go and stand in the back of the Great Hall and during the feast whenever somebeast drops something, go and clean it up. Think you can do that? No wrong moves now, for we'll all have our eyes on you after what you did to Aver."
Rapshade nodded, trying to keep from lashing out at Grant. "Aye...Yessir, Father Abbot."
The Abbot mouse sighed and shook his head. "...If you can impress me, I'll talk to Mortembell about moving upstairs. Do we have a deal?"
"...Yes, Father Abbot."
Drubble stared at Fangfang, wide-eyed with shock.
"Hurr hurr, be's you'm croizy, zurr? If'n Mortybell see's 'im, we's done fer! Especially since Grant won't be's troin' t'hide Rappyshade loike us'n's, it won't take long before we be's found out, zurr."
Fang raised an eyebrow.
"But won't she jus' think Grant got 'im out?"
"Oi dunno, zurr. Wutt if the yurr Abbot tells Mortybell that it was us'n's...Wait! She be's the only one who 'as th' keys. Only she can open yurr door, so...Hurr hurr hurr, we be's deadn's."
"We'll be dead if'n Morty finds out 'bout Rap?" Fangfang echoed, tilting his head. "But Grant knows about 'im, so 'e won't let 'er get t' us, right?"
--
Duncan arrived at the infirmary door and knocked once, twice.
"Mortembell, Rayne, wot wot?"
Drubble shruggd.
"Oi dunno 'ow zurr Abbot'll reacting. It be's best if'n we don't get caughted."
*****
Mortembell set aside the satchel of bandages and answered the door.
"Yes, Duncan? What is it, and I hope it's important, we've got somebeast injured up here."
"What' be's Morty's goal, t' get rid of 'is personality? I think it's workin'." Fang whispered, shifting in his seat.
Rapshade limped out of the kitchen and back over to Fang and Drubble, careful not to spill any water out of the bucket. "I think I have some time before th' feast starts." The ferret rasped, not making eye contact with either of them.
He already looked exhausted.
--
Duncan nodded.
"Just why I came to see you, marm. How long do you think you'll be up here?"
Mortembell looked back at Rayne.
"Just have to stitch him up an' make sure nothin' else happens. Not long, I don't think."
Duncan grinned.
"Alright, well we're ready for the feast when you two are, so hop to it, wot!"
"We're done." Rayne announced a few minutes later tucking the bandage around the fresh stitches a little tighter. "He should live, though he might not be as active as he once was, lets not keep the others waiting any longer, lets go eat." The mouse healer popped a few bottles of tonic into her satchel and marched to the door waiting for Mortembell to join her.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Aver having left the infirmary a short time ago entered the Great Hall. Grinning he wandered over to the tables and slipped into a seat close to Fang and Drubble.
Mortembell rinsed her paws in a basin and followed Rayne to the door. Closing it behind her, the vixen walked with the mouse down into Great Hall.
Fangfang grinned cheerfully. "Hey, Aver, yer jus' in time fer th' spooky story of the Missin' Barnacle! 'Tis all true, mind ye. So once lived a fox, 'e was walkin' round near a beach when..."
Rapshade limped out of the kitchen after Grant, carrying everything he needed to. A scowl appeared on the ferret's face as soon as Fang's words reached his ears.
"It's not true," he whispered as he passed Aver. "It's a completely made-up pile of rubbish. 'E changes th' animal every time!"
"Make way for the all-time champion scone scoffer, comin' through!" Duncan exclaimed as he hightailed it down the stairs and into the Great Hall. He threw himself in the chair opposite Fang and next to Ava, grinning widely as he looked at all the food.
"I wonder what became of Petu and my salad..."
Ava muttered a response under her breath, breaking a loaf of bread in half as she did. "I woudln't be surprised if they managed to burn it."
Duncan's ear flew up indignantly.
"What, marm? Burn a salad?" The hare banged a paw on the table and then sat back down, looking pleased. "Why you're bally right, we did burn it."
"What? Impossible, I was just making a joke." Ava stared incredulously at the incorrigible hare.
Friar Rusk emerged from the kitchens, bringing up the rear of a procession of servers. Between him and two other mice, a large tray held a magnificent carp fished from the Abbey pond itself, garnished with watershrimp, variations of herbs and several sauces of the Friar's creation. They placed it down at the head table, in front of Grant's seat. The servers finished setting down their burdens and took their seats.
"Heh, I don' mind. 'Ey! Wot are ye doin' walkin' around free?" Aver twisted in his seat to glare at the ferret. "After clonking me brains in, 'ow could they ever let ye just walk about?" He stood up grabbing hold of Rapshade's wrist.
"He's being made to work." Petu voiced as he carried a massive salad bowl towards them. The bowl landed on the table's surface with a resounding bang making it creak ominously. "Here she is, enough salad to feed the Abbey's dibbuns for a week, if they ate salad that is." He glanced around the crowded Hall spotting Bracklew standing with Max under the tapestry.
"Hey Brack c'mon over here, and sit with us why don't you?" The squirrel waved in acknowledgement and walked over his shoulders slumped slightly. He slipped into place leaving some room for Max between himself and Duncan. He scrunched his shoulders together looking out of place.
"I don't like parties," He muttered almost incomprehensibly.
"I wouldn't've had any brain clonking t' do if ye hadn't insulted me mother," Rapshade hissed, pulling his arm free. "And the rabbit's right. I'm being made to work, so don't make a big deal out of it." He snorted and headed over to where he was told to stand, casting cautious glances over his shoulder every once and a while.
Roscoe raced in and grabbed two seats towards the back of the table, cloak streaming like a ribbon behind him. "Oh Stumbly, ya likkle brat," the weasel called, flicking his purple eyes up to look at the ceiling. "I've a seat fer you!"
"Trust me, Ava, I could find a way to burn a flippin' puddle of water." Duncan commented, winking in the Badgermum's direction. Max squeezed in between him and Bracklew, giggling excitedly. His very first feast!
Stumbly giggled, dashing past Roscoe into her chair. The mousebabe clapped with glee at all the food in front of her. Ignoring any semblance of common sense, she began turning her plate of food into a tower.
*****
Mortembell found a seat near Drubble and Fangfang. The vixen cast a disapproving eye at Stumbly, but then she saw something else in the corner of her vision. Was that...RAPSHADE? Mortembell stood up.
"What in Hellgates is he doing out? I never..."
The vixen looked down at her sash. The keys were gone.
"Who took my keys?"
Roscoe smirked, hoping it would fall on her just so he could be amused.
Fangfang did a fake gasp. "T'wasn't us, was it, Drubble? Methinks it was th' ghost that lives in' th' Abbey hauntin' th' foxes." He winked all too obviously. "Right, Drubble?"
Grant appeared behind Mortembell.
"I don't know who took your keys, but it's fine. He's working."
Mortembell caught the wink.
"DON'T say anything, Drubble. I don't know what you two are up to, but I don't like it. Forget working, he's going right back in that cellar, and whoever took my keys had better hand them back over."
Nobeast moved.
"FINE! Drubble, help me move him back downstairs."
The cellarmole stood up nervously. The keychain he had tried to keep hidden on his belt jangled. Mortembell growled and snatched them from him.
"Or, you can stay here."
The vixen stormed off towards Rapshade. She grabbed him roughly by the scruff of his neck.
"Okay, Rappy. Let's take a little stroll back down to the cellar."
Rapshade yelped and accidentally spilled some of the water onto his paws. "Aarg! B-b-but but..."
"I'm going to intervene here. Ahem," Grant said, waggling a paw at the vixen. "Mortembell, who's in charge here? Me, I am. And I told you he was working."
"He JUST attacked Aver AND tried to escape. He doesn't deserve to stand around here idly mopping the floor every five minutes or whatever he's doing. If you're going to have him up here amongst us, at least chain him to the table, or do SOMETHING so he doesn't run away again."
"Jus' let him try an' escape." Aver threatened cracking his knuckles. "He'll find me harder to hit twice, aye if'n e' tries to go anywhere I'll catch 'im."
"See, listen to that. Skipper Aver won't let him go anywhere, but if that's still not good enough for you, I'll be back." Grant hesitated and then ran off to the kitchens, leaving Rapshade with Mortembell for a brief two minutes.
"Attacked Aver...Don't give me that trash. He had it coming!" Rapshade snapped. "It was basically th' same reason y' attacked Fang last fall. He insulted m--ugh, what's this supposed t' be?"
Grant had returned with a very long coiled rope, which he had tied into a noose at one end and slung around Rapshade's neck. The wretched ferret looked none too happy.
The Abbot gave the string a light tug to test it, causing the prisoner to gag.
Grant's eyes widened. "Sorry. Just a...a leash, and for Mortembell's sake I'll hold it." He turned to the fox, not looking impressed in the slightest. "Will you please go sit down now? He's not going anywhere but around the table, I can assure you."
Mortembell snarled at Rapshade.
"Except I'm not a murderin' pirate like you are. Or were anyway, now you're just a wreck, same as your ship, same as your dead crew of murderers. Aye, an' the tables have been turned. You just wait, Rapshade. You thought you were miserable beforehand? It's nothin' compared to what'll happen when I get my paws on ye."
At Grant's approach, she frowned.
"Fine. But anything happens, I'm taking him straight back down there."
Grudgingly the Skipper of otters nodded and took his seat, though he kept a close eye on the ferret. "I'll be watchin' ye Rappy. Jus' make a reason for me to get up, ye hear?"
Bracklew who had half risen out of his seat at the commotion retook it feeling foolish. He should have stepped in and support Grant, but the other beasts were much older and had dealt with far more. Besides he wasn't needed. Instead he settled down waiting for Grant to start the feast.
Petu leaned over prodding Rusk lightly in the shoulder with his spoon. "That's one fine looking fish. I might have to try a portion or two of that eh?"
Rusk glared at the insolent hare. "The Abbot take the first bite, and that's the rule! Y'know, I was a distant descendant of one of the kitchen helpers from a long time ago, and the story goes in my family that there was a hare named Basil, and I'm sure that you two would get along perfectly!"
"Aye Cap'n Skipper, I won't," Rapshade muttered.
Grant nodded and glanced back at Mortembell.
"Okay, so calm down and go take a seat. I'm going to start the feast now." He walked over to his chair at the head of the table and sat down, waiting for everybeast to be silent.
Quote from: Sagetip on March 09, 2016, 12:35:09 AM
Rusk glared at the insolent hare. "The Abbot take the first bite, and that's the rule! Y'know, I was a distant descendant of one of the kitchen helpers from a long time ago, and the story goes in my family that there was a hare named Basil, and I'm sure that you two would get along perfectly!"
OOC: Petu's a rabbit.
OOC-
PSOT
Looking affronted Petu placed a paw over his heart not realizing most of the hall had gone silent. "I sir would never dare touch a scale on that fish before the good Abbot took the first bite. I am from a respectable family of rabbits known for their gentlebeast upbringing, the Woodbobs, and we-" Seeing many of the Redwallers looking at him the rabbit ducked down his ears going bright red.
"Ahem sorry Abbot sir."
OOC: Gentlebeasts is such an oxymoron. Lol.
The Abbot stared at Petu along with the rest of them until Fangfang burst out laughing in the dead silence. It went on for a while, each second getting more awkward and unbearable.
At last Grant cleared his throat.
"Ahem..."
"Oh, were ye doin' somethin', Father h'Abbot?"
"Yes, Fang. Please be quiet." Grant gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. "Welcome one and all to our lovely Abbey feast this great Winter's evening..."
Duncan cleared his throat.
Grant's eye did a very Rapshade-like twitch.
"...so here is a poem that has lots of meaning.
To Redwall and Mossflower and Salamandastron too,
And to creatures young and old,
I stand here knowingly and I'm bad at poetry, so sit down and get to feasting!" The old mouse grinned and sat back in his chair, raising his glass to the uproar of applause and laughter from the Redwallers.
Even Rapshade had an amused little smirk on his face.
Stumbly squeaked with glee as the feasting began. The mousebabe climbed onto the table and began to munch away at the base of the food tower. Mortembell sipped from a glass of wine and pointed at Stumbly.
"Hey, Fang. How much d'ya wanna bet she makes it fall everywhere?"
OOC: CONRAD! Where are you?
"She'll be alright." Petu cut in as he valiantly attempted to compete with Duncan, piling food onto his plate. "If it falls she can just eat her way out of it. Mmm, pass that cheesybread will you Friar?"
"The Friar will not be passing that scrumptious cheesy bread t' you, you great bally bounder! Friar, pass the cheesybread to me, not Petu, will you?" Duncan asked, giving Petu a greedy wink.
"Us older creatures have bigger stomachs, y'know! Takes more scoff t' fill 'em. Wot!"
Fangfang smirked crookedly. "Er, a lot? Cause it really looks like it's gonna fall?"
He reached across the table to grab a pastie from off a dish from which they were piled on, and was surprised when somebeast's paw smacked down on his.
Roscoe sat glaring at him from across the table.
"That'n was mine, I saw it first!" The weasel sneered.
The rat averted his eyes and let the Roscoe have the pastie, turning back to Mortembell.
"'S 'e like that with everybeast?"
Mortembell nodded.
"Yep, smart move. I'll bet an acorn to an apple pie that this ends badly. She turned and shrugged as Roscoe took the pastie from Fangfang.
"Dunno, I ain't the one that knows him. You could always ask Grant, but he does seem to be fond of Stumbly..."
Fangfang shrugged and turned to watch Stumbly eat her way through the tower after piling a couple scones and a slice of Deeper-'n'-Ever pie on his plate.
He leaned over and whispered to Mortembell, giggling, "Oho, looks like it's gonna fall! On t' count o' three. One, two..."
Stumbly stopped her gnawing off the food as the tower began to topple. The mousebabe shrieked and threw herself upon Roscoe. Scones, bits of pastie, beakers, and trifle scattered everywhere. Mortembell smirked at Fangfang.
"...Three. RAPSHADE! Looks like a mess that needs to be cleaned up! Start mopping, or you don't get breakfast tomorrow."
Duncan glanced over at all the ruckus.
"Good scoff, wasted!" The hare moaned. "That Stumbly's gonna have to learn a thing or two about wastin' the bally food."
Rapshade hurried over there and began cleaning without so much as a word. He wanted to draw the least amount of attention to himself as possible, though that didn't seem like it would happen any time soon with Mortembell yelling out his name.
Roscoe patted Stumbly on the back, watching the scene through slitted eyes.
"Ey, fox, know any songs? Somebeast should sing."
Bracklew ducked his head not want anybeast to point him out. Truth was Bracklew could sing, and he could sing well. He used to be very popular to make a tune two seasons back. However he had quit the practice, and hated the idea of somebeast picking him out and asking him to sing.
Petu on the other paw, had no such qualms. Taking Roscue's words to heart the rabbit stood, balancing himself upon the bench and munching on a loaf of nutbread he made himself heard over the hall.
"Ladies and gentlebeasts. I would gladly sing for your enjoyment this evening. I have an excellent voice, and unrivaled talent."
"No ye don', ye sound like a drownin' fish." Aver accuses from his seat, still keeping one eye on Rapshade. Petu shot a venomous glare over at the otter before turning back to his more accepting audience.
"Does anybeast wish to hear me sing?"
Duncan gave Aver a good wink and rose to his paws, calling to Petu, "I'd love to hear you sing, Petu, wot wot!"
The Abbot voiced his agreement, and so did Fang.
Roscoe shrugged and rolled his eyes. "Oh, what th' 'eck. Yer not Mortembell, but go ahead."
"He cin be as bad at singin' as a throatless frog, but 'ee'd still be better than me. Go on, Petu!"
Egged on by the watching beasts Petu swelled his thin chest and broke into song. Or at least it slightly resembled a song, it sounded more, as Aver had put it, like a drowning fish.
"Hey there's a leaf in the forest,
In a forest of leaves.
Sing a song for the Fall,
In the glory of Spring.
Time to laugh,
Time to cry.
Time to feast,
Time to fly.
Should that happen I'll open up my eyes,
And wonder if the earth is round?"
The song, if it could be called that was supposed to continue for several more lines. However a dibbun otter deciding the save everybeast's ears, hurled a pawful of pudding into Petu's open mouth. The rabbit's ears stuck straight up in surprise and he sat back down quickly as the Abbeybeast's erupted in laughter. Swallowing the mouthful of pudding he shook his head laughing along with everyone else.
"Haha, good shot you little blighter. Fine if you critics don't like my warbling have somebeast else sing."
Roscoe started booing halfway through the song and halted contentedly when the snippy young otter dealt Petu a faceful of pudding.
"Ya sounded like a drownin' fish alright, a drownin' fish that got poisoned an' stabbed in th' throat three times over!"
Grant elbowed him; not enough to hurt, but enough to get the point across.
"Don't be rude. I think that Petu's song was good as long as he was trying."
So he gets a participation award? Stupid rabbit.
Thought Rapshade as he scrubbed away at the mess on all fours. A little bit more and it'd be all clean. Thank goodness.
Mortembell gingerly uncovered her ears and winced.
"Eesh, maybe I AM a better singer than him. Hey, anybeast wanna see a magic trick? I can make Rapshade disappear..."
"Doubt it. Lest yer magic," Roscoe said, piling more food on his plate.
Fangfang chuckled nervously and cast a glance at Drubble.
"Er, how 'bout I finish th' story instead?" He suggested.
The rat's idea was quickly shot down by Duncan and a few others.
"Petu's song makes me cringe less than that story of yours," Rapshade muttered under his breath. The ferret stood up and retreated to the corner.
Having eaten his fill and not wanting to stay any longer in the stuffy Great Hall Bracklew slipped out. Breathing in the cool evening air he crossed the snow covered ground. He would do one last round of the walls before turning in for the night.
The dour look that Maxy had managed to wipe away returned to his face as he walked. The call of some bird made his ears flick up and he looked skyward trying to spot the flyer. He saw only the stars twinkling overhead.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Somebeast tell a story, a good one." Petu suggested scooping out some more salad and pie slices onto his plate. He glanced quickly at Fangfang. "Weren't you trying to tell some story earlier?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
A large crow circled over the Abbey. She let out a loud croak sounding out her victory. She had found it. Twisting though the air she sped off into the night sky.
"He was, wot, but it wasn't in any way a good one!" Duncan said, stuffing a hot scone into his mouth.
"Anybeast know a story that's actually decent?"
Mortembell shrugged.
"I might know a tale or two...Anybeast want t'hear it?"
"Me!" Exclaimed Maxy, hopping up and down on his chair.
"Sure, Mortembell, let's hear it." Said Duncan.
Back in his place, Rapshade gave a quiet little snort.
The story had better not be about me, he thought, folding his arms.
Mortembell cleared her throat and began to speak.
"Very well...I was going through the Abbey's archives, and I found something rather intriguing...Our tale begins some seasons ago, in the time of Abbess Posybud..."
*****
"Mother Abbess, Mother Abbess!"
Posybud, a graying old hogmaid dressed in the formal robe of Abbess, gave a weary sigh. Shaking her head slightly, Posybud disinterestedly turned her gaze to the squirrel running towards her. Placing down her teacup, the Abbess raised an eyebrow at the approaching creature.
"Yes, Crablin?"
Crablin stopped to catch his breath, gulping down a beaker of October Ale.
"Mmm, that hit the spot...Abbess Posybud, you have to come to the walltop, right now!"
Posybud daintily rose from her chair.
"Why? I demand to know why you're running around like a madbeast, demanding that your Abbess join in the chaos."
Crablin was already halfway to the door when he called back to her.
"There's no time to explain, just hurry!"
Her tea forgotten, Posybud set after the squirrel with a quickened pace, holding her robe off the ground. Crablin held the door for the hedgehog as she made her way across the lawn towards the wallsteps. As she climbed to the top of the wall, Posybud noticed a large crowd of Redwallers staring over the battlements in awe. The Abbess joined them, and what she saw made her gasp in horror...
The Great Hall grew quiet as Redwallers and visitors alike listened intently to Mortembell.
Suddenly Max jerked back in his seat. "'Dissa scary story! I don' like it!" The squirrel exclaimed, hopping in his chair.
"I don' like it don' like it don' like it!"
Mortembell shot an icy glance at the squirrel. Drubble toddled over to Max and hauled him onto his shoulders.
"Cumm on zurr, ye don' 'ave t'listen. Yurr an' oi cin go down t'me cellar an' sample th'drinks, what do 'ee say about that, burr aye?"
Maxy grinned as if he's suddenly forgotten he didn't like the story.
"Okay." Said the squirrel with a happy shrug.
Roscoe watched as they left and sighed, glancing at Mortembell.
A smirk appeared on his face, and the weasel seemed snarky. "Tell us' a story about yer loonyhead son, Foxie." He remarked.
Mortembell threw a scone at Roscoe.
"I'm the one talking, you. Take Stumbly with you and go down to the cellars with Drubble if you won't shut up. Now, what was I saying..."
*****
Posybud gasped in horror. Gazing over the battlements, the Abbess saw every manner of creature, from woodlanders to vermin to toads running screaming for their lives. The sky was full of birds, flapping madly, aiming to land on the Abbey roof. The unlucky creatures on the ground hammered on Redwall's gates, screaming for somebeast, anybeast, to help them. Posybud stared dumbly through the trees at a red glow that lit up the greenery, in stark contrast to the warm, blue sky. Snapping out of her shock, Posybud grabbed Crablin and shook him.
"Why are we just standing here? OPEN THE GATES, FOR THE LOVE OF THE DARK FOREST, DON'T LET THEM ALL BURN!!!"
Crablin nodded, vaulting off the walltop into the garden below. The sturdy squirrel threw his back to the gate and lifted the spar. A veritable tidal wave of creatures poured in by the score, as Posybud sought out a lanky otter on the corner of the wall.
"Skipper! Get your crew, get pots, we need to stop that fire! If it reaches the Abbey and gets through the gate, the whole place will go up in flames!"
The Skipper of Otters was not one for delay. Martialling every otter in the Abbey, then some others, they rushed down the steps, headed straight for the kitchens.
Roscoe quieted down and began listening to Mortembell's story.
He was half asleep by the time she got to the seventh line. When the vixen raised he voice he jerked awake with a yelp and sent a bowl flying off the table.
"Heh heh...uhh..."
Mortembell was fuming.
"Shut...up...and listen...to...THE STORY!!!"
The vixen turned back to the crowd with a snort.
*****
Posybud and Crablin ushered the refugees into the Abbey as the group of toads splashed loudly into the Abbey Pond. Woodlanders and vermin alike thanked everybeast they saw from Redwall as they were guided into the damp cellars. Posybud slammed the door behind her and held a paw for silence. This had the expected result: absolutely nothing. The Abbess shrugged her shoulders at Crablin, and the sturdy squirrel cupped two paws to his mouth.
"SHUT UP! EVERYBEAST, BE QUIET AND LET THE ABBESS SPEAK!"
The murmers slowly started to die down. Posybud thanked Crablin and stepped towards the terrified crowd.
"We are safe here, for the time being. Skipper and his otters are working hard to put the fire out, but we need to stay calm until then. Thank you."
*****
Further conversation was interrupted by Stumbly slurping her drink loudly. Mortembell sighed with resignation.
Rapshade dove to clean what Roscoe had knocked off the table in a short-lived effort to impress Grant, and he couldn't help but give a small smirk at seeing how frustrated everybeast was making Mortembell.
Fangfang chuckled and glanced from Stumbly to Mortembell to Grant and Rapshade.
"I guess nobeast wants t' 'ear yer story!"
Mortembell nodded and sat down next to Fangfang.
"You're right. Just can't get a good audience anymore..."
The story forgotten, Mortembell began to rejoin the feasting.
"Mortembell, pass the bally salt, will ya?" Duncan asked.
"I need it for Petu and my salad. Wot wot!"
Mortembell glared at Duncan, throwing the salt shaker roughly at the hare.
"Whatever. Have your wretched salt."
"Oop!" Duncan grimaced and rubbed his head, looking over his shoulder at the salt shaker, which had bounced off his head and cracked on the floor.
"Hey hey hey, please be careful! Don't throw things." Rapshade said as he hurried past Mortembell and over to the mess.
Mortembell's eyes went wide with indignation and raised her paws mockingly.
"Oh NO! According to the murdering pirate, we should BE CAREFUL? Golly gosh, I never knew you cared!"
The vixen shot a death glare at Rapshade and snarled.
"Maybe I should throw YOU off of the bell tower. Would you like that, ferret?"
Grant stood up, still holding the end of the rope in one paw.
"The bell tower? Come now, Mortembell, that's completely unessecary. What he said wasn't even bad. I don't want broken dishes and a huge mess either."
Rapshade tried keeping calm as he collected the pieces of broken glass from the salt shaker, though it was pretty clear what she'd said had gotten to him.
Mortembell scoffed.
"Wasn't even bad? I think you're failing to not only see the hypocrisy in his statement, but also that you are DEFENDING SOMEBEAST who has MURDERED COUNTLESS Redwallers AND Guosim shrews. Tell that to your Abbey Code of Reasonable Speech."
The Great Hall grew silent except for Mortembell's rant.
Abbot Grant looked like he was fighting with himself on wether to keep his cool or not. The mouse clenched and unclenched his paws.
"I know what he's done." He said, sounding rather agitated. "But that has nothing to do with not throwing silverware. Why am I even arguing with you?"
"Throwing silverware has nothing to do with this. And you're right, why ARE we arguing? HE'S the one to blame for what happened last season. Not me, not you, HIM! Stop parading him around up here, lock him back in the cellar for the rest of his pathetic existence. It's FAR MORE than he deserves."
Everybeast was watching the commotion now.
Even Duncan had stopped eating.
Grant frowned. He took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes. He tried keeping his voice calm, though he had some trouble doing it.
"I believe that anybeast can change..if given the chance..."
"He threw that chance away a long time ago, Grant. You can keep spoon-feeding hope to the hopeless, but they just spit it straight out. And not just us either, what about how he treated Fangfang..."
She's bringing Fangfang into this? Something in Rapshade snapped.
"Y' know nothing about Fang an' what happened!" The ferret shrieked, pouncing on Mortembell. He twisted around and bit into the fox's arm, causing Grant to gasp in horror.
The Abbot snatched a fork off the table. "What are you doing? Wh-what.."
Mortembell screamed, kicking Rapshade roughly and prying her arm free. The vixen wrenched a large knife from the fish tray and brandished it.
"Just try something, Rapshade! Give me an excuse to stab you with this."
"Go on, why don't ya?! Nobeast's stoppin' yew." Rapshade sneered, crouching on the ground.
"Enough!" Grant shouted, jumping in between them.
He shot Rapsgade a few fiery glares before looking at Mortembell.
"There will be no stabbing as long as I'm around." He snapped. "If it would make you calm down, fine. Take him back to the cellars. I don't care. In fact, I don't care anymore at all. Nobeast listens to me and instead you settle things by violence. I'm going up to my room. Duncan's in charge; and with that I say good night."
He scowled and marched out of the room.
A couple minutes later Roscoe got up and scurried after him.
"Fine!"
Still gripping the knife with one paw, Mortembell grasped the rope dangling on the floor. With a rough tug, she ran for the cellar at a swift jog, pulling Rapshade behind her. Unlocking the door, the vixen shoved Rapshade in and clicked him into his chains, making sure to make the rarely-used neck chain as tight as possible. Rage in her eyes, Mortembell pulled the door shut behind her and snatched an until torch from a wall bracket.
"This'll make as good a club as any..."
The vixen cackled and began to swing the makeshift club, buffeting Rapshade several times. Between swings, she screamed at the unfortunate ferret.
"NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BEING CAREFUL? HUH?"
Between screams and wails the hapless Rapshade managed to belt out a response, which is what he thought she'd want to hear; "Please Marm! I'm done bein' careful!"
It quickly faded into a series of yelps and screeches.
He curled up on the floor and tried to cover his head.
Mortembell temporarily stopped the beating.
"Stopped being careful, have you? If what you were before was you being careful, I'd hate to see what you'd do if you weren't."
That said, Mortembell, having caught her breath, resumed the merciless assault, sometimes swinging the unlit torch, sometimes aiming a rough kick towards Rapshade's protected head.
Rapshade went limp, weeping brokenly.
Why am I crying? This was what he'd done to his slaves; and, in a sense, he was being made a slave by Mortembell. Why couldn't he take it?
The ferret decided to stop resisting and let the vixen go at it with him, his pitiful yelps filling the room.
She could have her fun for now.
Ava appeared in the doorway, entering the darkened cellar room. "Mortembell, stop that immediately. You're only as bad as him if you do that."
Standing up Rayne followed Ava down towards the cellars but stopped half way. The badger mother could handle Mortembell, and Rapshade. Instead she turned and ascended the stairs after Grant her footpaws pattering quietly up the steps. Following the hallway to Grant's private quarters she tapped lightly on the door.
"Abbot Grant? Are you alright?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Twisting in his seat Aver looked worriedly at Duncan. "'Erm, yon Mortybell is a bit o' a loose arrow. Ye think it t'was wise givin' 'er charge o'er our prisoner?" The otter bit his lip worriedly. There was no love lost between the otter and the ferret, a large lump on the back of his head showed clear evidence of that. Yet Aver couldn't stand the idea of somebeast stabbing another in the Abbey, ecspecially a injured and helpless beast like Rapshade. Well, not entirely helpless. He rubbed the spot ruefully.
"Ava went along after em, she'll 'anndle it. Meself might jus' worsen things eh. Tho' I ought to go an' make sure all th' same."
OOC: Incase ya'll didn't look at the Vacation thread I'm not going to be super active for a short while. I might drop in once or twice a day to check up on the RP.
Roscoe appeared beside Rayne and tapped her on the shoulder.
"It's no use, 'e doesn't answer." The weasel said. "I've been tryin' ta get in fer a while t' tell 'im I'm leavin'... It's been useless."
--
"Not in the slightest..." Duncan murmured, looking quite disturbed by the whole thing.
He could kind of hear Rapshade's screams echoing up from the cellars.
The hare grimaced, "You're right. This isn't about saltshakers anymore. Come on, let's go check it out."
As he rose from his chair and waited for Aver to follow, he caught the mortified glance Fang shot him.
Shrugging Rayne tapped on the door again. "Father Abbot I'll be in the infirmary tending to upset stomachs if you need me." Turning away she brushed past Roscoe and made her way down the hall towards the infirmary.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Standing as well Aver adjusted his belt in a badly hidden attempt to loosen it. "Yeah, that don' sound good. les' go put a stop to that, th' fox 'as no right to 'urt 'Im."
Mortembell turned to face Ava, a mixture of grief and rage in her eyes.
"You don't understand, Ava. My husband is dead because of him. Mixy is dead because of him. All the others, dead BECAUSE. OF. HIM! He did this to countless creatures, just because he was too lazy to walk. They didn't deserve this, HE DOES! If I had my way, HE WOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE! HE'D BE DEAD! DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!"
The unlit torch fell from the vixen's grasp as she steadied herself on the wall, quietly sobbing.
Ava immediately saw the discomfort and emotion in the vixen's eyes. "He already got waht he deserved. He is no longer a beast of his namesake, and he's lost everything. You know Rapshade better than any of us. He will do his best to be what vermin are.... But in the end, there's always a scrap of goodness, no matter how small."
The badger glared frostily at Rapshade. "And you. You brought this upon yourself by not keeping your mouth shut. I hope it doesn't happened again. Come on Mortembell, let's get back to the feast."
Mortembell blinked back a tear.
"No. I can't go back there. I need to do something else first."
The vixen limped off sadly, ignoring Stumbly and Drubble staring at her as she passed. Standing in the shadows of Great Hall, the vixen cast a hopeful eye over the feasting. Shaking her head, Mortembell pulled her robe tighter around herself and trudged off into the snow.
Having spotted no sign of the night flying bird Bracklew completed his round of the wall. Discovering nothing of interest he started back towards the Abbey his footpaws dragging in the snow. Crunching up the path with his head down he almost ran into Mortembell coming out of the Abbey.
"Mortembell?" He said in surprise. "What are you doing out here its freez-" He stopped noticing the tears glistening in her eyes. "Oh, you too?"
Mortembell's voice was a quiet, harsh whisper as she pulled a hood up to cover her ears.
"I'm used to the cold, Brack. I always used to enjoy it, up in the northlands. But once I lost my husband, and now my son is virtually gone, I don't look at the beauty of nature anymore. All I see is the heart of darkness, creeping slowly towards us."
The vixen gave a drawn-out sigh.
"Can you lend a paw to open the gate please, Brack?"
Nodding in quiet submission Bracklew led the way back to the gate reaching out his good paw to hold one side of the wooden spar. Without a single word he aided in the opening of the gate letting the spar bang to the ground. Pushing the threshold of Redwall open the squirrel stood back giving her space to exit. His breaths slightly faster then usual after lifting the heavy beam rose as steam into the night sky.
Mortembell smiled, if the expression on her face could be called that. The vixen embraced the squirrel warmly.
"Thank you, Brack."
No more could be said. Mortembell sniffed, releasing Bracklew, and slowly plodded off through the snow into the woods.
Duncan halted when they reached the cellars and Mortembell came running out, apparently crying. "I guess there's no need now, but we could still check t'see what the deal is with Rapshade if ya want," he hissed.
Fangfang hurriedly brushed past them and ran downstairs.
"Er, Drubble, what's going on?...."
Meanwhile, the calamity down in Rapshade's cell had quieted greatly, minus the occasional sniffling and whimpering from the ferret.
He grimaced and lifted himself halfway off the ground to glance at Ava, looking more battered and bloody than he had in the battle.
All he could do was nod.
Drubble took his digging claws away from Stumbly's eyes and ears. The cellarmole ushered the mousebabe away, and spoke to Fangfang in a low voice.
"Mortybell, she...She beat 'im, zurr. She 'ad a breakdown, an' she ran off somewhurr. Oi dunno where Mortybell went, no zurr!"
"She beat him over a saltshaker..." Fangfang murmured, as if trying to comprehend what Drubble told him. "...an' ran off t' the woods. Why is that okay?"
Drubble shrugged.
"She'm been through a lot, zurr. But even zo, that wuzz fair harsh, so it was, burr aye! Oi think she just needed to let off some steam, but that wuzzn't th'way t'do it..."
Fang curled his lip.
"Ah, so she just needed t' let off some steam, is that right?" The rat narrowed his eyes, scoffing.
"If'n he was a Woodlander that'dn't be the case. If'n ye beat a mouse, that's 'orrible, but with a ferret it's lettin' off steam. Huh, an' she's been through a lot, she has--sure she has, but that doesn't mean his life was all flowers an' sugar before this!"
He clenched and unclenched his paws.
"I can't stand it, Drubble. You all think Mortybell knows 'im best, Ava even said it. I guess I'm jus' the stupid good-fer-nothin' rat!..."
Drubble shook his head.
"That isn't wutt oi said, zurr. Oi said that Mortybell wuzzn't doin' so good, so she hit Rapshade t'get her anger out. Oi think that that be's a bad thing t'do, jus' loike ye said!"
"Mortembell wouldn't be angry in th' first place if'n she wasn't so...so...." Fangfang growled.
"I don't know. But what bothers me is that nobeast's doin' anything!"
Drubble scratched his chin with a digging claw.
"Mebbe we shudd talk to 'ee Abbot. Mebbe 'ee cin make somebeast 'elp Rappyshade..."
Fang shook his head.
"Abbot's done with all this, 'e said so 'imself. Why don't we jus' do it?"
Drubble cocked his head to his shoulder.
"Do oi lukk loike Rain, zurr. If'n 'ee can't convince 'er, there be's nuthin' yurr or oi can do fer Rappyshade, burr aye."
After confirming that Rapshade wasn't going to be an issue, Ava exited the cellars, closing the door to the cell after her. Reentering Great Hall, she walked over to Grant. "Father Abbot, Rapshade is chained in his cell. Where's Mortembell; she said that she had something to do."
OOC-
I'm just going to pretend she walked into his room, because Grant wasn't in the Great Hall. XD
IC-
Grant glanced at the door, startled.
"Ava!.. Mortembell left?" The mouse narrowed his eyes and jumped off the chair he was sitting on.
"I didn't know."
Fangfang narrowed his eyes.
"We can learn, can't we? I'll at least talk t' Rayne again..."
Drubble nodded.
"Oi'll go with 'ee, zurr. Let's go foind Rayne an' get 'er t'fix up Rappyshade's leg, burr aye!"
OOC-
Adopting Needle.
IC-
Fangfang led the way up the stairs and through the dimly lit hallway.
He was in a bad mood from their feast-turned-disaster, though he hid it fairly well.
The rat halted near the infirmary and rapped twice on the door, puffing out his narrow chest.
"Rayne?"
----
Needle glanced at One-Ear.
"Lead the way, wot.."
One-Ear motioned to his detachment of Vigil troops, who crawled forwards into the undergrowth. The young fox nodded at Asher in the treetops, and was satisfied to see the Vigil archers ready their arrows. One-Ear drew his blade and whispered to the hare.
"My soldiers are in position. Take your half around to the other side of the clearing and charge when you're ready. Shout out 'Vigilance' and we'll come running in."
The fox disappeared back into the bushes.
Expecting to see Grant Rayne pulled open the door and held up a small lantern. "Fang?" She asked in surprise. Then looking past him she spotted Drubble. "Is something wrong? Do you two have stomach aches? I've had four cases already." She said worriedly looking over the rat and mole.
"Mortembell beat Rapshade, an' then ran off." Fang said hurriedly, locking eyes with Rayne.
"Please can yer 'elp 'im?"
--
Needle and his scouts circled around the vermin.
The hare nodded when he was ready, then charged out into the open.
"Vigilaaaaaance!"
Asher immediately loosed his shaft, sending a vermin archer toppling from a tree. His archers slew their targets as well, and everybeast set another shaft. Asher noticed the vermin below starting to gather. Signaling for one of his team to take over, the black squirrel moved back to One-Ear. "I can see the leader rallying them in the middle. I can send an arrow right through his skull if you want."
The remainder of the Vigil troops rolled from the bushes into the clearing. They picked themselves up and charged the vermin that were starting to defend themselves from Needle's force. Not expecting to be hit from behind, their ranks were decimated, and the survivors cornered. Amidst the chaos, nobeast noticed a skinny rat slip away into the woods. One-Ear cleaved a ferret almost in half and called up to Asher.
"Do it!"
The rest of Asher's team heard the order and tightened their bows. Asher released his own arrow and the rest followed suit. The vermin leader fell, pierced by four arrows.
All of the archers exited their tree cover and joined the rest of the Vigil force. Asher returned to One-Ear's side. "Orders?"
Needle pointed his scimitar at the surrounded vermin and wordlessly turned to look at One-Ear.
He was wondering the same thing as Asher.
--
Deep in the middle of Mossflower Woods lie a clearing, void of any plant life except a few stark, leafless winter trees.
The vermin horde of Alfhild the ferret had taken up camp here. Tents were scattered around in no particular order, and here and there a few campfires were lit. It gave off a completely different vibe than the homely Redwall Abbey.
Alfhild herself sat on a log at the campfire nearest to her tent, hood up, blue eyes watching.
Every so often she'd lean back to take a sip from the beaker of wine she held in her bony right paw.
Suddenly the ferret flicked her tauntingly cruel gaze over to Vadoma, whom was sitting opposite her.
"Do you hear that?"
The fox, Vadoma, looked behind herself. "I think it's th' patrols returning." She remarked, sinking her teeth into the leg of a grilled bird.
Alfhild grinned. "You must be deaf, fox. It's only one creature."
One-Ear nodded at Asher, signalling the Vigil to stand down.
"Drop your weapons vermin."
Nobeast moved. The fox snatched a spear from one of the soldiers and threw it at the group. A rat grunted and fell back into the masses. The fox snarled.
"DO...IT!"
The vermin looked at each other reluctantly and threw their weapons down.
"Now, what's going on here? Are you the entire horde? Where are you going?"
A ferret shakily raised his paw.
"Uhh...b-b-b-ut...If'n we tell yer, she'll kill us..."
One-Ear drew his blade and ran the ferret through.
"If you mean this "Alfhild" creature, know that whatever they'll do to you if they tell you is NOTHING compared to what I'll do if you don't. You there! Weasel! Which one of you is Alfhild? Tell me and maybe, just maybe, you can go free."
The weasel shrugged.
"Alfhild isn't here sir..."
"THEN WHERE IS SHE?"
The weasel gulped.
"Probably camped out in the woods somewheres."
"How many more of you are there? Can you lead us there?"
The weasel nodded. One-Ear smirked and sheathed his blade. The Vigil soldiers moved aside to allow the weasel forwards. He pawed the ground, sniffed the trees, then darted into the undergrowth before anybeast could stop him.
*****
At the horde's camp, the skinny rat threw a salute at Alfhild, making his report.
"Err...they attacked us, miss Alfhild...They got all the others, but they didn't get me!"
Gapping at Fangfang the mouse healer shook her head slowly. "Beat him," She said aghast. "Why would she... Is he badly hurt? Hold on let me get my satchel." Rushing back into the infirmary Rayne scooped up her satchel and hung it over her shoulder. She was dressed in her nightshirt, but there was nothing to be done about that. Pattering back out to join Drubble and Fang she looked up at them biting her lip. "Explain what happened on the way please."
~*~*~*~*~
Perched above the horde tents, silent and watchful the crows of Grah the Krah's flock waited. They had been waiting for a good feast for some time. Their bellies had been filled on worms and grubs for too long and they needed blood. They knew that fights occasionally broke out between one or two beasts, sometimes leaving one of the arguers dead. But it had been too long, and the crows were growing restless.
Grah shuffled her feathers irritably. She was in a large maple tree over the Alfhild's tent. She watched curiously as a small rat raced up. She watched him knowingly her dark eyes following his every movement. He wasn't much, stringy and small, but edible.
As he ran up to the tent she clacked her beak in irritation. Alfhild might leave him alive, or she might not. Grah knew that she couldn't kill the hordebeasts herself, and it was torture waiting hopefully only to be disappointed.
The sound of flapping made her jerk her gaze upward, black feathered head twisting to acquire a better view.
"Creaah great Krah a scout approaches. Creaaaah." Grah dipped her head in response as the second crow descended alighting on a lower branch.
"Creaaah speak word scout?" She squawked in a rough voice.
"Found, Creaaah, Red house, horde-earthwalkers walk to Red house in day great Krah." Grah bobbed her head again, then spreading her great wings jumped from the branch. Gliding down and landing close to Alfhild a wary distance from the fire.
Walking at a brisk pace, Fang began explaining.
"Well, er, Mortybell threw a saltshaker at Duncan an' it broke, so Rap had t' clean it up, see. So 'e hurries o'er there an' on 'is way says t' Morembell, '"Hey, please be careful, don't throw things"'. She got real mad an' started commentin' about how she should throw 'im off th' belltower an' all that rubbish, then she commented on...me...an' Cap'n--I mean Rapshade--snapped an' bit 'er in th' arm. So th' vixen kicks 'm off an' takes a knife from the table an' threatens t' stab 'im.." The scrawny rat began rushing his words and looking anxious.
"U-um, an' Grant an' 'er started t' argue, Grant gave up 'n' left, an' she rushed Rap t' the cellars. We 'eard screamin'...a-and Drubble who was down there told me 'e was beat."
--
Needle the hare frowned, glancing at the other vermin and One-Ear.
"He's gone. What now?"
--
"Maybe that's because nobeast'd want you." Vadoma remarked, sneering and flicking a bone from her meal in the rat's face. "You lesser hordebeasts are supposed to bow in front of the Chief." Turning to Alfhild, she grinned and asked, "Should I kill him?"
Alfhild signaled with a claw for the vixen to leave, for she was not in the mood. As soon as the seer was out of sight, she sprang up with surprising agility for one her age and seized the rat by the collar of his tunic.
"Attacked!" The ferret exclaimed, ice blue eyes widening psychotically.
"And you fled?" She snarled and shook him violently before tossing him down in the snow. Suddenly calm, Alfhild took a swig of her wine. "When you came here, I told you the rules. One of which was that if you fail not to come back until you succeed...I'd ought to have you whipped..." She smirked and glanced over at Grah.
"...Or, my friend here could pick you apart limb by limb with that marvelous beak of hers until she's satisfied." The ferret's eyes found the unfortunate soldier again, glimmering tauntingly in the moonlight.
"Your choice. I always do love watching either of them. You know how much Alfhild needs her show, don't you..?"
Before the rat could reply, the weasel came crashing into the camp. Throwing himself in the dirt before Alfhild, the weasel addressed his chieftain.
"Marm, enemies in the woods. Permission to take some troops and ambush them?"
*****
One-Ear waved a paw.
"Meh. Forget about that one. These vermin'll talk eventually. Get some soldiers, tie them up, and stand guard here. I'll take THIS one with me..."
The fox growled, snatching a rather decorated stoat from the crowd and slipping a rope around his neck.
"Okay, slow pace now. Try to run, and you're dead."
The stoat snarled.
"Do you know who I am, fox? Get your filthy paws off me!"
One-Ear kicked him forwards.
"I don't know, and I don't care! GET MOVING!"
The stoat struggled and bit.
"The name's Zaxian Claw, and it's gonna be the last thing you ever hear when Alfhild finds out about this!"
One-Ear's eyes lit up.
"Oh, so you know Alfhild, do you? Why don't you tell me all about her?"
The fox and stoat vanished into the trees.
Alfhild pulled out a sturdy, dangerous looking sword from under her cloak.
She grinned and licked her jaws menacingly, tapping the weasel in between the ears with her sword point.
"I'll be heading the troops. It's always more...inspiring...to sink my teeth into the flesh of an enemy rather than a scrawny little rat like him." She moved over, allowing the weasel to stand up.
"Gather our best soldiers and tell me when you're ready." She paused, looking him up and down.
"...And what's your name, eh? I'd like to remember it in case this takes a wrong turn."
--
Needle did as told, binding the vermin to the trees around him.
He kept a straight face though they whimpered and wailed. Typical cowardly vermin.
"Quiet!" The hare demanded. "I'm not quick to kill like One-Ear. We're letting you live as far as I'm concerned."
The weasel gulped, hauling himself upright.
"The name's...The name's Grenlik, marm. I...I'm on it!"
Grenlik saluted smartly and dashed off, leaving Alfhild with the unfortunate rat.
OOC: Short timeskip so the Grenlik has assembled the troops, the Redwallers are at the cellar, and One-Ear and Zaxian are nearly at the vermin camp?
OOC-
Indeedy!
You start. ;D
Grenlik had done his task well. In a short time, a hundred, hand-picked hordebeasts stood at the ready, weapons bristling menacingly in the sunlight. The weasel, proud of his decision, reported to Alfhild.
"One 'undred troops marm, chosen by meself. Will that be enough t'suit yer purposes, or shall I go an' find more?"
*****
Drubble lightly pushed on the door to the side-cellar, which was thankfully still unlocked. He pointed the others in the direction of Rapshade's prone form, lying on the ground.
"Ee door wuzz unlocked, but oi doesn't 'ave th' keys t'the chains, no zurr."
"Don't get all cocky just yet," Alfhild hissed, shoving the weasel aside.
She stood in front of the assembled vermin and looked them up and down. Yep, seemed good.
The ferret nodded.
"I don't need more; this will do. Now grab a weapon and get in there, and I'll tell you the plan."
--
Fangfang frowned and glanced at his paws.
"He'll 'aveta wear th' chains 'till we find out 'ow t' get 'em off, I guess." He murmured. "Unless he have another idea...?"
"Course, marm. 'Pologies fer bein' too cocky."
Grenlik selected a rusted scimitar and a simple, wooden shield.
"This shudd do me fer now, marm..."
The weasel was cut short by the sight of movement in the bushes. Peering through the shrubbery, he noticed a fox and a stoat.
"It's Daxian! That fox from the enemy group is with 'im!"
At the weasel's shout, two bowbeasts raised their weapons. Before One-Ear could get away, two arrows whizzed through the air and into the bushes. A scream and a grunt echoed through the clearing. Daxian fell from the bush to land at Alfhild's footpaws, an arrow jutting roughly from his leg. Grenlik looked around for One-Ear, and sighted the fox staggering away through the trees with the remaining shaft in his side.
"He's trying ter get away! Get 'im!"
"I was there for all that." Rayne said once Fang was done with the short tale. "I was in the great hall too, but no matter we're here." She entered the cellars nearly running into the backs of Aver and Duncan who had just made in to the cellars.
"Whoop, o' 'ello Miz, I suspect yer here for th' ferret." Aver said ruefully waving a paw at Rapshade. "I think 'es be needen help. Not that e' deserves it, but we can't 'ave 'Im dyin'." Rayne nodded before moving towards Rapshade opening her satchel. Aver stayed back feeling slightly sorry for Rapshade, but not too much. His head still hurt slightly. The otter bit his lip and glanced at Duncan, twirling the cellar key on its ring.
"We'll be needen' a new guard. Got anybeast willing in mind Duncan?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clacking her beak in time with Alfhild's threats Grah paced back and forth waiting for her chance to speak or kill. It never came. After the orders to assemble a hundred of the assembled hordebeasts Grah realized she wasn't going to get her meal and decided to speak over the babble of vermin voices.
"Creaaah, Alfel'!" She croaked messing up Alfhild's name in her haste. "Found Red House, scout gives word. Horde Earthwalkers make journey one day." She would have continued if One-ear hadn't arrived. The crow squawked in obvious excitement and launched herself into the air. Landing next to Naxian she gave a searching peck. The stoat moved, he was still alive. Trapping him under he talons Grah looked up scanning the woodlands until she spotted the shadowy shape of One-ear staggering away.
Twisting her head until one large black eye was focused on the vermin she angled her face giving her a curious look. "Kill?"
A tall, lithe wildcat appeared at Alfhid's side. "Hullo, what's this?"
He peered through the bushes, his amber eyes searching for One-Ear. Paw resting on a rapier hilt, Fardan easily figured out what was going on. "Attack on one of our parties? And that fox is leading them?" He contemplated the situation. "Listen, it's always best to use their own strategy against them. Do you think that we could find a way to get one of theirs? Grab could do it."
"Honestly, besides Drubble I've naught a bally clue." Duncan said, shaking his head.
For some reason he felt really on edge after witnessing what Mortembell had done. It just seemed so wrong to him, even if it was only Rapshade.
Rapshade's eyes flickered open when Rayne crouched beside him with her supplies. He sobbed brokenly and gritted his teeth, dropping his gaze.
Everything looked blurry anyway, and with the blood running down the side of his face it made it even harder to see. He couldn't really tell who it was.
"...You're here t-t-to finish me off, aren't you...have at it."
--
"Have at him." Alfhild said, glancing away from Grah and turning to Fardan. She acknowledged his battle plans with a sharp nod.
"That'll have to do." She smirked and clasped her ringed paws together. "And that injured fox looks like the perfect somebeast."
"No, I'm here to help." Rayne whispered taking a wet rag and dabbing at the welts. She hissed inwardly as the rag came back red. Quickly she felt his arms, legs and paws checking to see if anything was broken. His bad leg was the only damaged bones, but the numerous bruises were painful enough. Twisting around to look at Duncan and Aver she motioned them to come closer.
"We'll need to take him up to the infirmary, he can't stay down here anymore, its unsanitary. We'll put him in the bed next to Marble. And we wont have to worry about him getting away tonight. He's not going anywhere in this state."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Croaking Grah spread her wings and raised her beak preparing to kill the stoat. He suddenly wriggled away and sprinted on all fours into the crowd of vermin. At first she felt slightly irked at the loss knowing she had no chance of finding him amongst the vermin.
Hopping around she forgot the stoat and instead focused on the rapidly disappearing fox. After three powerful flaps and a small hopping run Grah took to air twisting though the trees after One-ear. She could see his back rapidly approaching. Diving forward her razor talons outstretched she descended upon him like a black feathered arrow.
One-Ear looked over his shoulder to see if he was being followed and was shocked to see Grah descending on him. The fox threw himself to the ground, taking care not to land on the arrow. When Grah inevitably overshot him, he dived into the bushes.
Fardan blinked in reaction. "He's smarter than he looks. Grenlik, get that sword out and follow me. We'll advance on him, and if it doesn't work out, we can always pump him full of arrows. Let's go."
The horde archers stood ready to fire as the wildcat drew his long blade and started towards One-Ear.
Her talons dug deep into the soft forest loam as she touched down in an explosion of feathers. Having expected land squarely on her target's back Grah was thrown off balance nearly falling on her beak. Flapping in hasty uncoordinated sweeps she launched herself back into the air to avoid any counter attacks climbing in a ungainly retreat. Flying in slow circles she watched the horde earthwalkers close in on One-ear, ready to dive at the first opportunity.
"Who has the keys for his chains?" Duncan asked, glancing from Aver and Rayne to Drubble and Fangfang. The hare noticed that Aver was holding a keyring, though he was unsure if it was the right one.
As much as Duncan disliked Rapshade for what he'd done to his family, he was about ready to try and at least be civil towards the ferret.
"YahaaaaAaAagh!"
The hare's ear suddenly shot up rigidly. Rapshade had yelped in pain (and passed out) as soon as Rayne touched his bad leg.
"Wot--golly!" Duncan placed a paw on the wall. "Good grief, you'd think somebeast just murdered him, by the sound of that!"
--
Alfhild watched Fardan go, then turned to the horde that had gathered around her.
"Come close if you want to hear the plan. Here is what you must do..."
Recoiling Rayne put a paw over her heart as it beat furiously against her chest. "He scared me half to death with that scream. I think he's passed out." She shook her head and carefully checked Rapshade's leg again. "All that running around he did when he was being tugged along inflamed his leg and made it worse. I'm sure being beaten didn't help either. He needs to be taken upstairs and out of this hole."
"Mortembell 'ade the only key." Aver said sourly still twirling the key ring. "I c'n open 'Is cell, but I cannot get them chains off. Anybeast know 'ow to pick a lock mayhap?" The otter frowned trying to think of somebeast who could open locks without a key. The otter frowning thoughtfully at Duncan. "Now if'n I'm not mistaken little Mixy knew 'ow. An' she might 'ave taught her friend no? Anybeast know th' whereabouts o' Brack?"
"I've no bloomin' clue. He snuck away from the feast and I haven't seen him since," Said Duncan, calming down. Once he looked less startled, the big match hare shivered and rubbed his paws together to keep warm.
"Agh; it sure is cold down here! Anywho, I'm the one that taught her." He smiled halfheartedly and shook off his sad feelings about Mixy. "...Ahem. Now, if anybeast just had a little pointy doohickey-thing, I'd be able to open those locks lickety-split. I'm thinkin' a needle or somethin', some kind of sharp small metal thing..."
One-Ear looked around desperately as the horde began to close in on him. The fox slew the vermin that jumped ahead, seeking glory, but began to feel overwhelmed. In a last ditch effort to get away, he crashed through the last section of woodlands into the clearing with the rest of the Vigil.
"AMBUSH!"
Alfhild snarled, whirling around to face the direction One-Ear had fled to.
"Looks like there's no time for plans if we want him dead." She hissed. "Follow me and attack when you get there!"
The ferret broke into a sprint after Fardan, the horde following close behind.
Needle looked up.
"Wha? Ambush? Wh--aargh!"
Alfhild leaped out of the bushes and bowled him over, pinning the hare to the ground.
"Yes. It's an ambush, sweetie," She sneered, knocking Needle unconscious with a blow to the head.
After digging around in his pockets for a few moments Aver sighed and shook his head. "Nay, I got nothin' that fits th' request mate."
"Will this work?" Rayne asked holding up a small but sharp scalpel she had taken from her bag.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Diving down like a hunting hawk Grah slammed into a unsuspecting shrew breaking the smaller creature's back. He screamed in terror as he became instantly paralyzed under the crow's talons. The cruel beak tore through his Vigil tunic and flesh easily as the big bird ripped into her living prey.
Grah's black feathers fluffed up to make her look double her size looked sinister in the dark as the orange markings flashed in the moonlight. Blood splattered her barbaric features as she began feasting ignoring the remaining Vigil members.
"That'll do," Duncan said, taking the scalpel from Rayne.
He knelt beside Rapshade and began picking the locks on his neck chain, then when it slid off he started at the ones which bound the ferret's paws.
He was done about seven minutes later.
"Whew, that was harder than I thought. She had those things on really tight, I'm actually surprised he stayed awake that long."
He turned around at a whimper from Fang.
"I know it must be hard for you to see him like this. You should go, mate. He's in good paws." The hare murmured.
Fangfang nodded reluctantly and ran off.
With Alfhild and Grah preoccupied with the other Vigil members, One-Ear staggered towards the tree where Asher was hiding. As the Vigil behind him desperately tried to fend off the horde, bust were eventually forced to turn and flee. He held a blood-covered paw up towards the squirrel.
"ASHER! PULL ME...UP!"
"Ye take 'Is shoulders, I'll take 'Is footpaws, we'll heave 'Im upstairs." Aver suggested positioning himself by Rapshade's footpaws. Rayne quickly held out a paw stopping him from lifting the ferret up.
"Wait Ave, his leg is broken. You'll damage it more if you pick him up like that." She looked thoughtfully at Rapshade's still form for a moment then clicked her claws together. "I'll go get one of my stretchers. I'll be back in a moment." She raced out of the cellars and was back again in a few minutes hauling a stretcher. It was a simple thing, two ash staves held together by a canvas sheet. Rayne set it down next to Rapshade. "Alright set him on it, and try not to jerk his hurt leg around too much."
"Aye then miz Rayne. Got yer end Duncan?" The two shifted Rapshade quickly onto the stretcher, though Aver was less gentle then he could have been. "Alrightly les' take 'Im up."
Alfhild stuck her sword in the unconscious Needle before getting off and lunging at One-Ear.
"Nobeast escapes Alfhild and her horde! Hehehee!"
--
"He's lighter than I thought," Duncan remarked as he helped lift the stretcher.
As he walked carefully up the stairs that led out of the cellar, the hare huffed. He knew they'd have yet another staircase after this one.
What 'genius' decided to put the infirmary on the second floor?
OOC: Lol you would bring that back. ;D
IC:
"That's what I was wondering." Rayne said shaking her head. "Either Martin or Abbess Germaine messed it up, and I'm willing to bet it was the warrior not the Abbess." Aver chuckled as he held the stretcher up over his head lowering it slowly as they finished the first staircase and started on the second.
"Well ain't no way to fix it now eh, not like we c'n move th' infirmary downstairs."
OOC-
Of course, I just had to! It's a running gag. ;D
IC-
Duncan grunted his agreement and helped to lower the stretcher once they had arrived on Redwal's second floor. "...Whew, that's quite the workout, wot wot!" Said the hare with a snarky half-grin. "Wouldn't want to do it again though. Come on."
Two sets of paws hauled One-Ear up into the tree cover, but Asher was not there. Harnam filled One-Ear in. "When they ambushed us, we got most of our creatures out. The ones we didn't are too close to the enemy to do anything. Asher left to go get Needle."
The squirrel in question was kneeling by the unconscious hare. He had put on a rudimentary bandage and was now trying to drag the hare into the woodland cover. Asher finally gave up and rolled Needle into a pile of loam, covering him up. Freed of his burden, the black squirrel took aim with his bow and fired at Alfhid. "Here, ferret, let's see how you are at escaping, eh?"
"Cute little squirrel." Alfhild said, batting her eyes. She easily deflected the arrow with her sword, cutting it down while it was still in the air.
"Arrows are for cowards!" The ferret sneered. "Come here and fight me like a real warrior if you're so keen on it. I spent half my life as a pirate and half as the leader of this horde. Choose wisely."
Asher snarled. "And I've spent all my life killing vermin like you!" He drew his dirk and lunged at the ferret.
Rayne ran ahead of the two and set up a bed for Rapshade. She pulled back the sheets and motioned for them to set him down. "Thank you, I'll handle things from here." She insisted while dabbing away at the welts and bruises. Aver scratched his chin thoughtfully tapping his tail on the ground.
"Aye miz, though I would be put well at ease if'n one o' us stay 'ere to keep an' eye on things. Rappy might not be feelin' up to hurting no beast now. But I reckon he might later, an there be a lot o' sharp things in 'ere."
"Oh I'll be fine. I could easily outrun Rapshade, and I'll yell if he tries anything."
"Aye but ye got to sleep too."
"I'll be fine." Rayne insisted stubbornly. Aver bit his lip looking worriedly at Duncan.
"Wot say ye mate?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Some of Grah's crows had heard the cries from the battlers. They landed amongst the dead of both sides filling their stomachs greedily. The wounded was a favorite amongst the crows as wriggling prey and warm blood was more satisfying then even freshly slain meat.
Leaving the mutilated remains of her first kill Grah sprang back into the fight. A flash of an arrow caught her eye and she watched as one of her crow fell from a feathered shaft. Croaking in rage Grah flapped upward into the lower branches of a tree pecking at the archer.
"Creeaaah! Bleed filthy earthwalkers! Trees belong to the Krah!" The squirrel dropped his bow crying out in pain. He attempted to flee but Grah's talons closed over his tail pulling him back. The squirrel though hurt didn't go down easy. Slashing franticly with his knife he cut one of her talons. Grah squawked releasing the squirrel who fell down two branches before recovering on a lower tree limb. He didn't stick around to retrieve his bow leaping immediately off though the branches. Grah gave chase hopping after him occasionally fluttering her wings to keep up.
One-Ear's face contorted with pain, but he managed to pull out his crossbow. Eyes glinting with rage, the fox fired a number of bolts at Grah. Not waiting around to see whether they hit, the fox leant heavily on two of the archers as they retreated through the trees, following the main group of retreating Vigil.
Duncan exchanged glances with Aver.
"I agree with you, mate. Rayne can handle herself, but Rap's bloomin' crazy when he wants to be. Do you want to stay here? I think it might be rough for me." He coughed, looking around awkwardly.
"...You know why."
--
Alfhild growled, holding her ground and matching Asher's sword with hers. There was a loud clang as metal met metal, and the ferret grinned as she aimed to push him back.
"Poor you."
"I understand mate. Say, I'll go find Brack an' get 'Im to do it. Aye, that's wot he's supposed to do anyway ain't it?" The young otter chieftain clapped Duncan on the shoulder and disappeared out onto the stairs waving one last goodbye at Rayne.
"I'll stay until Bracklew comes." Duncan concluded with a short glance in Rayne's way. "Is the ferret badly hurt?"
"Not badly, but he needs help. And I suspect he may never walk again properly, but that depends on how he heals." Rayne looked up from her patient at Duncan. "I know how you feel about him." She motioned towards the unconscious ferret. "So if you don't want to stay I'll understand, it not like he's going to go anywhere now."
With a light kick Asher leapt off the ground and grasped a tree branch firmly in one paw. Dirk hanging loose from the other, he locked eyes with Alfhid before disappearing into the trees. He reappeared next to One-Ear. "Sir, we need to muster everyone and get out of here. The vermin at least match us one-to-one, we don't stan' a chance. I'll take Brush and get Needle and then we can soun' the retreat."
One-Ear shook his head.
"Everybeast already is retreating. They'll find their way back to Charm and the rest of the Vigil, don't you worry. Just get Needle out of there.
OOC: Sandpaw, there's several crossbow bolts stuck in midair between One-Ear and Grah.
Asher blinked."Alright. Can you run, or should I have somebeast take you throught the trees?"
OOC: He's already in the trees, with two squirrels. :P
OOC: I know, but maybe he'd like to run instead... Nevermind.
BIC: Needle was still unconscious as Asher brushed aside the loam. He heaved up the body and climbed up into the tree with Brush, narrowly avoiding a thrown vermind spear. He spat at the creature who had thrown it before reconnecting with the rest of the Vigil. He nodded to One-Ear. "Needle's okay, let's get out of here."
One-Ear nodded, wincing with pain.
"Aye. We'll take a winding path so we don't lead the horde straight to Charm. Once we get there, and the wounded are patched up, we're heading straight for the Abbey."
"That ferret should be grateful he can walk at all. He's lucky we let him live." Duncan tugged on his sleeve and stood by the door, waiting for Bracklew.
"But it's okay; I can stay. If I learned anything while in the Long Patrol it's that vermin like him can snap at any time, even if they're down. Fang says his crew called that ferret crazy..."
OOC: Muhaha I can mess with time and space >:D
IC:
She nodded accepting that he was going to stay. "I don't know, he never seemed crazy when I was treating him. Just broken." At that moment Bracklew and Aver arrived, the squirrel looked slightly miffed as he stepped into the infirmary and crossed his paws.
"I have to do what?" He asked irritably at Duncan and then Rapshade. "He looks like he's out cold. Why do I need to watch him?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
The first bolt hit a branch right as Grah caught the squirrel. Splintering the bolt under her free talons she swung her helpless prey looking for the beast who dared loose at her. A second bolt flashed though the night and she instinctively held up her prey letting the squirrel take the bolt. As the last spun towards her she spotted the fox sitting in a tree beside two more of the filthy earthwalkers.
Ducking to avoid the bolt she pecked savagely at the dying squirrel breaking its neck. Flinging it from herself Grah launched from the brach gliding towards the fox talons outstretched. "Creeaaah! Earthwalker scum, great Krah's warriors shall grow fat on puff tails' blood!"
"While he was a captain, I mean. He is broken." The hare nodded matter-of-factly, looking at the door as Bracklew padded in. When the squirrel addressed him, he shrugged. "Just in case he wakes up. Think of it as helping Rayne." Duncan said as he got up and slunk out of the room, leaving Rapshade with Bracklew and Rayne.
(ooc: Timeskip to MornIng once the Vigil has fled?)
OOC: I'll agree to that. I can start, if ya want.
OOC-
Yiss yiss.
Just make sure not to forget anybody. ;)
OOC: ::)
BIC:
One-Ear winced as Charm applied a bandage to where the arrow had struck him. The missile had since been removed from the fox's flesh, thankfully devoid of any harmful poisons. As the otter tied the binding off, One-Ear tried to rise.
"It ain't time yet, sir. You, and all the other wounded, need time to rest before we head for the Abbey."
One-Ear waved a paw.
"Fine. Get Asher and Gukom to go ahead to the Abbey and tell them that the Vigil is on its way."
Charm nodded, making a mental note of her task.
"Should I pull Damien out of the pit?"
One-Ear spat into the fire.
"I think he's had long enough. Just check to make sure he hasn't turned yet. If he has leave him, if not, secure him tightly and pull him out."
The otter saluted, leaving the fox to his own devices. She approached Asher and his team, who had also made it back to camp.
"Asher. One-Ear wants you and Gukom to leave for the Abbey ASAP, tell the Abbot what's goin' on and that the Vigil is comin'."
*****
Back at Redwall, Marble had been slowly recovering. The young mouse leaned heavily on a short cane, slowly making his way towards Great Hall. He linked up with Drubble and Stumbly on the way.
"Excuse me sir, where is the creature in charge? I need to speak with him."
Drubble shrugged.
"Yurr Abbotbeast shudd be up in 'is room, unless 'ee came out lately. Oi'd be careful, tho, he don't seem very fond o' yurr koind, burr no!"
Marble thanked the mole, turning on his heel and heading back towards the stairs.
*****
After losing the Vigil's trail, the horde had settled back down. Grenlik sought out Alfhild, dragging Daxian behind him. The weasel kicked the stoat forwards and gave a quick bow.
"Sorry t'trouble you, marm, but I caught the beast that that fox had captured. He says he's one of your advisers or somethin'."
*****
Mortembell flicked her hood back from her ears. She smiled as she noticed the soft glow of a fire beneath a three-topped oak tree. The vixen pulled a piece of parchment from her satchel and studied it. This was the place. That sly old cheat...She invited herself to the fire and sat down on a dry root. The vixen stared through the flames at the owner of the camp, a strong-looking male ermine.
"Well, its been a while since I saw you. Thought you woulda moved on by now."
The ermine spat.
"Doesn't really matter, does it? Why are you here?"
OOC: I doubt that any woodlander would use an acronym like ASAP. Whatever. (REALISM)
BIC: Asher looked up from where he was restringing his bow. "Alright. Where is Gukom anyway? Haven't seen much of him."
The dead from the short but bloody battle were unrecoverable. Vigil and horde soldiers alike were torn to pieces by the crows of the Krah's tribe. Grah herself having slain three more of the Vigil herself had eaten so much that her crop was too full for her to fly up into the trees. The thirty eight remaining avian creatures in her tribe suffered from similar overindulgence, resting happily half asleep amongst the bushes. A few preened their feathers and stretched while others hopped around the battlegrounds looking for breakfast.
Standing Grah strutted through the horde careful to avoid the cooking fires. Her feathers once again shimmering bright. She had spent the entire evening cleaning the blood from her feathers. Only the large beak remained stained red, but that too would be cleansed when Grah took a drink.
She closed the distance towards Farden squawking to get the cat's attention. "Creeaah, earthwalker-cat-leader, when we move? The battle was good the blood was good, the Krah wants more."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To his credit Bracklew had stayed awake nearly until morning. But as the golden light began streaming though the infirmary windows his head drooped and touched his chest. His breathing slowed and he slumped against the side of his chair asleep. Snoring softly the young squirrel slumped further down into his chair.
Rayne who had also stayed awake most of the night had departed to her dormitory where she remained.
The wildcat was busy giving out orders to a few horde soldiers. At the sound of Grah, he turned to face the bird. "The horde won't be going anywhere soon. We need at least a day to lick our wounds and ready our weapons. Besides, the woodlanders know that we're coming. Right now, our worry is about a counterattack by the fox. So, I've sent a few scouts in different directions to find out more about our enemy, the lay of the land, and the Abbey itself. It's called tactics," he sniffed. "If you can actually get off the ground, I'm sure that you could fish in the river or terrorize the few unarmed woodlanders hereabouts. There are enough of them for your tribe."
"Creeaah! The Krah kill many fish, many help-less earthwalkers, why kill more?" Grah mused twisting her head around so one large eye was fixed Farden. "No fight, just kill to eat, no hot blood from warriors, no fun. Graaah, not good fight. The Krah rest too, wait for cat Faren. Tac-tics. Creeaah!" This declared she swaggered back to her tribe bullying some of them away from a small rain puddle, before drinking her fill.
Rapshade had flipped onto his belly sometime in the middle of the night and was sleeping contentedly. Alas, why wouldn't he? It was the first time in nearly a season where he had been allowed a bed. Slowly but surely, with the sunlight filtering in, the ferret's amber eyes flickered open.
He glanced groggily around the room and then down at the pillow, not knowing anything that happened after he'd blacked out. He looked utterly confused.
How..?
The ferret, still hurting, propped himself up as best he could. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Bracklew sleeping hunched in the chair, and then stopped to take a glance at where some of the greater wounds had been.
Bandages?
Rapshade smirked, glancing again at Bracklew. "I must be dreaming.."
--
"Ah, yes, he is...now that I think about it. He's Daxian, isn't he? Shows how much he means to me." Alfhild, fine except for a scratch or two, was munching on her breakfast as she dismissed Grenlik with a flick of her paw. Then she turned to Daxian.
"You need to be punished for being caught, Advisor or not. What to do, what to do..."
--
Abbot Grant was indeed up.
He stood out on the snowy battlements, gazing around at the frozen wonderland which was Mossflower. The mouse did not look happy, however; his eyes were squinted and he had a look of distaste on his face.
The previous day's disrupted feast was still fresh in his mind.
--
Fangfang raced Maxy through the halls, giggling and laughing like he'd just done something he wasn't supposed to. Both rat and squirrel skidded to a stop near Drubble, Marble, and Stumbly on the way. Fangfang grinned and shook paws with Drubble rapidly in greeting. "Heya, you three! Whatcha doin', eh eh? Anythin'? No? Haharr, thought so! Max an' I may or may not've jus' pranked ole Duncan an' we was wonderin' if'n yer could 'elp us hide..."
Fardan cautioned Alfhid. "Let's not get hasty. He might have information on the enemy army that we could use. Not that we shouldn't punish him," he added.
Charm pointed to One-Ear's tent.
"Probably over there gathering whatever he needs to take with him."
*****
Drubble turned his head to one side.
"Oi 'ave plenty o' places t'hide in moi cellars. But whoi? Wutt did 'ee do?"
*****
Mortembell put a paw on her hip.
"I need t'find somethin'. You'll help me."
The ermine glared at her.
"Oh, really? Why should I?"
Mortembell grinned.
"Does 'badgers' treasure' sound good to you?"
The ermine scoffed.
"Everybeast knows that tale is completely bogus. The mountain-"
"I ain't talkin' 'bout the mountain, Dregped. I'm talkin' 'bout a place far older'n that..."
Dregped's doubt vanished. He leaned closer to the vixen.
"Whadda ya mean?"
"Ever heard of Moledeep? Or Brockhall?"
Dregped grinned, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"Now I'm listenin'..."
*****
Daxian gave a rough cough.
"Yes, marm. Information, I have plenty. If you kill me, I won't be in any position to tell you."
Alfhild grinned and tapped Daxian on the nose, running a sharp claw up his neck.
"Of course I won't kill you, dear." She purred. "I'll just make you wish I did after you tell me everything that happened, all for your little sc rewup." The ferret backed away and paced around him, bracelets jingling eerily.
"The consiquence will be greater if you refuse. I'll rip you limb from limb....ahem! So? What is it, mm? I'm awful curious..."
--
Duncan could be heard yowling idle threats from down the corridor.
"N-no time fer th' tellin' tales, mate, tell us where t' hide!" Fang pleaded.
Daxian shivered.
"W-what's what, marm? The information? Well, they scattered willynilly after the ambush, right? Impossible t'see which way was the right one. Well, I happened to see where they actually came from, when they jumped us. I reckons I can lead ye to their camp!"
*****
Drubble raised an eyebrow in concern, his leathery face wrinkled.
"Oi 'ave no oidea what it be's that yurr did, but oi thinks oi'm about t'find out. Go to moi cellar, hoide in the barrels."
*****
Mortembell had captivated Dregped with the tales of treasures beyond his wildest dreams, hidden in the ancient tree where Brockhall hopefully still resided. She took a map scrawled upon parchment from her satchel, waving it at the ermine.
"We'll follow this until we find Brockhall. You find me the way into Moledeep, I'll show you the scroll with the treasure map on it. Simple, innit?"
The ermine licked his lips.
"Sure is. Let's go."
The two creatures stalked off into the snow, their white fur blending in perfectly.
"Oh, I'm sure you can...But that isn't what I want. I'm sorry." Alfhild teased, her voice like poisoned honey. "What I do want is somebeast like you to take my, oh, I don't know... simmering anger out on? You do seem perfect for it, and the fact you got caught makes you even more available. Why, I could use you as an example! That way we'd never have a mess-up again."
--
"Run, Max, 'e's comin'!" Fangfang yelped, grabbing the Dibbun by the paw and hightailing it out of there. Just then, Duncan rounded the corner and raced up to Drubble, shivering and soaking wet.
"Why, the bally nerve! That bloomin' rat an' squirrel woke me up by pourin' a pail o' ice water o'er my head, the nerve of some creatures! Which way'd they go?"
Daxian shrugged.
"Wouldn't it be better to take the anger out on the ones that attacked us, ma'am? I can help you to do that..."
*****
Drubble tried to hide his giggling, but could not contain himself. The cellarmole shakily pointed to the cellars.
"They went thattaway, zurr. They went t'hide in the cellars, burr hurr hurr hurr!"
"Oh, they did, did they now?"
Duncan smirked and ran off after them, leaving wet pawprints in his wake.
--
"This ignorance you've got going here is exactly why I must use you. Without fear, the horde will be lazy. With it, however...oho." Alfhild rubbed her paws together and whipped her sword out, positioning the tip where Daxian's heart should be.
"You haven't been showing the proper respect, Stoat. It's Chief, not "ma'am"!"
The vermin could tell by her rising voice that there was going to be a show. The most sadistic ones stopped what they were doing to watch, nasty grins on their faces.
Alfhild realized this and planned to humiliate him before beginning the beating.
"Get on all fours and say, lively now, that you haven't been showing the proper respect and that now you are the humble example...Daxian." She put pressure on the sword to coerce him into listening.
"Otherwise I'll stick ya twixt your ribs. Heehee!" She smiled pleasantly.
Daxian shivered.
"S-s-ss-sorry, Ma-I mean, Chief."
The stoat gingerly lowered himself to all four paws.
"I-I haven't been showing the proper respect, chief. I'm the example of humbleness, your powerfulness...I don't deserve your mercy."
Both Alfhild and some of the watching horde snickered at poor Daxian's speech.
"He said it himself, mates-he doesn't deserve my mercy!" Alfhild announced, raising her sword high up above her head before coming down with a mighty blow to the stoat's back with the flat of the blade.
The ferret grinned happily and pressed her footpaw down on his neck. "Hmm, what should become of him, mates? I can either dice his tail into itty bitty pieces and continue the beating, or put him out of his misery. What do you say?"
The vermin watching laughed and whispered to eachother.
"Look, mates, I told ya. Th' older she gets th' more violent."
"Indeedy she is. Chop 'is tail!"
His uncontrollable and slow slide out of the chair ended with Bracklew bouncing to the floor. "Wha- hey?" He grunted starting awake. He stood up quickly rubbing his tail end and glancing around the room to see if anybeast had seen him. His eyes landed on Rapshade and his ears pressed against his skull in embarrassment.
"Your awake, finally." He managed with what was left of his dignity.
Rapshade leaned back on the pillows, watching Bracklew in mild amusement.
"And so are you." He commented, smirking crookedly. The ferret raised an eyebrow. "Who helped me, was it you?"
The flap to One-Ear's tent was pushed aside as Asher thrust his head in. "Hi, Gukom, we need t'head over to the Abbey."
OOC-
Maybe we could have the Vigil guys bump into Roscoe while we wait for Sandpwa to psot.
IC-
Roscoe strolled through the snow-covered Mossflower Woods, confident and with a full stomach from partaking in the Abbey's feast of the previous night.
"What t' do, what t' do...Aha!" The weasel's keen eyes spotted a pair of travelers, an old mouse and an even older hogmaid. He grinned and started towards them, holding his dagger behind his back.
Looks like that spikedog's wearin' jewels...
Gukom leapt a foot into the air.
"C-c-coming, Asher."
The hamster piled the remaining scrolls into his basket and hurried out of the tent.
"Over to Redwall, you say? W-what for? J-j-j-j-just the two of us?"
*****
Mortembell and Dregped had done it. The two creatures stared with satisfaction at the door set into the massive oak tree. The vixen set her back to it, forcing the door open slowly. She pointed at the writing in the doorframe.
"See, 'Brockhall'. If the records from Volume 1 of the Abbey history are to be believed, there should be a tunnel in here somewhere. Dug by moles, nice and strong. Shouldn't have collapsed yet...Care to go in?"
Dregped smirked.
"I can't read, ya stupid ole crow. Ladies first!"
Mortembell scoffed as she ducked through the doorframe into the dark staircase.
"So much for chivalry..."
OOC: I've been busy.
IC:
"No," Bracklew admitted smoothing down his fur. He wondered why he was bothering telling Rapshade anything, he still felt tremors of fear and disgust when he looked at him. "Sister Rayne helped you, and she want's you to stay there too. Your leg was hurt even worse, so your not to try and move at all."
Walking across the room to the door Bracklew was about to leave when he remembered he was supposed to be watching Rapshade. But for how long? Surely the ferret wasn't going to attempt an escape with a bad leg. Snorting and unwilling to take the risk of leaving Rapshade alone Bracklew stalked back to his chair dropping into it.
"Looks like I'm stuck with you for company. Sure hope they remember me up here and send up breakfast."
OOC-
Okie doke.
IC-
"Yeah, I sure hope so too, because I'm a bit hungry. Two scones a day doesn't really do much, y'know." Rapshade mused, watching as Bracklew returned to his chair.
The ferret pulled the blanket up a bit, still looking content despite his wounds.
"I'm not going anywhere," he admitted with a yawn. "Especially not if all I have t' do is lie here while you and Rayne tend to me."
Forcing out a cruel laugh the young squirrel adjusted his sore behind trying to get a more comfortable position. All night on a hard chair hurt ones tail and Bracklew was slowly discovering just how uncomfortable guard duty was.
"Is it worth it?" He asked suddenly looking hard at Rapshade. "To live as a prisoner here in the Abbey, or do you wish you had gone down with your ship? Is it worth it to live in misery, or would you welcome death?"
"I've been living in misery ever since the day my mother died," Rapshade snapped, all the previous playfulness void from his voice.
He looked off to one side lest Bracklew could see how dull his eyes got when he said that. "Stuck here or not, it's always been this way. I'm just showing it now because before I couldn't...but I wouldn't welcome death."
The ferret kept his gaze averted, gritting his teeth.
"I was surprised when I killed her, you know. Your friend. I'm not sorry, but I can say that it hadn't been my intention."
"I wouldn't want your apology anyway." Bracklew said glaring hard at Rapshade. "You know how many times I've wanted to kill you?" His paw dropped to the sword hilt that rested at his hip. He looked at the ferret thoughtfully, as if considering.
"I could do it too, I'm no stranger to death anymore. I've had so much hate bottled up inside that some nights when the beast's I've killed keep me from sleeping, I would stand outside your cell trying to force myself to go inside. To end this torment..." He drew the sword holding it up to the morning light that streamed though the windows. It glimmered brightly for a moment until he laid it on a nearby bed. Holding his head with his good paw and balancing his elbow on his knee Bracklew forced the tears back by twisting his face into a glare.
OOC: Edited.
"If you killed me, would it really make you feel better? It wouldn't bring anything back, or fix what went wrong. All that would come out of it is that I'd be dead." Rapshade said, watching Bracklew sadly.
He glanced down at his paws just then, hacking up some blood.
"I can't stand it!" The ferret grimaced and shut his eyes. "...I've always been the bad child, the weak child, the good-for-nothing who his own father hates because he's sick. It's lingered and I hate it. I never...no matter what I do, I..."
Raising his head Bracklew grudgingly agreed with Rapshade. It was for that reason he hadn't slain him before, and why he couldn't kill him now. It would fix nothing, if anything it would hurt other creatures and make things worse.
"I was happy, before you arrived. I was learning to heal, to grow plants and live normally. Now everybeast expects me to protect an Abbey. I can't even put on my tunic without help, I get pushed around by bullies. I never wanted this life, I never asked for it..." He wasn't entirely sure why he was opening up to the ferret, still it was better to talk then just to sit silently together.
Rapshade raised an eyebrow, flicking his gaze back up to Bracklew.
"Believe it or not, I understand a little...Except that from what I've seen, they all love you." He smiled sarcastically.
"I was on the opposite end. You'd never guess, eh?..."
"Huh, I wonder why?" Bracklew said rolling his eyes. "After all, who wouldn't like a creature who takes slaves and murders beasts?" He adjusted in his seat again, his bushy tail curled around his legs.
"Do you know who Martin is?" Bracklew asked suddenly his gaze traveling to the sword lying next to him, and then back to the ferret.
Mortembell struck flint to a torch, lighting up the dark hallways. Dregped lit a second torch, following the vixen through Brockhall's ancient corridors. The ermine was fascinated. If there wasn't any treasure hidden here, where would it be? Dregped tapped Mortembell on the shoulder, making the vixen jump.
"Gah! What in Hellgates do you want?"
Dregped spread his arms in a wide circle.
"Any idea where to start, or do you want me to dig up the entire place?"
Mortembell's hackles fell with relief.
"The records were quite vague, but it should be somewhere in the main hall. Come on, I don't like standing around in this place."
The vixen and Ermine disappeared down the darkened passage.
*****
Unbeknownst to the two explorers, they were not alone in the cavernous tunnels beneath the giant oak tree. Strange shapes writhed around in the darkness, rough grating noises echoing through the chambers.
"Before that," Rapshade said, following Bracklew's gaze to the sword.
"I did nothing, yet in their eyes, I was worthless. I remember my father..." He trailed off when Bracklew changed the subject. It did feel good to finally tell somebeast this, though, even if it was his enemy. "Martin. Mm, no, can't say I do. Let me guess, he's a friend 'f yours?"
"He is no friend of mine," Bracklew stated darkly. "He's the mouse on he tapestry that hangs in the Great Hall. You might have seen it last night. This is his sword." He tapped the blade looking almost condescendingly down at it. "He is supposed to protect the abbey, and guide her creatures when it comes under threat. Sometimes he tell somebeast to take up this sword, and defend Redwall. And I hate him for it." The squirrel picked up the blade slipping it into it's sheath.
"I was chosen, or so Grant says, to protect this Abbey from creatures like you. And I'm afraid that when it comes time for me to do so, I wont be able. But what do you care? That would be a boon for you."
"So, he's dead, is that what you're sayin'? And y' listen t' this dead mouse who supposedly tells y' how t' live yer life." Rapshade chuckled almost demeaningly.
"This, Sir, is why us vermin think Redwall would be a perfect target. He's dead, so he can't tell you what t' do. You don't want to be Abbey Warrior, you don't do it."
Marble, who had crept into the Infirmary by mistake, coughed politely.
"Err, it looks like I've taken a wrong turn. Err, I'll mind my own business..."
The Vigil mouse darted from the Infirmary, hobbling swiftly to Grant's room. He knocked on the door softly.
"Excuse me? Abbot Grant? Are you in there?"
*****
Deep beneath the humongous oak tree, Mortembell sat in a massive, dilapidated chair. The vixen held both torches for Dregped, who was digging madly at the hard earth beneath their footpaws. The vixen cast her eyes upon the small scroll she had promised Dregped as a reward. A smirk briefly crossed the vixen's bored, featureless face. The fool! He actually believed that the map was of any use? A wild goose chase, right into the middle of the dense woodland. If he didn't get lost, Muddle would find him, and that would be the end of that white-furred, and bad-tempered, little problem. The harsh, grating noise echoed through the tunnels once more. Mortembell shivered.
"Hurry it up, Dregped. Those noises are creeping the living daylights out of me. Hellgates, this place feels...wrong. I just can't put a finger on it..."
"Yeah, except somebeast has to protect this Abbey from vermin." Bracklew stated coldly, "And your beasts killed Brandon. If I leave, Redwall will be vulnerable. Its not my choice, and Martin is easy to blame, being dead and all."
At Marble's voice Bracklew jerked to the right glaring at the mouse until he disappeared out the door. "Bloody Vigil," He muttered.
Rapshade rolled his eyes. "You say that like Duncan and Skipper and that badger couldn't defend this place if they had to. And Mortembell's merciless. Just hand over the job to somebeast who wants it..."
When Marble quickly ducked in and out, the ferret's eyes flashed and narrowed.
"...And that's another thing we can agree on...if it wasn't for the bloody Vigil, I'd be elsewhere and you wouldn't be stuck here chatting."
Marble shrugged.
"Guess he isn't here then..."
The mouse stepped back from the door, glancing idly out of a window. Spotting Grant on the battlements, Marble quickly limped back towards the stairs.
*****
Dregped had found something. The ermine circled around one rough patch of flooring. He snatched a knife from his belt and whittled it into the ground. Dregped reached into the small crack and levered out a small boulder. The ermine stood in the hole left by the boulder proudly.
"Found it!"
Mortembell crouched next to Dregped, pearing into the hole.
"Bit small, but I should be able t'squeeze through it. The moles can enlarge the tunnels afterwards anyway..."
"What are ye mutterin' 'bout? Where's me map?"
Mortembell thrust the parchment into Dregped's paws. The ermine chuckled and clambered out of the hole.
"Thankee kindly, marm. Pleasure doin' business wid ya!"
Dregped snatched a torch, scurrying away through the tunnels.
Mortembell lowered herself into the hole as a scream echoed through Brockhall. The vixen looked down the dark hallway that Dregped had turned down. A large, dark shape was making its way towards her. Accompanying the shadow was a rough, grating noise. The vixen reached a paw out of the tunnel and snatched the remaining torch. She threw the flaming stick at it, and gasped at what the illumination showed her. The thing gripped the torch midair and continued making its way towards her.
"Mortembell. What a pleasant surprise."
"You..."
The figure grinned as it stopped moving, directly over the hole. It was a huge badger, with a long scar across his chest. The badger held the cause of the noises, a massive, double-sided battleaxe that had scraped along the floor. The vixen stared at him in hatred.
"I never forget a face, you scum."
"I'M THE SCUM?! LISTEN TO YOURSELF, VIXEN! ALL VERMIN DESERVE TO BE SENT BACK TO HELLGATES FROM WHENCE THEY CAME!!! I failed to do it to your brat all those years ago, I would have got you if not for your husband, but now...Nothing to stop me. Just you, me, and the Ancestral Home of Badgers. This place has fallen into disrepair, but your blood will cleanse it!"
The badger lifted the battleaxe and swung it. Mortembell narrowly avoided the blade, diving into the tunnel.
"YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME, VIXEN! I'VE HUNTED YOUR KIND SINCE THE DAY I WAS BORN!!!"
Mortembell chuckled, shuffling away down the dark tunnel.
"I just did...WOAH!"
The badger, enraged due to his failure to kill Mortembell, began to attack the ground with his axe. The tunnel the vixen was using to escape began to shudder and the roof collapsed. Mortembell dragged herself through it as fast as she possibly could, the tunnel caving-in behind her.
"Damn it! I ain't as young as I used to be, ya know? Give me a break!"
Sighting the end of the tunnel, she dived through the gap.
Asher nodded, briefing Gukom on what they were supposed to do. "We need t'go to the Abbey and inform the Abbot of what's going on in the woodlands. He didn't listen before, but I'm sure he'll listen now. Do you have a weapon? I'm sure that we shouldn't run into anybeast on th'way there, but y'never know."
Gukom shook his head.
"Me? Weapons? Of course not, that isn't my style at all. I'm sure you're more than capable of defending us both. Come, we really need to hurry if we are to get to the Abbey in time."
The hamster took his basket from the desk and strode outside the tent.
The black squirrel snorted in amusement. Just a momen before, he had been stuttering, and now the hamster was off, bossing him around like he was One-Ear. Well, he had that sort of status. Asher was about to consider asking Gukom just how important he thought he was before thinking better of it. "What's in th'basket?
Gukom raised an eyebrow when Asher snorted.
"N-nothing of any importance to you. Maps, records, that sort of thing. V-v-very helpful to keep track of those v-v-v-v-vermin. Please, hurry. We have no idea how f-f-f-far behind they are. I don't feel like g-g-g-getting ambushed."
"They're not going to ambush us, they just did last night. Besides, we'd be ready. Alright, so I usually use th'stars to navigate at night since I can't see much, but when it's daylight it's pretty easy to find yoreself by th'surroundings. The Abbey's just past that pine copse over there. C'mon."
OOC: Sand, do you think that you could have a sort of mini-attack by some of Grah's crows from the pines?
OOC: Certainly, just don't let Asher go ham on all of them, I'll need them for later. ;D I'd say be around 3:00 Chicago time, that's when Grodds is usually on so it can be somewhat fluid.
IC:
"Well I guess we can blame them then." Bracklew said rubbing his paw through his fur and ruffling his ears. "Now where is breakfast I'm liable to starve to death." As if on cue the infirmary door swung open to reveal Petu who was sporting a large tray. Carrying the meal over to the bed he set down three bowls of porridge and four loaves of sweet bread.
"Hey Brack, Aver thought you might be hungry. This other stuff is for the ferret and mouse. Hey where is the mouse?"
"Dunno," Bracklew said sourly claiming his own bowl and bread. "He popped in a moment ago, but left."
"Ah well, I'll eat it then . Waste not want not, that's what Duncan would say." Petu stated flicking out a bed tray and setting it up for Rapshade. "Eat," He commanded plopping down the bowl and a loaf of bread before stepping away and shoveling in what should have been Marble's porridge.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Squawking in a disorderly array three of Grah's Krah had flown a short distance from the horde's campsite. They were young, and feeling confident after the stunning and easy victory. They sat in the higher branches of a pine tree reenacting and retelling their noble feats from the night before for the other's benefit.
"Creeaaah, grab earthwalker little-rat and broke spine. One peck. Creeeaah." Crowed one demonstrating his dive and mighty beak.
"No, kill earthwalker water-dogs, creeaah. Grab muzzle and tore off." The second held up his talons to show their razor sharpness, before tearing at the branch sending small pieces of wood into the air. "This way creeaah."
"Kill many earthwalkers, wings kill in one flap, like this." Stated the largest flapping his rather dangerous wings. All three bobbed their heads and continued, their stories growing more and more fantastic as they talked.
"Creeaah silence." Croaked the largest suddenly his sharp eyes having caught movement on the forest floor. All three stared out at the approaching hamster and squirrel clucking in anticipation. "I say, Krah Attack. Creeaah?" He order quietly. The others nodded their eyes fixed on the two earthwalkers as they drew closer.
OOC-
I love how the Krah talk for some reason. ;D
IC-
Rapshade looked down at the food, suddenly not feeling hungry.
Why did this always happen?
He was unhealthily skinny, and yet food always turned him off.
The ferret took a rather pathetic piece off the bread and plopped it in his mouth.
"Happy?"
Marble crossed the lawn to where Grant stood, limping along as fast as the cane would carry him. The mouse called out to Grant as he approached.
"Father Abbot. I need to speak with you."
*****
Deep underground, Mortembell coughed roughly, hacking up dust. The vixen struck her flint again, lighting her spare torch, and gazed around in wonder. She was in a massive cavern, some sort of underground fortress. This had to be it. Mortembell peered at some sort of cracked plaque set into the ground, inset with a crude drawing of a mole. She had found it: The lost home of moles; Moledeep!
Grant nearly jumped.
"You need to speak with me? Why, what's wrong?" He asked, turning and meeting Marble halfway.
Marble leant heavily on the cane.
"Have you heard back from the Vigil? Do you know where they are? I have to tell One-Ear about the horde movements."
*****
Gukom stumbled, dropping his basket of scrolls. The hamster turned around to pick them up, when he noticed the group of crows approaching.
"Gaaah! A-A-ASHER! CROWS!"
Asher swung around, instantly sweeping his bow off of his back. Three of them, all in the pine copse. He stepped in front of Gukom, shielding the hamster with his body. He knelt down for better stability and glanced at Gukom. "There's a good chance that we'll need to run. So, when we do, just go in the direction we were headed before now. If we're split up... Well, just find a decent place to hide."
He slid his dirk out of its scabbard, holding it out to the hamster. "Here, you better keep this in case you need to defend yourself."
Turning his attention back to the three crows cawckling in the pines, he drew his bow taut. He chose the one with outspread wings, about to dive down off of the branch he was on. Loosing the arrow, he immediately notched a second.
Thumping his large footpaw against the red sandstone floor Petu paced around Rapshade jabbing him with his spoon. "I'd say not, that one mouthful of bread isn't going to bring you back. Eat up, that food is already going to waste giving it to you. Nobeast will eat it if you don't so tuck in."
"Ah leave him alone Petu." Bracklew interjected laying down his bowl on the bed. "Don't you think Mortembell beat him enough? He doesn't need you jabbering away at him." For a long moment Petu stared hard at Bracklew, then at Rapshade. Eventually he nodded and left casting one last look at his friend.
"I'll come back for the dishes later. I guess."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a moment before the crows even realized that they had been compromised. They had been taught from a young age that earthwalkers were strange and never to be taken seriously. For them to start staring straight at the Krah hiding silently in the pine trees, and then to start acting defensive was just another one of those earthwalker quirks.
It was the smallest of the three that figured out they had been spotted somehow. Though it was no feat of brainpower that he achieved this theory. He dodged the arrow Asher had sent his way squawking in indignation.
"Earthwalker tree-rat spot us!" The others were forced to agree, the arrow quivering in the trunk behind them steadfastly proved the accuracy of this declaration.
"Creeeaaaah!" Croaked the largest flaring up his wings. "Kill, bleed earthwalker scum!" All three launched themselves from the tree spiraling downward in an attempt to nullify the affect of the arrows. Two descended on Asher talons outstretched, the last attacked Gukom trying to trap the hamster under his talons.
Asher wildly let another arrow fly towards a crow before they were too close. Backing away to avoid their raking talons, he batted out with his bow.
Rapshade flinched at each poke and stared down at the bed, sighing thankfully when Bracklew told Petu to go.
"What was his reason for that, huh, besides him seeing Duncan and Mortembell try and humiliate me? I ne'er even interacted with him when I was a cap'n, I don't see why..."
--
Grant furrowed his brow.
"No...I have not. What is this 'horde' you keep talking about? I know that there are vermin bands in Mossflower..."
Gukom nervously took the dirk, then shrieked as one of the crows jumped upon him. The hamster, terrified, thrust the dirk upwards wildly towards the crow.
*****
Marble leant heavily on his cane, shaking his head.
"One-Ear's convinced. The bands are too co-ordinated; all the ones we've run into lately are scouting parties. We interrogated a prisoner, and he said that he couldn't say anything else or else somebeast called "Alfhild'd" find him. He was clearly terrified of this "Alfhild" creature, and how often does that happen? Typical vermin'll jump at the chance to betray their leaders an' try t'get in a position of power themselves. It takes somebeast with a lot o' followers, ruled over with an iron fist, to get that kind of "loyalty." The signs are all there, sir."
"Stories go a long way," Bracklew said, "He's heard nothing but bad things about you from everybeast. Sure he's going to resent you." Bracklew wasn't fully sure why he had stopped Petu from tormenting Rapshade. He shook himself, worried he might be letting the ferret get into his head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A shriek of pain erupted from the medium size crow as the arrow grazed his head. He was fast, but even he wasn't capable of dodging an arrow from close range, at least not fully. He fell short of Asher leaving the largest crow to continue on alone. Blood droplets scattered across the grass as he flicked his head trying to rid himself of the irritating pain.
The largest, not bothered by his lack of support rushed onward landing in a flurry of feathers. His talons missed, tearing through grass and moss. The bow whistled past clacking off the crow's beak. Unperturbed he bullied forward buffeting the squirrel with his wings, trying to tear him with his talons.
The smallest was having much better luck. It easily dodged the clumsy dirk thrust pecking at the hamster's tail. "Creeaah, earthwalker bleed." He croaked bouncing around his prey. Leaving off killing the hamster outright the crow began playing with his food scratching Gukom with a talon, batting him with a wing.
OOC: Uh, Sand. Y'know that the crows have to LOSE this, right?
BIC:
Gukom shrieked as the crow continued to attack him. He shook with a mixture of pain and fear, that was joined swiftly by rage.
"Leave. Me. ALONE!!!"
The hamster growled and jumped onto the crow, stabbing at it wildly, tearing with tooth and claw at his tormentor.
Grant suddenly looked worried, but calmed himself with a few comforting thoughts.
"Have you ever thought, Marble...that our prisoner might know about it?"
--
"Even from Fang?" Rapshade groaned and plopped back down, yanking the pillow over his ears to try and blot out what Bracklew was saying.
"While I've been here I've tried so hard, so hard t' be good, but yesterday Aver an' Mortembell insulted me one too many times an' I just couldn't..." He paused to take a few breaths and calm down before continuing.
"I'll never change how you or anybeast else here sees me. I'm not worth it. It isn't possible. Y' want t' call him back in here, don't you? And y' want t' kill me? I can't pretend anymore...I mean, I'm confused. I don't even know what I want, so just...have at it."
Marble nodded.
"I think so. Rapshade was a pirate, so he would have amassed a wealth of information from every corner of the sea. Hordes don't just form overnight, so he should know something about this "Alfhild" creature.
"Come with me, we can go ask. He's still in the sickbay." Grant said, leading the way inside.
Marble nodded, following Grant at a slow pace, hobbling along with the cane. He muttered to nobeast in particular.
"Never going to walk properly again..."
OOC: SUPERQUICK TIMESKIP SO THAT THEY JUST WALKED INTO THE SICKBAY?
OOC-
Time has been skipped.
IC-
Marble and Abbot Grant arrived at the infirmary door, and the mouse stepped back to let Marble through. "He's on the bed...You're from the Vigil, you're better at interrogating than me. You do it."
Marble raised his eyebrow at Grant.
"Really? Just because I'm part of the Vigil doesn't mean I'm some sort of heartless torturer specializing in chopping off body parts 'til the prisoner reveals all, or whatever ya think I am. You're the one 'ee's familiar with, you do it."
Grant blinked.
"If you were a heartless torturer I wouldn't let you anywhere near him, let alone in Redwall." Chuckled the mouse nervously. "What I meant by that was that you're in the Vigil and you have tactics of making them talk, whereas if I was doing it and he refused all I'd do is stand there and ask again nicely. You're the one that saw the vermin, after all. You do it."
"Fine. But if I get insulted again by Rapshade and that squirrel, you can work it out for yourself. I'm sick of being treated like scum by every woodlander in Mossflower because I'm part of the Vigil."
Marble pushed open the door to the Infirmary and strode inside. Throwing the cane aside onto a bench, he settled into a seat near Rapshade's bed.
"Hello, Rapshade. I understand you were a pirate before you were captured. Bet you would have seen a lot of things over the years. Heard a lot of information..."
Rapshade cast a pained glance Bracklew's way when Marble began talking.
"A-aye, Sir... I guess so." The ferret mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
Grant, by the door, eagerly waved his paws for Marble to keep talking.
Ava appeared behind Grant. "What's all this? Why is... Oh. Why are you having Marble interrogate Rapshade?"
OOC: Okay first off we might have made a few logic mistakes. Is there any way that Asher could defeat three of the Krah single pawed. Nope. I've got a few ideas of how to fix this, but ya'll wont like it.
IC:
"Yeah," Bracklew said standing and marching over to the bed. "What's going on Father Abbot?" He recognized the mouse as the one who had dropped in earlier. Had he heard them talking? How much had he heard? Did he go and blab to the Abbot about Bracklew, but what could he have said that would make Grant doubt his loyalty? These questions bounced around in his head as he glared at Marble widely missing the idea that they might be in the infirmary for a different reason.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Caught off-guard by the hamster's sudden change in attack the small crow fell back bouncing around fending off the wild attacks. Croaking in pleasure the crow dodged a swing before flapping his wings to fly clear over Gukom's head and land behind him.
"Creeaah," He clucked in pleasure bobbing his head and twisting his wings in a cruel imitation. "Geeh earthwalker squirm, creeaah."
OOC; Edited.
"We want to see what Rapshade knows about a horde that is allegedly in Mossflower," said Grant to Ava, then turning to Bracklew he chuckled under his breath. "No need to seem so skittish."
Marble returned Bracklew's glare, still not knowing what the problem the squirrel had with him was, and turned back to Rapshade.
"So, in your time at sea, you would have amassed a lot of information, and most likely some of that would refer to rival bands, hordes even."
The mouse cleared his throat.
"There's a horde in Mossflower as we speak. There has to be. The stray bands of vermin are too organized, they're all behaving like scouting parties for a larger group. A group, we discovered, is leaded by somebeast named Alfhild, along with another called Fardan. Have you ever heard those names before?"
Asher shot off another arrow at the crow attacking Gukom, grazing the bird's cheek. The squirrel bounded forward, grabbing Gukom by the collar and striking out at the crows with his bow. He disappeared into the woodlands. Slowing down slightly, he suddenly leapt to the side, straight into a hollow a log. Releasing Gukom, he apologized. "That was my fault, I didn't think about th'crows roaming around th'woodland. This is one of my safehouses. When I formed my team, we decided that we should create small hideouts so we c'n lay low if we were ever discovered."
Pushing some leaves around, he blocked the entrances. Several small holes strategically placed in the log allowed a small amount of light in, revealing a sizable space inside. Asher peek out through one of the holes, watching the crows awkardly strut past their hideout. "That was close. They probably won't search too long for us, so we should leave for th'Abbey soon. I'll have my dirk back."
Rapshade's eyes suddenly went wide as if reminded by some horrible lost memory.
"A-a-a--I thought she was dead!" The ferret exclaimed, beginning to look like he was ready to make a run for it.
The former pirate's voice was racked with fear as he continued, "I haven't h-h-heard of Fardan, b-but...but...what if she comes here? I can't be here if'n she comes here! Help..."
Marble stood up placing his paws on the ferret's shoulders.
"Calm down. This is the most secure place in Mossflower. If they can keep you here, they can keep her out. But to do that, we need to know what we're up against."
*****
Gukom was breathing heavily after the escape. The hamster gulped, handing the dirk back to Asher.
"S-so...now what? W-w-we need to find our bearings, get to the Abbey."
In his babbling, the hamster continued to pace around the inside of the log. He stepped onto a piece of rotten wood, which his footpaw went straight through and the ground collapsed. Gukom stared around him, there was a small tunnel on either side of him, like he had fallen right in the middle of it.
"W-well...we could see where this l-l-l-leads..."
"She was very tricky and cruel...not to mention creepy, sh-sh-she tried t' kidnap Fang 'n' me when we w-were little. She'll do anything t' make sure she's th' one in power, a-and if y' do one thing wrong...you'd be luckier...dead." Rapshade gasped out, squirming and fidgeting to no avail. "And worst of a-a-all," the ferret stammered, "She's my aunt."
Marble scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"She's your aunt? I'm assuming you didn't keep in touch...But at least you know what we're up against. Tell me, did she still have a horde when you last met? How many creatures were there under her command? No doubt there's more by now..."
Rapshade shuddered and shook his head, trying to keep himself calm despite the growing fear that he would have to relive the memories over and over again if he somehow came into contact with Alfhild.
"She was a pirate. Had her own ship...but I'd never counted how many followers she had, because when she came to visit Fang an' I would run and hide or else she'd get us and that's that. She's from my father's side...that's the bad side..."
Marble retrieved his cane and stood near the door.
"Seems like we're going to need some help if she ever shows up here. One last thing. What's so bad about your father's side of the family? What about your mother..."
Rapshade cringed, though his current submissive state was gradually replaced with something quite different. It was as if all the hatred he'd held inside for years was suddenly evident in those striking amber eyes of his.
"This just shows how naive I am if I'm still calling him father." He spat, dancing his way around the question. The ferret ever so carefully edged off the bed, keeping his broken leg off the ground and a paw on the wall for support.
"But what makes y' think I'd tell you anything, Vigil-walloper?"
This was when Grant whispered into Marble's ear, "This is when you need to stop being so nice..."
Marble took a step forwards, blocking the exit.
"Because from the state I'm in, I don't think I'm part of the Vigil anymore. But if you want us to help keep the Abbey, and in extension you, safe from Alfhild, I have to know everything you know. Your father was scum, I GET IT. I want to know about the other side of your family. If they had any link to Alfhild, I want to hear it."
"Back off." Rapshade growled, trying to make himself look bigger.
"You don't need to keep me safe from Alfhild. I'll kill her myself." He snapped, scrunching his face up in pain as he limp-hopped his way around the bed.
Marble grabbed the scruff of Rapshade's neck.
"You really think you'll be able to take on an entire horde alone? With that leg? How about this. You tell me the rest of what you know. When the horde is on its last legs, you can have to honor of dealing with your aunt. Deal?"
Asher grinned. "Underground tunnel. Well, well."
He broke off a piece of thick bark and some flint and steel. Using some leaves, he got a fire going. "I suppose we could, and I say we will. Which direction d'you think we should go?"
"I d-d-don't know. Left, right, left...Let's go right."
The hamster took a step back from the entrance.
"You have the t-torch, after y-y-y-you..."
"How about no deal." Rapshade mused, chuckling snidely.
"I'm not telling y' anything else and I am taking them on alone. You underestimate me. Now, do us all a favor and let go of me."
Asher rolled his eyes, not usually something he did. "Alright. Well, we do need to get to th'Abbey, so we can go south and see if it turns east. I honestly have no idea where we are."
Gukom ducked in to the tunnel after Gukom. The hamster's basket became caught in the narrow gap, so he snatched several scrolls from the basket and threw it back into the log.
"Can always come back to get that..."
*****
Mortembell had grown tired of standing around in Moledeep, and began searching for a way out. The vixen noticed another tunnel carved into the side of a side chamber, and ducked inside. Time to get away from the place before the badger found a way in and find the Vigil. If the rumors she had heard from Marble, her informant, late one night were true, there was a horde on the way. What better place to plan the resistance out of then a forgotten underground fortress? Plus, Redwall could also use the place as a sort of "panic room" if the need arose. Lost in her thoughts, the vixen set off through the tunnel at a steady pace, relieved that it happened to be a lot taller than the first. Soon, she noticed a light further in the tunnel. She quickly blew out her own torch and crouched down, expecting hostility.
*****
Marble let go of Rapshade roughly, staring at the ferret with contempt.
"Fine. Be that way. Although how you plan on taking them on is beyond me, because I don't think the Abbey plans on releasing you. Am I correct, Father Abbot?"
Asher blinked. "That was another light, I'm sure of it. Hold the torch."
Passing the wood to Gukom, Asher drew his bow and sighted on where he had seen the light. He started to inch forward.
Rapshade yelped and crashed down, rubbing his head.
"You know, you are absolutely right, Marble." Grant said.
Rapshade flattened his ears. "I'm not going t' live the rest of my life here without ever leaving. I am going t' leave wether you want me to or not."
Marble smiled sarcastically at Rapshade.
"Okay, so let's get this straight. You think that you have a hope in Hellgates of getting out of here with a broken leg? After its just been made abundantly clear that that isn't allowed? I'd like to see you try."
*****
The light, which had previously been growing bigger, now stopped its advance. It had to be the badger. He'd seen her, left behind the torch, and was creeping up on her. Well, if he caught her down here, she wasn't going down without a fight. Mortembell silently drew her blade from its scabbard, inching ever closer towards the light. Her eyes caught a dark shadow moving less than three feet away from her, and pounced upon the creature. It was a squirrel, his black fur blending in superbly with the darkness of the tunnel. She withdrew her blade from a position ready to strike and picked herself up, still holding the blade wearily.
"Who are you? What in Hellgates are you doing down here?"
"Challenge accepted...sir. Once I'm healed, I'll invite you to come watch." Rapshade retorted, matching Marble's sarcastic smile with one of his own.
Asher locked eyes with Mortembell. "You must be One-Ear's mother... I'm Asher, I'm part of the Vigil. This here's Gukom, he's... Well, I don't really have a good explanation for his job."
"Interesting, and yes, I am One-Ear's mother; My name is Mortembell...But if you're with the Vigil, why are you down here? Shouldn't you be hunting down the horde or whatever it is One-Ear's up to now?"
The fox dusted herself off, relighting her torch from the one held by Gukom.
*****
Marble growled at Rapshade as he walked out of the Infirmary.
"Fine, I'd like to see that. Although quite frankly, by the time you're healed, the horde'll have been dealt with. Not so 'Swift' anymore, are you?"
"We were actually on our way to the Abbey to fill in Grant about the horde... But how do you know about that? Oh, right, Marble."
He peered at the fox. "You don't happen to know where we are, aye?"
"On your way to the Abbey? Well, you won't get far going this way. If I recall correctly; however, the way you came from should land you just near the Abbey pond. At least, that's what the records seem to indicate. And if you're going to Redwall, why use the tunnels? Can't you just go through the woods?"
"Let's see, we were attacked by crows, hid out in a log, fell through down to here, and continued on. We never intended to use these tunnels, I never even knew that they existed. Back that way, eh? Are you coming with us or not?"
"Then I'll teach myself to walk with it. I'm not the one with the cane...sir."
Rapshade growled, narrowing his eyes.
Grant walked over to help him back onto the bed, but the ferret pulled away and yanked himself up, standing wobbily on one leg.
"Bracklew, deal with him, please." Grant said, following after Marble.
"No need, Father," said Ava, striding over to Rapshade. With a tap of her paw she pushed him back onto the bed.
OOC: Hope that's okay.
OOC-
That's fine. XD
IC-
Rapshade frowned and again dropped his gaze, knowing better than to mess with a Badgermum.
"I-I-I'm not going anywhere," he said hurriedly, pawing at his face.
Mortembell shrugged.
"Can't say they'll be happy to see me back. Oh, y'know, pirates, beatings, that sorta thing. But I'll come with you if you take me to the Vigil afterwards. I'll lead the way, let's go."
The vixen sheathed her sword and led the way back along the tunnel.
"We'll probably need to get some moles to seal up the way you came in. If those crows saw it, or anybeast from the horde comes across it, that'll blow my plan wide open..."
"What plan... Y'know, tell me that later. If yore looking to see One-Ear, then I'll take you. The Vigil isn't in the best condition right now; I suppose you'll want t'hear the full story."
Having watched the exchange in quiet confusion Bracklew had eventually guessed what had taken place. His own relief at not being accused of treason was suddenly less worrying, he'd have to put aside old grievances if he wanted to be of any use.
Hurrying past Ava he jerked a paw at Rapshade, "Mum Ava could you keep an aye on him for a moment. I'll be back in half a second. I need to ah... Relive myself." He rushed out of the infirmary and down a few of the steps before catching up to Marble.
"Hey, hey mouse, uh Marble right? Stop I need to talk to you." He descended the steps and stopped so he was standing eye level with him. "What kind of horde are we talking about here? Surely it isn't that big if Rapshade thinks he can deal with them himself."
Mortembell nodded.
"Mmm, yes. Explain it on the way."
The vixen loped down the tunnel.
*****
Marble turned slowly to stare at Bracklew.
"Really? You've suddenly forgotten your obvious hatred towards me? Well, why don't you pull the wool from your eyes and realize that I've been in the INFIRMARY the entire time One-Ear's been tailing the horde. You want to know? Ask the damn ferret! I don't have to deal with this."
The mouse scoffed and walked away from Bracklew.
Asher didn't hesitate. "Alright, so the first sign we saw of them was when I was headed back towards the camp from the Abbey. We were attacked by a crew of fifteen, one of ours died in the attack. On our way back to One-Ear we were almost attacked by another group, and One-Ear got the names Fardan and Alfhid... Then Marble was attacked, you know about that. It was all quiet until One-Ear captured another horde member from another party, which ended up in him getting hurt and the horde counter attacking. We were defeated, though we got a decent look at all of the leaders. Fardan's a wildcat, Alfhid's a ferret, I fought her myself, and there was some sort of leader crow. I didn't hear it's name, although it's certainly savage."
Taking a breath, he smiled at Mortembell. "That's all we know. They definitely outnumbered us, and we didn't even get a full look at the horde."
Rapshade lie still as he listened to Marble yowling his head off at Bracklew.
The ferret was finally getting a grip on himself again, though the thought of Alfhild being alive and nearby sent a spooky feeling down his spine.
He'd need to talk with Fang about what was going to happen if she came.
OOC:
Sagetip, can you edit your post? The Vigil isn't at the camp anymore, remember? They're about to start moving to the Abbey.
OOC: So you do want them to go through the Abbey? Or not?
The look of shocked hurt on Bracklew's face melted in cold fury as Marble shouted at him. "I don't have any idea what your talking about mouse. But clearly you've been in the Vigil long enough to gain their smug self importance! Go hide away and stuff yourself on Redwall's hospitality. I deal with this on my own!"
Stomping away in a high temper Bracklew cursed every member of the Vigil with every name he knew under his breath. As he marched his mind changed from anger to reasoning as he considered the past actions of the Vigil. He was right, they would be unbearable if they were the ones to defeat this Alfhild's horde. And they were the best chance of defeating her, no other beasts could potentially outmatch Alfhild, he certainly couldn't. Blast no other beast even would try.
Bracklew stopped, his ears perked, eyes flashing in a rebellious light. Or was there? Sprinting down a different stairwell Bracklew came to a storage closet where he picked up several items he would need. Taking the odd assortment with him he made a quick stop at the kitchens. Rusk was busy, so he didn't notice the young squirrel hastily filling two haversacks with supplies.
That done Bracklew sprinted back up the stairs his sword bouncing on his legs as he ran. Puffing slightly he burst through the infirmary door he dropped the items on the bed nodding to Ava.
"I got it handled now mum Ava, you can go."
Rapshade looked up, interest filling his eyes as Bracklew unloaded a strange array of items onto the bed. "What's this?" He asked, sitting up. "Can't be for me, can it?"
"Of course not," Bracklew said shortly reclaiming his chair. "They're for my own sanity having to be stuck here watching you all day." He looked pointedly at Ava tapping his claws together. He'd have to wait patiently until the infirmary was clear before doing anything.
Rapshade muffled his laughter by pulling a pillow in front of his snout.
All those random items were supposed to protect the squirrel's sanity? Please. He could tell something was up by the time Bracklew looked at Ava again.
Grinning hopelessly, the ferret pointed a paw at Ava.
"Bye."
OOC:
@Sagetip : Yes, just send all three straight through the tunnel to Redwall, and have Asher tell Mortembell that the Vigil will meet them.
BIC:
Marble shook his head in disgust, muttering as he walked off.
"No idea what I'm talking about, sure. Stupid squirrel doesn't even realize that all I've gotten from him is a bunch of glares, and expects me to shell out info I don't even have. Ungrateful toad, accusing me of being self-important. I wonder if they have mirrors in this Abbey, because it isn't right for someone of his age to be treating his elders like that."
OOC: Ok, they're back on the way. (And why is the Vigil going to Redwall? Did I miss something?)
OOC: I'm guessing, yeah. One-Ear said something earlier about getting the wounded patched up enough to travel and packing up whatever was needed, because the Vigil was moving to the Abbey.
OOC: Whenever she's ready. ;)
OOC-
Sage. TIP!
Ava!
Quote from: Ashleg on April 02, 2016, 12:28:47 AM
OOC-
Sage. TIP!
Ava!
OOC: What about her, you want her to leave?
OOC-
Yes. :P
"I'll see you later, Bracklew. Don't cut off our prisoner's paws or anything," she said, winking before walking through the doorway.
Continuing to tap his claws together Bracklew waited a full minute after Ava had left, just to be sure. Standing he trotted over to the door and jammed a chair under the knob. Giving his improvised lock a kick to make sure it held he turned back to Rapshade cracking his knuckles as he did.
"Alright Rapsahde, I hate you, and I always will. Every time I look at you it sends tremors of revulsion down my spine. But..." Bracklew drew out the last word as he came up next to the bed. Sinking his claws into the sheets he glared hard at Rapshade. "We have a common foe, and clearly the Vigil are outmatched. But you said you could defeat her, somehow, your aunt Alfhild that is."
Bracklew drew his sword and laid it against Rapshade's throat his voice growing more dangerous. "We're going to leave the Abbey, you and I. We're going to stop Alfhild, anyway possible. Or we'll die trying. And should you try and abandon me, or trick me. I stick this blade into your waist just below the stomach. I hear such a wound doesn't kill instantly, but is horribly painful, and results in eventual infection then death. A nasty way to go, Rayne told me all about how the digestive system is ruined. Should we be successful, I'll make sure you are free to go, should we die." Here Bracklew shrugged and sheathed his sword.
"I guess we get what we want. You in?"
OOC: Wait, WHAT? Bracklew is saying Rapshade, a dangerous criminal, can go free? Did he suffer brain damage?
BIC:
Mortembell continued further down the tunnel, until the group encountered an impasse.
"Some sort of branching tunnel. Let's split up. Asher, take the centre. Gukom, go right. I'll head left. If you find an obstacle, or more branching paths, meet back here. If not, go as far as you can, then dig through the roof of the tunnel. If you find the Abbey, come back and let the others know."
The vixen ducked into the leftmost tunnel.
OOC-
Doubt it. I noticed that it was italicized...Care to explain, Sandypwa?
IC-
Rapshade gulped, all the previous light and snarkiness vanishing in less than a second.
"I-I actually had my own plans...t' get rid of Alfhild." He stammered.
Why was it that every time he was about to try something, somebeast waltzed in and intervened? The ferret wiped a drop of sweat off his nose and sat up, shakily rubbing his neck where the sword had been.
"I don't see any way t' fit...y-you...in."
Quote from: Groddil on April 02, 2016, 01:26:37 AM
OOC: Wait, WHAT? Bracklew is saying Rapshade, a dangerous criminal, can go free? Did he suffer brain damage?
BIC:
Mortembell continued further down the tunnel, until the group encountered an impasse.
"Some sort of branching tunnel. Let's split up. Asher, take the centre. Gukom, go right. I'll head left. If you find an obstacle, or more branching paths, meet back here. If not, go as far as you can, then dig through the roof of the tunnel. If you find the Abbey, come back and let the others know."
The vixen ducked into the leftmost tunnel.
Without looking back Asher entered his center tunnel. Silence pressing in on his ears, the squirrel held his firm at the ready.
Gukom nodded fearfully, as he was quickly left alone in the dark. The hamster squeaked in dismay and darted off down the tunnel on the right-hand side. Gukom quickly blew on his torch to reignite it and scurried along the passageway. To his disgust, the tunnel grew progressively smaller until he was forced onto all fours. The hamster shrugged his way through the tight space and popped out on the other side of some sort of cave in. Dusting himself off, Gukom reached back through the gap for his torch and gazed around cavern. It was quite large, with some sort of river flowing through it. Further inspection revealed no exits other than following the river or going back the way he came. The hamster took a deep breath and started to follow the river towards its source.
OOC: What should Asher do?
Quote from: Sagetip on April 02, 2016, 05:55:24 AM
OOC: What should Asher do?
Either have him find a dead end or make the tunnel end abruptly going upwards (e.g. that's where the tunnel ends, at Redwall) I'll have Mortembell do the opposite of whatever you choose and they can meet back at where the paths diverge.
In the dying light from the torch, Asher nearly bumped into the dead end. He felt the walls; they were dirt. He jammed the torch in a crack and felt upwards. Soft soil, he should start digging. He'd need to get the other's attention, and he certainly couldn't shout from here Asher started back down to where they had split up.
Mortembell, who had found the going thusfar quite easy, cursed as she encountered a large cave-in. Looking behind her, the vixen noticed a gradual slope in the tunnel, leading downwards towards her current position. This wouldn't have been the right tunnel, it was far too low. She set off back towards the meeting place at a brisk jog.
OOC: Microskip. You post with Asher meeting Mortembell back at the end of the tunnels.
Mortembell was about to ask Asher if he'd had any luck when he spoke. "I found it, plenty of loose dirt; it's wet as well. Where's Gukom? I hope it's just a really long tunnel..."
Quote from: Groddil on April 02, 2016, 01:26:37 AM
OOC: Wait, WHAT? Bracklew is saying Rapshade, a dangerous criminal, can go free? Did he suffer brain damage?
OOC: Hardly, unfortunately I do not easily give up spoilers. You shall have to pry open alligator jaws to get Bracklew's motivations in word. ;)
Quote from: Ashleg on April 02, 2016, 03:45:48 AM
OOC-
Doubt it. I noticed that it was italicized...Care to explain, Sandypwa?
OOC: Nice catch.
BIC:
"I fit in quite nicely if you think about it." Bracklew shrugged and tapped Rapshade's broken leg. "I can fight, and run, and do whatever it is you need done to stop this Alfhild. So stop wasting time and say it, will you help me? And hurry, we don't have all day."
"Don't y' touch that!" Rapshade snapped, baring his teeth for a moment before sitting back to consider Bracklew's offer, and twist it in his mind so that it suited him over the squirrel.
Once he had the proper plan, the ferret nodded and flashed a grin.
"I'll help you."
"Good choice," The young squirrel sprinted from Rapshade's bed over to where he had left the pile of items. Selecting three good sized pieces of wood he returned to the bed plopping them down along with bandages and a few lengths of rope.
"I'm going to splint your leg, and make you a cane so you could keep up without killing yourself. Unfortunately I'll have to touch your leg, so you'll have to get over that."
"Just don't be rough with it and I'll be fine." Rapshade said. The ferret better positioned himself and then sunk his claws into the bedsheets. "Alright...ready."
Wasting no time, nor caring much about how comfortable Rapshade was Bracklew strapped the splint on. It wasn't easy having only one paw to use, Bracklew was constantly having you use his teeth as an extra grip to tie knots. It was simple enough to engineer, he simply had to add on to what Rayne had already done, making the cast more maneuverable so that Rapshade could walk.
Finished Bracklew stepped back to admire his work, holding out the makeshift walking stick. "Try that out, if you can stand easy enough we'll be in good shape."
Masking the pain he was in behind a smirk, Rapshade accepted the walking stick and slid off the bed to test his balance.
"It'll do," he said. He'd have to learn how to get about without the walking stick if he wanted his idea to work, however.
The ferret scratched at his shoulder for a moment before glancing at Bracklew.
"Got my medicine in those bags?"
Shaking his head Bracklew produced three smallish bottles from Rayne's perfectly kept medicine cabinet. "Reads Rapshade's so I assume its yours. There's lot of bottles of it but they're heavy. Drink a big dose now and we'll carry three on paw." He slipped two of the bottles into the haversacks before slipping them over his shoulder. He passed the last bottle to Rapshade.
"One last thing before we go." Reaching down he unclipped Martin's sword and tossed it onto Rapshade's bed. Picking up the last item that remained he strapped on Mixy's sword, slipping the loops into place tightening his belt. "We'll leave that here its not mine to take, and somebeast'll find it and use it for its true purpose. I'm comfortable with this one, it suits me better anyway."
Mortembell shrugged.
"He went down the right-most tunnel, so we'll find him there somewhere. Let's go."
The vixen led the way down the passage Gukom had taken.
*****
Weary, wet, and worse-for-wear, the hamster staggered out of the underground river. Exploration had yielded absolutely nothing, bar wet fur and the loss of his remaining scrolls. Gukom spat water and tried to dry his matted fur, muttering about his predicament. Shivering, the hamster trudged back towards the exit.
Asher shook his head. "No need to, marm. It'd be much faster if I did it."
Withut paying heed to the fox, the squirrel dashed ahead grabbing Mortembell's torch. Soon, he was unable to fit through the tunnel any longer. Kneeling down, he yelled through the narrow tunnel. "Gukom?"
Rapshade quickly downed the medicine before nodding and casting a longing glance at Martin's sword. He could take it now, deal with Bracklew, and make a run for it...but the time just didn't seem right.
Sighing, the ferret handed what was left of the medicine to Backlew.
Switching the half finished bottle out for a new fresh one Bracklew gave the infirmary one last look around making sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Walking over to the door he unjammed it sliding the chair out of the way. Deftly he peeked out into the hall to make sure the second floor passage was clear.
"Alright," He said in a loud whisper. "Stay close behind me, I know a back way out. If anybeast asks I'm escorting you to the latrines, hopefully they will just ignore the packs. We ought to be able to get out without anybeast noticing though, the east wall is usually abandoned in the morning. Come on." Exiting the infirmary Bracklew speed-walked across the floor to a back staircase. Stopping on the landing he turned waiting impatiently for Rapshade to catch up.
OOC: I'm heading off for the night. Feel free to PP Brack in leading Rappy out of the Abbey.
Mortembell quickly caught up to Asher, where the squirrel was kneeling next to a cave-in in the tunnel. The vixen peered through a gap, far too small for her to even consider crawling through.
"Good thing you found the way out. I'd hate to try and get through there...GUKOM! YOU IN THERE?"
A noise, almost silent, echoed through the hole. Mortembell nodded at Asher. After a few seconds, the hamster's head poked through the gap. He shimmied through the gap until half of his body was through it, then grunted.
"Hmm, I seem to be stuck. Although I CAN say that the exit doesn't seem to be that way."
Asher drew his blade. "We can cut you out, this isn't solid rock after all. Stay still."
Gukom managed to wriggle another few inches, freeing his paws.
"Okay, d-d-d-do it."
The hamster closed his eyes and cringed.
"I'm not going to hurt you," said Asher, distracting the hamster by talking to him while he cut away at the pached dirt with the dirk.
Gukom nodded, then immediately winced and stopped moving. From behind him, the hamster heard a loud rumbling, almost like thunder. Dirt fell from the roof of the tunnel onto the hamster's head. Gukom sneezed.
"H-h-h-hurry up. I don't like the s-s-s-s-sound of that..."
Asher pulled out dirt from around Gukom. "Wiggle a little bit, that should loosen up the rest."
Rapshade followed after Bracklew, taking his sweet time to get over there.
Bracklew nudged the door open and they snuck out into the snow.
"Hah. I think y' forgot about pawprints." Rapshade sneered.
Gukom nodded nervously, shuffling further towards them. Another rumbling noise echoed through the tunnel once more, getting progressively louder. A massive crack shattered Gukom's eardrums as the hamster squealed and dived towards Asher. The group of creatures was thrown backwards as the tunnel's roof caved in where Gukom had been struggling. A strange grunting noise came from the other side of the debris.
"So, this is where you're hiding, Mortembell? Scampering through a tunnel like a rat? Be a good little deadbeast and sit there while I shift these rocks..."
A powerful scream split the air as the pile of debris shook, as if pummeled by an unrelenting force. Mortembell grabbed Gukom.
"Asher! Run!"
And Asher ran. He stopped at the intersection. "Mortembell, go down the path that you took with Gukom, I'll lure him, whatever he is, into the blocked section. With any luck, he doesn't sniff out out!"
"I didn't forget anything." Bracklew lied irritated at not having considered the fact that they would leave paw prints. "I'll deal with them, you lead. Just get to the wicker-wall-gate." As they slunk across the snow covered lawns Bracklew used his bushy tail to wipe away the paw prints they left behind. Reaching the gate Bracklew used his claws to combed his tail fur scraping the rapidly melting snow from his brush.
"The things I do," He muttered slipping back the bolt and pushing the gate open. "C'mon lets go."
Mortembell shook her head.
"No time. He's been after us for years, he's not going to lose us now. Only way to get out of here is to go down your tunnel and dig up to the Abbey before he catches up to us. Take the hamster, I'll see if I can hold him off long enough for you to get topside. See you at the Abbey."
The vixen drew her blade and rummaged through her satchel. Grinning, she found the vial of poison Muddle had created last season, spreading it liberally over her sword. Mortembell thrust Gukom towards Asher and ran back down the collapsed tunnel.
Rapshade scampered out of the gate and paused, purposely applying a little pressure to his broken leg. "Oho, looks like freedom'll fall right into my paws..." The ferret whispered, taking in his surroundings with a glance.
He hadn't been outside the Abbey in a long time, and he still wasn't used to the snow. It irritated him, to say the least.
Following Rapshade out Bracklew closed the wicker gate letting himself relax. Somebeast would be along shortly to close it properly. Twisting around Bracklew set off quickly into the forest dragging Rapshade along with him. Their paws crunched the snow as they trudged along. Stopping once they were a good distance from the wall Bracklew released Rapshade and crossed his paws.
"Alright ferret, we're out. Uphold your end of the deal, how in the blazes do you expect to deal with Alfhild?"
"Well, for starters, we wait for her to come to us." Rapshade said, breaking into a grin. "But what'd you expect? I already said you won't fit in my plan." The ferret chuckled to himself and sat down near a tree to adjust the splint on his leg.
"I trust you'll let me do this on my own, unless you want her to win."
"That isn't how this is going to work." Bracklew growled grinding his teeth together in frustration. He paced back and forth in front of Rapshade, something he was doing rather often as of late.
"I have no intention of letting you do anything on your own." Bracklew said finally, "So we'll wait, until she shows up. As foolish as that sounds." Bracklew slumped down clearing a spot of snow. Brushing away the white fluff he opened his haversack and took out a dried apple slice chewing on the fruit in obvious boredom. It took only a few minutes before he was back up and walking around pacing back and forth, his footpaws digging through the snow and flattening the wet grass.
Whirling around he glared at Rapshade pointing an accusing paw at the ferret. "I hate this plan! At least tell me what you plan on doing once your aunt reaches Redwall?"
"Killing her." Said Rapshade casually, giving a shrug.
He stood up and tested his broken paw again after loosening the splint slightly.
"But I can't have y' around t' watch. You're very quick to trust me, Bracklew." The ferret broke into a grin. "Isn't it silly to you that you even want her dead? You haven't even met her."
Despite the tense situation, Asher rolled his eyes. I hope you aren't always like this..."
He leapt up and clung to the soft spot on the roof. Using his dirk, the squirrel madly dug at the soil. "Nearly there, I can smell some air and see some light!"
Mortembell stopped running when she reached the cave-in, where the tunnel was almost completely lit by daylight. Through the rocks she saw a hulking black and white form hammering away at the cave-in with his axe.
"Turns out that size DOES matter, huh?"
The badger snarled at Mortembell, trying to reach through the collapse. She countered swiftly, jumping backwards and slicing at his paw. Screaming in a mixture of rage and pain, the badger withdrew.
"Just you wait, scum. I've dealt with creatures far stronger than an old vixen like you."
Mortembell chuckled.
"We'll see..."
"Yes, we will..."
Asher punched through the dirt. "Mortembell! We have to go NOW!"
"RRRRAAAARRRGHH!"
Rocks from the cave-in were thrown back into the tunnel with explosive force as the badger charged towards Mortembell. The vixen cursed, turned tail, and ran. The badger's eyes misted over with red as he barrelled down the tunnel on all fours, gripping the battleaxe with his teeth. Mortembell raced down Asher's tunnel.
"Get topside! Start collapsing the tunnel, pull me through when I get there!"
Asher gripped Gukom's collar with one paw and hurled him up before running back down a short way. He felt about for a crack - and found it. Strategically prying with his blade, the whole cavern let out an ominous rumble.
"I never said anything about killing her." Bracklew retorted crossing his paws. "I just want to stop her from attacking Redwall, and if killing her is what it takes then we'll do it." He kicked at the sludge thinking hard.
"I sure hope you don't plan on anything working because I trust you. I think the fact that I am armed and you're not is a good testament to the fact that I don't. Besides I don't need to trust you, and you can bet your tail I don't." He looked quizzically at Rapshade's leg then smiled. "How are you going to kill your aunt?"
"By learning to ignore the pain, for starters." Rapshade grumbled, applying extra weight on the broken leg till he couldn't bear to go any further.
"And getting rid of you somewhere along the way."
"Uh oh. Well, see you round, stripedog. Don't get too enraged while I'm gone!"
Mortembell sheathed her blade and ran towards Asher as the earth itself began to groan menacingly. A sharp crack echoed through the tunnel as the cave roof began to shatter, dust falling on top of the vixen as she ran. The entire roof began collapsing, showering the badger several pawlengths behind her with debris. But the cave-in did not slow him down. The big badger continued barrelling down the tunnel. Mortembell pushed Asher back towards the hole and followed him, running faster than she would ever have expected was possible. The badger was nearly close enough to grab her, when his footpaw disappeared through the ground with an ominous sucking noise.
"This isn't it, Mortembell. I'll find a way out of here, or..."
Mid-sentence, the entire floor gave way beneath the badger's massive weight. Unfortunately, he reached out with the battle axe, hooking it around Mortembell. He pulled the vixen back towards him just before the tunnel fell apart completely, sending them plummeting into the large cavern with the river, where Gukom had explored previously.
OOC: Do you want Asher to get them...?
Quote from: Sagetip on April 06, 2016, 01:06:23 PM
OOC: Do you want Asher to get them...?
OOC: Nope. I'll post with them when the time comes. Speaking of which, have Asher go inside and I'll write how the Vigil were moving and have showed up at the gates.
Smirking Bracklew stuck his good paw on his hip and his bad one behind his head. "You'll find getting rid of me it a lot harder then it sounds." He would have continued if the earth hadn't started shaking. Bracklew's eyes popped wide and he dropped onto three paws his hackles rising. However the slight tremor was momentary, and he stood back up looking at the trees whose empty branches were rustling.
"What was that?" He looked accusingly at Rapshade, "It couldn't have been you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She wasn't particularly picky, when times were hard she could eat almost anything from cairn to berries. Yet insects were below the mighty Grah the Krah. Flicking away the tiny frozen grasshopper Grah splashed freezing water over the three young crows making them quiver in terror and cold.
"Earthwalker vanish. Baaah. Smoke no? Earthwalker no vanish, tree-rat climb tree, mouse die?"
"No great Krah," The smallest groaned laying his head flat against the frozen earth, dried blood from his neck wound still caked on his feathers. "Earthwalker poof, gone."
"Baaah!" Grah screeched buffeting the smaller crow with her wings. "Baaaah! Lies! Idjit! Sparrow! Worm!" All three crows fled flapping and hop-skipping away from their leader. Grah strutted back and forth a few times chortling a few more insults their way. Growing bored with them she returned to the vermin encampment looking greedily at some of the hordebeasts who shuffled out of her way. A few of the smarter ones picked up flaming branches from their fires.
Grah pretended to ignore them and hopped up to Alfhild's tent. One of her crows had reported a large group of earthwalkers approaching the red house. She had meant to pass on this information, but had been distracted by the arrival of her three underlings. She saw Farden first and made her way towards him, shuffling her wings to get his attention.
The wildcat roles his eyes. "Not you again," he muttered under his breath. "Do you want something, Grah?"
"I know I'm great and all, Bracklew, but even I can't control the earth." Said Rapshade, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Probably just the ground shifting or something. What is it with ye?"
--
Alfhild smirked and backed out of her tent, carrying a tray with some of her favorite food on it--wine and a roast bird. The ferret's icy eyes quickly spotted Grah conversing with Fardan, neither of which seemed too happy. She grinned and chuckled, sitting down on a snowy log near a skinny gray horderat and his two companions.
Imminently the vermin gasped and dropped to her footpaws.
"Chief Ma'am!"
Alfhild wasn't one who'd normally mix with her horde, not unless she wanted something or was planning to punish somebeast.
It turned out to be neither.
Grinning, she gazed around as if she hadn't noticed them, and when she finally looked down at the three her eyes narrowed.
The gray rat in the front whimpered nervously as Alfhild grabbed him by the ear and yanked him up.
"Glaser, is it?"
"Y-y-y-yes, Chief."
"I think I have a job for you."
Asher leapt up through the hole next the Gukom, blinded by the light. A throng rumble shook the ground underneath his feet, and the hole expanded another foot in each direction, making it more like a sinkhole. The squirrel leapt back. "Well then... I don't think our vixen will be coming out through there. Let's go see the Abbot..."
"I'm on edge, and I want this over with." Bracklew hissed as he continued pacing. "I suppose its all fine with you, but I care about my home and I don't want to see it under attack."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Gaaah! The earthwalkers horde-earthwalkers fought. Go red house. Scout say, much quick, many shiny sticks Creeaah!" Grah did a small shuffle of her feathers glaring at the wildcat. Balancing on one foot she reached out with the other and tapped Farden's sword with her curved claw.
"They run? No fight, shining stick? Creeaah."
Rapshade's eye twitched as he scratched at his neck. "You keep askin' me what my plan is. What's your plan?"
--
Alfhild grabbed Glaser by the ear and dismissed his friends before leading him to the edge of the trees. Here she let go and dropped into a squat, motioning for the rat to come closer.
"See these?"
Glaser rubbed behind his ear. "Pawprints, Marm?"
"Not just any pawprints; weasel pawprints." Alfhild said with a sweet grin. Her bracelets jingled as she moved forward to better indicate the paw trail. "See where they lead? Follow them until you come across the weasel, and bring him here. It'd be nice to have somebeast in the horde who knows the land. They could tell us the best places to raid, dangers we should avoid...all that, dear. Now go!" Snarling suddenly, the ferret sent the rat running and yelping with a slap to the back with the flat of her blade.
There he goes. Soon the fate of all of Mossflower will fall into my open paws.
Fardan was torn between responding to Grah and asking Alfhild just what she was doing. Finally, he decided on a course of action and, beaconing Grah to follow him, the wildcat said to the ferret, "Grah said that her scouts found the group of woodlanders that we'd ambushed earlier; they're headed towards the Abbey. They'll make it there soon."
OOC: Ugh, I'm terrible at RPing Fardan.
OOC: Try and make him more like a Nazi Commander maybe? Cold, crisp, and sure of himself.
IC:
"My plan," Bracklew growled in frustration. "Was to make an agreement with you, because you were sure that you could deal your aunt. Whatever happens, It'll be you and I who are at risk, and Redwall might not even be touched. If we are successful then yay, if not we die. But who is going to be saddened by the loss of a useless warrior, and a pirate?" He stomped his footpaws trying to warm them while thinking over the last few minutes. He looked up suddenly, his eyes narrowed reproachfully.
"I'm starting to think you don't have a way to do this." He snarled suspiciously. "And all that talk, was just talk."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Creeaah, no!" Grah screeched angrily. "What do? Horde-earthwalkers not make time. Baaah. Earthwalker cat should move when Krah say move. Creeaah!"
"Fangfang. Max. Duncan. Grant. Log-a-Log. Aver. Really, call yourself useless again an' I'll laugh in yer face." Rapshade said blandly. "And Drubble and Fang'll miss me, so don't go saying nobeast cares about either of us. Got it?"
He snorted, shivering as he glanced about and ignored Bracklew's suspicious next statement.
"C'mon, let's get somewhere warm."
Stung by Rapshade's rebuttal Bracklew stood tongue tied for a moment. Somewhere inside Bracklew knew Rapshade was right, but raw stubbornness kept him from admitting it to himself. The facts itched at the back of his head simply driving Bracklew to become more infuriated every moment he dwelt upon it. Snorting he shrugged it off nodding. "Alright fine, lets find somewhere warm. I know where an abandoned cabin is."
OOC-
Is it the cabin where they found the letter? :O
IC-
"Lead th' way, O Great One." Said Rapshade sarcastically, stepping back to allow Bracklew to do just so. He wiped a fleck of snow off his nose while tapping his claws against the bark of a tree. "Oh, and I forgot one. That Petu rabbit cares about you as well."
--
Roscoe sat near a small fire, attempting to roast a bird though not coming anywhere near it. The stick was too heavy and the bird kept whacking the ground.
All in all, it was a laughable sight.
The rat, Glaser, crouched behind him in the bushes, rubbing his stinging back. He'd trailed the weasel quite easily and was now thinking of what to say.
When he'd got something, he stood up and walked over. Roscoe looked up, spitting into the fire.
"Who're yew, Rat?"
OOC: It is!
IC:
After a hour long march rounding Redwall, slogging through snow and over frozen streams the two found themselves only a short distance from the cabin. Their journey had taken considerably more time then expected as Rapshade was limping along unaided by a pouting Bracklew.
Descending across a last clearing the squirrel pointed with his casted paw towards the cabin just visable through the trees. "There it is. Remember this place?" He snapped not really expecting Rapshade to answer. "Hurry up already, my tail is freezing off."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Munching on a biscuit Petu ascended the Great Hall steps entering the hall. Spotting Drubble standing a short way off the rabbit sauntered over waving a paw in greeting.
"Hello mister Drubbs, pleasant morn' isn't it."
OOC-
Awesome. ;D
IC-
"How do y' think I feel?" Rapshade muttered as he tramped along behind Bracklew, getting slower and more tired by the minute.
When they got to the slightly unhinged door, he let out a sigh of relief and darted inside.
At Redwall's main gate, a group of Vigil soldiers laid down their weapons and hurried back into the woods to help the wounded. One-Ear leant on Charm's shoulder until they reached their destination, when the fox kicked the gate roughly.
"Hello? This is the Vigil. Open the gates, the Abbey is in danger!"
*****
Drubble nodded at Petu.
"Pleasant as it cudd be, oi guess. Unless, o' course, you be's one o' those poor beasts locked up in th'infirmary."
All was quiet, then there were a few scuffling noises and hushed voices, and the gates swung open. Fangfang and Grant exchanged wary glances after realizing it was the Vigil.
"Doesn't look like it's in danger t' me..." Fang said.
"That's cause it isn't."
Asher appeared behind Grant. "Pardon the hole in the ground by th'pond, Abbot, but your fox had a... Unorthodox way into the Abbey." He slipped through the gate and joined the crowd of Vigil soldiers.
Grant narrowed his eyes.
"Would any of you beasts like to explain what's going on, or are you all just going to barge in here and be vague? If it's the latter, I'll assure you that I don't have the time nor patience to hear it."
"I don't particularly care." Bracklew shot back forcing his way past the shattered door. Stepping across the moldy floor boards, and watching distastefully as termites and roaches scuttled away from his footpaws. Turning a disgusted lip up at the mess Bracklew set his pack down, eyeing the bed that stood against the far wall.
"You can have that, I'm rather against having fleas."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh they'll be fine." Petu said dismissively, he still hadn't gotten over how Bracklew had treated him earlier. The rabbit supposed that he shouldn't have been so condescending to Rapshade, but Bracklew defending the ferret was strange. "Actually." Petu suggested suddenly. "Why don't we take them lunch?"
"I don't want fleas either." Rapshade remarked as he pulled up a chair that had been lying on the ground. "How about neither of us go t' sleep, eh? We can talk about what t' do when we find Alfhild and her so-called horde...Sir."
Grimacing at Rapshade after his use of 'sir' Bracklew picked up a three legged stool and sat down, his back leaned against the wall. It was still cold, however the moldy walls blocked out the wind and their breath soon warmed the small space.
"So..." He began tapping his claws on the hilt of his sword. "How do we go about killing this aunt of yours? Then dealing with a horde we don't know anything about?"
OOC: I like the fact that this horde has two leaders, and neither Rap nor Brack knows about it. Even in success they'd fail. :P
One-Ear glared at Asher.
"What do you mean, "unorthodox?" Are you talking about my mother? Forget it, I'll speak to you later."
Turning his attention back to Grant, the fox cleared his throat.
"There's a horde. This isn't an assumption, we've seen it ourselves. We captured one of their strategists, but before he got away, I managed to get something out of him. He said it was headed by a ferret and a wildcat, and that they were particularly interested in Redwall Abbey. That's why the Vigil is here, to help keep this place safe."
*****
Drubble nodded, and started for the kitchens.
"Wut a gudd oidea, zurr. They'ms probably needin' a gudd meal."
OOC-
Exactly. ;D
IC-
"Well, once you kill the leader and all the creatures that can take charge, the horde is nothing, isn't it?" Rapshade mused, tapping his claws along the broken arm of the chair.
"I'd know because I'm experienced in doing just that--except in my situation, I took charge...earning myself the title of '"Upstart Ferret"'..." The former pirate trailed off, grinning dauntlessly at his squirrel partner while trying to make the splint on his leg more mobile.
"Just thought I'd say. This'll be easy once you're out of th' picture."
--
"Oh boy, a horde!" Said Fangfang. The rat yelped and shrunk back when Grant shot him a glare.
"Why the Vigil, why not Log-a-Log and her shrews, or Skipper and the otters? Or, I don't know, the Long Patrol?" The Abbot muttered under his breath, turning and looking at One-Ear once he got the anger out of his system.
"I'm not turning down your offer, but you have to understand that it's hard to work with a bunch of vigilante youngsters who kill unnecessarily."
Asher, who had stopped near the front of the Vigil party, turned to face the confrontation. "Abbot, sir, we're not 'vigilante youngsters who kill unnecessarily.' I really don't see why you think vermin should be spared, what's your excuse?"
"My excuse is that, no matter their species, they're alive, Asher. And living creatures shouldn't just be killed all willy-nilly like that. Everybeast has some good in them--vermin or woodlander. Don't you see where I'm coming from...?" Grant asked, trailing off at the end.
"You want to spare creatures who would kill you the moment they were given the chance?" The squirrel shook his head. "That's what'll kill you."
"Once they're defeated, there's no need to go any further." Said Grant firmly, holding his ground.
In the back, Fang nodded eagerly.
"An' I think yer forgettin' yer leader's a vermin." Fang said.'
"What are you talking about?" Bracklew hissed glaring at Rapshade. "I'd like to see you try to take me out of anything with that broken leg." He rubbed his jaw irritably thinking hard.
"How many potential leaders are there usually in a horde? I don't think I can mass murder vermin. Even if I wanted too."
~*~*~*~*~
"Right you are Mister Drubbs," Petu agreed following along after Drubble. "I'm always a fan of a good meal myself."
"This is why I'm working on moving with my broken leg." Rapshade said, adjusting his paw to emphasize the point.
"One. Two at most. Unless they're really special, it'll probably be only her and maybe a second in command."
"The Long Patrol. Great idea! I'd like to see you make the journey to Salamandastron and back before that horde burns this place to the ground. And the way I see it, you need all the help you can get, because this horde isn't something small like Rapshade's crew. They have two leaders. Any group with two leaders would have to be huge. So yes, by all means, go find Chrysanthe and Skipper, but if you turn us down, don't come crying to me when somebeast dies. And as for the reason we kill 'unnecessarily,' EVERYTHING we do has a reason. We don't let them escape, because they'll come back, stronger. They'll know our weaknesses, and exploit them. Even the damned Long Patrol does the same. Have you seen a badger with bloodwrath? They don't leave their enemies alive. They hunt them down when they scream for mercy. The only difference is that they have good publicity. We have a reason for being here, and that's because we don't let creatures die who don't deserve it. But the way you're going on, I'd say you want to invite Alfhild in for a bloody tea party and a friendly game of 'King of the Hill.' How many otters do you have? How many shrews? We can double their numbers easily, but we still have nothing on that horde. We need to work together to do this, whether or not it impacts what you believe, because quite frankly, I'd rather do something that others disagree with than die. What. About. You?"
"I would never be so-pardon my language-stupid, as to invite her in...But I certainly will not condone the taking of lives." Said Grant firmly, holding his ground.
"And you just have a thing against Badger Lords, seems like."
"Of course I have a thing against badgers. I lost my ear to one of them, remember? And what, pray tell, do you suggest we do? If we don't give them some incentive to leave, they're just going to lay siege. So I STRONGLY suggest that either you think of another solution, or you agree to our plan."
"We can think of a peaceful way to go about this." Grant said, wiping flecks of snow off his whiskers. "If you'd like to stay and figure it out with us, we'd best hurry inside. It looks like a blizzard could be on its way."
"Alright so that makes things easier." Bracklew said ignoring Rapshade's continued hints about getting rid of him. "So if these two 'potential leaders' are taken out of the picture, the horde will fall apart?"
"Maybe, but maybe not. I could care less about t' horde as long as I have Alfhild's head." Said Rapshade with a shrug.
One-Ear scoffed.
"I haven't the faintest idea how you could possibly hope to deal with this situation peacefully. But fine. Vigil, move inside the Abbey. Charm, organize wallguards and patrols through the woods near the abbey. Asher, come with me. I need to talk to you."
The fox hobbled through the gates, followed by the majority of the Vigil. He turned to Grant.
"Lead the way, then."
"I will. Come on, Fang." Grant said, not waiting for anybeast before taking off across the courtyard. He did, however, stop to hold the door open.
Asher hurried next to One-Ear. "Sir, when we were going through the tunnels to Redwall, we were attacked by somebeast. I... Your mother died."
OOC: Well that's one way to break that kind of information :D. Hahaha, Asher is as sensitive and tactful as a rock lol. I love it. We gotta save that one.
BIC:
"A leaderless horde might be unpredictable," Bracklew considered as he sharpened his sword, running the whetstone down the steel methodically. "And while you might not care about a horde of vermin running around out of control, I do care. Suppose we convince them to fight amongst each other somehow, they could get rid of themselves. Say, these vermin, their superstitious right?"
OOC: Changed it a little. You still have the original.
"How would I know? I'm superstitious, but a good majority of my crew wasn't. Not all vermin're superstitious..." Rapshade muttered, getting up and limping over to Bracklew to peer over the squirrel's shoulder at what he was doing.
"Doesn't seem like you'd need t' sharpen that old thing."
Tapping the freshly honed blade Bracklew grinned and tested it on his claw pressing his fur against the battle edge. "This thing needs cleaned, and sharpened all the time, unlike Martin's sword. I've taken to treating it daily." He looked up and shuffled his stool a little farther from Rapshade.
"Well, we can try and make them think something 'more' is attacking them. But if you don't think it'll work." He shrugged dismissively. "We can try anyway, the last thing we want is a rampant horde rampaging through Mossflower, all it'll take to start it up again is a new leader. We'll have to do our best to scatter it."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
At the head of a score of otters Aver rounded the Abbey building and stopped, blinking is surprise at the assembled mass of Vigil fighters. Some of the otters behind Aver barked greetings to a few of the Vigil members, typically the otters, some of which were related or old friends of Redwall's ottercrew. Coughing Aver glanced at Grant his face falling slightly.
"Bad time ter leave th' Abbey is it?"
"Apparently there's a horde." Said Grant through gritted teeth, wondering why he ever agreed to be Abbot. "Redwall is the safest place right now, as far as I'm concerned."
--
Rapshade curled his lip in distaste. "Th' last thing you need is a rampant horde. Remember, I'm just here for my aunt. Nothing more. Not separating hordes, protecting Redwall, or whatever else y' have in mind."
"Oh that's right," Bracklew said dryly, rolling his eyes. "I almost forgot. Selfish, self-loving vermin can't be bothered to help anybeast but themselves. At least Fang has some sincerity to his crazy."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
His eyes widening Aver looked questioningly at One-ear before motioning to the otters behind him. "Alrighty mates, two otters per wall, keep a sharp eye out an' give a call if'n ye see something." A few of the otter crew volunteered and ran off to take their posts. Aver checking to make sure enough went walked up to One-ear seemingly worried.
"Lookie matey, 'ow bad is this 'ere threat? I don' know th' Vigil well, but wot I 'ear tell ye lot ain't push overs, an if'n ye are comin' 'ere instead o' jus' dealin' with th' horde." He shrugged hopelessly. "I jus' hope Redwall is gonna be safe."
One-Ear's eye twitched several times. His mouth hung open limply in a quiet growl. Suddenly, the fox grabbed Asher and shook him several times, roaring into his face.
"WHAT IN HELLGATES DO YOU MEAN? What. Happenned? Who. Did. THIS?"
*****
Somewhere in the collapsed tunnel, a claw twitched. Then a paw. Then a large, striped arm. The badger hauled himself upwards, grabbing his axe from the rocks. He stared at the vixen lying limp on the rocks.
"Hmph. I don't need to deal with you. But that son of yours..."
Turning his back on Mortembell, the badger exited the cave, collapsing the tunnel behind him.
Asher wrenched away. "Stop it! You act like everyone is at fault when they aren't!" He sighed and rubbed his eyes before continuing. "To keep it simple, we were with Mortembell, on our way to the Abbey when we were attacked by something. The tunnel we were in collapsed, and Gukom and I were the only ones with a way out. The holes by the pond, but it's probably collapsed by now. Gukom can tell you the rest," he said, the last comment more then a little sour. The black squirrel walked back to the Vigil soldiers, pawing at a narrow, deep cut in his left arm, gouged there by a falling rock. It didn't matter.
"Don't talk about Fang like that." Rapshade hissed, getting all up in the squirrel's face.
"And if ye.....Self-loving? That's funny." The ferret paused so that he could scratch at his side. "Haven't I made it clear enough that I don't love myself? I don't love anything." His voice faded off as he turned so that his back was to Bracklew, swishing his tail.
"An' I'm not selfish. I know what's good fer me, that's all."
--
Fang whirled around when One-Ear screamed, hurrying to stay by Grant.
"Looks like there's a few screws loose with that 'un."
"Look who's talking." Grant huffed.
--
"So?" Glaser asked, eyeing Rosoce warily.
At last, the weasel cracked a smile and slung an arm around his shoulders.
"Yeah yeah, take me t' this Alfhild creature. I know the land better 'n' anybeast!"
"Yeah," Bracklew countered angrily sheathing his sword snapping it into place. "Well you don't do a good job of showing it." He stood up glaring at Rapshade's back menacingly. For a few moments he clenched and unclenched his paw as if trying to decide whether to continuing their argument or not. Finally he huffed back his anger and sat back down.
"When do you think we should go?" He asked at last doing his best to keep his voice even.
"Since I'm not in charge, when do you think we should go?" Rapshade asked, smirking levelly at Bracklew. "I'm just the prisoner. Wouldn't want to overstep my boundaries, Sir."
He'd decided to toy with the squirrel as much as he could.
--
"Then c'mon." Glaser snapped.
Roscoe nodded and followed after him.
Why, Roscoe thought, It's better to make allies with the horde now than get caught by them later!
One-Ear followed Asher, not relenting.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN ACTING LIKE EVERYBEAST IS AT FAULT?! I just want information! My. mother. is. dead. Just tell me something. ANYTHING! Don't give me this attitude, either show some respect for people you just sprung news on nonchalantly, and LOOK ME IN THE EYES WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU...or the gate is that way. Who. did. this. Surely you would have at least seen WHAT they were. So tell me. What. were. they?"
*****
Clambering roughly out of the whole beneath the log, the badger shattered the rotted wood of the tree, hauling himself up with his battleaxe. He looked down at the now completely blocked off tunnel with a snicker.
"Two down, one to go..."
Asher whirled around and stared angrily at the fox. "This is your problem! You want to know why the Redwallers hate you? Well, maybe you should treat them like actual beasts, not your enemy! I joined the Vigil because I wanted to make a difference, and instead of going out there and doing what we do best, you waltz up to the Abbey and demand them to do whatever you want! Now, if it's any help to you, seeing that you need it... It was some sort of large animal. Perhaps a badger, but then again, only a badger could use a battle axe like the one he had."
Shaking with barely controlled rage Bracklew was about to retort when he heard something. Dropping to the floor of the cabin, and holding up a paw to signal for silence. His tufted ears swiveling to and fro. "Shh do you hear that?" He asked in a loud whisper.
Rapshade reclined against the wall, looking smug.
He put a paw up to his ear and cupped it. "Uh-huh, yessir, I do hear that!" The ferret's voice was obnoxiously loud by the end of the sentence, and he grinned widely at Bracklew.
"Whoops, I think they might've heard us. So sorry."
"I. Hate. You." Bracklew growled in deliberate fury slowly drawing his sword. He chanced a peek out the cabin's broken window ducking down quickly. "Rats," He growled venomously glaring daggers at Rapshade. Five rats had stopped outside the cabin door and were discussing what to do. The words 'Farden', and 'only scouts' came up a few times before one of the rats began banging on the cabin's door with a spear haft.
"Oy, anybeast 'ome?" The rat shouted sending the broken door off its hinges crashing onto the floor easily.
"Nope," Bracklew called back raising his sword out of sight of the rodents. "Nobeast here."
"No one 'ere mates." Said the lead rat, who was immediately cuffed by one of his larger companions.
"Ye idiot! Get in there an' drag 'Im out."
"You ignorant little...Do you realize how much of your statement is off? Yes, I DO want to know why the Redwallers hate me. I certainly don't hate them. But when they start behaving like YOU are now, and we're trying to DO something...well, opposites don't attract. DAMIEN certainly didn't help either. We try to make a difference, but trying to do that in the middle of the open woods against a foe far larger than us is just a suicide mission. Like it or not, Redwall is the safest place to base this out of, and we have to work together on this one."
One-Ear suddenly went silent as Asher finished his sentence.
"A...Badger? With...an axe? No. Oh, no no no. How in Hellgates did he find us? Th-Th-This can't be happening. But if he was so close-by then...VIGIL! INSIDE THE ABBEY!"
The fox turned away from Asher muttering under his breath.
"If he finds out that I'm in here, he'll slaughter everybeast in his path..."
Asher was about to counter One-Ear's shout when he saw the fox go white. He immediately apologized. "Sorry, sir, just... What does he want? The badger?
"He...I don't even know his name, but I know what he wants. He was a really proud creature, y'see. Listen, when I was a dibbun, I was living in the north with my parents. There was a famine, but we still had some food. The badger, knowing this, forces his way in. Mother and father weren't there at the time, so he tried getting me to tell him where the food was. I didn't know, so he lopped of my ear. He would have done more damage, but I managed to wriggle away. Then father came in. Drew his katana and ran the badger through. But he wasn't dead, no, he was far from it. We gathered as much food as we could and ran for our lives. We spent the first five seasons looking over our shoulders in fear. It was when we ran out of food, and father joined up with Rapshade at Salamandastron to try and support us, that we let our guard down. The badger wouldn't have been looking for us amongst a horde. Well, now I guess he did. He must have sworn an oath to kill us after we embarrassed him. He's killed mother, and now he's after me. Don't believe for a second that that collapse killed him. He's stronger than that."
The Vigil horde bustled into the abbey, spurred on by their leaders shouts. Asher had returned to the group and closed the gate behind them, checking to make sure no one was still outside. The black squirrel returned to One-Ear. "So if this badger is trying to kill you, how are we going to deal with him?"
Reminds me of Fangfang, Rapshade thought, shrugging nonchalantly at Bracklew.
"The hate's mutual, Sir. Anywho, there's nothing we can do now but wait and see where fate takes us." He said, grinning cheerfully and remaining in his seat.
"I'd hate t' spoil their fun...Even if I did, I'm not allowed t' do anything without yer exact permission, Cap'n--even if it'd save us! Oh, well. I'm used t' being a prisoner."
--
Glaser arrived back at camp with a panting Roscoe stumbling after him.
The weasel walked over to where Alfhild stood and then collapsed, waving a paw weakly.
The Chief curled her lip and turned him onto his back with her footpaw.
Roscoe grinned widely, still trying to catch his breath. "...H...H...Hello...Marm...Whew......"
All of the rats heard Rapshade, and while being slightly confused at what he meant, charged into the cabin anyway. The first rat fell to Bracklew's sword which pinged off his iron helm. The rodent squealed in pain falling forward and tripping up the second rat who was following close behind. Bracklew swung again this time scoring a more series hit slicing open his opponent's shoulder. Crying out the rat fell to his knees looking pleading up at Bracklew, his eyes wide with fear.
The young squirrel raised his sword to finish the rat off, his blade seemed to hang in space as he hesitated. Unable to deliver the killing blow.
"Yaaaah!" Thwak. A third rat, seizing the opportunity rushed forward smashing Bracklew in the head with his cudgel. Bracklew crumpled to the floor while the fourth rat hurried inside holding a spear to Rapshade's throat.
"Harr we gotcha." He cried in triumph. Entering after the first four, the lead rat stepped inside swishing snow from his lieutenants' cloak and looking distastefully at the three fallen beasts, who were all groaning on the cabin floor. Each one holding his head, or shoulder respectively.
"Who are ye?" He asked Rapshade pointing with his little claw. "An whose e'?" He continued prodding Bracklew with his footpaw.
"He's Bracklew t' Warrior, an' I'm Shade." Rapshade lied, not ready to give out his real name unless he knew it would have some benefit for him in the future. Many vermin would kill to get their paws on a former captain, and the Mossflower vermin were bound to recognize it if he told them.
"I'm jus' his prisoner. Nuffin' special. No need for yer friend there t' hold that spear up t' me neck."
"Ain't there?" The rat lieutenant, whose name was Fastooth snorted. But he waved his paw and the spear rat lowered his weapon still glaring at Shade. "Alright then, matey, guess who jus' joined up with 'er chiefness Alfhild, we always need new warriors, gimpy or otherwise." Fastooth grinned patting Shade on the back while cruelly kicking at his broken leg. "Now les' take our prisoner back to camp eh?"
He kicked the cudgel wielding rat who snarled, but muttered.
"Yes?"
"Tie th' tree-mousie's paws, an' give me that sword, tis a fine blade." He took Mixy's sword and stuffed it into his belt. "Rest o' ye quit moaning an' get up. We got to report ter Farden."
One-Ear turned back to Grant.
"I can't talk strategy right now. Gukom, Charm, go with the Abbot. These two can handle the plans and talk to me later. I need to do something."
The fox walked back over to Asher.
"Deal with him? That isn't how it works. Father knew how to keep him away, but I never learnt that. There's only one way. I need some rope, and someone to watch my back. We're going down into that cave, and we're going to kill him. Fill him up with so many arrows he looks like a hedgehog's pincushion, then separate his head from his filthy body. I already lost my father, and I'll be damned if I let that badger get away with taking my mother as well. Come on!"
One-Ear trotted off towards the Vigil's Quartermaster, who was organizing a large trolley full of supplies. The Quartermaster, a rather skinny vole, gave a quick salute to One-Ear.
"'Ello boss. What c'n ah do f'ya?"
"Rope. I need a lot of it, and two steel hooks."
The vole nodded, jumping into the trolley. Several seconds later, he emerged wrapped in rope, and holding two steel grappling hooks.
"E're yar, boss. Jus' tie th' rope through th'loop!"
One-Ear thanked the Quartermaster and walked back to Asher.
"Here, take one of the hooks and a rope. Then go make sure you have a full quiver..."
Walking over to the fox Aver tapped One-ear on the shoulder, a deep furrow in his brow as he considered the young fox warrior. "One-ear, I couldn't help but 'ear that, an what you plan to do, anywho I wanna go with ye." Aver hefted his javelin and sling to show he was prepared. "I don' know much 'bout yer past mate, but I reckon if'n a badger killed ye mum then ye'll need all th' help ye can, takin' 'Im down. But as ye might know there be two sides ter every story, an I wanna 'ear wot this badger got to say fer 'Imself, they're beasts o' honor badgers, so if'n e' lets us we'll talk, an' sort this right. Afore we get to killin' each other that is."
One-Ear nodded and whistled at the Quartermaster. Several hand gestures later, the vole shoved another coil of rope and a hook into Aver's arms.
"Oh, I'll talk to 'im, alright. But 'is story'll be one 'ee don't live t'tell afterwards, because mark my words, I'm going to kill him. Like he killed my mother. Like he tried to kill me. I'm going to find out why he did this, then let him think over his words in Hellgates."
The fox tied one end of his rope around the grappling hook, then threw it towards the pond. It landed securely in the ground on the far side of the sinkhole. Giving the rope an experimental tug, One-Ear grinned. Making sure his katana and crossbow were both secure, he tossed the coil of rope into the pit, pulled out a strange looking device made up of two thin gripping bars and two sickle-like lengths of metal, and took a running jump. As he disappeared into the abyss, One-Ear snapped the device around the hanging rope and squeezed the grips. The sickles snapped together, halting his descend. The fox chuckled.
"Nice word, Vinnie. Y'actually made this wretched thing work."
One-Ear rapped his hind legs around the rope and squeezed one grip lightly. The sickle opened ever so slightly, sending the fox on a slow descent down the rest of the rope.
Unwelcome tears sprang into Rapshade's eyes for a moment before he wrenched his leg away from Fastooth. The mention of Alfhild only made his stomach turn.
I'll kill her, I will...
The ferret decided to play dumb.
"W-who's this Alfhild creature? And Fardan? Those're pertty names."
--
Grant stared, dumbfounded, at One-Ear before leading the way to his chamber with the two Vigil soldiers at his back.
Charm strode forwards after Grant, closely followed by an extremely nervous Gukom.
"You're the Abbot? Nice to meet you, I'm Charm. What did you have in mind for dealing with these vermin?"
*****
In the darkness of the cavern, Mortembell groaned softly. The vixen hauled herself to her footpaws and staggered through the cavern. She tripped into the underground river with an undignified splash and hauled herself up once again. She scoffed when she saw the collapsed exit.
"Of course he'd do that. Hmm, this river...It probably starts underneath the pond. Which means...The way out'll be further downstream."
Wrapping her coat further around her to protect herself from the freezing water, the vixen trotted off down the narrow crack in the cave wall where the river cut through the rocks.
*****
Reaching the bottom of the collapse, One-Ear unclipped the device from the rope. Drawing his katana, he slashed the rope, severing the coil from the (actually rather short) length he had descended on. The fox searched around the nearby collapsed rocks, finding no sign of his mother or the badger, but an extinguished torch. Taking out a piece of flint from one of the pockets on his tunic, One-Ear quickly lit the torch.
"Seems deserted in this part of the cave. Hurry up and get down here!"
It took Asher only a few seconds to slide down the rope and land lightly in the floor. "The badger did a good job of demolishing the place alright. If we head down this tunnel then we can gr to the fork and go back the way we came."
"Nice to meet you, Charm. I am the Abbot." Grant chuckled. "Well, let's see...For starters, we have to know what we're dealing with and what they want. Do you know anything about the leaders?"
All the rats let out some form of nervous laugh shaking their heads at Shade's apparent lack of common knowledge. "Aye, pretty as a deadly spider 'er." Fastooth snickered. "Though ye don' need to worry ter much bout Farden, he'll only stick ye wit' his frogpoker. Nah if'n Alfhild don' like ye, she'll kill ye nice n' slow, that is if'n she don't feed ye to 'er pet crows."
"Nasty way to go that. Them disembowel ye alive." Chimed in the spear wielding rat. He pushed Rapshade forward with his weapons haft making revolting noises with his tongue. "All ye get to look forward to if'n ye slip up in Alfhild, n' Farden's horde mate."
~*~*~*~*~
Following Asher down Aver descended at a much slower pace his javelin clenched between his teeth. Dropping the last few tail lengths he landed lightly beside One-ear, his eyes glowing slightly in the dim torch light.
"Great plague n' fire, this giant hole was unner th' Abbey?" Aver shook his head in admiration. "Good thing ye found it mates. This 'ere could be a real problem. Mayhap we should 'ave brought a mole wit' us."
"Alfhild and Fardan, just Alfhild and Fardan? No titles? I doubt they're that scary." Rapshade yelped and stumbled forward, shooting the rats a few glares as he was ushered along.
OOC: Hey Ashes should we skip to the rodents getting to the horde? Or is there anything else you'd like Rapshade and them to discuss before they get there?
OOC-
We can skip if'n ya wants to. ;)
One-Ear nodded, clipping the device onto his belt. He began walking over towards Aver.
"This place was destroyed so much, I doubt even a mole could do a thing to help..."
The fox passed Aver and gripped the otter's rope, pulling it down from the ledge and handing it back to him.
"We may need the ropes further down the cave. We can still get up with mi- Unless..."
The fox pulled out his crossbow and examined it.
"Hmm, I think we don't need to leave any of those ropes up there. Asher, pull down your line."
One-Ear returned to where he had left his rope (cut). He pulled the shorter line down into the cave, tossed the grappling hook aside, and looped the length of rope around the handle of his crossbow.
"The crossbow should be able to get a line back above ground. Someone above can tie it off."
Asher wasn't so sure. "I'd rather not. We should leave a line fixed already without any risky maneuvers like aiming for the ledge all the way up there."
One-Ear shook his head.
"Normally, I'd be inclined to agree with you. But we have no idea how unstable this place is. We may need that length of rope to get out of a deeper section of the cave. We might not. I don't like taking chances, but..."
One-Ear took out the crossbow, attached the smaller length of rope to a large bolt, and fired. The bolt sailed all the way through the hole and disappeared. Shortly after, a Vigil soldier called down into the pit.
"Secured that line for ya, boss."
One-Ear turned back to Asher.
"That should do it. We can use the shorter length to get back out, and take your bigger coil with us."
OOC: Alrighty then.
IC:
Half dragging their new recruit and prisoner along the rat scouts made good time back to the horde's camp. They were greeted by a weasel sentry who raised his eyebrows at who they brought with him.
"Got yeself a tree-mouse, n' gimpy ferret there Fastooth. Huh I wouldn' wanna be ye talkin' ter th' Cheifs wit' that lot." Besides the apparent sneer in his voice the sentry did sound impressed none the less.
"Ha, mate we're jus' supposed ter be scoutin'. We did that, plus this. We'll get promotion's fer sure. Move yew two." He jabbed Bracklew and Rapshade in the back forcing them along deeper into the camp, they made a direct course for Alfhild's command tent where Farden was known to hang about. As they passed a few of the vermin whistled and joked, admiring Fastooth's catch, and asking for the bushy tail if possible before the crows ate his prisoner. Bracklew who had looked highly nervous before began shivering involuntarily casting horrible glares at Rapshade.
"Give me one reason not to tell them your real name Shade." He hissed quietly into the ferret's ear. "Right to your aunt too."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Nodding Aver wrapped the rope around his back, looping it across his shoulder and under his armpit. "I say take th' rope matey. If'n worse comes to worse then we c'n jus' tell ye mates up there to toss us a line no?" He gestured into the darkened tunnel looming before them. "An if'n we get stuck down there wit' out a good length to climb up wit'." He made a motion like he was cutting his throat. "Ye get th' picture."
Rapshade walked along in a rather submissive posture, as if trying to make himself appear as small as possible.
Inside, the ferret had a newfound confidence. He was used to being around vermin, and even now that he was wounded and skinny and disheveled, he knew that if given the chance he'd be able to work this to his advantage.
He growled under his breath when Bracklew whispered to him, and replied back, "Don't be th' idiot I like t' think y'are. It'd be worse for both of us!"
Glaser and Roscoe arrived at camp just as the rats and their prisoners did.
Glaser hissed something under his breath and motioned for Roscoe to hang back while one of the Chiefs dealt with Bracklew and Rapshade.
"If they're angry, they'll get it out on 'em. 'Tis best that way, Roscoe..."
"I know those guys!" Hissed Roscoe suddenly, standing tip-pawed. "It's Bracklew and Ra---"
"Shut up and let them be dealt with!" Glaser snapped.
Alfhild turned and looked up after watching Vadoma suddenly drop what she was doing and scurry off, only to notice that the rat group had returned with a young squirrel and a pathetic looking ferret.
Her blue eyes glimmered as she stood up and strode over to them.
"Fastooth!" She barked, her tone betraying the outward sweetness of her face--which soon turned sour as well. "What is this? Slaves? I couldn't see them as anything else by the look of 'em." She commented, tweaking Rapshade's ear.
The black ferret cringed uncomfortably and dropped his gaze, stepping behind Bracklew.
Unable to reply to Rapsahde in time Bracklew felt the back of his knees get kicked forcing him into a kneeling position. A cold dagger blade pressed against his nape and heard a cruel voice whisper.
"Bow yer head respectful like ter th' chief tree-mouse." Bracklew did so every part of his being hating the rat that forced him to bend before the very creature he had meant to slay. Considering how similar the debacle was to his last assassination attempt, Bracklew felt he should have learned not to try by now.
"Erm yes-er no chief. Them is our prisoner n' recruit." Fastooth said saluting respectfully. "We caught this'n," He kick Bracklew in the stomach to indicate who he was talking about. "In an ol' cabin while we was scoutin' fer Chief Farden. The other." Here he jabbed Shade in the arm. "Was the tree-mouse's prisoner, an' maybe new arrow fodder fer yer horde mar'm chief."
Alfhild raised her arm to scratch at her ear, making her many bracelets jingle eerily in the process. She grinned as she watched her rats force Bracklew down.
"If the ferret was the sweet little squirrel's prisoner, he's notably both physically and mentally weak--because that little squirrel is weak. I can tell just by the looks of him..." She trailed off and aimed a kick at Bracklew's side before slinking around him and up to Rapshade.
Suddenly, the vermin chieftain took in a sharp breath.
"He looks like somebeast I knew once...and yet I can't place a claw on it. Hmm..."
Rapshade avoided her eyes at all costs. "P-please, ma'am, I..."
She grinned and ran a claw up his neck.
"Kneel like your squirrel friend, dear. Fastooth! I want them both to bow."
An unbidden squeak escaped Bracklew when Alfhild kicked a sensitive part of his side. Furious with himself and Rapshade, Bracklew sunk lower in his bow, digging his face into the snow. Tears of shame sprang from his eyes as Alfhild's words cut deeper then he thought possible. To weak to save Mixy, to weak to save Skipper, to weak to save myself.
Fastooth, on the other paw was enjoying himself immensely. Having no qualms in hitting Shade he made a fancy salute to Alfhild, grinning like a fox among chickens.
"Yes chief, right away chief." He said snappily before giving Shade a hefty push, and kick and throwing him into the snow next to Bracklew. "I figure chief, if'n he ain't worth keepin' then th' crows might like 'Im?"
OOC: What if Alfhild decideds to kill Rappy, and Brack but then Farden comes along and reasons that they would be better kept alive? Like he needs a new armor polisher, and the squirrel might have information or something like that.
OOC-
Ja, ja.
Fardan can interfere whenever he wants to, but Alfhild may have different plans if she changes her mind. ;)
IC-
Alfhild nodded, walking in a large circle around the two newcomers. She cast a satisfied glance at Bracklew...though upon seeing Rapshade's expression as he reluctantly stayed down in the snow, she shot forward and dealt him a hard slap on the back with the flat of her blade. "Get down!" She barked. He yelped in shock and crumpled without looking up again. Alfhild glanced at Fastooth and walked around Rapshade to get to Bracklew, as if nothing had happened.
"Yes...The crows would love them immensely, but I get to have my fun first. Or have you forgotten?"
She asked, running her claws through the fur on Bracklew's head.
"I do love young'uns, don't I.....Even weak, weak little squirrels not deserving of anything, like this one."
Nodding enthusiastically Fastooth rubbed his paws together, a wicked smile on his face. "Yes chief, o' course chief. What'cha gonna do ter 'em first chief?"
Something inside Bracklew twisted as he felt Alfhild's paw on the back of his head. Something squirmed in his gut at the injustice of what he was about to go through. Pain, torture it sounded like, simply for another beast's amusement. He had stacked himself against the odds, he had set off with Rapshade knowing full well he could die. But torture was something he hadn't considered.
"Please," The squirrel whispered hoping Alfhild would hear. "Please just kill me..."
OOC: Hey, so I can't really write a post with anyone without needing to write a follow up, so I'm not going to post at all. Grodds, just assume Asher is following along and guiding One-Ear. PP him if needed. Sand and Ash, if you want to use Fardan than do. Otherwise, good luck.
OOC-
Got it.
IC-
Rapshade's eyes blazed.
Alfhild was talking to Bracklew so similarly as she had back when he was around the squirrel's age.
He wanted to leap up and score his claws across her face; end her here. But he knew it was a bad idea.
Alfhild hummed sweetly as she considered what to do to them, shooting a grin back at Fastooth.
"Oh, you know. Whatever I feel like."
Then came Bracklew's plead, which caused her icy blue eyes to light up in amusement. The ferret burst out laughing.
"He thinks I'll kill him without making him suffer! Some creatures are so naïve!"
OOC-
Permission to PP Bracklew? I won't do anything that won't heal.
OOC: Yeah, sure go ahead.
IC:
Following Alfhild's example Fastooth, along with some of the nearer horde beasts, began laughing along with Alfhild, their eyes stupidly fixed upon the scene before them.
"Harr, yeah chief," Chimed in the rat holding Bracklew down, doing no favor to his own intelligence. "Them are nai- neve- niav- er, stupid ain't they? Har hehehe."
Drawn by the commotion Grah along with one of her trusted lieutenants landed on a branch just above the prisoners. Ruffling her black feathers ominously she croaked her approval adding her own horrible voice to the crescendo of chuckling vermin.
Without warning, Alfhild leapt upon Bracklew and began smacking and hacking away with her sword.
"I want to hear you sing, Squirrel! Tell me how great I am! Tell me, tell me, tell me!" The ferret screeched, obviously having fun with this. Her shrill voice faded off into more of the same heartless laughter as before after a couple more minutes of this, except as time went on she got bored with the blade and began incorporating kicks and claw slashes into the mix.
Rapshade didn't dare look up, even when Roscoe broke away from Glaser and ran over there.
"Er, Alfhild, Chief, Marm. Your might'ness...uh..."
"What?!" Alfhild snapped, ceasing her brutal attack on Bracklew. The ferret dusted off her paws and rose, narrowing her eyes down to slits. She bared her teeth in a growl.
"Who're you?"
"Roscoe, yer honor. The weasel ya sent Glaser to fetch? Don't kill them. They're from Redwall..."
Alfhild's eyes lit up with ambition.
Redwall Abbey!
OOC: Sowwee for being away...
BIC:
One-Ear gave Asher's rope a quick tug, looping it back into a coil and handing it to the black squirrel.
"This place looks pretty bad. Think you can find the original tunnel?"
Asher nodded, leading the way through the cavern. Shortly thereafter, he stopped at one of the walls.
"Here. That outline, that's the tunnel. Although with that many rocks filling the thing up, it'd take an entire squadron of moles a season to dig it out. Could be natural..."
"...Could be the badger."
One-Ear stuck his katana into one of the gaps between the rock experimentally and wrenched it roughly. Nothing happened. The fox resheathed his blade.
"We need to find another way. How about that river? If we follow it downstream, it might have hollowed out a passage. Aver, what do you think?"
The otter tested the rushing waters carefully with his javelin point shaking his head. "I c'n do it, a badger could do it, yew mates, I dunno." Easing his way back up the steep incline to where One-ear and Asher stood Aver jabbed his paw back at the water. "We don' know where th' river ends, one slipped paw, an' ye c'n be sucked miles underground. Not only that, but wit' th' water splashin' like it is, It'll put out our only light source." Aver considered both the fox and squirrel for a moment before stating his conclusion.
"Tho' if'n ye be determined I'm thinkin' we c'n go downstream wit'out much trouble , not sure we c'n make it back."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Each one of Alfhild's attacks was echoed by a squeak or cry of pain from Bracklew. Eventually he gave up trying to wriggle away and lay still using his arms to protect his head as he curled into a ball. At last Alfhild left off hitting Bracklew and he lay still, whimpering quietly into the snow. Not caring what was being said, or who was saying it. Just glad that the painful blows had stopped.
The rat who had been holding Bracklew down, and who had wisely abandoned this task when Alfhild had started her assault, prodded Fastooth in the shoulder and pointed at the cowering squirrel and ferret.
"Er, wot should we do wit' em now?"
"Uh," Fastooth glared at the two for a moment then shrugged. "I dunno, let th' chief decide nitwit."
Alfhild suddenly whirled around, marching up to Fastooth. Her attention on Roscoe was long forgotten, and the weasel slunk nervously back over to Glaser, who raised an eye at him.
"Fastooth. Send the prisoners to my tent." She snapped, passing him up. "I have some...questions...to ask."
One-Ear scratched his chin briefly.
"Okay, give me a minute."
The fox took one of the rope coils and attached one end to a crossbow bolt. He fired it point-blank into a wall to test it, then looped it around a large boulder.
"Alright, everyone tie a length of this rope around your waists. Aver, you go first, we'll go behind you. If anything happens, get yourself to shore and pull us out."
One-Ear quickly looped the rope around his waist, Asher following shortly afterwards.
"As soon as you're ready, Aver, we're going in..."
Understanding what One-ear was doing Aver added his own length of rope to the fox's cord, expertly tying it off. Then he preformed a graceful side down the bank and into the dark waters with hardly a splash. It came up to a little above his upper thigh, but still below where his rope was tied. Wadding on a few more paces the otter was soon up to his waist in rushing water.
"Alright mates come on in, th' bottom s'all mud, an ye sink into it. Make sure if'n ye are wearin' shoes o' any kind to take 'em off, ye'll lose 'em in this. We'll be goose-steppin' th' whole way, but least tis not rocks."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Prisoners, chief?" Fastooth said before remembering that Shade wasn't yet considered a part of the horde. "Oh aye, right away chief. Move yew two." He prodded Shade in the back forcing the ferret forward into the command tent. Two of his rats grabbed Bracklew around the armpits and dragged the squirrel with them.
One-Ear clambered down the side of the river, landing in the water with a slight splash. As the water lapped at his waist, he turned towards Asher with concern.
"We're quite taller than Asher, how is he going to do this? This water is bound to get deeper...Any ideas, Asher?"
Rapshade growled but started limping. "Watch it, rat...Any more pokin' and prodding and I'll make y' eat yer own tail." The ferret whispered, smirking behind Alfhild's back.
Alfhild got into her tent and, without waiting for her prisoners or the rats, plopped down on a fancy chair she had near her bed.
Sniggering Fastooth twisted his claw into Rapshade's back, twisting it cruelly. "Attack an' officer'n th' horde an' Alfhild make yer death nice'n slow cully." The rats, all three wearing wicked grins, frog marched Rapshade into Alfhild's tent forcing him to kneel. Bracklew found himself next to Rapshade again, his muzzle forced into the ground.
"'Ere them are chief. Should'n I go get Chief Farden?" Fastooth asked straightening up.
"Yes, go and get him. Off with you!" Alfhild snapped.
Rapshade rubbed tenderly at his back while kneeling, a look of complete disgust on his face.
He tried to analyze Alfhild for any weak spots, any medicine that might be in her tent or something of the sort. He found nothing that may hint her failing but her age, which made it all the harder for him to drop the plan and instead do whatever he wanted.
For now he had to go with this.
Alfhild began pacing, flicking her eyes back and forth from her prisoners to whatever was in front of her. Her jewelry clinked and jingled as she did so.
"So." She said, skidding to a sudden halt and parading up to Bracklew. "Roscoe said you're from Redwall. Is that correct?"
Rapshade glanced sideways at Bracklew, whispering under his breath, "She's not t' type of ferret that takes no for an answer, if I remember correctly. Tell her exactly what she wants t' hear."
OOC: This RP is going so fast it feels like we're going uphill, through molasses, in winter, while riding snails.
IC:
The three rats filed out leaving Alfhild alone with the prisoners. Bracklew was slowly recovering from his beating, and watched the ferret pace fearfully. For a moment he considered playing mute, and refusing to speak, but at Rapshade's whisper he curled his tail close and gave the slightest of nods.
Bracklew had no trust of any kind for Rapshade now, but he knew Rapshade was forced to trust him, less he blabbed the ferret's real name. Whether this was the expected course of history or not, Bracklew realized he had brought this upon himself, and he had no other option but to continue following Rapshade's lead.
"Yes," He spat out, hating himself for it. "I'm from Redwall."
OOC-
Then we must fix that, no?
Once we reach the top of the hill, we'll start going down rather than up and thus, faster. ;)
IC-
"I guess that buys you some time to live. Ah, Redwall! Alfhild's Abbey has a nice ring to it, don't you think, Shade?" Alfhild mused, turning to the ferret whom she didn't yet recognize as her nephew.
Rapshade nodded eagerly, though inside he was laughing at how bad that was. "Aye, cert'inly."
Sweeping her cloak around in a wide arc, the ferret chieftain made her way up to one of Fastooth's rats.
"That's all I needed to know for now. I'll question them later, since it's getting dark. Tie 'em up by a tree or something and don't let 'em escape. Quickish now!"
Fastooth had left to go find Farden, however the two rats standing outside saluted sharply and reentered Alfhild's tent, a moment later dragging out Shade and Bracklew. Pulling both beasts by the scruff of their neck's they soon had them trussed to a tree. One of the rats was a former searat, and had a particular skill with ropes. Binding both prisoners in a sitting position they walked a short distance away to sit by a fire, still within watching rage.
A flash of black feathers filled the two prisoner's vision as a massive crow, her pinion and neck feathers painted orange landed threateningly close, glaring at them with one piercing eye. Croaking angrily when she saw the ropes Grah hopped away clacking her beak in fury.
Turning his neck to glare at Rapshade, the young squirrel let out a low snarl. "You've done a pretty good of ruining everything." He accused venomously. "So what's the plan now Shade?"
OOC: Do you want me to PP Fastooth finding Fardan or do you want to?
OOC: I really don't care. ;) But we do need a reply from Asher...
OOC: Yeah, so I keep rereading that part, but what exactly does One Ear want to do to get across the water?
Rapshade smirked, his voice like poison compared to Bracklew's. "We wait 'till they're sleeping and then escape. Simple. Easy. Unless you had a better plan, Sir Bracklew, yore Mightiness, O Great One..."
The ferret cackled and shook his head, fixing the young squirrel with those amber eyes of his.
"I know how to get free from searat ropes, seeing as I was a pirate myself for a long, long time. Y' don't hate me for this, do you, Cap'n?"
"My plan." Bracklew growled forcefully, "Was to make you come up with the plan, but instead you got us captured. And as a matter of fact I do hate you for that. But that's not the point is it." He squirmed in the ropes trying to force his way free but stopped as his left paw was racked with pain.
Grah stamped her way through the horde tents, her black eyes focusing on Alfhild. "Creeaah, Alf, Krah wants meat. Tree-rat gaaah, red earthwalker filth." She ranted tearing up snow and grass. "Why tie to tree? Krah eat them slow, you see. Creeaaah!"
OOC: I don't know Sage, maybe Asher could ride on Aver's back.
OOC-
Tipeskip to the middle of the night? When everybeast's asleep?
IC-
"I came up with t' plan, though. You silly little thing!" Rapshade taunted, mimicking Alfhild's voice for a second. "You might want t' tend to those wounds of yours. Ouch, I'm sure..." The ferret fell to laughing, though in reality, his medicine was wearing off and so he was beginning to itch all over.
Years of pretending did their job well.
"You'll be able to eat them as soon as they get us into Redwall. If you eat them any sooner, there won't be an entire Abbeyfull of creatures to eat, will there?" Alfhild mused, her voice sickeningly sweet. "Think of the greater good that will do us, Grah, and let me sleep. It's cold out here."
OOC: I'm game once we sort out the underground party.
OOC: So as I asked above, I've retread that part and I don't get what you're trying to do. :P
OOC: Well, if the water is up to One-Ear and Aver's waists, its going to be pretty high for Asher. So, we have to find a way to make sure he can actually go with them.
OOC-
I don't see why he can't swim across or hold on to one of them.
Brow furrowed, Asher decided on a solution. "If we could fashion a larger surface - perhaps a plank o' wood - to our feet, it would make it far easier to walk across without sinkin'."
His tail was starting to hurt from the cramped position he was in, plus his ankles and wrists were swelling from how tight the cords were. Bracklew set his jaw and tried to chew the ropes to no avail. Looking up Bracklew snarled in Rapshade's direction, he was unable to see the ferret well, his night vision not being as good.
"Why don't you stop insulting me, and get us out." Bracklew spat his fur bristling. "Or are you just as trapped as I am?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"No wood mate," Aver grunted putting down Asher's plan. "Look jus' wade right betwixt me'n One-ear. If'n it gets to deep we'll jus' boost ye up."
Rapshade shifted uncomfortably as he tried to think of a way out.
I'm not as strong as I used to be... The ferret laughed nervously while trying to put on a calm expression. "Erm, at t' count of three, claw and wriggle like there's no tomorrow.."
"One, two, three." Rapshade counted off. Seething inside Bracklew began wriggling about trying to get some part of himself loose of the ropes. A sudden slip made him hiss in pain, but the cast containing his left paw finally came loose allowing his to slip his useless left paw free.
Furious that he would get so close, yet so far Bracklew kicked his paws in fury, his footpaw thumping against a stone as he did so. Relizing a way out he began searching the mud and snow under him with his free paw, he was unable to see anything useful in the pitch darkness. Instead he squinted in Rapshade's general direction.
"Rapshade, you have good night vision right? Do you have any flint near you? I got my left paw free, I could saw through the ropes."
Rapshade kicked and struggled, too, but he couldn't do much with a broken leg and so when Bracklew asked him the question the squirrel had his full attention.
"Thanks for th' compliment, I guess...Flint, eh?...Flint..." The ferret squinted, catching sight of something just out of his reach.
"No flint. But there's an arrowhead layin' there in the snow, and it looks sharp, too. I could try to stretch and get it..."
Asher nodded, starting to wad into the water, only to stop and wait for the others. "Hopefully this works."
With Aver leading the three splashed their way through the muddy underground river. After an unknown time of slogging Aver could feel his arm getting sore, he was holding their only torch up above his head so as to keep it alight. It was a constant fight against the rushing waters and he wasn't sure how long they had remained underground. In the constant gloom without any recognizable passage of time. Begining to feel nervous Aver scanned the tunnel sides hoping to find a place where they could climb out and rest.
"There mates," He called to the others pointing with his free paw. "Les' cross an' make it to th' bank there. Looks like there might be another tunnel, an' land."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Get it," Bracklew hissed pressing his weight against Rapshade in an attempt to push the ferret farther. "Once you get it, shove it in my left paw. I'll cut myself loose." He remained silent for a moment then said. "And once I'm out I'll get you free too."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"There ye are chief." Fastooth called having finally found the wildcat. Saluting smartly the rat officer came to attention before addressing the dangerous feline. "Chief Alfhild want's ye, an' I got me report too. We found th' Abbey, scouted round a bit an' captured a squirrel, says e' is from the Abbey itself." Fastooth spewed, hoping to get some words of praise from the cat.
Fardan stared disdainfully at the rat officer. He made a small nod and said, "We should get moving then. Where did you encounter the squirrel?" he said, brushing by Fastooth and starting towards the camp.
Rapshade half gasped half squeaked as Bracklew suddenly pushed on him, causing the ferret to slide down a bit through the ropes. Grimacing his embarrassment away, he stretched as far as he could till he had the shard under a footpaw.
"Stupid ice, stupid snow. We didn't have this where I'm from..." Rapshade muttered as he tried to inch the glass towards him.
"I think I've got it. Y' will get me out, savvy? Ach!" His face screwed up in agony. "I--I think I've cut myself! Here, take it an' don't speak a word of this! Agh..."
Groping about wildly in the dark Bracklew managed to find Rapshade's footpaw. Securing the now bloody arrowhead he clutched it between his pinkie and left ring claws sawing away at the ropes that bound them.
"It's all slippery," Bracklew snapped in irritation, the awkward grip he was forced to use wasn't helping matters either. "If I catch your horrible disease from putting my paw in your blood I swear to Martin I'll tear your heart out, wait, hold on I got my other paw out." The ropes snapped and Bracklew wrenched his good paw free, getting the sharp glass in a better hold. A few tense minutes later he had cut himself completely loose and began on Rapshade's bindings.
Careful not to cut the ferret Bracklew slashed away cutting through the last of the ropes just as the arrowhead disintegrated into dust.
"It's not contagious, I inherited it." Rapshade coughed, grinning and shooting up as soon as his ropes fell off. He smirked at Bracklew and nodded once.
"Thanks, I guess. Lead th' way, we'll go regroup."
The smirk only grew wider.
"We're here now," Bracklew insisted gathering up the extra strands of rope and looping them over his shoulder. "And we have no more supplies, it's not like we can find food out here in the winter. We should do what we came here for and then get back to Redwall. Fast."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ere a short ways away from th' Redwall place chief." Fastooth answered as he jogged behind the wildcat to keep up. "In a likkle run down cabin, a ways south n' west o' here. Th' squirrel tried ter fight, an' e' weren't no slouch neither. Tho' Skintail belted 'Im upcross th' skull, laid 'Im out flat 'e did."
Rapshade nodded humbly, allowing Bracklew to pass him with his head down.
"Cert'nly, Sir." The ferret murmured, breaking into a sleazy little grin behind the squirrel's back. Suddenly, he turned and ran in the opposite direction with surprising agility for a wounded ferret with a broken leg. "Hey, somebeast help! Everybeast wake up, your little squirrel's escaping!"
Alfhild grabbed her bow and practically shot out of her tent, crashing into Glaser on the way.
"Who in th' world is yellin'--"
"It's the ferret, Cheif! I guess he's on our side."
"I know that now!" Alfhild snapped, dealing a blow to the rat's head that sent him sprawling into the bushes.
"FARDAN!" She screeched, "We can't have our information-giver free, and I'd sooner turn the snow RED with his blood than have him get back to Redwall safely!"
"Wha," Bracklew spun around confusion evident on his face. That confusion soon changed to anger and he rushed after Rapshade only to find a squad of surprised sentries sprinting past the ferret. Twisting around the young squirrel's eyes widened in panic as bleary faced vermin rushed from every direction trying to figure out what was going on.
Panicking Bracklew threw the rope he had collected into the face of an oncoming stoat he darted away in the only direction he could go. Up. Unfortunately for Bracklew the tree he had Rapshade had been tied too was standing alone in the middle of a small clearing. It wasn't a large plant, but it put him well out of the sentries' reach.
Clinging to the top branches he watched as they milled about pointing up into the dark boughs. Their weapons glinting in the dim moonlight as they surrounded him, blocking off any possible escape rout.
"There 'e went, up in th' tree."
"Somebeast bring a torch, an' get clear fer th' chief you curs!" Roared another voice. The vermin parted to make way for Farden and Alfhild.
The angry screams of his partner brought Fardan into a full on run. He left Fastooth behind and burst out of the forest next to Alfhid. Quickly assesing the situtiation, he turn to Alfhid'. "Which direction?!"
Without waiting for an answer he saw Rapshade pointing to where Bracklew had gone. "Fastooth," he rapped as the captain stumbled into the camp, out of breath. "Get twenty others and follow me." He took off, but it was only a few sprints to the tree. Disappointed at the missed oppurtunity for a chase, he stared up at the squirrel, his yellow eyes boring into Bracklew's. "We'll get you don eventually," he muttered. "Coward."
Rapshade stood back when all the chaos ensued, wheezing and yet laughing hysterically at the same time. As Alfhild walked through the crowd of milling vermin and began to take aim with her bow at where she saw Bracklew through the leafless tree, Vadoma hurried after her.
Roscoe stumbled groggily out of the tent he'd been sharing, not sure what was going on.
"Come down, Squirrel." Alfhild called up into the trees, her voice breaking through the still winter air like a sword shattering a frozen lake. "Come down and I'll make it less painful for you! If you want to fight, then by all means, fight me--but don't stay up in that tree like a wee little coward. I'll shoot you down as if you were a fledgling that hadn't even learned to fly. An arrow through the throat."
Fastooth followed behind Farden huffing and puffing, though his eyes shining in excitement. "Shall I go n' get yer bow sir?" He asked the wildcat grinning up at the cornered squirrel. At the moment he was as high as he could possibly go, his back pressed against the tree's trunk.
"You would fight me!" Bracklew screamed back at Alfhild as the tree was illuminated by the torches of grinning hordebeasts. "With a hundred at your back! And me with no weapons too, I wouldn't expect anything less from vermin like you! It must run in your family to be backstabbers!"
"My family? What do you know about my family?!" Alfhild hissed, glancing behind her at Rapshade, whom Vadoma kept staring at.
He does look a lot like... She shook the thought away and turned her eyes back to Bracklew.
"Hah! A hundred at my back? No, I'm afraid you misunderstood. I'll fight you one-on-one, sword to sword! In fact, you can use my sword, Squirrel. Because I'm that confident!"
Bracklew opened and closed his mouth several times before formulating a eligible answer. Disbelieving, and thinking her offer a trap he threw a couple loose twigs down at her chattering his teeth in anger.
"You think I'm a idiot ferret? The moment I came down you'd have all your horde friends pounce on me. And even if they didn't, and I won, which I would, they'd capture me anyway."
Alfhild danced her way around each of the twigs and grinned snidely at the tree.
"I promise that it's not a trick whatsoever. I'll even tell the horde that if you win, you get to go free. I'm not scared of you, Bracklew. You're just a clueless young coward who doesn't know where to go...but despite it, I can see why you're scared of me."
The ferret's bracelets jingled eerily as she made a quick swiping gesture over her heart as if to prove her honesty.
"Don't trust me?" Said she, walking backwards slowly. She had just put two and two together.
"Long, long ago I made a promise, Bracklew. I promised my dear little nephew that our paths would cross again...and I have kept that promise. Rapshade! My, how you've grown, and you look so much like your father!" She whirled around and pointed at her relative, catching him totally off guard. He nearly choked on his own blood because of the abrupt gasp he made in the midst of his laughter.
"Do you remember, all those years ago, Rapshade, when you were weaker than this squirrel? Yes, weaker than this squirrel. You needed me. Did I not fulfil my promise to you?"
Rapshade looked more pale than he ever had.
Of course he remembered their uncomfortable farewell, and he'd been all too glad to make a snide remark and run off with his friends. But his was his doing, not hers.
But was it fate that had made this happen again?
"I fulfilled it, not y'--we came looking for you. But, Auntie, I would like to see Bracklew whip your tail around a tree."
There was a loud "Ooohhhhh!" and some snickering from the horde vermin.
The underground party began to slowly trudge through the water to the bank. One-Ear clambered out of the stream and untied the rope from around his waist. He peered through a nearby crack in the wall.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I don't like this. That tunnel splits off into at least 6 or so others before y'can even lose visibility. We either have to keep following the river, or try and navigate this place. Any ideas?"
Staring down at them Bracklew slammed his paw against the branches hating everything. He knew escape wasn't an option, and he couldn't let himself be captured again. He knew too much about Redwall's defenses. Death was his only option, but if he could kill Alfhild before the horde tore him apart. Then his death wouldn't be for nothing. Maybe then, he wouldn't be seen as useless by the other abbey beasts.
Had he not come here expecting to die?
"Fine ferret." Bracklew yelled making up his mind. "Once I kill you I get to go free, and this horde leaves Mossflower and never returns. And stick a straight sword into the dirt next to the tree. Sound like a deal?" He didn't trust any of them to uphold their deal, but now Alfhild had to fight him alone, or lose face to her horde. Once she was dead then he would simply have to go down fighting.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"See if'n there be any badger tracks goin' down these tunnels mate." Aver suggested passing over his torch to the fox. "If'n there are, we foller them, easy enough, if no, then we continue down th' river." He looked around and spotted Asher inspecting the muddy tunnel floor.
"Ay mate, find somethin'?"
OOC: Slight PP on Asher, but I figure he's the best tracker among them, and he probably would have seen the tracks first. If you want me to change it I will.
Alfhild gestures for the horde to step back, forming a wide circle around Alfhild, Bracklew, and the tree. Glaser noticed the smug look on Rapshade's face and elbowed him.
"So yer related to the Chief, huh?"
The ferret nodded. "Yes--and I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Alfhild grinned and she handed all her weapons except two to Vadoma, and then beckoned in Bracklew's direction with her paws. "Come on, don't take forever. We don't have all season." She said, sticking a sword in the ground with an easy flick.
"Your mouth is bigger than your brain."
"And your ego is bigger then your brain," muttered Fardan to himself. This fight wasn't going to be interesting in the least, but he stayed to watch.
Maybe the squirrel would have some sort of trick up his sleeve.
OOC: Don't forget Asher.
IC:
Waiting for only a few moments more, Bracklew exhaled and descended the tree headfirst. Stopping only a few lengths from the ground he reached out taking hold of the sword hilt. Tail twitching the squirrel hopped down the rest of the way landing lightly on his hind paws. Raising the blade to eye level he took on a ready stance brow narrowing in concentration.
He was no swords master, but two months of nonstop one on one training went a fair ways. Taking control of his breathing the young warrior readied himself. For death and to kill. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice. This time, he wouldn't hesitate.
Alfhild waited, backing up so she could get a running start.
"Ladies first!" The ferret snickered, whipping out her sword and charging headlong at Bracklew.
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on May 10, 2016, 04:23:48 PM
"See if'n there be any badger tracks goin' down these tunnels mate." Aver suggested passing over his torch to the fox. "If'n there are, we foller them, easy enough, if no, then we continue down th' river." He looked around and spotted Asher inspecting the muddy tunnel floor.
"Ay mate, find somethin'?"
OOC: Slight PP on Asher, but I figure he's the best tracker among them, and he probably would have seen the tracks first. If you want me to change it I will.
OOC: The badger never came down this way, though.
Quote from: Groddil on May 11, 2016, 06:47:47 AM
OOC: The badger never came down this way, though.
OOC: So do they continue along the river?
BIC:
Reacting more then actually fencing his opponent Bracklew backpedaled trying to remember everything the shrew had taught him. Their blades clashed and the young squirrel scrambled away slipping on the snow. He fell, rolling out from under Alfhild before picking himself up, making a cautious cut towards her legs as he did.
The sword barely cut into Alfhild before she jumped to dodge it.
Her paws landed expertly in the snow and she thrust forward with her blade, aiming for Bracklew's side.
The squirrel parried the thrust, almost, the blade sank deep into his lower calf causing tears of pain to well in his eyes. Fighting back the urge to cry out he jerked backward, limping away from Alfhild. Blood seeped out of the wound staining the churned snow red.
Readying his sword Bracklew charged Alfhild, albeit clumsily due to his leg, his wild attack was poorly planned as Alfhild sidestepped sending him crashing to the ground. Bracklew struggled to his footpaws trying to stand on one leg, while keeping his sword in play. Crying tears of frustration he surged forward again only to have his body give out on him. He collapsed, his entire body shivering from cold and fatigue. Bracklew could hear the jeers and whoops from the vermin as valuables changed paws. They had bet on how long he would last.
Screaming he threw a pawful of bloodied snow at Alfhild's eyes and rushed her again, sword pointed at her heart.
Fardan raised his eyebrows. A better fight than he had thought. He pawed the rapier hilt, but continued to just watch.
OOC: Gonna wait for Grodd's response before posting as Asher.
OOC: They can go down the river or through the tunnels, it doesn't bother me. I'm just saying that Asher wouldn't have found any badger tracks, because he went straight out the surface tunnel and destroyed it behind him.
"Aaaaaaaarrgh!" Alfhild snarled, tearing through the air with her own sword as to block the squirrel's blow. There was a loud 'clang!' as metal met metal, causing both swords to vibrate, and the ferret grinned fiendishly. She put all her weight into a thrust that was meant to shove her opponent away and then hopped over to him with the sword raised above her head, the icy blue eyes twinkling dangerously.
Then she slashed downward, cutting through the air as she again aimed for the squirrel's wounded side.
Rapshade found himself grinning and shifting paws excitedly, even betting with the other vermin over who he thought would win.
"Heh heh heh!"
Alfhild's powerful cut forced Bracklew onto one knee, his heart rate was slowing down as his body couldn't account for the blood that was caking on his leg. Dark spots filtered across his vision, distorting the flickering torchlight, making Alfhild's dangerous look seem almost comical. He didn't even feel what should have been horribly painful.
Before the squirrel had time to wonder why he was slaphappy Alfhild's second blow sent his sword easily from his grasp. Bracklew fell backwards a giggle escaping his throat. Total exhaustion enveloped him in its merciful misty black; Bracklew had fainted from blood loss.
The crimson life force flowed with fresh abundance from a new wound on his chest, just above the hip. The bone had stopped Aflhild's sword from piercing any vital organs, but it did very little to protect the veins who now bled openly. The horde sat with hushed breaths, waiting for the squirrel to get back up. When he did not one weasel began cheering, whooping and accepting his winnings from a irritated stoat.
Fardan stepped forward, shoving aside horde members who were in his way. Crouching over the prone squirrel, he examined the wounds. "Believe or not, he's not dead, Alfhid. We can patch him up and find some other use for him," he added. "A bargaining chip, perhaps."
He looked up at the ferret. "You really had to go and cause as much damage as possible?" he said, sounding scandalized, but a faint grin played on his face. "I suppose Vadoma could do something, though."
"Oh, something. Not a lot, though, because I'd rather save our supplies for the horde. Vadoma!" Alfhild snapped, nodding when the fox scurried up.
"Take him to your tent and fix anything on him that could be fatal, but leave the rest alone. Anybeast who doubted me has now seen what I can do, so I don't need to stick around much longer. Come, Rapshade!"
She whirled her cloak and marched off to her tent, leaving Vadoma kneeling over Bracklew and inspecting his wounds.
Rapshade was laughing.
Not in spite of either of them or at the fact that Bracklew had lost, but at the fact that the way he had gone down was comical.
The ferret's mood changed drastically when another bout of coughing took him.
He limped up near where Bracklew lay and stared down at him, eyes cold and emotionless.
"Stupid squirrel. You should've known better."
As Vadoma whirled round to say something, Rapshade sped off after his Aunt.
He had bet well. The rat officer Fastooth thrust his newly acquired dagger into his belt, following Farden to where the squirrel had fallen. Looking from the wildcat to the fox soothsayer he scratched his ear questioningly.
"Erm, any orders sir, mabbe we ought ter get better ropes to tie 'Im up this time?" He asked, then in a different tone. "Are ye gonna question th' tree-mouse chief? Or will Alfhild be doin' that honor?"
"I think I should," said the wildcat. "She'll probably be preoccupied with her nephew."
He watched the stretcher bearers for a few seconds. "Post two guards inside the tent where Vadoma'll be treating him, have them exchange shifts with another pair every hour. And double the guard around the camp," he added.
Asher stood up. "This ground's too muddy for any tracks to be here for a long period of time, or at all, so I don't really have a good idea of where he went... Though we can narrow it down by only searching the tunnels big enough to admit a badger."
OOC-
Sorry for the long post, but here you can get a better taste of Alfhild.
IC-
Hastily, Vadoma grabbed Bracklew by the tail and dragged him to her tent--though her mind was on Rapshade and how he survived. He was kind of like a son to her, after all.
She pulled off some bandages and began applying them to Bracklew's side wound.
"Chief sure made a mess of you."
--
Rapshade stepped inside Alfhild's tent and gingerly plopped down on a mat when she motioned to it. He quickly wiped the snow off his paws and then glanced at her, not sure how to react.
Alfhild seemed to be sizing him up, in envy almost.
"My, you've grown. A failed pirate captain, I heard? Cut down by measly Woodlanders and taken prisoner by a squirrel who's basically still a child?"
She hushed her nephew as he opened his mouth to protest.
"And I assume you gave in and made a perfect little slave to him."
"It wasn't just Bracklew, 't was all of them..." Rapshade murmured, recoiling when his aunt tut-tutted and waved a paw in front of his nose.
"Aah, but you aren't denying it." Alfhild cooed. "And it looks like you let them beat you, too. Mind telling me what you did, you sick little thing? Not that you have a choice." She mused, poking him roughly in a spot that was obviously still wounded from what Mortembell had done to punish him.
Squirming, Rapshade belted out, "I said a few things. I told somebeast to be careful, an'..."
He was interrupted by rude laughter.
"Said a few things, and they weren't even rebellious! You have no spirit, no strength, and most of all, no self worth. Piteous child! Weak child, sick child, unimportant, insignificant, submissive--you are just like your mother!"
OOC: *gathp*
OOC-
Did Groddil vanish?
OOC: Yup. Wasn't here for the past 2 days, and the rest of the week I was too sick to do anything. Still am, but I should be active again soon.
BIC:
One-Ear nodded.
"We search the tunnels, and if that fails, continue along the river. Stick something in the wall and tie one end of the rope onto it. That way, we should be able to get out of here if we lose our way. Like breadcrumbs."
He pulled out his crossbow and fired a bolt into the muddy walls of the cave.
"Walls are pretty soft, so this should hold the rope."
OOC-
Get well sooooon my dear Grododile.
IC-
"My mother!" Rapshade exclaimed, pushing off from the chair to try and lunge at Alfhild, but he missed and went sprawling on the muddy ground because of his weak leg.
The ferret was fuming as his aunt's laughter filled the air.
"And how about that dumb little friend of yours?" She sneered as she walked up to him and yanked him up by the ear. "He isn't dead yet, is he?"
"Fang?" Rapshade coughed, wincing.
"Not at all. Now let me go, or I'll..." He fell back down, coughing and hacking.
My health's failing!
"G-Get Vadoma!"
--
Vadoma had just finished up with Bracklew and was now trying to wake him.
She'd bound his paws to a pole in the middle of the tent so he couldn't try anything funny if he woke up.
"Come on, stupid addlebrain, open your eyes."
OOC: I've been busy. ;)
BIC:
Groaning Bracklew came awake, he stared groggily around the tent unable to focus on anything. A blurry gray muzzle came into his field of view. The squirrel narrowed his eyes, squinting to get a better look at the vixen. Eventually the black fields faded and he was able to see clearly, at least enough to realize who was staring at him.
Bracklew hadn't noticed her before, having been far to focused everybeast else. Recognizing the Vadoma, Bracklew looked away closing his eyes rebelliously.
"You're dead, I know it. You died on the ship..." He pulled on his bindings. "Is the rat still alive too? Jetfur, I killed him, if you're alive he can be. I don't know what to believe, I don't want to believe." He licked his parched lips miserably. "Water, please."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Stepping forward Aver wrapped one end of their extended rope around the crossbow bolt. Jerking on the cord he nodded in satisfaction. "This'll keep 'er in place. Lead on One-ear, les' find us a badger mateys."
OOC-
Vadoma is gray, not orange. ;) Winkwonk.
IC-
"That's what I thought about Rapshade before I saw him today...the whole '"You died on the ship"' thing." Vadoma grunted, getting up and shuffling over to where she had a cup of water that was meant to be for herself. "I took a lifeboat and escaped. Wether Jetfur's dead or not is no concern of mine...Now drink up, and don't tell the Chief I'm letting you have this." She muttered and went to sorting herbs that lay in a stack in the corner.
--
"Oh, Vadoma. You've always needed her, don't you." Alfhild bottom lip quivered in mock-pity.
Rapshade propped himself up with his forepaws, glaring daggers at his aunt. "What...is it with you?" He rasped. "You love me and you hate me. It's...ack!...."
Alfhild laughed and gave him a pitying glance. "I don't love you, I want you. Nobeast ever loved you."
Seething inside when she came closer, Rapshade shot up from the ground and pulled her down with him. "You want me?! Then here! Have me!"
OOC: So she is. :o
IC:
The cool water helped Bracklew recover some of his scattered senses. The squirrel greedily drained the cup wishing there was more. As Vadoma moved away he watched her curiously, even recognizing some of the herbs that she was sorting through.
"Why are you helping me?" He asked after a short pause. "I was sure Alfhild was going to kill me, I expected to die."
~*~*~*~*~*~
It was early morning. Very early, the sun hadn't even risen yet, but Rayne the mouse infirmary keeper was awake. Awake and agitated. Stepping as fast as she could through the halls she reached the Abbot's door. Rayne knew the Abbot had been up late, discuss the horde's looming threat with Charm, and he had only recently gone to bed, all for naught, it was poor luck on his part to be woken up this early.
Rapping hastily on the door, the mouse healer wrapped a brown blanket tighter around her shoulders to keep out the winter chill, bouncing from one cold paw to the other nervously. "Oh please get up Father Abbot, I don't know what to do. Them both missing, the sword left there on the bed. Oh what could have happened?"
"Information." Said Vadoma curtly, heaving out a puff of air that was visible because of the cold.
"And she isn't going to kill you. She's going to trick you into killing yourself. That ferret is the biggest doublecrosser I've ever seen..."
Meanwhile, in her tent, Alfhild sucked in a sharp breath of air and raised her claws to strike Rapshade. He merely held his gaze with a wavering smirk.
"Don't talk to me like I'm useless, Aunt. I can do it right back, I'm good at that."
--
Grant grumpily muttered something before unlocking the door, looking tired and unkempt as he stared down at Rayne.
"Wha...? Who's gone?"
One-Ear nodded making sure the rope attached to his waist was tight. He tossed a rock into the stream and nodded. It was swept downriver, slowly at first, but then shooting off into the darkness shortly thereafter.
"Good thing too. I'd hate to have to keep going that way. I'll lead the way, come on."
The fox started to lead the way down the tunnels.
"She knows I want to die," Bracklew said slowly, considering what Vadoma had said. "If anything she'll keep me alive just to hurt me."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"The ferret Rapshade!" Rayne cried wringing out her paws nervously, "And Bracklew, they weren't in the infirmary, or the cellars. And Martin's sword was lying on Bracklew's bed, I don't know where they could be, and they couldn't have snuck out could they? The Vigil is guarding the walls."
~*~*~*~*~
Following close behind the fox Aver scrutinized the tunnels thoughtfully. His torch cast flickering shadows across their slimy walls, and his footpaws sank into the muddy floor periodically.
"Say mates, 'ow old ye think these 'ere tunnels are?" He spoke up suddenly, "I've nigh heard o' them afore now."
Grant furrowed his brow in confusion. "The ferret and Bracklew? Why in the world would they want to sneak off together?!"
One-Ear shrugged.
"No idea. I had some idea of tunnels beneath the Abbey, but the records said they had been sealed up long ago. M...Mother told me that."
Falling silent, One-Ear continued to trudge through the tunnels.
*****
Closer than the travelers would like to believe, two pairs of prying eyes stared at them from above. A long collapsed tunnel wound its way up to a drop-off in one of the many larger caverns the group walked through. Shrouded in the darkness, the things watched for a moment, then slid back down the tunnel.
"REEEE! GEEEEE! WABBA LABBA NNNNNAMAGA!"
"WABBA LABBA?"
"YON METTA BLOOG!"
"METTA BLOOG!"
The creatures left the tunnel and stumbled into a cave with the consistency of honeycomb. Many tunnels, large and small, branched off deeper into the earth. The things ran towards more of their kind; strange beasts that almost looked mole-ish, but were quite smaller, with paws far too large for a normal mole.
"YON METTA BLOOG!"
The rest of the things snarled and snickered, licking their huge claws. The two newcomers ran towards one creature that was larger than the others; obviously a leader.
"WABBA LABBA! NNNNNAMAGA! YON METTA BLOOG?"
"YON METTA BLOOG. YON METTA BLOOG!"
"YON METTA BLOOG!"
The creatures were working themselves into a frenzy. They danced around waving their claws, some accidentally hitting their own kin. The largest creature dashed back towards the tunnel, where there was a large lump of metal wedged into the rocks. It removed the metal, which had been molded into a paw shape, and slid it over one of its paws. Holding the gauntlet aloft, the thing continued to shout and screech.
"YON METTA BLOOG! WABBA LABBA YAGAMAGAZUGA!"
Echoing the strange shouts, the mob of beasts darted down the tunnel after their leader.
OOC: Huh?
IC:
Shaking her ears Rayne closed her eyes trying to imagine in what situation Bracklew would sneak off with Rapshade. Though she couldn't imagine any, it remained the only likely option. Rapshade wouldn't be able to escape on his own, her own medical assessment confirmed that. A horrible realization hit her, and she gasped, staring horrified at the Abbot. "He might be taking Rapshade off to kill him." It was a horrible thing to consider, but very possible. "We have to stop him Father Abbot, but where could they be?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Pushing his way into Vadoma's tent Fastooth glanced around, from Vadoma to Bracklew a satisfied smirk on his face. Grunting he exited the tent without a word to either of them and marched over to where Farden was waiting.
"Chief, th' prisoner be awake, th' vixen 'as 'Im all patched up fer ye."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I was never much one fer Abbey school meself mate." Aver admitted sweeping his torch back and forth to light their way. Brushing a few damp cobwebs aside as he did. "Tho' I do recall a lesson 'bout some cat castle, an' 'ow it sank unner th' Abby. But twas a castle, not long tunnels like these 'ere. Wot about ye Asher mate? Ever 'eard o' anythin' like this eh?"
Asher shook his head. "Nope. Though it'd sure make a great hideout, if theplace wasn't a wreck."
{*}
"Very well," said the wildcat. He stood up from the fallen tree trunk he had been sitting at, walking over to Vadoma's tent and pushed the flap inside. Wrinkling his nose at the herbal smells, he nodded to the fox. "I assume Alfhid didn't put him too close to Dark Forest, aye?"
"She was too merciful in my opinion." Vadoma grumbled, dusting her paws off.
"What do you want, Fardan?"
Rapshade got off of Alfhild, glaring daggers at her while she did the same right back at him.
"How'd y' come across Mossflower, huh, Aunt?"
"The same way you did."
"By accident..?"
Alfhild shook her head and burst out laughing.
--
Grant's eyes widened, but then he coughed and shook his head.
"I trust Bracklew! You really think he'd drop to the level of 'Come outside so I can kill you'?"
OOC-
Forever alone
"True, it would. Although I think what you already told me about this "Moledeep" place should give us a good enough hideout. They've already proven their strength in open combat. I guess it's time for Guerrilla tactics...What was that?"
"BLOOG!"
One-Ear drew his blade, turning back and forth to try an locate the noise.
"You here that?"
"YON METTA BLOOG! AFAJIKI MANGLA BLOOG!"
"What is going on?"
Suddenly, a wave of the strange creatures poured from a hole in the ceiling. Three of them landed on One-Ear slashing at him with their claws. More descended upon the fox's companions as the leader continued to shriek and point within the hole.
"MANGLA BLOOG! YON CRACKA SKILLI!"
*****
Near Redwall's front gate, the badger emerged from the trees. He shouldered his battleaxe and tried to make his dusty tunic look as respectable as possible. He mumbled to himself as he approached the abbey.
"Managed to deal with the vixen. Still need to get rid of the son. Hmm... If I can get in without him noticing... Just a gamble I'll need to take."
The badger smacked on the door with one of his massive paws.
"Is anyone there?"
Duncan slowly opened the door, sticking his head out.
"Who in th' bally blazes is knockin' this early in the morning?!" As his eyes trailed up, he realized that it was a badger.
A badger?!
Fangfang appeared behind Duncan, standing tip-pawed to see around him.
"Grief, Duncan, not a badger, they make me wanna choke!"
The badger pulled a wide grin and took a short bow.
"Ah, you look like a fighting hare, sir. One that's seen a lot of years, am I right? Where're you from? Salamandastron? The Mountains of the North? Ah, but forgive me, I failed to introduce myself. Lord Seacloak of the Wetlands, at your service."
The first creature to attack Asher landed on the tip of his dirk. Shoving off the body he pushed over to One-Ear, slaying two other of the beasts. "One-Ear, we need to stay together. Where's Aver?"
"Then go inside," Duncan told Fang before glancing up at the badger and chuckling awkwardly.
"Salamandastron indeed, kind sir. I'm Duncan Winterberry and I'm glad to be at your service."
"Thank you, Winterberry. I apologize for my intrusion at this hour, but as it turns out, there is somebeast within these walls I have to speak with urgently. Will you do me this simple service, and allow me inside?"
*****
One-Ear continued to fight off the strange creatures, barely hearing Asher over all the screams. He looked around, but could not see Aver. Most likely surrounded by more of the vile things. He noticed the leader of the beasts crouching in the hole in the roof and grinned.
"Asher! Cut through these things and meet me underneath where the roof splits!"
With his free paw, One-Ear pushed aside another creature and slapped the pouch on his belt roughly. Using his katana to keep the beasts at bay, he fumbled with the strap, opening the pouch. The fox tore out a bolt from the pouch and inserted it quickly onto the crossbow. Holding the crossbow under his arm, he cut through the creatures, aiming to meet up with Asher.
"Heh...it's Duncan." The hare said, chuckling under his breath.
"We're a bit wary lately. Who is it ya have to speak to?"
Seacloak raised an eyebrow.
"Very well...Duncan. I need to speak with a hare, like yourself. When we left the Wetlands, I sent him to the "Vigil" to see if he managed to find my...advisor on their travels. After all, a search is easier with an army, no?"
Duncan raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "A hare? By the ears, mate, as far as I know, I'm the only hare that ballyflippin'lutely lives here. And the Vigil, you say? Well, I, urmh..."
Fang peeked out again, calling to the badger, "We don't like the Vigil here."
"SILENCE, RAT!"
Seacloak composed himself again and turned back to Duncan.
"Why do you let your prisoners roam free like this? And as far as my messages tell me, the Vigil is within your walls."
"Your messages are wrong," said Ava, who had walked up behind Fang. "They don't usually come here, instead they stay in the forest."
/\^/\
Fardan inclined his head at Vadoma. "The prisoner isn't completely useless. I'm sure any information regarding the Abbey or our mysterious assailants earlier would be useful," he said, shifting his yellow gaze towards Bracklew.
OOC: Uh...Does Ava know that the entire Vigil is like 10 metres away from her?
OOC:
(http://gif.co/tOjW.gif)
In all honesty, it seemed as though they were pretending that the Vigil weren't at redwall, at least that's what I got from Ashleg's post. I think we should wait for him...
OOC: It sorta looks like that, but it doesn't really make sense.
BIC:
Seacloak's face shaped into a grin.
"Really? Then who are THEY?"
He pointed to three soldiers, 2 mice and an otter, dressed in Vigil tunics that walked behind the Redwallers.
"They don't look like Abbeydwellers. Armor, swords, Vigil emblem. Let me speak with them."
Ava turned to face the Vigil soldiers, all of whom were a little confused. "Lord Seaclock here wishes to speak to you," grunted the Badgermum, decidedly formal in the face of a visitor, if she could call him that.
The Vigil soldiers slowly made their way to the gate. One of them, the otter, mumbled something.
"Yes Lord...Seacloak? What d'ya want with us?"
"Needle. A hare, one of your number. Find him and bring him here."
"Needle? Y'mean the second-in-command? Never thought 'ee'd know a lord. Yes, sir, we'll bring 'im 'ere."
"Pfft, Seacloak? Did they really just call 'im Seacloak?" Fangfang suppressed a giggle, though he was purposely being loud enough for he badger to hear. "And I thought my name was bad! Somebeast that marches around callin' 'imself Seacloak isn't going to get me to shut up!"
"Fang, shut it." Duncan snapped.
The rat mimicked him under his breath and called out again, "Oh, an' by the way, big guy, I'm nobeast's 'prisoner' an' I'll go where I please. Thank. You!"
"What's with the temper all of the sudden?" Duncan hissed, turning and marching inside, angry that Seacloak saw through him and that Fang was being all snarky.
"Do I have to tell you again, RAT? By the Dark Forest's Gates, if you said that to me at the Wetlands, you'd be thrown to Sheba. Go back to your cell."
Once both of the others had gone back inside, Seacloak strode through the gates towards the Vigil.
OOC: Ashleg, bring on the Needle. :P
OOC-
Yaaaaawwwn.
I wish I'd made my own character as a deputy rather than adopted one out, I'd like him ten times more... ::)
IC-
"I--I'll lock you in a cell, loudmouth!" Fang retorted, yelping when Duncan's paw extended from the door and pulled him inside by the cloak collar.
Needle skirted around the other Vigil members and went to the front, bobbing his head at Seacloak.
OOC: :'( (Also, PPing is about to happen)
BIC:
Seacloak grabbed Needle's paw and motioned towards the gate.
"Don't say a word until we're out of here."
*****
After leading Needle out of the Abbey, Seacloak motioned him to sit on a fallen log in the woods. Sitting across from the hare, he pulled out his blade and idly sharpened it while speaking.
"Okay, report. You've been with the Vigil long enough, even made seconder. What have you learnt. Have you tracked the foxes? Where is the younger one."
"One-Ear thinks a badger killed his mom...did you? He went to look for her. Or you. I'm still a bit cloudy in the head, seeing that the ferret and her horde really did us in..." Needle murmured.
"Yes, the old witch is dead. Two down, one two go. Now all I have to do is get rid of One...Hang on. Did you say a horde? An actual horde? Needle, I have a plan. If we return to the Wetlands, muster the armies. We destroy the horde, and make sure the fox dies in the fighting. Then, the Redwallers will owe us. We can station troops at the Abbey as a sort of "forward operating base. Get up. We're going home."
Seacloak lifted himself from the log and sheathed his axe.
"B-but sir, don't you think that's a bit much?" Needle said, scrambling after Seacloak. "Think of how many of our creatures would die."
"They're a horde, Needle. We have an army. An army they aren't expecting. A well-trained army. Plus, we have Sheba..."
The badger reached the path going south and started walking along it.
"We just have to get home, find food along the way. Then, all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place..."
"Excuse my language, but you're being a bit airheaded on this." Needle muttered as he followed him. "The horde is an army, and a well-trained one."
OOC-
Anybeast heard from LT?
"An army, mayhaps. But no matter how well-trained they are, they're vermin. When push comes to shove, no doubt the leaders will sacrifice the rest to escape. Maybe the survivors will turn on each other, maybe they'll just slay each other at the first shiny trinket. Either way, they are no threat. A few rats and ferrets with rusted cutlasses, dressed in rags. Or an army of hares, badgers, and other woodlanders. With fire-forged steel and armor. Who do you think will win? We may lose some creatures, but in any battle that is unavoidable. Their sacrifices will not be in vain, because when we destroy the horde, Mossflower is ours. We will be able to spot our enemies earlier, get the jump on them."
Seacloak whirled around suddenly, kicking Needle to the ground.
"And don't ever insult me again. You know what'll happen if you do. Sheba always needs new toys to play with..."
Needle lay in a heap on the ground. "Urrgh...yessir."
The hare pulled himself up and dusted his coat off, thinking nasty thoughts.
"...I saw how you handled that rat back there..."
What amI doing? Has being with the Vigil so long made me soft?
"The rat got off easy, Needle. Because as long as he's in that Abbey, I can't touch him. But if he leaves Redwall to fight the horde...He'll meet the same fate as that damned fox."
Needle fiddled with his claws. "Yeah, but you don't need to kill everybeast you don't like, I mean, it's getting out of paw."
"It's not that I don't like him, Needle. Creatures know things. They stick their snouts where they don't belong. Same as the foxes. If word got out that, rather than a horde, three foxes did this to me..."
He motioned to a long scar that stretched down his arm, disappearing underneath his tunic.
"...I'd be a laughing stock. No Lord lets that happen to him, same as no Lord takes insults from a single runty rat. It's about how the kingdom sees you, Needle. It's about never letting anybeast dishonor you and live. It's about making sure your enemies lie in a pool of their own blood, before they stab you in the back."
Needle shook his head and sighed softly. "Stab, stab, stab, blood, blood, blood. That's all I ever hear from you nowadays. Not that it matters, I'm no Lord."
"No, you aren't. How lucky you are. When you're surrounded on all sides by trickery, betrayal, and false friends, there is no middle ground. When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. I've spent my entire life doing this, and even I'm not safe. If I give my enemies a chance to take over, any leverage at all, and you go down with me. They don't know you, Needle. They won't tolerate your insolence, so you'll be joining me with Sheba before the new Lord is even crowned. Now stop whining. We have a long journey."
Needle huffed and quickened up.
OOC: Aaaaaaassssshhhheeeeeeeerrrrrrrr...
BIC:
One-Ear cut down yet another of the strange, mole-like beasts. His eyes scanned the endless wall of vicious creatures, trying to catch a glimpse of Aver, but failed. The fox screamed at Asher over the noise of the creatures.
"Asher! We need to find Aver, get him to watch our backs! Then we pull out our bows and shoot that thing out of the hole. If it isn't the leader, I don't know what is!"
As if it could hear them, the leader of the beasts began to dance wildly on the lip of the hole. It thrust it's metal claws into the wall of the passage and wrenched out a massive rock, almost its own size. It hefted the boulder and threw it into the mass of creatures below.
"YON METTA BLOOG!"
OOC: Aaaaaaavvvvvvvveeeeeeeerrrrrrrr...
OOC-
Again, where's Sandy?
OOC: Should we wait for Sand or just PP Aver...
OOC-
Whatever you want, I'm just worried if Sand's okay.
OOC-
Okay, so since I don't want this to die, you can PP Aver.
Asher was slowly being overwhelmed by their mysterious attackers. He kicked one away, snarling. "One-Ear, I need -"
The rat who was about to leap back upon him, brandishing a javelin, was bowled over by Aver. The brawny otter used his rudder to break another vermin's neck before seizing the spear of another and running a third through. "Ye missed the best part," he yelled to Asher. "There's quite a few o' these vermin!"
Quote from: Sagetip on May 27, 2016, 07:04:54 PM
Asher was slowly being overwhelmed by their mysterious attackers. He kicked one away, snarling. "One-Ear, I need -"
The rat who was about to leap back upon him, brandishing a javelin, was bowled over by Aver. The brawny otter used his rudder to break another vermin's neck before seizing the spear of another and running a third through. "Ye missed the best part," he yelled to Asher. "There's quite a few o' these vermin!"
OOC: Sorry to burst your bubble, Sage, but these guys aren't rats, and none of them have any weapons.
BIC:
One-Ear slashed at another creature, but quickly found himself being surrounded. The fox managed to force through the rest of the things, making his way back to the others.
"Aver! Do you think you can hold these things off long enough for us to shoot that guy?" He yelled over the noise, pointing at the creature in the roof.
"Here, more swords the better."
One-Ear tossed the katana to Aver and pulled out his crossbow. Batting several mole-things over the head with it, the fox lined up a shot with the thing in the roof and fired. Seeing the bolt coming, it easily sidestepped back behind the rock.
"METTA BLOOG CRACKCHA MIIIIII!"
"It's no use. Asher, we'll need to shoot at the same time. Give it nowhere to run."
OOC: M'sorry. :-[ Can we just go back a couple steps to right things bit. I appreciate you guys having so much patience and just sticking things out. Once again I'd like to remind ya'll if I go missing for another week like that again ya'll can Play my characters.
BIC:
Looking up as Farden entered Bracklew stayed quiet eyeing the wildcat suspiciously. He had never seen a cat before, but pictures on Martin's tapestry had given him some impression of what they looked like. But now close up and observing him close up the young squirrel felt some natural instinct of fear twisting at his gut.
It didn't help that his paws were tied to a pole, and he was to tired to move much less run. Swallowing hard he tried to put on a bold front, laying his tufted ears flat against his head.
"Who're you supposed to be?" He asked snidely.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Taken by surprise and forced back away from the others Aver found himself fighting tooth and claw against the sudden swarm of little furred creatures. Unwilling to kill the small beasts, vicious as they were, Aver used his javelin haft and tail to deal out hefty blows sending many a mole-thing spinning through the dark tunnel. Though not aiming to kill, the otter didn't know his own strength when fighting the smaller creatures and left more then one with a broken back or neck.
Using his torch Aver smashed the dying embers into a mole-thing's greasy fur lighting it on fire. Flames flared up blinding Aver and everybeast around him for a few moments before the mole-thing went out. Taking the opportunity Aver smashed his way through the throng of beasts catching sight of Asher.
The brawny otter surged forward sending a mole-thing off of Asher's back. Smashing another with his tail Aver flinched as another bit him on the leg. Barking the otter plunged his javelin point into the mole-thing's stomach in order to free his footpaw.
"Ye missed the best part," He yelled to Asher delivering a haymaker to another foebeast flooring it. "There's quite a few o' these vermin." He grinned in battle excitement clobbering two mole-things between his javelin and torch. "If'n ye 'aven't noticed, they be bloody everywhere."
Looking over at One-ear the big otter nodded, but tossed the sword back. "Aye mate, take all the time ye need. I could use a bit o' exercise. Yeeeehah, Redwaaaaaaall!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You're right of course," Rayne fretted realizing how foolish she must be sounding. "I just panicked Father Abbot, I'm worried about Bracklew. He hasn't been himself lately. And he's been known for making rash decisions on a whim. What should we do?"
OOC: Let me know if I missed anything. Or messed anything up. ;)
Picking at a piece of dirt under his claw, Fardan casually replied to Bracklew. "I'm the second leader of this horde, and I'd consider yourself lucky. I'm not going to cut you up into shreds like Alfhid did."
"Go search for them, me and you, how bout?" Grant asked, closing the door to his room as he stepped out beside Rayne. "We know all too well that Aver isn't here and that the Vigil, Duncan, and Fang couldn't talk sense into anybeast...let alone somebeast like Bracklew."
Just as he said that, both Duncan and Fang rounded the corner into the hall, and the hare seemed to be annoyed with the rat for being so snarky with Seacloak.
"You can't just yell at a bloomin' badger lord, skybrain," Duncan snapped, ushering Fang forward when he halted.
The rat suddenly tore away from Duncan and cleared the distance between him and Grant in less than a second. "Oh Father Abbot!"
"What?"
"There was a--a badger at the gates, and he seemed awful suspicious! An' didya know Rapshade's gone?"
"And Bracklew." Grant said with a glance back at Rayne.
"Drowned by a badger..."
OOC: What? "Drowned by a badger?" Umm...I don't get it :P
BIC: As Aver charged back into the fray, One-Ear tore an arrow from Asher's quiver. Batting at a few stray creatures with his crossbow, he handed the squirrel the arrow.
"Quick, load your bow. Fire on three."
One-Ear raised his crossbow, pointing it at the leader of the beasts.
"One..."
OOC-
Just an expression, Grod. ;)
"No," Bracklew said slowly eyeing the cat untrustingly. "Well what are you going to do to me? Am I just supposed to sit here and be used as a bargaining chip? The Abbot would never open Redwall's gates just for my life you know. I am no use to you cat. Might as well just cut me to shreds and be done with it."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rayne thought for a moment, but was distracted by the arrival of Duncan and Fang. The mouse healer listened in, her large ears twitching in concern. Suddenly her eyes lit up and she turned to face Grant.
"What of Petu?" She suggested. "He knows where Bracklew likes to hide, and he's the only animal that really seems to get to that squirrel. And Ava, she can be heavy pawed but she can always get Bracklew to listen."
A falsely benevolent smile played on Fardan's face. "Yes, I could. However, I really think that you're more valuble then you look. I can tell you won't join us, so let's just do it this way. Tell me everything you know - defenses, numbers, weapons - and I'll let you go free. That be the only time I'd spare you though. If I saw you later on the battlefield.... Bye bye, squirrel.
"What is your name, anyway?"
"Petu and Ava, of course! Ugh, that proves I'm getting old." Grant chuckled, nodding at Rayne.
"What's wrong with the two of us, Father?" Duncan asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I'm Bracklew's best friend's father and, Fang's, as far as I know, the only one Rapshade ever cared about. Surely we can help better?" He glanced at Rayne, twitching his nose.
"And who says anything about Bracklew forcing the ferret?"
Glaring defiantly at Fardan, Bracklew spat out his next words like venom. "Impenetrable, millions, dangerous." He leaned back against the pole tugging on his bindings. "So as you promised let me go now."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"We don't know what's going on," Rayne explained patiently. "But Rapshade and Bracklew are both gone, and Martin's sword was laying on the infirmary bed, and some of the ferret's medicine was missing."
"I doubt that's the truth," said Fardan. "And before you make some comment, don't forget that all I need to do is keep you alive. Don't think that just because I'm not Alfhid means that I won't hurt you. It's all up to you... Are you willing to die for your friends? Either way, they'll all be murdered or enslaved."
"They wouldn't take his medicine, unless..." Grant's eyes widened. "What if they ran off together?"
--
Vadoma watched the back and forth conversation between Fardan and Bracklew with a devious smirk on her face. She got up and scampered out there tent, into the snow.
"That isn't the truth, Fardan, Sir. I fought them and obviously there wasn't even enough of them to make sure I didn't escape." Said the vixen snidely as she passed him.
"I'd much rather die for Redwall," Bracklew responded. "Then live as this pathetic, weak excuse for holder of the sword that I am now. My name is Bracklew, Champion of Redwall, and I know everything about Redwall's defenses." Bracklew's voice grew quieter as he continued, his eyes lowered in shame. "And I will tell you nothing, because whether I should be warrior of Redwall or not, it is my sworn duty to protect the Abbey. So save yourself some time, and do me a favor. Kill me now."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
His chest covered in long scratches Aver battered away at the seemingly endless horde of mole-things. The big otter had broken his javelin, and was now taking swings with both sides of the weapon bowling over two or even three of the creatures at once. Their sharp teeth were beginning to take a toll even on him, and the otter felt himself getting pressed back, no matter how ferociously he smashed heads, paws, and chests.
His voice hoarse from his endless shouting Aver coughed, yelling to the fox and squirrel. "Don't wait! Take the shot we need to stop them, they're too many!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"That's what I was thinking Father," Rayne said rather testily. "But you said Bracklew and Rapshade wouldn't do something like that. Except the missing medicine suggest that is the case."
Grant nodded. "I said that Bracklew wouldn't force Rapshade, and if he tried, the ferret would put up a stink about it...but if they were both willing..."
"This's creepy." Fang muttered, stepping behind Duncan.
Fardan smiled, showing his sharp, pointed teeth. "Excellent! You really are stupid. You know, I think I'll ask Rapshade just how much the Redwallers would want for you... I'm sure he'll provide a better source of information. I'll come back to
you later."
He turned his back on the squirrel and walked out of the tent.
]~[
Asher yelled back to One-Ear. "Alright. I'll shoot left and you shoot right. Aver, just try and keep them away from us for about five seconds... That's all I need to take the shot."
He tightened the bowstring and held the paw to his cheek, sighting the leader...
OOC-
How would Fardan know that Rapshade wants to kill his aunt? As far as I remember, he only told that to Bracklew. Or if he said it aloud, Fardan wasn't there.
OOC: Well, as far as I know it would seem to be a pretty open intent... At least, that Rapshade didn't have any good intentions.
OOC-
He acted neutral while watching the battle and his conversations with Alfhild in the tent are private... Therefore the only ones getting the hint would be Alfhild and maybe Vadoma if he told her in the past.
OOC: I'll edit it.
"Two!"
One-Ear kicked out at yet another Mole-Creature that had gripped the end of his crossbow. The fox pulled another bolt from his pouch and stabbed it into the eye of a beast that was about to jump on Asher.
"THREE!"
The fox and squirrel both loosed their projectiles, sending the sharpened arrows on an upward spiral straight for the hole in the roof. The leader jumped out of the way of the bolt, catching the arrow in its arm. The thing squealed and began to jump around in the hole, swatting at the arrow. When it finally connected with the nuisance buried in its flesh, the leader of the mole-creatures wrenched it free and let loose a strange laughing sound. Then the very edge of the hole, which it was now standing on, gave way. The thing plummeted to the floor, its fall cushioned by the masses of moles. The thing waved it's gauntlet in the air and led the charge towards the three adventurers.
"YON METTA BLOOG! SKILLI BILLI FILLI!"
"Ah, for the love of Hellgates. We need to fall back, get out of this tunnel."
One-Ear snatched his katana from Aver, shouldering the crossbow.
"Come on! This way!"
The fox decapitated a beast, leaping over its corpse into a large tunnel.
Following close behind One-ear Aver sent one last mole-thing to the ground before turning tail and fleeing into the dark tunnel. Twisting his ears to catch the sound of their pursuers Aver cast his gaze about trying to spot the squirrel and fox through the gloom.
"Are ye hurt mates?" He asked as they raced through the tunnels. "If'n ye are ignore it an' keep runnin'. Yon vermin be chasin' like th' devil himself be drivin' em!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So the question," Rayne murmured. "Is where they are, and what they plan on doing? I can't imagine Bracklew would be willing to run away at a time like this, at least not without good reason." The mouse healer glanced at Fang, eyeing the rat incredulously. "Fang do you have any idea why Rapshade might have willingly left with Brack, or what would be able to motivate him to leave the Abbey?"
"Er, er, well...t'be honest, uhm..." Fang fiddled nervously with the hem of his cloak. He wasn't used to being asked things like that. "We all know 'e didn't wanna be here. And Brack didn't seem happy either, but I--I don't know, I don't know..."
One-Ear slammed his katana backwards, slicing a mole-creature in two. He resheathed the blade and put on another burst of speed.
"I'm fine, but we need to get out of here. The river. Follow the rope and get back to the damned river!"
The fox dashed down a smaller tunnel to the right, where the rope was still stuck to the wall.
Splashing into the water Aver flinched as the freezing cold liquid mixed with the blood from his many scratches. Growling he steadied himself halfway out into the stream motioning for the others to stand behind him.
"Th' tunnels might be th' varmints 'ome, but water be mine. Stand b'hind me mates, we'll inch upriver eh." The big otter took a ready stance glaring at the swarm of mole-things that were gathering along the shore.
"Oy, I don' think they like the water," Aver announced after a short while of growling back and forth; none of the mole-things going ventured much farther forward, and simply swiped their claws angrily at the river's edge. "Les 'ope they don' figure out how to throw rocks. Les' get out o' here mates."
OOC: You guys want to skip till One-ear and the two As get out from underground, and when a search party has been formed by the Abbot and Rayne, and Fardan has reached Alfhild's tent to question Rapshade?
OOC: Sounds good.
OOC-
Yeah!
One-Ear rattled off a few crossbow bolts at the mole creatures, which were just now starting to inch along the bank.
"Sounds good. I'll take up the rear."
As the three companions slowly made their way upriver, a few of the beasts had started to attack the rocks with their claws. A few disappeared down one tunnel, only to reappear further upstream in the middle of the cave's roof. The mole creatures were rolling a large rock through the passage, until it teetered menacingly on the lip of the hole. Just as Aver had passed underneath, the boulder fell through the hole. One-Ear kicked Asher forwards and jumped backwards away from the boulder just as it slammed into the river. The fox levered himself up, staring at the boulder, which had completely blocked the passageway, except for a few trickles of water.
"Aver? Asher! Go on ahead. I'll find another...oof!"
One of the mole creatures had thrown another rock, which hit One-Ear on the back of the head. The fox looked around dizzily for a few moments before falling down and being swept away by the current. The mole creatures cheered, withdrawing back into their tunnels.
OOC: Bit of PP-ing there. Also, I'm fine with the timeskip.
OOC-
Whoever wants to start it can...
OOC-
Glances at Farden
Sagetarp, I mean tip, could you start the Timeskip with Farden going in to question Rapp?
Also...check the Front Lawns.
;D
OOC:
(http://gif.co/wEdk.gif)
BIC:
A shadow appeared in the light outside Alfhid's tent, silhouetted against the canvas. "Alfhid? Mind if I come in and ask your.... Nephew some questions? The squirrel won't give me anything, and I thought Rapshade would be more inclined to give me something."
When One-Ear awoke, he was lying on a pile of makeshift bedding. A lit torch had been jammed into the rocks, but other than that, there were no other signs of life. The fox reached for his blade, but it was nowhere to be seen. His crossbow, on the other hand, lay crushed to pieces near the river. He took the bolt from it to use as a shiv and wrenched the torch from the rocks. The river flowed into a small lagoon, which must have been how he had been found, before continuing down the tunnels. The fox raised an eyebrow when he saw a small raft bobbing in the lagoon, the attached rope tied around a large boulder. He was about to clamber through a passageway carved through the rock a little higher than he stood, when a hedgehog sprung out of it, brandishing a large, spiked, club. She threw the club aside and stared at One-Ear.
"Glad yer awake."
"Who are you?"
"Amaline's the name. I recognized the symbol on your tunic. Vigil, right?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"I 'ad a run-in with a bunch of yer friends a couple days ago."
Several minutes later, after introductions had been made, Amaline nodded.
"Mm, well if ya wants t'get back t'the Vigil, there's only two ways outta this cave. Through where I came from, but then ye'd have t'fight yer way through all o' Muddle's worshipers, or down the river. I was savin' the raft t'get me 'n' Narzle out o' here, but I doesn't even know if th'river goes anywhere. 'Sides, I can always build another."
"Thank you, Amaline. Oh, and one more thing. Have you seen my sword?"
"Muddle took it. 'Ee found out about ya somehow, came in 'ere an' took it fer himself. Only reason 'ee didn't cut yer eyes out is 'cause I said it'd be funner if'n ye was awake."
*****
With a sack full of food and water over his shoulder, and a dagger in his paws, One-Ear clung to the raft as it hurtled down the tunnel at breakneck speed. The entire river had turned to rapids, with the occasional waterfall threatening to remove the fox from his little craft. After about an hour of this, the raft shot over a fall into the biggest cave One-Ear had ever seen. It hurtled away from under his feet, sending him plummeting towards the lake below. The sack disappeared into the darkness, but One-Ear made sure to hold the dagger's sheath as tightly as possible. He crashed into the lake, spluttering as he swam towards a large island in the centre of the Grotto. Daylight streamed in from above, illuminating what looked like a colossal boulder in the center of the landmass. One-Ear had just clambered out of the water when he heard what sounded like cheers, followed by a scream as a squirrel hurtled through the hole in the roof of the cave. It struck the ground with a sickening thud, but what followed was the strangest thing. The large rock...moved. It slid across the ground towards the squirrel, until eventually it had covered him completely, muffling his screams. There was a sickening crack as the squirrel stopped screaming. The boulder eventually moved back to its original position, leaving nothing behind but several bloodstains. The voices from above cheered even louder, distinctive cries of "SHEBA!" Another voice shouted over the cheers.
"Oh look! Sheba has ANOTHER friend! How did he get in there? Who cares? SHEBA! KILL THE FOX!"
One-Ear gulped. This was going to be interesting.
OOC:
Quotebut then ye'd have t'fight yer way through all o' Muddle's worshipers, or down the river.
Quotet'fight yer way through all o' Muddle's worshipers,
QuoteMuddle's worshippers
As if it couldn't get worse.
OOC: Oh Sheba, the giant misunderstood animal crushing, boulder? :P What Is going on?
IC:
Exhausted and covered in dust and mud the two survivors slowly scaled the rope onto the Redwall lawns. As he neared the surmount of the rope Aver felt strong paws grab his arms and pull him up onto the grass. A moment later Asher got the same treatment and the two warriors lay puffing hard as the Vigil gathered around them. Charm the young otter warrior was the first to speak kneeling down next to Aver, asking the question he knew was to come.
"Skipper, where's One-ear?"
Groaning Aver sat up shaking his head. "Dead, I'm thinkin', never knew no beast that could'a survive all that fallin' rock. Sorry mate, tis no good, we could'n even get th' body. Wot say ye Asher?"
OOC:
BTW who all is going to be in this search party? I'm thinking Ava and Petu straight off, maybe Duncan and Fang as well?
OOC: Yes, Ava, cause this gives me the perfect chance to do what I've been meaning to do....
OOC: Yes I know, that's totally why I set it up. ;) ;D
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on June 06, 2016, 02:35:26 PM
OOC: Oh Sheba, the giant misunderstood animal crushing, boulder? :P What Is going on?
Oh, she isn't a boulder. You'll see.
IC:
Groaning Aver sat up shaking his head. "Dead, I'm thinkin', never knew no beast that could'a survive all that fallin' rock. Sorry mate, tis no good, we could'n even get th' body. Wot say ye Asher?"
I think you're forgetting something:
Quote"Aver? Asher! Go on ahead. I'll find another...oof!"
OOC: No, if there was just a Cave in and you heard that you'd assume that, that someone just got crushed. If he got cut off in mid sentence.
OOC:
Oh. :P
OOC: Ashleg must be away on vacation in Disneyland so should we put the RP on hold and await his return? Or press on?
OOC: I've got no objections.
OOC: I kind of want to keep going, but it would be nicer to wait for him...
I'll just respond to Sand.
BIC:
"I'm afraid yore right, Aver. We should probably report to Needle, he'll be in command now."
He looked around at the Vigil troops. "Where is Needle?"
OOC: Do you guys want to start planning what happens next? Sage with Ava and Groddil with One-ear? We can talk through PM. I'm also thinking that somewhere along the way Fardan ought to torture Bracklew for information. How do yall want to discuss this stuff, in the OOC thread? Or by PM?
OOC: Unless it concerns serious plot development,s the OOC thread would be the best place.
OOC-
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on June 06, 2016, 02:35:26 PM
OOC:
BTW who all is going to be in this search party? I'm thinking Ava and Petu straight off, maybe Duncan and Fang as well?
Duncan and Fang are coming because I'm not going to let them eat and sleep and cause trouble for the whole roleplay...and...
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on June 07, 2016, 02:21:43 PM
OOC: Ashleg must be away on vacation in Disneyland so should we put the RP on hold and await his return? Or press on?
Next time, yeah, this would be appreciated.
Also.
Quote from: Sagetip on June 09, 2016, 07:34:47 PM
OOC: Unless it concerns serious plot development,s the OOC thread would be the best place.
I agree with this! ;)
IC-
"Give y' what, a couple of candies?" Rapshade sneered, peeking out from Alfhild's tent. "The dreadful one--she's asleep. Ask
me if y' can talk t'
me because Alfhild doesn't speak for me." He snapped, glaring straight up at the wildcat.
"I'm not sleeping!" Yowled Alfhild from inside the tent.
Rapshade shook his head, gesturing behind him. "Must be screaming in her sleep. Does she get nightmares much, Sir? Eheh..."
Alfhild zoomed outside and shoved him out of the tent so that he sprawled facedown in the snow.
"Sarcastic little brat!" She snapped. "What was it, Fardan, you wanted to talk to Rapshade? Go
ahead, by all means...he's yours to interrogate."
Fardan crossed his arms. "Your captured squirrel is tougher than he looks, Alfhild. I was hoping that your nephew would be a more willing source of information. So," he said, switching his view to Rapshade. "How much would the Redwallers pay for the squirrel? He certainly seems special to them, if he's their champion or something."
Spitting out snow, Rapshade hauled himself up and glared hard at Alfhild before turning to Fardan. "They don't have much to pay with," he said, glancing behind him. "And they will most likely come fight t' get him back. So?"
OOC: Careful, the room's getting a bit hot from this sass.
BIC:
"Fine," he replied coolly. "Anything about their defenses I should know about?"
OOC-
It's getting hotter. He's sparking the flame...
Push him back in the snow if you have to, that'll cool things down. :P ;)
IC-
Rapshade shrugged and rolled his eyes back.
"They're all either too young or too old t' fight, so they rely on the Vigil t' do all their nasty work. Unless you're already at their mercy. Then you'd just better watch your tongue or they'll beat ya while you're down..."
Alfhild leaned over and patted his face. "Or you're just weak," she chimed. "I'll..."
"Shut yer trap, loudmouthed Addlebrain! Is that all you have?" Rapshade whirled round to face Fardan again. "And don't think I like you either, cat, because if I had it my way, you'd be taking orders from me and not this snot-nosed old ferret!"
It didn't take long for Rayne to gather everybeast up, and soon a small collection of beasts had gathered beneath Redwall's threshold. The Vigil hadn't been pleased with the idea of Redwallers leaving the Abbey, with a horde camped out in Mossflower somewhere. Even now they tried to dissuade Rayne and the others from leaving.
All in all four animals had volunteered to head out into Mossflower in search of Bracklew and Rapshade. Petu the rabbit, Ava the badger, Duncan the hare, and Fangfang the rat. Having given them a few supplies, weapons of their choice Rayne stepped back to stand by Grant waving to them encouragingly.
"Good luck, bring them back safe."
Petu grinned winking towards the mouse healer, "I know just where Brack might try and go with ol' Rappy. We'll find them easy I'm sure." Petu would be acting as guide, being the most familiar with the local woodlands. Crossing his arms the young rabbit nudged Duncan in the shoulder sidling up to the hare. "I say sah, wouldn't this be like a mission on the jolly Long Patrol? Wot." He said attempting to copy the hare's accent.
OOC:
Groddil will any of the Vigil joining them, or Sage maybe some of Asher's team?
Duncan posed heroically. "You're right, Petu, a jolly mission!" The hare's ear twitched while he grinned. "Well, maybe not jolly. Especially if there turns out to be no fighting at all and we just find the two admiring the snow. Wot!"
Fangfang giggled at hearing that, tilting his head the other way. "Maybe that'll be what happens fer real. I wouldn't mind..."
"If it went my way, I'd be ordering you both around. How can I use the squirrel for leverage? That's what I'd like to know."
"Kill him." Said Rapshade simply, hopping up and around Alfhild with a grin on his face.
"Get rid of the squirrel and Redwall loses its Warrior. He wants me dead, so I can't see why we shouldn't just get rid of him while we have him."
Alfhild opened her mouth to speak, but he wagged a paw in her face and shushed her.
The former captain continued. "I've captured him before and he's been known to escape. Let's not be idiots, just kill the squirrel..."
"I say we use him as a bargaining chip." Alfhild snapped, shoving her nephew out of the way as she paraded up to Fardan, blue eyes flicking back and forth angrily.
"Why listen to Rapshade when we can figure this out ourselves? Rapshade's sick, weak, and deceitful. I can see it in his eyes. How about we take the squirrel, put him in a dangerous position, and when those stupid Woodlanders come looking for him, which I bet ears to tail they will, they'll try to rescue him and an ambush from our side can unfold."
"That's too easy," said Fardan. "They'll be expecting an ambush, although if they're naive enough..."
He contemplated the plan. "I don't know. We'll try the ambush, and if that doesn't work than I can just go and ask them what they want. One thing's for sure - the Redwallers won't leave him to die."
"You should get rid of him now, I'm telling you..!" Rapshade protested, glaring daggers at Fardan.
"You shouldn't take her idea over mine. She's old, and...crazy."
"How you ever made it to be captain of a vessel I'll never know..." said Fardan. "Don't overexert yourself against your aunt, alright? I'll be back."
The wildcat left, heading back towards where Bracklew was.
As soon as Fardan was gone, Alfhild rounded on Rapshade and cuffed him across the face.
"Never insult me again, do you hear me?!" She demanded, kicking his legs.
Rapshade thought nasty things as he dropped into an elegant bow, nodding innocently.
"Of course, Ma'am. I wouldn't dream of being rude t' you..."
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on June 11, 2016, 02:54:58 PM
OOC:
Groddil will any of the Vigil joining them, or Sage maybe some of Asher's team?
OOC: Yeah, Sage's team can. They should do. Charm'll stay there.
OOC: I wasn't planning on it, but sure:
Ashleg, Asher's wondering where Needle is:
OOC: Needle is halfway across Mossflower by now, with Seacloak.
OOC: So much for second in commands.
OOC: If you read the posts, you'd know he's a spy.
OOC-
Read the poooooossts!
OOC: You didn't get my joke, but I HAVE read the posts, for once.
OOC: Is Needle lost in the haystack?
BTW Sage, Fastooth is standing guard outside of Vadoma's tent. And now would be the time for Asher's team to join the search party.
BIC:
Two of Skipper's otters soon had the big gate open and Petu led the way out whistling jauntily. The rabbit seemed to be totally at ease, he believed that Bracklew and the ferret would be wandering around, probably scouting, or discussing battle plans. They'd find them within the day and be back in time for dinner. Putting his paws into his pockets he glanced around trying to think of which way his friend would go.
"I say mates, if I know anything about ol' Bracky, he'll be at that little cabin." He glanced at Ava and smiled brightly. "Don't worry marm, I'm sure he's fine, Brack's a pretty solid squirrel, he'll have kept Rapshade well guarded. Blast, I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up while we're gone looking for him."
Up overhead, far out of sight a single black crow flapped slowly, riding the thermals. His dark eyes focused on the creatures leaving the Abbey hungrily. He had no idea how important this was to the horde leaders, all he knew was that the Krah had ordered him to watch the Abbey, and should any Earthcrawlers leave or enter, the Krah was to know.
Cawing into the morning he flapped off hastily, hoping to catch a few snails on the way.
~*~*~*~*~*~
There was dead silence by the pond as the news of their leader's death sank in. Aver shook his head helping himself to his footpaws, and holding out a paw to help Asher up.
"Sorry mates, there was nothing we could do, e' got trapped behind rocks." Aver said trying to justify the loss to them and himself. He felt torn, having been unable to stay behind and retrieve the body, and it sickened him to think of One-ear trapped somewhere down there, clinging to life, wondering when help would come. Aid that would never come.
OOC: Alright. (although I thought I had him order two other guards? Whatever) I'll edit my post so Fardan goes straight to Bracklew.
BIC:
Asher watched the search party go. "Aver, I'm going with them. Um, Vigil, I guess Charm is in charge now. Listen to her."
Gathering his team, Asher set off behind the Redwall search party. "Wait up for a moment!" he said. "I'm going with you." The rest of the team hurried up behind him.
"Oh, the cabin!" Fangfang said, beginning to run towards it and then stopping to try and look refined. You are an adult.
"Why would they come here, are they crazy? It's really, er, creepy in there."
Petu glanced over at Fang, his ear twitching uncomfortably. "Well I can't say fer certain," The rabbit was about to continue when the four squirrels caught up. Turning and walking backwards he flicked his paw at them. "Say there tree-folk, your welcome to tag along, mind it probably isn't going to be much of anything." He spun around so he was talking to Fang once again.
"As I was a'sayin', me n' Brack fixed it up a bit, he seems a bit attached to the place. Now I can't be certain but I think it has something to do with his late friend Mixy."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A screech rang out and Krah landed in a whirlwind of feathers and snow. The great crow took her time folding her wings before bothering to look upon Alfhild and Rapshade.
"Creeaaah, who this?" She croaked clacking her beak close to Rapshade's ear. "Earthwalker lunch no good, Krah catch some that not sick for horde leader creah?" The big bird's head shook in humor at her own dark joke, then she tilted her face so one large black eye was focused on Alfhild's visage. "Creeh scout come, he say few earthwalkers leave red house creeaah. Krah go? Kill? Feast?"
Duncan's ear twitched and he grabbed Fang by the arm and pulled him away from Petu.
"That's enough of this conversation for now." The hare said flatly, gazing around the area.
"We're almost there."
--
"Rapshade the Swift, Captain of the Shadowcaster. And I eat birds for breakfast." Rapshade said, aiming a light shove at Grah.
He caught Alfhild glaring flames at him from where she was sitting.
She walked up to Grah.
"Kill, feast, tear them limb for limb...I don't care." The Chieftain mused, analyzing each one of her bracelets. Then she got up.
"But I'm coming, too. It's time to let those pathetic Redwallers know that Alfhild's horde can do more than just romp around in a clearing all day."
One-Ear gulped as the boulder started moving towards him. He drew his blade and backed away. Eventually, he found himself pressed up against one of the cavern's walls. The rock continued to move towards him, as he tried edging along the wall. The fox thrusted his makeshift shiv forwards. The "rock" roared with pain, blood pouring from the large hole in its grey flesh. It uncurled into the shape of a truly massive female badger, its fur completely shaved to reveal smooth, grey-painted skin. Sheba screeched in pain again, trying to crush One-Ear under one of her colossal paws. The fox continued to dodge the creature, who showed no sign of slowing up. He dived back into the water as Sheba advanced on him. The huge badger followed him into the water. With no weapons, he wouldn't last long. Then he felt a thin rope slip around his shoulders, strong paws hauling him out of the water. A small section of cave wall was flung aside, a cunning sheet of grey material disguised to look like the surrounding pit. An old sea otter helped the fox into the small cavern in the side of the pit.
"Ye mus' be One-Ear. Come wit' me."
"Wait, why are you helping me?"
"Yer mother's in the caves up ahead. She showed up 'ere too. When you was a baby, Threeclaw saved me from some undesirables when I was travellin', an' I owed 'im a favor ever since."
"Where are we, anyway?"
"The Wetlands. Seacloak's domain. Ye just tussled with Sheba, in the execution pit. Yer lucky t'be alive, mate."
"Seacloak...The badger?"
"Mmm, he's still ruler o' the Wetlands. But some want out. Some wants to throw 'im t'Sheba an' run this place wit' a council of elders an' all that. I couldn't care less, but I thinks ye'll want ta help 'em off Seacloak."
"I need to be back at Redwall. There's a horde."
"An' ye think the guards'll let ye out? Ye stick out here, mate. Everybeast knows Seacloak doesn't let vermin inta the town. Plus, if ya helps the rebels, an' ya succeeds, ye'll have an army t'take with ya."
"Good point, friend."
The two creatures disappeared into the dark tunnels.
OOC: I sense some Martin the Warrior callbacks here...
OOC: Huh? I don't know what you're talking ab...aaaahhh. heh heh. touche.
Asher couldn't help frowning at Petu's statement. "I wouldn't be so sure... There is a horde in the woodlands. If they've been captured then I doubt that we'd have any luck getting them back."
He glanced at Ava, who was scanning the woodlands periodically. Taking her lead, he signaled for Harnam and Brush to enter the treetops and look for any crows or vermin archers.
"Creah, how so?" Grah asked flashing her talons at Rapshade, and glaring at him through one eye, while the other remained on Alfhild. "No fly, Krah fly, earthwalkers slow. Keep up, ha." She ruffled her feathers, clicking her beak in frustration, her brain wasn't prepared for this new brand of thought and it was giving her a headache. Grah didn't need to make plans, that was the earthwalkers task, she could fly and feast and that was what she was good at.
"Graaaah, I no care, creeaah, we fly, run fast Krah show way."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Scoffing at the very idea Petu waved off Asher's concerns, confident in his friend's abilities. "Bracklew captured? Balderdash, he's to clever and quick to be caught by those sticking vermin." Petu stopped walking, peering through the trees and snow. "I say there it is, c'mon you slow pokes, I bet he's inside getting lots o' info out of ol' Rappy."
OOC: I'll send you a PM Sage. ;)
"How so? By killing them, you great feathered bird!" Alfhild sneered.
She grabbed Glaser by the arm as he walked past and whispered into his ear, "Get Fardan and tell him that the crows and I have a little unfinished business with the Redwallers, and that he's more than welcome to join us with whoever wants to come."
--
"Info of what, why Rappy likes purple so much?" Duncan scoffed, though his eyes held a glimmer of amusement as he and Fangfang followed Petu and the others into the cabin.
Fang pushed Petu ahead of him and grinned sheepishly.
"Err, yew seem confident."
Fardan pushed aside the tent flap as he entered. Staring at Bracklew, his eyes flicked down to the squirrel's injured paw. "How'd you break it like that?" he said.
Looking up, startled by Fardan's sudden appearance Bracklew hesitated for a moment, not sure what to say. Pulling up the ropes he stared for a moment at the broken thumb, hanging uselessly, the twisted claws bent and bruised. Looking up he glared at the wildcat, his good paw curling into a fist.
"None of your business I think," He said fiercely. "Why do you want to know? Will that help you conquer Redwall somehow?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Course I am, you ol' ratty, because if he isn't in there, then I'm a rotten egg." Marching up to the door Petu knocked twice, calling out as he did. "Hey Bracky, tis Petu, I'm coming in." He received no answer. Frowning the rabbit pushed the door open, and stepped inside, he was out a moment later looking shocked.
"Blood," he whispered his eyes wide. "There's blood on the floor."
"No, it'd help me figure out how we should become friends," said Fardan sarcastically. He reached out with his own paw to touch Bracklew's, but pulled it back in disgust at the mangled appendage. "Fine. I'm giving you one last chance - tell me everything about the Abbey's inhabitants and its defenses, or suffer the consequences."
"What more could you do to me?" Bracklew snarked pulling back his lips to show his teeth. "Will it be torture? Well I've been whipped before and I lived through it. I don't care what you do, I'll never sell Redwall out, I'd rather die."
"So be it," said Fardan. "We've all suffered through pain, some more than others..."
He swiped out at Bracklew's face, raking his sharp claws across the squirrel's cheek.
The force twisted Bracklew's neck making the squirrel hiss in pain. Five deep scratches crossed his face, blood seeping from the superficial injuries. For a moment he shuddered grinding his teeth until the worst of the pain receded.
"That was what you call a consequence kitty?" He said looking Fardan in the eye. "I guess I don't have much to worry about then."
Without saying a word Fardan put his paw around Bracklew's throat, pushing forward so his claws dug into the wooden pole. "That was just the start, squirrel," he muttered.
Choking Bracklew sucked in breath, the whites of his eyes were beginning to show, and the adolescent squirrel squirmed in Fardan's grip. There was just enough space to breathe, but it was closing fast.
"I didn't think you'd kill me so soon," He gasped out as Fardan's paw tightened around his throat.
"Not yet," said Fardan, releasing Bracklew and turning his back on the squirrel. Suddenly, his rapier was in his paws. The shiny clean blade reflected glimmers of light around the tent as Fardan inspected the edge. "I keep good care of my weapon, as do you, I assume."
He held the blade dangerously close to Bracklew's injured paw, but thought better. Sheathing the blade, he walked out o the tent. A few seconds later he reentered with a different blade held in his hands... the sword Bracklew had dueled Alfhild with. The wildcat played around with it. "Where'd you get it?" he asked.
This time Bracklew's fur bristled and he cursed several times trying spit on the cat. "That was Mixy's, and you don't deserve to put your scummy paws on it vermin!" He yelled still struggling with his bindings.
Teasingly, Fangfang exclaimed, "Yer a rotten egg!", and rushed in to stand beside Petu.
He peered over the rabbit's shoulders, grinning dumbly like he was trying to restrain some sort of laughter from pouring out. The rat had just come up with a joke, and in his mind it was brilliant. "How d'you want to be served, sir, boiled or scrambled? Pfft...Ahaaha!"
Duncan glanced at Ava and shook his head, though a small grin appeared on his face.
He turned to look back at Petu and Fang when the rat had just finished saying what he did and was having a laughing fit.
"It's honestly not that funny...Careful, Fang, you're gonna step in the blood!"
Fangfang yelped and skidded to a halt, glancing down at it.
"Aw, Duncan, that ain't blood. That seems ta me like juice, cloudsferbrains!"
Maybe we shouldn't have brought you. Duncan thought.
Asher knelt down by the pool of dark red liquid. "That's blood alright... An' look. The floor's scuffed up. I'd say there might have been some sort of fight here, at least a creature handling another a little rougher than normal. What d'you say?"
<O>
Fardan smiled devilishly. "Mixy? A friend, I take it. Well, she wouldn't want me messing you up with this, aye?"
He held the sword forth and swung lightly at Bracklew's wrist with the sword.
OOC: Whenever you like. ;)
IC:
Flinching Bracklew pulled back wishing he hadn't said anything. Fury still coiled in him, but he could do nothing except glare and curse which seemed to be what Fardan wanted. Holding back any further spewing of foul language the squirrel contented himself with refusing to look the cat in the eye, though he was unable to keep his jaw or tail from twitching in anger.
"Aye, she wouldn't want to see her sword used by the likes of you." Bracklew growled staring pointedly towards a corner of the tent. "Still, I wont talk, whether you cut me with my own blade or not. Besides Redwall wont fall anyways, you're wasting your time."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I didn't think," Petu stammered, too surprised to defend himself from Fang's teasing. "Do you think it's Brack's, or Rapshades', or some other beasts'?" He asked glancing towards Duncan and then Asher hoping for a professional opinion.
Fardan scowled. "Oh, shut up."
Grasping Bracklew's paw firmly with one hand, he reversed his grip on the blade and plunged it into Bracklew's wrist. Trying to hold back a scream of pain Bracklew's lip bled from biting it. The sound of bone cracking was heard as Fardan pushed the blade all the way through, breathing heavily as the sword dripped blood onto the ground. Bracklew gasped out short breaths, trying not to look at the horrible result of Fardan's merciless attack. Throwing the blade disdainfully at the squirrel's feet Fardan kneed Bracklew in the stomach, adding insult to injury. "Now, before I leave you to bleed out, is there anything you'd like to say?" said Fardan, barely suppressing the giddy happiness in his voice.
<O>
"Could be either," said Asher. "Both of them have injured limbs, it would be easy for the bone to slice through and open a cut. They'd have to exert themselves a lot for that to happen. But it certainly shows that they might've done that."
His whole body shook in horrible spasms, every breath was painful. Tears sprang to his eyes as Bracklew shook his head, unable to speak, his bloodied lip trembling in agonized misery. Blood pumped like a fountain as vital arteries sprayed his life force across the bottom of the tent.
As he shuddered, Fardan's knee digging cruelly into him, Bracklew saw a visage, a mirage of sorts, and a encouraging smile, that displayed kindness as well as sorrow for his pain. New strength and resilience filled Bracklew, and he looked up, his body still shuddering like a leaf.
"G-go, go to hellgates, kitty."
OOC: ::)
BIC: Fardan seethed in anger. "I'll tell those Redwall beasts who came out to find you exactly how you died - and then I'll kill them. I'll kill them all, and when we get into Redwall I'll kill everyone there as well. So I hope you aren't taking too much consolation in your little "Redwall will never fall" dream. You want to die? You'll die..."
He turned and left. Getting his feral instinct under control, the wildcat found Fastooth on guard duty. "Fastooth, find Vadoma and tell her to patch up the squirrel."
OOC: Sand, you can go ahead and put in the detail about the rope. ;)
OOC: Much tropes, much wow. ;D
IC:
"Right away sir, erm." Fastooth stalled, he had heard the cry of anguish within and Fardan's words condemning Bracklew to death. "Are we gonna keep 'Im alive sir? He ain't much use now, if'n he wont talk. Right?"
"If anything, he's bait for the Redwallers... What is it, Glaser?" he said, turning to intercept the messenger.
OOC: Alright coolio, I think we ought to wait for Grodds and Ashes before continuing.
OOC: Sounds good.
"That looks like the blood from a minor scrape," Said Duncan, analyzing the puddle after getting Fang to stop yapping. "I think it's safe to say that nobeast was killed here recently."
--
Glaser saluted smartly. "News from th' crows, Sah! They spotted a group leavin' Redwall earlier t'day an' Chief Alfhild an' them are goin' to go ambush the suckers. Heh, and she said for me to tell you so you could come if ya wanted."
Rapshade's ears pricked in anticipation when he heard Bracklew's scream.
Alfhild glanced at the sky and tapped her footpaws impatiently against the ground. "I don't have all day..." She muttered, not noticing as the other ferret slipped away to follow the sound.
Fardan ignored Rapshade as he slunk past the wildcat. "So, some Redwallers are getting anxious, eh?" he said to Alfhild. "Maybe they'll be more of a challenge..."
"I sure hope so." Alfhild said, clinking her claws together.
"I do love an intense fight."
--
Rapshade crept up to the tent they were holding Bracklew in.
He had mixed feelings about it, but he thought perhaps maybe now was his chance. He could kind of see the shadow of the squirrel through the screen.
"Bracklew, did you just scream?" The ferret paused and slunk inside before anybeast could see him. "I'm not gonna keep you guessing; it's me."
A guttural moan emitted from the tent in answer, Bracklew moved slightly opening his eyes. He had gone through horrible pain before, such as when he had broken his paws to escape the chains of Rapshade's ship. That was nothing compared to this.
The young squirrel stared in horror at what was left of his paw, it was hanging on by a tiny strip of flesh. Bracklew began hyperventilating, he very cautiously moved his paw. That turned out to be a bad plan.
"Aaaaaagh," He reeled back smashing his head against the pole he was tied too, the small bit of fur and skin that held him together broke and his left paw fell from his wrist. He squirmed cussing and crying as blood clotted to his fur.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It didn't take Fastooth long to find the vixen Vadoma. Sneering the big rat walked up to her tapping on her shoulder. "'Ey foxy, th' chief made a mess o' our prisoner." He snapped crossing his paws. "He wants ye to fix 'Im up again."
~*~*~*~*~
"Is there any tracks?" Petu asked standing and walking back out into the snow. The confused mess of prints dismayed the rabbit, but he inspected them anyway. "Hoy, I'm no tracker," He told the others slumping his shoulders in defeat. "I can't make heads nor tails of this mess."
Rolling his eyes mentally, Asher walked by Petu. "Hmm, more scuffling out here. See... here's a group of rat paw prints coming towards the cabin, then walking away... and they were half dragging someone
's the second time. Now if I was a skilled military tracker, which I am, then I'd give a firm stamp of approval to the idea of "they were captured."
<O>
Rubbing his paws together like a little child, Fardan grinned in anticipation. "Excellent! Let's go, we wouldn't want to catch those woodlanders unprepared...."
In the bushes near the cabin, several pairs of eyes watched Asher and Petu. One of them made to throw a spear at them, but was cuffed soundly over the head. One of the vermin pointed energetically at Asher, and the Vigil's symbol on his clothing. The leader nodded, leading them away through the snow.
*****
Grenlik the weasel, back from recent scouting duty, rushed up to Alfhild. He saluted smartly with his spear and made a report.
"Chief, urgent news. There's several woodlanders at th' cabin in the woods, one of 'em's from the band that we attacked some days ago."
From where he was tied up nearby, covered in scratches and bruises, Daxian Claw, the horde's former strategist, spat at Grenlik.
"They're called the Vigil, addlebrain. That squirrel's one o' the top trackers they 'ave. I'll be apples ta acorns 'ee's after th' prisoners ye took, marm."
OOC: They're back.
"Captured? How awful!" Fang cried.
Duncan slapped a paw over his mouth.
"Shh! I feel like we're bein' watched."
--
"I believe the deal was that only Alfhild had control over me, and I already fixed that squirrel up once. Whatever Fardan does to him is none of my concern besides the fact that healing those wounds is a great way to waste the supplies we need for eachother. I'm not helping him again!" Vadoma snapped, gathering a few things up and shoving them in a pack, which she slung around her shoulder.
"I'm off to try to find more resources in this snowy wasteland. Cry out if you need me for a valid reason."
--
Rapshade paled and took a shaky step back, raising trembling paws to cover his mouth.
He'd seen plenty like this before, but when he had he'd been in the spur of the moment and had never completely taken in how absolutely horrifying it was.
He took in a shuddering breath and reluctantly approached the squirrel, thinking, I can't do this. It's too much! Although...if I do do it, he'll owe me...
Rapshade grimaced and knelt down beside the squirrel, trying to shove down the urge to throw up. "Just...breathe. Stop wriggling!" He snapped, untying the red sash from around his waist because it was merely an accessory he didn't need.
"It's already red with the blood of my enemies, a little more shouldn't hurt. Hold your arm still!"
OOC: Alfhild?
OOC-
That moment when you're too concerned with Rappy that you forget about Alfhild.
IC-
"I know, numbskull! We're going there now." Alfhild knocked Grenlik down and paid no attention to Daxian as she strode past.
"Join us if you want to."
"Watched by who?" Petu cried looking around frantically. "Wot if the horde really has Bracklew? They might do something horrible to him, we have to save him." The rabbit looked panicked, and he paced the snow unable to keep still.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Ten of the Krah had gathered around Grah. The big bird was swaggering about impatiently, eager to wet her beak on fresh blood. The rest of her flock were off hunting, or scouting, but the scout had said it was only a small group. These ten would be more then enough.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Bracklew nodded doing his best to keep still. His gaunt chest rose and fell noticeably as he breathed. Grunting he stared Rapshade down, unable to understand why he was helping him.
"W-what's in it for you?" He groaned, fighting back a cry of pain.
"I haven't a bally clue. It's just a feeling..." Duncan said, twitching his paws. Petu was right.
--
"Come on, Grah!" Alfhild called.
--
Rapshade thought about that and came to the conclusion that he was confused as well.
The ferret first tried to soak up the blood and then tore the clean half off and used it to tie around Bracklew's wound. He murmured through gritted teeth. "I don't know. I don't know if anything's in it for me. Maybe I won't be so hated."
Grenlik stabbed his spear into the ground and used it to lever himself up.
"Aye, chief, 'tis been a while since me spear tasted blood. I'll go 'n' organize th'other scouts. If ye wished, we could try 'n' get th' jump on th' woodlanders..."
Daxian continued to wriggle in his ropes.
"Listen t'me, Alfhild. There's no real reason to keep a good strategist such as meself tied up like this. I'd be much more useful to ye elsewhere, UNTIED!"
Grenlik silenced Daxian with a quick spearbutt to the gut.
"D'yer want me t'gut 'im, chief?"
"He didn't call me Chief, so I can't see why not." Alfhild grinned sweetly and patted Daxian on the head. "I never liked the plans he came up with, anyway. Gut him!"
"With please, chief."
The weasel grinned as he severed the ropes with his spear. He prodded Daxian with the sharp point.
"Ye wanted t'be free? Run."
"No...please..."
"Run, ye little worm. Run or ye'll die."
Daxian scrabbled to his feet and backed away from Grenlik. The weasel continued stabbing the spear towards Daxian, shaving off several of the stoat's whiskers. Daxian let out a whimper, turned tail, and ran. He got a few steps before Grenlik through his spear, skewering the stoat through the gut. Daxian half-jogged another two steps and fell flat on his stomach, screaming in pain. He pulled the spear from his back and tried crawling away. When he fell yet again, and Grenlik advanced on him with the spear raised, Daxian rolled under the flap of a nearby tent. A small rat widened his eyes.
"Don't just...sit there, fool. Help me...up. I can make you...rich and...powerful."
The rat nodded, helping Daxian to his feet. The two creatures dashed out of the tent into the snow.
Grenlik noticed the two runaways, and sent two scouts to track them.
"Okay Chief, 'ee'll be dead soon. So, 'bout that ambush..."
"What was that? He'd be dead now if you had just killed him while he was bound!" Alfhild snarled, slapping Grenlik twice across the face.
"I'm never telling you to do something like that again, because you'll most certainly fail. Now let's go, already!"
"G-Gah! Sorry Chief, I don't know what I was thinking. I-I'll leave it ta the experts from now on, as ye wish, Chief!"
The weasel saluted again and trotted off back towards the group of scouts near the cabin, rubbing his cheek.
Marching up with a squadron of spearbeasts Fastooth saluted, swirling his lieutenant's cloak and looking a little irritated. He ambled up to Fardan twirling his thumbs.
"Erm, th' vixen says she won' waste supplies on th' tree-mouse sir." He reported stepping to a rather poor form of attention in front of the wildcat. "But when I check in on em some ferret was helpin' 'Im out, so I'm'a thinkin' he'll live."
"Creeaah, who care?" Grah screeched flapping her wings and preforming a running take off. "Fly, kill, feast, we find red earthcrawlers, creeaah fly!" The crows flapped off in the direction the woodlanders had last been seen leaving the hordebeasts far behind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just outside the cabin Petu stopped pacing, his eyes widening, his ears sticking up straight like twin spear poles.
"I say fellas, I've got a plan." Petu turned his attention on the five warriors of the search party. Asher and his team, along with Duncan. "Say," He started quickly trying to get his entire unformed plan out in a rush. "Say we managed to get loads of this horde angry, an chasing off after us right. Except they'll only be chasing you folks." He gestured towards the five. "Your at home here right, they'll never catch you and you can keep making them mad. Then the rest of us can sneak in, grab Brack, and run for the hills. What do you think?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You kind of ruined that," Bracklew murmured, "When you betrayed me for no good reason." He shifted his footpaws and they lightly touched the sword that Fardan had left... So close to him.
"Not too bad," Asher thought aloud. "Although if Duncan went with the rest in case you need to fight, my team and I could convince the enemy that they're facing more beasts than us four. They'd probably empty out the entire camp if we're lucky. Though we might not want to do it in broad daylight. Duncan?" he said, asking the hare for his opinion.
"So we annoy them until they chase us, that's your plan?" Duncan laughed.
--
"I know." Rapshade chuckled coldly. "It was for a plenty good reason, though, and a reason which I'm not telling you, or anybody else." He shrugged, having finished tying the thing, and backed up to admire his work.
"You know...Bracklew...I think you're better off without that lazy paw hanging on and hurting you all the time. T'was a burden, I'm sure..." The ferret smiled guiltily and fumbled with his paws.
"Um..."
"I don't think you have a better plan," said Asher. "Unless Duncan comes up with something else, I say we go with Petu's plan."
Duncan chuckled. "I'm not saying it's bad, I just don't know how safe it'll be to have a whole horde at our backs. We could try."
"Any good squirrel can outrun and outhide a horde," said Asher, flipping his dirk in his paw. "It's just a matter of keeping them occupied. Don't worry about us, all you need to do is get the others to Bracklew. Ava, if you don't mind staying here in case..."
"Not a problem," said the badger, sitting down on one of the worn stools remaining in the cabin.
OOC: Feel free to thin off some crows.
BIC:
"We've got too try," Petu insisted thumping his hind foot in anticipation. "C'mon lets get started right away, before those vermin come loo- Aaaaaah!" At that moment a small flock of massive, black birds rocketed out of the sky, screeching in bloodlust. They were only four in number and they had potentially overstepped themselves, attacking close to the cabin, and without the support of ground beasts, making them easy targets to an archer. Still they were vicious attackers, launching themselves in unprecedented hunger upon their would be prey.
One snagged Petu's ear forcing the rabbit to the ground. Petu kicked and struggled yelling for help all the while.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Staring at Rapshade incredulously Bracklew shook his head, swallowing back a furious screech of anger. He was better off without his paw, ridiculous, it was like saying one should remove their tail because it serves no purpose. Still he didn't have the energy to throw a fit, and it would get him nowhere.
"I ought to thank you," Bracklew managed, he swayed feeling lightheaded from just speaking. "But I don't I can stomach it, at least not yet." His gaze trailed down to the paw laying a short distance away where it had fallen. Feeling sick Bracklew quickly looked away.
"Could you... I dunno, bury it or something?" He asked awkwardly jerking his head towards the dismembered paw. "Throw it in a fire, anything, just please don't leave it there."
"Not again!"
Asher felt his fur getting tugged at and his bow coming off his shoulders. Lashing out with his dirk the squirrel caught on on the foot. Squawking, the bird lifted off higher as the other assaulted the group. "Get inside the cabin," yelled Asher. "They'll have a harder time getting us in there.
"Um, well...mmh..." Rapshade swallowed back some blood in his throat and chuckled sheepishly, glancing quickly at the paw and back at Bracklew. "Gahhh, y'know, I can't bring myself t' pick that up...but." He noticed Mixy's sword at Bracklew's feet and swept it up, feeling slightly tempted to do something more with it than just move the squirrel's paw--but that is what he did, scrape the thing out of the tent and try not to look at it.
"You owe me!" The ferret gagged, shuddering and waving his paws to ward off that creepy feeling he was getting. "I hope I'll never be able to understand...how you must feel. Aaghh!"
Rapshade let out a long breath and at last pointed the sword at Bracklew.
He grinned mischievously, narrowing his eyes. "If y' want t' owe me more, I'll sever the ropes."
--
"Black turkeys are coming outta the sky! Yaaaaaaahh!" Fang shrieked, racing for cover in the cabin.
Duncan, however, pulled out his sword and slashed at a nearby crow, aiming for the wings.
Grenlik and his scouts had now surrounded the cabin in the woods. The weasel jerked his head towards the squirrel and rabbit floundering with the crows, then the door.
"If we get inside, we can ambush them. Plus, if we hold the structure, they can't run from the crows."
The other vermin nodded, readying their weapons. Grenlik raised his spear and charged, leaping over Petu's prone form and diving into the cabin, followed shortly by the others. In the gloom, Grenlik made out the large shape of Ava and gulped. He backed away, pushing the other scouts in front of him.
"Badger...KILL IT!"
One of the scouts, a rat, swung a large, rusty cutlass at Ava.
Ava thrust forward with her right paw and hit the rat's sword paw, sending his blade into the wall over her head. Neatly disarming the vermin she sent the rat cannoning out through the entrance, onto a ferret's spear. "Come and get me..." she growled.
Grenlik shoved another rat, this time wielding a large sickle, towards Ava. While she was distracted with him, the weasel thrust towards her stomach with his spear.
"Owe you," It took Bracklew only a second to decide. Holding up his paw he nodded hurriedly. "Alright, cut the ropes."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
With a screech the wounded crow fluttered away from Duncan, its wings spurting blood. One of the squirrel's hurled a javelin spearing a third crow through the throat. It fell twitching miserably in heap of crimson and feathers.
Petu's struggles grew fainter as his assailant continued to peck at his head. The rabbit squealed in pain, still shouting for all he was worth. "Don't go inna cabin, they're all over. Run for your life!"
Thrusting his dirk straight through the crow's skull, Asher offered a paw to Petu. "Get up!"
OOC: SAGE! AVA!
OOC: By the way, someone else will do Ava.
BIC:
Twisting aside Ava knocked the legs out from under the rat and toppled him. Dodging the spear thrust she made to elbow Grenlik in the chest.
"Thanks," Petu grunted allowing Asher to pull him to his footpaws. His head was bleeding badly, but it wasn't enough to keep the energetic rabbit off his feet. Scooping up an abandoned dagger Petu took up a fighting stance standing next to the squirrel warrior.
"We gotta get Ava out of the cabin, before we get surrounded." He cried his heart beating rapidly, on the edge of a panic breakdown.. "She'll get killed in there on her own."
OOC: Mkey Dokey. ;)
BIC: Grenlik was knocked back by the sheer force of Ava's arm. He shuffled backwards, behind the last of the scouts, before grabbing his spear and dashing outside. He was greeted with a scene of crows and chaos. A small ferret, thrown from the cabin, landing atop the weasel's spear. Grenlik winced, pulling his weapon from his slain brethren. The badger was too strong a target, but that rabbit looked game. Problem was, he had a squirrel with him. Grenlik pulled a dagger from the slain ferret's belt and rushed towards Fangfang. He thrust the dagger into the golden rat's paws.
"Why're ye runnin', mate? 'Elp me kill the rabbit 'n' treejumper!"
Duncan cut the crow down and ran up to Petu, watching as the vermin rushed in, a ferret and a wildcat in the lead.
"Who should help Ava?" He asked frantically.
Fang was trying to sneak away through the crowd when Grenlik noticed him, quailing in fear as he and glanced down at the weapon in his paws.
"I can't do that, they're so nice!"
--
Rapshade slashed with the sword, slicing through the ropes that bound Bracklew.
They slid down and crumpled on the ground.
Smirking, he tossed the thing at the squirrel and it embedded itself in the dirt twixt his footpaws.
"If y' still want t' kill me, now's your chance. Otherwise, I'll be going...unless you don't want me to?"
"I'll help myself," rumbled the badger, who had punched, bitten and kicked her way out of the shed. Standing next to Duncan she lifted a long sword from a dead stoat and held it firmly. "We need to get an opening so Fangfang and the rest can get through to the camp! Let's see if we can move the fighting into the woods, then we'll have more of an advantage."
Grenlik growled.
"Nice? They're woodlanders. The enemy. If ye don't kill 'em, Alfhild'll gut yer. Unless, yer a deserter...Aye, yer a filthy traitor, aren't ye? I'LL GUT YE INSTEAD!"
The weasel thrust his spear towards Fangfang.
Bracklew quickly claimed the sword grimacing at Rapshade. "I don't want to kill you, but..." Bracklew made a quick slash with the blade leaving a slight gash in Rapshade's cheek. Not dangerous, or even overly painful, but it would sting for a while.
"Don't betray me again ferret," He growled wiping the blade off on the side of Vadoma's tent before thrusting into his belt. "Hopefully I'll never see you again. Oh, if you ever get around to killing your aunt, go ahead and shove a knife in Fardan's back as well." That said Bracklew slipped out of the tent scampering away towards the trees. Dodging around tents, and resting vermin until he had escaped into the camps outskirts. Even that little bit of exertion left him panting. He had lost too much blood; if it came to outpacing anybeast he'd get captured again. Hopefully, for once, he'd get lucky and not run into any patrols.
Fangfang screeched and jumped out of the way, almost slipping on the snow.
Now he was glad Grenlik had given him the dagger, grinning determinedly.
"Hah, I was never on yer side ta begin with! I'm loyal t' Redwall H'Abbey, and always will be!" The rat cried, and in a flash of yellow fur he lunged at Grenlik.
In the back of his mind, Alfhild's name was ringing bells...
Loud, horrible bells.
--
Rapshade gasped and pressed a paw to his cheek, smirking at the squirrel in a way that gave off mixed signals. He walked out after him and gave a sore nod.
"Touché. Looks like you're heading in the direction of the ambush--apparently there's a group there looking for you. Thought you'd like to know." The ferret grinned for less than a second before tearing off in the direction of the horde's pawprints, which still decorated the snow.
"You traitor! You lying, filthy little growth-stunted traitor!"
Grenlik skillfully sidestepped Fangfang's amateurish lunge. He gripped his spear near the tip and swung the tough, wooden handle in the rat's path.
Fangfang doubled over, winded by the blow.
"I don't e'en..know yew."
Grenlik in front of Fangfang, spear poised.
"Ye fool, ya do know me. I'm the beast who's sendin' ye t'Hellgates!"
The weasel thrust his spear forwards towards the rat's chest.
Fangfang yelped in shock and dropped to the ground before Grenlik could do any more harm, not knowing how much longer he could keep this up.
"Who are you?!" He cried.
"Are ye deaf, rat? Me name's Grenlik, but ye can call me death!"
The weasel cackled evilly and thrust his spear downwards.
"Rapshade!" Fang blurted, rolling over at the last minute so the spear narrowly missed him.
"Now I know, yer workin' fer Evil Auntie Alfhild!" Half of him wanted to run screaming outside, but he had no idea where to go.
"Evil Auntie Alfhild? How c'n she be yer aunt, rat?"
Grenlik tossed his spear aside, snatching up the dagger that Fang had dropped. He knelt on the ground beside the rat, dagger inches from Fang's throat.
"Listen t'me. Ye move, an' ye die. We're takin' ye t'Alfhild."
OOC: As I plan out my next posts I hath but a humble question: what time is it in the RP?
OOC-
Night/really early morning when it's still dark out.
IC-
Fang's eyes went wide.
"N-n-no..."
"Y-y-yes. So, 'ere's what we're gonna do. Yer gonna git up. I'mma put me dagger ta yer throat, an' we're gonna walk outta here towards the camp. If any of ya friends try'n save ya, I kills ya. Understand?"
OOC: Why is Grenlik bothering to take prisoners in a fight like this? Alfhild will have his life...
OOC-
Alfhild goes as far back with Fang as she does with Rapshade...
IC-
Fangfang shook his head.
"B-but why?! I didn't do anythin' t'yer!"
"He's right, y' know. Why not ease that dagger away from his throat, Grenlik?" Rapshade snapped, appearing behind the two with a glare in his eyes.
He recognized Alfhild and Duncan in the fray, fighting eachother, and Ava and Petu. None of whom he cared about.
Grenlik pushed the dagger even closer to Fangfang's throat.
"You. 'Ow d'ye know me name, ferret? An' how'd ye escape?"
Grenlik shot a glance outside, to where Alfhild was.
"CHIEF! RAPSHADE'S GOTTEN LOOSE!"
"I will die for him." Rapshade snarled, stalking up to Grenlik and yanking his arm away from Fang's throat. "Alfhild can come and do whatever to me, but be warned. Touch the rat and I'll make your life a living night terror."
Alfhild cut down with her sword across Duncan's chest and scampered forward when she was called, making her way easily to the cabin and up behind Rapshade.
"Grenlik, Hon?"
Grenlik tossed the dagger to his other paw and kicked Rapshade away from him. Once more, the dagger was pushed against Fangfang.
"I caught this rat, marm. 'Ee knows you an' Rapshade some'ow. An' speakin' o' Rapshade, e's gotten loose. D'ye want 'im alive, or should I slit this one's throat."
"That's Fangfang." Alfhild said, grinning coldly as she held Rapshade up by the arms so he couldn't do much but try and fail to wriggle free.
"My, as this ferret's mother called him, 'second nephew'." She murmured, glancing at Fangfang through slitted eyes. "If anybeast was weaker than Rapshade, it was him. He could've passed for a mouse because of how he acted--slit his throat."
"No!" Cried Rapshade and Fang in unison.
OOC-
Your choice, I mean Grenlik's, it will impact the plot either way.
"Ah, Chief, yer too kind, lettin' me make this rat stop 'is whinin'."
Grenlik grinned and gave a slight chuckle, before he flipped the dagger in his paw and plunged it deep into Fangfang's neck. Blood spurted from the wound, covering Grenlik's paw as he ripped the weapon roughly from the rat's flesh.
"Done, Chief. I didn't mess up this time."
"NO!!!" Rapshade shrieked, sounding like he'd been murdered instead of Fangfang.
"...No, no-ohh..."
Alfhild smirked and nodded at Grenlik.
"It always feels good to get rid of the weak, doesn't it? Ah." She purred, shoving Rapshade toward him.
"Guard that ferret, Grenlik. I'm going to go back and make sure we win this little battle."
Grenlik nodded, gripping his spear in one paw and the dagger in the other. He sat on the ground and leaned against The wall.
"I wouldn't try a thing, ferret. Ye raise a claw against me, an' this spear'll end ye the same way the dagger did th' rat."
For good measure, he prodded Fangfang's corpse with the spear.
Alfhild slunk back outside, leaving Rapshade with Grenlik.
The ferret just stood there, wide-eyed and yet tired looking at the same time.
He stepped back and leaned against the wall, staring sadly at Fang.
And he couldn't help but blame himself.
He'd known, all his life, how it felt to lose someone. Losing Fang didn't suddenly make him feel regret for his crimes or any of that, but...simply recreated that thick cloak of bitterness that he'd been trying to get away.
Rapshade eyed Grenlik for a minute and then switched his attention to the fight, which didn't seem like it was going anywhere.
"You'll never know what it feels like to have anything."
Seeing Duncan fall Petu darted forward and dragged the hare out of harms way looking around for some chance of salvation. His eyes landed on two of the squirrels, one was named Brush, he wasn't sure about the other.
"C'mon help me carry him, Duncan's wounded." He called to them, his voice breaking as the awful realization of battle came over him. "We got to get out of here, and back to Redwall fast."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Having made good his escape Bracklew continued to hobble along through the snow covered forest, his breath coming out and misting in the early morning cold. Exhaustion weighed down on him and it was everything he could do to just put one paw in front of the other.
The eternal agonizing pain in his left arm had become more a fact of life, and he bore it stubbornly. It oozed, leaking out of the makeshift bandage, before freezing. Bracklew didn't notice, but his pawsteps were like those of a drunk, and he lurched about fighting just to remain standing.
The sound of battle reached his ears and he stalled, leaning against a tree and listening hard. There was only a few reasons why there would be beasts battling in Mossflower. Shakily drawing his sword Bracklew stumbled towards the sounds, his eyes narrowed to cold slits.
Finishing off a fox, Ava noticed Bracklew edging towards the battle from the forest. Stepping away from the fight she hurried to intercept the injured squirrel. "Bracklew, I thought you were captured? How did you es- what happened to your paw!?" she exclaimed. "Nevermind. The fight's far too dangerous for someone in your state to enter... come with me and we can head back to the Abbey."
<O>
Brush beaconed to Harnam and they both hurried over to Duncan. They took a large plank of wood from the derelict cabin and put the hare on it. Lifting either end they grunted under Duncan's weight. "Let's go," said Asher. "Those vermin will be back with more numbers soon."
As the others started heading away from the battle Asher spotted Ava with Bracklew. "I'll go get Ava," he said to Petu.
"Ugh," Duncan groaned, blinking tiredly at his friends.
"That blinkin' ferret...got me right in the chest. We shouldn't come back." He glanced around, feeling his eyes start to close from blood loss.
"Where's Fang...?"
Grenlik nodded solemnly.
"Yer right, ferret. I won't. I never have, an' I never will. I'm a hordebeast. If I leave, I get hunted down. Even if somethin' happened to the chiefs, th' new chief'd just do th' same. I can't win, mate. I jus' have t'keep killin', or be killed. In th' end, life is jus' a battle. An' you 'n' th' rat were on th' wrong side. Ya know what they says, don't ya? When ye play th' game, ye win...or ye die."
"Fang couldn't even fight." Said Rapshade bluntly, reminding himself over and over that now was not his time and that he'd get his chance for revenge later.
Stealthily, the ferret slunk over and dragged his friend closer to the wall. The ferret's ears twitched but otherwise he didn't look surprised.
He's not cold. Oh my stars, I think that's a pulse.
"Aye, that 'ee couldn't. So, in a way, 'tis his own fault that 'ee died. If 'ee couldn't be bothered ta learn ta defend 'imself, 'ee 'ad no place on this savage world. 'EY! Whaddaya think yer doin'? Stop touchin' th' corpse. Ye'll spoil th' meat fer Grah. An' she don't like it when the meat's spoiled..."
Grenlik cackled, pointing the spear at Rapshade menacingly.
"Oh?" Rapshade glared fire at Grenlik. "Run me through. Alfhild will kill you!" He snapped, then whirled around and tried putting pressure on Fang's wound. He made an effort for it to seem as unintentional as possible.
"Grah could starve for all I care. Savage bird!"
"Who says I have t'kill ye? I couldn't care less 'bout Grah's lunch. But if'n she doesn't get fed, I don't wanna end up bein' 'er next meal. 'Sides, what's ta stop me from maimin' ya like Fardan did ta that squirrel? I'll cut of both yer paws. Then yer footpaws. See 'ow swift ye are then!"
"Again, Alfhild only wants me maimed emotionally." Rapshade spat.
"Understand?"
"Pah! I think th' Chief isn't goin' ta execute me if I takes a claw or two."
Grenlik lunged his spear towards Rapshade's paw.
"I wouldn't mind doing it." Rapshade feinted to the left but instead leapt up and aimed to kick Grenlik in the throat.
Grenlik hurriedly withdrew his spear and plunged it towards Rapshade was feinting. Due to the weapon's length, the handle protected his throat from the ferret's kick. Realizing how dangerous his opponent was, Grenlik dropped the spear and dived onto Fangfang, still,holding the dagger.
"Careful, now. His throat's already cut. I saw ye tryin' ta revive 'im. Won't 'appen. Why don' I jus' completely sever 'is 'ead?"
"Ava," Bracklew whispered glad to see the badger. He thankfully accepted a shoulder to lean on, letting his sword drag in the snow as they fled the scene. "Why, are you out here?" He looked back seeing several squirrels and Petu running in a different direction, carrying Duncan between them.
The horde seemed to have stalled, but were giving chase none the less. "Are they alright?" He asked as the other Redwallers disappeared between the trees.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Alright, be careful." Petu said, he had grown much fonder of the squirrel ever since it was shown that he could fight. And fight well. The rabbit would have preferred him to stick around, as they raced willy nilly through the trees, but one couldn't have everything.
"We need to angle more eastward or we'll miss the Abbey entirely." Petu warned the makeshift stretcher carriers. "I'm going to run ahead and see if I can rally the Vigil and Abbey to come help us." A spear flew past him as he said it, and overhead a squawk could be heard from a pursuing crow.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Flying low Grah and two of her warriors swooped down landing behind Alfhild. The black bird was furious, she had been searching in the wrong direction for some time, and had missed out on a vicious battle. Her veracious temper had been taken out on her cronies, both of whom were now missing feathers.
"Creeaah, earthwalker scum, where they?" She demanded towards Alfhild and Fardan hopping behind them as they ran.
"They're running off, come on, you stupid bird!" Alfhild snapped, shoving her way to the front of the group that was giving chase. The ferret quickly got out her bow and spotted Petu racing ahead, so she took aim at his back.
--
"Sever his head an' I'll sever every part of you before I sever your head. Slowly...silently...Thank y' for being so dumb!" Rapshade grinned, switching places and grabbing Grenlik's spear. He held it off to one side as he analyzed the situation and then took a swing with the handle at Grenlik's head.
"We were out looking for you, and Rapshade," said the badger. "The others are retreating, Duncan's been wounded."
Asher materialized out of the darkness. "Ava, Bracklew, the horde's following us."
Ava nodded. "Let's join with the rest, we can get something better for your paw."
<O>
Partially paying attention to the crow, Fardan peered off into the distance. "I'm going to go cut off the badger."
He disappeared into the night.
Grenlik ducked his head to the side and threw himself backwards against the wall, Fangfang's limp form draped across him.
"Not so fast, ferret. Ye kill me, an' me paw slips."
The weasel dug the dagger further into Fangfang's wound.
"An' if me paw slips...'Ee loses 'is 'ead."
"One of my titles by my old crew was the Upstart Ferret. I'm going to weasel and cheat my way up to an equal rank with Alfhild and then make you wish you were never born." Rapshade hissed, fixing Grenlik with a piercing glare and curling his claws in and out.
"If you kill Fang faster than he's already dying, I'm gonna make you scream for miles--and it's not an idle threat. Fight me, you coward!"
"You? Cheat yer way up ta equal rank wid th' chief? She 'ates yer, ya stupid scum. That won't 'appen afore she's in Hellgates."
The weasel dug the dagger in deeper to Fangfang's throat.
"Why don't ye want me t'do this, anyway? I'm puttin' 'im outta 'is misery."
"You have to stop!" Rapshade whimpered, feeling helpless in the fleeting seconds before he ran up and smacked Grenlik across the face.
"Put him down and fight me, Addlebrain!"
Grenlik winced at the slap.
"Now 'ang on there, Mista Illogical. Not only da ya want 'im ta suffer, ya also wants ta fight me unfairly? 'Ow 'bout this. You got th' spear, an' I only got a dagger. So, I thinks that I should get a shield as well."
Grenlik jumped to his feet, dagger in one paw, and the other tightly gripping Fangfang in front of him.
"Whatcha goin' ta do, ferret? Yew willin' ta go through yer mate ta get ta me?"
OOC-
Grenlik's a stoat, right? If he isn't, I'll edit this.
Also...planned PP. ;)
Edited
IC-
In a flash he was behind Grenlik, knocking the weasel down by hitting him roughly in the back with the spearbutt. "I'm called Swift for a reason, Cloudbrain. I don't have t' go through my friend." Rapshade grinned jeeringly.
The ferret repositioned his weapon so that the spearhead was touching Grenlik's throat. "And you're going t' let go of that dagger if y' haven't already dropped it..."
OOC: Weasel.
Gotcha! ;)
Grenlik, who still had the dagger in his paw, twisted behind his back, nodded.
"Aye. I think I dropped it, "Swifty." Now, will ye move that spear away from me neck? Me paw is stuck..."
In a flash, the weasel's paw shot out from underneath his back, knocking the spear out of the way. The weasel gave a quick roll until he plopped into the snow.
"Everybeast! Kill the ferret!"
Rapshade smirked for a moment before trying to stop Fang's bleeding.
He didn't think he'd be able to.
Roscoe, and a few others who had stayed behind from the chase, glanced around.
"Kill the ferret? What's going on in there?" Roscoe asked, creeping up near Grenlik. "Why would we kill the ferret...?"
Grenlik stood up, dagger drawn.
"Err, ya must've mis'eard me. Had snow in me gob. Don't kill 'im; Take 'im prisoner or th' Chief'll 'ave ALL our 'eads!"
"Right away!" Roscoe smirked, strutting up to the cabin.
Rapshade sneered out the door and prodded Roscoe in the chest.
"You're not taking me prisoner. I'll walk up to Alfhild myself, and then we'll see what she'll do to me. I'm not scared of some silly old lady ferret."
OOC: Sorry Sage I've been busy. :-\
IC:
As Petu fled into the gathering morning light a strange buzzing sound filled his tall ears. Mingling with the shouts of pursuing vermin, and pounding footpaws it was barely distinguishable. For a brief moment the young rabbit considered what it could be; then it hit him.
With a cry he tumbled head over heels smashing into the snow. Adrenaline coursed through his tired body as he furrowed, and he hardly noticed himself regaining his paws mid-tumble and continuing to run. He ran as he had never ran before, and as many beasts say nothing is faster then a hare in a full gallop, but a rabbit is a close second. Before he knew it Petu smashed headlong into the main gates of Redwall, bouncing off to land on the snowy road. The sounds of pursuit were no more, and only the morning birdsong could be heard.
"Oi' who goes there mate." A shrew in a Vigil uniform glared over the wall at Petu, either blind or not caring that he had an arrow sticking out of his back.
"Vermin," Petu gasped pointing over his shoulder.
"We bloody well know mate, we've been trying to warn beasts this whole time. Stupid woodlanders never listen till the trouble is right on them."
"Redwallers, Duncan hurt, we need help." Petu attempted to explain, though he had a hard time as his longs felt like they were about to burst. The shrew's eyes popped wide and he hefted a surprisingly large mace.
"Why didn't ye say so mate?" The shrew hollered, "I'll gather the warriors, oh and come in and get that shaft pulled out, it ain't proper to have those things sticking out willy nilly."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"It's fine for now, I'll live..." Bracklew said shakily, glancing over his shoulder. "We need to get back to Redwall, before they catch up." He searched around trying to spot any vermin through the trees. "Who else came besides Duncan?" He asked suddenly a grateful warmth rising in his chest. One that almost blocked out the pain radiating from his arm, almost.
"Petu, Fangfang, Asher's team..." Ava watched the vermin start to speed up sir advance towards the abbey. "We've got to stay ahead of the horde."
The black squirrel nodded absently. "I'll go on ahead and tell the main group that we're coming. Good luck."
Asher climbed into a tree, and the rustling of leaves faded as he sped off.
Grenlik pulled himself up and snatched a spear from a nearby rat.
"Ye truly are mad. Th' Chief 'ates ye. If ye want ta think ya cin jus' walk up to 'er an' demand power, I don' know 'ow ye survived this long. Idiot. An' ye should be scared. Even if she don' kill yer, Fardan will."
They hurried on as Asher disappeared into the trees, snow crunching underpaw. Bracklew was beginning to feel the stress of rough living. Having not eaten in nearly two days and coupled with the sever blood loss he'd suffered the squirrel was exhausted. He pressed on doggedly, but even single minded determination couldn't support his broken body.
"Ava, Ava I need to sit down." Bracklew said stumbling to a stop. "I need a break, don't worry I'll be fine in a moment."
"At least I can talk right," Rapshade retorted, not taking Grenlik seriously at all.
"Well? Are we going back to camp or not?"
"Alright Bracklew, but if you need me to carry you on my ba-"
A glistening rapier tip emerged from Ava's torso. As the badger's eyes slowly started to cloud over, a low cackle started from behind her. Fardan triumphantly pulled his rapier out from Ava's body and stood victorious over the dead badgermum. "Run, Bracklew! Hide and seek is one of my favorite games..."
"Heh, I don' need ta talk right ta be able ta kill. Yer friend was dumber'n I am, an' look what 'appenned ta him."
The weasel prodded Rapshade with his spear.
"Oh, aye. We'll go back, but ye'll be un'er guard the 'ole walk. An' when we get there, don' expect no favors from me."
"I don't want favors from you; I don't want favors from anybody. Lead the way," Rapshade mused, grinning wickedly as he stepped back to allow Grenlik to pass.
Grenlik prodded Rapshade with his spear once more.
"Filthcoat, lead th' way. Waxnose, Dirtbrain, keep yer blades trained on th' ferret."
Rapshade snickered as he followed them, every couple minutes throwing out a casual insult or something of the sort. "Filthcoat? That's proof right there that my mother loved me, she didn't name me that..."
OOC: Is Fardan not even slightly surprised that Bracklew got free? Actually, he probably predicted it was going to happen. ;D
IC:
He had no strength to run, and fighting certainly wasn't an option. Bracklew watched in shock as Ava fell slain upon the snow. His pulse quickened and by pure instinct he darted up a tree, half drawing his sword. He sat out of the wildcat's reach unwilling to leave Ava laying there, he tried to convince himself she wasn't dead, but in the back of his mind he knew it wasn't true.
"Get away from her!" He screeched doing his best not to faint and fall off the branch. "Get away from her you vermin-cat-filth!" It was difficult to cling on with one paw, and the thin tree shook terribly scattering snow towards the earth. Bracklew dug his claws in, choking back a sob.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Fastooth was caught up in the chase; so caught up in fact that he didn't notice the number of creatures with him dwindling drastically. Most of the vermin, without one of the horde commanders to urge them on had faltered, and wandered away from the action, slowly returning to the camp, or joining Grenlik in guarding his prisoner. Fastooth on the other paw pressed on doggedly, guided by the crows who flew ahead screeching in the excitement of the hunt. As he burst out of a clearing directly behind the stretcher carrier his shout of,
"We got'cha!" Was slightly diminished by the fact that only a single skinny ferret jumped out next too him. Two crows also landed beside them, which included Grah, and while she was a force to be reckoned with, was no match for the shrew led cohort of Vigil and otter crew warriors who burst out from the other side of the clearing brandishing a wide array of weaponry.
For a moment Fastooth waited, expecting the rest of his squadron to join him. The rat's ears drooped when he realized that the hunters had inexplicitly just become the hunted. He grinned cheekily at the squirrel Harnam, dropping his spear.
"Ahem, we uh, we surrender."
"Creeaah no!" Grah screeched rising into the air flapping away into the early morning closely followed by her last remaining crow.
OOC: Groddil I've been controlling the Vigil for a bit, if you don't like that, or want to take them back please do so. ;)
Alfhild had quit chasing a while back, not out of fear or laziness but because she thought she had no need. They were just woodlanders; give them their time to recover and they still wouldn't be as good as her horde.
They had no chance.
She doubled back and returned to the camp, counting deaths on her claws. It seemed like her horde had suffered the lesser of the fatalities; good.
OOC: Um Sage, Grodds?
OOC-
*screams into the void*
I was wondering where they are, too. :3
OPC: Whaddo I do?
OOC-
Bring Grenlik back to the camp. XD
And what does OPC stand for? ???
OOC: I would assume out of player character.
OOC: stinking autocorrect.
BIC:
Grenlik lowered his spear from Rapshade's back as they entered the camp.
"Well, ferret. We're 'ere. Go do yer thing."
Rapshade folded his arms over his chest.
"What thing?" He asked innocently. "Wait 'till my Aunt comes back so she can torment me? But that's her thing."
Rolling Ava's body out of the way with a footpaw, Fardan strolled forward. "To be fair, I warned you this would happen. It was interesting to cut off another beast's limb - I've never done that before. At any rate, this won't be the last of your friends I'll kill. Why don't you just come out now? You must be in a lot of pain... I can put you out of it."
Grenlik shrugged.
"'Tis wot Ye wanted, innit, ye fool? Ye wanted ta speak wit' da Chief, now go 'n' do it!"
Rapshade chuckled and rocked back and forth.
"Oh, but I don't see her. Where is she? The plan was that she would come to me and then we'd talk, birdbrain."
"Well then, 'addlebrain, go check 'er tent then. An' shaddup while ye do it!"
Grenlik struck Rapshade with the handle of his spear.
Rapshade bit down on his tongue to keep from yelping, shooting Grenlik a few hot glares as he backed away and snuck up on Alfhild's tent.
"Aunt..."
"That's Chief to you!"
"Aunt..."
Rapshade glanced over his shoulder to see if Grenlik had followed after him or not. He'd gotten the impression that the weasel wanted to tattle.
"I already asked you to do that," Bracklew whispered, unable to tear his gaze away from Ava's deathly still body. There was no sign of life, and slowly the realization that she was truly gone sank in. "You didn't kill me when I wanted to die... You should have."
Not looking back Bracklew struggled to climb higher into the tree, going from branch to branch in the tightly interwoven forest, back in the direction of Redwall.
Grenlik saluted as he shoved Rapshade forwards.
"Th' ferret wanted ta talk to Ye, Chief."
"Okay, then." Alfhild said, smirking as she leaned on her sword hilt.
Rapshade, who was feeling the medicine start to wear off, tried to focus his eyes on her.
"I just wanted t' tell y' that Grenlik over there did a bad job killing Fang, and when I attacked him, he ran out he cabin and yelled for help. I thought ya didn't like cowards on your team...?"
Only partially able to see Bracklew, Fardan hesitated slightly before following the squirrel. "Alfhild tells me that one of yours is dead," ventured the wildcat. "He was stabbed in the throat."
OOC: Pretending Alfhild told Fardan about Fangfang, hope that's okay.
Seeing the Vigil forces hesitate Fastooth took the opportunity to push the ferret that was with him into their front lines. The rat retreated back into Mossflower, throwing off his weapons to increase his speed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Stubbornly keeping his gaze locked forward Bracklew tried to keep ignore Fardan, trembling in anger and grief. His slow journey through the trees kept him within earshot of the wildcat, and he didn't possess the strength to outrun Fardan.
"He's lying," Bracklew muttered to himself, his ears pinned to his head. Yet even as he said it, horrible thoughts swirled in Bracklew's head. Ava had said Petu and Duncan were out there. What if one of them were now food for the crows, left behind by their friends.
Fardan had found Bracklew. Careful not to give away where he was or his discovery, the cat continued on. "I can tell you that you won't make it out of this fore- OOF!"
Asher swung down from a tree branch and kicked Fardan hard in the back with his footpaws. Quick as a flash he climbed over to Bracklew. "Is the paw okay? He'll be getting up soon..."
"It's cut off, there is no okay at this point." Bracklew said rudely, before shaking his head, angry at himself. "Sorry, I mess everything up, and now Ava's dead because of it." A wave of bitterness washed through the squirrel, wearily he climbed on, running as fast as his broken body could. "She didn't deserve to die, I deserve to die, but she's never done anything wrong. Why'd she have to get punished for my mistakes?"
"That's the way of war," replied Asher. "We'll be able to fix the paw properly when we get back to the Abbey."
OOC: Timeskip to the Abbey?
OOC-
I'm for it.
I'm waiting for Groddil in order to do anything more with Rapshade, so if everyone was at the Abbey I could get in there with Grant and Duncan.
OOC: Alright so for the sake of not letting this RP die, I'm going to PP everyone back to the Abbey, or horde respectively.
BIC:
It was a sorry procession that made its way up to the gates of Redwall Abbey. The morning sunlight seemed to know what had happened, shining red as it rose above the trees. The makeshift stretcher bearing Duncan was hurried inside at the front, and it was the one that Rayne rushed too first. She had been warned that some of the beasts returning would be wounded. The mouse healer immediately set to work with powdered motherwort and bandages.
Still leaning on Asher as they walked inside, Bracklew kept his head down. It was because of him that this tragedy had happened.
~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a furious Fastooth that was marching back to the horde. Alone. On the outskirts of the encampment the enraged rat kicked at the snow stomping down towards the chieftain's tents. He had been abandoned by nearly a hundred hordebeasts, and here they were lazing about licking their wounds. He'd make sure the whips were cracking tonight, if only they had stayed with him he would have slaughtered the little Vigil army that had confronted him. Instead he made a unsavory retreat allowing for their enemy to prepare even further.
Grant ran to meet the returning scouts, his footpaws flying over the ground faster than he ever had in his old age.
"W-what happened to you...?"
Little Max the squirrel appeared behind him and ran up to meet Bracklew, causing Grant's eyes to flicker to the young one's missing paw.
At least he's alive.
--
"Poor Fastooth." Glaser said behind him, sneering a bit as he doubled around the other rat and cut off his path. "What makes ya think either of the chiefs'll want to talk with you?" He began to laugh, until it eventually droned off and he silently turned to look at Alfhild's tent.
"Can't they keep it down? Chief an' her likkle nephew have been fightin' fer hours. Verbally, that is...You're lucky you've missed it!"
Sitting silently by the fringes of the camp, Fardan watched Fastooth enter. Figuring that he failed completely in his task. Put down by the escape of the capture squirrel, Fardan was trading out and wiping plans in the soft dirt. Giving up entirely, he smoothed over the latest one and stood up. "Report; Fastooth," he said, interrupting Glaser.
<O>
"We were attacked," said Asher. "It was, ah, a loss for both sides. Ava's... Dead, Abbot. One of the horde leaders killed her personally. Rapshade's still at the vermin camp."
Looking down at Bracklew, Asher felt a new respect for the squirrel grow within. He'd been through a lot; he certainly wasn't the beast who met him before this all started.
Grant was about to ask where Fang was when Asher said that Ava had been slain.
A spark of anger materialized inside him, but then it simmered down and reverted itself to shock and sadness.
Ava, the Abbey Badgermum, killed by one of the horde leaders!
Little Max tugged on his sleeve. "Abbot, Mista Abbot, wha' does deaded mean?"
Grant found himself grabbing onto the little squirrel's paw, though he kept his eyes on Asher.
"...Awful."
--
Glaser narrowed his eyes at Fardan.
"Excuse me, I think we were talking."
"Excuse me, I'm in charge," growled Fardan. "Finish up your little self pity talk, fast."
<O>
Asher stepped closer to the Abbot. "One-Ear and Needle are gone, so that puts me in charge of the Vigil. I know you haven't approved of us in the past, but it's time to put those differences behind us. We, as a group, need to work together in order to beat the horde. I sincerely hope we can solve this a quickly as possible, but first things first... Are you with me on this decision? To officially go to war?"
"I don' feel lucky Glaser." Fastooth snarled putting his paws on his hips and glaring at the other rodent. "Me n' one other were left to fight all them woodlanders by ourselves ye see. I near got gutted an' tis only pure luck that I got away." Shoving past Glaser Fastooth preformed a weary salute running over the numbers in his mind.
"I tried to count th' bodies on th' way back chief. We lost 'bout fifteen, four crows, n' eleven warriors. I only saw one o' theirs layin' dead, but I'm thinkin' they carried off th' rest." He growled angrily at the unsatisfactory numbers curling his claws into fists. "I caught th' runners, but they was joined by a larger group, an' I was forced to retreat seein' as I was on me own. I jus' don' unnerstand it chief, one moment th' horde was wit' me, th' next I was staring down thirty or so beasts wit' spears aimed at me all on me own. Wot happened?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bracklew slowly unwrapped his paw bandage staring in horrified revulsion of what had become of his damaged paw. "We don't have a choice at this point...?" Bracklew said slowly, unable to look away. "Redwall isn't safe, we need to fight for our survival, they wont stop. There isn't any shortcuts or easy solutions. I tried that, and I lost my paw and Ava..." His voice broke and he gathered his courage looking Grant in the eye.
"I can't do it Father Abbot, it isn't who I am. I'm not a killer... I'm to weak to be champion of Redwall. Someone braver, and stronger needs to take my place."
OOC: Grant's choice will heavily affect Bracklew, whether he gives the position to someone else or leaves it with Brack. The choice of course, is his. ;)
As Asher was finishing his spiel, Charm emerged from the dormitory. She had spent most of the night planning with Gukom, and a little bit of help from Grant. Buckling on her Vigil tunic, the tall ottermaid glared at the squirrel.
"You, in charge? I believe One-Ear left me in charge of the Vigil's operations, until Needle's appointment as Second-in-Command. Now that that hare is gone, we've been running around for too long with our tails between our legs. We haven't stood a chance against the vermin that killed our friends, my brother included. Until One-Ear is found, dead or alive, I'm appointing myself Commander-in-Chief of the Vigil. So, why don't you stand down, Asher. Gather your team, report to the small, wicker wallgate, and await orders."
The otter turned her back to the squirrel, facing Abbot Grant.
"Gukom and I have completed the planning. I believe the best way to accomplish our goal is with One-Ear's original plan, Moledeep. If I can have a squadron of moles to lend a paw, we should be able to take the fight to the horde without Redwall even having to open its gates once."
*****
Having walked for who knows how long, One-Ear had finally followed the otter long enough through the tunnels, where he met up with his mother and a large group of woodlanders. Introductions were made, and the two foxes warmly embraced each other. When all of the outlaws had been acquainted, Mortembell unrolled a map of the Wetlands.
"Okay, listen up. Seacloak isn't here at the moment, meaning his Governor has control of the Wetlands. The palace will be deserted for now, and the Governor's residence is here, near the north wall. One-Ear and I are vermin, so we can't be seen within the city walls. I will stay here with a few creatures to defend our sanctuary. Hido, find One-Ear a suitable disguise and brief him about the Governor's defenses. We'll throw him to Sheba, and when Seacloak gets back home, he can go and join his Governor. Maybe then, you won't have to live in fear."
*****
The mouse called Hido was a master of disguise, and he had managed to disguise One-Ear suitably. A fake rudder had been taped to the fox's back, and his ears and snout were hidden by a large otter mask. Thankfully, his grey fur managed to make him look even less like his true species. The fox shed his Vigil Tunic and donned the rags of the Wetlands Uprising. He made his way back towards Mortembell, buckling a stolen war axe to his belt.
"So, this is where the badger rules?"
"Aye, Seacloak. That's why we're doing this. Once we get rid of his governor, he has no power here any more. He won't be a threat to us anymore, and the Wetlands will be grateful to the Vigil for your help. We can get back to Redwall far quicker."
"Good. There's a horde approaching the Abbey as we speak. I just hope Needle can keep the Vigil in check for long enough."
OOC: Lol Charm and Asher are on opposite ends of the spectrum...
BIC:
Slightly annoyed by Charm's quick takeover of the Vigil, however righteous, Asher left Bracklew with Grant and gathered his team. After marching to the east wall gate he leaned against the stone, waiting for Charm.
<O>
Nodding in understanding, Fardan dismissed Fastooth with a wave of his paw. "Very well."
Silently fuming at the losses, the cat pondered what had happened. Granted, there was a badger present, but fifteen soldiers and four crows was still astronomical compared to the Redwall party.
He'd have to rethink everything.
Bracklew's words hit hard for Grant.
The squirrel was right, they had no choice.
What he continued to say after that, however, was incorrect in the mouse's mind.
"Oh, Bracklew..." The Abbot said, chuckling bitterly. "If you were a killer, I'd have taken that title from you long ago. For you to have gone through so much in such little time and not become heartless proves just how strong you really are." He placed a paw around the younger creature's shoulders, lowering his voice.
"We always see the worst in ourselves, don't we?" He whispered, smirking slightly. "I hope you believe me. I'm being honest when I say that I wouldn't have picked anybeast else."
And...What's her problem?!
Grant narrowed his eyes when he heard Charm completely denounce Asher.
"Charm, Miss, not to be rude or anything, but I'd be sooner to trust Asher with plans regarding my home than you..."
--
"And something's telling me that Fang isn't dead!" Rapshade snapped as he backed out of Alfhild's tent, tripping over Glaser as he stepped out.
"Watch yourself, ya wobble-nosed birdbrain!" The ferret hissed, kicking a rock behind him at his Aunt, who'd chased him out.
"Maybe you should focus on battle plans like Fardan rather than trying to make my life miserable. Sounds like a good idea to me, it's the smart thing, anyway."
OOC:
Quote from: Sagetip on July 11, 2016, 01:01:59 AM
OOC: Lol Charm and Asher are on opposite ends of the spectrum...
Huh?
What does that mean? :p
BIC:
Charm raised an eyebrow.
"Father Abbot, not to be rude or anything, but Asher is a soldier. Tactics to him means whether or not to show himself before shooting a rat in the throat. The issue of trust is completely pointless; we're both with the Vigil, and we ALL have the same goal. To keep this horde away from Redwall. One-Ear left me in charge for a reason. I know tactics, and I know what I'm doing. We have to work TOGETHER if we want to survive."
For a moment Bracklew stayed silent, digesting what Grant had told him. Accepting the Abbot's wisdom he stood, nodding his head to the Abbot.
"Alright," He said slowly his eyes brightening. "I'll keep the sword, though I don't think I deserve it. I'll keep it and fight for Redwall. But I really need Rayne to check my... Paw... And I need sleep, I feel dead on my paws." He staggered off towards the infirmary, when an shrew spotted him and assisted him up the steps.
Breaking away from the group still gathered around the main gate Aver trotted towards the Abbot and Charm, listening in on the conversation. He cut in, his eyes narrowed.
"Miss Charm, ain't it? Listen close now, we do need to work together, aye I agree." The otter stepped up next to Grant his paws crossed. "But workin' together don' mean ye have yerself all th' power. We need an' could use th' counsel o' all beasts, even Asher. I've fought alongside 'Im in th' tunnels. He knows wot he's doin'."
Aver turned back to Grant his eyes downcast. "I did a head count Father Abbot, Fang, n' Ava didn' make it back. Neither did Rappy th' ferret, but I think that was expected. Petu, Duncan, an' Brack are up in th' infirmary with serious wounds. Th' rest were treated easily enough."
"Don' get me wrong, Skip. I'm not denouncing Asher's skill. He's still one of the best soldiers we have. But he isn't a tactician. I'll be putting him in charge of most of the army, but he shouldn't be the one making the plans. He knows fightin', an' fightin's what he'll do."
The otter made to walk off, but stopped, lowering her voice.
"Oh, an' Grant? What a lot of Redwallers don't realize is why the Vigil exists. One-Ear formed us in the first place because he didn't want to see any more of his Redwall friends die. Our whole purpose is to help you, so a lot of us would appreciate not being treated like we are. Look at Damien an' Bracklew. They were at each others throats since they first met, an' look at 'em now. Bracklew lost 'is paw, an' Damien went mad. I'll leave you to business, I need to speak with Asher, so can I please have that mole help? If so, I'll meet them at the pit after I've done this."
Grant was inwardly fuming with himself.
He'd known that Fangfang couldn't fight and that Ava was old. Why did he let them go?
I'm stupid, so stupid! His heart went out to Bracklew because he felt the same way about being Abbot.
"...Yes, Charm, I'll get the moles." He said forcedly.
"I'll join you," Aver decided walking with Charm towards the East wicker gate. "What do you have planed for our moles?" He asked, holding his paws loosely behind his back. The otter felt that he should moderate the operations that the Vigil undertook while in the Abbey. Not because he distrusted them, but because he knew some Redwallers did, if they saw him working alongside the Vigil they might become more open to cooperation.
Something they needed badly.
As they approached Asher the otter chieftain waved, acknowledging his presence. "Hey'a mate, ye feelin' okay after that battle in th' woodlands?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Watching Fardan stalk off Fastooth crossed his arms, spitting in the snow. "We've been shown up twice now by them woodlanders." He commented to Glaser, turning to glare at the other rat. "An' wot we got to show for it? Bloody well nothin' thas' wot."
He motioned for Glaser to follow marching off making his way towards Vadoma's tent. "But I got meself a plan, we'll need to talk wit' th' vixen though."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Preening her feathers with delicate, Grah care watched as Rapshade exited his tent angrily. Cawing she hopped over to him, fixing a beady eye on the ferret.
"Creeaah, Grah find rat stink. Grah feast, earthwalker ferret ratfriend." She croaked flapping her wings. "Creeaah, Grah find rat, no feast. Just find. Krah can. Ferret give earthwalker gift to Krah? Creeeaaah!
Breaking off from a blank stare at the ground, Asher raised his head. "Oh, I'm fine. Are you alright? You just lost two Abbey members."
Charm lowered her voice as they passed a group of Redwallers.
"Nobeast here trusts us, an' I can't fer the life o' mean figure out why. Yet, Redwall is the safest place in all of Mossflower. My plan is to send the moles down the pit, to excavate the collapsed tunnel. If the works, we'll have a tunnel between here and Moledeep. If we block all other tunnels to Moledeep, bar one to the surface, we have a base that is virtually impenetrable. Plus, the quick line to Redwall means the Vigil is never far away from resupply or medical attention. Plus, we no longer have incidents like the Damien-Bracklew one..."
Noticing Asher and his team by the East Wallgate, she walked over.
"What're ye talkin' about, Asher? Who have they lost?"
"Ava and Fang," Aver sighed, bowing his head. "To tell ye th' truth Asher I'm not sure I'll ever be fine again since me pa Skip died. But tis better to grieve in silence, I need to appear brave, or th' others will panic."
Turning back to Charm Aver shook his head.
"I'm not sure that's th' best plan mate. There be thousands o' mad beasts down there, you'll have to commit genocide jus' to get th' moles down there. Me n' Asher c'n say from experience they're fierce varmints. Besides if'n those blighters remain unnerground where they belong n' leave us be, they have a right to live same as us."
OOC: The moledeep tunnel and the river are nowhere near each other. Plus, the river is blocked up now.
"Really, that's how ye see it, eh? I thought we showed them up twice." Glaser said, grinding his footpaws into the snow, though out of anger or nervousness he wasn't sure. "They ran first, didn't they?"
--
Rapshade's eyes flashed.
"A gift?"
Ideas raced through his mind and then he nodded, grinning crookedly.
"You've got yourself a deal, Grah. Better keep your promise."
Just then, Alfhild came running towards them.
"Shady, dear, Roscoe tells me you healed the runaway squirrel? Why?"
OOC: Isn't the collapsed tunnel the one that caved in on One-ear? Even if it isn't they'll still be going down there, and Aver isn't aware of any other collapsed tunnel then the one that supposedly killed One-ear. Actually you should just have Charm explain it in-character.
IC:
"They ran both times idjit." Fastooth growled. "Yet somehow they've been killin' more o' us then we've been killin' o' them. So either they're lucky or better at runnin' then us. I'm willin' to bet both, which is where th' soothsayer comes in." He approached Vadoma's tent and knocked on the entrance pole.
"Oi, anybeast home?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Grah want neck, lace, Grah see it." The big bird withdrew from Rapshade her large talons digging into the dirt. "Earthwalker rat find. Krah bring. Ferret give purple neck, lace creeaah. Look good on Grah. No give? Creeeaaah, Grah feast rat stink." Flapping her wings Grah soared off in the morning sky followed by two other crows.
Rapshade opened his mouth to protest, but by the time he found any words she was already gone.
How does she even know about my necklace? I never wear it, it's been in my pocket this whole time!
He spun around and chucked a snowball at Alfhild.
"Because. Leave me alone."
--
"Oh poo, I didn't know anybeast they killed on our side." Glaser sneered, starting past Alfhild and Rapshade after Fastooth left.
"We need a younger leader, eh?"
--
Vadoma's ears flicked up.
"That depends, who's asking?" She called.
Charm shook her head.
"I know that, Aver. I went down there earlier with a few others, and the river that leads to those...whatever they ares, is completely blocked off. The tunnel I speak of is nowhere near the river, and has just been filled with rocks. It shouldn't take the moles long to excavate it, and they'll be well guarded throughout. Anyway, we found Mortembell's satchel down in the pit, and her journal explained it quite well."
Asher crossed his arms. "Her journal? Did she know much about Moledeep, or was it just speculation?"
He thought for a second. "'Cause I remember enough to know that when the wildcats were in charge of Mossflower, Moledeep was still inhabited. But that was countless seasons ago. How could she 'ave gotten ahold of anything reliable?
Charm held out a small, leatherbound book, which she handed to Gukom, in exchange for two scrolls.
"It's mainly filled with commentary on the actual knowledge the Abbey has of the place, which is buried somewhere in the gatehouse. What it did talk about was that there was supposedly a tunnel straight from Moledeep to a place called Kotir, the site of which Redwall now stands on. Gukom told me that this tunnel was how you got here in the first place, but a badger ended up destroying the entrance. That's why I'm having a squadron of moles dig it out. Anyway, Asher, I've been meaning to give you these."
The otter handed the two scrolls to the squirrel. One was a map of nearby Mossflower, with several markings on it. The other was heavily bound and stamped with the Vigil's seal.
"Your orders are on that scroll. Get your team and go over them. Oh, and one more thing. Due to One-Ear's disappearance, I'm appointing you as Champion of Mossflower and Vigil Second. You're the best warrior we have at the moment, so go show those vermin why. Unless there were further questions, you're dismissed."
OOC: I'll send you the mission orders. :p
"Fastooth," Fastooth answered glaring at the ground. "Will yer let me in, or will we have to shout at each other? I gotta ask ye somethin' important."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"I was never one for Abbey school," Aver admitted twirling his javelin in speculation. "So I'll take ye and Mortembell's word for it Charm. I'll go see if'n Grant's rounded up some o' our mole volunteers."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It didn't take long for the crows to find the battlefield. They landed amongst the fallen, feasting on mammal and crow alike with little regard. Grah however was more interested in finding a particular creature. Turning over Fangfang's body she clicked her beak close to his ear.
"Creeaah, fresh rat, Krah feast." Screeched a crow behind her. Grah bowled the other bird over shaking her head.
"Krah no eat. Grah get earthwalker gift. Bring back yellow rat earthwalker. Breathe life." There were a few mutinous squawks however Grah overruled their grumblings with a few swift pecks. Two of the black birds grabbed up Fang in their talons bearing him aloft while Grah watched carefully. She had a new favorite color, and ever since she had been watching Rapshade she had wanted that purple necklace. She of course had only seen the tiniest glimpse, but it had been enough to focus her entire being.
OOC:
I know it's slight PP on my part, but I figured that the only way Grah would save Fangfang would be because she was motivated. And I didn't want Fang to die just yet. :P
OOC: Gathp.
BIC:
Grinning as he read the contents of the scroll, Asher looked up at Charm. "Great, I'll leave right away."
He tossed the scroll to his squad. "And, uh, good luck with Moledeep."
Unlocking the wallgate, he led his team out into the woodlands.
OOC: Is Aver coming with them, or going with Charm?
OOC-
I was going to bring Fang back and say Chrysanthe stumbled upon the area, but I guess this'll have to do now.
Just know that Grah ain't getting the shinies over Rapshade's dead body.
IC-
"Well, what is it?" Vadoma asked, sticking her snout outside of the tent.
"Come in quick, you're letting all the warm air out."
--
Rapshade stole a double take at Alfhild as Glaser passed.
"...Did y' hear that?" He whispered.
Alfhild clinked her claws together. "Hear what?"
"What that rat said. He said 'e wants a younger leader, and I don't think he's talkin' about Fardan being old. How 'bout you beat 'im up, huh? You're the mighty Alfhild. Surely you won't let that kind of comment pass..?" Rapshade mused, winking cleverly at her.
What the older ferret did not understand was that this was the first step of her nephew's scheme, so she raised a paw in the air and yelled out.
"Glaser!"
OOC: Aver's not a part of the mission orders, but I don't know what you mean by "Going with Charm." She's not going anywhere. :p
Also, Vadoma's going to have her work cut out for her if she wants to save Fangfang. The poor rat's had a cut jugular for hours, so I'm pretty sure he'd be technically classified as "dead."
BIC:
Charm nodded.
"Good luck with the mission."
The ottermaid locked the wallgate securely and motioned towards the pit.
"No need, they'll be here soon enough. Although, I don't think yer lawn'll be the same again, not with that giant hole in the ground. We're already setting up some ways of keeping the dibbuns out, though."
She pointed to several teams of Vigil soldiers, each carrying a large log through the Abbey's main gate.
"We've got rope and one of yer old 'n' thick tables ta make a pulley of sorts, an' create a lift into and outta the pit. We're bringin' in more logs ta make a barrier around the pit so th' little un's don't fall in. Once the moles manage ta open the tunnel, we'll start moving most of the Vigil through to Moledeep and secure the other entrances."
The otter noticed a group of moles coming out of the Abbey towards them.
"And here are our friends now..."
Drubble Cellarmole had elected to be among the crew, and he shook paws with Charm.
"Burr, zurr h'Abott told oi that you'm wuzz wantin' us'n's, marm. Point oi to 'ee job, burr aye!"
"We need a collapsed tunnel excavated, down in the pit. Gukom should be able to tell you where it is."
Drubble tugged his snout respectfully.
"Us'n's'll get roight on it, marm. Nobeast c'n dig an 'ole like a mole!"
Drubble and the other moles followed Gukom to the makeshift lift at the pits edge. They all crowded onto it, some muttering about heights, as Charm began letting the thick rope slowly down. The lift began its descent, soon thumping to ground. The moles hastily hopped off, following Gukom towards the collapsed tunnel.
"Okay, now all we have ta do is sit an' wait. They'll 'ave the tunnel excavated in no time."
OOC-
You just hate him, don't you? ;D
We can make it work by saying it was a sloppy cut that didn't get center.
'T'was part of the plan goin' on in my mind... ;)
OOC: Ok, Marvel.
OOC-
Quote from: Sagetip on July 15, 2016, 01:39:27 AM
OOC: Ok, Marvel.
(http://lkrsocialmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/image014.jpg)
OOC: Just a reference.
OOC-
But I don't get it. XD
OOC: Marvel's infamous reluctance to kill off major heroes. Or heroes at all.
Mod: There is an OOC thread for this. Please keep OOC chatter to the bare minimum in RP threads. It breaks the flow and disappoints those looking for new story updates.
OOC: Didn't think there was a lot of viewer traffic through here.
BIC:
"Alfhild's top strategist, eh? Priority target, then."
"Very much so," replied Asher. They were at a weapons stash, filling up on arrows. Brush sling his quiver back over his shoulder. "Shouldn't be too hard."
"Clear," remarked Harnam, brushing off a leaf as he climbed down a tree. "The forest is totally abandoned. Vermin are holed up in their camp. We should still keep and eye out for crows."
"Good. Let's go," said Asher. The four continued on towards Daxian's camp.
Quote from: Ashleg on July 15, 2016, 01:34:29 AM
OOC-
You just hate him, don't you? ;D Noooo...I was just saying how severe his injury was. :P
We can make it work by saying it was a sloppy cut that didn't get center. Ahh, that could work.
'T'was part of the plan goin' on in my mind... ;)
@Sagetip: Neither did I. The only people other than the participants who I've ever seen view it are James (hmm...) and the occasional guest.
BIC:
Meanwhile, in the lone vermin camp, Daxian's new ally returned with two slain woodpigeons, which he threw on the fire.
"Err, so boss, 'ow're we gonna get dem riches an' power yew said about?"
"Cause, fool, when I'm fit ta actually move wiffout 'urtin' meself, I'm gonna sneak inta Alfhild's camp. Then, I'll play a little game, an' Fardan'll be th' only leader left. Then, ya creeps inta 'is tent an' slits 'is throat. We'll be th' leaders then."
The rat grabbed one bird off the fire and tossed it to Daxian, who began tearing into it with gusto.
"Mmm, forgot 'ow good birds tasted. I reckon if I was tied up any longer, I'd 'ave probly bit th' leg off one o' Grah's crows just ta get a feed."
The rat shrugged, chewing his own meal.
"Well, when we're da chiefs, we'll 'ave whatever we wants ta eat."
"True, very true. Mmf, *crunch*!"
Unbeknownst to the two vermin, any plan they had was about to be shattered...
OOC-
/me stares suspiciously at James.
...Well, excuse this post, then...
Groddodile, you should have Stumbly come so we can do some Dibbun mischief.
Because I'm a veery bored pine marten.
Back at Redwall, two dibbuns sat under a table, giggling. Their latest mischief had succeeded, and they had successfully raided the kitchens. Stumbly the mousebabe burped loudly, shoving the last piece of a small woodland trifle into her mouth.
"Errr mazz, no waa eee food doo?"
Max, the squirrel, had no idea what the mousebabe was talking about. Stumbly swallowed the large piece of trifle and washed her throat down with strawberry cordial.
"I wuv corjul! Err, umm, oh dat's wight! Dere's a big hole in da gwound outside, we shudd go an' play in it!"
The mousebabe jumped to her feet, slamming into the the underside of the table.
"Owwwwww...'Urry up, Maxy! Come on!"
"Heheheee, o-kay!" Maxy hiccuped, a bit dazed from drinking too much cordial in too little time.
The pale squirrel giggled as he chased after Stumbly, occasionally tripping over his own tunic as he tramped.
"How dooyah know about da big ole hole inna yard?" He whispered.
Stumbly stopped at the door out of great hall. Several Vigil soldiers had barricaded in slightly from the outside, just enough to prevent any dibbuns from getting out.
"'Cause it's hooj, ya idjit. I saw it out da window. I fink it's nearly as big as da pond! Fink ov 'ow long it would take da eldas ta find us in dere!"
The mousebabe kicked the large door, which hardly budged. The mousebabe skipped backwards nursing her toe.
"Owowow! Da door won't open...I know! Remember 'ow we raided da kitchen? Dere's a likkle window in dere, we can climb out!"
"I'm a squirrel! I can climb soooooo long!" Max declared, rushing back in the direction of the kitchens, this time leaving Stumbly in the dust.
"C'mon, c'mon, huwwy, we gotta get there fast!"
"Brush, take the rat with me. Harnam, get your blade to Daxian. Applelad, cover us."
The two archers stretched back their bows while Harnam moved behind Daxian. "Go!" shouted Asher. The rat toppled with two arrows in his skull as Harnam dropped and placed his sword edge on Daxian's throat. "You're coming with us..."
Stumbly dashed after Max, joining him in the kitchen.
"Good fing da Fire don' 'ave anyfing ta cook until water. Dere's nobeast 'ere! Dere! Climb up dere!"
The mousebabe pointed to where several sacks of flour had been stacked, forming a primitive staircase onto the benchtop, the tiny window just above it.
"Climb up dere, den help me up!"
*****
Daxian dropped the woodpigeon in shock.
"Well, thanks a lot, all of ye. Ruined all me plans ta kill Alfhild, ye have. How'm I supposed to recover without that idiot to fetch food for me? An' what do ye want me ta do, hop after ya? What did I do to ya, anyway?"
"You existed," muttered Harnam. Brush tossed the sword wielding squirrel a rope. "Secure him," said Asher. "The camp isn't far from here."
Harnam took his sword and sheathed it, before starting on tying Daxian.
OOC: Feel free to try an escape attempt.
OOC: I'll do that later.
BIC:
"Existed? 'Ey, that's not fair...Camp? Of course, those tunics. You're with the fox, aren't ya? There I was, standing around doin' nothin', when 'ee comes an' takes me prisoner. Yer boss is the reason I lost me position an' got this spearwound. Tell me, has 'ee died yet? I 'ope not. I want ta kill 'im meself."
Asher and the others exchanged looks. "He's not going to speak to you," said Asher decisively. Harnam pulled the ropes tight. Daxian was restrained well, and the group started through the forest.
Maxy took no time in scrambling up the pile of flour stacks.
When he got to the top of the tower, it swayed a little bit under his weight.
He steadied himself, hopped onto the windowsill, and reached out a paw for Stumbly to grab.
"C'mon!"
--
"Y-yes, Chief!" Glaser stammered, throwing his paw up in a salute.
Alfhild moved around him, but before she could say anything, Rapshade cut in.
"I'll punish him, if y' want." The ferret said with a smirk. "Anything for my dear old Aunt..."
Daxian bared his fangs, hopping after the squirrels.
"Ah, so 'ee 'is dead. What a shame. Tell me, 'ow did it 'appen? Did 'ee scream like a babe? An' what did ye do ta stop it? Were ya cowerin' in th' dirt as 'is organs were torn out?"
*****
Stumbly hauled herself up the sack stack, with some assistance from Maxy. Soon, she stood on the windowsill with him.
"Woo, I fawt it wudd be 'igher dan dis. Yew first!"
The mousebabe kicked Max off the sill, before leaping off after him.
"Yahoooo-uck!"
The mousebabe hauled herself upright, spitting out dirt.
"Come on, Maxy. Dere's da hole, down dere!"
Asher didn't turn around. "You'll be the one screaming like a babe if you don't shut up. Brush go ahead and check..."
The tracker nodded and dashed ahead to scout the empty Vigil camp.
OOC-
Groooodddddiiiilll! :'(
Mate, nnnoooo, please edit that. He's supposed to rank up, I think I've said that before (and if Alfhild does it now, after being warned so explicitly, that'd make her seem like a buffoon and it just won't be good.) :P
Uhhhhhnnnnmhhh.
Sorry. It's just...mate.
IC-
Max screeched and before he knew it, he was face first in the dirt.
"S-Stumbly..." When the squirrel's vision cleared, he fluffed out his fur and got up, racing after her.
"Where?"
Fastoot quickly pushed his way inside the tent, rubbing his paws together to warm them. Grinning at Vadoma he laid one paw on his sword, just in case.
"Wot kind o' poisons ye got in here?" He began, cutting right to the point. "An' wot kind can ye make? I need dangerous ones, poisons that kill slowly, but are incurable. Ye got that kind o' thing in 'ere?"
Vadoma blinked calmly down at him as she thought that over.
"...I could make any kind of poison, really. But why? What for?"
"Wot I need it for don' matter. I figure ye can probably guess wot I'm goin' to use it for anyhow." Fastooth snarled, looking around the tent for the dangerous poisons he sought. "I jus' need it, an yer gonna get it, an' make it for me vixen."
Vadoma curled her lip.
"I'm not doing anything until you tell me what you're going to do with it. If you try and poison either leader and fail, which I'd bet you will, we both get killed."
Stumbling pointed ahead, where on side of the massive hole could just be seen around the wall of the Abbey.
"Wight dere, Maxy! Come on, huwwy up!"
*****
In the wetlands, One-Ear led the ragtag bunch of misfits that formed the militia through the underground tunnel, following the directions given by Mortembell. Eventually, the passage came to an end, light seeping through from a crack in the roof above. The fox and one of the otters reached upwards, shoving a large crate of linen out of the way. The rebels, numbering five, re-disguised the tunnel and strode towards the door of the storage room. They emerged into a deserted bunkhouse for offduty guards, uniforms strung up on one wall. The fox and his allies all donned the uniforms, before walking out into the settlement. A large, dirt path weaved between several primitive dwellings, branching off to link up with the numerous grandstands surrounding Sheba's pit, and finally stopping at one of the heavy oaken gates set into the large, stone wall surrounding the city. One side of town was dominated by a huge stone fortress, rivalling Redwall in size, while most of the land within, and outside of, the walls was squelchy, sodden mud. The poorer dwellings sat on stilts, while the public buildings, and more important homes, were constructed on the firm, rocky ground around the Pit. One of the two squirrels in One-Ear's group pointed to a huge, wooden shack wedged between the outer wall and the castle.
"That's it, One-Ear. The Governor's residence. I'll go first, double check he's home. If 'we is, we'll act like we're the relief guard."
The squirrel straightened his sword belt and strode off towards the Governor's residence.
OOC: Gonna respond with Daxian, or should I go to the camp first?
OOC: whoops. :P
Eh, she'll be right, mate. It can wait until the camp.
Asher pushed Daxian into the clearing of the abandoned Vigil camp. A thought occurred to him. "Damien?" He said, wondering if the wounded squirrel was awake. Or alive.
OOC: Damien's not there. He was moved to Redwall with the Vigil, so he's probably muttering to himself in a cage just inside the wall or something. Actually, let's say this his cage got moved into the pit.
(Which pit? The Redwall one or the Wetlands one) :P
OOC: ...
Sure.
BIC: Asher unlocked the empty cage and shoved Daxian inside. "Enjoy your stay," he said. "Let's go," he said to the others. The started towards the forest without a backwards glance.
OOC: Don't forget to leave one of Ashers team behind. Maybe one you wouldn't mind if they... Met an unfortunate end? O:-)
OOC: Great minds think alike, I was going to kill one of them earlier.
BIC: Brush stayed behind. "I'll make sure he doesn't escape, Asher."
He returned to the cage door, not talking to Daxian at all.
"I'm comin', I'm comin'!" Maxy gathered up his tunic and sprinted after her, coming to a halt at the edge of the hole.
"Should we go inna side?"
Dacian rattled the bars at the top of the pit.
"Ey, bustail! Why're Ye holdin' me 'ere?"
*****
Stumble took a step backwards.
"Too deep, we be deaded. Wot 'bout dat ding over dere?"
The mouse babe pointed to the lift.
Brush stared at Daxian. "Why? Because you're one of our enemy. Why shouldn't we imprison you? Now, shut up. We'll be moving you soon."
"I'm not yer enemy. I'm not even with Alfhild no more! If anythin', I want 'er 'ead on a pike!"
"Yeah? You'd like the same of us, I'm sure. Now, shut up. O I'll make you."
Daxian growled, before setting his teeth to the ropes that bound his paws. The foolish squirrels had forgotten to search him for weapons, so if he could get his paws free, the rat's dagger, now in Daxian's tunic, would be an effective way of escaping."
OOC: Is he trying to be noticed? It's an open air cage/pit, not to hard for Brush to find out...
OOC: Brush isn't looking. Besides, it's not so hard to either hide in a corner, lying down to cover his paws, or just taking a quick chew, then stopping to avoid suspicion.
OOC: K.
BIC:
Asher and the two others were let in to Redwall through the main gates. He quickly spotted Charm and hurried over. "Charm, we've captured Daxian and left him at the old Vigil camp, guarded by one of my team. What's the progress on Moledeep?"
Charm nodded at the molecrew, who were steadily digging out the tunnel.
"Excellent. They should have the tunnel opened before nightfall. Then we can send them, and some others, into Moledeep to light torches, collapse a few other entrances, and move the prisoners. When we're ready to have Daxian transferred, I'll send some easy out to help...Brush with it. The rest of you, take a break and report to me when you're ready for another task."
OOC: Daxian escapes, then a timeskip until, say, after lunch? Asher and his team can get their next mission then.
OOC: If Ash and Sand are cool with that.
BIC:
It took some effort, but Daxian had finally torn through enough rope to slip his paws out of the remaining loops. He reached into his tunic, pulling out the dagger. The stoat stood up and inspected the bars at the top of the pit. All that kept them closed was a knot through the bars, tied to a loop far enough away that he could not untie it. That's what knives are for! The stoat severed the rope and, after making sure that Brush was looking away, eased the hatch open and wiggled out. He crept up behind the squirrel, who had sat on a nearby log. The stoat stepped on a twig, and Brush whirled around, paw reaching for his weapon. It was too late. Daxian threw the dagger, which embedded itself deep in the squirrel's skull. The stoat limped over, snatching Brush's dirk. It was much finer than the rusty blade the rat had once owned. The game was about to begin... Daxian began staggering towards the pine grove; he needed to retrieve something first...
OOC-
Don't care.
I'm just gonna go with the flow, here...
IC-
Max grinned and took off after her.
"Wait, wha'?"
OOC: *timeskip*
BIC:
Asher trooped up to Charm, Harnam and Applelad close behind. "Ready, marm. What're your next orders?"
OOC-
Sandpaw still has to answer..!
OOC: I'm going to PP Max here. A timeskip wouldn't make much sense for him and Stumbly if they're still outside during it. (They'd probably fall into the pit and die or something).
BIC:
As Stumbly was making her way towards the lift, a group of Vigil soldiers walked by. A hare and an otter hoisted the two dibbuns onto their shoulders and started walking back towards the Abbey.
"'Ow did these two get outta th' Abbey?"
"Flippin' 'eck, mate. 'Ow do I know, wot?"
The otter kicked the Abbey door ajar slightly and bundled Stumbly inside, followed shortly after by the hare setting Maxy down next to her. The otter closed the door, and the soldiers went back to their business. Stumbly tried running back into the kitchen, but several assistants were now starting to populate the room. Dejectedly, the mousebabe returned to her fort underneath the tables.
***** (after timeskip) *****
Before answering Asher, Charm beckoned the molecrew, who were just about to descend into the pit once more.
"Drubble, progress?"
The mole tugged his snout and peered into the pit.
"Er, oi thinks we'm about... nearly thurr. Us'n's 'ave excavated 'ee tunnel, but the floor o' th' tunnel 'as also given way. Once we fill in the 'ole, th' tunnel shudd be done."
Charm nodded, as the moles made their way back to the lift. The otter turned back to Asher.
"We have an important mission coming up soon, but it'll be some time until then. However, one way to make it easier for us would be..."
The otter rummaged around Gukom's basket of scrolls.
"Here, another map. We've marked several smaller vermin camps scattered throughout the woods. There's also some strategic positions, such as hidden caves or dugout trees, nearby. Basically, I want these camps destroyed, using any means necessary. There's three that we know of, each populated with a few scouts, not more than...probably five per camp. So, destroy these camps, and any attacks on the main horde will be a lot easier."
OOC: Its fine by me.
IC:
Twisting his raggedy whiskers Fastooth considered what Vadoma had said, is yellow eyes almost shut. "Right, vixen. Listen close, I plan on openin' th' Abbey gates, tis simple really." He grinned, backing out of the tent. "Jus' get th' poisons soothsayer, I'm goin' to share me plan wit' th' Chiefs."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Descending from the skies just as Fastooth was leaving three crows landed outside Vadoma's tent. Fastooth glanced at them, questioningly before slipping off between the canvas city. Grah hurriedly bullied the other two crows away poking her head inside.
"Creeaah, earthwalker fox? Make rat breathe life?" She dragged Fang's limp form into view. "Creeaah, Krah think dead. Rat stink death. Feast, no! Creeaah. Make rat breathe life."
Vadoma's eyes went wide.
"Fangfang?! I had no idea he even survived the attack on the ship!"
She quickly hurried to grab bandages and something to disinfect the wound.
"He's probably already dead...but I'll see what I can do. Old Shady would lose his mind if this guy passed."
As she dragged Fang inside, her cold eyes flicked back to the crows, Grah in particular.
"...I wonder what's in it for you?"
--
"Really?" Alfhild asked skeptically, fixing her eyes on Glaser and then on Rapshade.
"Of course, Ma'am. Anything for you." Said Rapshade as he snagged Glaser by the wrist.
Alfhild curled her claws in. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
The younger ferret blinked rapidly.
"Now that Fang is dead I've been able to discern my true priorities. I'd love t' be just like you...You are strong, after all. And who would be a better partner fer me than my own flesh and blood..?" He added, grinning sweetly.
Arriving back at his campsite, Daxian chuckled. Throwing down his new weapon, a crossbow left behind by the Vigil, the stoat limped towards the lean-to he had been resting under. Rummaging through the rat's sack of junk and vittles, Daxian found a slim vial of dark, red liquid. The stoat wondered if Vadoma had ever noticed it was missing. He had stolen it before the horde had even encountered the Vigil, just in case, but the vixen never seemed to have batted an eyelid. The stoat clipped a pouch of crossbow bolts onto his belt, shoved the vial in amongst them, and set off towards the horde camp. He loaded one deadly missile into the weapon in case of guards, and tried to mentally recall where Alfhild's tent was. Probably somewhere in the centre, protected by everybeast else. It was settled then, he would locate the camp and wait until night. Being a vermin gave him an advantage to sneaking in, but he didn't want anybeast seeing his face.
*****
Meanwhile, in the Wetlands, the squirrel returned back to One-Ear and the other rebels, shaking his head.
"'Tis a no-go, mates. Th' Governor's decided ta inspect troops in th' castle. Gettin' in there'll be pretty difficult. I say we abort th' mission an' try later."
One-Ear shook his head.
"Why? Now's as good a time as any. If we lure the Governor into a secluded part of the castle, it'll take a long time for them ta find 'im. 'Specially as only a very small portion o' the guard, an' the public as well, ta be honest, is even allowed in. Come on, let's go find a way past th' guard."
The rebels made their way to the portcullis at the front of the castle, which was locked tight as always. The otter approached a nearby guard.
"Scoutin' patrol reportin' fer duty, sah. 'Ere ta see th' Governor on urgent business."
The soldier, a hare, shook his head.
"Sorry sah, but th' castle'll on bally lockdown, doncha know? Troop inspection an' all that. Report ta the Governor's residence an' wait for 'im there, wot wot?"
The otter was not about to give up so easily.
"I can't do that. We found numerous campsites, an' evidence o' slaughtered woodlanders. Couple a dead vermin, too. We even saw 'em from afar. There's a horde, mate. There's a horde, an' their current course is takin' em right 'ere. Now, I understan' that Lord Seacloak'd want ta speak ta us immediately, an' what would 'appen if somebeast stopped us from seein' 'is lordship? Wot if the Governor tells 'is lordship that ye stopped us from seein' 'im immediately?"
The hare gulped.
"Er, steady on there, ole chap. I'll see to it that the bally gate's open, wot? Oi, you there! Chap up on the wall. Open the gate on the double!"
The wallguard nodded, scurrying out of view. Shortly after, the portcullis nudged open just enough for the rebels to duck under it. They strode into the courtyard, where another hare was inspecting several soldiers. One-Ear whispered to the squirrel.
"Is he the governor?"
"Nah, mate. He's just the Actin' Captain o' the Guard, while Needle's not here."
"Needle? Did you just... Nevermind, we'll talk about this later."
One-Ear walked up to the Guard Captain and saluted.
"Er, scoutin' party 'as returned, sire! The Governor ordered us ta report directly ta him, do ye know where 'ee is, sah?"
The Guard Captain shook his head.
"No, I don't, wot. I 'eard somebeast say 'ee was in th' dungeons talkin' ta one o' the prisoners, 'cause we're still waitin' fer the troop inspection."
One-Ear saluted again, before backing away.
"Yes sah, thankee sah! We'll be on our way immediately!"
Once the Guard Captain had turned around, the rebels made a beeline for a little wicker door in the side of the courtyard, with the otter leading them.
"That's th' dungeons, mate. I'd know 'em anywhere. All o' the sorry beasts who get thrown ta Sheba spend their last night 'ere."
One-Ear shivered slightly at the though of Sheba, before shoving the door open and disappearing into the gloom.
OOC: Are we going to do this time skip?
OOC: I thought it's already been.
OOC-
It's already been, just not around the vermin since it's such a short timeskip.
Asher swore. "What in Hellgates?!"
He kicked at the dust angrily, some of it settling on Brush's body. "Applelad! Get back to the Abbey, tell Charm about this. Harnam, you and I will bury Brush and take care of those vermin encampments.
"Go!"
Appalled ran off into the trees.
The otter, holding a lit torch in his paw, led the procession of Rebels through the damp tunnels under the Wetlands. They passed numerous empty cells, as all the prisoners had already gone to Sheba. Soon, however, One-Ear stopped. One tunnel was not empty. A vixen that looked his age was slumped against a wall, her brilliant orange and white fur stained by dried blood.
"Hey, you."
The vixen slowly moved her head up, staring at them. Her eyes were clouding over, her mouth hung open limply.
"What?"
"Who are you? What are you here for?"
"What does it matter? You're going to kill me anyway, otter!"
One-Ear looked down at his disguise. Tearing off the otter mask and stamping off the fake rudder, the fox revealed his true self.
"Do I look like I want you dead?"
"But...you. How are you here? With them?"
"We're taking over the city. I'm going to kill the Governor, and Seacloak's next."
The vixen shakily rose to her feet.
"Then I'm with you, if I can get out of here."
"We'll find a way, but you still didn't answer me."
"I'm Shadomay, and I'm in here because I'm like you. A fox. A vermin. I had the audacity to make myself visible from the walls."
"I'm One-Ear. I lead an army that protects the Abbey of Redwall."
"You're noble, aren't you, One-Ear?"
The fox chuckled, before turning to the squirrel.
"The keys, near the door. Do any of them fit her cell?"
The squirrel dashed off, swiftly returning with a keyring. He randomly selected a key and thrust it into the cell door. Nothing. Several keys later, the cell clicked open. Shadomay staggered out, nearly collapsing.
"Farnod, help her."
The otter shrugged his free paw under the vixen's shoulders, helping her walk. One-Ear drew his sword and looked up and down the hallway.
"Shadomay, have you seen the Governor?"
The vixen pointed down the hallway.
"He's down there. Interrogating somebeast."
One-Ear nodded to the others, jogging down the hallway. The rest of the rebels were right behind him, with Farnod and Shadomay trailing just a few pawlengths behind. The group stopped at a heavy oaken door, which the fox edged slightly open. Inside, a rat had been tied to several shackles in the wall. A voice echoed out from somewhere unseen.
"We won't get anything more from him. Put him out of his misery."
A hare strode into view, holding a dagger. He plunged it into the rat's throat, wiped it on his fur, and resheathed it. The rat gurgled briefly, before he stopped moving. One-Ear nodded to the others, who began crowding in the doorway. Suddenly, the fox kicked the door wide open. The hare was in mid dagger draw when the fox's blade whizzed through the air, severing his head in an instant. In the room with the Rebels were four others. A squirrel, two otters, and a mouse. The squirrel was missing an ear, had a long scar stretching from its stump to his chin, and was dressed in an exquisite, gem-encrusted tunic. A black patch was draped across one eye, and his remaining eye glared at the fox. He turned to speak, but One-Ear cut him off.
"Listen to me, all of you. We're here for the Governor. If you throw down your blades and leave, we will not harm you."
The otter looked at each other briefly, before tossing there weapons aside. The rebels made a path for the deserters as they took their leave of the room. The mouse stared fearfully at the rebels, then at the governor. He gulped, and stayed put. Finally, the squirrel was able to talk.
"So, you have come to kill me? Why? Have you tired of life, but cannot bring yourselves to kill each other? Do you need me to do it for you? Or are you trying to take over the city. Fools. You may kill me, but when Seacloak returns, all the guards will flock to him. They know better than to betray their lord. Any of you that make it out of this room alive will be thrown to Sheba, this I know."
"Perhaps. But all I have to worry about now is killing you.
The squirrel shook his head, turning to the mouse. The mouse produced a large scabbard, which he presented to the Governor.
"When I was younger, I used to collect seashells. I was especially curious about the conical ones. One day, I found a particularly sharp shell, and it made me think."
The Governor gripped the hilt of the sword, drawing it from the scabbard. It was certainly a strange sight. The hilt was plain and silver, but the blade was something else. A long, cylindrical piece of metal had been affixed to the hilt, quite smooth and thick. At the end of the cylinder; however, it had been thinned and sharpened into a point. Molded around the cylinder was a sharp, spiraling line of metal: the actual blade.
"This sword took a long time to make properly, but now... It really is the best weapon I have ever owned. All you have to do is stab..."
The Governor thrust the point of the sword into the mouse's chest as he was trying to edge towards the door.
"...And TWIST!"
The Governor whirled the blade in a swift flick of his wrist. The spiral blade tore into the mouse's flesh, turning the small wound into a gaping hole in his chest. The mouse grunted, before falling to the ground.
"I really cannot abide traitors. Helping you, then trying to run. Useless, sniveling coward. You, fox. Come and test your might!"
In an instant, One-Ear had locked blades with the squirrel. He kicked the Governor roughly, breaking away, before thrusting his blade forward towards the squirrel's side. The Governor spun around, his sword already at his side to deflect the fox's strike. The squirrel jumped backwards, preparing himself. One-Ear swiped his blade low, managing to cut the Governor's leg. Angered, the squirrel shot his paw out and grabbed the hilt of One-Ear's sword. As the fox struggled to shake him off, the Governor thrust his odd blade forward. Were it not for Shadomay, One-Ear would have gone to the Dark Forest that day. The vixen dived forwards, snatching the dagger of the fallen hare. She stabbed it into the Governor's paw, causing him to drop his sword. The squirrel headbutted One-Ear, snatching the sword off of the fox. He charged Shadomay, who had backed into a corner. The squirrel never made it. One-Ear flicked his wrist, turning the back of the Governor's head into a bloodied mess. He withdrew the Governor's sword, its previous owner having been killed instantly. He stared at the strange weapon, before thrusting it into his belt. He helped Shadomay back to the rest of the rebels, who had been ambushed by a group of guards. Thankfully, they had managed to overpower the guards, who stared in amazement at the Governor's corpse. One of them, a hare, moaned loudly.
"Ah, what've ye done, wot? Ye've killed the Governor. Now ye've done it, eh? Oh, we're all bally deadbeasts!"
The squirrel kicked him roughly.
"Why? He's the deadbeast."
"'Cause Seacloak'll kill ye, an' throw us ta Sheba fa failin' ta stop ye."
"Well, he won't. He ain't gettin' inta the Wetlands. If 'ee shows up at th' gates-"
One-Ear pushed past the disarmed guards.
"I'll kill him. I'll challenge him to combat, for control of the Wetlands, and I'll kill him."
The hare stared at the fox in amazement.
"Ye'll die, sah. Seacloak'll kill ye, an' Sheba'll eat yer bones. Ye can't take on a badger!"
One-Ear licked his lips.
"I'll try."
OOC-
Sandpwaaaa!
OOC: What do I do?
OOC-
Don't the crowd have something to do with Rapshade? ???
OOC: I'm just going to say that my last post and this one were on opposite sides of the time skip, just to let the Rebels gain a foothold in the Wetlands.
Seacloak, Former Lord of the Wetlands, strode up to the city gates, with Needle just behind him. The badger hailed a hare standing atop the wall.
"You there, I have returned. Open the gate!"
The hare shook his head.
"Sorry, Seacloak. You ain't welcome 'ere anymore, wot!"
The badger clenched both paws in rage.
"How dare you speak to me like that! As soon as these gates are opened, I'll have you th-"
"Thrown ta Sheba, I ain't bally stupid, wot. But it's you who'll be thrown ta the beast once One-Ear's done wit' ya, eh, wot?"
One-Ear emerged onto the balcony.
"It's over, Seacloak. The Wetlands are no longer under your control. Farnod is to rule now, along with a council of elders. You're finished."
"Never! This is my city, and it will stay that way. I'll kill you, and all of your traitor allies."
One-Ear crossed his arms.
"Then do it. I challenge you to Trial by Combat. You win, and Farnod will surrender the city to you. I win, and all that matters is you'll be at Hellgates."
Seacloak grinned.
"You fool. Staking all that on your ability to defeat me? I took your ear once, pup. Now I'll take your head!"
Breathing heavily, Applelad jogged up to Charm, nearly collapsing. "Mark... Asher sent me... Daxian escaped. He... He killed Brush. Asher wanted to know if we should... Track him down."
Gasping for breath, Applelad grabbed a lawn chair set out by the abbeydwellers and sat down in it.
OOC: Don't you mean Daxian?
Charm signaled to Gukom, who handed Applelad a flagon of water.
"Rest a while, get your strength up. Daxian will pay for this, believe me."
The otter sat on a nearby crate, concentrating on the pit.
"When you are ready, find Asher. Tell him to find Damien as soon as possible. Bring him back to the camp, and I'll be there as soon as word gets back."
Back in the pit, Drubble emerged from the excavated tunnel and called up to Charm.
"Burr, 'ee tunnel be's fixed, marm. All o' 'ee collapses 'ave been filled in an' excavated, burr aye!"
Charm shook her head.
"If only Daxian had waited a little longer to escape, we could have moved him without this happening. Change of plans, when the stoat is recaptured, take him straight to the Moledeep Entrance. I'll have a cell waiting for him..."
Gukom shuffled over again, holding a vial. Charm motioned to it.
"When you leave, take that to Asher. We found it in Mortembell's satchel. Appears to be some sort of potion. According to the label, it'll paralyze your target, but not kill them. When you find Daxian, shoot him with an arrow dipped in the poison. That should make transporting him easier."
Wiping his mouth, Applelad took the vial. "Will do, marm. I'll get going right away."
He saluted and started at a run for the gates and the forest beyond.
OOC-
Anything I can do with Needle, Grodds?
OOC: Well, there'll be a confrontation with [THE VICTOR] later, but right now, if ha want Needle to talk to Seacloak as he's getting ready, you can do that. Otherwise, it's fine, mate.
Walking up behind the small crowd that had gathered around Alfhild and Rapshade, Fastooth proceeded to bully his way through. Kicking and shoving those smaller then himself, and showing a dagger blade to those larger. It didn't take long for him to reach the center.
"Wot's goin' on here chief?" Fastooth asked as he finally made it; his eyes narrowed when he saw Glaser.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was midday when Bracklew woke. The squirrel slowly opened his eyes, feeling groggy, and out of place. Sitting up Bracklew immediately noticed something wrong, a stinging pain on his wrist, and like a tidal wave the memories of the previous three days crashed back in.
Groaning he looked around. The infirmary was occupied by three other creatures besides himself. Resting alongside him on neatly made beds.
"Duncan!" Bracklew gasped staring at the old hare. His chest was covered in a swath of bandages.
"He'll be alright. Rayne says so." Came a voice from behind him. Bracklew turned to see Petu sitting on a third bed, grinning broadly. "Me on the other paw, devastatingly wounded, an arrow through the shoulder you know. I might die in bed."
"Are you sure he's alright?" Bracklew asked, "Are you alright. I was worried you might have been killed, Fardan said another one of ours had been slain..."
Petu's face fell, the rabbit took on a much more sorrowful tone. "They killed Ava, I think you know that. And... And Fangfang. We weren't able to recover their bodies, I think we're all lucky to be alive... So what about you," He nodded towards Bracklew's paw, or lack thereof. "Are you alright?"
"Better then Ava..."
"Aye..." A solemn silence stretched between them, and Petu itched at his bandage, picking up one of his pillows. "Say, um, lets talk to Duncan eh? He'll cheer you up. Hoy old duffer wake up and say something." He called throwing the pillow towards Duncan's bed.
"Oh good, you're up," said Friar Rusk as he pushed a trolley of food in through the infirmary door. "I was wondering if you'd wake. There's plenty of food here you you to stuff yourselves..." he muttered darkly, glaring at Petu. "Help yourselves."
He unloaded the trolley onto a nearby table and proceeded out the door.
"Wha...? Yaaah!" Duncan yelped and slapped the pillow back in instinct, looking quite silly.
He blinked rapidly as his senses cleared, putting on a clever little smirk.
"Ah, you young lads, what're you doing in my bally bedroom, wot?" The March hare's eyes travelled across the room.
"And you've brought vittles! That's kind, y'know. Normally you lot want to hog it all for yourselves..."
He obviously hadn't recalled the previous day's events yet.
"Would one o' you chaps mind bringing that closer to me? Breakfast in bed doesn't sound half bad!"
--
"We're punishing Glaser." Rapshade announced, grinning devilishly as he half strode half limped up to the rat. Alfhild stood angrily in the background, swishing her tail.
Rapshade chuckled. "How 'bout you stay and watch? T' more the merrier, that's what I say."
The ferret's amber eyes were alight with the old fire while he was here in this moment.
He was in control, with nothing to hurt or mock him, about to deal out the punishment of a relatively innocent subordinate.
Exactly what he liked.
Shortly thereafter, Seacloak had been escorted back to the castle. In one of its many war rooms, the badger was strapping on a set of plated armor. He turned to Needle, who was also in the room.
"I have to destroy the fox. He's fast, and agile. Which weapon do you think I should use? A sword and shield, maybe a battleaxe?"
The Badger removed the chestplate from his armor, leaving it lying near Needle's seat. On a nearby bench, a curious tool used for widening the gaps between armor (to resize it, at the cost of leaving the wearer more vulnerable), had been left stuck in a little strap on the side of the bench. As Seacloak's armor was now, it was very tight and left little of the badger's flesh exposed.
OOC: I'm going to pull a "Fangfang" here and give you two options on Needle's loyalty. You could have him stay loyal to Seacloak, and help the badger in the duel. That might mean some bad stuff happens to One-Ear and/or the Wetlands. Or you could have him have some sort of "crisis of conscience," sabotage Seacloak, and help One-Ear win. Choosez.
BIC:
*****
Leading a small group of Vigil Soldiers, and with the molecrew in tow, Charm strode through the tunnels beneath Redwall. After walking for some time, they finally emerged into a huge cavern; Moledeep. Numerous braziers and other sources of flame littered the walls, which the Vigil re-ignited. In no time at all, Charm found herself on a balcony overlooking the cave. Small caves were everywhere, which could be used as dwellings for the Vigil soldiers. There was an area in one corner with a large fire pit, which would be where the kitchens would be established. Side tunnels decorated the walls with their massive numbers, already being torn apart by the molecrews. Three; however, had been marked. The tunnel to Redwall, which would have supports put in, the tunnel Asher's team knew about, and one tunnel far larger than any others (obviously the main entrance). And of course, the prison. One of the larger side caves had been divided up by natural walls, which could be converted into effective cells with the addition of a few bars. Maybe now they had more room for prisoners, the Vigil wouldn't need to execute everybeast that wronged them. Putting aside her thoughts for the moment, Charm sent some soldiers to guard Asher's entrance tunnel, and to investigate the main entrance.
OOC: This RP is getting more and more interesting.
BIC: The three squirrels looked down on the last horde outpost. Asher had a new scar on his arm, and Harnam tucked a recently acquired dagger into his belt. "Ready?"
"Go," said Asher. They defended down to wreak havoc on the vermin.
Meanwhile, back at the main horde encampment, Daxian watched the commotion occurring near Alfhild's tent. Knowing that the best way to hide was in a crowd, he fired his stolen crossbow at a rat sentry too lazy to get up. Pulling the dead rat's hood over his face, and loading another bolt into his weapon, Daxian kicked the corpse out of the open and made his way towards Alfhild's tent. He gave the crowd a wide berth and slipped under the tent on the other side. Noticing several tankards, and a flagon of wine, the stoat snatched the flagon. Daxian set two tankards down on Alfhild's little table, then popped open the vial in his bolt pouch. Pulling out a tiny, red orb, he plopped it into the tankard. Then, taking a seat facing the tent flap, he pulled out the crossbow and held it on his knee underneath the table. The game had begun!
OOC: When Alfhild comes back into her tent, I'll explain what's going on. :P
OOC-
Okay.
And what do you mean by "pull a Fangfang"? ???
IC-
Needle smirked deviously, hurrying to try and help the badger lord with whatever need be.
"A battleaxe or sword may make you clumsy and slow, sire, if the fox is as lithe as you say he is. I say, wot, you should take whichever you're better at using but also a dagger or two for throwing. Get 'im in the back."
OOC: "Pulling a Fangfang" is the act of changing the fate or one or more characters forever through allowing a player the opportunity to choose between multiple options that change the story. Or something. Also, I guess bad stuff'll happen.
BIC:
"Hmph, I didn't mean a greatsword, fool. A rapier, or something like that. Fits in one paw, easy to use. Fast. The daggers are a nice touch, though. Maybe something small as well, a buckler..."
Seacloak reached for his chestplate, strapping it back on. He took a large rapier from a nearby shelf, and strapped a small buckler shield, reinforced with an iron rim, to one arm. Finally, the badger tucked two throwing daggers into his belt and forced a large helmet onto his head. Flipping down the visor, Seacloak trudged towards the exit.
"Wait for me in the crowd, take this thing."
The badger shoved what looked like a cane into Needle's paws.
"Grab one of the darts off that wall there. If it looks like the fox is winning, use that blowpipe to deal with him."
*****
One-Ear was already waiting for his opponent, standing near Sheba's pit. All of the Wetlands gathered around, awaiting the fight that would decide their fate. Outfitted in a tunic and chainmail, he had the Governor's curious blade sheathed at his side, and a mace and chain in one paw. The fox glanced up at the nearby grandstand, where Farnod, Mortembell, and Shadomay were seated. They were well guarded, just in case something went wrong. Seacloak emerged from the castle, clad in his massive suit of armor. Needle was directed to the grandstand, and the badger to the pit, as the fight was set to begin...
OOC: Hey Ash, is it alright if you transfer control of Needle to me until One-Ear and co. are back in Mossflower? Just to make all of this easier?
OOC-
All yours!
On the edge of Sheba's Pit, One-Ear and Seacloak glared at each other while they warmed up for the fight. Farnod stood up and addressed the crowd, while Needle looked on in disgust.
"Friends. Citizens of the Wetlands. For years, your lord has been Seacloak. But now his rule is challenged. The fate of our city shall be decided using Trial by Combat. On one side, you have Lord Seacloak. If he achieves victory, his control over the Wetlands will be reinstated. All those he deems traitors will be thrown to Sheba, and those who were loyal shall be rewarded. On the other hand, we have One-Ear. If he achieves victory, I will install a Council of Elders to rule the Wetlands, and to keep order. Sheba will be killed, and there will be no more executions. This fight shall be to the death. The last creature standing wins. Take your positions!"
One-Ear drew his new blade and raised the mace and chain. Seacloak slammed down his helmet visor and raised the buckler shield strapped to his arm.
"On three, the Trial will commence. One..."
Shadomay fidgeted in her seat, staring at the throwing dagger concealed beneath her tunic.
"Two..."
Needle sat the cane across his lap and thumbed a dart into the tube.
"Three! May the best warrior win!"
Seacloak let out a roar and charged One-Ear, shield raised. The fox sidestepped, but fell just short, and the shield's rim slammed into his shoulder. Wincing in pain, One-Ear flung the spiked ball of the mace at Seacloak's armored back. To his dismay, it bounced directly off the thick steel plates. At least the armor makes him slow, thought the fox. One-Ear let the mace fall to his side and raised his blade in a defensive stance. He began searching Seacloak's armor for weak points, and parrying the badger's thrusts as he thought. It appeared that Seacloak had pulled out all the stops on keeping himself safe. Aside from where his limbs joined his torso, there were no chinks in the armor. Even so, the limb gaps were protected underneath by a thick chainmail. Not even the badger's neck was an acceptable target, as it clipped into the chestplate itself. Suddenly, One-Ear came up with a plan. Dashing sideways, he lashed out with the mace, wrapping it around the blade of Seacloak's rapier. With a swift tug, the badger's weapon went flying from his grasp. Seacloak raised his shield and made a break for the fallen sword. Just enough time. One-Ear stabbed towards his back with the Governor's blade, setting the tip in a slight dip in the plates. He began to wrench the sword sideways, turning it in a wheel. He barely managed a full turn before Seacloak kicked him away and took up his sword. Once the fox finally managed to sidestep Seacloak again, he caught a glimpse of the badger's back. His strange tactic had worked; Seacloak's armor had a very distinctive chink in it. A few more tries, and the chinked armor would expose flesh...
OOC: You'd think One-Ear would bring his katana into the ring as well...
Quote from: Sagetip on July 26, 2016, 02:05:23 PM
OOC: You'd think One-Ear would bring his katana into the ring as well...
OOC: He lost it in the underground river. Muddle has it now. :'(
Thank ya' Friar." Petu called as the cook left. Looking over at Bracklew and Duncan the rabbit shrugged. "Sure why not, break of the fast in bed seems like good fun." He stood up balancing some of the trays on one paw. "C'mon Brack."
Sliding out of the bed Bracklew curled his bare footpaws on the cool stone floor, he was about to stand when his left paw bumped into a object half hidden under his bed. Bending down Bracklew fished around pulling out Martin's sword. It was sheathed, and hooked onto an odd black belt, which looked new and freshly made; with a shoulder strap, and a release buckle. It had been designed in such a way that it could be slid on easily, with just one paw. Somebeast had gone through a lot of trouble to design it almost perfectly for him.
Placing the sword and belt onto his bed Bracklew ambled slowly over to Duncan's bed sitting on the edge as Petu laid out the food. He felt he deserved some rest, and time to grieve. Soon he'd have to go out, and aid with the defenses, but for now he could rest with friends.
"How's that war wound sir?" He asked Duncan, while absentmindedly chewing on a biscuit.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Great," Fastooth grunted crossing his arms in irritation. "Could ye hurry it up mayhap? I gotta plan that might do somethin' to them woodlanders, an' seein' as ye've been in their red castle ye might know valuable infermation."
"Alright. Nothin' a little pastries can't fix, wot? How're you?" Duncan asked, taking a bite out of a scone.
That was when his eyes travelled down to Bracklew's stump arm.
He nearly spit the scone out.
"What in the blazes happened, Brack?!"
--
"Maybe. Not tellin' y' anything, though." Rapshade said as he pressed his dagger closer to Glaser's neck as if deciding what to do with him.
It was taking some time, but One-Ear was slowly wearing away at Seacloak's armor. The dip was now a very distinctive chink, right between the shoulder-blades. After flanking the badger once more, One-Ear stabbed the blade into the chink, levering it through the armor gap to where the helmet joined the chestplate. With a wrench upwards, Seacloak's helmet flew off his shoulders and into the pit. Enraged, the badger charged the fox, ripping a dagger out of his belt and tossing it ahead of him. One-Ear felt the blade slash his leg as he rolled aside, tossing the mace and chain around Seacloak's leg. With a jump backwards, the fox managed to pull Seacloak off his feet. As One-Ear was lifting himself up, and about to slay the badger, Needle stood up. Pressing the blowpipe-cane to his mouth, the dart shot out the end. One-Ear would have met his end, were it not for Farnod. Seeing Seacloak about to strike out with his buckler shield, the otter stood up.
"One-Ear! The shield! Look out fo-"
The dart fired by Needle struck Farnod, who had stood up directly in front of the hare. The otter let out a loud cough and collapsed. The nearby guards all pointed at Needle, and one of them tackled the hare to the ground. Alerted by Farnod's shout, One-Ear tried to dodge the shield, but it was too late. He was sent flying backwards, and the sword flew out of his grasp. As the fox shakily stood up, Seacloak charged him with sword raised. The fox tried sidestepping, but was still dazed from the shield bash. He raised the mace and chain in a weak attempt to defend himself, wrapping it around Seacloak's blade. With a tug, both weapons went flying over One-Ear's shoulder and into the pit. Now, both beasts were unarmed. Seacloak charged One-Ear, but the fox ducked behind him and pulled the final dagger from the badger's belt. He stabbed it right into the chink in the armor, and the roar that echoed around the arena indicated how One-Ear had found flesh. Maddened by the wound, Seacloak's eyes went red. Casting aside his shield, the badger charged One-Ear with his bare paws. The fox could not do anything to defend himself as Seacloak gripped him around the neck and swatted at his face with a gauntletted paw. One-Ear felt his vision blur, darkening as blood seeped into his eye. As the fox felt himself fade, he could make out certain words filling his ears.
"They're rioting! Fire! There's a fire!"
"No, stop. Get away from me!"
"Traitors!"
What the fox could not see was the guards had turned on each other. With Seacloak's victory imminent, those loyal to him out of fear fought like madbeasts against the Revolutionaries. Mortembell found herself being swept away from the pit, along with Farnod's second-in-command, Shadomay, Needle, and several guards. Shadomay, having managed to recover slightly in the time it took for Seacloak to arrive at the Wetlands, fixed her eyes on the battle by the pit. Seeing how the fight was about to end, she tore a bow from the paws of one of the guards and quickly notched an arrow to the string. The vixen pulled the arrow as far back as it would go, before releasing the projectile. It flew straight over the crowd of rioting citizens and stopped short at the edge of the pit. Embedded right between Seacloak's shoulder blades, where the armor had been destroyed. The badger released his grip from One-Ear's neck and reached backwards, pulling the arrow out of his flesh. The badger snatched his sword from the ground. Shadomay was just about to let loose another arrow, when Mortembell drew a vial from her satchel and smashed it on the arrowtip. No words were needed. The vixen released her bowstring, another arrow finding its mark in Seacloak, this time in his foreleg. The badger, who had been about to slay his enemy, found himself unable to move his paw. He tried snatching it with his other paw, but his grip appeared to have been frozen around the blade Then, the poison spread to his legs. Seacloak wobbled once or twice, and fell. Still fully conscious, the badger roared at his guards to help, before he fell into the pit. A team of hares ran up to the badger and started dragging him to safety. Then One-Ear, still unable to see anything, felt strong paws haul him up and begin to carry him off somewhere. He heard voices, familiar voices, telling him it would be alright. The last thing he heard before passing out was:
"Look at his face..."
Finishing off the last rat, Harnam wiped the blood off his blade. "Daxian next, eh?"
Asher stood up from kneeling over the ground, frowning.. "Yeah. Though it doesn't look good. He passed around these camps and straight towards the main vermin base. We'll have a hell of a time getting him out if he's hiding among the horde.
"But we're not calling it off. Applelad, take point. Let's go."
OOC: DAXIAN!!! Also, you might want to have Asher just wait around the treeline for a bit. Daxian's a bit involved right now, but I assume his corpse'll be thrown into the woods later for them to recover.
OOC: K.
"A wildcat named Fardan cut it off, " Bracklew said bitterly, hiding his left arm from view. He'd forgotten he hadn't seen Duncan since before he had left with Rapshade. A lot had happened since then. "I bet Rayne is pleased, she wanted to amputate it, I bet this wasn't how she thought it would happen though."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"N' why not?" Fastooth snapped, angrily stepping closer to Rapshade. "Don't ye wanna burn th' red abbey to th' ground? Or d'ye 'ave affections for em? I heard ye might 'ave had somethin' to do wit' our prisoner's escape."
"Why, the bounder!" Duncan scowled, ear going rigid.
"Hope it didn't hurt too much. Say, you'd have bled out, did Rayne already tend to it?"
-
"Um, I mean..." Rapshade faltered, wincing as all eyes turned on him rather than Glaser.
The ferret stalled a moment and then bared his teeth, whirling on Fastooth. "How dare y' question me like that!? I share blood with th' all powerful Chief Alfhild! Why would I care an inch for the creatures in that cursed redstone castle, whom beat me and teased me like I was some kind of fool?"
Drawing the blade across Glaser's throat and up into the air towards Fastooth so that the blood spattered, he snarled, "If you for one second doubt me, pick up a sword and try your luck!"
Alfhild's icy blue eyes danced in excitement as the crowd behind her murmured a chorus of "Oohs".
This ferret who stood in front of him was no longer "Rappy", but the Rapshade the Swift he said he was.
Roscoe pushed past her to get a better look, eyes trailing down to Glaser's dead body.
Fardan smiled from the back of the crowd, thinking along the same lines as Alfhild.
But he had enough of watching that.
Pushing forward through the crowd, he reached Alfhild and stood next to her. "Looks like your nephew is earning back his power... What's your next move?"
Wisely stepping back Fastooth held up his paws in a submissive gesture, keeping his eyes downcast. "Oh no Rapshade, nephew to th' chief. Wouldn' dream o' crossin' blades wit' ye. Please accept me humble 'pologies fer accusin' ye o' bein' a woodlander lover." The rat fell back until he was standing behind Fardan, inwardly seething, but keeping calm outwardly. This wasn't the time or place to challenge authority.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Blinking in confusion, Bracklew stood up quickly looking at Duncan in concern. "Of course she did. You think I'd just be sitting in here with my wrist spurting blood? She probably saved my life, I really ought to go thank her. And Asher too. And I need to speak to Grant. Sorry I've got to go." Trotting over to his bed Bracklew slipped on his sword and belt clicking the buckle securely down. Nodding to the rabbit and hare, Bracklew hurriedly pushed through the door and out onto the sandstone steps.
Petu shrugged taking a drink of his milk. "Well, more for you and me old timer." He joked pulling Bracklew's half finished meal closer to Duncan and himself.
Blinking as he turned to Petu, Duncan put on a nervous smile.
"Daylights, that was odd. You think he's hiding something?" The hare asked, about to reach for another scone when he realized how lazy he was feeling.
"Pass the old war hero another, will you, chap?"
--
Alfhild nodded proudly as Rapshade strode past her and disappeared into the crowd.
She turned to Fardan.
"Nothing that won't come across as a shock to the Redwallers and the Vigil alike. Do they know where our camp is?"
"Not likely, seeing that we stopped them at the hut."
He looked over his shoulder. "Fastooth, stop sulking behind me. We'll need your input. Alfhild," he said to the ferret, "what's your plan?"
Alfhild's eyes glowed from under her hood and travelled to the side to land on Roscoe.
"Send somebeast they more or less like and don't know has teamed with us all the way back to the Abbey...and have him try to poison the Abbot and frame the little squirrel prisoner for doing it. There's nothing like spreading inner chaos in somebeast before swooping in to kill them with their eyes still closed."
She placed her footpaw in Glaser's blood and smeared it back, leaving a streak in the snow.
"And while that is going on, we should be focusing on spreading random attacks through the ranks of the Vigil and those little Guosim shrews that live by the river. On all accounts I've heard, the only reason Redwall hasn't fallen is because their outside friends had not been dealt with fist."
OOC: Lul mate, shame the Vigil right now can only be harmed when they're actually out of Redwall. Also, Fardan is very wrong. Remember that time right at the beginning where One-Ear literally walked right into their camp? :P
OOC: They'll have progressed far past that worrying them when One-Ear returns.
OOC: :o
BIC:
"Shh. It's all right. You're okay."
One-Ear felt himself drifting back into consciousness. He tried opening his eyes, but to no avail. Reaching a paw towards his face, the fox recoiled when something struck it.
"Don't. Keep still. There's a lot of dried blood stuck to your eye."
He felt something soft wipe across his face, then a sharp jab of pain.
"Keep still. Okay, try to open your eye."
Eye. Not Eyes.
One-Ear gingerly tried opening his eyes. His vision, although blurry, still let him make out the faces of Mortembell and Shadomay.
"Where are we?"
Shadomay threw a bloodied rag over her shoulder.
"The tunnels, under the city."
Mortembell shook her head.
"It's a disaster up there. That hare that killed Farnod, he ruined everything. There's rioting in the streets, the guards loyal to Seacloak have practically declared war on the last of the Revolution. And that Hellgates-damned stripedog still lives."
Shadomay shrugged, testing the point of an arrow.
"And ye lost an eye ta go wit' yer ear. Plus, ye got a fine set o' scars down yer face from Seacloak's claws."
One-Ear shakily rose to his footpaws.
"Way to break it to me easily, Shadomay."
The young vixen rolled her eyes and dug through one of the packs assembled in a corner. She tossed a rough woven eyepatch at One-Ear.
"'Ere, put that o'er the gap in yer face. We're leavin' soon."
"Leaving?"
The two vixens motioned to a tunnel carved into the rock.
"We're goin' back to Mossflower, son. Nothin' more we can do here."
"The revolution?"
Shadomay chuckled darkly.
"It's dead, One-Ear. Everybeast who hasn't bent the knee up there'll be food fer Sheba afore sundown."
"So we're running?"
"Aye. Everybeast still alive knows better'n ta stay here. We're goin' ta Redwall, which, if Mortembell is right, sounds much better'n this place could ever be, even if Seacloak was dead."
"But... What about Farnod? What about everything he stood for? We can't just let Seacloak get away with this."
"No."
The three foxes turned to the speaker; it was the squirrel, Farnod's former second in command.
"Farnod's dead. Without him to rally around, the revolution has no chance. Even if there was another leader, with Seacloak's return, nobeast will dare oppose him. This is my plan. There are... eight of us. You three, myself, the prisoner, and three other revolutionaries. We will all travel south until we reach onE of the subsidiaries of the Great Northern Stream. We will meet up with a division of the Guosim, who will take us south until we meet up with Filargo. He always visits these regions occasionally, it shouldn't take long. There, we will part ways. The three of you, and the prisoner, will travel with Filargo to Mossflower. My allies and I will stay with the Guosim and make plans on how to dispose of Seacloak. This is not your fight, I don't want you dying for us. In time, we will cast off our shackles. Seacloak cannot live forever. Soon, not even fear is a good enough motivator..."
One-Ear nodded.
"Okay. We'll finish the last of the packing and meet you at the exit. But first, I want a few words with the prisoner..."
*****
After splitting with the others, One-Ear found himself along in a side tunnel with Needle, who had been bound, gagged, and tied to a large boulder. The fox tore the gag from his mouth and drew the Governor's blade. Inserting the point under Needle's chin, he lifted the hare's head until they stared into each others eyes (s).
"Why, Needle. Why did you betray me?"
OOC: Ashes, ya wanna control Needle?
OOC: Mind if Gruddil meets them at the stream?
OOC: Hmm, it seems pretty far north for him, but it doesn't bother me. Actually, scratch that. It's a good idea, let's do this.
OOC-
Yup, taking him back now.
IC-
"I was never with you to begin with, Vermin!" Needle spat, struggling against his bonds until he felt the metal of the sword press against his neck. Quickly, the hare's reddish eyes travelled down to the blade.
He began chuckling, then laughing jeeringly.
"You think I ever liked you? You think any self-respecting Woodlander would want to work with a fox like you?"
One-Ear stood back up, withdrawing the blade tip from Needle's neck.
"Which self-respecting Woodlander? How about the entire Vigil? How about all of Redwall Abbey? Or everybeast with a brain in the city above us? Everybeast I know would much rather work with a fox like me, who doesn't kill others for sport. What makes Seacloak any better than me? At least I kill my enemies quickly. I don't throw somebeast to Sheba just because they stole a loaf of bread, or because they accidentally bumped into me in the street. And I don't torture anybeast for information. I don't keep hurting somebeast until they tell me what I want to know. I wait until they see the sense in telling me. Why don't you ask the Governor how well tortures works? Oh, wait. You can't."
The fox took another step back, picking up the gag.
"Tell me, Needle. What did I ever do to you? I would bet an apple to an acorn, that you were much better off with me than you were with Seacloak. But that doesn't matter, does it? Because you're coming back to Mossflower. You're going to convince me why you deserve freedom. You know what? I'm changing how the Vigil is run, just for you. We're going to introduce trials! There will be no more executions, except for those who really deserve it. You will be put in front of the Vigil, and they will decide your fate. Whether you have to work for your freedom, or if you get put to death, either way, you aren't getting away with what you've done to the Wetlands."
The fox whistled down the tunnel, and in short time, one of the Revolutionaries, a mouse, appeared, spear in hand. One-Ear handed him the gag and brandished his sword.
"Make him shut up. He needs to save his breath for the journey."
"'All of Redwall Abbey', my tail. What about the Abbot and the squirrel with the sword? You bloomin' hypocrite!" Needle yowled. "What did you do to me? I'll tell you, alright. You decided to mess with Seacloak, and he's in the right in every way! Don't you dare put that gag back on me!"
"How is he in the right? He wants me dead because my father embarrassed him. He tried to steal our food and kill us for no reason, and then, when we was driven off, he refused to let us go 'unpunished.' If you think he's in the right when he constantly throws creatures to Sheba for the worst reasons, you're as psychotic as he is. And need I mention that it's not just vermin he does this to. He does it to woodlanders as well. So if you really think he's so benevolent, why don't you go talk to him. I'm sure he'll really appreciate your failure to kill me, how you started the riots which are currently BURNING THE WETLANDS TO THE GROUND, and to top it all off, got yourself captured. Think, Needle. How in Hellgates is he any better than I am? He's. A. Complete. Monster."
One-Ear nodded to the mouse, who stuffed the gag into Needle's mouth. Making sure the hare's bindings were secured, he saluted briefly to One-Ear and started to walk back to the main cavern.
"So, here's what'll happen. You'll come back with us. You'll be put on trial, and punished suitably. Either that, or we leave you here. If Seacloak doesn't have you executed, any surviving revolutionaries that manage to find you certainly will."
One-Ear turned his back on the hare and followed the mouse back to the main cavern.
*****
In Moledeep, the refurbishing had gone quite successfully. The moles had collapsed every entrance to the place except for three; the main entrance, the Redwall tunnel, and Asher's entrance. Even then, Drubble and several others had rigged up an elaborate contraption on the third exit. He, along with a few other moles, explained it to Charm.
"Burr, it be's simple, zurr marm. This boulder in 'ee ceilin' cavity be's unstable, so us'n's put some timbers beneath it, burr aye!"
"Yurr, an' if'n ye needs ta shut it, jus' pull this yurr timber..."
The mole kicked the large branch roughly, causing the boulder to shudder off it and thud to the ground.
"An then, zurr marm, when 'ee wants ta open 'ee up, jus' get 'ee stronges' beasts ta 'aul up on 'ee rope, hurr hurr, an' th' boulder'll be lifted roight back up onto 'ee timber, by this yurr likkle lift contraption!"
"Good work, molecrew. Do you think you could set up another one on the main entrance?"
Drubble tugged his snout respectfully.
"Give oi toime, an' us'n's'll have it all ready for yurr, marm."
As the moles trundled off, Charm beckoned Gukom to her.
"Gather all the troops not on guard, bring any supplies from the Abbey. Food, bedding, weapons..."
The hamster nodded briefly, then scurried off.
Fastooth's ears perked up and the rat stepped out from behind Fardan. The self-confident sneer was back on his face. "Chief if I could make a surggestion." He said calculatingly laying out his plan on the go. "If'n th' woodlanders would let 'Im in, why don' we have 'Im open th' gates fer us, an' we could jus' walk inter th' Abbey uncontested. Why bother wit' poison when we got 'Im?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It didn't take Bracklew long to find Grant. Crossing the Great Hall he soon spotted the mouse's brown habit near the far tables. Ambling over Bracklew raised his good paw trying to catch his attention. "Father Abbot, Grant!." He called as he rounded the last few tables.
OOC: Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Fardan ignored Grenlik. "Fastooth has a point. If we had him sabotage them from the inside - it could work. The only issue is that Rapshade would have a hard time focusing in his old home."
OOC: Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
OOC-
Alfhild was talking about Roscoe???
IC-
"Oh, what is it now?!" Grant snapped, catching himself only after it was too late.
He forced a smile and chuckled awkwardly, fiddling with the hem of his sleeve. "...Oh, it's you, Bracklew...Are you all right?"
OOC: Durrrrrrrrrr. I thought she was talking about Rapshade. Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Quote from: Groddil on July 31, 2016, 08:15:41 AM
OOC: Durrrrrrrrrr. I thought she was talking about Rapshade. Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
OOC: Seconded. Whoops.
OOC-
Psha, YOU GUYS CAN STILL REPLY, THOUGH. ;) ::)
"No," Bracklew stated truthfully halting in front of the Abbot. "But I'm better, a little. Anyway I wanted to thank you, I assume it was you who had this made right?" He ran a paw down the shoulder-belt strap ending with it resting on the sword's pommel.
"I know you trust me to protect this Abbey, and I'll do everything I can to do so. I just hope you made the right choice." Bracklew didn't say it, but he felt powerless in the face of this foe. He'd tried to defeat Alfhild before, and he had failed. Miserably. Somehow he didn't see a second fight, ending any differently.
Grant nodded slowly, forcing himself to calm down inside and look presentable on the outside.
"Just because you're the one that can call himself the Champion doesn't mean you have to do anything alone, okay, Bracklew?"
OOC: Can we have a timeskip soon? Maybe so Alfhild goes into her tent, the Wetlands group starts their journey to meet up with the Guosim, Bracklew can go through some teen angst, the Vigil can set up properly in Moledeep, and the horde can do... whatever hordes do?
OOC: Yes, cause Asher is literally camping in a tree right now...
OOC-
Yes.
You know what hordes do, Groddil! You're the deputy of my horde!!
OOC: I'll start it, I guess. Timeskip!
BIC:
Still seated inside Alfhild's tent, Daxian straightened up, tightening his grip on the crossbow's trigger. He could see the shadows outside, as the form of a ferret got closer and closer to the flap. Finally, his chance for revenge!
*****
Farther north, near the Wetlands, the group of escapists stopped at the treeline, at Mossflower's most northern point. One-Ear glanced over his shoulder, to see the chaos. Screams and the clashing of steel still filled his ears, and flames danced inside the walls. The primarily wooden buildings, and the gas in the bogs, had caused a terrible blaze. The fox dreaded to think what would have happened to them if they had been trapped inside those walls. Ducking through the treeline, the group of travellers soon found themselves at a stream. The squirrel came over to One-Ear.
"Don't worry, I'd already sent a message to the Guosim in this area because Seacloak arrived. To take you back when the time came, y'see. This shrew, Gruddil. He'll be 'ere soon, wid a couple o' long boats."
Right on cue, the logboats swung around a corner and slowed to stop by One-Ear. "Nice ta see ya, mate," said Gruddil as the shrews shifted aside to make room. The other shrews muttered amongst themselves upon sight of One-Ear's companions, but Gruddil silenced them with a cool glance. "I 'ope you're not scared of a bit of water," joked the shrew. "We'll be taking the rapids back into Mossflower."
The squirrel shook his head.
"Change o' plans, Gruddil, mate. Half o' us are going further upstream, ta the lagoon, ta meet up with the Log-a-log o' the North. The foxes an' the hare are goin' down th' reapids to the watermeadow an' hoppin' ship ta Filargo's raft. 'Ee'll be there at some point, always stops there once a day. D'ye reckon ye can accommodate that change, bein' at such short notice?"
"No problem," said Gruddil. "Still going the same direction, aren't I?"
He waited for the others to get in.
The squirrel and the other two Wetlanders hopped into one logboat, One-Ear and Shadomay boarded Gruddil's craft, and Mortembell unceremoniously dragged Needle into a third. The squirrel and his companions took up some spare oars, and began rowing the craft upstream. It would take them some time, but they would eventually reach their destination. The squirrel yelled over his shoulder just before the logboat disappeared around the corner.
"Aye, same direction! Just pull into the Watermeadow after the rapids an' drop 'em off with some supplies for Filargo. Then ye can go about your business, an' that ole vole'll find 'em afore long!"
Shadomay took one oar and handed it to One-Ear.
"I'll help ye row fer a bit, but I don't know how long. Still pretty weak."
The fox nodded, glancing at the other boat, where Mortembell sat idly, a daggerpoint fixed on Needle. He lowered his voice so that the hare could not hear him.
"That's understandable. But you know what isn't? Needle. I still can't figure out what he has against me. I never did a thing to him, and yet he still stayed loyal to that... beast. Shamolt, that squirrel, said it best, 'Soon, not even fear is enough to keep them in check.' I think he'll denounce that badger soon enough."
Shadomay nodded.
"Aye. I wonder who this Filargo beast is, though. He sounds like an interesting character..."
"Mmm."
One-Ear glanced up at Gruddil.
"We all ready ta go, mate?"
OOC-
Slow down for Sand please.
I'll post later.
"Yeah," said Gruddil. The boats pulled away on his mark, the shrew rowers expertly moving the craft along at a tidy pace.
OOC: Should Gruddil update One-Ear on the situation in Mossflower?
Prezzers: D'oh.
OOC:
Sage: Might be a good idea.
Prezzers: Mkey. I don't think the Guosim fleet has any Sand charries, though.
BIC:
One-Ear dug his paddle in, keeping in time with the shrews. At one point, the fox glanced at Gruddil.
"You're from Mossflower, right? One of Log-a-log Chrysanthe's shrews? What's the situation there, with Redwall, and the horde?"
Gruddil frowned. "Not the best. Horde's still going strong, an' Redwall failed a rescue mission. They lost two of their own, the badgermum and that strange rat. They did get Bracklew out, though, but 'e lost 'is paw an' the ferret Rapshade is in the camp. What else...? Yore Vigil is moving underground, Moledeep or something. I'm sure ye'll get the details from that otter Charm."
OOC: Last post for the night, sorry. I REALLY need to go to bed.
"The Moledeep plan? And its working? Seems like Charm's a natural at running the Vigil. The horde has Rapshade? As a prisoner, or an ally? Wait... Badgermum and rat? Ava and Fangfang? Bracklew lost a paw? What is this? Do you know how many creatures were involved in that rescue mission? Did the Vigil know? Damn it! If the Redwallers just trusted us, we could have helped. Maybe then Ava and Fang wouldn't have had to die... This is ridiculous. What is their problem with us? The reason the Vigil exists in the first place is so that things like this don't happen. So Redwall isn't always in danger. I need to have a few words with the Abbot."
"Yeah, Mossflower's in bad shape. Asher and his squirrels went with the rescue team. They barely got out alive, from what I've heard they emptied out the entire camp to kill the team."
Gruddil pointed ahead to the large section of frothing water. "There's th' rapids. The rescue team wasn't that large - besides the four squirrels, it was Ava, Duncan, Petu for some reason, and Fangfang. Personally, I wouldn't have sent 'em near the camp without at least twelve shrews."
"Nor would I. That's ridiculous. Of the four Redwallers, Duncan's the only real fighter. Petu is lucky to be alive, and the other two... Okay, Shamolt said that the water meadow is on the other side of the rapids. So who's this Filargo creature, that we'll be travelling with next? You know him?"
Gruddil shrugged. "'E's a native, but more o' a hermit than anything else. Trades win us ev'ry once an' a while, but never stays."
He broke off the conversation to focus on the rapids. "Let off on the paddles! Let the water to the work; save your energy for steering!"
The older shrew continued shouting commands as they plunged into the hectic waters. All the passengers were sprayed with a fine mist as the logboats cut through the currents. Gruddil used his paddle to push away from a deadly rock jutting out from the rest. The logboat lurched forward into a steady speed at they fell back into the main current. "That wasn't so bad. The Guosim usually don't go this far north, so I figured bringin' some of the older hands at ridin' rapids should come along to 'elp out the greens."
He patted a younger shrew on the back, who looked like this was his first time traversing the rapids. "Ye did fine. Keep up this work an' you'll be captaining yer own logboat soon!"
"Anything else ye wanted t'know about in Mossflower?" he said, looking back at One-Ear.
One-Ear shook his head.
"I'll find out soon enough. That looks like the water meadow up ahead, anyway."
Suddenly, a sharp trilling noise rang out across the stream. One-Ear's paw was already at the hilt of the Governor's blade, when a large raft shot out of the water meadow entrance, into the stream ahead of them. A small cabin had been constructed in the center of the raft, with several tall poles littered around it. A line stretched between some of these poles, airing out dirty laundry. Several fishing lines trailed in the water behind the raft, and a large cauldron sat outside the cabin, bubbling with some sort of sweet smell, a tiny fire built underneath it on a fireproof platform. Up front; however, was the raft's owner. A small-ish vole whistling a jolly tune, he brandished a long paddle as he steered the raft around to face downstream. The vole stuck the paddle end under a tree root on the closest bank and hooked the handle into a loop on the raft itself. Swinging around to face the Guosim, he gave a swift salute.
"Oh, 'ello me Spikey Mice Pals. 'Ow's the Union farin' this time o' year? Ahh, ye have passengers, eh? Three foxes, an' a captured 'are. 'Ave ye turned tail an' joined th' vermin?"
The vole giggled, taking a long knife from his belt and twirling it with expertise.
"Ah, but I jest. You there, fox wid one ear. Are ye lookin' ta travel wid Filargo? I got nice 'ammocks, an' nice vikkles."
One-Ear nodded.
"Yes, mister Filargo. We wish to travel with you."
"Hmm, three passengers, and a prisoner. That's a heavy load, Gruddil, me ole pal. 'Specially since most woodlanders'll be scared off by yon foxes, an' th' captive 'are'll make 'em think that Filargo's a badbeast. 'Ave ye brought me compensation, mate? Lot's o good vikkles, or mebbe some o' them beautiful shrew rapiers, eh?"
"Aye," grumbled Gruddil. He lifted out several sacks and set them on the raft. "Fresh shrewcakes. Well, fresh to an extent. And a few flagons of our special shrewbeer..."
Once the shrews had finished unloading Filargo's "payment," Gruddil stopped by One-Ear. "Good luck, mate," he said. "Hopefully we'll meet again, under better circumstances."
He stepped back into the logboat. "See ye around, Filargo."
The shrews started to paddle away.
One-Ear nodded at Gruddil as he stepped aboard the raft. While he helped Shadomay up, Mortembell kicked Needle into the raft and tied his chain around a loop set into the deck. Filariasis tossed the sacks of food into the cabin and freed his pole from the bank.
"Ah, a good payment once again, me ole mate Gruddil. I'll be seein' Ye around th' waterways."
As the shrews vanished down a side stream, Filargo piled the raft into the current, striking up a jolly whistling tune. One-Ear came up to him, looking wary.
"I think he'd best be quiet, friend. In case there are foebeasts about."
The vole shrugged.
"Filargo 'as no foebeasts. Woodlander, vermin, anybeast may travel on Filargo's craft, provided they pay o' course. If'n they don't..."
"Okay, okay. Do you need any help paddlin'?"
"Wot's paddlin', mate. The current is what 'elps Filargo sail, this pole be's only der steerin'. Got some rest."
The fox nodded, withdrawing to the cabin.
OOC: I have to say, that went really well.
Prezzers, post.
Frowning Bracklew nodded, not really caring what Grant said. Of course he couldn't do it on his own, but as Champion he was tasked with defending Redwall and keeping its inhabitants safe. He had failed Petu, Duncan, Ava, and Fang in this regard, their wounds and deaths testified his failure.
"I understand Father Abbot," He lied backing away. He needed to go outside and clear his head.
The Abbey looked peaceful in the midday sun. The snow glinted and sparkled, crunching under his pawpads as he crossed the lawns. The sound of shouts and work songs attracted him to the hole where Vigil soldiers and Redwall helpers were passing down all sorts of items, while moles and otters lugged earth towards the walls. Aver was overseeing the operation and waved a friendly paw when he noticed Bracklew.
"What's going on Aver?" Bracklew asked coming up beside the big otter.
"Vigil made themselves a fancy likkle cave-base down below," Aver explained while directing some blanket bearing mice. "They're supplyin' it so they c'n stay down there n' not overstay their welcome. They've 'ad a few run in wit' Redwallers, yer a testament to that."
"Aye," Bracklew agreed dryly.
"Anywho I noticed they was collectin' large amount o' rocks n' earth down there from th' excavatin'." Aver continued patting the hedgehog on the back as he passed, and wincing. "So I'm 'aving me crew an' some moles lug it up to th' wall, a nice surprise for our vermin friends should they come a' knockin'. Waste not want not an' all that eh?"
"That's a good plan," Bracklew said shuffling his footpaws. "Is there any way I could help?"
"Ah erm." Aver glanced towards Bracklew's arm and thought for a moment. "Say matey, I was thinkin' we needed some good beasts wit' sharp eyes to go check th' wicker gates, make sure they're all secure. Wot say ye do that?"
"Sure," Bracklew said, knowing exactly why Aver had hesitated. It didn't pass by him that the otter was making things up to give him something to do.
"Great, I'll send somebeast wit' ye." Aver clapped his paws looking around. "Les' see, yo Gilly! Gillpaw I got a job for ye."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Mayhap," Fastooth suggested to Fardan and Alfhild as Rapshade vanished into the crowd. "We ought ter discuss our plans out o' earshot o' these thugs." He jerked his head towards the crowd of vermin who were dispersing at a suspiciously slow rate.
Moledeep was now the fortress Charm had planned it to be. The two entrances to the woodlands had collapsible rock gates, making it virtually impenetrable, sleeping gear was being brought from the Abbey, to make the hard stone beds a little more bearable, and vittles were already being stockpiled near the cooking area. One of Friar Rusk's kitchen assistants had even volunteered himself as a chef. But what the otter was interested in was the back cavern. Wooden bars had been put over sections in the rock, creating quite a large, effective prison. Keeping vermin here would be more efficient than execution, having them do labor in exchange for being more likely to go free, and wouldn't make the Redwallers so up in arms about the moral dilemma. Most of the Vigil was now in the spacious cavern, except for a few watchers left on the Abbey Walls, and two squirrels to man the lift. Some of the molecrew had also decided to stay in Moledeep, feeling a strange sense of comfort in their ancestral home, and overall, morale had lifted dramatically. The otter had organized the Vigil into teams, led by Captains, and many of them had been sent on training missions. Under her leadership, the Vigil was growing into a real army...
*****
Filargo's raft continued to drift along the sidestream, slowly making its way towards the River Moss. Others boarded the craft, each carrying their own payments for Filargo. Soon; however, the small vole ducked into the cabin, with a paw to his lips.
"Lissen up, all of ye. There's a small band o' vermin scouts up ahead, they wants ta board. Try not ta antagonize 'em, alright? Leave this ta me, an' keep quiet!"
The vole disappeared back onto the deck. One-Ear sat with his sword on his lap, listening intently.
"Ah, good day to ye, mates. Ye seek ta travel on me raft, correct?"
"Shuddup, watermouse. Take us upstream, or die!"
"I don't plan on dyin' t'day, mate. I'll take ye upstream, but fer a price. D'ye have any vittles, or mebbe some nice metal blades?"
"Only blade I 'as'll be in yer skull soon, watermouse. I'm tirin' o' ye attitude. Die!"
A rough, stone axe thudded into the floor of the cabin, followed by the shing of a dagger being unsheathed. One of the vermin let out a cry, followed by a splash. There was a roar, and suddenly, the vole rolled backwards into the cabin, snatched the axe, and thrust it upwards, slaying a ferret just as he charged inside. The vole tossed the axe aside, snatching a knife from the plate of food of a particularly fat rabbit. He strolled casually outside, twirling the little blade.
"Oh, ye must be the smart one, eh, weasel? D'ye see what 'appened ta yer mates? Now, if ya really is smart, yer'll 'and over payment."
There was a short pause, before the weasel trudged into the cabin and slumped against a wall. Filargo, having disposed of the corpses, strolled back inside.
"Alrighty, mate. Thankee fer th' presents, ye can treat yerself ta vikkles if ye like. I'll let yer know when we arrive at yer destination."
The vole wandered over to near One-Ear, taking a pastie from the cupboard of vittles. He whispered into the fox's ear.
"As y'can see, not many vermin travel wit' me..."
The vole shrugged, took a bite of the pastie, and walked back onto the deck, starting up his tune again.
Gillpaw skipped over to Aver. As usual, the young otter was full of energy and a day of watching the Vigil had left her more restless than normal. "Aye Skip, wot's it? I've been bored t'death watching the moles and those Vigil beasts excavatin' the old caverns."
OOC: Prezzers, Alfhild has a meeting to go to...
BIC:
Deep in Mossflower Wood, a small group of Vigil Soldiers on a training mission had captured a stoat, his fur smeared with plant dyes and beads. One of them, a mouse, turned to their captain.
"'Ey, Cap, what do we do wid 'im?"
The Captain, a hedgehog, shrugged his shoulders and pressed a crossbow to the stoat's forehead, winking at the mouse.
"Dunno. Should I kill 'im?"
"Do it, Cap. Kill th' vermin scum!"
"No, please Cap'n 'Edgepig. Don't kill me, I'll tell yer everythin' I know."
The hedgehog's claw flicked the trigger of the crossbow, just as he whipped it up. The bolt flew over the stoat's forehead.
"Well, lucky fer you, th' Commander-in-Chief 'as ordered that we ain't ta execute yer on th' spot anymore. Yer comin' back to our base, where she'll decide what 'appens to ye."
"Thankee, Cap'n 'Edgepig. I'll do whatever she asks, just as long as I lives!"
The hedgehog kicked the stoat roughly, tying a rope around his paws.
"Shuddup, stoat. Jus' cause Commander Charm wants ye livin', doesn't mean I can't say that ye tried ta fight back, an' we 'ad ta kill ya."
The stoat shut his mouth, and accepted his fate, shuffling behind the group of Vigil troops. The mouse whispered into his Captain's ear.
"Good plan, Cap. Never thought actin' all tough'd break 'im like that."
"Most vermin are cowards. I knew that'd happen all along."
The mouse nodded, continuing the facade by kicking the stoat.
"Walk faster, lazybones. Up in front, go on!"
OOC:
@Ashleg Are you okay Ashes?
IC:
"Oh aye?" Aver said winking at her. "Well ain't that nice, wot say ye n' ol' Brack take a patrol 'round th' walls. Check n' make sure all th' little gates are n' good condition." Leaning in close to her so Bracklew couldn't hear the big otter muttered to her quickly. "An' make sure e' don' run off again to try n' save th' Abbey an' lose another paw."
Behind them Bracklew's tufted ears twitched, but he was unable to hear the exchange. Instead he self-consciously clicked his claws together, trying to keep from making eye contact with anybeast.
"Will do!"
The otter turned to face Bracklew. "C'mon, you can't be like that forever, mate," she said cheerfully, before starting off towards the east wallgate.
"I can't be like what forever?" Bracklew asked following Gillpaw towards the gate. He sped up so he was walking alongside the otter. "Do you mean injured? In case you didn't know paws don't grow back, so I'm going to be like this." He waved the bandaged stump into view before tucking it close to his body again. "For quite a while."
OOC:
Sorry about the short post, but I ain't feeling it today.
@Groddil Will One-ear be meeting up with Ashleg's Log-a-log character first, or will he go straight to Redwall?
Gillpaw chuckled. "Not that, silly. Stop being so sad! It'll all work out in the end..."
She stopped at the wallgate. "Looks sturdy enough," said the otter, knocking on the wood. After wiggling the latch, she shrugged and declared a clean bill of repair. "T'be honest, all the gates in Redwall are strong enough to withstand a siege. Which Insuppose we may have on our paws soon, eh?"
OOC-
Uuuurhhhhhh.
Could someone give me a recap?
I've been dealing with some problems and this went to the back of my mind..
OOC: Sure thing Ashes, I'll do it in the OOC thread.
BTW Sage I like that use of wording: "And declared a clean bill of repair." Points for neat writing. ;)
IC:
"Aye, a siege alright." Bracklew agreed, it was rather hard to stay in a sour mood in the company of Gillpaw. But Bracklew was giving it his all. "Though in my short time with them I have a feeling they'll go for something a bit more ferocious and quick." He gave the gate a solid kick noting how the strong timbers didn't even shake.
"Well, lets go check the others and tell Aver they're all sound."
OOC: Thanks! Always nice to receive a compliment.
BIC:
Nodding in agreement, Gillpaw continued. "So one of the Vigil members said that there's a cat leading the horde? Haven't seen one of those in Mossflower for many seasons."
OOC-
Thanks. >.<
If ya'll would be able to stop so I can post, that'd be nice...
OOC: We're the ones who're waiting!
OOC-
WELL SAWWWY!
IC-
Alfhild nodded once.
"Yeah. Sounds good. Let's go."
--
Duncan yawned and sat back, setting his dish down on the side of the bed.
"I sure hope nothin' goes wrong with their plans."
Fardan followed Alfhild inside the tent. "Now that we have some privacy... Are we really going to use that weasel to get inside the Abbey? I'd have to agree with the others, it's a bit risky."
OOC: yes, this may be at odds with Fardan's previous statements, but I don't care.
Quote from: Sagetip on August 13, 2016, 02:40:47 AM
Fardan followed Alfhild inside the tent. "Now that we have some privacy... Are we really going to use that weasel to get inside the Abbey? I'd have to agree with the others, it's a bit risky."
OOC: yes, this may be at odds with Fardan's previous statements, but I don't care.
OOC: Noooooo. Can you please edit that so Fardan doesn't go inside?
OOC: Isn't that EXACTLY what we're supposed to be doing? It's not like Daxian is terrible at hiding.
OOC: Alfhild's the only one supposed to go in. If Fardan goes in too, at least one of the leaders can escape and alert the horde. That can't happen.
OOC: The suggestion was for them to go in and talk about Horde things so Daxian could get captured or killed by them! Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh.
IC:
Remembering something important Fastooth reached forward and grabbed Fardan's arm just before he entered the tent. "I jus' remembered chief, I asked fer th' soothsayer to make us up a load o' poisons we could use on th' Abbey. Course th' vixen don' listen ter me an' she might not be doin' it. Mayhap we should go n' check, an' ye c'n actually convince 'er to get on wit' it."
OOC:
....?
Quote from: Groddil on August 13, 2016, 01:40:20 PM
OOC: Alfhild's the only one supposed to go in. If Fardan goes in too, at least one of the leaders can escape and alert the horde. That can't happen.
OOC: Yes but he's going to get captured by Asher and the others anyway...
Quote from: Sagetip on August 13, 2016, 04:42:01 PMOOC: Yes but he's going to get captured by Asher and the others anyway...
OOC: Nope. They'll be bringing Daxian back in a bag. :P
OOC: Oh, heh, heheh, halehehahahahahahahHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
BIC: Fardan turns to face Fastooth. "Fine. Let's get this over with..:"
He guestured for Fastooth to lead the way.
OOC-
So, that was awkward.
What should Alfhild do, reply to Fardan, or..?
Quote from: Ashleg on August 13, 2016, 11:12:53 PM
OOC-
So, that was awkward.
What should Alfhild do, reply to Fardan, or..?
OOC: Go inside...
Alfhild headed inside her tent and dug around in a bag laying around on her bed for a scrap of parchment to write the plan on to give to Roscoe.
OOC-
It corrected Alfhild to "Alcohols"...bloody auto correct.
Quote from: Ashleg on August 15, 2016, 03:17:56 AM
Alfhild headed inside her tent and dug around in a bag laying around on her bed for a scrap of parchment to write the plan on to give to Roscoe.
OOC: ;)
BIC:
As soon as Alfhild walked inside, she was greeted with the sight of Daxian Claw, former strategist to her horde, sitted at the little table, two goblets sitting in front of him. Under the table was a crossbow, pointed directly at her gut.
"Hello, 'boss.' Why don't you take a seat? No, don't call out. You say a word too loudly, and I'll shoot you right now. Sit here, we're going to play a little game..."
OOC: Found a good picture of Daxian:
(http://s2.n4g.com/news/305017_0.jpg)
Alfhild smirked and pulled up a chair, not the slightest bit of emotion flickering in her eyes.
"Really? A game? I love games. I'd have no reason to call out."
OOC-
Alfhild:
"I'm never getting that out of my mind!"
(http://i43.tinypic.com/11io42d.jpg)
Daxian motioned to the flagon of wine, and the two tankards.
"Simple, really. Within that flagon is a capsule of poison. Eventually, it will burst open. We are both going to take turns filling our goblets, and drinking. Before long, somebeast will drink the poison. And that creature will die. No antidote, of course. Just you, me, and the wine."
The stoat poured himself a goblet of wine and swigged it down in one gulp. He slid the flagon across to Alfhild.
"Drink."
"So somebeast will end up dead and the other drunk as can be? Foolish idea. Why not try to kill me paw to paw? Or just shoot me now if you want me dead badly enough to set this all up?" Alfhild mused, grinning at Daxian. She poured the wine but did not drink it, simply running a claw around the rim of the glass.
"I see you as a coward, you know."
Daxian snorted.
"Killing you paw to paw is foolish. You are far stronger than me, even without my injuries. Shooting you now still gives you the opportunity to retaliate, or alert your followers, before I can reload. The poison, on the other hand, will choke you, meaning you have no way of letting them know before you die."
He began pouring his own wine, glaring at Alfhild.
"If I was a coward, why would I be participating in this... game? The answer, of course, is because I am not. Even if I drink the poison, I still have time to let off a shot with the crossbow. If it doesn't kill you, it would at least do serious damage in the right places. You know, making an enemy of me was stupid. I was your top strategist, even now I have pulled out all stops to kill you. I was surrounded by scores of soldiers, led by somebeast far more capable in battle than me, with nobeast to back me up. Being captured, for however short a time, was the only option I had that did not involve my death. And you act as if I chose to aid them. No, I escape the fox's clutches, come back here, and am rewarded by being disgraced, having my tail cut off, and then tied up like a cannibal's breakfast for days, until you decided which death would pain me the most. All this could have been avoided... Drink!"
"If I don't drink anything and you shoot me, I could very well be injured but, just as you said, I could still alert everybeast. You do see how many holes are in your plot, don't you? I could alert them now if I wanted to. Or I could take one of my weapons and kill you with it..." Alfhild paused to savor that thought before downing the drink and grinning at him.
It tinted her teeth red.
"I think I like you better without your tail, Daxian. It's just too bad that none of that treatment taught you your place. Pity, I say."
--
Fang blinked himself awake.
He couldn't see very well even when he tried to focus in on something right in front of him, and his neck and paws felt very numb.
Truth was, Vadoma had him very heavily drugged. In the case he woke up during treatment it'd be better if he couldn't feel anything.
What's happening? I'm probably dead!
"Hah! Pull out a weapon. I'll have a bolt in your gut afore Ye even draw your blade, and probably a second just before you kill me. If they get you where it counts, well... Now, you see, assassination is not easy. I challenge you to think of an easy way to kill yourself. This way, you have incentive to go along with it. Plus, even if I die... You come with me."
The stoat downed his own wine. The flag on was about two-thirds full. He slid it back to Alfhild.
"My place? You maiming me didn't teach me my place, it tore my place from me. Your retribution against me, if it can even be called that, war disproportional. Outnumbered and captured for several minutes? Stripped of a rank that I served you in for years, helping you win so many of your battles, and maimed. I like that word. Maimed. When you're dead, I'll maim you. I'll make your bones into armor and serve your remains in the feast for Fardan when he takes over properly. Maybe then I'll get my rank back... Drink!"
"Yes, because an old ferret's bones will do you so much good as armor...and I'm sure Fardan will be delighted to find out what he's eating. I'll agree that I like the term 'maimed' for you as well, however."
Alfhild poured herself another glass and gulped it before pushing the flagon rather roughly into Daxian's arms.
"You drink."
--
Vadoma was busy mixing poisons for Fastooth and saw Fang half sit up from the corner of her eye.
She turned around and leaned against the table, a snooty look on her face.
"So you're awake..."
The rat made to speak but found the vixen clamping her paws around his muzzle.
"You know, don't even try. You were stabbed in the throat, so chances of you talking now or ever are slim--don't look at me like that, you're lucky to be here at all!"
Daxian poured himself a tankard of wine, sipped it lightly, and slowly reached the flagon across to Alfhild, now half-full. A few seconds later, he finished the drink and let out a burp.
"A joke, you old fool. Ever heard of 'humor?' I didn't think so. Only joke you know is your own life. Drink."
Alfhild winked at him before refilling her glass.
"No, the only joke I know is Rapshade." She paused to take a mock-sip, secretly letting most of the cup's contents drain over her shoulder.
"But as where he's a joke, you're so hard to tolerate that nobeast could ever find it funny. Drink up, mayhaps a little hydration will make your tail grow back."
--
Fang fixed Vadoma with a stern glare (as nonthreatening as it was) and looked away, brooding in his mind.
"Everything you said after your 'accident' seemed to be stupid or worthless anyway, not to mention that high voice..." Vadoma muttered, smirking as she ruffled the fur on his head and went back to doing what she was good at.
"You should sneak back to Redwall if you can find it. I definitely won't waste any more supplies on you."
OOC: Maybe we could have Asher and friends take Fangfang back to Redwall. After Daxian's body gets tossed out of the camp, of course...
BIC:
Daxian flipped open the flagon and checked it. Only one third left. He refilled his goblet and drained it.
"Heh, now you're getting the hang of it. Dri- Dr- Ugh..."
The stoat knocked the flagon to the ground and shakily, but quickly, shot upwards, the crossbow in his paws. He pointed it at Alfhild, coughed and spluttered, then pulled the trigger, loosing a bolt at Alfhild.
"Heh."
The stoat crashed to the floor, knocking his chair down with him. The crossbow slipped out of his paws as he grappled with his throat. The stoat's eyes bugged out, his throat started to bleed as he scratched at it. Then... Daxian Claw was gone.
Having heard the commotion, Grenlik ducked inside, spear in paw.
"Chief? Whats..."
The weasel noticed Daxian's corpse on the ground, stabbing him just for good measure.
"Are ye injured, boss? I'll get Vadoma."
OOC-
Poor Fang can't be trusted to do anything himself. :'(
Maybe they could meet him in the forest, because he needs to be out of there by the time Alfhild gets in or it'll be Vadoma for dinner.
IC-
Alfhild stood clutching the table with her claws, blood dribbling down her lower chest from where the arrow had pierced.
"I can walk there, I don't need her to come to me." The ferret grunted, getting up.
She trudged slowly towards the exit, holding onto Grenlik for a moment as a stabilizer.
--
Fangfang attempted a retort but was met with only blood rising in his throat, the medicine blocking out whatever pain was supposed to come with it.
This was probably what Rapshade felt like twenty-four seven.
I'd rather be dead!
The rat shakily got up and was imminently greeted with a headrush.
Oh how he'd be cursing if he could.
Quote from: Ashleg on August 15, 2016, 07:54:17 AM
OOC-
Maybe they could meet him in the forest, because he needs to be out of there by the time Alfhild gets in or it'll be Vadoma for dinner.
OOC: That's pretty much what I meant. :P
BIC:
Grenlik handed Alfhild his spear.
"Here, ye can use this fer support. I'll get rid of the stoat, an' be back in a second."
The weasel rolled Daxian under the wall of the tent, slung him over his shoulder, and trudged towards the edge of the woods. When he was just underneath the tree Asher and co. were hiding in, he tossed the corpse into the bushes and walked back towards Alfhild's tent.
OOC:
@LT Sandpaw Still want to do the whole thing with Fastooth and Vadoma and Fardan?
Fangfang slipped past Vadoma and grabbed his cloak, fumbling to fasten it as usual before he stepped outside and broke into a sprint. Things weren't blurry anymore, but it was still night and he had no clue how to get back--or if he wanted to.
Alfhild took the spear an began making her way through the snow and onwards to Vadoma's tent.
The arrow wasn't in deep, but it was still there.
She snorted and peeked inside.
"Fox! Daxian shot me. Get some bandages right now..."
"Yes, my Chief."
OOC: I guess not... We'll just assume they did it off screen or something.
IC:
As he crossed the encampment heading towards the tent Fastooth came across Grenlik heading in the same direction. Falling in step with his weasel counterpart Fastooth frowned at him incredulously.
"Wot ye doin' cully? Ain't ye suppose to be guardin th' center camp?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wot could go wrong? We know better then to go out into Mossflower now, and they can't reach us inside Redwall." Petu answered Duncan confidently. "We're Redwallers, we don't lose, at least not much. Aver's otter crew an' the Vigil will keep us wounded heroes safe. I'm sure of it."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Having completed their round of the small wall gates Bracklew and Gillpaw made the journey to the large main gate on the west wall. This gate had been upgraded over the winter so that nobeast could open it from the outside using a sword. As had happened when Rapshade had entered the Abbey only a few seasons before.
It didn't take a master carpenter to tell that the gate was extremely well made, and capable of holding off any attack for some time. "Well this was a waste of time." Bracklew commented prying his sword between the planks and leaning on it. They held, hardly splintering. "Any horde could spend their lives trying to batter this down, Say Gillpaw." Bracklew asked suddenly, changing tact in the middle of his sentence. "If you were trying to capture Redwall, hypothetically of course, how would you do it?"
Gillpaw stared at the squirrel for a few seconds. "Well... I guess I don't really know! I suppose I'd do it now, when the Abbeydwellers are all holed up from the cold, and they can't grow any food. That'd put 'em at a disadvantage, but also fer us, right? If ye were attacking through snow, that'd hinder your efforts, right?"
The otter ran a paw over the sandstone wall. "Though these walls are pretty impenetrable. And with the Vigil all dug in the ground, we probably 'ave such a huge advantage in movement."
OOC: I'm having sooooo much trouble getting into the character of it being the middle of winter... I keep thinking it's spring or summer or fall...
OOC: Same! XD
BIC:
Grenlik shook his head.
"No, rat, I was offduty when I heard the commotion. Daxian came back fer Alfhild. She's on 'we way ter Vadoma. 'Ang on, wot're YE doin'? This is the Officer's campsite."
OOC-
Sawee, that be how it is. :3
Also, Fang tripped under Asher's tree.
IC-
"They killed our
badger, Petu." Duncan murmured, glancing out the foggy window.
"And yet they haven't really attacked us here yet. You think the vermin are stalling us?"
--
Fangfang pelted quickly through the leafless forest at a blindly quick pace, continuously throwing glances behind him to make sure that nobeast was on his trail.
Suddenly he gasped and tripped over an outlying tree root, falling flat on his nose.
So much for being dizzy and wounded and running in the dark!
The rat glowered at himself and rolled onto his back, sitting up to rub his head.
Curse it, I'm so useless!OOC-
@LT SandpawIs Grah gonna try to get Rap's necklace?
OOC: Uh oh. That means Fangfang'll probably run into Daxian's corpse. :P
BIC:
Meanwhile, deeper into the woodlands, Filargo's raft sailed lazily through the River Moss. One-Ear sat on the side of the raft, idly trailing a paw through the water.
"Filargo, are we meeting up with the Guosim, or heading straight for Redwall?"
The vole shrugged.
"If'n ye wanted ta meet th' Shrews, ye shoulda stayed wid 'em, friend. But that would have taken time; time you don't really want to waste, yes? 'Twill be better fer ye ta stay wid Filargo, he'll take ye straight to the Vigil. Ooh, yiss, word travels fast over water, doncha know? There's an entrance ta Moledeep jus' around this bend in th' river. Well guarded, o' course, but they all knows who ye are."
"Good. Thank you for the help, Filargo."
"Thankee fer th' vittles, my friend. Mayhaps if the Vigil ever needs ta travel o'er th' streams again, ye'll think o' me."
One-Ear nodded, withdrawing into the cabin.
Asher kicked Daxian's body. "Dead... Well, I won't complain, our job's halfway done."
"Might want to take a look at this, Asher," called Harnam, standing over Fangfang. The two other squirrels joined him. "Looks like a horde member thrown out wi' Daxian, just stick 'im betwe- wait a second, it's that rat from the search party!"
Asher kneeled down by the golden rat. "You okay? We thought you died..."
Asher?
Fang gestured to the bandages on his neck and shrugged at them, opening his jaws to make a fiery retort.
Sadly for him, nothing came of it but silence.
Do I look okay to you?
The black squirrel looked at the other two before switching back to Fangfang. "You don't sound good, we can't hear anything you say. Listen, we're headin' back to Redwall on a mission fer th' Vigil, we can take you with us. Nod if you understand)
Quote from: Sagetip on August 15, 2016, 11:53:41 PM
Asher kicked Daxian's body. "Dead... An' no external wounds. Well, I won't complain, our job's halfway done."
OOC: Aside from the clawed throat, stab wound from Grenlik, and blood pouring out of his mouth and nose. :P I'll post later, when I know what to do. Don't hate me, tell Snadpwa to psot first.
OOC: Oh right... I'll edit it.
OOC: 'S all good mate. Now,
@Sandpwa, post with Fastooth!
OOC: I'd post with more of condescending Fardan, but we've had enough of that.
OOC: Well, in the meantime, enjoy some more random Vigil stuff!
BIC:
*Burp!*
"Shuddup, disgusting creature."
The Vigil soldiers, returning to Moledeep, called through a gap in the rocks, announcing their presence. The boulders were lifted roughly into the roof of the tunnel, allowing the mouse to shove their captured stoat into Moledeep. The hedgehog dragged him towards the 'Cell Block', shoving him bodily into a cage, which had a set of wooden bars inset into the stone. The Vigil Captain found himself in Charm's 'office', a cave high in the wall, accessed by another little lift. He gave a quick salute with his crossbow.
"'Ey, boss. We caught a stoat in th' woods; 'ee might 'ave some useful info about the 'orde."
"Good work, Spinoraz. You're dismissed, get some rest. Your team's next mission will be at dawn tomorrow. Gukom, find Dreg. We'll have him question the prisoner."
The hamster nodded, joining Spinoraz on the lift. Charm turned back to her maps and documents, studying the horde's movements. Little did she know, that somebeast she thought was dead was on his way back...
*****
Filargo dug his paddle in deeply, then shoved it under a tree root. Not far from the bank, a small hill rose out of the ground, with a cave mouth inset near the bottom of the slope. The cave appeared to have been collapsed by a huge rockfall, but Filargo knew better. He pointed to a small, strangely colored boulder.
"If'n ye shove that rock outta th' way, there's an 'ole in th' wall that'll let ye call inta th' guards. Good luck, mate. I'll see ye around th' pond."
One-Ear disembarked from the raft, followed shortly by Shadomay and Mortembell, who had a rope around Needle's neck, pulling him behind her. The fox trudged up to the boulder and kicked it aside, yelling into the hole.
"Hello? It's One-Ear, I'm back. Let us in!"
The rockfall began rising out of the ground on a wooden platform. Two soldiers in Vigil uniform lowered their weapons at the sight of the weary group of foxes. Their leader had returned...
OOC-
*dead fox isn't actually dead*
"HE WAS NUMBER ONE!"
Grododile, if you want somebody to play the stoat, weeeell... *wink* *wonk*
IC-
Fang nodded and stood up, wiping snow out of his eyes.
He had so many questions to ask that during this moment he had no way of conveying.
OOC: Nah, the stoat'll just be an NPC. He's not important.
BIC:
Dreg was an odd character, especially to be seen in the Vigil. He was a small sand lizard, and, like most lizards, had an attraction to shiny baubles and mischief. The lizard wore nothing identifying him with the Vigil, which made him useful as a scout. He lacked weapons, but more than made up for this with deadly poison glands behind his head, that gave him a horrible bite. Charm sent him to the jail, along with a squirrel to question the stoat. The squirrel cleared his throat and kicked the bars.
"Get up, stoat. Stand to attention."
"Wot's attenshun?"
Dreg slithered through the bars of the cell and clambered onto the stoat's back. He lightly drew a claw along the stoat's flesh, which made the vermin shoot upright.
"Good, stay like that. Dreg, search him!"
The lizard shook the stoat's rags sharply, causing several items to fall out. A thin, sharpened bone, with a string around it tied to the stoat's leg, and the skull of a mouse, still with the remnants of charred flesh. The squirrel shook his head in disgust and called Dreg back out. The lizard tossed the skull down a nearby hole in the floor, watching as it disappeared from sight.
"Dreg keep bone knife. Dreg think bone knife sharp."
"Okay, Dreg. Let's see, cannibalism, most likely murder, you're definitely guilty of something, stoat. Are you from the horde? No, you wouldn't be. Not with all of those plant dyes. Have you seen a large group of vermin?"
"Only my tribe, no uddas."
"Good. You'll stay there until we mount a raid on your "tribe." They obviously pose a significant threat to Mossflower, and to Redwall. We'll decide your fate afterwards."
The squirrel followed Dreg out of the prison cave, leaving the stoat all alone in his cell. As they were on their way to the barracks, they ran into One-Ear and the other new arrivals.
"One-Ear? Sir, I thought you were dead. Hurry, I'll take you to Charm."
"We're not gonna drag 'is body back t'Redwall, are we?" said Applelad. Asher shook his head. "Nope. I hate to do this, but..."
He took Harnam's sword and cut Daxian's head clean off. "That'll be good enough fer Charm," he said, handing the sword back. "Applelad, just keep an eye on Fangfang. Easy t'get lost in this forest."
The group started off towards the Abbey.
OOC: Timeskip?
OOC: Sorry.
IC:
"Wot ye say?" Fastooth barked furiously fully knowing what Grenlik had said. He figured that everybeast in the horde recognized him as a officer, or at least recognized the cloak he wore. Still the weasel had mentioned something a bit more important then his damage ego. "I am an' officer ye scum; an' why did Daxian attack Alfhild, I thought th' fool was dead." Fastooth indirectly picked up his pace, wanting to see what had happened.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh yeah, yeah." Petu said, his tall ears drooping. The rabbit shrugged at Duncan's question, never the expert on vermin or hordes. And even less so about tactics, but he put his best conclusion forward. "I dunno, I'm thinking that Redwall would be very difficult to stall. The longer they wait the stronger Redwall gets, an' if any of the stories about vermin are true, the more they wait they'll slowly kill each other off. Maybe we wont have to do anything." He said, somewhat hopefully.
OOC-
Let's only timeskip with Fang and the squirrels. ;)
IC-
Fangfang ran to the gate as soon as they got there, casting a glance behind him to make sure the squirrels were still there.
--
Duncan yawned.
"I'd hope you're right."
Asher knocked on the gates. "Hello? Open up! It's Asher."
Grant appeared on the other side of the gate, growling, "Come in, but next time don't be so rude."
He let his gaze travel to Fang, not recognizing him due to the dark and his failing sight.
"Looks like you caught a prisoner, huh...?"
"Not so, Abbot," replied Asher. "Fangfang's still alive! Guess that wildcat's information was off, aye?"
He gestured to the rat's neck. "He was 'urt pretty bad, though. Might want t'have your healer take a look st 'im. I need to go report to Charm. See ye around."
He started towards the Moledeep entrance.
OOC: That moment when you think Fastooth isn't an officer. :P You should probably do a character sheet for him.
BIC:
Grenlik's fur bristled.
"Ye call me scum again, rat, an' I'll gut Ye while Ye sleep. Alfhild trusts me much more'n she trusts you, an' I'm pretty sure I still outrank Ye. Now if Ye didn't know Daxian was still alive, ye'd best git yer ears checked, 'cause it was th' talk I' th' camp fer says."
Once Asher and the others were gone, Grant turned to Fang and began leading him in.
"What happened?"
The yellow rat pulled a wry face and drew a claw across his neck.
The Abbot blinked.
"Lost your voice? I'll be sure to get Rayne at once."
OOC: Maybe :P
IC:
It was Fastooth's turn to get outraged. The rat's hackles rose as he stepped in front of the weasel, his earlier concern about Alfhild having vanished. "Call me rat like that 'gain cully an' I'll gut ye right 'ere right now!" Fastooth snarled prodding Grenlik in the chest with a dirty claw. "Now I ain't goin' to argue wit' ye 'bout rank, but I won' take no threats from ye. So keep yer tongue in check or I'll feed it to th' crows, ye hear?"
Grant nudged Fang ahead of him and started down the halls.
"Rayne?"
"Don't call Ye rat? But Ye are one. Yer the one callin' yer superior 'scum'."
The weasel drew his dagger and started backing back to his tent.
"Mark my words, whatever yer name is, one day, when yer all alone, or if yer injured... I'll help ease Ye into Hellgates..."
Asher descended into Moledeep, progressing to where Charm was. "We're back, Charm," he said, not seeing One-Ear. "Damien was dead when we found him, and just to be sure..."
He held up Daxian's head.
"Well, this is a fine mess. Wonder why he went back in the first place... Toss that head down the waste shute."
One-Ear stepped off the lift into the small cave.
"Revenge, most likely. Asher, good to see that you're back."
Charm began rolling the scrolls back up.
"Well, here's the office all ready for Ye, boss."
"Keep it. You seem to be a better tactician than I am. I'm appointing you Tactical Commander. From now on, you two will share the position of Vigil Second. Charm, you'll do the planning. Asher, we'll make sure they get carried out. I need to get some rest, send scouts out to keep an eye on the Horde."
Asher started at One-Ear. "But... You were buried under..."
He shook his head. "Y'know, I won't question how you got back, but it's good to see ye again. As for the horde, I think Fang might have some information on it. I 'ope you've been brought up to speed. E thought Fangfang died, Bracklew and I heard the wildcat Fardan talking about someone stabbed in the throat. It must've been Fang, but he lived but lost his voice. We found him right outside the vermin camp, so... You might want to ask him. He should be in the Infirmary by now."
OOC-
Yes please, send him there. ;D
IC-
Alfhild flounced out of the healer's tent a moment later with a bandaged arm.
"Roscoe, get over here!"
The weasel hesitated and slunk up to her, smirking tiredly.
"Yea, Chief..?"
"Go back to Redwall and kill somebeast--and then let us in." Alfhild said, ignoring her subordinate's sudden look of shock. She continued with a bitter growl. "And, Roscoe, it doesn't matter what Fardan says. I think it's a good idea... And for your sake, you'd better think so too. Or else I'll chop off your tail and kill you."
Roscoe opened his mouth to protest, but the old ferret gave him a hearty shove in the right direction and sent him running.
"Goodbye, Roscoe! Don't come back without good news!"
--
The sun had started rising by the time a very tired Roscoe had found Redwall Abbey.
I don't know if I'm gonna be able to do this, he thought, squinting up at the belltower.
"H-hello?! It's Roscoe! Er...remember?"
A mouse dressed in Vigil uniform, one of their surface guards, pointed a crossbow at Roscoe from the walltop.
"I've 'eard of ye. Yer the weasel who knows somebeast in 'ere, right? But ye ran away fer some reason. Oh, that's right. Roscoe. Yer th' one wot Charm questioned, aren't ye? The one who didn't 'ave any useful information at all? But why would ye run away from Redwall, th' best place in all th' land. To report back to th' chief o' yer horde. That's where ye've been, innit? So, 'ere's wot's goin' ta 'appen. I'm goin' ta go fetch a Redwaller. You're goin' ta tell us th' truth o' where ye've been, an' wot's 'appenin' at the 'orde camp, if that's where ye were. If we think yer not lyin', an' ye won't cut our throats while we sleep, there's a chance we might let ye in."
"Oh no, no throat cutting from me!" Roscoe called, forcing an awkward grin.
"That's way too gruesome...Er, go fetch a Redwaller!"
The Vigil soldier lowered his weapon.
"Aye. Ye don't seem too dangerous anyway..."
The mouse walked out of vision, heading inside the Abbey building. He sought out Grant.
"Sorry to interrupt ye, sir, but Roscoe's at the gate."
"Roscoe? The weasel?" Grant asked, casting the mouse a curious stare before starting off in the gate's direction.
"It must be important if you saught me out."
The mouse nodded.
"He's been in the woods for a while. There's no reason he would want to leave Redwall for that long, unless it was to meet the horde. We should try and see what he's up to. He might be tryin' ta lure us into a trap."
"The horde? You can have the pleasure of doing the interrogation. I'd personally like to forget about the horde..." Said Grant as he unlocked the gates.
There stood Roscoe, the scrawny weasel with the purple eyes and the red cloak.
He didn't look like much.
The mouse dealt a swift kick to the gate, slamming it shut.
"You don't want to forget about them, because they won't go away. They're probably out there right now, waiting for us to open the gates. We should go to the walltop. He's much more likely to speak sense with you around."
The mouse made sure the gates were locked, then started to climb up to the walltop.
"Calling down to him will only strain our voices. Why not go outside next to him? I'll still be there."
"I'd rather strain my voice than have my throat cut. If there's even the slightest chance that he's up to something, I don't want to risk this place. We open those gates, and that gives any vermin that may be outside the opportunity to rush them and get inside. We go outside, same deal, except if he doesn't do anything to us, his theoretical allies will. Think about it, sir. You're responsible for everybeast in here, young and old. Would you really like to risk them just for the sake o' your voice?"
"Than start already," Grant puffed, shrugging irritably. "Whatever..."
"I'm bein' serious, sir. Everybeast hates us, but we're still helping you. I'm all fer throwing me life away without any gratitude, but I ain't gonna die fer nothin'. The Vigil won't be around forever. Ye need to help yerselves as well. If I die protectin' this place, and then find out from somebeast at th' Dark Forest that all o' Redwall was massacred a couple o' days later cause somebeast was too naive, or didn't plan things out, I'll start turnin' in me grave."
The mouse leant over the battlement, scanning for any vermin near Roscoe.
"Okay, I've got a Redwaller wit' me. Why'd ye run off, and where did ye go?"
Roscoe could answer the first one easily. "I ran off 'cause things were gettin' too heated here, remember? At the feast?"
Grant nodded. "He's right about that..."
The weasel continued. "An' I was wandering Mossflower like usual. Honest!"
"Why were ye gone for so long? Anybeast I know would try an' come back 'ere as soon as possible. Feasts don't usually last several days. If there's anybeast with you, say so now. If they're hidin' in the bushes, bring 'em out."
Roscoe shook his head. "Nobeast. Cross my heart an' hope to die."
He took a long pause, visually struggling to come up with an answer for the first question.
"How'd I know how long feasts last?"
"Cause accordin' to some o' th' Redwallers, ye've been to one before. Somethin' ain't right. I'm goin' ta let ye in, but not through this gate. I'll bring ye in through th' secret entrance, but I'll need ta blindfold ye."
The mouse tossed a knotted rag down at Roscoe.
"Cover yer eyes wit' that, I'll be down in a minute."
The mouse started descending the steps.
Roscoe fumbled to catch the rag and looked up as both mice were soon gone from sight.
He didn't exactly trust the mouse just as the mouse didn't trust him.
If Alfhild kills me, it'll hurt more.
He reluctantly tied the blindfold on, looking very tense all of a sudden.
"Hello?"
The mouse from the Vigil ducked out of the gate, waiting until he heard the satisfying thump of the gates being locked behind him.
"I'm right behind ye, Roscoe. Feel that? That was me paw. Okay, we're goin' ta the secret entrance. It's a short trek east o' here. Just in case, we ain't goin' ta talk, alright? If I tap ye on yer' left foreleg, step left. If I tap yer right foreleg, step right. An' if I tap yer back, stop movin'. Okay, start walkin'. Nice an' slowly, now."
The mouse had his crossbow ready, just in case anybeast tried to jump out at them.
Roscoe took a few steps and then began panicking. "Why can't we talk? I feel like a prisoner!"
He halted first out of fear, but then a few moments later he smirked as a new idea sprouted in mind.
The weasel scuffed the ground roughly with his claws so that it left a mark.
"...I'm not foolish enough t' think this is how to get in Redwall."
"We can't talk in case somebeast hears us. And this IS the way to get into Redwall, through an underground tunnel. But, even though gettin' into the tunnels be impossible, we still don't want anybeast know in' about it. Safety reason. Now keep yer voice down."
The mouse tapped Roscoe's right foreleg.
OOC:
QuoteThe mouse dealt a swift kick to the gate, slamming it shut.
That's a broken paw for sure...
OOC: I sorry. I ashamed. Bad Snadpwa, bad. :'( Snadpwa will go iron his hands.
Oh now I can't psot anymore..... ;)
IC:
"Then I reckon ye'd be doin' me a favor weasel." Fastooth spat, sending the spittle into mud between him and Grenlik. "Jus' keep yer eyes open, an' don' try givin' me orders nor insultin' me again. Or ye'll regret it." Turning Fastooth marched off in a high temper snapping at some guards who were slouching too much.
The rat wandered around for some time before setting his sights on Alfhild's tent thinking he ought to see what new orders there were.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Landing in a flurry of feathers onto the mud, most of the camp was now just mud as the snow had been trampled away, Grah stretched her wings and entered Vadoma's tent; or more so stuck her head into the tent as the entrance was too small to fully admit her.
"Creaah, rattystink breath life?" She called fixing the fox with one massive black eye.
~*~*~*~*~
Having heard Grant's summons Rayne rushed up her eyes wide when she saw Fang. "They said you were dead," She gasped, watching Grant's back disappear as he rushed off to do something else. The Abbot was especially busy these days. Focusing on Fangfang the mouse healer clicked her tongue disapprovingly taking hold of Fang's paw and leading him towards the infirmary.
"When was the last time you've eaten Fang? You look starved, and frozen." She said kindly as she could. "I'll get that wound on your neck fix right away, it's a wonder your alive, and able to walk."
OOC: Rayne will fix that broken paw. ;)
OOC-
Whoever said that mouse had a broken paw? O-o
*gives Snadpwa a sock*
NOW SNADPWA IS FREE...!
IC-
Fang followed after Rayne, this time looking slightly offput as he had to let them know he'd lost his voice yet again.
Food did sound nice, however...
--
"Safety. I hear ya."
Smirking, Roscoe turned right and again left a deep mark with his paw. To anyone else it would just look like a nervous habit rather than a master plan.
--
"Yes, he did." Vadoma said, adjusting some jars in her bag. "And I sent him off."
OOC-
Omg guys!! Fang looks more starved than usual!! ;)
"Somethin' wrong wit' yer paw, mate? 'Ave ta get that checked. Alright, 'ere's the rock path. Careful not ta slip."
OOC: Good luck making any more marks now! >:D
BIC:
The mouse continued to follow behind Roscoe, occasionally indicating a change in direction. He tapped Roscoe once in the back and walked up to the main entrance to Moledeep, looking for all intents and purposes like a simple cave overhang, with a huge pile of rubble at the back. He shoved aside a rock and called through the slit.
"It's Celio. I've got somebeast wit' me, 'ee's goin' through ta Redwall."
"Got it, come on in."
The rubble rose out of the ground and into the roof of the large tunnel up ahead. Celio motioned to Roscoe to stand inside. Within the actual tunnel, there was another pile of rubble a couple metres in. A two-part entrance. The mouse called Roscoe inside, and waited until the outer entrance had slammed shut. Celio took the rag from Roscoe's face.
"Welcome to Moledeep. In a second, that rubble'll disappear, and we'll be in the underground proper. Then, it's just a quick stroll through our base and down a tunnel, and ye'll be near the Abbey Pond."
The rubble began rising slowly towards the cave roof.
"After you."
OOC: Not sure if that was PP-ing or not, making Roscoe come in. Want me to change it?
OOC: One-Ear should interview Fang. Got any stuff for Asher to do?
OOC-
Quote from: Sagetip on August 19, 2016, 12:46:46 AM
One-Ear should interview Fang.
IC-
Celio, Celio...His name is Celio...Roscoe blinked to adjust to the light, nodding.
"Alright, mate. Interestin' how this is like so..."
Quote from: Sagetip on August 19, 2016, 12:46:46 AM
OOC: One-Ear should interview Fang. In a minute. Got any stuff for Asher to do? I dunno. Maybe he could run into Celio and Roscoe? Or help in the mission to wipe out the tribe of cannibal stoats.
BIC:
"Like what? Okay, 'ere we are. Moledeep, 'ome o' th' Vigil. We 'ave ta go through 'ere ta get to th' Redwall tunnel, so stick close. Some o' the troops don't take kindly ta visitors they don't know..."
"Pffth, I know the Vigil. What a bunch of dummies." Roscoe scoffed, gaining more confidence the further they walked.
Even if he didn't succeed in Alfhild's plot, he still had something to back him with.
Celio diverted around a crowd of soldiers.
"I heard that, y'know. An' no matter what we was like once, all i' the extra trainin's pay in' off. We're a proper army now, so the horde should know better than to mess with Redwall... Down here."
"What makes ya think the horde'll turn tail to a bunch of sissy Woodlanders led by a one-eared fox?" Roscoe laughed.
"Well, for one, we have a secure base, with the only entrances needing to be opened from the inside. We have better weapons, better training, and our loyalty isn't due to fear, so we aren't about to desert in the middle of a major battle. And our leaders match the Horde's to a T. Alfhild is old, but smart. Fardan is strong, but rushes into things headlong. Sounds a little like Charm and One-Ear. In the end, if it comes to it, we have supplies inside Redwall (especially the orchard and pond) that means we'll outlast them if they try a siege. All we have to do is stay behind the Abbey Walls and pick off vermin one by one."
"'Ey Celio," waved Asher as the mouse entered. "Nice t'see ya - what's he doing here?" he said, pointing to Roscoe. "Thought he was done with the Vigil... And that we were done with him."
Celio nodded.
"Gday, boss, 'ope all's well. I'm takin' Roscoe 'ere ta Redwall. Didn't think it wise Ta open th' gates, so I brought 'im through th' tunnels. Grant might be able to 'ave 'im 'elp out in some way."
"Oh. Well, keep an eye on 'im, 'e's not exactly cooperative."
Asher started out of the chamber towards the surface.
Roscoe grinned innocently as they passed Asher and then turned back to Celio, winking smartly.
"Ohh, you're right! Thanks fer tellin' me. I doubt the horde stands a chance against you, what with the extra supplies near the orchard an' pond! Is it vittles or weapons? 'Cause let me tell ya, from what I've seen of the horde, weapons there aren't any worse than yours..."
--
Rapshade yawned and stepped outside, donning the purple necklace as a slight challenge to Grah. He didn't plan on giving it to her anytime soon.
Chuckling under his breath, the ferret marched forward and tapped a weasel on the shoulder, grinning wisely.
"Oh hey there, Grenlik, you friend stabber you, I've decided to go pay a visit on the Vigil and I need somebeast to come with me. Somebeast...strong."
Complete and utter lies.
"How 'bout it? Mayhaps if we catch a prisoner Alfhild'll be impressed. Heheh..."
OOC: Grenlik's a weasel.
BIC: The weasel spat with contempt,
"'Ow foolish are Ye? In case Ye forgot, I'm Chief Scout around here, so I know what the Vigil's up to. They're holed up underground somewhere, and when we went to investigate, the cave they disappeared into 'ad no other ways out. 'Sides, I already 'as orders from Alfhild, an' I listen to 'we, not you. Find somebeast else."
OOC-
Oh yeah Mr.Krabs!
IC-
"What orders? I'd bet she only gives you orders t' keep you off her tail. Not to mention how laughable 'Chief Scout' sounds." Rapshade shrugged and stepped around Grenlik, smirking at him.
He had Glaser's sword tucked in his waistsash.
"It don't sound like you put much effort into that investigation."
OOC-
PSST
CELIO
OOC: What's Rapshade smoking? :p All the ways into Moledeep, apart from the three that have the cave-in "doors" on them got collapsed by Drubble and co.
BIC:
"An' I think she's only let Ye live because it'll be funny Ta see th' look on yer face when she cuts yer throat, jus' after Ye started trust in' 'er."
He noticed a skinny pine marten walking up to them.
"Actually, we got orders Ta go an' meet this weird tribe o' stoats an' convince 'em Ta aid the 'orde. 'Parently, livin' in trees fer so long means we might be able Ta 'ave 'em climb o'er th' Abbey Walls."
OOC-
Rapshade has no prior knowledge of this except for what Grenlik just said and he doesn't believe that the Vigil would get stuck underground without it being part of a plan.
He's not smoking anything...
IC-
"I'm never putting trust in her. Not even a smidge." Rapshade whirled round and started off towards Alfhild's tent.
"Shame if she were to find that out, huh? You can go check out all of their old campsites, but until you turn into a mole with steel claws an' eyes that shoot fire, good luck gettin' inta their base!"
*****
Celio shrugged.
"We've got more swords an' suchlike that aren't covered in rust, fer one. I doubt anybeast in that horde who ain't some sort I' officer 'as any good weapons. Rats don't tend Ta make good blacksmiths or anythin', so 'ordes normally take their blades off whoever they slay, an' the ones with the good weapons tend to not die as easily."
The mouse stopped in front of a tunnel, with another cave-in "door" blocking their way. A tired-looking vole sat next to the exit with charcoal and a scroll.
"Name?"
"Celio."
"Purpose of Abbey visit?"
"Delivery, and wall guard duty."
"Go on through."
The tunnel soon opened up, allowing them to proceed.
Rapshade peered into the Chieftess's tent. "Alfhild."
The old ferret turned around.
"What do you want?"
"You're wounded, Aunt?"
--
Roscoe grinned.
"You trust me, don't you, Celio?"
Celio shrugged.
"Well, Ye seem nice enough. I don't really mistrust Ye, but there's the chance that yer being followed, an' it's whoever might be followin' Ye that I don't trust."
Petu looked up curiously as Rayne and Fang entered the infirmary. The rabbit stood up, winced, then proceeded across the room to gawk at Fangfang.
"They said you was dead Fang ol' pal. What happened out there? Did you get wounded too?"
The mouse healer waved him off as she made a bed for the injured rat, making sure to remove Vadoma's applied bandage, silently surprised by the neat paw-work. "Leave him alone Petu, and bring some of that meal over here for him. I think he's in shock, poor fellow hasn't said a word. Get something sugary for him too, cordial perhaps, he's lost a lot of blood." As she looked over the wound though her original assessment of his condition changed. Fang's throat had a jagged open scar stretched across it. His windpipe had protected the vital arteries from being cut, but at what cost to his voice?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The big crow screeched in fury, her talons digging into the dirt. One dangerously sharp talon flicked towards Vadoma, but Grah stopped herself before tearing out the fox's heart. Alfhild who provided had made it clear that such actions weren't allowed, though Grah was slowly losing control of herself as the vicious bloodlust and anger bubbled to the surface. "Where?" She squawked pushing further into the tent, filling the limited space with her voracious wingspan. "Creeaah! Where rat?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Standing by the pond with Gillpaw, Bracklew watched as the icy water flowed, creating tiny ripples on the surface. It wasn't cold enough to freeze over, though it was certainly getting close. Turning he looked on as a group of Vigil soldiers ascended from their underground base, probably to take up guard duty on the wall.
"Have you been down there?" He asked Gillpaw, "Do you suppose they would mind if we went down and had a look?"
"Dunno," said the otter, scratching her head. "S'pose they wouldn't mind, they've been happy enough with the shrews and ottercrew working with 'em on missions."
"True," Bracklew huffed his eyebrows rising slightly. "But I did kinda fight with one of their members not too long ago." He considered the tunnel entrance for a bit longer, then with a smirk he started towards it. "Well what are they going to do if we go down? Tell us to leave? I want to go see what they've built down there, wanna come with?"
Gillpaw opened her mouth to protest, but shut it quickly. He wasn't going outside the Abbey, technically. And as long as she went with him...
"Sure," she said. "Let's go!"
Grenlik and the scouts were on their way to the Pine Grove where the strange tribe of stoats lived. Before long, they came to a large stream, with no ways to cross for as far as the eye could see. Before long, the weasel's ears picked up... whistling? A large raft trundled lightly down the stream, stopping in front of them. Grenlik leant on his spear as he sized up the watervole, standing outside the cabin.
"Hey, you. Can we travel with ye?"
Filargo looked up, grinning.
"Sure, mates. Everybeast's welcome on Filargo's raft. Assuming ye have payment, that is!"
Grenlik stared at the rat in his team. The rat held a strange scimitar, with engravings and silver trim down the blade. He had tried his best to disguise it with mud and scratches, but seemed to have forgotten that Grenlik was Chief Scout for a reason.
"Give him the sword."
"Why? It's jus' a plain ol' sword, 'twon't be enough!"
"Give it to him."
The rat whispered in Grenlik's ear.
"Why can't we jus' kill 'im?"
"Cause we don't know how to sail, fool. An' cause I've 'eard o' him. 'Ee's dangerous."
The weasel quickly lashed out at the rat's paw, causing him to drop the sword. He tossed it to Filargo, who cleaned it off in the stream.
"Ooh, very nice, very nice. Welcome aboard. No fightin', can't abide fightin' aboard th' raft."
Hopping over the log barrier Bracklew stepped onto the lift the Vigil had rigged up, tapping experimentally with his footpaw. It was a sturdy structure, well built for the task of hauling creatures in and out of the pit. Taking ahold of the winch that controlled the pulley system he struggled for a moment, using his bandaged arm, and good paw to little avail. Cursing under his breath he stepped back, looking guiltily at Gillpaw.
"Erm, you might need to do that, I can't work it with one paw."
OOC: Edited.
OOC: Just suppose I should make it a little clearer. :P The actual lift is on the Abbey Lawn, on the side of a large pit. There's a big fence around the pit, and the lift goes into it. Kinda like a sinkhole. The tunnel to Moledeep is in the bottom of the sinkhole.
BIC: One of the Vigil soldiers, who had let the group of Redwallers into the walled-off area of the lawn, approached the lift.
"Good luck makin' it work on yer own, mates. Ye can't make 'er move if yer on the lift. I'll send ye down."
He took ahold of the windlass that controlled the pulleys and started to push. Eventually, the Redwallers were at the bottom of the Sinkhole. Once they had left the lift, Celio, who had led Roscoe through the tunnel, stepped on.
"Gday. Moledeep tunnel's that way... Roscoe, hop on the lift."
"Hahaha, okay!" Roscoe hopped aboard and tipped his hat at Celio, grinning widely.
"Glad ya trust me, mate. What is this thing? Don't think I've ever seen somethin' so intricate..."
--
Fangfang scrambled backwards when Petu ran over, startled by the rabbit's reaction.
Rayne's suggestion of food calmed him down however and he squinted to try and see the wound.
What would Cap'n say? That of course I can't see it 'cause it's on my neck?
Celio shrugged.
"'Tis called a lift, some moles 'elped ta set it up. Somebeast up top'll haul on these ropes, an' up we go. COMIN' UP!"
"AYE!"
The platform started to rise up towards the Abbey Lawn.
"Roscoe?" Bracklew said in surprise, having not expected to see the weasel again, much less see him walking out of the Vigil's base. The platform creaked and began to rise and Bracklew remembered to hop off; the young squirrel landed heavily just below the rising lift. He watched it for a moment then shrugging made his way towards the tunnel entrance.
"I wonder what he was doing down there." Bracklew mused paused to wait for Gillpaw. "C'mon slow-chops lets go see this place."
OOC:
@Groddil Are there Vigil on guard at the Redwall entrance? Or just that vole?
Also
@Ashleg , is there anything specific your wanting to do with Fang right now, or just continue the way we are? BTW post with Vadoma.
OOC: There's a couple on the Redwall side, yeah. The vole's on the Vigil side of the entrance, so don't worry about him.
BIC: As Asher was heading down the tunnel towards the surface, a passing squirrel recognised him.
"Err, Asher, sir? I think One-Ear was lookin' for Ye."
OOC-
Roscoe's a weasel.
And what did you need Vadoma for again?
I'm so disoriented. :-\
Asher rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll head back down."
Gillpaw followed Bracklew at a slightly slower pace. "Careful, these caves could collapse Even moles can't do everything."
A nearby Vigil soldier, a short otter, shook his head at Gillpaw.
"I don't think so, missy. These caverns' 'ave stayed intact fer thousands o' seasons. They was old even before Redwall was a thing. So don't worry yer pretty liddle 'ead about it."
He straightened up, looking at his companion.
"Ahem, state yer bizness 'ere. Who dye need ta speak ta?"
OOC: If you go back a couple posts Grah was asking Vadoma where Fang was.
IC:
"No one," Bracklew snorted staring past the otter and into the tunnel which supposedly led to Moledeep. "We're just coming down to have a look around. This place is, as you mentioned, old, and it holds some historical value to Redwall even if its a Vigil hangout now. And we'd like to see it, if that's alright with you?"
The otter folded his forelegs.
"I don't really like your attitude, but yer friends seem polite enough. Open it!"
The collapsed tunnel swiftly opened up, showing a huge cavern filled with Vigil soldier.
"In ye go."
Once they were up, Roscoe hopped off the lift and into the snow.
"C'mon, Celio, mate, it's cold out here!"
--
"He's gone. Did you want Alfhild to find out?"
Vadoma growled, fixing Grah with a glare.
Hissing furiously the crow backed out of Vadoma's tent, a considerable feat, leaving Grah looking very ruffled and the tent in a crumpled state. For a moment the bird stood outside, her brain working in overdrive, Grah had never been one for deep thought, and now it was working against her. No plan surfaced, no brilliant idea presented itself before her. Nothing but find the rat!
Flapping her wings Grah rose into the air, soaring over the sea of tents, her sharp eyes scanning every inch in a desperate search. She saw nothing but... Her prize around Rapshade's neck. Landing before the ferret like a muted lightning bolt Grah fixed the smaller animal with her piercing gaze.
"Rat! Gone! Creeaah! He breathe life! Give!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Don't like my attitude pff, bite me." Bracklew snarked rudely, stepping past the Vigil otter. He stopped half-strut through the opening his tufted ears drooping in regret. He was supposed to be the Champion of Redwall, and here he was, proving that his attitude wasn't anything to be liked. The vile worm of self-disgust and rebellion squirmed in Bracklew's stomach, leaving a bad taste in his mouth. A taste that wouldn't be washed out easily.
"Sorry, I-I shouldn't have said that." Embarrassed and ashamed the squirrel kept his eyes averted as they walked out into the cavern trying his hardest to forget that had just happened.
"This is interesting, ain't it?" He asked Gillpaw, his eyes fixated on his footpaws, and not the cavern that he was referring too. It was more of a plea for mercy then a question, requesting his newfound companion's understanding. A test of sorts to see whether she would press her opinion what she had just witnessed, or allow it to fade into the past.
Gillpaw looked at the young squirrel. She didn't really know what to say to Bracklew, but tried her best. "Let's just focus on why we're here, and not who's here with us," she said vaguely, trying her best to leave her words open to interpretation.
Alfhild had her bow out and ready to go as if she were about to make an announcement when she heard Rapshade yowling about something. Curiously, she peered over her shoulder with her ice blue eyes and noticed him next to Grah.
The old ferret cracked a smirk. Her nephew's words were traveling over to her ears at the speed of light.
"Yeh stinky worm, don't lie to me! Gone, my tail. He's dead lest I see him myself!" Rapshade snapped, fixing Grah with a glare that could melt icebergs.
"No Fangfang, no necklace. Knock it in your head, bird, or I'll do it for ya!" He curled his claws in, resisting the urge to take his pent-up anger out on her.
"...I'd kill ya if I were Chief..."
That, especially, made Alfhild smirk.
"A sick, crippled ferret stands no chance against one as fit as her!" She called over, voice sickeningly sweet and yet dripping poison.
Rapshade's expression went from furious to innocent in less than a heartbeat, and he scraped up a snowball and chucked it at the back of her head.
With a yelp, Alfhild toppled over.
OOC: Perhaps they could meet up with One-ear, or Asher, or both?
IC:
"Yeah, yeah lets do that." Bracklew agreed hesitantly, trying his best to make sense of the situation. He lifted his gaze letting it trail across the cavern, impressed despite himself. "Our moles did a good job refurbishing Moledeep." He commented, hoping to start up a conversation. "Though you were right about before, these walls look old, and crumbling. That could be dangerous, especially if the Vigil has their entire army down here."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The quick action against Alfhild was just a snowball, and hardly a method of killing or real harm. Still Grah took it as more then enough just cause to take action herself. Besides if Alfhild let her eat him, she could always take the purple baubles for herself. The big crow launched herself forward, talons outstretched to lace around Rapshade's back and pin him down. Beak raised to plunge into his neck and snap it. Wings ready to batter the life out of him.
OOC: Feel free to PP Grah a little, just nothing crazy, I assume Rapshade the Swift got his name for a reason. But if that's not what you want to do I suppose Alfhild could stop her from delivering the death blow... ;)
Rapshade dusted snow off his paws whilst grinning.
"Poor thing should learn to watch her mouth."
The next thing he knew Glaser's sword went flying from him and he let out a gasp, forced onto the ground by Grah.
Alfhild got up and rubbed her head.
"Oh, please! Don't kill me, mighty crow, I beg of you!" Rapshade cried, squirming and kicking to try and get away. His acting wasn't very good in the moment, however, and the phrase came out extremely sarcastic.
Knowing his cover was blown, he wriggled free and dealt her a blow to the throat as soon as he had the chance. The ferret snarled and like a black streak leapt atop her.
"You--scringin'--seabird! I'll tear yer feathers out!"
Releasing an enraged croak Grah sprang into the air rising a good three meters, even with Rapshade's added weight. However it was a impressive feat that couldn't last. Grah's wings buckled and she fell heavily, jarring her unwanted passenger.
"Creeaah! Krah feast on ferret flesh, drink blood! Creeeaah, tear leg off, peck out ferret eyes!" Grah screamed in fury as she beat her wings and twisted her head trying to throw Rapshade off.
OOC: Hmm, Asher and One-Ear are both leaving soon. Maybe they could meet Charm?
BIC:
Once Asher had gotten back to the main cavern, he found One-Ear waiting for him.
"Asher. I need to speak to you. We had an otherwife come to us earlier, said her child had been taken by vermin, probably the horde. She asked for you by name. Plus, you can probably find some information from those vermin while you're there. Here's a map to the otterwife's cave. Any questions?"
*****
Celio followed Roscoe over the lawn towards the Abbey building, where Grant would be waiting.
"They usually find more recruits from the woodlands," said Gillpaw darkly. "Lots of the otters and shrews come from our crew and the Gousim."
She waved to One-Ear and Asher. The black squirrel waved back distractedly as he stared at the map. "Any idea where the vermin are? Because they could've left th' cave by now."
Rapshade felt it getting more and more painful to move his leg like he was and yet he held on and kept scratching at her, spitting, "Stop flailing, you stupid bird...arrgh!" Grah's frantic movements didn't go unrewarded and soon he had a bright red streak of blood running down his face.
Another minute sped by as the ferret found Alfhild yanking him off of her.
She snarled as she pulled him by the arms off to the side.
"You and I are having a talk."
"...Oh?" Rapshade grinned, panting heavily, "A talk about what, dear Auntie...?"
"Kill ferret kill, feast creeeaah!" Grah croaked angrily. The crow practically did a dance of rage as a few of the feathers Rapshade had pulled loose, fell out. "Creeaah, Alf-hild! Give ferret to Krah creeaah!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Innit that One-ear?" Bracklew observed amusedly. It was definitely the one eared fox, though it seemed he had a rough time of things since they had last met face to face. "I thought he was dead, I could have sworn somebeast told me he was dead. I guess he's got two more lives seeing as he's got one eye and a nose left." His joke was forced out humorlessly, and the squirrel kept a advent frown on his face. "Let's get closer I want to hear what they're saying." Casually as possible Bracklew wandered over to the two animals, keeping one ear pivoted towards them as he pretended to inspect the walls.
OOC-
Oooooops!
IC-
Grant looked up when he noticed Celio leading Roscoe towards him.
The weasel bounded the rest of the way and got way too close to the Abbot, snickering, "You guys seem ready t'do battle with th' horde, eh? Heheheh!"
Grant fumbled with his paws as he tried to push the vermin away.
"W-well..."
--
"Savage bird!" Rapshade retorted, pulling to get at her. "Y' snifflin' ball of slime!"
"You two are gonna have to work t'gether if either of you want to see daylight tomorrow!" Alfhild snapped, dealing the younger ferret a loud slap to the face.
"Grah, you're both coming with me and we're going to work this out!"
OOC: Bracklew's really become a jerk lately.
BIC:
One-Ear shrugged.
"I don't know. Just go to the otterwife's home, see if she knows anything about where they've gone, or just track them. Any questions, because we both need to be going."
Asher shook his head. "Nope. Let's go."
He started back towards the elevator.
Gillpaw watched them go, but made sure Bracklew didn't try to follow. She casually leaned against the wall, observing the other Vigil members.
One-Ear nodded, watching as Asher started walking off.
"Good luck, Asher. Oh, one more thing. The otterwife's den is quite a way away. Report to our Cook, get some supplies. Tell him to load you up. Go out the main tunnel entrance, walk along the river until you hear whistling. If ye see a raft wit' a vole steerin' it, ask fer 'is name. If 'ee says 'tis Filargo, then say ye know me, an' give 'im yer supplies as payment. 'Ee'll take ye where ye need ta go."
The fox walked over to one of the other tunnels, where twoscore Vigil soldiers had assembled. They had all been briefed on their mission; taking out the strange tribe of stoats in the nearby pine grove. He strapped on his blade and led them towards the side exit tunnel of Moledeep.
OOC: You want Asher's team to go with One-Ear? Give 'em something to do?
OOC: Take applelad, I'll keep Harnam.
BIC: Asher looked sideways at Applelad. "Go with One-Ear. I'd rather not loose another member today."
OOC:
@Groddil Yeah that's kinda the point. He'll make a rebound soon enough. Maybe... ;)
IC:
Unfortunately for Gillpaw that was entirely what Bracklew had in mind. Shifting from staring at the wall to following the older squirrel's back Bracklew pattered along until he was walking alongside Asher. For the time being he ignored Harnam, only giving the squirrel a sideways glance. He supposed he'd have to tolerate his presence for this discussion.
"Hey," He said shortly in greeting as they walked along. "I wanted to thank you Asher," He huffed, casting another glance at Harnam before continuing. "For saving my life in Mossflower, I think I would have died had you not shown up. I just wish you could have saved Ava too."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Work out!" Grah croaked, more in disbelief then anger. "Krah not work out, Krah feast, kill, shred eyes from ferret skull." Still she trailed Alfhild obediently, though walking for her was more of a bounce, and every time she landed some dirt, or dead twig would be shredded in her talons.
The crow kept one of her eyes on Rapshade at all times, and never once did she let up her rant, vowing to do all sorts of horrible things to him.
"Krah will shut her mouth, that's what she'll do!" Alfhild snarled, letting go of Rapshade once the three were safely in her tent so that she could round on Grah.
"Grah, don't make me tear your feathers out as a bed lining! Stand over there-no, away from Rapshade, cloudhead. Neither of you are off the hook. Sit. Down."
OOC: I think its great that these villains are about to get a good telling off by an aunt. ;D
IC:
"Creeaah," Grah squawked grumpily. Sitting down was probably the most difficult thing for her, but she managed it, roosting on top of a large weapons chest. Her large talons digging into the woodwork so she could maintain the cramped position. The bird was out of her element in the tent, and was clearly uncomfortable, shuffling her wings repetitively.
"Grah hate earthwalker cloth-house." She said in a much quieter voice. "Creeaah, Krah go out."
OOC-
Yess, exactly. ;D ;D
IC-
Rapshade reluctantly sat down on a mat, sneering curses under his breath.
He'd show them one day.
Soon enough, they'd grovel at his paws.
Alfhild's commanding voice jerked him out of his fantasies.
"Krah no go out, Krah will stay here where she likes it! Pay attention, both of you good-for-nothings."
Gluing her ice blue eyes upon the two, the old ferret strode around them, tapping loudly on the weapons chest with her sword.
"Your behavior was that of children. Just think, an officer and a captain having a schoolyard scrap!" She turned to sneer at her furious-looking relative.
"Maybe it did when you were in charge, Rapshade, but not under my paw."
Begrudgingly Grah focused her attention on Alfhild, not that she had much of a choice in the confines of the tent. The crow was already growing uneasy, and she kept up a constant movement with her head, managing to keep an eye on both Alfhild and Rapshade at the same time. As Alfhild told them off the crow kept switching her gaze from Rapshade's face, to his neck.
"Grah no fight Rap-shade, do, Alf-hild says." She hissed with sudden deliberation to Rapshade. "Krah find rat, creeaah, earthwalker filth. Grah tear out heart, eat creeaah. Grah give yellow ratstink left over, to ferret." She made a disturbing gurgling sound in here throat, that resembled that of a beast dying. Her laughter. "Grah do this, or get Krah wants. Creeaah."
"He's long dead, Chief, that bird's delusional!" Rapshade blurted, leaping up and pointing an accusing claw at the crow.
Alfhild's cold eyes turned ever so slowly to Grah.
"I had Grenlik kill him right in front of me. So that's what this is about?" She hissed.
Rapshade nodded eagerly, tugging at his necklace.
"Yes, I saw it, and yes, we agreed that if'n she brings him back alive she'll get this. But instead she tried t' scam me out of it! What're you gonna do, Auntie?"
Alfhild went quiet and turned her back to the both of them, whispering plans under her breath.
She was secretly impressed that Rapshade, with his wound and illness, was able to hold his own in a fight against Grah.
"...Promote you."
OOC: Oooo.
Caught off guard by Bracklew's appearance, Asher started slightly. "...yeah. We can't save everyone. Sorry for her death, I'm sure she meant a lot."
The black squirrel sped up ever so slightly. This conversation was already heading towards awkwardness.
OOC: Nothing.
This threw Grah into a rage, and the bird rose filling the tent with her wings smacking them against the walls. "Soon," She croaked in barely controlled fury. "Ratstink breathe life creeaah. Grah kill, feast!" Refolding her wings the bird avian stalked out of the tent twisting her head around so that she was looking straight at Alfhild with a challenging glare. "Krah go out. Creeaah!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Keeping up the pace Bracklew trotted alongside Asher, not caring if the other squirrel wanted to listen or not. His tail flicked angrily as he went, and his eyes were narrowed. "I wasn't able to save her, I ran when I should have fought." He ground his teeth together spitting out the next words. "I had a chance to kill the leader, to get out with both paws but I was too weak, I couldn't do it. I want you to teach me to fight Asher, to really fight, not just how to stand and swing a sword. Any idiot could do that, I want to fight like you do! Listen to me!"
Bracklew reached out and grabbed hold of Asher's arm, keeping him from walking away. "Teach me how to fight, how to kill.... Please. I can't let something like Ava's death happen again. Like Mixy's death... I just can't."
OOC: Slight PP, hope that's ok.
Gillpaw hurried up to Asher and Bracklew. She hadn't expected for this to happen, but the young otter realized that entering Moledeep had been a bad idea from the start. Her paw hovered over Bracklew's shoulder, ready to take ahold should the squirrel try anything more.
Asher stared, incredulous. "What?! Look, I get it tha' you want t'help the fight, but yer insane to think that I have the time or the patience t'train you. Can't you just get someone else who's not as busy? There's lots of other Vigil soldiers who'd be willing to do it," he said despairingly. He knew that not a single Vigil would give a second glance at the young squirrel, but Asher just wanted Bracklew off his tail. Pulling his arm out of Bracklew's grip, Asher tried his best to outpace the enthusiastic squirrel.
"I don't understand either." Rapshade remarked after Grah stormed out.
"Y' hate me--and I'm in trouble, aren't I? So what's this?"
Alfhild smirked and patted him on the head, murmuring kindly, "This is Grah's punishment. You've proven you can hold your own and thus I'm making you fight on the frontlines tonight when we attack the Guosim..."
"Aaargh!" Bracklew trembled in pent up anger and anxiety, he hardly noticed Gillpaw standing behind him. The young squirrel was convinced he was right, and he wasn't about to back down now. Even at the limits of what Bracklew could stand he willingly ran after Asher determined to convince him.
"I know you're busy, and the Vigil keeps sending you out on these missions," Bracklew yelled at Asher's back, he had heard at least some of what One-ear had told him. Seeing as this had been his eventual goal, it was good knowledge to have. Granted this wasn't how he had envisioned the conversation would go. "I don't need your patience! I don't need your sympathy or anything like that. That's why no Redwaller or any other beast can train me, they all wait for me, feel pity and cringe when I try to hold a sword. 'Take your time cripple, do your best cripple,' its what they're all thinking! I know it!" Bracklew's paw had curled into fist as he practically ran after Asher.
"Just train me for Martin's sakes! I'll go with you, keep up, and do what you ask." His voiced had raised in pitch slightly and he grew in intensity. His red fur spiking up as he started shouting. His voice cracking, "Hell I'll do anything for you, just! Please! Train! Me!"
OOC:
I wonder what Harnam and Gillpaw along with any random Vigil creature they pass are thinking. BTW what are you thinking of doing with Ashleg? If you don't mind posting in the OOC thread before you post here... ;)
BTW Grodds are you all good? Just waiting for some point to jump back in? Or should we be worried?
"No!" yelled Asher. He looked over his shoulder to see Bracklew doggedly following him. The young squirrel might be brave, but he was still stubborn. Harnam leaned in close to Asher. "C'mon mate, wouldn't 'urt. Not like he's gonna run away, in his condition..."
Gillpaw was having her own conversation. "What do you think yore doin'? Last time you ran away you lost a paw."
OOC-
Grodds talked to me last night, so I believe he's fine...
IC-
"What?!"
Rapshade ran out after Alfhild, hopping on one paw.
"That's absurd!"
"Is it?" She smirked, pushing him aside as she walked away.
"Fardan?!"
The wildcat in question was walking with the rat Fastooth. "...so I'll give you direct orders when the time comes. In the meantime, get the horde ready to move out."
"Alfhild," he said upon seeing the ferret. "I was just giving Fastooth orders to prepare for our attack on Redwall. That is, unless you have any objections...?"
"None at all, Fardan, that works perfectly with my plan." The ferret batted her eyes and slunk around him. "I'm taking some of the horde to attack the Guosim. When are you going to Redwall? If we match the times, their forces cannot help one another and so it's an instant success."
"Aye, right away chief." Fastooth grunted. He had gotten some rest since his confrontation with Grenlik, and was eager for a little action. He stalled beside Fardan, waiting to see if there were any further orders from Alfhild.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Further away from the camp, perched amongst the highest branches of the tallest trees the crows were roosting, and having a lively discussion. At least they were having a discussion of some kind if the constant brattle of almost eligible squawking and croaking could be called that.
There were three groups present, the first and largest of which were Grah's loyalists, who were flaunting their authority with great abandon, bully all the others, and swaggering amongst the over weighted branches. The second was under the influence of a young male crow by the name of Barh, who was squaring off against Grah, his feathers puffed up so he could match the size of his female counterpart. A derision was forming in the flock. The story of Grah's fight with Rapshade had spread like wildfire; something many of the birds never thought possible had happened. An earthwalker had made a fool of their invincible leader. It was a revolution that the birds found both appalling and appealing. It meant that Grah could be beat.
The third group of course were just a few hungry birds who were itching for a good fight.
As the noise reached a crescendo the two birds clashed briefly, with Grah easily gaining the upper claw and forcing the smaller bird off the branch. He flew back to the safety of a lower spar, burning with resentment. For the first time Grah had not killed her challenger, leaving him to live. Barh, to her, was dealt with, and soon forgotten as she flew off to hunt. He'd been bested. For now.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yeah, but last time I ran away." Bracklew retorted to Gillpaw. "I ran away with a beast who betrayed me. I've learned my lesson about trusting ferrets. Especially former pirate captains." He hadn't told anybeast about how Rapshade had ended up saving him. And it would be a long, difficult story to tell and explain at that moment. Especially since he still couldn't even fathom Rapshade's motives himself. Instead Bracklew looked his otter companion in the eye, holding her gaze.
"I need this Gillpaw, I need to learn how to be a true warrior like Asher. I hope you understand, I don't know if we're friends, I'd like to think we are. So if you could be my friend, and understand that this, this is important to me."
The squirrel waited for Gillpaw's assurance, glancing back at Asher to see if he had made a true decision yet, steeling himself up to plead his case further if it was negative.
Exasperated, Asher looked up at the ceiling. "Fine," he said at last. "Come with us. Do exactly as I say, and don't get killed, because it will be on my paws if you do."
He waved a paw at Gillpaw. "Come, stay, doesn't matter."
The otter nodded. "I hope Bracklew does fine, I don't see why not. I'll stay at the Abbey."
OOC: Oi, Sage, let us know when you get to the river, eh?
BIC:
One-Ear, Applelad, and the rest of the group of troops had left Moledeep through the main entrance, and begun heading north. The fox studied a map, which marked the location of the horde, as well as the pine grove where the strange stoats dwelled. It was a fair distance, but not too far. The soldiers begun to march northwards, when Celio appeared next to him. The mouse had a crossbow ready, staring around at the trees.
"Hey, boss. Is there anything we should worry about on the way there?"
One-Ear shook his head.
"Not aside from the occasional vermin scout."
Celio nodded, before falling back slightly to walk near Spinoraz.
OOC: Copy.
BIC: Fardan nodded in agreement. "Just what I was thinking. Since our last attack was so successful, we should do it during the night. Gives us the element of surprise."
Bracklew's ears pressed against his head and he nodded towards Asher. "Yes I will, just a moment." He turned back to Gillpaw touching her paw. "Thanks," He whispered. "For understanding. Just make sure everyone knows I'm okay, and they don't need to come find me." He joined the two squirrels, somewhat awkwardly standing a small ways back, waiting for orders.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm worried 'bout them walls." Fastooth said cynically leaning on his spear haft. "Since they knows we're here, they'll be prepped. An' we wont be sneakin' over 'em. We'll either need to go through, or over an' that ain't goin' to be easy even wit' birds on our side. I'll send out a few teams to bring down some good trees, an' shape 'em into batterin' rams n' towers. I'll wait fer ye orders to attack though." The big rat saluted both cat and ferret, moving off to get the horde marching. He paused, swiveling around to look at Alfhild. "'Ow many do ye need to take on th' shrews Chief?"
OOC: Ya'll feel free to use members of Grah's tribe as scouts and/or foes.
Taking a turn, the three deviated from the main hallway and into the kitchens, where One-Ear had directed them. Asher knocked kn the impromptu wooden doorframe. "Cook, you here? Need some food."
OOC: GRODDIL.
OOC: WOT.
BIC: Cook shuffled over to the doorframe.
"Eh? What for? Ah, nevermind. 'Ere ya go."
He grabbed a sack and filled it with food, then handed it to Asher.
"Stay safe, eh?"
Asher nodded. "Many thanks."
He handed the back to Harnam, who slung it over his shoulder. The group continued towards the exit.
"So Bracklew, how much sword experience do ye have?" asked Harnam.
"Not much," Bracklew admitted considering Harnam. A part of him wanted to snidely say he had plenty of sword experience. Yet that might hinder any help he could potentially receive, and they would know for certain his skill soon enough. "A shrew, by the name of Beldill taught me how to stand, and swing. I've sparred a few times with the ottercrew, and fought with vermin, you can see how that went." He sourly waved his arm. "But that's more or less it."
"Hmm," commented Harnam. He waved up to the Vigil soldiers Harding the side entrance as they passed.
"I assume you can use a sling?" commented Asher. "Seems like most of the Redwallers have some sort of expertise with it."
"I could, and I was quite good before." He huffed following the two through the tunnel. Bracklew's tail twitched a little in resentment at the untactful comment. "Somebeast would have to load it for me, but I could sling it just fine."
OOC: Don't go out the pit, it just makes your journey take twice the time. Go out the side exit and you should get to the river faster. GEOGRAPHY! HEEEEECK YEEEAAAAAH!
Also, we're nearly at 100 pages!
OOC: *ugh* Sand, mind if we just assume they've been heading for the other exit...?
OOC: That's fine, just edit the last couple posts.
OOC: Done.
@GroddilBIC: Harnam smirked at Asher behind Bracklew's back. Straightfaced, the back squirrel lead the other two through the gap and out onto the streambank. Crunching through the contrasting white snow, he waited for a few seconds.
"Don't hear anything. We'll walk along until this 'Filargo' shows up."
A soft whistling noise begins to fill the air as a large raft slowly rounds the nearby corner. A vole holding a paddle stands at the front, humming a tune. When the raft passes by the three squirrels, the vole shoves his paddle under a tree root and stops the raft dead.
"Greetin's, mates. Name's Filargo. Are ye here ta board th' raft?"
OOC-
*cries a single tear*
Slow down so I can read this!
OOC: EVERYONE PSOT!
I'm guessing Filargo has already dropped off Grenlik, because it might be an awkward meeting between him and Bracklew.
IC:
Flagging down the raft Bracklew stepped out into the shallows so the water swirled around his ankles. It was bitterly cold and he winced a little, regretting the decision. His fur would take forever to dry, and it might freeze.
"Lucky he was coming down just now," Bracklew mentioned looking back at Asher and Harnam. "This is the right Filargo right?"
"Hopefully," said Asher. He solo shed through the icy water to Filargo. "Gotcher payment, mate," he said, extending the bag of food before clambering aboard and holding out a paw for the others.
Alfhild scratched her chin.
"Hmm. Good question, Fastooth. I'd say about half..."
"Believe me, Chief, that's too much," Rapshade cut in. "Those shrews'd be good as dead with just fifteen of us against 'em. Fastooth, why not run along?"
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on September 08, 2016, 03:39:14 PM
OOC: EVERYONE PSOT!
I'm guessing Filargo has already dropped off Grenlik, because it might be an awkward meeting between him and Bracklew. Nope. He hasn't. >:D
Filargo clapped his hands with joy and laughed loudly.
"Why're ye both in th' water? Eeh hee hee! Yer squirrels, just jump from the trees ta th' raft!"
His tone changed as Asher handed him the food.
"Ah, thankee very much, thankee very much. Glad somebeasts know 'ow this works. Go take a seat inside, I'll let yer know when we's gettin' close ta yer destination... Where are ye goin'?"
Asher shook off some water. "There should be an otterwife's dwelling somwhere along here, know anything about it?"
"Mmm, you're with them underground creatures, aincha? Ye'd be lookin' fer miss Aquila, th' one who lost 'er babe. Aye, I knows where she lives. 'Op aboard, its not far by raft!"
Harnam followed Asher aboard, and they waited for Bracklew to come up himself. Asher nodded to Filargo. "Sounds 'bout right. Soon as our friend gets aboard, let's go."
Using the natural agility of his species Bracklew sprang aboard avoiding any extra contact with the water. His landing was less then dignified but he picked himself up, shaking what water he could from his footpaws. "How long of a journey is that?" Shakily balancing as the raft moved into deeper waters. "I don't suppose it'll be quick and painless?"
"I jus' told ye, 'tis not far. An' so long as ye gets along with everybeast, there won't be no trouble."
Filargo shoved his paddle out from under the root, setting the raft in motion. He began to whistle again as he steered the craft away from the bank, towards a side stream.
OOC: I'm assuming "everybeast" is in the cabin, and not out in plain view.
IC:
Looking around confused Bracklew shook his head, deciding not to question it. Perhaps there was someone tucked away in the little house, but otherwise the deck seemed clear. "That's good," He murmured in response to Filargo. "I haven't had the best experiences on water, any time spent off of it is just fine by me." He knelt down, resting towards the middeck, looking at Asher for guidance or instruction. He supposed there was no reason to keep watch, or do anything, and if there was Asher would mention it. Until something was said he felt content to rest, massaging some warmth back into his frozen footpaws for the time being.
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on September 09, 2016, 01:10:07 AM
OOC: I'm assuming "everybeast" is in the cabin, and not out in plain view. Yes. Grenlik's vermin and a few woodlanders are all inside. Filargo is the only one on deck.
Filargo raised an eyebrow at Bracklew.
"What're ye doin'? Yer soakin' wet, git inside. 'Tis warmer there. An' I don't want anybeast on deck 'cept me. Makes things easier if we comes across any trouble."
Asher did similar to Bracklew, squeezing out the ice water from his fur. Shifting his dirk into better paw reach, he stood up, quickly surveying the surrounding woodland. But the fact was going by too fast to keep a steady eye on much, and the black squirrel gave up.
"Let's take the cabin," agreed Asher. "Harn- Bracklew, stan' close to the door, keep an eye out fer anythin' suspicious."
"Ye ain't th' chief skinny," Fastooth growled glaring at Rapshade. "An if'n ye only need fifteen hordebeast to take on them half-mice, why ye worried 'bout them t'all?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Aye Ashe- Uh should be calling you chief or something?" Bracklew asked as he stood. The young squirrel ambled to the cabin door opening it, one glance inside and he closed it again, his fur spiking up. "There's vermin in there," He growled accusingly at Filargo. "What're you playing at vole?"
OOC:
I don't think Brack would recognize Grenlik or any of his scouts per say. But they ought to recognize him from Alfhild's duel.
Ignoring Rapshade, Fardan turned to walk away. "Good, that's settled, Fastooth, come here. I just thought of something you can do for me..."
OOC-
Can someone please play one of the vermin that goes with her and some of the shrews? The rest will be NPCs. If nobody does I'll be roleplaying with myself for who knows how long.
IC-
"Go an' join them if ya like 'em so much!" Rapshade called after them, fuming as Alfhild dealt him a smart slap to the face with her claws outstretched.
"...Why waste your energy with me, dear Auntie?" He murmured through clenched teeth.
Alfhild smirked coolly as she hopped onto a tree stump to give an announcement.
The ferret raised her voice in a calming, sing-songy fashion. "Attention, Horde! Let a dozen and three gather under this tree, for I promise promotions and glory to vermin who come attack the Guosim shrews with me!"
Nice going, Poet. Rapshade brooded.
--
Meanwhile, back at Redwall, Roscoe had evaded the tired eyes of the Abbot with a serving of ease.
He slunk through the corridors, contemplating wether or not he should go through with his orders or report back to Alfhild that he'd marked the trail to the Vigil's secret entrance and recorded the names in his mind.
He was deep in thought with himself when suddenly he tripped and fell over Maxy, the pale squirrel Dibbun, and fell flat on his stomach.
Scrambling to his footpaws, the weasel snapped, "Watch where yer...! Oh."
His eyes softened as he recognized the face.
...Then Maxy burst out crying, and he heard somebeast shout from the other room; "What's going on?!"
Filargo suddenly stopped whistling. He lifted his paddle from the water and slowly turned to Bracklew.
"Ye'd best watch yer tongue, stranger. Yer me guests now, so behave. O' course there's vermin there, anybeast who pays up travels, I ain't no racist. In fact, yer boss would still be on 'is way back by foot if I 'adn't 'ave picked 'im up, an' 'ee's vermin, isn' 'ee? Now git in th' cabin, put aside yer differences, 'cause ye ain't stayin' on deck where everybeast cin see ya."
He struck his tune back up and continued to steer the raft.
OOC:
@Ashleg Is Alfy actually going to attack the Guosim with only fifteen hordebeasts?
BTW I'll make a shrew character here in a bit to RP with you.
IC:
"Aye chief?" Fastooth asked, he pattered up to the wildcat, a few horde creatures accompanying him. The rat walked alongside Fardan, his ears twitching periodically. "Wot c'n I do for ye chief?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Unsure how to respond Bracklew fumbled for a moment on his words, his tail flicking anxiously. "Are you sure that's wise?" He managed, keeping one paw on his sword hilt. "One-ear is one thing, but those blokes don't look nearly half as friendly. And we're currently fighting a horde, what if those are hordebeasts your shipping? Asher what should we do?"
OOC: I also have Gruddil as a shrew character.
BIC: Fardan leaned in close. "Listen Fastooth, I don't like that ferret Rapshade. He's going with Alfhild to attack the shrews, find a beast loyal to me and send him with the group. Keep an eye on the ferret. Know what I mean?"
"I've been doin' this since afore both o' Ye were born. Any vermin that makes trouble here shapes up quickly enough. An' as fer this 'orde, I ain't seen 'ode nor 'air of 'em, so 'Tis none of my business. If they give Ye trouble, I'll make sure they stops. Now get off the deck, there's painted ones in th' trees jus' round that bend. We 'as ya go through 'em."
OOC: Grodds, feel free to give Brack a knock on the head if you want, and Sage feel free to put him in the cabin. ;D ;)
IC:
"Painted ones?" Bracklew questioned. "I've heard of those, little tree rats right? Why are we sailing towards them? I've always heard they're vicious?" Bracklew could smell his own fear, he tried to hide it, while stepping away from the cabin door. They were already too far away from the bank to jump ashore, and he'd freeze to death if he tried to swim. "You keep vermin on your boat, and you sail willingly into the painted ones? Vole your insane! Why are you trying to get us all killed?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh aye, I know jus' th' stoat, chief." Fastooth said in a low tone. "Strong, silent type e' is. Loyal too. I'll send 'Im along on yer orders, 'ell keep both eyes on Rapshade. I use 'Im meself sometimes when there be traitorous whispers floatin' 'bout. Nobeast 'spects 'Im." Fastooth hurried off slipping through the tents. His voice shouted occasional order as he kicked vermin into action moving them out to march on Redwall. After selecting a few creatures to lead the tree felling teams Fastooth finally found his spy resting on the low branches of a tree.
He was a tall, lithe creature with dirty white fur, and harrowing red eyes. The ermine twirled a little stone dagger as Fastooth walked up, blinking once in recognition.
"Hoy, Vaskor cully? Busy eh?" The ermine shook his head, shrugging. "Oh aye, got a job for ye then." Fastooth said with a grin. "Jus' a bit o' watchin', keepin' an' eye on things ye ken?"
"Aye."
"Know Rapshade, Alfhild's nephew. Skinny, black fur?"
"Aye."
"Right, 'e's leavin' wit' Alfhild, goin' to hunt some shrews, ye'll go wit' 'em, do yer thing."
The ermine nodded slipping the dagger into its sheath and pulling on a quiver of arrows and a bow. Without another word he set off disappearing between the tents. Fastooth chuckled, continuing the preparations, for the attack on Redwall.
Tired of Bracklew's endless whining, Filargo whirled around and dealt the squirrel a sound tap on the head with his paddle.
"'Cause the Painted Ones are scared o' me, an' me alone ye liddle brat. Yer goin' ta get yerself killed, an' take all o' us wid ya."
The vole turned to Asher.
"Take 'im inside an' tell 'im ta keep 'is bloody mouth shut."
OOC-
@Sandpaw
Knowing Alfhild, yes, but Rapshade initially said that so they'd be outnumbered and he could flee. ;)
Also,
@Groddil , cue Stumbly?
IC-
Rapshade rolled his eyes when the horde started to gather.
The fur of one in particular stuck out, and not in the way Fang's had...
That's the only white ermine I've ever seen in my life! What a creepy fellow.He whirled round when a voice cut through his thoughts.
"Aw, Chief, I'd do anything fer yew!"
Rapshade nearly laughed but ended up gagging on blood.
"...Stupid loyalists. Seems like t' ermine is the only one here compentent enough t' talk to."
"Everybeast ready to go?" Alfhild hopped down from her stone and inspected the ranks.
There were a bit more than fifteen--which made her feel better, for she thought Rapshade crazy.
--
"Err, er, nothin'!" Roscoe yelped as he continued trying to silence the bawling Dibbun.
"Yer alright, be quiet,
shut up, c'mon now..." The weasel bit his lip.
Nothing was working.
In a bout of desperation, he lightly slapped Maxy across the face.
Then came a tense silence that lasted only for a moment.
Sobbing, Maxy burst out, "Roscoe 'it me!"
Grant came tearing down the hallway.
Stumbly stirred from Max's crying, and looked at Roscoe. After deducing what was going on, she started "bawling."
"Waaaaaaaaah! Da bigbeast 'urted Maxy! Maxy, is ya gon die? Waaaaaaah!"
She kicked a pile of dibbuns.
"Oi, geddup. Start cryin'. Waaaaaaaaah! Maxy, don' die! Waaaaaaaah! Don' wan' Maxy ta die! Waaaaaaaaaah!"
At that, Roscoe dropped to his knees and began wailing piteously, "Don't believe 'em, H'Abbot Sir! I'd never kill a likkle 'un like that! Aaaargh, please don't kick me an' pull my tail out!"
Grant again wished that he wasn't Abbot and that he could just wave goodbye and skip away from this mess into a glowing sunset.
Rubbing his temples irritatedly, the mouse grunted, "If everybeast could be silent for one moment?"
Stumbly ignored Grant, grabbing two stolen spoons from underneath a bed. She smashed them together, creating a terrible din.
*CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG*
"Waaaaaaaaah! Can't be shushed, Maxy gon die! WAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
*CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG*
"Rayne! Take Maxy up to the infirmary and make sure he's not gonna die, please!" Grant shouted, snagging the grovelling Roscoe by the wrist and leading him off.
He pushed the weasel outside and slammed the door as he tried to sneak back in, snapping, "And I'm sorry, but I will not deal with a vermin like you hitting our Dibbuns!"
After the Abbot was gone from sight, Roscoe muttered under his breath and furiously wiped snow off his nose.
"Fine. Be like that, see if I care!"
Gathering his cloak around him, he raced off in the direction of the horde.
Hopefully they hadn't moved...
--
Inside, Maxy sniffled and wiped his eyes.
"Nono, Maxy not gonna die, Maxy jus' hurted..."
*CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!*
"Maxy no! Don' let Maxy dwink poison potion fings! Wayne, please!"
*CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!*
Grant rushed back around the corner, yanking the spoons from Stumbly's paws in one giant sweep.
"That is it, Stumbly, go to your room!"
Stumble nodded eagerly, Took a single step backwards, into her doorway, and then proceeded to stomp loudly, crying about Max the whole time.
"And be quiet!"
Stumble immediately fell silent. Shame the dubbing in the other room were still bawling and screeching, bouncing on the beds and throwing things everywhere.
If only Ava were here, she'd be able to get them quiet!
Grant left Stumbly's door to go shush the remaining Dibbuns and then hustled Maxy upstairs to the infirmary.
He seriously doubted anything was wrong, but for everybody's sake they might as well take a look.
--
Roscoe arrived back at camp in time to eavesdrop a little on Alfhild's plans and then decided to turn back around and take the manners into his own claws.
Hopping over a frosty log, the weasel began whistling to himself.
Soon enough, it became a ditty adorned with failed dagger tricks as he marched along.
"Grant's a silly old H'Abbot if I ever did see,
He believed a bunch o' bawlin' Dibbuns over me!
How this weasel'd love t' boot 'im over th' sea,
For I could be a better H'Abbot than he!"
He sounded like a dying gull.
Unfortunately for Roscoe, he became unaware of his surroundings and slipped on a patch of ice.
With a yelp, he went flying forward and fell ears over tail down a hill until the ground smoothed out and he landed flat on his back in front of a cave.
"Uhhhggh..."
Before Roscoe could get back up, a blind hedgehog came running out of the cave. Roscoe tried to back up, but another hedgehog came up from behind and slammed a wooden club onto his head, knocking the weasel unconscious.
"What 'appens to 'im?"
"Boss'll want ta change 'im. Once everybeast else is done. Let's chuck 'im in a cell."
*****
When Roscoe came to, he was in a large cavern. Aside from several torches there, there was no sign of life. A river ran through the center, and a passage out was embedded in the side wall. But when the weasel investigated the exit, it had been securely shut with wooden bars and boulders. A hedgehog stood on the other side of the barrier, with a club slung over his shoulder. Didn't look like he was getting out any time soon...
OOC: That do?
OOC-
Yuppers.
IC-
Roscoe ran towards the edge, rubbing his head where he'd been hit.
"Hey, y-you, Spikedog! You must be one o' those Vigil types. What do ya think this is?!"
The hedgehog slowly turns around, revealing a grotesque, eyeless face. He smashes a nearby boulder with his club.
"Shuddup! Wot's a Vigil? Now be quiet, 'cause ye'll be one of us soon!"
"YaAAAgh!" Roscoe shrieked, tears springing to his eyes as he raced to the back of his cell.
"Ya obviously have me mistaken fer somebeast else, so let me go!"
The hedgehog slams his club against the wall again. He shouts through the bars, ensuring that Roscoe can hear, even on the other side of the large cavern.
"Nobeast care who you is! Everybeast gets... changed, 'og or not."
"I don't wanna be changed! Oooohh, let me go!"
The weasel flopped to the floor and broke down sobbing.
OOC-
Let's wait for the meme crew Sand and Sage.
OOC: The meme crew? Sand's the only one of us four who doesn't do memes.
Timeskip to when the horde's assembled, Asher and Bracklew reach his destination, and so on?
OOC-
Yeah...
*throws memes at Sand*
Quote from: Sagetip on September 12, 2016, 11:49:52 AM
OOC: The meme crew? Sand's the only one of us four who doesn't do memes.
Timeskip to when the horde's assembled, Asher and Bracklew reach his destination, and so on?
Not. Until. Asher. Meets. Grenlik.
OOC: DOES IT RESLLY MATTER
Quote from: Sagetip on September 12, 2016, 12:54:53 PM
OOC: DOES IT RESLLY MATTER
Considering he has to go inside, we should probably play out what actually goes down between them.
OOC: Alright, I'll do it. Cause Bracklew.
BIC: Asher looked back and forth between the hordebeasts and Filargo. "We don't want any trouble. Let's jus' stay outside. Don't like being in small spaces wi' enemies."
OOC: One of us has to be the mature adult in this RP. ;)
BTW Bracklew is currently stunned, and needs assistance.
IC:
Having heard the commotion Rayne appeared at the door of the infirmary, looking a bit defensive. "Father Abbot," She said surprised, yet she didn't feel surprised. "And little Maxy, what brings you two up here?" She noticed Maxy's watery eyes and she guessed that it had to do with the dibbun, something minor hopefully. The mouse healer opened the door wide to admit them. The infirmary already had a few guests residing inside, including Petu and Duncan, along with a Vigil mouse by the name of Marble.
"Come on in, and tell me what's wrong." Rayne advised with a sigh. She ought to be collecting herbs and mixing medicines for the potentially upcoming battles. Still somebeast had to care for the injured at Redwall, this was just another thing to add to her to do list.
Grant handed Maxy over to Rayne and then stood back.
"That Roscoe fellow apparently hit this poor guy. I'm sure he's fine, but could you just take a look anyway?"
OOC: Sand: So you want me to have Asher interact with Bracklew? And how is he stunned?
Quote from: Sagetip on September 12, 2016, 11:24:32 PM
OOC: Sand: So you want me to have Asher interact with Bracklew? And how is he stunned?
OOC: Drag him into the cabin.
OOC: Didn't answer my question, Grosand.
Quote from: Sagetip on September 12, 2016, 11:35:29 PM
OOC: Didn't answer my question, Grosand.
OOC: He was yelling like an idiot, so Filargo hit him with a paddle to shut him up before the Painted Ones heard.
OOC:
Um sure, and Brack's conscious, just laying on the deck recovering from a hefty blow to the head. We probably ought to move this along, unless we want a battle with the painted ones. It might be interesting, especially if Grenlik's scouts have to join in so they can make it through.
IC:
Clicking her tongue in disapproval Rayne led Maxy over to a bed lifting the dibbun squirrel onto the folded white sheets. Giving him a candied acorn favored by squirrels she checked him over for any injuries. "Was he slapped in the face?" She inquired to Grant as she finished her inspection. "There is a little red mark under his fur, right on his cheek. But other then that Maxy is a perfectly fine, maybe slightly surprised young squirrel." That summarized Rayne took a close look at Grant, eyeing the Abbot suspiciously.
"Have you been sleeping okay Grant, your eyes seem a bit red..."
OOC-
Maybeeee Sand, you could post with your ermine character so I can move the horde out?
IC-
Grant watched Maxy happily sucking away on the acorn and nodded to Rayne.
"I believe he was. Vermin....huh?"
The mouse rubbed his eyes when the healer brought attention to it, muttering, "I'm just very...peeved as of late. I'm fine, Rayne. How's Fang doing?"
OOC: I could do that.
IC:
His red eyes maliciously scanning over the vermin gathering around Alfhild, Vaskor hefted his bow twanging the string repeatedly. He made momentary eye contact with Rapshade but flicked his gaze away. Focusing instead on the ferret chieftain.
"I go." He murmured in his low voice, tilting his head towards Alfhild. The ermine was as sharp eyed as a hawk, and could hear like an owl making him an excellent spy. Due to his affinity to cold he wore far less clothing then the rest of the vermin, allowing him to utilize his pure white fur which blended into the background perfectly.
Out of his peripheral vision Vaskor watched Rapshade as he had been instructed.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"As well as can be expected," Rayne said ruffling Maxy's ears. "His throat was cut, but it was poorly done, luckily somebeast decided to bandage him up before he lost too much blood, unfortunately I don't see him ever speaking again..." The healer took a pawful of candied nuts out of a jar and offered some to Grant popping one into her mouth. "You look like you can use one Grant; anyway my professional opinion is that he will recover, though his mind has already been considerably affected. He seems much more sullen, but we can chalk that up to shock for now."
OOC-
Good go, Rayne, noice an' sanitary for the injured Dibbuns..: ;)
IC-
"No doubt he's sullen," Grant remarked, taking a nut and squinting at it before dropping it back in the jar with not much of a second glance. "No thank you. As I was saying about Fang, I have my doubts about his literacy. Whether in shock or not, he has no way of communicating...I'd teach him, Rayne, but I'm all out of patience."
--
"That's all, then. Forward, march!"
Alfhild took up the lead, dragging a struggling Rapshade along after her by the wrist.
He pushed her paw away and dropped behind, wanting to get in a few words with the ermine.
"Hey, mate," the ferret whispered as he came up beside him, winking and slapping him on the back.
"I caught ya lookin' at me back there. Was it the glory of my necklace that caught your eye, mm?
OOC: Another ermine, eh? Let's not forget the original white-furred freak, good ole Dregped the Drongo.
OOC: Prezzers: Do I detect a subtle metaphor with that nut and grant?
BIC: Asher knelt down by Bracklew, inspecting the bump on his head. "Hmm, nothing serious. Get up."
Filargo suddenly stopped whistling, hearing a strange noise coming out of the trees. His cheerful demeanour changed, and he started motioning towards the cabins
"We're cuttin' it too close 'ere, mate, 'urry up an' get outta sight."
The strange noises started to increase in volume and pitch.
"I mean it! Get inside, now!"
Shakily Bracklew stood up with Asher's assistance, his ears twitching as the sounds grew louder. "You hit me..." He accused Filargo, gingerly touching the back of his head. However much the young squirrel resented the vole at the moment, Filargo's warning, and the rising noise resounded in his ears. If the vole truly was trying to kill them all as Bracklew was beginning to suspect he certainly was going to die first. "We should turn the raft and beach it, maybe we'll have time." Bracklew suggested, drawing his sword.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well..." Rayne considered dropping the rest of the nuts back into the jar. "I'd say that sort of thing would be up to our gatekeeper and recorder, and since we've received the good news that Mortembell still lives that would be her task." The mouse healer turned and helped Maxy down from the bed. "Have you talked to her at all? I haven't seen that vixen for some time now."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"No," Vaskor replied, staring Rapshade down. He slapped away the ferret's paw before he could touch him again. "You let Alfhild treat you like ferretling?" He asked suddenly, keeping up a brisk pace. "Why you do?"
Filargo shook with rage at the idignant squirrel, dropping his cool demeanor for the first time he could remember.
"Yer not lissenin', ye little fool. O' course I hit ye, ye won't shut up! Shut yer trap an' get inside, afore we get ta Painted One territory. If yer on the deck when we gets there, they won't be fooled no more. So GIT INSIDE, afore ye KILL US ALL!"
"Nor have I," said Grant, nodding at Max as the young squirrel scampered off.
"I do know that they're better now, but Fang and her didn't exactly hit it off when they first met. I wonder if she even has intentions of paying us another visit?"
"Let, more like put up with." Rapshade grumbled, stumbling every so often because of his bad leg.
"But I'll show her soon enough."
OOC: :P Yes I did, but tis fixed.
Quote from: Ashleg on September 14, 2016, 02:13:32 AM
"Nor have I," said Grant, nodding at Max as the young squirrel scampered off.
"I do know that they're better now, but Fang and her didn't exactly hit it off when they first met. I wonder if she even has intentions of paying us another visit?"
"Let, more like put up with." Rapshade grumbled, stumbling every so often because of his bad leg.
"But I'll show her soon enough."
OOC: I'm 'a going to wait for Sage to post before I do anything with Brack
IC:
"She didn't attack him though," Rayne pointed. "Though if its truly a problem I remember a little bit of paw language. I could try to teach him the essentials. Maybe Duncan knows some, it was originated by the Long Patrol to help them communicate silently, just a suggestion." The mouse picked up a broom and began sweeping the infirmary floor stating her thoughts out loud as she did. "Fang isn't exactly a youthful rat, nor exceptionally bright, and he wont be quick to learn reading, much less writing even if somebeast had the time to teach him."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Show what?" Vaskor asked in his heavy accent, he could smell wood smoke on the wind, they must be getting close to the shrew encampment. Drawing an arrow and laying it on the string, the ermine made a low, soft whistle to alert Alfhild. Most other vermin didn't possess as sensitive of a nose, and they might not have noticed the scent yet. "I find," Vaskor murmured to Rapshade. "That show dangerous, better to not show. No?"
OOC-
She did attack him, in fact she beat him up so good tried to run away. XD
IC-
"I know." Grant said, glancing over at where the rat snoozed.
"Maybe we could have Rapshade--nevermind. I doubt that ferret has a speck of good in him if he really teamed up with his Aunt as they say."
--
Rapshade scoffed and kicked a cloud of snow at the ermine.
"Dangerous, my tail! Th' only one it's dangerous for are those who doubt me."
Mortembell, rubbing her eyes, ducked into the Infirmary.
"What's going on? Every dibbun in the whole place just started yellin' like there'll be no tomorrow."
Her eyes wandered to where Fang lay.
"What in Hellgates happened to Fang?"
"He got a throat wound from the 'horde' vermin." Grant answered clearly, making little effort to keep the disdain out of his voice.
Mortembell shook her head.
"So, nobody listened to the horde claims, and as a result, this happens? Right, that's it. No more sitting around. I'm going to go find Aver."
The vixen walked out in disgust.
OOC: I like how Groddil's characters don't give a bad stuff about brushing with death. Like, oh hey, I almost died. Shrug. Better go order someone around.
BIC:
Asher pulled Bracklew inside the cabin. Ignoring the vermin within, he looked out at Filargo. "Comin'?"
Quote from: Sagetip on September 14, 2016, 11:36:40 PM
OOC: I like how Groddil's characters don't give a [rat] about brushing with death. Like, oh hey, I almost died. Shrug. Better go order someone around. They've had tough lives. :p And plus, its been a long time since the "brush with death." That was at the very beginning of the RP, and she'd been hiding around in the Wetlands for about 75% of the story.
BIC:
Filargo let out a sigh of relief as he took his paddle back up.
"Thankee so much, glad somebeast 'as some sense. Okay, now don't open that door, alright?"
The watervole closed the door of the cabin with a swift kick. He returned to his position at the front of the raft, and continued poling along, striking his tune back up as he went. The shrieks somehow got even louder, as the raft thumped several times.
"Skreeeee! Badbeast Watermouse, killee stabus?"
Outside, on the deck, Filargo suddenly stopped whistling, his eyes widening as several Painted Ones jumped out of the trees onto his craft. He cackle inanely.
"Badbeast Watermouse eatmuch. Watermouse killee stabyou!"
A small tree rat spat on the deck, shaking his axe.
"Watermouse easydeath, Ikillee stabyou. Watermouse oldweak, watermouse diefast!"
Filargo swung the paddle, knocking the Painted One to the ground. He drew one of his knives and slit the Tree Rat's throat, pushing him off the raft with disgust.
"Stupidrat, washpaint nopaint deadkill. Watermouse eatmuch. Watermouse hungermuch."
Another Painted One tossed an apple at the vole.
"Watermouse eatrot, nokill Paintedme mestab!"
Filargo caught the rotten apple and tossed it over the side.
"Watermouse insultrude. Watermouse killee stabyou."
The watervole kicked the Painted One roughly, throwing him off the raft.
"Stupidrat, watermouse notlike paintedrats. Watermouse killee. Watermouse burnhome!"
The vole danced over to the nearby cauldron, pulling out a flaming stick.
"Nono! Watermouse noburn homedeath! Noburn homedeath!"
Filargo tossed the flaming stick into the trees, causing the Painted Ones to go berserk and rush back into the trees. It wouldn't burn anything, considering the snow, but the Painted Ones didn't know that.
*****
Inside the cabin, Grenlik and his scouts stood up, readying their weapons.
"'Ang on... Yer that treejumper from th' Vigil, ain't ya?"
The squirrel smirked. "Sure I am. An' yore the vermin I saw in the battle. Not much different, still looking pretty stupid..."
OOC:
Ashes should we launch the attack on the shrews? Seeing Grodds is busy right now. We could put the other storylines on hold until he gets back.
IC:
"That's an understatement." Bracklew commented pressing his back against the wall, menacing the vermin back with his sword. It was just perfect really, not only had they been forced into a small space with a few unknown vermin, it was horde vermin who Asher knew. Pressed shoulder to shoulder the squirrels waited tensely, Bracklew leaned over, whispering into Asher's ear. "Should we wait for them to attack, or do we attack first?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Blinking away the snow that got in his eyes, Vaskor laughed meaningfully. "I no doubt. But you have enemies in horde. They no show, you no know who are." The ermine flashed a toothy grin at Rapshade as he rounded a collection of trees. Meeting the ferret once again on the other side he shrugged his shoulders his very stance dripping with mystery. "So show bad, no good yes?"
"Wait for it," replied the squirrel. "Just stay calm."
OOC: Yah I agree with Sand. We can advance the horde storyline without him.
"If I could tell any better I'd say you were one of them. But who am I to judge?" Rapshade winked knowingly and gave him a playful shove before disappearing into the crowd.
OOC-
Aye aye!
OOC: Meaning you should post with the shrews. ;)
IC:
"Aye, and anybeast who not with you is. Yes?" Vaskor answered smoothly to himself, watching as Rapshade move off through the vermin ranks. It was easier to watch him then it should have been, considering there was less then two score vermin present, but even then keeping focused on fighting and watching could prove to be tricky. The ermine stayed towards the back, his eyes never once leaving Rapshade's back, all the while waiting on Alfhild's orders.
OOC-
Pansies. ::)
IC-
Alfhild crouched down behind a snow covered bush outside of the Guosim camp.
Blue eyes carefully watching for shrews, she padded foreword and motioned with her paw for the horde to follow.
"Outta my way, Auntie, that one over there, that's Chrysanthe." Rapshade said as he passed her, drawing Glaser's sword.
"The Log-a-Log. You know, their leader..."
"I know what a Log-a-Thing is!" Alfhild hissed, smacking him upside the head.
Silence ensued.
Having had enough, Alfhild drew her bow and waved at the horde, "Chaaaaarge!"
--
Log-a-Log Chrysanthe and the shrews had been having a fairly quiet winter up until now.
She jumped in suprise when vermin began storming the camp and raced towards the back.
"Harmony! Fetch my daggers! We're under attack!"
A younger shrew pelted up to her and handed her the weapons.
"How dumb of us to ever let our guard down. Chrysanthe, I'm blaming you--" she gasped and doubled over, an arrow protruding out of her back.
"Pretty little shrew she was," Alfhild called, disappearing as quickly as she'd shown herself.
"Pity she got in my way!"
OOC: Do you want Gruddil to return in the midst of the battle? If you're meaning to lose it, he can get Chrysanthe out, and if you're meaning to win it, he can bring reinforcements.
I'll get the rest of the horde moving.
BIC:
After Fastooth had mustered the horde, Fardan walked to front with the rat second in command. The amassed vermin were shivering a little in the cold, but the wildcat knew that wouldn't stop them. Right now, at least.
"Listen up, all of you! Alfhild's off attacking the Guosim shrews, which means I'm leading the attack on Redwall. Fittingly," he added under his breath.
"The Vigil is in there - meaning that it isn't just peaceful Abbeydwellers we'e dealing with. The one eared fox killed some of us in his battle, how's the time to get retribution! Fastooth here is my second in command - if I'm not giving orders, he is."
The wildcat cast a cold stare over the horse members. "Don't muck this up. Alfhild has the shrews distracted, we need to return the favor. Now let's go!"
The horde began to march towards the Abbey.
OOC: HOWS THAT FOR A SPEECH
OCC: It was legendary, I feel inspired to take up my hatchet and go raid the nearest monastery. ;D
IC:
A rye grin spread across Fastooth's features as Fardan confirmed what the rat had been acting for some time. Second in Command of the greatest horde to ever trample down these lands. Moving forward the rat inwardly hopped he would come across Grenlik amongst the hordebeasts, with his newly confirmed statues he would be able to order the weasel around. Now he just needed to find him. Where had he gone anyway? Meanwhile Fastooth contented himself by rapping out some orders, trying to match Fardan's steely eye, and commanding tone.
"Ye there, Bugeye, n' Corstyn." He called picking out two weasels from among the hordebeasts. "Take twenty beasts an' find us some trees, good n' tall like, ye use to be wood fellers roight?"
"Aye, chief. I've been choppin' trees since 'afore I talk so I was." Bugeye confirmed in a rough voice. "An' me brother 'ere jus' as good."
"Then make it 'appen." Fastooth commanded. The two brothers moved off selecting creatures to aid them as Fastooth rejoined Fardan, saluting the cat with his spear.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The chaos was worse then Vaskor could have imagined. As the two sides clashed Vaskor's first arrow whizzed through the sir catching a shrew in the shoulder. The squealing rodent was soon dragged away by a comrade clearing the field of two shrews. Removing six arrows from his quiver the ermine leaned them on a tree, selecting one and knocking it to his bow.
Patiently Vaskor traced Rapshade, following the ferret with the arrow tip, a small smile flickered to his lips as he let fly. The projectile buzzed past Rapshade catching a paddle wielding shrew, sneaking up behind the ferret, killing the creature instantly.
OOC: Why does he need trees? Is Fastooth secretly a lumberjack in training? ;)
OOC: His heart has been in the lumber business since he was a young ratling. That and he wants them for siege engines.
The sparkling snow was lost on Fardan as the tip of Redwall roof came into view. The wildcat was pleased to see that the now visible walltop was nearly empty - a few of those Vigil woodlanders, but nothing the horde couldn't handle. He dispatched some scouts into the forest to find out the surroundings, unfazed by the absence of Grenlik.
"Fastooth, disperse the horde into the woodland when we reach the edge - we won't betray our presence yet. Once the scouts get back we'll know where to go and what to do."
Fardan kept his eyes fixated on the red stone walls, his prize within sight.
OOC-
Hold on, nobeast do anything.
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on September 19, 2016, 02:55:30 PM
Patiently Vaskor traced Rapshade, following the ferret with the arrow tip, a small smile flickered to his lips as he let fly. The projectile buzzed past Rapshade catching a paddle wielding shrew, sneaking up behind the ferret, killing the creature instantly.
@LT Sandpaw , did you
really just have a random NPC shrew murder Rapshade with a bloody paddle? What the fluff?
OOC: It's the shrew who was killed.
Answer my question!
OOC-
/me takes the proper precautions so that this doesn't happen again. ::)
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on September 19, 2016, 02:55:30 PM
Patiently Vaskor traced Rapshade, following the ferret with the arrow tip, a small smile flickered to his lips as he let fly. The projectile buzzed past Rapshade catching a paddle wielding shrew who was sneaking up behind the ferret, killing the creature instantly.
@SagetipMmm...
You can bring him back if you want, but Alfhild's gonna win and I have plans for Chrysanthe.
IC-
"Harmony!"
That did it.
Chrysanthe felt anger flare up.
Drawing a sword from her belt, she started ater Alfhild. The shrew knocked a fox out of her way and slew a rat, gaining speed as she spotted the crafty old ferret among the throng.
"RAAAH!"
With a mighty leap, she leapt upon Aflhild's back and brought her to the ground, tussling and scratching.
"I should kill you for that!"
"Incompetent little shrimp!" Alfhild hollered, dealing the shrew leader a stunning kick under her chin.
Dazed, Log-a-Log stumbled back.
--
Rapshade was trying to stick the sword into a shrew he'd pinned when its friend had snuck up behind him.
Drawing in a breath, he finished the creature off and whirled around, shuffling towards Vaskor on unsteady paws.
"You don't need to watch my
back." He snarled.
"I'd bet it was Alfhild who set y' up t' this. Since she obviously hasn't told you, listen to me--I can handle
myself."
"Hmph, easy kill." Vaskor snorted setting another arrow to his bow. The ermine let fly felling another shrew as it attempted to charge them. Three more sprang out from behind the beached log boats twirling loaded slings. Vaskor ducked down as the stones bounced through the trees behind him. Straightening he loosed an arrow but in bounced harmlessly off the log boat. The shrews popped up again sending a second salvo into the hordebeasts. A pine marten fell with a cry dropping his spear and Vaskor was forced to duck again, this time behind a tree. Remembering Rapshade the ermine jerked his head, indicating the log boats.
"Get them. Yes?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Following Fardan's orders Fastooth spread the horde out through the local woodlands. Strict orders were issues to maintain silence as they waited, ready to pounce should the word be given. Spears glinted evilly, and naked swords rested in paws as the vermin waited.
Shouldering his spear Fastooth pushed through the trees his paws crunching snow as he walked. Due to the sparseness of the foliage, and the lack of evergreens near the Abbey the vermin were forced to remain a fair distance back or risk being seen. Nevertheless they had surrounded the Abbey on three sides, excluding the west side as the flatlands would provide little cover. Spotting Fardan the rat trotted up scraping his spear into the snow to draw a picture of sorts.
"Scouts came back chief, found out some interestin' things. Guards on all sides, they'll see us when we attacks 'em, though we might be able to sneak a small number closer. Th' wall on th' east side 'as trees growin' close to it, we might be able ter climb 'em an' get on th' wall, but t'would be 'ard, specially if'n them woodlanders start lobbin' arrers at us." Fastooth made a hasty square in the snow and marked out the three wall gates and the main gate. "Walls be to high to climb by paw, least ways most o' us couldn' do it. An' th' gates seem locked tight. Four o' em though, 'ere, 'ere, 'ere, an' 'ere."
His report finished Fastooth picked up his spear, leaning on it as he watched the wildcat. "Any new orders chief?"
"No, thank yeh." Rapshade sneered, noticing Chrysanthe and Alfhild from the side of his vision.
The ferret grinned and crept over there, dealing the already disfocused shrew a shove to the back which sent her falling.
Chrysanthe, however, was tough and quick and spun back around, knocking his legs out from under him with one swooping kick.
"Rapshade!"
Alfhild's voice sounded above her's.
"Make way!"
Screeching, Log-a-Log jumped out of the ferret's way and tripped head over tail over a leg Rapshade stuck up and went sprawling in the snow.
"Kill her, Auntie! Kill her!"
Fardan rapped his paw on the rapier hilt. "Get some wood, make a small battering ram. We'll try to go in through one of the side gates. Try and see if you can figure out the guard rotations in the walltop - any advantage is useful."
OOC:
Daddy's back, kids.
BIC:
Aboard Filargo's raft, Grenlik's scouts, who outnumbered the squirrels two to one, began drawing their weapons. Just as they seemed about to attack, Filargo popped his head into the cabin.
"What's goin' on here, mates? I hope you ain't thinkin' o' fightin'. No sirree, fightin' ain't good fer you or me, so don't do it, y' hear? I can't 'ave violence aboard this craft, so I'll 'ave ta... deal with ye."
The vole poked his head out of the cabin, then back inside.
"Alright, squirrels, we're 'ere. Otterwive's abode be's jus' around that corner. Off ye 'op, now."
*****
Atop the Redwall Abbey wall, Celio and a squirrel were keeping a constant eye out for vermin, when the squirrel spotted something.
"Celio, over there. By the trees."
"I see 'im. Some rat. Shut up, try and listen to 'im."
The rat crept up to the wall, along with a plump ferret.
"Oi, 'urry up. Let's try an' find these 'wallgates.'"
"There's one. We better git back ta Fardan."
Celio nodded to the squirrel, as they both fitted bolts to their crossbows. They stood up and pulled the triggers, sending sharp projectiles into the skulls of the vermin. Celio tossed his weapon down and jogged down the stairs to alert the others.
OOC: Where's Aver right now?
OOC: Oh, come on. Didn't Ashleg said the horde should have some success?
BIC: Asher nodded thanks to Filargo. "We'll be gone presently. Thanks fer the ride."
He hopped off onto the shore, followed by Harnam.
"Ferrets," Vaskor muttered murderously as he checked around the tree. Without somebeast to draw their stones the slingers had full range of the clearing, deftly clearing off one vermin soldier at a time, limiting the horde's already small number. Vaskor did a quick search of the riverbank, Rapshade seemed to be busy now, he'd still be around if Vaskor didn't watch him for a moment.
Dropping the bow Vaskor drew his stone knife, and moved towards the log boat, sliding across the ground. His white fur blending in with the snow almost perfectly.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"You're crazy vole, and I wont forget this." Bracklew added, following Harnam off the raft. The young warrior glanced around, seeing only trees and riverland all around. His tufted ears twitched slightly in anxiety as he sniffed the cool air. "Something seems to be wrong, doesn't it?"
OOC:
Aver's probably by the pond, or in the kitchens, take your pick for whichever works better for you.
IC-
Some, or all because they're supposed to temporarily gain control of the Abbey until the good guys revolt.
Alfhild + the rest are going to meet up with Fardan once the shrews have gotten their due.
IC-
Before Alfhild had a chance to even try killing her, Chrysanthe vaulted over Rapshade and started running, only quickening her pace when the ferret scrambled after her.
Alfhild watched her nephew chase the shrew and fired off a few arrows, shouting, "Get her and make her pay!"
Smirking coldly, Rapshade cornered Log-a-Log against a tree and aimed to bring his sword down over her head.
Gasping, she kicked him away before he could go through with it.
"You're so scared, admit it!" Rapshade coughed, leering as he took another run at her.
"I almost defeated y' on the ship and now's my chance t' finish you off!"
Chrysanthe turned to escape but tripped on a patch of ice and was sent falling.
Quickly she rolled onto her back and drove her knife into Rapshade's leg.
The ferret was stunned. Dropping his sword, he limped back a pace and then slipped to the ground.
He angled his eyes up at Chrysanthe as she appeared over him, poising her sword at his neck.
"Ah...oh, my. Log-a-Log, I'm so wrong, it was out of my limits...please have mercy."
"What makes you think I should have mercy on you?"
Tenderly pushing her blade away, Rapshade sniffed, "You wouldn't kill me in cold blood, right?"
He grinned sheepishly and got back to his paws, though still crouching as he held his leg off the ground.
"Marm, never again, I promise. I'll even tell them to stop th' attack....See? I'm going."
Log-a-Log narrowed her eyes as he snaked his way around her, still rambling.
It was only when she turned her back did he suddenly leap up and knock her to the ground, ripping the sword out of her paws.
"Deception!" He exclaimed, laughing in her ear.
"I wish you could see the look on yer face, Chrysanthe--it's perfect. I'm Rapshade the Swift, and do remember it, because y' won't ever be hearing another name. Oho, bye now!"
And the days of Log-a-Log Chrysanthe had come to an end.
OOC: Don't worry, Sage. All part of the plan.
BIC:
Celio was halfway through the tunnel to Moledeep, when a creature passed him. Strangely, the torches had gone out, and he didn't recognise who the beast was.
"Ey, mousemate, why the 'urry?"
"Vermin near the walls. Preparing to attack the Abbey."
"Ahh, alrighty then."
The figure withdrew a club and clonked Celio heavily over the head, knocking him unconscious in an infant. Another beast approached, carrying a burlap sack.
"We takin' 'im Ta th' same place as usual? Fer transport?"
"Aye."
Lugging the sack between them, the two creatures disappeared into a recently excavated side tunnel...
*****
Above ground, Mortembell had left the Abbey building proper in search of Aver. She passed the large wooden stockade that marked the entrance to Moledeep, and noticed several otters by the Abbey pond.
"Hey, you. Where's the Skipper?"
A young, plump otter replied, before diving into the water.
"Kitchen."
Nodding, the vixen re-entered the Abbey and walked towards the kitchen. She noticed Drubble hauling a keg of cordial up from the cellars, Stumbly hot on his heels.
"Stumbly."
The mousebabe looked at her former 'mother' in confusion, then trotted off after Drubble.
"Stumbly. It's me, Mortembell."
Stumbly bit her claw nervously.
"Dubble said you wasn't comin' back, Bell. He said you was very bad, an' Ya went ta da Dark Forest."
The vixen stepped back from the mousebabe, shot an evil glare at the Cellarmole, and walked into the kitchen, where Aver and Frisr Rusk where both doing... Not much at all, really.
"Aver, I need to speak with you."
OOC: Rip Crysanthe. :(
IC:
Setting aside a bowl of half finished hotroot soup the otter chieftain embraced Mortembell in a bear hug laughing cheerily.
"Harr, Mortybell matey, I heard ye was dead, n' then I heard ye wasn't." Aver released the vixen and retrieved his soup, slurping it down hungrily. "So wot c'n I do for ye marm?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Having successfully flanked the shrew slingers Vaskor leapt out of hiding his stone knife held high. The first was slain before he knew what had hit him, the other two sprang away reaching for their rapiers.
OOC: Oops.
OOC: wrong thread. :p Also, that's only for one particular branch of Guosim. In Doomwyte, Tala never dies, but Dubble is still made Log-a-log.
"Your leader has been slain!" Rapshade called, slinking back up to Alfhild.
"Give up the fight or we'll have t' send you all with her."
OOC: PREZZERS: Time for a shrew rescue by Gruddil?
BIC: Glancing at Bracklew, Asher looked around. "Dunno. Probably just nerves. Let's keep going," he said, jogging into the woodland.
OOC-
Depends what you mean. The shrews were supposed to lose, after all. ;)
OOC: I mean get them or for the situation. Not to fight the vermin.
OOC-
I see, go ahead.
Mortembell's expression changed, to cold and commanding.
"We need to stop relying on the Vigil for protection. I've seen this firsthand, and read about what's happened in the past. This place has too many easy ways in. We should organize our own militia to guard the walls, and fortify the gates, particularly the small wicker ones. There's too many reports of hordes getting in through them."
"Mmhmmerm," Aver said in a thoughtful manner, in truth he had just burned his tongue, but he didn't admit to that. Instead he set aside his soup, considering Mortembell and her concerns. "I dunno wot more we could do marm," He said cajolingly, tapping his claws as he listed off different items. "We've got volunteers n' ottercrew watchin' th' gates, n' wall tops, an' other beasts trainin' fer a fight. Gillpaw n' Brack themselves checked th' gates, found em secure. I've 'ad some hedge'og craftsbeasts add extra bolts to th' gates, plus they're guarded at all times. Nobeast, vermin or otherwise be gettin' in that a'ways. At least not wit'out us knowin' 'bout it."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The second shrew fell with Vaskor's dagger in its neck as the final turned and fled towards the river, abandoning the fight altogether. Not bothering to give chase the ermine wiped crimson blood from his white fur listening in as Rapshade yelled out his terms of surrender to the remaining shrews. Obviously the ferret hadn't done anything reportable yet, and perhapse he had even helped the horde achieve victory. Collecting his knife Vaskor wandered over to Rapshade, occasionally slaying a shrew that still deemed resistance better then surrender.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Following behind Bracklew sheathed his sword moving at a light jog to keep up with the seasoned warriors. He kept his feelings to himself, even though a slight twinge of discomfort flickered in the back of his mind. He chalked it up to frayed nerves, and marched in silence. Bracklew hardly moved his eyes off the ground, focusing on where to put his paws next rather than his surroundings.
OOC:
Grodds I'm going to send you a PM here in a bit whenever I find time later. ;)
An arrow zipped by Vaskor as three shrew logboat drifted into position. Gruddil lowered his bow for a split second, yelling at the shrews in land. "'Urry up, mates! Get on here, we'll get ye out o' this!"
"I'm saying this against better judgement, Rappy, but you certainly dealt that one what she deserved." Alfhild observed, catching one of the fleeing shrews by the arm and knocking him unconscious.
The rest of the vermin began surrounding the surviving shrews.
"Round up th' ones y' can't catch and leave the cowards t' their due," Rapshade barked out, mercilessly stepping on the paw of a wounded shrew as he passed.
"And, Auntie, your compliment is great but it isn't what I want."
"Silly thing. What more could somebeast like you ever want?"
Rapshade's eyes blazed as he suddenly skidded around and went flying back up to her, knocking her back flat against a tree.
"Alfhild, you've pushed me far too long!" He snapped, poising the sword at her chest.
"I am Captain Rapshade the Swift, murderer, pirate, slavedriver! Hear it, get it through your skull, and for th' sake of you don't put up a fight! There will be three, Alfhild, you, me, and Fardan, or I'll cut you down and then there'll be two ag'in and then I'll do away with Fardan and I'll be back on my own as th' most powerful one in th' forest!"
One of Alfhild's loyalists, a rat, crept up behind him with a sword in paw.
Rapshade spun around and shot him through the chest with Alfhild's bow.
"Anybeast else with complaints should get in line now, because oh, am I ready..."
OOC: Fardan will see to that. I doubt Rapshade's that good at fencing.
"Bolts won't do. Have Drubble make some proper locks, like what was on Rapshade's cell. Give one set to the Vigil and have the Abbot keep the other at all times. Lock and chain the side wallgates, make it so that they aren't to be used. Ever. Unless the main gate and what I'm about to say are both unsafe. We'll have some moles set up elevators, like the one that leads to Moledeep, on the walls, so that if need be, we can lift or lower creatures over the wall. That way, no vermin that climb the walls can open the gates, it'd take them longer to get everybeast over on the small lifts, and we could just cut the ropes to stop anybeast from getting up. Overkill maybe, but those wallgates have been used to get in here far too many times in the past, guarded or no."
OOC: I've been stumped on how to respond to these last couple posts, which is why I've been avoiding the RP. But as always I'll come back and do my best here. I just want to say things have really been dying down, mostly due to the school year. But I want to thank ya'll for sticking with this, and keeping it going. I know we've all been busy, at least I've been, I dunno about ya'll but I'd assume so. A special thanks to Ashleg as it is his RP so yeah, ya'll have been great, so thanks.
IC:
"Whoa, slow down marm," Aver said his eyebrows rising as the vixen expressed her concerns. "'Fraid all that isn't gonna be possible, th' wall gates don' close wit' a chain, nor lock. I c'n certainly 'ave Drubble craft us up somethin' to secure th' bolts, an' perhaps our moles c'n add some support th' likkle gates." The otter rubbed his forehead as he trailed off, willing himself to keep his cheerful demeanor. He was beginning to understand Grant's impatience with the Abbeybeasts and Vigil. Ever since he had been informally made leader of the Abbey defense he had been accosted by no end of helpful suggestions, concerns, and all manor of issues. He had taken to assigning others to head these tasks, giving more then one beasts full authority to complete whatever needed done. He considered doing this now, though he was unsure how well some of the more stuck up abbeybeasts would fare in their dealings with Mortembell. There was still a stale taste in the mouths of Redwallers who strongly disapproved of how she treated Rapshade when he was a prisoner.
"Tell ye wot marm," He began carefully, spinning the now empty soup bowl in his paws. "Find ye some beasts n' secure th' wicker gates as ye see fit. But leave th' main gate clear, we can't lower n' drop beasts off'n th' walls e'er time we need to go out n' about now c'n we."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Stopping at the water's edge Vaskor mercilessly gutted a lone shrew that hesitated too long at the water's edge. The ermine however didn't have long to crow over his kill as a shower of projectiles from Gruddil's boat forced him back. He had left his bow by the tree and could only watch in frustration as the remains of the Guosim swam out overloading Gruddil's boats.
Still cursing and jeering at the retreating shrews Vaskor and the few remaining loyalists beat their own retreat back up the river bank dodging the hail of arrows and sling stones that followed. Making his way through the devastated camp Vaskor came across Rapshade and Alfhild, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn't expected this.
"You stopped taking it," He stated to Rapshade considering the ferret with a newfound respect.
"No, they don't lock, which is why I'm saying they need to. We still have chain from Rapshade's cell, and more won't be too hard to make. The main gate is fine, but the wicker gates... Well, if you don't believe me, there's a book by one Sister Verakon on the gatehouse desk, solely about every time Redwall has been attacked, and how the attackers got in. It's quite long, so feel free to read over it."
The fox walked off towards the cellars.
OOC-
/me claps.
IC-
Rapshade threw the bow to the ground and stomped past.
"Yeah, and I'm never taking it again. Not from her or anybeast!" He halted, snickering mildly.
"C'mon, let's go meet Fardan's group at Redwall. I'm sure they'll be thrilled."
Alfhild got back up, glaring loathingly at the younger ferret from behind.
Awful, wretched upstart nephew!
She passed towards Vaskor and stopped to catch her breath.
"What he said, and send five back to watch the shrews." she said mildly, stalking off without another word.
--
Fangfang slunk silently down the stairs, looking lost although he wasn't.
He'd hidden his neck bandages under a scarf.
Nobeast needed to know anything and he had no way of telling them.
Spotting Mortembell on her way to the cellars, the yellow rat smirked and raced up to her, waving.
OOC: Sand did you ever respond to Fardan's order to make a battering ram for the side gate?
BIC: The winter trees gave way to a small forest clearing where the otterwive's hut was. Advancing on the location, Asher kept a paw ready as he called out. "'Ello? Anybeast home?"
OOC: Not really a hut. Think dugout cave on the bank.
BIC:
From inside the small dwelling, a voice, almost a sob, called out.
"Yes, in here. Do come in, friend."
*****
Mortembell's eyes widened at the sight of Fangfang.
"Fang? You're awake?"
She sighed.
"You poor thing. Who did... That to you? Was it Rapshade?"
Beaconing for Bracklew and Harnam to stay outside, the black squirrel entered the hut on his own. Finding the otterwife, he stood just inside the threshold. "I'm part o' the Vigil. Can you give me any details about what happened?"
The otterwife's nodded.
"I knows who Ye are, sir. I've 'eard o' all the good things Ye do fer us."
She dabbed at her eye.
"Well, me little Stu was play in' in the stream, an' I was watchin' 'im. All of a sudden, I 'ears some vermin nearby, so I tells Stu Ta get inside. He does, an' while I'm disguisin' the entrance, I turns away fer a second. I 'ears a little scream, an' the next thing I sees is those 'orrible monsters Malin' off with me baby. I followed 'em fer a bit, but lost 'em. I ain't a tracker, nor a fighter, Mista Asher. That's why I asked fer yer 'elp. But if anybeast knows where the vermin is right now, it's Ol' Jergle. He's a nice Ol' mouse, keeps to 'imself. But he always lets me know if trouble's around, an' last I saw I' the vermin, they passed near 'is 'ome. 'Ee lives inside this 'allowed out tree. Please, find me Stu. I'm beggin' Ye."
OOC: Stu...
BIC:
Asher crossed his arms. "Alright, marm, will do. We'll find yore son. Is there anythin' else I should know?"
The otterwife shook her head sadly.
"I'm afraid not, sir. Just head north a short way, an' atwixt the big rock an' the Goldenn Pine, Ye'll find Jergle's home. Stay safe, sir."
Fang frowned and shook his head no.
Nope, definitely not Rapshade.
His old friend had been trying to help him..at least that's what he thought. But that, too, was a blurry memory.
"......Ii.."
Ow! Don't try that.
OOC: This sounds like a video game mission. For Stu....
And sorry Sage, I forgot about that.
IC:
The two squirrels waited at the entrance as Asher talked with the otterwife. Bracklew paced back and forth across the snowy exterior, his tail twitching irregularly. Harnam looked more relaxed, with a confidence that came with experience. They could hear a bit of what was going on inside, at which Bracklew froze, his eyes wide.
"What's the chances that the otter kit is still alive?" He asked in a horrified voice. "Or that we can find it?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Aye, I'll get on that right away chief." Fastooth sniggered his yellow eyes flashing malevolently. There would be battle soon, and vicious bloodshed which he would be at the head of. "Shall I get some crew workin' on grapple ropes n' ladders too? An' wot o' th' crows chief? Shall I alert 'em to attack wit' us?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yes," Vaskor answered, suddenly very glad that he wasn't charged with controlling Rapshade, only keeping an eye on the ferret. He had never known Alfhild to go down without a fight, and a good fight at that. The ermine quickly directed five of the least wounded creatures to back to the river while he collected his bow. However it wasn't long before they had returned, looking angry. Vaskor stalked down to them, growling as he knocked an arrow on his bow.
"River, go."
"Why?" One of their number spat back. "Th' shrews 're gone. They must'a paddled off on 'em boats."
Surprised Vaskor stalled, tilting his head. Of course the shrews wouldn't stick around, why would they? There would be no point in leaving anybeast to watch an empty stretch of the river. "No matter, follow." He ordered motioning with his white claws. The six of them rejoined the main group, and Vaskor stalked up to Rapshade, watching the ferret with his piercing red eyes. "Shrews gone." He reported keeping pace with the pirate captain. "Where going?"
The wildcat thought for a second. "Tell the crows to stay in the denser trees behind us. They have to stay low, otherwise they'll be spotted. Have them walk, if need be. As for other siege equipment, gather the materials and start work. We need to be ready for a quick counterattack if needed."
<O>
"If it's alive, we'll get it," said Asher as he exited the cave. "If it isn't, we'll avenge it."
He stared into the forest. "We're looking for a hollowed out tree. Spot one, tell me." Turning to Bracklew, he addressed the squirrel. "Were you any good at climbing before you lost the paw? Because you need to relearn it, and this is the perfect time."
Rapshade grinned.
"Redwall. To get back everything that those Woodlanders have been hogging for themselves as long as history can tell."
"Good," Vaskor said, his red eyes glimmering as he marched alongside Rapshade. "Something I know, you want to know." He hinted in a mysterious manner, spinning his stone dagger expertly in his paws. "Maybe I tell, if you make worth while."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Aye, right away chief." Fastooth said saluting one last time. The rat hustled off whispering orders to the waiting vermin, before going to inspect the battering ram construction.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"I um, don't know." Bracklew admitted his tail drooping slightly with embarrassment. "I could climb well enough before, but now..." He flexed his right claws experimentally, they had been strengthened by a season of sword practice. Most squirrels could climb one well enough with one front paw while carrying something in the other anyway. Bracklew didn't doubt that he'd still be able too, he would just have a higher chance of falling. "I think I'll be fine to climb, I just wont be able to go as quickly. And to tell you the truth I never was very good a limb jumping, but I can learn."
"What do y' want from me?" Rapshade asked, narrowing his eyes skeptically.
Being a pirate captain for so long, he knew very well not to jump in to agreements with other vermin (and if he did, he knew how to turn things around to fit his preferences).
"Certainly not my necklace, or I'll make mince meat outta you! ...I'm joking, of course."
Alfhild shouldered her way up past him and whispered something into his ear, leaving the younger ferret an annoyed look on his face.
"Old fogey thinks she knows how t' get t' Redwall better than me."
Mortembell sighed and pulled out a chair. She sat down, and looked at the rat.
"Do you know who it was? Just nod. Was it somebeast from the horde?"
Fangfang nodded and began rocking to and fro like he always did--a sign of nervousness.
Perhaps if he could just muster up the will to whisper...
"Let's see if we can narrow it down. One-Ear's specialists might be able to locate them. Okay, gender. Were they male or female? Nod once for male, twice for female."
Fang hesitated, looked to be in deep thought for a moment, and nodded once.
Then he waved his paws shook his head rapidly, shooting Mortembell a concerned frown.
He thought it was male but now didn't remember.
All he was sure on was that it was either a weasel or a stoat.
The rat swallowed and mustered up a raspy whisper, "...D-don't r'member..."
Owowoww!
"Don't try to talk, not with that throat injury. You might open the wound, and that'll make it worse. So, they're... female? Okay, species. Were they a rat, a pine marten, or a wildcat?"
"I ne'er said..."
The rat trailed off, grasping his neck hopelessly.
At Morty's next enquiring, he looked up and mouthed "no".
OOC:
@Sagetip I need thou.
OOC:Meh.
BIC:
Asher frowned. "Alright... Climb that tree," he said, pointing towards a nearby oak.
Preforming the action Bracklew scaled the tree, scrambling a bit on the steeper portions. When he reached the top the young squirrel swiveled around descending at a much slower pace. Jumping the last couple feet he landed heavily before Ashleg, his blood having started flowing with the short exercise.
"Heh, I've missed doing that," He admitted standing back up. "How'd I do?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ah no," Vaskor tapped at his white chin thoughtfully, considering all the things he could possibly request from Rapshade. There was no end to the possibilities really, but the vermin in him wished for something that would allow him to take us much as he wanted, when he wanted it. Vaskor usuall refused such things, deeming them unnecessarily dangerous or pointless. Yet as he aged he was losing his ability to fight as he once did, and own greed got the best of him. Vaskor answered Rapshade in his short, accented way. His red eyes never once leaving Rapshade's face. "Position." He hissed making sure to fall silent as Alfhild came up next to them.
"Old fogey thinks she knows how t' get t' Redwall better than me."
Vaskor grinned, in spite of himself. This was a strange situation to witness, usually vermin take overs resulted in vicious bloodshed, while the loser never saw the next dawn. Now with aunt and nephew it seemed as if history would be changed. "Does she?" He asked eyes shifting for a moment to Afhild.
"Ah, but she knows not even where her tail is." Rapshade snickered, glaring hard after his Aunt.
She was still just as powerful as before but now had him as an equal.
He could work this and do whatever he pleased.
"Position, Vaskor? What're y' now?"
The ermine shrugged, he didn't really have any rank or position in the horde, he had never wanted one before now. He had always done whatever was needed of him, and gave orders supported only by his willpower, which was no small thing. But with this shift in power from Alfhild to Rapshade, Vaskor could see a avenue to the easy life of an officer. Something that this last battle had impressed heavily upon him.
"Nothing." Vaskor sniffed unstringing his bow and resting it against his shoulder. "You decide yes?"
"Good, for one paw," said Asher. He flashed up the tree and stared down at Bracklew. "Not fast enough, though. Enemies can easily get you at your speed. Do it again, faster."
"Hah, y' could be the first mate." Rapshade was joking, of course--but something about the way he said it came off with a hidden malice.
"...I'll think about it. For now let's hurry up."
OOC
TS to when they get to Fardan?
OOC: Yes, the siege machines can be completed and defense preparations as well.
OOC: Can we also timeskip to Asher and Bracklew getting to whatshisface's place?
Then some interesting stuff will happen with some of my other characters...
OOC: Sure, but Bracklew is getting what he wanted right now.
Quote from: Sagetip on October 10, 2016, 03:20:40 AM
OOC: Sure, but Bracklew is getting what he wanted right now.
OOC: I'm down for a time skip.
IC:
Stretching his shoulders Bracklew sank his claws into the tree bark hunkering down to spring upward. All his momentum had to come from his legs, with only a small bit of hanging power coming from his front paw. The young squirrel grimaced as he prepared to make the climb. He was getting what he asked for, though it was a bit different then he had originally imagined. Bracklew had been under a more glamorous delusion that he'd be learning fancy tricks with weapons and useful battle tips. Still there was nothing wrong with a bit of a climb, as long as it wasn't all they did as they searched for the missing otter kit. He wasn't sure if he'd have enough stamina for that.
Bracklew smiled ruefully as he scrambled up the branches to where Asher was; at least he wasn't so cold anymore.
OOC-
Are you ready to start it?
OOC: Just a sec.
BIC:
Asher's gaze remained impassive as he looked at Bracklew. "Better. We can take the trees most of the way following the tracks. Let's go..."
OOC: Ready
Alfhild, with Rapshade straight behind her, had led the group through the cold winter forest all the way up to Redwall Abbey territory itself.
She smirked and pulled her hood down as she approached Fardan, waving him down from a distance.
"We are back successful, Wildcat!"
"No trust Fardan," Vaskor warned Rapshade, whispering the message into the ferret's ear before melting into the background, mingling with the other horde members. Even the sharpest eyed falcon would have trouble spotting the ermine when he wanted to disappear, at least when it was snowy. Nevertheless Vaskor knew Fastooth would seek him out, and he would let the rat find him when the time was right.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tree jumping was never Bracklew's strong suit. Very soon the young squirrel was beginning to feel the stress of leaping from branch to branch. They had been zigzagging through the trees searching fruitlessly for a hollow tree or some sign of vermin or a young otter. He hadn't ever attempted to do something like this at length, and the last time he had tried it had been slowly, while running from Fardan. Bracklew pushed those memories to the back of his mind, focusing entirely on keeping up with Asher and Harnam, and not plummeting to the forest floor.
Landing on a large elm branch sending flurries of snow downward, Bracklew held up his paw, his sides heaving as he sucked in mouthfuls of cold air. He was slowing them down, he knew it, but he couldn't help it, he needed a break. "Could we take a moment Asher, I need to catch my breath, I only need a second or..." Bracklew stalled, his eyes catching sight of a large hollowed out tree that seemed to have fallen some seasons before. "Is that what we're looking for?" He asked pointing towards the fallen woodland giant.
"Good," grunted Fardan, turning to face the ferret.. "The siege machines should be almost done. Find Fastooth, he has the details. I was going to hold a council of war, you can come once Fastooth is done."
He looked straight over Rapshade's head into the forest. "He should be somewhere in that direction, should to want to talk to him."
<O>
The two squirrels were also starting to fall short of breath. "Let's all rest a second. Yore prob'bly right, Bracklew."
He opened his own traveling bag and pulled out a few biscuits. "Don't taste particularly good, but give ye enough energy." He tossed one to each.
"And by the way," Alfhild added with a quiet voice, "That nephew of mine is one of us now. And by us, I mean us us." She waggled a paw at Fardan and then at herself to indicate what she meant.
"I hope that doesn't bother you, sweetie!"
And with a cackle the old ferret marched off to find Fastooth, shoving unfortunate vermin out of her way and stepping on tails as well.
"Oh, Fastooth!"
Rapshade clutched his arm to himself after being pushed by Alfhild, glaring after her.
"No trust Fardan? Poor Vaskor. Anybeast I've ever trusted is dead."
Suddenly, from within the hollowed-out tree, an elderly mouse waltzed out towards the squirrels.
"Top o' th' mornin' to ye, young buckeroes! Hmm, what vittles do ye have there?"
He took a biscuit and sniffed it. Breaking off a crumb, the elder tasted it.
"Yuck, don't eat that stuff. I've got a stew cookin' inside, why don't ye come have some?"
He burst into song.
"Pray Hearken to this humble beast,
no warrior am I.
I crave no spear or sword to wield,
no arrow to let fly.
No foebeast have I ever slain,
my friend, I'll tell you why,
because I'm but a simple cook,
come try my apple pie!
Let fighters from the battle rest,
victorius but sore,
they throng into my dining hall,
and what do they ask for?
More enemies to charge against,
no no, when war is through,
they'd trade their vict'ry medals,
for a bowl of my hot stew!
So look you on this humble beast,
and, pray, regard me well.
My paw has never swung a blade,
foul vermin for to fell.
My kitchen is no battlefield,
I'll shout no loud war cry.
Because I'm but a simple cook,
come try my apple pie!"
He kicked aside some moss from the fallen tree, revealing an entrance.
"Did ye like that? I 'eard it from some Redwallers; they say an ole vole named Soogum came up with it. Kind o' fits, to be quite honest with you. Well what're ye waitin' for? Come in, come in! Are ye lost? Anythin' ye need ta know, I'll tell ye if ye join me fer vittles. Name's Jergle."
*****
Grenlik and his scouts had since abandoned Filargo and his raft, and where well on track towards the grove of the Cannibal Stoats. The weasel polished his spear as they rested briefly, the tops of the pines visible through gaps in the thick forest canopy.
"'Urry up an' eat, Fleshripper. We're nearly there."
"Oi, nah, boss, 'tain't my fault. Ripeye 'ere just flung me fish inta that swamp; I 'ad ta go an' find anudda!"
Ripeye spat.
"Shuddup needlenose. I asked fer a bit o' fish 'cause Blobtail dere swiped mine, an' yew tugged it away from me so fast it done gone flyin' inta da marshes. All your fault!"
"Shut. Up. Stop arguin', we'll eat on the march!"
*****
Closer to the scouts then they would have liked, but nevertheless unaware, One-Ear, Celio, Applelad, and the rest of the Vigil troops had also sighted the pine grove. The fox made sure that all crossbows were loaded and ready, some of which with lengths of rope attached to the bolts.
"Okay, here's the plan. All the squirrels are going with Applelad around to the west, where you'll try and climb into the trees and distract the stoats. Intel says they've got platforms and suchlike strung all up in the treetops, so once we're up, we'll have solid footing to fight on. Everybeast who's been given a rope ascender, say aye."
Nine creatures replied.
"Good, that makes ten including myself. We'll be paired up with somebeast with a crossbow and rope. They'll shoot a line up there, and we use the ascenders to get up. We'll catch the stoats in a pincer movement with aid from the squirrels, and the rest of you will stay down here with Celio. Give us support with crossbows, and watch our backs. Understood? Let's move out."
OOC:
@Ashleg - That part's coming up very soon...
OOC: Applelad is with One-Ear, not harnam.
OOC: Harnam-Ception ;D
IC:
"Oh Fastooth!
The rat, who had been inside one of the few tents set up around Redwall sprang out of it surprisingly fast fastening on his cloak. He checked around for a moment before spotting Alfhild scurrying over to her.
"Keep yer voice down chief," He warned indicating the high Abbey roof that was visible through the empty trees. "Noise carries far down 'ere, we might lose th' element o' surprise." Fastooth finished tightening his belt and cloak and straightened up as he made it too the ferret chieftain.
"Wot c'n I do for ye chief?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Looking disappointed Bracklew nudged the wasted biscuit with his footpaw. It had been his that the odd mouse had taken, and consequently nibbled on and thrown aside.
"He's a bit daft, and rude." The young squirrel commented as he bent over to retrieve the biscuit, only to throw it away again. "Still this old duffer is supposed to know where the otter kit is. Maybe we could take a quick bite," Bracklew glanced forlornly once again towards his wasted snack. "And then get on. He owes us food after all."
"He does," said Asher. Turning to Jergle, he addressed the mouse. "We won't be stopping for long. Just need to ask you a question or two."
<O>
"Sweetie..." muttered Fardan. At least he had Fastooth... the rat would definitely remain loyal. Or else.
"Oh good, good. Just siddown, I'll be right with Ye."
He walked over to one corner of his home, where a stewpot was bubbling. He sliced a few onions and tossed them in, then sat the knife back down on the dining table.
"'Have a seat, friends, 'tis nearly ready.
After a minute or two, he scooped three bowls of the stew and set them down on the table.
"An' now, one last touch."
He pulled out two little bags from his tunic, one with hotfoot pepper and the other with some sort of watercress. He sprinkled the hot root onto his stew, and the watercress onto the squirrels'.
"I likes mine spicy, but I doesn't know what Ye like. Dig in, Ye can ask me any questions Ye need when Ye aren't hungry, an' not thinking straight.
OOC: By the way, the "watercress" was drugged. Have fun with that.
"Old Fardan said you have the details, Rat." Said Alfhild with a shrug, moving her way around him.
"So? What're you waiting for? Tell me what you've accomplished."
OOC:
Quote from: Sagetip on October 12, 2016, 04:28:56 PM
<O>
"Sweetie..." muttered Fardan. At least he had Fastooth...
Lol that's a keeper.
IC:
"Aye chief," Fastooth said stepping cautiously away from the aged ferret. "If'n ye would foller me." Leading Alfhild along the rat took her past the improvised battle lines to where the battering rams were being built. They had almost been finished complete with wheels, strong rope, and a covered roof to protect the attackers from slingstones and projectiles. The little contraptions looked almost like small houses with open ends so that the ram could swing freely. Scattered about were several rough ladders that would take ten beasts to carry each. They were made from tall pines where most of the branches had been shaved away leaving only enough to make paw holds.
"Fardan wanted us to attack th' likkle gates see," Fastooth explained as he pointed out everything they were building. "So we's got three likkle rams, one fer each wicker gate. An' we also built ladders n' such ter scale th' walls while them rams do their work. Th' plan is once we gets enough creatures through, we rush th' main gate n' let th' rest o' th' army pour in."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You could just ask, I don't mind a little bit of spice. A friend of mine is skipper of otters, you ought to see him go through hotroot." Bracklew said spooning in a mouthful of the stew. A strange look came over the squirrel's face as he chewed, swallowing down the large bite. His eyes popped wide for a moment as he let his tongue hang out salivating slightly. "Hot, agh, I burned my lips off!"
Bracklew let his mouth recover and then took another bite. This time making sure to blow the steam off before eating it. His eyes caught something strange, and the flavor seemed different. Bracklew had never tried anything quite like this before. The young squirrel wouldn't say it was his favorite stew and it even was starting to make him feel a little queasy, but he was hungry...
OOC:
OMG Groddil, I just realized what you did there. Its a little bit wrong, but still really clever. ;)
Alfhild tweaked one of Fastooth's whiskers affectionately. "Great. Tell them to hurry up with it, too." She smirked and padded away.
OOC: Hey guys, Mm back. Thanks for waiting.
IC:
"Aye chief," Fastooth said, puffing up his chest and smoothing out his tweaked whisker. The rodent smirked obnoxiously saluting the retreating ferret's back. "I'll get em workin' double time, we'll be ready ter take them fancy red walls 'afore noon termorrow. Me mates 'll give em a touch up eh. Repaint em red, wit woodlander blood."
A few nearby vermin gave low whoops as they sharpened their weapons, their wicked grins gleaming as they prepared for war. Fastooth gave a quick look around, before shuffling off back towards the hidden vermin lines that surrounded Redwall. He needed to find Vaskor, and report back to Fardan.
OOC-
Could you post the duel,
@LT Sandpaw ?
IC-
Rapshade shoved and kicked his way through the crowd and up to Fardan, throwing a tasteless smirk the cat's way.
"What's all this waiting about? We seem ready enough."
Fardan stared down his nose at the ferret. "Because I like to keep whiny, upstart ferrets in suspense. But, I suppose you have a point. You're more than welcome to take command of a party - the battering ram, ladders, the main group. Take your pick."
<O>
Asher took a gulp of soup. It tasted a bit off, but he was used to Vigil rations and put it down to his lack of a distinct palette. "So you know the ottermum by the stream?" he said, ignoring the mouse's last comment. The squirrel was eager to get down to business.
"I'd bet you'd rather a whiny upstart ferret than an aging ferret that soon won't be so strong." Said Rapshade, grinning.
"I'll take the battering ram. Being in first never hurt anybeast."
At the stoat camp, the Vigil Crossbowbeasts fired their weapons, sending lines of rope up into the canopy. One-Ear and the other soldiers with rope ascenders quickly scaled the lines, the Crossbowbeasts shot a few stoats that had started realizing what was going on. While the stoats were distracted, the squirrels started to climb the trees.
*****
Still crouching in the bushes, Grenlik growled.
"How are we supposed to recruit these bloody stoats if the fox and his band of goody-two-shoes goes and genocides 'em? Oi, Blobtail. Kill that mouse, 'ee's comin' over 'ere."
Blobnose, a ferret, nodded. He drew a rusted scimitar and pulled the mouse into the bushes just as he walked past. One thrust later, the Vigil soldier was no more.
"Righto, start movin' that way. We 'ave ta try an' deal with 'em."
@Sagetip - Wanna have Applelad join in? And do something with Asher?
OOC:
@Groddil Sage has already done something with Asher. ;)
Also I've got nothing much to do right now, so ya'll post please.
IC:
Finding Vaskor was a surprisingly easy task for Fastooth, the ermine always seemed to appear whenever he was needed, and whenever he was wanted. Stalking up to the white furred mustelid Fastooth stomped his footpaws to warm them, and warn Vaskor of his presence.
"Wot'cha got to report 'bout Rappy eh? Anythin' good?"
Vaskor slowly shook his head, he was busily crafting fresh arrows to replace the ones he spent in battle. Already a small stack of the deadly projectiles had been finished. Fletched with crow feathers, and tipped with shards of flint they waited, ready to been sent to seek somebeast out.
"No," Vaskor said at last as he finished whittling down a shaft. "Rapshade trust me." He reached for his small pile of feathers, slyly grinning as he did. "I tell you, soon. Yes?"
"Tha's th' most words I've e'er heard ye say in one sittin' cully." Fastooth jibed, nudging Vaskor's arrow stack with his footpaw. "Roight, get back ter me if'n e' tries anythin' suspicious. Hoy do ye even know where e' is now?"
Vaskor meticulously straightened his arrows before nodding once, probably intent on not breaking his new word count record.
"Hmph," Fastooth snorted shuffling away. "Well m' goin' ter report to Fardan, oh n' I'm 'Is right paw now, so keep that'n mind when I'm discussin' wit' ye. I got th' power ter do wot I want now see. An' makin' sure nobeast is bein' disloyal tis part o' that. Even Rapshade, ye 'ear. If'n e' tries anythin', I wanna know."
Vaskor looked up, blinked his red eyes and returned to his work. Obviously Fastooth was unaware of Rapshade's new position within the horde, a nasty surprise for sure once the power hungry rodent found out.
"Fine," said Fardan. "You know where they are. Head over there, meet the crew. Now, I have more important matters to attend to."
The wildcat faced Fastooth. "Good, you're here. Rapshade is going to take care of the battering ram crew. You and I will handle the soldiers with the ladders, and Alfhild will work with the main force, whether she likes it or not. Understood?"
OOC-
Sorry, was in school. ::)
IC-
Rapshade saluted with a smirk on his face and marched off in the direction Fardan had indicated.
"Everything's goin' right, I assume?" He asked when he got over there.
A weasel raised an eyebrow and Rapshade kicked him across the ground.
"I'm in charge now, so wipe those vacuous looks off your faces!"
--
"Whether who likes what or not?" Alfhild chimed from behind them, lurking near a tree.
"Could have sworn I heard my name."
"Oh nothing," replied Fardan, waving a paw. "You'll be commanding the main force, and your nephew will do the battering ram soldiers. I, of course, will be in charge of the ladders."
"Shouldn' I be in charge o' th' rams chief?" Fastooth hissed irritably crossing his arms as Rapshade walked away. "Me n' me crews built th' bloody things." The rat's tail flicked across the snow, sending small flurries into the air. "Why's that runty ferret gettin' command eh? We ought ter send 'Im first up th' ladders, mayhap we'll get lucky n' a arrer 'll find 'Im."
Fardan frowned. "Look, I hate the ferret as much as you, but his aunt isn't as easy to take care of as he is. Just roll with it, the time will come. I didn't make you my second in command for no reason at all, did I?"
Alfhild cleared her throat, looking amused as the two conversed.
"Yes... The main force is what I'm good at, Fardan. I'll go tell that runty ferret to hurry them up."
And off she went.
Runty? Where had that come from?
Rapshade was normal size, just skinny because he was sick and locked in the cellars for so long.
She liked it even though it was incorrect.
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on October 24, 2016, 08:36:26 PM
OOC:
@Groddil Sage has already done something with Asher. ;)
Do more. We're kind of at an impasse. :p
OOC:
Quote from: Groddil on October 24, 2016, 11:58:10 PM
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on October 24, 2016, 08:36:26 PM
OOC:
@Groddil Sage has already done something with Asher. ;)
Do more. We're kind of at an impasse. :p
What more do you want from us?
(http://consoleplayground.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/14470552458729-anigif_enhanced-11610-1400514846-1.gif)
@Sagetip He demands more!
OOC: Maybe have them finish the stew and start feeling really weak? Then Whatshisface can ramble on a bit until somebeast finally manages to kill the old crazy.
OOC: I was gonna have you sort of help out...
OOC: Sort of put in your own descriptions, PP a bit.
OOC: Ah, okay.
@LT Sandpaw: You okay with that?
OOC: Yeah
The three squirrels found themselves getting... weaker. Not just queasy anymore, but physically weak. Jergle's laugh echoed through the dwelling, amplified by their sore heads.
"Oh no, boy. I couldn't give you the hotroot. Not when the watercress had nightshade in it! Heeheehee! Not enough to kill, I need you... healthy. No sense poisoning the meat! Heeheehee! What's that? The otterwife? Why? You looking for her son? You looking for Stu?"
Asher nodded weakly.
"Well, I've got bad news... YOU ATE HIM! STU'S IN THE STEW! HEEHEEHEEHEE!"
He grabbed the cleaver from next to his cooking pot.
"Now, then. You two, the boy and the tough one. You can live. Need to make you better. Not enough meat on the boy, wouldn't make a proper meal. And you, you look too stringy. Too chewy. Have to fatten you up a bit. But you..."
OOC: Can I cut a body part off Harnam? Bracklew's already lost a paw. :p
OOC:
(https://tenor.co/tbY9.gif)
NO. YOU CANNOT
BIC: Asher's brain was shocked awake by the mouse's words, but his body remained sluggish. He tried to reach for the cleaver and knock if out of Jergle's hand, but found he did it have the speed required. Hopefully Bracklew could do something....
OOC: :(
BIC:
The mouse slammed the cleaver into the table right next to Harnam.
"No... Won't cut you yet..."
He started to drag the squirrel's seat towards the fire.
"I have a better idea..."
He dragged the cooking pot away from the fire and grabbed a spit from a nearby wall.
"It'd take too long to chop you."
He took a rope from nearby and started to tie the squirrel to the spit.
"Besides, I haven't had a roast in a long time..."
He whirled back to the other two squirrels.
"Oopsie, can't leave that near you."
The mouse picked up the cleaver and tossed it across the room, where it embedded itself in the bench he had been cutting vegetables on.
"Perfect throw! Now then, once I've tied this one onto the cookin' fire, I'll show ye to yer rooms. Dinner'll be served as soon as 'ee's finished. Hee hee hee!"
OOC: Heh, Stu in the Stew, Its just a little messed up. But the real question is what are they going to tell that poor Otterwife?
"Oh yeah, we found your son, and um, we kinda ate him too..."
IC:
"Aye, but I wont like it." Fastooth growled to Fardan, before spinning around so that he was facing Alfhild. "I'll go wit' ye chief. Th' crews are almost ready, we'll be prepared ter attack soon. Should we attack tonight, or 'old off till early morn?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Disgust and revulsion rushed through Bracklew's sluggish body, he heaved involuntarily as his brain tried to process what he'd just heard. He struggled to wrap his claws around his swordhilt, all the while fighting just to keep his eyes open. Harnam, no Harnam, he'd be killed. Bracklew had to get the mouse talking, maybe to distract him just enough to keep him from killing the squirrel.
"Why...?" He asked, his eyes and paws felt like lead weights, but nevertheless he managed to stand. "You're a mouse, a woodlander? Why would you do this to an ott-" For the first time Bracklew's head cleared some and he finally understood what he had just done. The young squirrel choked, and spewed out the stew, gagging in horror.
Bracklew began hyperventilating, and the fresh rush of oxygen helped bring new energy to his fuzzy eyes, even as he sank to his knees.
OOC:
Alright so I was thinking now that Bracklew cleared his system somewhat he would run, and maybe climb a tree, and Jergle would give chase. Asher and Harnam would have time to recover some so that when Jergle gives up the chase and returns they'll be able to fight him?
It would also give us ample opportunity for Bracklew to get separated, and for him to do what me n' Grodds discussed.
Is everyone cool with that?
OOCÑ Excellent
"Early morning comes and we'll be rested, but so will they." Alfhild bared her teeth, nodding only slightly to show her acceptance of Fastooth coming along.
As she made her way over to where the battering ram team was, she spotted Rapshade dealing out orders--or complaints, more so.
He was standing over a rat, amber eyes flitting round anxiously.
"Looks good enough t' me!"
"B-but Sir..."
"Shut up! I said it looks good so that means it's good."
Alfhild cleared her throat and he looked up.
"Are you done?" She snapped. "We want to attack tonight, not next year."
--
Back at Redwall, a couple shrews were making their way towards the gates.
The tallest of them spoke up, "Hello...! Anybeast in there? W-we come from the Guosim....or what's left of it."
OOC: Sounds good.
BIC:
Not even looking away from Harnam, Jergle spat roughly onto the fire.
"Wow, how surprising. We've got a racist one, everybody. Somebeast who thinks all woodlanders are white shinin' pillars o' morality an' all vermin should be sent back to 'Ellgates where they belong. I'll 'ave ya know that I've met several courteous vermin and quite a lot o' extremely rude, violent woodlanders. Ate them too, they're still food. Besides, a fella's gotta eat, yknow? Can't live off roots an' berries for yer 'ole life. Fella's gotta eat..."
*****
From the walltop, a Vigil guard peered down at the shrews.
"What's... left of it? I'll let you in, proceed to the walled-off area of the lawn at once. Miss Charm needs to hear about this."
He vanished from sight, and several moments later, stood next to the open gate.
"Hurry, there's vermin nearby."
The shrews hustled inside, the tallest nodding his thanks.
"Vermin? Not again, surely?" One of them whispered.
"The horde's everywhere, Missie." Said the leader in exhaustion. He turned back to the Vigil guard.
"I'd be happy to talk to Charm...."
--
Rapshade sneered. "Aye, Auntie, they're ready. Next year can wait."
"Good." Alfhild said, waving him off.
"Round them and go, won't you?"
"You're insane," Bracklew murmured, clutching his head as a second wave of revulsion hit him. His whole body shuddered, but he was still awake. It appeared Asher and Harnam both had succumbed to the effects of whatever Jergle had given them. But why wasn't he?
Struggling against himself Bracklew rose to his footpaws, using his chair as support. He reached for his sword hilt, but his paw lacked the strength and coordination to draw the blade. "Asher, get up, Asher!" Bracklew hissed to the black squirrel to no avail. Looking fearfully at Jergle the young squirrel shook his head, and even though his body was recovering some, it was a battle just to focus his eyes on the mouse.
"Don't do this, please. We come from Redwall, we can give you enough food to last a lifetime. Its good food, please."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Fastooth attempted to match Rapshade's sneer, but it looked more like a forced grimace then a condescending smile. The big rodent grumbled as the two ferret's talked, deciding instead of listening to the discussion he would better spend his time inspecting the siege equipment Rapshade considered 'good'.
"These thing in't finished," He raved kicking the structure in condemnation, immediately regretting the act as it left him with bruised toeclaws. "Urh, theeem don' 'ave th' soaked leather staked on ter keep 'em from burstin' into flame." Fastooth did an amazing job of hiding the pain in his voice, even as his toes throbbed. "An did ye 'ear it rattle jus' now? Its structurally unsound see."
OOC:
@Groddil Could you have Jergle move towards Bracklew, intent on subduing him or something, so that he has incentive to run?
Rapshade grinned down at Fastooth, tilting his head.
"Oh, I think it's ready. If it hurt you it's good enough for me."
"Rrr, shut up! I've already told you that I'm not spending the rest of my life chewing on plants. I need MEAT!"
Jergle grabbed his cleaver and started to walk towards Bracklew.
"Forget him. I'm having you first. Hopefully it'll shut you up!"
OOC-
Oi Grodds, how bout Charm... ;) ;)
The Vigil guard nodded, as she pushed the gate shut behind them and barred it securely.
"Good. She's down in the Caverns, just take that lift."
She pointed to the barred-off area of the lawn.
The shrews nodded and filed in one by one, chatting quietly together until they reached the ground.
The leader stepped forward, hesitated and then said, "Charm?"
A nearby mouse was tossing rocks into the underground river, which still managed to flow in between the cracks of the cave-in that had blocked it.
"She's down that tunnel. Just say you're here to see 'er, and somebeast'll take you to her."
They headed down the tunnel and then tried again, seeming more tired and irritable.
"Can we just speak to Charm?"
The watervole on duty let out a sigh.
"Reason for visit: Speak to Charm. *Sigh* Go right ahead, and take two lefts, then take the lift up to her quarters."
The large rockfall barrier that blocked the tunnel rose once again out of the ground, allowing the shrews passage into Moledeep.
The shrews would've been impressed if they hadn't just watched the vermin horde slay their clan.
Wordlessly they filed past the watervole and followed his directions, until each of them stood outside of what they guessed to be Charm's quarters.
Couldn't Charm just come to them?
"Hello..." Said the first shrew, glancing around. "Charm? We come from the Guosim."
The otter emerged from a side room.
"Yes? What do you need? Guosim are always welcome here."
She cleared several maps and documents from the large table and motioned for them to sit down.
The shrew stepped forward and shook her paw.
"Name's Benyo, Marm." He took a seat, fidgeting with his paws as he thought of how to take a gentle approach to what he wanted to tell her.
There really was no easy way.
"These few I have with me are all that's left o' the Guosim. The 'orde invaded our camp and Rapshade killed Log-a-Log."
"Rapshade? Oh, for the love of-"
She spread the map back over the table, studied it for a while. Before she could speak, Spinoraz stepped off the lift.
"We've sat around for long enough. If the Redwallers weren't so lazy that they were content to sit around and let the horde prepare...".
Charm shook her head at the Vigil Captain.
"It's too late now. One-Ear's got about twoscore of us out on mission, so we've got no chance of taking out the horde in combat."
"Then we cut off the head of the snake. Give me twenty beasts with spears. We'll find the horde, charge the leaders. While they're pre-occupied with fighting some of us off the others'll overwhelm 'em."
Charm scoffed.
"You're talking about a suicide mission."
He nodded.
"That I am, marm. That I am."
Charm let out a sigh.
"I can't let you do this, Spinoraz. But I won't stop you from doing it."
The huge hedgehog laughed.
"Good on you, marm. Good on you!"
The lift descended, leaving Charm with the shrews. She shook her head sadly.
"If they attack the Abbey, I don't know what we'll do. I can only think of one option, but it's ridiculous. Nobeast'll like it."
*****
Shadomay and Drubble sat in Cavern Hole, the remains of a platter of food in front of them. The mole sat not upon a chair, but on a small chest.
"So, Drubble. Is that it?"
He nodded.
"Burr aye, marm. 'Tis done, oi melted down 'ee few bits o' metal an' reshaped 'ee locks, like 'ee one on Rappyshade's ol' cellar."
"And the chain?"
"We 'ad plenty o' choins left over from th' prison, an' oi managed ta find a likkle more, yes zurr!"
"Okay, good. Here, we'll give you a hand with the box. Let's go lock up the wallgates."
*****
While one vixen was busy fortifying the Abbey, the other wandered through the Abbey halls.
"Fangfang?"
Mortembell spotted the rat's yellow fur.
"There you are. I need you to come with me. I've met somebeasts who might be able to help you."
*****
At the tree of the stoat tribe, One-Ear and the other soldiers with ascenders had just reached the top of the ropes fired by the crossbowbeasts. They leapt onto the platforms erected among the branches, drawing blades. Several stoats jumped at them, screeching, but the crossbowbeasts cut them down like flies. One-Ear, whirling the Governor's blade, led them deeper into the canopy. Celio motioned to Applelad and those under his command.
"Squirrels! Get up there and help 'em! Make sure nobeast gets overrun up there!"
The mouse fired his crossbow once more, dropping another stoat.
*****
Meanwhile, in the Wetlands...
Shamolt, the squirrel who had escaped Seacloak's reign of terror with One-Ear's group, sat in a tree somewhere far north of Mossflower. He stared at the huge, frozen lake, which, unlike the rivers, had not yet woken from its slumber. A shrew thudded down next to him.
"Seacloak has already left, and the guards are growing lax. Is it time?"
He nodded.
"It is."
Benyo shifted. "We have to do something. They can't just kill us like this, it's wrong..."
One of the other shrews raised her voice in a desperate little wail. "But what about us, why don't we just leave and start somewhere anew?"
--
Fang grinned nervously and started after Mortembell, wondering what she was talking about.
He halted only when he saw Duncan heading down the stairs, waving his paws at them.
"Where are you two off to, somewhere important? It's about time I get back on my paws and ready to fight, wot wot!"
Holding a lance in one paw, Applelad sent a stoat screaming on his way to Hellgates. "On my way!" he replied, hopping up further. The stoats kept on coming, but the Vigil kept cutting them down.
Muttering something under his breath Fastooth struggled remain passive, but inside he steamed like hot hotroot soup on a cold morning. Roweled up as he was the big rat lost some of his tact and he pointed accusingly at his ferret tormenter.
"Oh aye, an' yer gonna be th' one runnin' about screaming bloody murder when somebeast drops a stone o'er th' wall and crushed through th' ram's roof an' it lands on yer toe."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Scrabbling desperately Bracklew retreated towards the hollow's exit, his ears pinned to the sides of his head. He still couldn't draw his sword, and the small amount of drug still in his system was growing stronger by the second.
"No, stop!" Bracklew shouted panic ringing in his voice. Pain had become a part of Bracklew's life, but there was a strange revulsion to the idea of being eaten after death. A panic Bracklew hadn't even felt when facing Alfhild or Fardan. His throat clenched up and a wail of terror escaped his lips as Jergle moved ever closer.
An animalistic desire to flee overpowered his willpower to stay and fight, to try and save his new mentor and friends. Bracklew drugged and confused as he was succumbed to this instinct and he turned tail and fled. Running into the wall before breaking out into the snow and dying sunlight in an utter panic, a panic that served him well to momentarily suppress the fast acting drowsiness that threatened to knock him out at any moment. Scattering snow left and right the young squirrel made his escape on all three paws, racing willy-nilly into the winter woodland.
Rapshade seized Fastooth by the collar and shook him harshly. "I'm not going t' be working, you fat idiot!"
"Now, now." Said Alfhild, kicking a pebble towards him.
"You might as well attack now if you're so sure it's ready. We'll be waiting by the trees for the moment we see the door break down."
OOC-
@LT SandpawCould you maybe post in the duel? If you want? I have nothing to do and I'm really hyped for it now that we've got it going. ;D
Mortembell nodded.
"We're going to Moledeep. Going to see a specialist, try and find the vermin that did this to Fang."
*****
Shadomay and Drubble stood proudly next to one wallgate.
"Alright, that's the chains done. Got the lock?"
"Aye."
"Got the key."
"Yes zu-marm."
"Good."
Drubble snapped the lock onto the chains of the little wicker wallgate, and the two creatures started walkign to the next one.
*****
Jergle, cleaver in paw, trudged after Bracklew. He knew that the squirrel couldn't get far with 2 paws, and the drug in his system. He'd catch him eventually. And then... Then he would eat at last.
OOC-
Cccchhhhhaaarm?
IC-
"Mind if I join you?" Duncan mused, sneaking up behind them.
"I wouldn't mind doin' the ole one-two on some good for nothing vermin! ...No offense," he said with a nod at Fangfang.
Charm sighed.
"I see you as having several options. You can go join Spinoraz on his fool's errand and avenge your tribe in death, you can join up with the Vigil, as a lot of former Guosim are among our ranks. Or, you can stay at Redwall. The only other option would be to strike out on your own and try to begin again. But I wouldn't recommend that. Mossflower might be beautiful, but everywhere outside the Abbey walls is one giant deathtrap."
*****
Mortembell nodded.
"None taken, and if you want to come, do it. Just... don't be surprised when you meet the specialists. They're... not like you."
OOC: What happened to Gruddil?
OOC-
He's yours...
So. ???
IC-
"We'll join with the Vigil and then leave once this is all finished. Sound like a good plan?" Benyo asked, tilting his head.
He certainly couldn't die now because he had to be around to keep the Guosim together until somebeast more fitting came along.
Perhaps one of the shrews they'd separated from on the trail would find them again..
--
"No worries. I've seen many things." Duncan huffed gruffly.
"If you're gonna worry about one of us than it should be Fangfang. Lead the way!"
OOC: He's Sage's.
BIC:
Mortembell shrugged.
"If you say so, Duncan. Just... don't go crazy."
The vixen led them towards the fenced-off area of the lawn.
OOC-
Whup. SAAAAAGE!
*flips Duncan through window*
IC-
They followed closely after her, Duncan sometimes having to redirect Fang's attention.
OOC:
(https://tenor.co/sz8w.gif)
I'll think of something. It's 7 am here, so don't pressure me.
Stumbling over roots and even his own footpaws Bracklew continued his flight through the snowy trees. His breath came in ragged gasps as he continuously threw glances over his shoulder, occasionally seeing Jergle following patiently behind.
Why would a mouse be hunting him so ruthlessly? What would drive a creature to do this? A mouse of all things-a mouse! A plan formed in Bracklew's desperate mind and he searched about looking for a likely tree. If he could get up high enough, and dig in, he'd be able to wait out the effects of the drug out of the rodent's reach.
Sinking his claws into the bark of a likely tree Bracklew attempted to climb, pulling himself up nearly two full body lengths before his lone forepaw gave out and he fell back with a cry into the snow. Jergle was closer now, running steadily through the snow. Bracklew struggled to his paws, and continued, rushing to the next available tree, this time a pine. Using strength born of desperation Bracklew scaled the tree, his arms shaking with the effort. Jergle came faster now, sensing his prey would soon be out of reach. Both squirrel and mouse moved faster, in a race of life and death. Bracklew could see the lowest of the pine branches, just within reach, he grabbed hold of it as Jergle jumped.
"Aaaagh!" Bracklew yelled out as pain seared from his tail tip. Jergle's clever cut through mostly puffy fur, but a small amount of flesh as well, the shock of which nearly caused Bracklew to lose his grip on the tree branch. The young warrior gritted his teeth climbing higher, having an easier time of it now that he had branches to use as paw holds. Only when he was a fair distance up did Bracklew dare look back to see what the mouse was doing.
Asher started to regain sense in his limbs. The drug was still numbing his brain, but he became painfully aware of the pins and needles in his extremities. Sitting himself against the wall, he waited until Harman was able to move better. Hopefully Bracklew could keep Jergle distracted for long enough.
OOC-
Also...
Benyo.
You forgot Charm. ;)
"Fat idiot?" Fastooth snarled, aggressively slapping Rapshade's paws away. "I'll give ye fat idiot, ye skinny, good-fer nothin', flea ridden, tree-mouse lover!" Fastooth had his dagger half drawn when Alfhild made her suggestion. The rat's ears perked up and he shoved the dagger back into its sheath, a wicked smile playing on his lips.
"Aye, why don' ye lead th' attack Rappy, ol' cully." Fastooth slapped Rapshade on the back in a strange turn of camaraderie. "Yer right ye know, I ain't that skilled at leadin' yet, mayhap a seasoned raider like yerself might 'ave a trick or two ter show me eh?"
~*~*~*~*~
There was a pattering of paws behind the hare, rat, vixen trio and Petu came up beside them. The young rabbit was looking far better after his stay in the infirmary, though he still sported a swath of bandages across his bare back.
"Hoy chums, any room left for a lonely rabbit?" He asked jovially throwing an arm around Fang's shoulders for support. "Miss Hummingwolf just released me from the infirmary, and I supposed I could come join my pals for a stroll."
Rapshade had his own weapon drawn by the time Fastooth quit yowling.
He countered back, eyes lighting angrily, "If y' don't know, I'm one on Alfhild's level now, so you'd better cease the sneering!"
Alfhild glared at him though remained silent.
Giggling airily, the dark-furred ferret went on, nudging Fastooth in a forcedly friendly manner. "...Really! So how about y' come with me, mate? I am sure I can show you a lot."
--
Fang looked up at Petu and grinned, nodding hopefully at the two older creatures.
Duncan wiggled his ear.
"Can't say why not, wot! Petu and I are pretty similar if you ask me. Two loyal beasts that know how to pack the scoff away!"
Mortembell raised her eyebrow.
"I don't know. This is important, kid."
*****
OOC: Bad Snadpwa! No PPing!
BIC:
The old mouse sat in the snow.
"Come down, morsel. I can out wait you. No, I can't. But I don't need to."
He picked up a large rock and hurled it upwards.
"Petu's seen enough to come with us," Duncan argued.
"Besides, vermin-vermin-hare is a bit unfair. What if you two decided to turn on me?" He winked teasingly, meaning it only as a joke.
Of course he trusted them.
OOC: Maaah >:D
IC:
"That's wot I was thinking cully." Fastooth soothed, his tone mocking. "I'll be right behind ye, watchin' n' learnin'." The rat turned, smiling toothily at Alfhild, watching her for any negative reaction. "Will ye give th' order to attack chief?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"See enough," Petu said in abject horror. "I'm a bloody war hero don't you know? Ran back here with an' arrow through my back, and warned the Vigil to come help us I did." He winked knowingly at Duncan and Mortembell giving them both a reassuring grin. "Please, I'll make sure to behave, I'll just silently watch. I'll be quieter then Fang is. Honest."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The stone bounced off Bracklew's flank leaving a small bruise, but the squirrel was lodged to firmly in place to be knocked free by the rock. Even now the effects of the drug were finally taking complete control and his limbs were numbing.
Resting his head against the cold bark of the tree Bracklew allowed himself a small smile of victory before allowing himself to be consumed by blackness. He remained in place, securely held by the crook of a stable branch and the trunk of the tree. Small droplets of blood from his tail sprinkled down upon the snow, as if mocking the cannibalistic mouse.
"Fine. Just don't annoy the soldiers."
A nearby squirrel allowed the four creatures onto the lift. Mortembell stepped gingerly onto it.
*****
Jergle, quivering with rage, began climbing the tree. If a three-pawed squirrel under the drug's effect could do it, so could he.
"I'll be commanding the main crew. If you're going with Rapshade, he'll be giving the orders." Alfhild toyed with the edge of her cloak and then turned round, about to saunter off until she butted in with one last thing.
"Also, Fastooth, I would mind your tongue if I were you. I have permission to taunt him, but you can't say as much."
OOC-
Grodds, want to do a short time skip to when they arrive at Moledeep?
Mortembell led the three other Redwallers through the tunnels of Moledeep, until they eventually reached one of the many side chambers. In it was a small side chamber, filled with sleeping gear and the occasional weapon. Sitting on a nearby ledge were a rat and a stoat.
*****
Back above ground, Shadomay and Drubble had locked and chained the second wallgate, leaving the northern one the only one still unguarded.
"On we go, then, eh moley?"
"Aye."
*****
Meanwhile, some distance from Moledeep, One-Ear and the other Vigil soldiers had made their way to the top of the tree canopy. Branches were thinner here, and wooden flooring formed the only solid footholds. The fox swung the Governor's blade, decapitating a stoat, when he saw two of his allies drop right beside him, darts in their necks. Sitting on a branch just out of his reach, across thin air, was Begskin and two other stoats, blowpipes in hands.
"You..."
"Heh heh. Hello, foxy. Aww, are your friends dead? Do ya wanna join dem? Well too bad, 'cause Muddle 'as plans fa you! He wants ta convert ya 'imself, wants ta hurt ya 'cause ya been such a nuisance!"
The other two stoats fitted darts into their blowpipes. The fox tried to run, but one of them slammed into his leg. He felt it go stiff almost immediately as the toxins surged through his lower body. The fox slammed down onto the flooring, teetering dangerously on the edge of the platforming. The stoats dragged him back onto the platforms and knocked him into unconsciousness with their blowpipes.
*****
The Vigil were being overwhelmed. The crossbowbeasts found themselves hard-pressed to cover those up in the trees. Celio felt like they needed to retreat, but One-Ear hadn't been seen in some time. He looked around, trying to think of a plan, when he spotted Grenlik. The mouse, and two other soldiers, raised their crossbows.
"I recognize that weasel. Kill the others, leave him."
Behind the foliage, Grenlik could not see what the soldiers were doing. He started moving to get a better look, when three bolts flew through the bush and slammed into his comrades. The weasel swore and dived out of the way of any more projectiles, only for an otter to pick him up roughly by the neck. Celio glared at the weasel.
"This one's quite important. Chief Scout or something. I think he'll be of more use in the prison caverns. Tie him up, we'll take him with us."
*****
Charm nodded.
"If that is what you wish, then do it. I do remember One-Ear mentioning something about more Guosim in the north, near a place called the Wetlands. Perhaps you could seek them out."
*****
Spinoraz and half a score of Vigil troops, armed with spears and daggers as a backup, emerged from one of the Moledeep entrances, on their suicide mission to take out the horde's leadership. Spinoraz raised his spear.
"Nice and quite, now, lads. They're in the trees. You there, two squirrels. You take the trees. Try an' kill those leaders without bein' seen. Our targets are a wildcat, an' an ole female ferret. Everybeast else, with me..."
OOC:
@Groddil There's nothing I can do with Bracklew right now, he's unconscious.
BTW I don't want to sound nitpicky but this Spinoraz fellow, wouldn't he be a bit surprised to find the horde surrounding the Abbey? No one knows they're there, Fastooth and Fardan were careful not to alert anyone of their presence, element of surprise and all that.
So shouldn't Spinoraz be looking for the horde at their old camp? And even if Spinny did happen to come across the horde where they are now, you'd think he'd have the courtesy to trundle along and tell someone about the fact that a hostile army has surrounded them don't you think?
But that would clash with the plot. :o
Also Spinoraz is trying to accomplish Bracklew's old plan. Maybe he ought lose a paw too. IC:
Nodding in understand the rat backed down, giving the two ferrets a impish bow. "I understand chief, fully." Fastooth chuckled darkly, obviously pleased by something. "So Rappy, third chief o' th' horde. Wots yer first order eh?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Aver had never been one to be untrusting or judgmental, in fact he was apt to give second, third, and even fourth chances to beasts who messed up. Typically the jovial otter saw everybeast in a good light, even most vermin. And it was in this way he differed from his father, the late Skipper of otters. Which was both a good thing and bad considering the certain predicament the Abbey now face.
However even Aver had his limit in terms of patience, which usually came with great concern for those affiliated. So when he saw his younger cousin Gillpaw alone, and as he was currently on the hunt for the seemingly elusive Warrior of Redwall, Aver felt a strong mixture of anger and fear, and knew that he wouldn't like the explanation.
"Gillpaw," He called in his most calm voice, a sure way to tell the big otter was less then happy. Aver wasn't one to flaunt his authority as Skipper, a title which he strongly rejected, but now wasn't the time to mess around. "Where's Bracklew, I thought I asked you stay with him. And I can't find him anywhere in this Abbey, nobeast has seen him for hours."
OOC:
@Groddil There's nothing I can do with Bracklew right now, he's unconscious.
Yeah, so? BTW I don't want to sound nitpicky but this Spinoraz fellow, wouldn't he be a bit surprised to find the horde surrounding the Abbey? No one knows they're there, Fastooth and Fardan were careful not to alert anyone of their presence, element of surprise and all that.
I seem to remember one of the Vigil's many scouts saying right in front of Charm that they saw some of the vermin in the woods, which probably isn't that hard if they're just walking around patrolling. So shouldn't Spinoraz be looking for the horde at their old camp?
I feel like we need to do SOMETHING against the horde. This is just dragging on without the Redwallers getting any form of minor victory whatsoever, and at this rate. And even if Spinny did happen to come across the horde where they are now, you'd think he'd have the courtesy to trundle along and tell someone about the fact that a hostile army has surrounded them don't you think?
But that would clash with the plot. :o
Also Spinoraz is trying to accomplish Bracklew's old plan. Maybe he ought lose a paw too. More like he ought to die. Bracklew went by himself, not counting Rapshade, who isn't trustworthy whatsoever. There's 11 of these guys, but, of course, there's no way they'll actually succeed.[/n][/quote]
OOC:
Quote from: Groddil on November 04, 2016, 02:09:23 AM
OOC: @Groddil There's nothing I can do with Bracklew right now, he's unconscious. Yeah, so?
BTW I don't want to sound nitpicky but this Spinoraz fellow, wouldn't he be a bit surprised to find the horde surrounding the Abbey? No one knows they're there, Fastooth and Fardan were careful not to alert anyone of their presence, element of surprise and all that. I seem to remember one of the Vigil's many scouts saying right in front of Charm that they saw some of the vermin in the woods, which probably isn't that hard if they're just walking around patrolling.
So shouldn't Spinoraz be looking for the horde at their old camp? I feel like we need to do SOMETHING against the horde. This is just dragging on without the Redwallers getting any form of minor victory whatsoever, and at this rate. And even if Spinny did happen to come across the horde where they are now, you'd think he'd have the courtesy to trundle along and tell someone about the fact that a hostile army has surrounded them don't you think?
But that would clash with the plot. :o
Also Spinoraz is trying to accomplish Bracklew's old plan. Maybe he ought lose a paw too. More like he ought to die. Bracklew went by himself, not counting Rapshade, who isn't trustworthy whatsoever. There's 11 of these guys, but, of course, there's no way they'll actually succeed. A joke my friend.[/n]
No need to get snappy, I was just expressing my concern about something that seemed off key, but if its fine with Ashes its fine with me. I'd appreciate some action with the horde.
As for the thing with Bracklew I was trying to communicate that I won't be posting with him for some time, so if you don't want Jergle floating in the abyss forever you'll have to push that subplot forward on your own. ;)
Yeah, sorry, I've just got a headache. Unless Sage has an idea, I can only really make Jergle climb after Bracklew.
OOC-
Oi, friends, action's coming. Rappy's starting the attack now. ;D
Grodds, mate, could you maybe have Charm welcome the shrews into the Vigil or something?
If you guys want something to happen with Jergle maybe I could have some unfortunate beast stumble upon there (and lead him away from Brack)... ;)
IC-
"If y' call me Rappy one more time I'll call you Fasty forever. First order, let me see..."
Rapshade smirked and waved at his group to come on.
"It's t' follow me, because we're going now. Enough waiting, I say, it's time to attack." He paused and pulled a random rat out of the crowd.
"What's your name?"
"S-Snapclaw, Chief."
Rapshade coughed lightly and twirled Glaser's sword.
"Snapclaw will make bird sounds as the signal, Alfhild! And somebeast, send me Vadoma!"
--
Vadoma was busy preparing her supplies in case of wounds when the weasel scout came running up to her.
Panting, he pointed a claw at the disappearing backs of Rapshade's group and wheezed, "Th' new Cheif's awful mad none of us'n's went t' fetch ya, Marm. He wants ye sharpish...urgh."
He gave a gurgle and fell down, revealing a deep slash in his back.
Wrinkling her snout, Vadoma gathered her things and hurried after the ferret and his pack.
Rapshade killed him? The vixen felt a smirk arise on her lips.
Her dear friend was himself again!
--
"Is this what you meant?!" Duncan hissed. "Vermin! I didn't know there was going to be vermin!"
Fang narrowed his eyes and spat at him, and Duncan leapt to the side.
The hare yowled. "Don't do that! Mortembell, how do you know we can trust them? Did they fight against the horde like you two did?"
Placing his paws on his hips Petu held true to his oath of silence, even as his lip curled somewhat as the situation intensified. The rabbit wasn't overly concerned with the vermin's presence, having created a friendly acquaintance with Fangfang and Mortembell over the winter. Still his prey instincts tickled in the back of his mind and he stayed back somewhat, trusting if anything should happen Duncan would be able to handle it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I c'n do that," Fastooth growled brushing some snow off his shoulder. The trees up above them were shaking slightly as the crows prepared themselves for a great battle and feast. "C'n I suggest somethin' chief?" The rat cajoled as he followed along behind Rapshade. "Mayhap we could 'ave some archers scale th' walls n' rain down arrers on anybeast defendin' th' gates."
Unbeknownst to the rat and ferret, determined Vigil warriors were watching from the shadows, ready to strike at their hated foe when the opportunity arose.
Rapshade flung a rock off into the distance.
"Dumb idea. That never works. During my time there I picked up a few things, an' I can say with certainty that if it's not worked for anybeast in the past not to try it. They like t' take advantage of anybeast who scales the walls--you know, to dump stuff on them. More death on our side isn't worth it."
"Alright, y' mangy lot, listen up!"
The vermin hastily placed the battering ram near the door and gave their leader weary glances.
Rapshade snarked, "Aw, are y' tired? Enough loitering, we're going now! At the count of three go to it--I'll be in the front. As soon as you're in put your guard up, since we don't know what they have planned. Keep your heads with you and don't panic--all will be fine if y' only think. Let's go, Fastooth!"
Duggor and Shadomay, in the process of chaining up the final wallgate, could hear Rapshade talking.
"Is that?"
"Rappyshade?"
The two creatures ascended to the walltop.
"No way. I'll warn the Vigil, you alert the Abbey."
Duggor nodded.
*****
In Moledeep, the rat rolled his eyes.
"So, you show up with a rat and a fox, yet you're somehow disgusted by our presence? We're moles. We're the only reason the Vigil knows anything about the Horde's plans."
The stoat nodded.
"Need something?"
Duncan shoved Fang foreword.
"Mortembell says you know who tried to kill him." He said with a wrinkled nose.
OOC: Uh, no. That never happened. She said that they might be able to find who nearly killed Fang, if he could actually describe them. Not magically make him able to talk.
OOC-
Err...
Sorry.
She said help, and I thought...
Nevermind, it's fixed.
Mortembell buried her head in her paws.
"No, I didn't. They're not magical, Duncan. I KNEW this would happen if you came along. If you're just going to cause trouble, leave."
She turned to the rat.
"Recognize this creature?"
"Nope."
"Think if he describes somebeast to you, you'll figure out who it is?"
"Yeah. Who's this yer talkin' about? Species, age, sex, whatever?"
Mortembell thought for a second.
"Fang, they were a weasel, right?"
Fang bobbed his head without much thought to it.
Duncan was sending bad vibes out towards him after Mortembell snapped.
I must've done something?
"Trouble? There you are pickin' a fight, though I did no flippin' thing!" The March hare yowled.
Mortembell sighed. She was getting too old for this.
"What do you mean picking a fight? Look, your low-key racism is starting to annoy me, and it probably isn't going to make these two specialists want to help us that much. So either zip it, or leave. Okay, a weasel... Were they male or female? One nod for male, two for female."
Duncan wheeled around, throwing a stinging glare at the fox.
"I'm Long Patrol born an' raised, vermin killed my wife an' daughter, and now this is the second horde to flip-floppin' waltz over to my home and try to attack it! What else has to happen for you to realize I am right to have suspicions?"
He huffed, ear lying flat back.
"...I'm sorry, Mortembell, but your son's Vigil isn't much better. I saved Rapshade's life so I don't see why I shouldn't give these two a chance, but for them just to show up during the same time as the horde...it's just not a good feeling to get."
He didn't want to seem like a frogwalloper, but he also wondered if Mortembell only pulled the species card because she wanted him gone.
"Can't trust anybeast too easy even if they're supposedly on our side."
Fang felt his tail crink up at the mention of Rapshade.
What would happen to his friend, or, to all of them if he decided to attack again?
If Rapshade won, his Redwall friends would die. Swap it and the ferret would.
The small rat shrugged absently at the question, shifting distantly from side to side.
He didn't remember before so he certainly wouldn't now. All that mattered to him was that they slashed his throat, whomever they were...
OOC: Are they starting the battle? Also should we wait for Sage? He said he wasn't going to be very active.
OOC: I'll post when needed.
All three rams were set, the horde was ready to spring their trap, and Fastooth was ready to spring his. The rat had separated from Rapshade temporarily, idly willing the minutes away as he sharpened his spear. Next to him, almost invisible in the snow, the ermine Vaskor strung his bow, listening intently as Fastooth rapped out a few, last minute orders.
"Make it look authentic, ye 'ear. Nobeast c'n know t'was ye, or that I 'ad any part in it." Fastooth glanced around, his eyes moving suspiciously across the nearby creatures to see if any of them were listening. "I'll be close by when ye do it, n' we'll finish th' battle fer 'Im, when e' goes down. Fair fortune mate, n' good luck wit' ye shot."
Vaskor nodded once and vanished into the trees, melding through the vermin ranks towards Redwall.
Waiting for a short while longer, Fastooth moved off joining Rapshade just as he called for him.
"Let's go, Fastooth!"
"Everybeast is ready," Fastooth said as he stood off to Rapshade's left side. "Give th' order an' we'll attack."
"Good, yes. At the count of three. One...two..."
Rapshade braced himself.
"Three!"
The vermin imminently went at it trying to break through the gate.
The ferret grinned to himself; he could hear the wood breaking already.
This felt like an imminent success, but was it too easy?
Next thing he knew the door broke and everybeast was racing in. He grabbed Snapclaw as he passed and hissed to him, "Call Alfhild! Come on!"
"Yes, vermin killed my husband, and a mad woodlander tried to kill my whole family before that. You don't hear me complaining about how every woodlander I see wants to stab me in the back. Maybe if Redwall stopped being so oblivious to the world outside its walls, hordes wouldn't target the place every few bloody seasons. And how do you liken the Vigil to a vermin horde? Aside from my son and the two creatures in front of you now, everybeast in the bloody band is a woodlander. The whole group exists to PROTECT THE ABBEY. When do hordes try to PROTECT the abbey, hmm? Explain THAT!"
"Ladies, ladies, calm down. So, we know they're a weasel and absolutely nothing else? How helpful. Well, let's start from a top. Aside from the odd mook, there's three weasels in positions of power in the horde. Grenlik, Chief Scout. Male, young-ish, but not too young, wields a spear. Vicious. Frogblood, Torturer. Female, older creature, wields a sickle. And Shank, one of the Lesser Captains. Male, really young, wields an axe. Any of 'em sound familiar?"
*****
Shadomay finally reached the barricade inside the tunnel.
"Vermin! They're about to breach the gate!"
"What? Oi, Squirrel, slam this thing shut."
"What? You have to help!"
The rockfall fell from the roof, blocking the tunnel.
"We have to plan this properly. Otherwise, we'll be slaughtered. Do what you will, I 'ave ta warn Charm."
*****
Jergle, still staring up at Bracklew, stamped his feet.
"Rrr, I'll-I'll end you, squi-"
The old mouse noticed something out of the corner of his eye. It was a Dibbun, just a little vole. Heh. Perfect. Careful not to disturb the vole, who had somehow not noticed him, Jergle picked up one of the rocks and hurled it at the babe. After the little one flopped to the ground, the mouse scooped him up and started to walk back to his home.
"Little small fer a proper meal, but easier ta catch..."
OOC: I'll post more later. It's getting late.
OOC: I feel that Jergle's inner voice is channeling Groddil.
@LT Sandpaw: Can you quite the part where Aver talks to Gillpaw?
OOC: Yeah, I suppose I could. We'll just assume she told him he's with Asher, cause that's all I really needed.
IC:
Slightly agitated Aver turned away from his cousin Gillpaw only to be hailed by one of the Vigil guards, a little mouse. The small creature waved her paws frantically shouting to those standing below the wall.
"Attack, we're under attack!"
"Everyone," Aver shouted hefting his javelin he had been carrying around lately, good thing too. "Arm up, get onto the walls!" This command proved to be futile however as the wicker gates crumbled under Rapshade's assault. Aver quickly changed direction directing the few otters with him towards the breach. "Forget the walls, everybeast to the gates! Hurry!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
The Vigil mouse on the walls had drawn her sword ready to rush down and help the defenders when a arrow struck her in the back. With a tiny scream the rodent fell forward, dead before she hit the stones. Vaskor mercilessly kicked her body from the battlements before taking a knee and drawing a second arrow from his quiver. He had scaled the wall as any squirrel could, just before Rapshade had called the attack.
Down below the Redwall defenders were preparing to meet with the horde. Vaskor's red eyes slowly scanned the crowd, trying to pick out Fastooth and Rapshade from amongst the invaders.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Staying close to Rapshade, Fastooth motioned with his spear, shouting encouragement to the fighters as they charged forward.
"Quick to th main gate lads, let Fardan in an' help our creatures enter n' force! Gut 'em if they fight, capture 'em if they don't, les' go!"
North of the Abbey, the stoats were finally starting to overwhelm the Vigil. Celio, unable to see One-Ear, decided to take charge.
"Retreat! Fall back and regroup! Don't let them overwhelm us!"
The crossbowmen started to fall back. Celio kicked his prisoner forward.
"Hurry up, you."
"I'm goin', I'm goin'!"
*****
"Charm!"
"Yes?"
"Vermin are at the walls. They're about to breach the gates!"
"Have all the troops armed and form up at the secret exit. We'll come up and hit them from behind."
*****
Deep in Mossflower Wood, Shank, one of the Lesser Captains, grinned as he slit Spinoraz's throat.
"Heh. Fools. Charged right at us. Didn't realize we 'ad bows."
He spat.
"Whatever ye wanted ta do, 'edgepig, ya failed. Oi, we're needed at th' gate. Stop choppin' th' trees."
OOC: Sorry for my immense laziness.
Tag me when needed.
OOC-
Grodds, they already breached the gates.
And
@Sagetip , Fardan can attack now if you want him to be there.
IC-
As soon as she got the signal Alfhild's band flooded in too, and she fired a few arrows off at anybeast she caught outside the horde.
Rapshade was grinning.
He felt young and energetic again despite his bad leg, the thrill of battle pulsing through his veins.
He pointed at Aver's group and shouted, "'Ere they come, brace yerselves! Anybeast who's not as good a fighter don't go for that otter there, he's the Skipper!"
--
Grant raced to the door when the screams of the attack reached his ears, though he was back inside in a panic.
"Rayne! We are under attack, gather the Dibbuns and the Elders and come to the Cavern Hole!"
--
The confusion in Fangfang's eyes cleared and suddenly he blurted, "Yeah, Grenlik! I remember now, t'was 'im, he's th' one who..."
The rat clenched his teeth.
So, he could talk although it hurt like a sore throat on a creature who is sick.
He whirled when he felt Duncan rest his paw on his shoulder approvingly.
Fang grinned nervously. "I-I'm so happy I'm not mute."
OOC: Shadomay ran for Moledeep before they got in. She doesn't know whether they've got in or not.
BIC:
"Grenlik, eh? Aye, 'ee's a bad 'un, that 'un. You just run along back 'ome, an' we'll go... find 'im. Bring 'im back 'ere."
"Change of plans, specialists."
"Eh?"
"Horde's apparently breachin' the gates as we speak. Charm wants everybeast near the emergency exit, so we can come up be'ind 'em."
Despite Rapshade's warning several vermin charged straight into the oncoming warriors. Using all the brawn and skill of an adult otter Aver lunged forward skewering an unprepared weasel on his javelin. Retreating from a spear thrust Aver spun the metal haft deflecting a sword swing before cracking down hard on the attacking vermin's paw breaking bone and flesh.
Leaving the moaning creature lying in the snow Aver advanced, threatening any creature that dared come to close with clenched teeth and a rabid snarl. "Get someone to cover the other gates, and find the Vigil warriors, we need them now!" Aver ordered, just as his eyes locked on Rapshade. Growling he advanced on the ferret, javelin at the ready. "Rappy eh, well I can't say I'm surprised. But I can't complain either, I've been wanting some payback from that time when you hit me with that pan in the kitchens."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Catching sight of Rapshade and Fastooth, Vaskor smiled drawing back the string.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Snatching up the nearest dibbun (Who happened to be the young squirrel Max) Rayne dashed after Grant her tail flying behind her as she ran. "Everyone who can fight go help Aver and the Vigil," she yelled herding Stumbly and a few other little ones before her. "All of you come with me down to Cavern Hole, hurry now."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"We should go help them now," Petu stated looking towards Duncan for guidance. "They'll need our help, it'll take to long to go around. Wouldn't it?"
Fardan turned to order the ladder carriers. "The rest of the horde has paved a way for us, now we need to help them finish the job! Carriers, move forward and set the ladders against the wall so the rest can climb over. Go now, fast!"
Spurred on by the combination of Fardan and anticipation of the battle, the vermin rushed forward with the ladders. The great wooden structure bumped against the wall as the vermin started to rush up it. Fardan made sure to steer clear of the otter. He didn't have the time to deal with the woodlander, and he needed to lead the charge over the wall. Bounding towards the nearest ladder, Fardan started to climb it with the natural agility of a cat.
Rapshade brandished his sword.
"You deserved everything y' got," snarked the ferret, "Don't dare remind me of my time in the cellars!"
Though visibly peeved, he circled around Aver instead of attacking him.
He wanted the otter to make the first move.
--
While everybeast was fighting, Alfhild and a few chosen beasts disappeared into the background and maneuvered their way towards the slightly ajar door leading inside.
She beckoned to them with her paw.
"Come on. If you find the Abbot or any young ones, take 'em hostage but don't kill 'em. They will be a great bargaining chip if it comes down to it."
--
Maxy clutched tightly to Rayne's arm, looking almost like a ghost due to his wide eyes and pale fur.
"Wa's happ'ning?!" He cried.
Grant hurried off.
"It will be alright, Maxy, just don't let go of Rayne. Rayne, I will go look around for somebeast..."
--
"Good idea; let's get away from this argument-starter." Duncan snorted, drawing his blade.
"Somethin' about this doesn't seem good..."
"Ye deserve to be chained up," Aver shouted trying to rowel Rapshade into making a mistake. "Ye aren't any different the other vermin, an' ye shouldn' 'ave come back here. I'll make sure yer body is thrown into th' ditch when we're done. I'll send ye away meself, courtesy o' me javelin." Aver sprang forward sweeping the snow with his weapon trying to knock Rapshade's paws out from under him.
Not realizing he was getting separated from Rapshade, Fastooth fought his way through the otter line. Battle excitement surged through his body as he cut down one of the younger otters. He could get used to this, it had been far too long since his last battle. Like a full three days or something...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rayne gathered the elders and dibbuns in Cavern Hole directing some of the more able creatures to guard the stairwell and doors, while having the more hysterical ones hide in the kitchens. Max was still clinging to her arm as she made her way towards the exit.
"Maxy I need you to stay here with Stumbly and the elders." She instructed the young squirrel, trying to pry him off of her. "I need to go fetch my bag, there will be injured creatures. Come on now, I shall be right back. Stay under one of the tables and keep quiet."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm right behind you sah," Petu said bravely, sucking in his stomach and puffing out his chest. "I'll fight as good as any Long Patrol hare."
"No never!" For a second Rapshade scrambled for a foothold.
In the past he'd have been able to jump back and land upright but now because of his bad leg he was impaired.
He did enjoy pretending to be venerable and leaping in for the kill at the last minute, but it was too early now...
Quickly the dark ferret brought down his sword, aiming for Aver's arm.
--
"Sista' Rayne!" Maxy whimpered, about to scamper after her when one of the elders grabbed him by the paw.
"Hush now, it's okay. Rayne will be back."
--
Alfhild and her three vermin split up and went down different corridors, each armed to the teeth and ready to fight.
She notched an arrow to her bow as she tippawed silently through the halls, slippery as a snake.
I hear a crying beast!
The ferret grinned, scittering after the noise.
--
"'Course you will, Petu! Just please be careful--even Badger Lords need to do it, wot!"
Duncan forgot to laugh at his own joke when they got back above ground.
No...
There were so many of the vermin.
--
The shrews that had escaped the horde once were now having to deal with them again.
They fought bravely until a stoat had the leader backing up.
As he passed Aver he hissed, "That ferret killed Log-a-Log."
The walltop defenders scattered as a brown blur flashed over the ramparts. Fardan laughed as woodlanders fell around him. "Run!" he shouted with glee as he impaled a squirrel on his blade. "You only postpone the inevitable..."
He beaconed for the vermin to come over the wall.
OOC: Sand: Perhaps a duel with Aver?
Alfhild was still creeping around when she heard somebeast coming down the hallway.
She pressed herself to the wall and poked her head out, watching the mouse get closer. It was Rayne.
She didn't look like a fighter.
Putting on a sickly sweet smile, the ferret hopped out of the darkness right in front of her.
"...Hello, Dear," she mused, feigning concern as she glanced up at the ceiling.
"Why, have you seen the Abbot anywhere?"
The blue eyes then flashed back to Rayne, fiercely locking with the squirrel's.
"I really must speak with him."
OOC: Aver is currently fighting Rapshade. Maybe Fardan could battle against Petu and Duncan together?
Also, Rayne is a mouse.
IC:
Channeling his aggression into speed and ferocity Aver deflected the sword slash with his javelin, gritting his teeth as the reverberation ran up his arms. Using his tail to keep his balance he backed up two paces hoping to use the javelin's longer reach to his advantage.
"Harr, I've seen a one pawed squirrel fight better n' ye Rappy. C'mon now me ol' ferret, have at ye!" Dancing on tip paws the warrior otter feinted towards Rapshade's head before jabbing at his injured leg.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Collecting an abandoned shrew rapier Petu stood ready beside Duncan looking across the battlefield. The fighting had spilled out across the lawns and walls and was inching towards the abbey doors. "What do we do?" He shouted over the clamor, his voice ringing in panic.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rayne let out a short scream, backing away from the ferret that had sprung seemingly from nowhere. The mouse's eyes were suddenly riveted by Alfhild's icy blue ones, locking her in place. Panic welled up inside of the little healer as she heard the scared voices of elders and dibbuns alike from Cavern Hole, just around the corner. Had the Redwallers succumbed already? Rayne had to lead this ferret away from the little ones, to keep them safe just a little longer.
"I-I, yes I have." She gasped trying her best not to sound frightened. "I could show you where he is." Maybe she could take Alfhild and her cronies to the cellars. Drubble was usually down there, he could help her.
OOC-
I'd be up for that if you are, Sage!
IC-
"Aye, Bracklew's pretty good, isn't he? You should take lessons from 'im!"
Rapshade's leg shot up just in time so that he narrowly missed the hit.
Grinning triumphantly, he went for the otter's outstretched arm.
"If I had known I'd be fighting y' I'd have brought a pan instead. Bang an' you're out, aha!"
--
"Help somebeast who needs it!...Er, see anybeast?" Duncan pressed his back against Petu's so that neither of them could be ambushed.
"It's hard to hear myself think rather than see anything, who'm I kidding."
--
Alfhild advanced on her, not once letting her bow down.
"...No. Actually, since he's around I want you to call him in a very calm voice, like you would if I was somewhere else. Okay?" She purred, eyes glinting like dual swords as her vermin raced out of the other halls and cornered Rayne from the sides and back.
"We will not kill him, don't worry. All we want is his...word."
OOC: Constant duels for Aver
Sounds good.
OOC: Aver can't catch a break. ;D
I'm planning on him getting captured once Redwall falls, but we'll see how things go.
IC:
Rapshade the Swift wasn't named for nothing. Aver drew back but the ferret's sword tip left a thin scarlet line on his right arm making the otter flinch involuntarily. Trying his best to shrug off this minor loss Aver readied himself for a second clash keeping his weapon in the 'guard' position, circling cautiously around Rapshade.
"I taught 'Im everythin' he knows." Aver bragged sidestepping to the left and swinging towards Rapshade's flank with a powerful uppercut. "Course if I 'ad known ye was coming, I'd have brought along Mortembell, she'd 'ave whipped ye good."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"I see lots of beasts that need help! You're the Long Patrol Captain think of something." Petu called back glad that Duncan was covering his back. Just then a squirrel screamed and Petu noticed Fardan, who was tearing through the woodlanders' defenses on the walls. He shuddered in pity, then his eyes grew wide as the wildcat moved towards them. "Ah, that big cat is coming this way, what'a we do?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Y-you promise," Rayne shuddered as the vermin pressed in on all sides. She tried to hold back her revulsion as a rusty sword tickled her back. "I'll call him then, just don't hurt anybeast. We're peaceful creatures, in there. Just young ones, and elders you must swear not to hurt them." Rayne bargained doing her best to hold Alfhild's gaze.
"I'll call him, I d-don't know if he'll hear me though. Um, Abbot Grant, Abbot Grant someone needs you."
OOC: Double posting is a sin
And I'm Satan
LIGHTNING EDIT
Ninja'd
BIC:
The vermin started to take over the rooftops. Fardan watched as the woodlanders were cut down ruthlessly. Now the horde was working like it should! He cast an eye over the hole in the ground and the wooden lift. As his contingent finished clearing off the east wall, Fardan gathered the closest soldiers and headed down onto the lawns.
OOC:
@Ashleg: Fardan goes for the Vigil's hole, but Duncan and Petu try to stop him?
OOC-
Ohhh Ja!
IC-
Grant's voice sounded shakily down the halls, "Yes, Rayne? I'm coming, I'm coming...I just barred the doors."
As he stepped into the corridor he froze, dropping the cup of water he was holding.
Alfhild whirled, blinking prettily.
"Ah, Father Abbot! What a pleasure to finally meet you."
The Abbot was frozen in place, stammering in broken jibberish, his eyes wide with shock.
Finally the old mouse managed a word; "How..?"
With a wild screech, Alfhild was on him, taking him down to the floor.
"Stop struggling or I'll kill you here and now! Boys, take that maid back to the room she came from and guard the exit. I have a barter to make."
Grant kicked feebly.
"How dare you! T-the Long Patrol will hear about this, mark my words!"
Tsk tsking, Alfhild gave him a swift blow to the head which knocked him out.
--
Outside, creatures were yowling and screaming as the battle raged on.
Rapshade let out a yelp as he hurried to block Aver's javelin.
Though successful in that aspect, the force of the Skipper's blow pushed his blade against his stomach and he felt a new splotch of blood soak through his jacket.
Aver's taunt had made him slip up.
Reeling, the ferret made as if to fall on his back--but at the last minute he was up again, having aimed to score his sword up Aver's back as he leaped.
--
"We have to take him if he notices us," warned Duncan, ear pricking.
He noticed Aver dueling with Rapshade through the crowd, they stuck out like stars.
Growling, the large hare rolled up his sleeve.
"Why I'll be, it's that child murderer back for more!"
Something in his mind warned him not to go over there.
Fardan might do something bad if all the focus was on Rapshade and the hordebeasts, since that way he could do whatever evil thing he wanted while nobeast was watching.
Perhaps that was their plan.
"Petu, let's get closer to that cat without drawing attention."
The grass on the lawns was soaked in blood from the battle. Fardan's rapier was slick with red as he continued towards the entrance to Moledeep. Staring across the lawn, he watched the battle between Rapshade and Aver. Even though he hated the ferret, he hoped he came out on top. The otter would be a challenge if he won the duel.
Quote from: Sagetip on November 15, 2016, 09:37:43 PM
The grass on the lawns was soaked in blood from the battle. Fardan's rapier was slick with red as he continued towards the entrance to Moledeep. Staring across the lawn, he watched the battle between Rapshade and Aver. Even though he hated the ferret, he hoped he came out on top. The otter would be a challenge if he won the duel.
OOC: Good luck getting in without becoming a mole.
Knowing from experience that Rapshade liked to fake weakness, Aver was ready for his tricks this time around. Turning on his heel in tempo with the ferret he deflected the sword swing letting the blade bounce off his javelin. "Careful now," he jeered in contempt spinning his javelin in a slow circle. "That sword be sharp, didn' yer auntie tell ye not to play wit' pointy toys? Looks like ye cut yerself." Aver bullied forward spear point first as he sent a flurry of attacks down upon the ferret, combining each swing with a shouted word. "This is for Log-a-log, Mixy and all the good creatures you've slain you ungrateful murderer! Redwaaaall!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Too late," Petu warned fending off a particularly ugly ferret with his rapier. By sheer luck the creature tripped and practically fell onto the rabbit's blade. Shocked Petu stared at the body for a moment, trembling a little as he turned doing everything in his power not to look at the deathly still body, whose life he had stolen.
"He's getting closer to the Moledeep entrance." Petu said rather shakily, still recovering some from the suddenness of it all. "If he gets there he'll keep any of the Vigil from getting out."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Forcefully pushed back into Cavern Hole, Rayne's lip trembled as she imagined all the horrible things that Alfhild could inflict upon the aging Grant. Nobeast deserved that fate, nobeast deserved this fate. The mouse healer held back a tear as she gathered the whimpering dibbuns around her.
"It'll all be okay." She lied, her voice sounding far more hopeful then she felt. "They'll all be okay, don't worry little ones."
Getting pushed back further and further, the ferret Rapshade dug his claws into the ice.
He tried desperately to gain a good stance while still deflecting Aver's javelin, though there remained a part of him that just wanted to give in--the guilty part.
Inwardly he cursed the Redwallers for making him this way.
The ferret yelped and scrambled at the air before he felt his leg give out beneath him and he crashed down on his tail.
The icy patch was hard, stunning.
He blinked rapidly as he held the sword up again to parry the otter from the ground.
"Curse you," Rapshade spat, lunging up at him suddenly.
He didn't know wether or not this was a bad choice and he'd wind up impaled on the javelin, and frankly he didn't care.
--
Duncan patted Petu's arm reassuringly.
"It's okay. You didn't mean to," he whispered, then nodded towards Fardan.
"What do ya say we try to chase him away from there?"
--
"Whe'a's H'Abbot Grant, Sista' Rayne?" Maxy wondered, scooting onto her lap.
"And who was dose scarybeasts atta the door?"
--
Grabbing the unconscious Abbot roughly, Alfhild dragged him through the halls to try and find a well to get some water to wake him with once they got up on the battlements.
Her plan was simple.
She'd take him up there, hold him out over the wall, and let go unless the Redwallers and their allies surrendered.
It was foolproof.
Knowing any Goodbeast, they wouldn't keep fighting if it meant they could save their friends.
Knowing he was winning Aver allowed the sword to thrust past, missing his side by a hair's breadth. Keeping his arm locked he jerked his weapon to the side. Steel slid on steel creating a bell-like ring that resounded across the Abbey grounds. "Oh no Rappy," the otter snarled beating away the sword and raising his javelin to stab his downed foe. "Curse ye. Rot at th' hellgates vermin."
The buzz of an arrow filled Aver's ears and he screamed in agony as the jagged flint connected with his hipbone. Thrown off balance Aver leaned forward, his javelin embedding its sharpened head into the snow, missing Rapshade by mere inches.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yeah, I guess so..." Petu said sounding confident even as his paw shook. The young rabbit focused all of his attention on the battle at paw, readying his sword. "Stop there," he challenged Fardan, as the two friends approached the dangerous wildcat. "Leave this Abbey at once you wretched cat or... Or...."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Standing over the bodies of some of the Guosim warriors Fastooth threw down his broken spear, retrieving a fallen one from the bloodstained snow. The big rat had claimed four lives already today, and he eagerly awaited further bloodshed. He was about to throw himself back into the fight when a crow landed beside him, squawking for his attention.
"Filth landcrawlers, craaah. From trees."
"What Fastooth growled, glaring at the avian with contempt. "Wot do ye mean?"
"Behind, filth landcrawlers kill behind! Craaaaah."
Realizing what the crow was trying to communicate Fastooth spun around, looking for anybeast of rank. "Shank, get anyone who ain't fightin' an' 'ave 'em bar th' gates wit' th' ladders n' battering rams. An' send archers up to th' wall tops! Th' woodlanders are tryin' to flank us!" Gathering a few creatures with him Fastooth led them up to the battlements. The horde had more then enough warriors to fight a battle on two fronts, especially if they had the wall advantage. Luckily the crows had provided sufficient warning of the Vigil's counter-attack to prepare properly. The Vigil would have a unpleasant surprise waiting for them when they arrived.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Grant..." Rayne didn't know what to say. She didn't have any idea what was going to happen to Grant, and there was no way to explain what was happening right now. She hardly knew or believed it herself. Rayne decided it was best just to avoid answering the question altogether. She quickly redirected the dibbun's attention to other things.
"Why don't you sing us a song?" She suggested reaching desperately for a distraction. "That'll help cheer everyone up." And maybe, she thought to herself, it would help drown out the distant sounds of war raging outside their home.
"Or what?" laughed Fardan. "You couldn't possibly hope to stop me."
The rapier tip flashed out in front of the rabbit's face. "Just how brave are you?"
OOC-
I'll post with Alfhild and Grant once the Vigil is here and once Fardan had been fighting Petu and Duncan for a while.
The convincer. ;)
IC-
Rapshade lay frozen in shock, heart pounding.
He was alive, somehow.
And Aver...
Who took out Aver?
The ferret retrieved his sword as he shifted onto all fours and eventually stood up.
Walking up to the downed otter, he grinned a crooked grin.
"If you're alive, when the horde wins I'll chain you up. You and Mortembell."
He turned and fled into the fray on the other end.
If there was anybeast he knew, he wanted to settle things...his way.
--
"Or we'll send you mewling back to your mother!" Duncan winked at Petu as he fiercely finished off the rabbit's insult and knocked Fardan's blade away from Petu's face.
--
Sing?
Maxy hopped off of Rayne and ran over to Stumbly, shaking her.
"Stumbl'ee, sing a song with me!"
"You're far too confident, hare," spat Fardan. "Now, if you don't step aside then I'll be sending you to Hellgates!"
Duncan bared his teeth and poised his dagger at the cat.
"Go on and try, because I'm not going anywhere."
Fardan moved to swing his blade in hard and knock the dagger out of Duncan's hand. The rabbit was not yet a threat, so the cat focused on Duncan.
Duncan was ready.
He jumped to the side, kicking up a cloud of snow as he lunged for Fardan's tail with the dagger.
If he could only pin it to the ground...
The hare raised up a war cry.
"Redwaaaaaaallll! Eualiaaaaaaaaaa!"
"Where? Where am I?"
Somewhere, deep below the ground, One-Ear awoke. No. Not this place. He was back in Muddle's caves. Wait... Begskin. The stoat... His head hurt. It was hard to think clearly. As he shakily rose to his feet. Nearby was a familiar-looking weasel.
"You... Have I seen you before?"
Roscoe had been keeping an eye on One-Ear this whole time in case the fox woke up.
Well, he was awake now.
The Vigil leader's question caught him off guard and he pointed at his chest.
"Me? Ya don't remember? I was the one you tried to interrogate, who didn't know anything." With a sigh, the weasel inched near him.
"But I know things now, Fox...I know that we're captured, about t' have our eyes gouged out."
He flipped his cloak snootily over his shoulder.
"Look at me while ya can--I'm still 'andsome now," he smirked. "Thank goodness."
OOC: Are all of Muddle's followers nerding out over One-ear's new sword? :P
IC:
"The horde won't win..." Aver mumbled to nobeast as Rapshade left. The fighting had moved on, leaving him, the wounded, and the dead scattered across the red lawns like so many fallen leaves in autumn. Aver ran a paw over the arrow, snapping of the end and pulling lightly to see if he could remove it. After several failed attempts he fell back, urging himself to get up. He needed Rayne, she could remove it, but the mouse healer was nowhere to be seen and he was lying around uselessly as Redwallers died.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm brave enough," Petu answered as he circled at a distance waiting for the opportunity to strike. Rabbits were naturally fast and could move short distances at great speeds. He planned on moving in and giving Fardan a scratch or cut that would impair his ability to fight, allowing Duncan to finish him off.
As the hare warrior shouted his battle cry, Petu rushed in making an clumsy swipe towards Fardan's brow. Already backpedaling to retreat out of the rapier's vengeful reach.
Fardan leaned back to avoid the swipe, twitching his tail to avoid Duncan's strike. He returned his sword tip facing Petu. "Try me..."
Duncan twirled his dagger.
"Why don't you try us instead of standing around like a pansy? Either that, or, y'know, leave our home. It's not too hard."
--
Rapshade brushed a fallen otter off his sword as he looked about for somebeast of substance to get back at.
This, this whole thing, was about revenge. He needed to kill Alfhild although she wasn't here, so he slunk to the back and longed for somebeast he knew.
Somebeast like Mortembell.
In Moledeep, the Vigil soldiers had formed into ranks near one of the secret exits. Charm pulled on the rope until one of the cave-ins lifted into the roof. She tied it off and assigned the old vole to close the exit behind them.
"Troops! Advance!"
The soldiers slowly began to move, rank by rank, until the whole army was outside the cave. Mortembell and Shadomay watchd them leave.
"Seems like a small army."
"I think One-Ear's got some of the soldiers with him somewhere else."
"I just hope that they get rid of these vermin, once an' for all."
"Aye."
"As you wish," replied Fardan, dashing forward and sweeping his sword to the side in an attempt to push Duncan's blade out of the way.
OOC-
Grodds, post with One please.
IC-
Duncan was strong and firmly held his blade in place.
"Petu, get him from behind, to knock him out."
The wildcat snarled, swinging his blade and body towards Petu. The rabbit would be an easier target.
OOC: So I assume Fardan will overpower them sooner or later?
OOC-
Yes, or they will give up once Alfhild threatens Grant...
OOC: Or he could surrender. >:D
IC:
Wincing Petu retreated, rubbing his bleeding nose with his free paw. Fardan had managed to leave a small scratch when he spun, and threatened to do more damaged as he advanced. Petu was no great fencer, nor was he particularly strong and he waved his sword wildly out in front of himself trying to fend Fardan off.
"Help me Duncan!" He screamed as he slipped on the snow, falling clumsily on his tail.
Duncan gasped and leaped in front of Petu, standing protectively over him.
"Get up, friend," he whispered before turning back to Fardan and lunging at him.
OOC: Well that died quick,
@Sagetip @Groddil Are ya'll okay?
Within seconds the tip of Fardan's rapier tickled Petu's neck. "One move and the rabbit gets it," threatened the wildcat, smiling maliciously at Duncan. "You're not that quick."
OOC-
I'll wait for you. :)
OOC: Fardan?!
OOC-
Fardan's battle is at a good point where I would just need to see if Grodd wants to do anything with the Vigil and then I can have Alfhild make her claim.
OOC:
Quote from: Groddil on November 20, 2016, 02:46:38 AM
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on November 19, 2016, 04:18:13 PM
OOC: Well that died quick, @Sagetip @Groddil Are ya'll okay?
OOC: Two words. Exam week.
Ah, so that'll be a no. :P
IC:
"I'm not moving," Petu promised rather quickly, as he stared cross-eyed at the sword point that hovered half an inch from his jugular. He looked pleadingly over at Duncan, silently asking the hare for help or advice in the sticky situation.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A skeleton crew of vermin covered the wall tops, hiding just below the battlements their spears and swords laying on the ground beside them. More then one clutched a crossbow, or sling as they waited for the Vigil to appear from the woodlands. Down below the destroyed gates had been hastily reinforced with the dissembled battering rams and ladders, while ferrets armed with pikes stood ready to force back any incursion.
Fastooth moved along the line, whispering encouragement to the silent warriors, even as the battle raged on behind them on the abbey lawns. "Stay low mates, let em come right up ter th' gates. Then make 'em look like 'edgepigs wit' them arrows n' bolts. Aim fer any foxes or otters mixed in, their leader is a fox, an' possibly an otter. If'n ye can't see either o' those aim fer th' ones giving orders. Le's show these foolish woodlanders oo' owns these woods now."
"Fardan, Fardan."
Duncan slid around the wildcat, clicking his teeth disapprovingly.
He tapped his dagger slowly.
"What makes you think I'll stop attacking if you threaten to kill that rabbit? He means nothing to me. If you want to hurt me, you'll have to find another way."
The hare sent Petu a reassuring look as he passed by him, as to let him know he didn't mean it.
But if he didn't want Fardan to hurt Petu he had to pretend his friend was worthless.
The wildcat snarled at Duncan. "Impossible! If there's one thing I know about woodlanders, it's thst they always have a weakness for each other. Let's see just how far you can go..."
Fardan set the edge of his blade against Petu's throat.
"Yeah, but him..." Duncan shook his head sadly.
"He's far too annoying and eats too much. If you caught him, he's your game, fairly. It's such a burden to have him always thinning our rations!"
Spinning on his paws, Duncan made to leave.
His yellow eyes narrowed, Fardan smiled maliciously. "Fine. Have it your way."
He twirled his blade away from Petu, then slashed across the rabbit's leg, leaving a long, deep slice. "You can watch your friend bleed out. But, of course, there's still you."
Fardan bounded over Petu towards Duncan.
OOC: Heh heh... I can edit if needed.
Duncan whirled round and charged headlong at Fardan with his dagger out, aiming a powerful kick at the cat's legs to knock him down or at least unbalance him.
Even warlords made mistakes...
OOC-
How bout some filler battle here till Grodds can make the Vigil do something (and finally me with Alf?)
Releasing a sharp yell Petu applied pressure to his cut leg, shuddering as blood oozed between his claws. The sharp rapier had cut clean through an artery leaving the young rabbit feeling faint almost the moment Fardan had left him to deal with Duncan. Taking deep breaths Pete suppressed the urge to panic looking around for someone to help him. Everyone was busy fighting for their lives, trying to keep the horde from entering the main Abbey building.
"C'mon Duncan," Petu whispered tearing off some of his old bandages that were wrapped around his shoulder, and pressing them against his leg. "Get them out of Redwall, you have too..."
Rapshade slunk around the back of the chaos and noticed Petu on the far side.
He couldn't help but grin as he whipped out his sword and sauntered over there.
"Poor bunny's got a leg wound, eh? How do you like it? Can't run away...can't do anything t' defend yourself. I could kill you now and Duncan wouldn't notice."
The ferret lashed his tail.
"I'm not gonna help; not gonna kill you, either, but when we win and you're chosen to stand by and clean up whatever we drop at our victory feast you'll wish I had. Mortembell too, when we catch 'er. I'll tell her to be extra careful."
OOC:
@Groddil Hey Aussie mate, don't forget this.
IC:
"Rapshade," Petu gasped in surprise as the ferret approached. His ears drooped in fear, hadn't Rapshade been fighting Aver? He had seen them dueling across the lawns when they had come up from Moledeep. What could have happened to get them separated from their fight, surely the brave otter chieftain hadn't been slain. Surely...
"Why'd you run from Aver?" He asked trying to sound defiant, however there was a definite whimper in his voice. "Are you trying to find defenseless creatures like me to taunt instead? You couldn't fight a real warrior like Aver for long, I - I knew it."
Rapshade grinned crookedly.
"Aver is lying wounded," he whispered, tweaking Petu's ear.
He would shamelessly take the credit for the otter's defeat.
Raising his voice to a cackle, the ferret marched around Petu and kicked at his injured leg. "Woe is to the one who doubts me! Woe to the rabbit, the otter, and the fox! Woe upon my wretched aunt, too. I alone will rule Redwall, Petu!"
Cap'n's mad, echoed a voice from his head.
Loony raving mad.
"And th' spirits of my dead crew will...Vadoma!?"
Rapshade backed up limpingly as the ancient vixen slunk up to them.
He quickly wiped blood away from his snout.
The healer bared her teeth.
"I foresee victory on this night, Shade. Why not end this wretched rabbit?"
Fardan faltered to avoid the kick. "Stop that! If you were a real warrior, you'd actually cross blades with me. Stand and fight!"
He held his sword aloft and started towards the hare.
Recoiling from Rapshade's kick Petu groaned as tears were forced from his eyes. "Stop, please stop." He begged as his wounded leg throbbed. The young rabbit watched wide eyed as the seemingly crazed ferret strode around him, shaking nervously. He jerked his head around as the vixen approached, he had never met Vadoma, but he knew immediately who she was from Mortembell's stories.
"I foresee victory on this night, Shade. Why not end this wretched rabbit?"
"No, Rapeshade please," he moaned, squirming away from the two vermin. "I'll do anything, just don't kill me." He looked beseechingly to Rapshade, his mouth dry. "You said you would let me live, I can't fight, please."
Rapshade shuffled past Vadoma after whispering to her, "I foresee victory, too, but I need my medicine. Why not make yourself useful an' go get it...?"
The vixen snorted and hustled off, leaving Rapshade again with Petu.
Sniveling, begging Petu...
The ferret set his jaw.
"Not killing my enemies is what got me here in th' first place. I have every reason t' want to. But," he flicked his sword at him.
"I like this making creatures like y' owe me..."
--
Duncan drew his blade but aimed another kick at Fardan nonetheless.
"I could care less about titles, I'm trying to bother you and it's working."
The wildcat jumped back. "Kill him!" he yelled at Rapshade. "Prove that you're not as weak as I thought! The rabbit will die anyway."
He aimed a swipe at Duncan.
"I killed Log-a-Log in battle," Rapshade snapped, looking up at Fardan and Duncan.
"Surely that's more impressive than taking the life of the already injured?"
Duncan ducked but the blow caught his ear, leaving a long line of blood.
From down below where he was he aimed his dagger at Fardan's legs or tail, whichever came closer first.
"Owe you..." Petu grimaced at the idea, revolted by the fact that it would be true. But what could one rabbit do for somebeast like Rapshade? Not that it mattered, the Vigil would be coming soon to turn the tide of the battle. The Redwallers only had to hold out for a little longer. Petu decided it was best to simply go along with Rapshade's wishes, hopefully extending his life beyond the battle's end.
When Fardan urged the ferret to take Petu's life the rabbit shrank back, fearfully glancing from mustelid to wildcat in apprehension. He relaxed somewhat again once it was clear Rapshade would stick to his original plan, avidly hoping Duncan would manage to slay the bloodthirsty cat.
"Thank you," he said to Rapshade, sounding as meek as he felt. Petu was good at being meek, seeing as he was a rabbit. "I don't want to die, least not today. I promised to do what you want, and - and I will... What exactly do you want?"
Rapshade flicked an ear, not looking at him.
"For you to spare me when the tables turn. Hopefully that isn't too much to ask? It's no problem if you won't, then I'll kill you."
"Eyes gouged out? Then this is... Muddle."
The fox looked around the cavern.
"I don't see any ways out besides that gate. There might be a passage somewhere up there somewhere. I'll give you a leg up."
*****
The Vigil crouched at the treeline just near one of Redwall's side gates, the one that had failed to be secured in time. The one that now lay shattered on its hinges. Celio crawled up to Charm.
"I'm glad we found you when we did, Commander. This mission would have been difficult without us as well."
"Aye. A shame One-Ear's mission failed."
"There were too many of them, Commander. I had to retreat to save my men. I don't know where the Champion is now."
"It doesn't matter, Celio. In truth he's too headstrong to lead an army. Too stubborn to make up with the Redwallers, who hate us."
"Harsh words. But true words."
"Where's the prisoner?"
"I sent an otter to make sure he makes it to a cell."
"Good. Crossbows! Advance."
Twoscore soldiers crept out of the treeline. They fired their weapons, cutting down the few vermin on the walltop.
"Again."
The soldiers reloaded their weapons and sent another volley of bolts sailing over the walls into the yard.
"Charge!"
The twoscore crossbowbeasts tossed aside their weapons and charged the small wallgate, closely followed by the rest of the troops.
OOC: The Vigil has 200 soldiers. Dunno how many the horde has.
OOC-
Around the same.
Doesn't really matter, though, 'cause it'll all come down to saving Grant. ;)
"I will not sit idly by while Seacloak continues to torment my home and slaughter my people."
"We have no army to defeat him with."
"We need to think of something. We need a plan. Take him out from the shadows."
"My King, we are just Guosim. We know not of subterfuge and plots. All we know is battle."
"Which is why I'm glad I have the otters on my side."
"My King, I still disagree. We need to spend time raising a proper army."
"We have an army. The Wetlands will rise up against Seacloak when we give the word. They have no loyalty to him."
"They do, My King. Whether it be from greed or fear, the Wetlands will not rebel unless they know they will win."
Shamolt sighed.
"Leave me, friend. I need time to think."
The shrew nodded, and went to walk off when screams began to echo through the trees.
"What in Hellgates? FIRE!"
Seemingly in an instant, the scattered trees were engulfed in a roaring inferno. A score of creatures, woodlander and vermin alike, rushed into the grove, the flames shining off their uniforms. Wetlands soldier uniforms. The attackers charged through the flames, slaughtering the unprepared army of shrew and otters. As the troops continued to crush the Resistance, their leader, a wildcat, broke off, heading straight for the squirrel. Shamolt drew his blade.
"Enough! Who are you, vermin? What do you want with us? Call off your troops."
"No. I come from the Wetlands, to kill a squirrel named Shamolt. Leader of the Resistance. A self-proclaimed King."
"You from the Wetlands? Don't lie to me, vermin. Seacloak would kill your kind on sight."
"You appear to be smarter than you look, 'King Shamolt.' Truth be told, Seacloak isn't even here. I showed up, challenged him to Trial by Combat for control of the place, and won. Let him scurry off south to some place called Redwall Abbey, to go kill a fox. I don't care what he does, but I think a big badger like that is more useful to spread the word of my conquest while he's alive and ruined, don't you? Yes, I am in charge now, squirrel. Why don't you kneel before your ruler?"
The shrew stepped between the two.
"The Wetlands knows no ruler but the King in the North whose name is Shamolt. Not Seacloak, and certainly not you. Vermin scum!"
One of the creature's powerful paws gripped the shrew's throat, lifting him clear off the ground."
"Ignorant fool. Thanks to Seacloak, I have an army. You just have a few dead guerrillas. Before long I'll own everything on this blood-stained continent, just like my ancestors used to. I'll rule this place until the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, and when that happens, I'll cross the sea and conquer whatever's over there as well."
The wildcat bit the shrew's throat open with his fangs. Shamolt averted his eyes from the gruesome sight.
"Who in Hellgates are you?"
"Me? I'm... Death. No, no, too cliche. Hmm, Nnurt Ttagnu? Too complex. How about...Fury? Yes, that's a nice name."
Shamolt stabbed his sword towards the wildcat.
"Treason, eh? How rude. Allow me to show you a friend of mine. His name is Fisher. He's... a fisher. Not very original, I know."
A huge creature stepped forwards. It looked a bit like a pine marten, but was as big as any badger. If not bigger.
"When I said that I challenged Seacloak in single combat, I lied. I challenged him all right. With Fisher as my Champion. You should have seen how quickly Fisher dealt with the old stripehound. He threw this huge rock at him, but missed. It went shooting down the pit and crushed the head of the badger in there.
"He killed... that thing?"
"Oh yes, and then he just kicked the badger's sword right in after it and pried the armor off with his claws. It didn't take long after that. Not once the flesh was exposed. Did I tell you how we met? I was on a ship, you see, a nice big slaver galleon, when the biggest ship I've seen in me life pops out from behind an island and sails up to us. This curious little fellow, called himself 'Bauble-Yen' hops aboard, and he says 'Is this a slaving vessel? Care to buy a nice strong creature from across the sea?' Now naturally I jumps at the opportunity, and ol 'Bauble-Yen' gives me Fisher for a few shiny stones and three of our own slaves. Strange type, Bauble-Yen, but Fisher's been well worth it. I had him kill the Captain that very same day when 'ee wanted to keep Fisher for 'imself. The nerve of some creatures, am I right? Oh no, I'm rambling again, aren't I, Fisher?"
"Fisher."
"Yes, I know, Fisher.'
"Fisher."
"Fisher, be quiet."
"Fisher."
"Look, Fisher, just grab the squirrel, will you?"
"Fisher!"
Fisher punched Shamolt in the gut and grabbed the stunned squirrel, slinging him over his shoulder.
"I think the dungeon will be a nice place for you. That way you're still useful to me as a bargaining chip, should I need you for some reason."
*****
Meanwhile, a lot further south, Jergle whistled a tune far too jolly for the circumstances. With the unconscious dibbun slung over his shoulder, he strolled jauntily back to his home. He would go fetch Bracklew later, but that could wait.
@Sagetip: That's your cue. Jergle is just about to walk inside.
OOC: Ok, so can Bracklew still run into Seacloak?
Also most of the horde is down on the lawns, finishing off what is left of the Redwallers, so Fastooth doesn't have a whole lot with him.
IC:
Ducking down beneath the ramparts Fastooth gritted his teeth as a fellow rat beside him screamed and plummeted to the ground below.
"Give it to 'em lads, archers loose," Fastooth shouted popping up and hurling his spear into the Vigil's ranks. "Aim fer th' leaders!" A number of vermin rose twirling slings and drawing back bows. "Use th' woodlanders weapons 'ere on th' wall lads. Kill 'em, kill 'em all!" Those who did not possess a bow or a ranged weapon grabbed rocks that the Redwallers had stacked on the walls earlier, hurling them down on the charging warriors. The buzz of ranged death sang across the battlements and the projectiles arched out descending in devastating volleys.
Vicious jeers and battle cries sounded as the vermin cheered the death their attack had caused. A few even sprang up making crude gestures towards the woodlanders before ducking down to avoid the retaliatory bolts.
"Keep at it cullies," Fastooth encouraged knowing the walls could be held against many by a few. "Give 'em what for, they'll learn their lesson soon, either they give up or die at the base of these walls. Archers, loose!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"When the tables tur- Aren't you counting on that not happening?" Petu wondered shifting his tail-end so that it wasn't so uncomfortable. His tail was still freezing, and the small pool of blood that was collecting under his knee kept growing, but at least it seemed he would live. Rapshade was even sticking around to provide his protection it seemed. "I'm not exactly the most influential creature in the Abbey, and if the tables do turn, uh, hopefully, then I'm sure I couldn't stop them killing you. Even if I wanted too."
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on November 29, 2016, 07:47:20 AM
OOC: Ok, so can Bracklew still run into Seacloak? Have Brack wake up and I'll have Seacloak appear.
Also most of the horde is down on the lawns, finishing off what is left of the Redwallers, so Fastooth doesn't have a whole lot with him. It won't take long for them to get in. The gate is open, and there doesn't seem to be much space between the forest and the wallgates, as least as far as I remember.
The wildcat shoved aside the attack with his own blade. "Face it hare, you're outmatched. Surrender, and I'll kill you quickly!"
<O>
Asher groaned and sat himself upright. The effect of the drug was leaving him and he stood up shakily, grabbing onto a chair for support. Once his legs were able to move properly again, he helped up Harnam. "We should probably go out t'look for Bracklew soon."
The other squirrel nodded. "Alright.... I'm still not feeling too well, though."
"Do ya have any weapons?" Roscoe asked, inspecting One-Ear with those purple eyes of his.
He still didn't like nor trust the fox, but there was something about the threat of having his eyes gouged out that made the weasel okay with not starting a fight with him.
"You could kill that nasty guard, or, or something." He paused, flashing the fox an airy grin.
"Or I could. All of Mossflower revels in my talents."
--
Rapshade chuckled tiredly and glanced at the reddened snow.
"Not today, but they'll turn. Next thing you know it'll be me laying there with blood on my paws...."
Alfhild's blood.
He turned his head as the Vigil stormed in. They were met with powerful retaliation. Good.
"You promised," said the ferret with another glance at Petu, not moving anywhere.
He shifted to stand on one leg.
"I can still kill you."
--
"I'll never surrender to you," Duncan spat, flicking up snow with his dagger.
"Just like my daughter and my wife, if I die it'll be while fightin'!"
Just as he was about to lunge at the warlord for the millionth time, he noticed two creatures making their way across the battlements.
Or, one creature, cloaked--holding the Abbot...
The hare froze.
--
Latching on to the collar of Grant's habit, Alfhild lifted him over the edge.
"Greetings!" She called out mildly, voice raised above the din.
"I have your sweet dear leader here, and my was he tired. Passed out right in my arms, he did!" The ferret tore her hood off with her free paw, revealing her icy eyes and poisonous smile.
"I would just like to give a message to all those pesky little Redwallers and Vigil soldiers out there in the crowd. Your abbot's about to have a fall, but you can catch him, per se, if you throw your paws up in surrender!"
She paused, noticing a few creatures aiming arrows at her.
She held Grant up in front like a shield, grinning even wider when he came awake.
"Attack me and he dies. The doors and windows are shut and locked, and guarded from the inside. There's no way to stop me. What do you say, hmmm?"
Celio and the score of soldiers near Alfhild lowered their weapons, as did the few troops still outside the walls.
"Drop him, then. It doesn't take tenscore soldiers to catch one mouse."
"I'll slit his throat beforehand." Alfhild added, smile growing bigger.
Celio and four other soldiers climbed the wall stairs.
"Even if one arrow hits the Abbot, you're surrounded. We shoot from the side, right now, and miss on purpose. Then everybeast else shoots you in the back. Or one arrow hits your paw. You drop him, and then we turn you into a hedgehog. You're surrounded, with nowhere to run. Kill him, and we'll kill you straight away. We wouldn't need to worry about hitting a deadbeast."
He stepped even closer to the ferret and mouse.
OOC-
Bruh. They're supposed to lose this one.
Also..One-Ear?
IC-
"You think I care?" Alfhild snickered.
"Upon my death, my vermin inside have orders to kill the elders, Dibbuns, and everybeast else we have we trapped."
Fastooth moved in behind Celio holding his spear at the ready. Many of the vermin along the walls held their bowstrings taunt, aiming at the Vigil soldiers in an uneasy standoff. The fighting had died down some, and even though the Vigil managed to break through the jury-rigged gates and pike wielding defenders, they had done so at a great cost.
"Th' chief ain't going to be th' only one whose gonna look like a spikepig mouse." He sniggered twisting his paw in a sweeping gesture, indicating the elevated archers. "Give up, or we'll make sure not a single woodlander walks out o' here alive. An th' babes an Abbot die first, so ye c'n hear them scream 'afore ye die."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Coming groggily back into the world of the living Bracklew discovered that sleep inducing drugs were less then kind to one's skull. Grabbing his ears the young squirrel groaned aloud, shifting ever so slightly and slipping sideways off the branch he was lodged in.
"Whoaa aaagh!" the long fall to the ground greatly improved his general consciousness and after a moment of laying in stunned shock he stirred. Grumbling choice words Bracklew picked himself up, checking his paws and body for any injuries, as it happened Martin's sword had come free of its sheath during his fall, and had left a tiny cut on his left side. Other then that, and a few bruises, he was no worse for wear.
Shoveling a few pawfuls of snow into his mouth to ease his headache Bracklew looked around, checking the sun up above. It appeared as if a fresh layer of snow had fallen while he had been out, wiping out the tracks, but at least Jergle was gone. Bracklew had no idea where in Mossflower he was, or even how long he had been asleep. Crossing his arms and shivering he stepped off into the trees, calling out in a loud whisper.
"Asher?"
....
No answer.
"Harnam, are you there? Anyone?"
....
No answer.
"Damn and blast," Bracklew cursed, unwilling to shout louder and draw unwanted attention to himself. Maybe there were other woodlanders nearby, less cannibalistic then Jergle who would know the way to Redwall. He just had to find one...
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on November 30, 2016, 04:27:47 AM
indicating the height elevated archers.
Celio and the other four are actually on the walls, although the rest of the soldiers are still on the lawn.
BIC:
Jergle strode proudly back into the fallen tree and tossed the Dibbun into a corner.
"I'll have to figure out how to cook you... Oh look, the two of ye are awake. Best just kill ye now."
He snatched the cleaver and swung it at Harnam.
*****
The soldiers with Celio swiveled to face Fastooth, pointing their crossbows at the rat.
"Do what you will, rat, but these crossbows are deadlier than whatever you managed to weave together in a drunken stupor. Do us all a favor and take a running leap off the Wall."
He spat on the ground and drew his sword.
"Come on, then."
*****
"You there, squirrel!"
Seacloak, looking quite battered and bruised, stepped out from behind some nearby bushes, where the ashes of a campfire smoldered.
"I seek a fox, young, around your age. One-Ear, one eye, grey and white. Have you seen him?"
*****
"No weapons, and they wouldn't do much good anyway. Not with that wooden barrier, and the guards. Plus, for all I know, Amaline's long gone, so no inside help this time. Just... get up there, and try to find a way out."
Duncan felt Fardan's rapier press into his back. "Check again, mouse!" he yelled at Celio. "No matter what you try to do, one of this woodlanders is going to die. Leave now, or be killed."
He glanced at Rapshade. The ferret could secure a third hostage with Petu... hopefully he would.
OOC: Asher.
BIC:
Celio looked at Charm.
"You kill them, and we'll have no reason to leave. Your argument doesn't really work, does it? Why don't YOU leave? Our armies are almost exactly the same size, but my soldiers are better trained. You can't possibly hope to win."
OOC: Little PP sorry.
IC:
"Huh, I didn' take ye for a coward mouse." Fastooth commented, looking highly amused. "I figured ye'd be th' kind of creature who'd do anythin' to protect helpless hostages, guess yer jus' as heartless as that fox leader o' yours... Where is e' anyway, hidin' while th' real warriors fight?"
While Fastooth was taunting the Vigil leader, Vaskor appeared from the Abbey door dragging two dibbuns with him. The white ermine moved to a secluded place along the Abbey lawns, holding his stone dagger to one of the babes throats as he had been instructed, away from the armies, but still in clear view of the Vigil.
"So, yer fine wit' th' Abbot dyin', an' th' other hostages too, so ye could pretend to be brave. Sure, why not, I would be fine wit' that too." Fastooth mused, grinning wickedly and counting off on his claws as he approached Celio, ignoring the naked sword that hovered in the mouse's paw. Half an inch from the mouse' face he released a puff of bad breath before continuing. "But are ye th' kind o' creature, who would willingly watch little babes bein' slaughtered, so ye don' have to retreat? I'm curious, I know I would be fine wit' it. So why don' ye gut me, an' 'ave our warriors slaughter each other till th' end. Meanwhile Vasky o'er there will make sure not a single likkle woodlander survives the day. You'd win th' battle sure, tis what I'd do. Or ye c'n leave, decision's up to ye I suppose."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Surprised at the badger's sudden appearance, Bracklew jumped, laying a paw on his sword before realizing what it was that had addressed him.
A badger! A relatively beat up badger perhaps, but still a strong and capable creature none the less. "What's it to you stripe- I - I mean I might have seen a one eared fox... Did he do something to you sir?" He asked, taking on a slightly more respectful tone. Even Bracklew understood the importance of respect when somebeast towered over him, especially when that towering beast could potentially aid him in finding his home.
Bracklew decided to start with an introduction before pleading for help, he held his paw out to shake. "I'm Bracklew of Redwall, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"
Watching the commotion, Rapshade added his due.
"Petu dies as well if y' don't surrender!"
Glancing at the rabbit as he pushed his sword underneath his chin, the ferret almost looked apologetic.
"You all are prideful, but lacking sense. The blood of these creatures will be forever on the paws of the Vigil!"
Alfhild shook the Abbot roughly and he let out a scream, flailing at the wall.
"Do something smart!" The mouse yowled.
"What would you rather be, Vigil? The ones who let their friends die, or a group that lost their status?!"
Duncan growled at Fardan but didn't move.
This couldn't be happening.
He glanced desperately at the Vigil leader.
Maxy, Stumbly, the Abbot, and the babes...
--
Roscoe shot the fox a taunting grin.
"Lemme climb on top of yer ugly likkle head then."
"Don't do it boss, they'll kill 'em anyway."
Charm glared at the squirrel that had spoken.
"He raises a good point, ferret. Who's to say you don't slaughter them as soon we leave? Your word means nothing. Kill them, and we will not retreat. Let them go, and we might let you live."
Alfhild frowned.
"Vaskor, kill your prisoner."
OOC: Little PP right back atcha. ;)
The four soldiers that surrounded Celio shoved Fastooth away. The mouse ignored him and turned to Alfhild.
"I'd think twice about that. If you want us to leave, killing anybeast destroys your chances of that. Let them go, then we'll leave. You hurt a hair on any of their heads, and the only way you'll get us out of this place is by throwing our corpses from the battlements. And you don't outnumber us. You don't have a better strategic position. We've got better training. The only thing you have that we don't is hostages, and killing them is just throwing away your only advantage. You throw away that advantage, and good luck winning. If you do, I'd be willing to bet all of Mossflower that you'd lose almost everybeast in the process. You'd have what, about a score of heavily-wounded survivors? Less? You seen a crossbow in action, Alfhild? You can shrug off an arrow if you're lucky, but you get hit by one of these bad boys, and it won't end so well. Smaller, faster, and with more punch. One of these would go straight through you the second you drop Grant. One'll hit your lieutenants the second they kill their hostages. Because then you've got nothing to bargain with. No reason for us not to attack."
Charm nodded.
"He's right, Alfhild. You've got no advantages over us other than the hostages. We either have a standstill when nobeast does anything, you release them and we leave, or you kill them, and we kill you. One of those options will just last until somebeast does something, and the other will end badly for both of us. There's only one smart choice."
"If you don't leave, I will personally make sure every Redwallers alive in this Abbey and inside these walls is murdered, and while the blood may be on my paws, the weight will be on your shoulders. We are not leaving."
Fardan stared up at Celio with hatred abounds.
Charm stamped her footpaw.
"I don't care where you go, or what you do after the hostages are safe. I'm saying that if you kill them, you will pay. Release them, and we'll leave. They die, then a lot of us die. They go, we go. The Abbey is yours, so long as you let them go. Killing them solves nothing, it'll just get almost everybeast here killed. You can kill them and make taking this place over a lot harder, or you can let them go. You get the Abbey, and nobeast, woodlander or horde, has to die. Would you rather take this place with an arrow in your gut, having to climb over the corpses to get to the door, or take the place now. You'd have a stronger army if you didn't have to fight us. It'd make the place easier to defend."
"Tough, I didn' think that o' ye." Fastooth murmured slapping away the woodlander's paws. At least now they weren't aiming their crossbows at Alfhild, and as they spoke, more and more crows were circling overhead ready to dive down upon the Vigil. Fastooth had no doubt they'd win a final battle, but he didn't fancy his chances of surviving it when he was standing so close to Alfhild. He shuffled off looking down at Vaskor. The ermine was having trouble holding both wriggling dibbuns so he had trapped one under his heavy footpaw, while holding the other by the tail. His red eyes seemed to glow with a malicious light as he swung his stone knife closer and closer to the poor creature's head. Then came Alfhild's order.
"Vaskor, kill your prisoner."
The ermine hesitated for a moment unable to hear the rest of the conversation on the wall, then with a slight shrug he rammed his knife into the dibbun's back, ending its life as quickly as he could. Twisting the blade free he let it fall to the ground and retrieved the second one. Grasping the screaming babe by the scruff of its neck, the white furred killer looked up, curious to see the Vigil's reaction.
"Oh damn," Fastooth hissed, his knuckles tightening on his spear haft.
Charm stared at Vaskor.
"All of you, advance."
A score of crossbowbeasts moved up and circled the ermine. One of them growled at him, motioning to the dibbun that was still alive.
"Drop. The. Dibbun."
Charm turned back to Alfhild.
"You kill any more prisoners, and we WILL attack. You want us to leave? Let the rest go."
Alfhild's eyes glinted.
"We are not letting anybeast go until you leave..." Whatever she said after that was muted, drowned by Grant's hysteric wailing as he watched the Dibbun fall to Vaskor's blade.
"Shut up!" snapped the ferret, shaking him roughly. "Be quiet!"
Rapshade's ears fell flat although he remained otherwise outwardly stoic.
"Y'should go, Charm. They'll be killed one by one, every few minutes y' overstay your welcome..."
The Abbot kept screaming.
Charm stared blankly at Alfhild.
"Fine. We'll go. Just... Just let them go after we leave. Give me your word, for as little as it's worth."
*****
Seacloak's eyes shone with hatred.
"What did he do? He showed up in my city, tried to kill another badger, then started a revolt, killed the squirrel I had left in charge of my city when I left to go keep the place safe from a vermin horde, almost killed me, then disappeared as quickly as he started. And the cherry on the cake? He made sure that once my city was at its weakest, he tore our defenses down when he left. A few days later, a wildcat showed up, seized the city, and left me close to death. And when he took over, he thanked the fox for laying down what was needed for an easy victory."
The badger scratched at a wound on his arm.
"So, have you seen him? You look like one of those Redwall types, only civilized place for miles. What are you doing all the way out here?"
"Like I said," Bracklew sounded a little annoyed that he's proffered paw had been ignored, he let it fall back to his side. "I'm Bracklew of Redwall, and yes I have seen the creature you're looking for. One-ear... I dunno what you'd want him for, seeing as he's ruined your life." The young squirrel grimaced staring resentfully at the snowy ground, churning it with his footpaw.
"I'm out with my mentor, er... I was out with my mentor, except I lost him." No need to mention he had been running for his life at the time, though it did seemed both badger and squirrel had been running for their lives from a fight they couldn't win. "We got separated, and I'm a little lost... I don't suppose you know your way around Mossflower?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Our word as conquerors? Ha." Fastooth crowed, tasting victory. That's all it had taken, one death and the woodlanders folded. Granted, it took longer then he had expected. The rat grinned looking towards Alfhild to see what she had to say.
OOC:
Should Brack, and Seacloak go back to the Wetlands and take it back, or should they continue on to Redwall?
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on December 02, 2016, 04:42:36 PM
Should Brack, and Seacloak go back to the Wetlands and take it back, or should they continue on to Redwall? That would take too long. Besides, Seacloak's living on borrowed time as it is.
"Eh, what? I mustn't have heard you the first time, my hearing not what it used to be. On account of..."
The badger grimaced.
"Wait, you've seen him? You seem lost. Tell me where he is, or where he resides, and I'll take you back to your Abbey. I passed it yesterday."
"She has my word," Said Alfhild, grinning evilly as she set Grant back down beside her.
"Now get out. Come, Horde, as soon as they're out, take your prisoners inside and tie them up!"
Rapshade prodded Petu with his sword.
"Up on your paws," he snapped.
Charm sighed. Not even five seconds later the ferret was already breaking her promise.
"Vigil... Fall back."
The army, shattered, retreated through the wallgate and vanished into the forest. Shank, the weasel captain, jogged up the wallsteps.
"Want me ta go after 'em, Chief?"
*****
One-Ear rolled his eye.
"Hurry up."
*****
While the Vigil were away, Moledeep was filled with an eerie silence. Mortembell and Shadomay sat in the Infirmary watching the injured, while the old vole dozed near the exit. Only two others remained in the cavern, watching the prisoners. The two vermin. The informants.
"'Ey, you."
Needle, the hare that had once served Seacloak, spat at them.
"What?"
"Not you. Oi, weasel."
Grenlik stared at his kin.
"What?"
"It's time fer you ta go free."
"Really? On whose authority?"
"The North's authority."
"No way in Hellgates. You wouldn't come this far south."
"The North remembers, Grenlik. You have done well for yourself here. Before you were captured. You know your way around this place. Good for you, as the boss wants all the info on this Abbey place as he can. And for that... It's time to go home."
"Wait!"
The vermin all stared at Needle.
"What?"
"I'm from the North as well."
"Oh really? Who do you serve?"
The hare bit his lip.
"Lord Seacloak, ruler of the Wetlands."
They nodded.
"Yes, I suppose we should let you out."
The rat and the stoat began chopping at the wooden cell bars with their axes. A few swings later, Grenlik and Needle were free. The rat handed Grenlik his axe.
"Here, might come in handy."
The weasel nodded. He knew what was to happen. The stoat and the rat peered into the main cavern. Empty.
"Clear."
They made their way across the cavern, stopping at the exit. The rat pulled on the rope, lifting the rockfall out of the tunnel. When the old vole started to wake up, the stoat grabbed him and dragged him out of the cave. They hauled an old sack, filled with food, out from a side passage and dumped the vole inside.
"Have to deal with him later. Can't let him squeal, can we?"
The stoat slung the sack over his shoulder, and the four escapees started their trek to the river.
*****
"Here we are."
"Filargo!"
The raft pulled out of a nearby watermeadow.
"Took ye long enough, friends. I hope ye have what we agreed on."
"Open it."
The stoat opened the sack and tossed the old vole aside.
"Yes, good, enough food to pay for the three of you. But there's not three of you."
The rat nodded. Grenlik brought his axe down on Needle's skull. Hard. The stoat grabbed the squirming elder and twisted his neck. Both bodies were tossed unceremoniously into the river.
"Hmm, that works, I suppose. Hop aboard."
*****
Shamolt, stripped of any chance he had to take back the city, sat in a filthy cell somewhere in the Wetlands. He gnawed on the loaf of stale bread that had been provided.
"Psst, Sir."
"Huh?"
"Shamolt, my king."
The squirrel looked through the bars. A mouse stood there fiddling with keys.
"What?"
"Not everybeast in the North has forsaken you. Some of us still remember the days before Seacloak. The days before what is to come."
He unlocked the cell door.
"Hurry, my King. Time is of the essence."
Shamolt nodded. No words were needed. They dashed down the dark passageways, past a slurry of empty cells.
"Fury released all the other prisoners, m'lord. Recruited them, rather than kill 'em. And he put Sheba out of 'er misery, too."
"So now his army is just getting stronger?"
"Aye, m'lord. Here we are."
They reached a heavy oaken door.
"This has been here for who knows how long. Apparently, it leads right out of the city walls."
He unlocked the door.
"Go, m'lord. I have to get back and cover for you."
The squirrel walked through the door, which was slammed behind him.
"Welcome the King!"
Shamolt was momentarily blinded, as several torches burst aflame. This wasn't outside the city. It was the castle courtyard. He was surrounded on all sides by vermin, and Wetlands soldiers.
"Up here, King."
The squirrel stared at the balcony above, where Fury stood.
"The thing about Kings is, you let them live, they're dangerous. I once thought you would be useful to me alive. Except I've already crushed your supporters. The only ones left are loyal to me. Out of duty, or fear. I now realize that you are no longer useful. Nobody will come to help you. I could let you rot, but that would let you plan. And we can't have that, can we, King? No, you are not the King. Now you are nothing. The once-mighty King in the North."
The creatures that surrounded him notched arrow to bowstring.
"The north!"
One of them released his arrow, which thudded into the squirrel's shoulder.
"The north!"
Another arrow hit him in the leg.
"Gah!"
"The north!"
The third arrow hit the squirrel square in the neck. He gurgled, and fell to his knees.
"The north!"
"The north!"
"The north!"
Fury smiled. He took one last look at the dying Shamolt, before retreating back into the castle.
"The North belongs to me."
OOC: Tying up loose ends, eh?
OOC: Tying up loose ends, foreshadowing, getting characters in position to tie up MORE loose ends.
Harnam leaned back to avoid the axe, wincing as the heavy metal blade whizzed by his head. Reaching for something to use, he overbalanced and fell down, knocked back into unconsciousness. Asher snatched one of the other knives from the wall and held it in front of him, ready to fend off attacks from Jergle. "I can't believe you'd eat creatures like that! The world needs to be rid of crazy beasts like you..."
Gritting his teeth, Roscoe scrambled up the rocks. His cloak hung sideways off one shoulder.
"I can't see anything! It's..." The weasel let out a yelp and, kicking, tried to propel himself up a bit more.
He'd grabbed a weak section and it crumbled, sending hundreds of tiny pebbles rolling down.
"Gimme a push!" He hissed, glaring down at the fox.
"I can't reach...I think that's th' top, but it's too..."
--
"No," Alfhild said, bracelets jingling as she dismissively flicked a claw.
"I want you to lock the gates and dispose of the bodies." Raising her voice, she added, "Anybeast of high ranking shall join the Three Leaders inside for a victory feast!"
She'd heard tales of Redwall's great food.
It wasn't that wide of a guess that they'd left stores of stuff waiting.
For a moment Bracklew weighed his options. Obviously the badger had devious intentions, intentions that would not be welcome at Redwall, and even if One-ear was in the Moledeep tunnels and not currently out on some mission, Seacloak would be slain by any ten of the Vigil warriors. While there was no love lost between the squirrel and the fox, he didn't wish to see woodlanders needlessly spilling each other's blood. Besides, the Vigil might blame him for any casualties caused by the feud between the two, and as much as it sounded, from the badger's point of view at least, that One-ear deserved what was coming, it certainly wouldn't help Redwall's situation.
But he still needed to find a way home...
Bracklew growled in indecision clawing at his forehead, his headache was making it hard to think. He decided to risk it, better to deal with a potential fight at Redwall, then to freeze to death out here.
"One-ear is a-, er, he's near Redwall. I'll show you where, if you take me home." Bracklew promised, just now remembering the secret entrance into the Vigil's warrens. "But if you should cross his path," Bracklew continued not really caring if Seacloak agreed or not. "You'll have to keep your temper in check, and settle your differences later, after the horde has been- you wouldn't know about that would you. My home is under attack, and One-ear is helping us, not to mention he's got an army that'll kill you if you try anything. So maybe you could fight after that's done, I don't care, could you just point the way to Redwall?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"There's a load o' old creatures n' babes in the kitchens and lower halls." Fastooth reminded Alfhild after shepherding the remaining Vigil out of the gates. He had set some of the woodworkers to build new ones, and shore them up with dirt and rocks. Nobeast would be getting in or out of them without hours of work. "Should we imprison 'em, or paw most o'er to th' Vigil? Also, wot should I tell th' rankers to do wit' th' wounded woodlanders?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Okay, okay don't rush me, wasn't so long ago you could barely walk." Petu groaned, struggling to his footpaws. The young rabbit winced, standing heavily on his good leg. He was still a little shocked from the horde's victory, it just didn't seem possible to him. They weren't supposed to loose. How could Redwall have fallen?
"Are you okay Duncan?" He asked, staring with concern at the older hare.
OOC: I was gonna have Fardan give Fastooth orders, but you beat me to the punch.
Shank nodded.
"As y'wish, Chief. What about Grenlik? 'Ee still 'asn't returned from that recruitment mission ye sent 'im on. It shouldn't 'ave taken this long, perhaps somethin' 'appened. D'ye wish fer me ta send a couple o' 'is scouts ta track 'im down, afore I lock th' gates?"
*****
One-Ear shoved Roscoe upwards.
"Hurry... up!"
*****
Seacloak nodded.
"Thank you. The sooner your home is safe, the sooner that criminal can be thrown in a prison cell where he won't hurt anybeast again. Your home is this way, slightly... south-west, I'd presume. If we head that way, we'll find a path. Should be easier then."
*****
Jergle giggled, swiping at Asher with his cleaver.
"A fella's gotta eat, squirrel. I'd starve out here if I didn't!"
"Old creatures and babes are just mouths to feed; keep the healer and the Abbot. Kick the rest out, they can't fight us." Alfhild said to Fastooth, hustiling a very shaken Grant down the stairs.
"Anybeast who puts up a fight will be beaten, and we can throw any of the wounded Woodlanders out in the snow to die as long as they're too hurt to do anything. Anybeast else will be our slaves."
--
"Not mentally," Duncan called, rising to his paws.
He would fight to his last breath to defend Redwall, but right now it seemed like a stupid idea.
"Are you okay?"
Rapshade grabbed onto Petu's arm.
"Lean on me. Yes, he's okay, Duncan, shut yours..."
--
Roscoe clambered over the ledge and then stuck out a paw for One-Ear.
"If ya can't reach this, I'm going!"
OOC: Alfhild, Shank was talking to you.
OOC-
O
IC-
Turning, Alfhild nodded at Shank.
"Sure, go ahead. It isn't like he's needed, however."
"The north-south path," Bracklew said rubbing his paws together. "I know that, if we can find it we'll be back at Redwall in no time."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Petu silently nodded his thanks leaning heavily on Rapshade. "What're you going to do with us?" He asked nervously.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Aye chief, I'll round 'em up n' throw 'em out." Fastooth preformed a quick salute before marching off, signaling several hordebeasts to follow him. It took a while to gather every woodlander but in good time he had the majority of Redwall's elderly, and the very young dibbuns gathered by the main gate. Anyone old enough to work, or young enough to work hard, had been left tied and guarded in hastily rigged prisons with the less grievously wounded defenders.
Prodding them forward with their spear points the vermin unbarred the main gate opening one side. Archers stationed up top signaled the all clear, and a hasty operation to remove the hostages from the premises began.
"Everyone out," Fastooth rasped picking up a dibbun white furred squirrel and depositing him outside. "If it'd be up to me I'd slit all ye throats an' 'ave ye fed to th' crows, but th' chief is feelin' generous. G'on, th' Vigil are waitin' for ye. Hoy woolanders, Charm if that's ye name, come an' get wot ye lost for, hahaha!"
Rapshade flashed a smile as he led Petu inside.
"You lot are going to be our slaves. Though I don't know what Alfhild an' Fardan are gonna do with ya, I certainly will have my fun..."
The ferret paused to hack a little and then went on, blood glistening on his teeth.
"Under you generous Woodlanders, I got two small meals a day--if I was lucky. The first thing I'm gonna have them do is cook a feast, just like their Victory Feast, except it's for the horde and I. Seems fitting, doesn't it, since this is the victory of the vermin?"
He went to laughing, not waiting around for Petu to answer, and aimed a light kick at the rabbit's bad leg.
"...But not you; I like you, you're relatable now. You'll be my personal slave."
--
Maxy squealed as Fastooth picked him up, confused and unsure as he was flung into the snow.
The young squirrel sat up and spat some out, glancing around anxiously. "Stumbee, where ah' ya?!"
Shank nodded, before making his way inside.
"You two, head up north and find Grenlik. Mole!"
Drubble whimpered.
"All of the gates, bar the broken one, have been chained up. Who did that?"
"T'was oi, zurr."
"Well you had better find a way to do the same for the broken gate, hadn't you."
The mole sighed.
"Aye, zurr."
"Excellent."
*****
On the north-bound raft, Grenlik sat with the rat and the stoat, away from the prying ears of Filargo and the other passengers.
"So, what's the deal up there? The badger still in power, or has Fury taken the entire north?"
"The badger's been dealt with. Apparently he scuttled off down here after Fury took the wetlands."
"Probably trying to raise an army to take the North back. I've got unfinished business with him anyway. Filargo, stop the raft."
"Hmm? Why d'ye wanna stop, friend?"
"I need to take care of something."
"An' I presume ye want me ta wait? Ye'll have ta make it worth me while."
"I will. I've got a badger to deal with. I'll bring you back a souvenir."
"Ooh, very nice!"
The raft pulled up alongside the bank. Grenlik ducked into the raft's cabin, shoving a nearby squirrel.
"You, give me that dagger or I'll plunge this axe into your skull."
The squirrel nodded wordlessly, handing the weapon over. Grenlik tossed the axe aside and, dagger in paw, strode off into the woods.
*****
Stumbly shrieked as she landed in a heap, her fall broken by the snow.
"Wha? Wuz gon on?"
A rat, already quite drunk, stood on the walltop looking at them.
"Ah, better 'urry up, likkle one. Fore I frow dis rock on yer edd."
Two squirrels emerged from the trees, armed with crossbows.
"Ye can try."
One of them pulled the trigger, and the rat quickly vanished from sight, tumbling back into the lawn with a bolt in his neck.
"Come on, we'll take ye someplace safe."
*****
One-Ear nodded. He stepped back a few paces, trying to get a run-up. Just as reached the wall, he jumped, grabbing hold of a rock. As it began to slip, he shifted his weight to one side and shimmed up onto a ledge. From there, it was just a slow crawl to Roscoe.
"Hmm, I see what you mean. That gap in the rocks there. No telling where it leads, or if it even goes anywhere. I'll go first, pull you up if need be. And if we can't get out here, well..."
He stepped upwards, using a small hole in the wall as a foothold, and grabbed the next ledge. Hauling himself upwards, he peered down the tunnel.
"It's a way out all right. Think you can get up?"
OOC:
So, do we want to have Roscoe and One-Ear emerge near Bracklew and Seacloak. After shenanigans ensue, they can guide Brack to Redwall.
OOC-
That will work, but let's not have them be able to get into the Abbey for a bit, let the horde have their fun.
IC-
Maxy, watching, choked back a cry of terror.
"Oh Stumbee!"
Where was Duncan and the Abbot and Rayne? Why, oh why was he out in the snow with mean rats and squirrels with bows?
The tiny white squirrel, not understanding what had happened, began to bawl.
--
"No," grunted Roscoe as he hopped to keep his balance.
"Grab my paw!"
The squirrels looked at each other and shrugged. One of them tossed Maxy a candied chestnut.
"Hey, no need to cry. Chew on that instead."
*****
One-Ear reached down and seized the weasel's paw.
"Okay, jump!"
The fox threw himself backwards and heaved.
OOC: There are quite a few Redwallers out on the path right now, :P just NPCs though.
And yeah I'm fine with that plan Grodds.
IC:
Having secured the main gate and assigned several guards to the wall tops Fastooth sought out Fardan, saluting the wildcat chieftain. "Hoy chief," he grunted coming to a halt beside him. "There be a giant hole in th' ground, surrounded by a barricade right smack in the middle o' th' lawns. I 'ave reason to believe that's where th' Vigil was stayin', any orders on th' subject chief?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Relatable?" Petu questioned, sounding a small yelp when Rapshade kicked him. "I dunno how I feel about being a personal slave," the young rabbit griped, limping along behind his new ferret master. "Sounds sort of vile keeping somebeast in chains, and making them do work and.... Oh...."
"Ouch, realization can hurt, can't it." Rapshade mused, savoring every note of Petu's "Oh".
He casually shoved him towards the stairs.
"By relatable I meant your leg is. Why not go make up a room for me, preferably the Abbot's, eh, Rabbit?"
He could've picked somebeast better to vent this on, since Petu did less to harm him than some other beasts.
But a scapegoat was that for a reason.
Tauntingly, he pulled on the rabbit's ear.
"Quickish now, eh?"
--
Maxy caught the treat in small paws and began sucking on it.
One of the elders glanced at the squirrels.
"We should hurry before they decide to kill us."
--
"Yaaaah!" Roscoe yelped, paws leaving the ground.
For a second he was cleaving thin air...
The squirrels nodded. One of them walked behind the crowd of Redwallers, while the other stayed where he was.
"Follow him, I'll bring up the rear."
*****
One-Ear pulled Roscoe's foreleg with all the strength he could muster. Soon, weasel and fox alike were sprawled on the outcropping. One-Ear panted heavily, slowly rising to his footpaws.
"Come on... Down here."
He started to trudge down the tunnel.
OOC: OE pulling Roscoe up was probably PP-ing, but it's either that or spending 4 posts trying to get up one ledge. ;D
Roscoe pattered after One-Ear snootily.
"I could've done it myself, ya great bottle of idiocy!"
It was quite dark...and scary...and dangerous.
Perhaps, he thought, he should shut his mouth so the fox didn't push him back down.
"Who was it that needed whose help again? Twice, in fact, in the space of a few minutes. Shut up and follow me."
The tunnel began to slope upwards.
"Mustn't be that far down. You don't have any weapons on you or anything?"
Roscoe snorted.
"I was kicked outta Redwall for punching a Dibbun, y'think I still have weapons?"
He glanced up, tail swishing.
Certainly not more climbing...?
"Better hope we don't run in to any undesirables on the way, then."
He started to clamber up the rest of the tunnel. The slope was gentle enough that it was still walk-able.
"I see light, come on."
As the two vermin clambered out of the hole, which ended up underneath a maze of twisted tree roots and loose stones, One-Ear creased his brow. He couldn't see much beyond the roots, but they didn't look too strong. He grabbed a nearby rock and bashed one of the roots. It shook far more than he would have expected. Wriggling through a gap between two of them, the fox thudded into the snow. Not a stones throw from Bracklew and Seacloak.
"Bracklew? What-?"
Seacloak grinned. His paw reached behind his back, to where his dagger was. A sword in the hands of any other creature, that dagger was all he had managed to sneak out of the Wetlands. And now it would prove it's purpose. He snatched the dagger from his belt and charged the fox. One-Ear nimbly side-stepped, kicking the weapon from the badger's paw. Seacloak, eyes clouded with Bloodwrath, grabbed the fox by the leg as he went to dive for the dagger. Still, the fox managed to wrap a paw around the weapon before the badger lifted him clear off his feet. The fox coughed. He couldn't breathe. He stabbed the large dagger into Seacloak's foreleg, but the badger was in such a fury it seemingly had no effect. He wrenched it from the badger's flesh and stabbed him again and again. Blood oozed from a dozen wounds, but still the badger held on. With one final roar, he slammed the back of One-Ear's head into the tree trunk. And again. And again. When the badger finally dropped the fox's limp corpse, the blood, brain, and bone had turned the snow red. Seacloak's wrath began to recede, his eyes becoming calm. He laughed at the sight of his defeated enemy. A laugh, a wince, and a cough. So... weak. Without the bloodwrath, the wounds were starting to take their toll on the badger. He shook on his feet, just like the trees that surrounded him. He turned to the squirrel, a grin on his face.
Grenlik had watched the whole situation unfold from the bushes. How lucky that he had stumbled upon the badger just as he was already weak. The weasel drew his own dagger and strode out into the open. Ignoring Bracklew and Roscoe, he walked up to Seacloak.
"The north sends its regards."
He plunged his dagger into the badger's heart. Seacloak gave one last chuckle, blood spurting from his mouth, before his body landed heavily atop One-Ear's. The weasel smiled, picking up Seacloak's dagger. It would be a fine sword for the vole. Very fancy, and very sharp. The weasel tucked the sword into his belt and vanished into the bushes, as quickly as he had came.
Roscoe heaved himself up on shaky paws.
"W-wh...what?"
He glanced at Bracklew in disbelief and then back down at the bodies.
They'd fallen from a tree and One-Ear was mauled by a badger?
Then the badger was killed by another weasel, and...
He shook his head and fixed his hat, trying to clear it.
"I'm goin' crazy!" The weasel laughed. "Crazy, Squirrel, downright insane. I fell from th' sky an' hit my head, now he's dead...heh."
Stepping unevenly to the side, he swayed and fell on his tail.
OOC;
(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/733319/blackadder-omfg-o.gif)
OOC: That was entirely unexpected.
IC:
Entirely subdued Petu went along with Rapshade, limping up the stairs to Grant's room in abject misery. He winced a little at Rapshade's tormenting, but he otherwise remained silent, staring at the ground. He felt foolish, and pathetic to have given up so easily, at least he wasn't dead. That was something right?
Entering the room Petu looked around realizing just how filthy the battle had left him. Blood stained his legs and paws, while cold mud clung to his hindquarters and tail, sharply contrasted by the neat and tidy little room that Grant had once called his own.
"Er, what exactly do you want me to do?" He asked Rapshade, the room was obviously well kept, and Rapshade didn't appear to have much in the way of personal belongings.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Shocked by the sudden display of violence, Bracklew remained frozen even as Grenlik slunk off, back into the woodlands. The young squirrel's eye twitched, and he fell to his knees slowly shaking his head. Reaching out he checked Seacloak's pulse. Dead... He would have done the same to One-ear, but what was the point? He could barely recognize the fox's destroyed head. He half listened to Roscoe, focusing instead on the flame sigil etched upon One-ear's tunic. Blood, still warm, pooled around the two bodies and Bracklew began to laugh.
It was cold laughter, filled with confusion and lacking humor. His whole body shook as he laughed, trying to rid himself of the darkness that swirled in his gut. Just as the laughter reached a climatic note it switched, rapidly turning into racking sobs, and pitiful crying. Bracklew rocked back and forth unable to control himself as he looked upon the two creatures that had carried him across the breaking point.
"I wasn't expecting it to be this neat..." Rapshade murmured to himself, scratching his chin.
He turned suddenly to Petu.
"Errh, clean up this mess you're making."
The rabbit himself was dirty and bleeding.
Cursing, the ferret shoved him back out the door. "Addlebrain, how dare y' throw me off!"
The hallway, though clean, was quiet and dark.
Rapshade tripped over himself as he was coming out the door and had to grab onto Petu's shoulder to cease his fall.
"Drat it...cursed leg! C'mon, we're going to the infirmary, because I'm messed up too."
--
Roscoe was a vermin, and although not as bad as some, he still hadn't any friends.
Although Abbot Litho was dead he hadn't cried for him.
The weasel rocked back and forth in the snow, screwing up his face in confusion.
"I think I should go."
OOC: Just channeling my inner self.
(http://cdn1.sciencefiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/George-RR-Martin.jpg)
BIC:
Aside from the two squirrels left behind to guide the Redwallers, most of the Vigil had returned to the Moledeep entrance. Charm scoffed.
"Where's that vole gone off to, leaving the entrance open like this?"
She sighed.
"Anybeast with injuries, report to the Infirmary. The rest of you, get some food and some rest. We'll hit them again once they don't know what's coming."
*****
Further north, still within the confines of Mossflower wood, an old squirrel trundled along one of the many forgotten tracks winding through the snow. Basket of food in hand, he made the same trek every day, to deliver vittles to a friend of his. But this day was different. The birdsongs were strangely not present. He almost jumped a foot in the air when a scream echoed through the trees. The elder clutched his heart for a brief moment, then hurried forward to a clump of bushes. Peering through, he gasped. It was that fox chap, the leader of that group he had met on a few occasions. Dead... He sighed. Those creatures had helped him before. He felt they needed to know. It seemed the fox was alone, he would have to be the bearer of bad news. The squirrel set the basket down on the side of the track. He would come back for it later.
Fardan nodded as Fastooth spoke. "Station three guards directly by it, and another three in the wall with bows. The ones on the wall will keep an eye on the hole at all times, and kill anything that emerges. Alert me if anything happens that requires my attention, I need to talk to Alfhild."
The wildcat started across the lawns.
OOC-
Where'd you find that picture?
IC-
Alfhild was heading inside herself, pushing Grant along in front of her.
"You saw that Dibbun? He was just the first. Anybeast who we three leaders deem insubordinate will be killed on the spot." The ferret hissed into his ear, sending shudders through his fur.
"Does poor Grant still deny the existence of a horde, my beautiful, powerful, victorious horde?"
Upon not answering, Alfhild swung out and kicked him across the heels.
"Answer me!"
Grant snapped back, "Victorious in name, but in spirit you never will be. Martin will help us out of this!"
Quote from: Ashleg on December 07, 2016, 02:53:15 AM
OOC-
Where'd you find that picture?
Here. (https://lmgtfy.com/?q=George+R+R+Martin)
"Infirmary? Why the infirmary, nobeast will be in there." Petu observed as he slogged along with Rapshade. He was tired, but after the battle he doubted he'd be able to sleep for a week. His ears still rang with the clash of steel, and the shadows flickered with the writhing of the dying. Petu shuddered, shuffling to keep up with Rapshade, it was better to be close to his captor, then to be alone with those nightmarish memories.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Standing Bracklew rubbed away his tears with a sniffle, for the first time really focusing on Roscoe. He stared long and hard at the weasel, who didn't appear to be saddened by the deaths, merely shocked and confused, much like himself actually. It didn't matter what Roscoe was, just that he was there.
"I never knew either of them well," he murmured, very slowly returning his gaze to One-ear and Seacloak. "I didn't care for them, but nobeast deserved that, nobeast deserves this." He indicated the bodies with his left wrist, his unnatural stump was still wrapped in bandages. Bracklew self-consciously hid the deformity in his tunic, shivering from the cold. "If you don't mind, I - I'd appreciate the company, if you want to stay."
"There'll be supplies, won't there? An' I think Vadoma's up here. Even if she's not, I could get her."
Rapshade leaned on the wall.
His wounds did hurt, now that he's gotten over the excitement of his first victory in a season.
...A season.
The ferret was silent as he pushed open the door, his intensely colored eyes flitting back and forth.
Only a season had passed since his defeat?
He felt like he'd aged five years.
Only a season...
Anger spread over the ferret's face and then diminished, like a wildfire in the rain.
Vadoma wasn't there.
He hustled Petu inside and flicked his tail, trying to seem as pleasant as possible. It was a halfhearted attempt. "Are there lanterns in here? I can see in th' dark, but I don't feel like scavenging through cupboards like this."
--
Roscoe smirked and rolled his eyes, seeming to have easily waved the shock away. "Jus' the Vigil leader an' a dusty old badger, nothing t' cry over. Do ya have any food, Tree Rat?"
He shivered and tugged on his cloak.
"Or a fire..."
IC:
"There should be some in that broom closet." Petu shambled over, pulling the door open. Like the rest of Rayne's domain it was clean, and well organized, and sure enough several medical lanterns hung on a rack, already set with oil.
"Here you go," Petu wasn't sure what to call Rapshade, monster, and evil came to mind, but the rabbit wisely kept those to himself and simply avoided calling Rapshade by name or title. "Hm, do you have any way of lighting them?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"No," Bracklew answered, looking around the desolate woodlands hopelessly. "The badger, he was supposed to show me the way to Redwall, but clearly that's not an option." Bracklew wiped the back of his paw on his nose. "We could go down that hole you'n One-ear came from."
"No way, not ever!" Roscoe yelped, fear flashing through his face.
He craned his neck to look at the hole. "That's where th' 'edgepigs rip out yer eyes...they leave ya waitin', though, so ya can think about everything that's gonna happen in high detail."
Shuddering, the weasel stepped behind Bracklew.
"That reminds me. They'll know we escaped by now, we really shouldn't be here."
--
Rapshade squinted at the lanterns and bit his claw.
"Do I? As much as y' probably think I can breath fire, I can't. Forget it. Why don't you--"
Somebeast knocked on the door.
"Sir, are ya in 'ere? This'n says 'e knows yer...is 'e crazy?"
Stepping around Petu, the ferret creaked open the door.
Fang...
He didn't answer, just grabbed his friend by the wrist and waved the guard away.
"Stay here with Petu, I'll be right back."
Staring in disbelief at the weasel, Bracklew shook his head deciding not to question what he had just heard. There had been enough madness in his life to make it impossible to disenfranchise that story. It was possible that Roscoe was referring too crazy old Muddle, the young squirrel had heard stories about what had happened to him, but most assumed the hedgehog was long dead.
"Right, I guess the hole isn't an option, we'll need to find some sort of shelter before a storm arrives or night sets in." There was still a slight tremor in his voice, but Bracklew was slowly regaining control of himself. "Me and Seacloak were traveling in this direction." Bracklew pointed the way, wishing he had listened more when he had been given navigation lessons. "We should go this way, and hope for the best I suppose."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"How's the old voice box coming along Fang?" Petu asked, collapsing exhausted on the nearest bed. He wasn't going to argue the validity of the order to stay, it was perfectly fine by him. "I don't know how you survived, pal ol' ratty, but somehow you and I did it, and now you vermin blokes are in control. I can barely wrap my head around it."
OOC: I answered Fastooth a page or two ago, if you want to respond.
"I doubt there'll be a storm..." Roscoe muttered, though he nodded at Bracklew and waited for him to lead.
"I've really no clue why I should go with ya, it's not like I live at Redwall--or anywhere. Technically I could just..."
--
Fang frowned in disappointment as Rapshade pushed past him and ran down the hall.
He sat next to Petu, looking incredulous.
"Why'd he leave like that? What'm I saying, he always leaves." The rat paused to contemplate something and then shrugged, glancing at Petu.
"Er, I'm fine, I guess. Y'say Cap'n won? Why are ya grouping me--"
Rapshade raced back to the room with Vadoma following after him.
While the vixen lit the lanterns and got supplies free from the drawers, the ferret slunk up to his friend.
"Oh Fang, I didn't win anything yet."
"Leave?" Bracklew enquired flicking his ears slightly as he trudged through the snow. "You could, I suppose. I wouldn't stop you." He stopped walking, turning to face the weasel, there was no sign of aggression or anger on his face, just misery. He just wanted somebeast, anybeast to talk too, and at the moment that someone was Rosecoe.
"Where will you go?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saluting one last time Fastooth moved off to do Fardan's bidding, placing the guards along the walls and at the pit's edge. Most of the creatures he chose grumbled at the lost opportunity to feast with their victories comrades, but a few choice kicks and words got them into place in short order.
"I don' wanna hear another word, move it!" He snapped, stepping around a particularly burly weasel that was protesting his appointment. "An' if'n I hear ye say another thing 'bout me, I'll rip yer tongue out. Quit yer bellyaching an' watch th' hole. Ye'll get yer chance to eat."
Leaving the woeful guards Fastooth made his way towards the great hall grinning in satisfaction. As second in command to Fardan, he certainly wasn't going to miss any of the feasting. After all, what was better then a good fight followed by a good scoff?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Watching the fox work using Rayne's carefully organized herbs and poultices Petu worked up the courage to ask after the mouse's wellbeing, along with the other Redwallers.
"Where is Rayne being kept?" He asked timidly, "she could be really helpful up her, healing everybeast that was wounded in the battle. For that matter where is Grant, and everyone else staying?" Petu assumed the soon-to-be slaves wouldn't be allowed to return to their dormitories. Maybe Rapshade or Vadoma would know.
"They're in the Cellars," said Vadoma as she tied off Petu's bandages.
"Well, the she-mouse is. Alfhild has Grant."
The vixen turned to see Rapshade trying to slink away and she pointed firmly to the bed.
Rapshade grumbled and sat down, twitching angrily as Fang leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Cap'n, yer th' best."
"Sure I am. Hurry up, Vad, we're missing the feast!" The ferret snapped as he pushed Fang away.
"Petu, I'll get Rayne when Vadoma's finished..."
--
Roscoe kicked up a cloud of snow, chuckling softly.
"Who cares? Redwall doesn't need somebeast like me."
He clapped the squirrel on the shoulder and continued walking, hopping over a patch of ice.
"Th' young H'Abbot is dead, anyway. That leaves me about zero friends there."
"Hi, Alfhild," said Fardan. "When're we having the victory feast? I'm famished... especially after taking over the famed Redwall." He grinned wickedly at Grant.
"Apparently somebeasts think we're already having it, though I just gave the order to take the woodlanders and have them prepare something." Alfhild snorted, shoving Grant inside.
"If you'd like, Fardan, y' can go in the kitchen and pressure those frogwallopers into making you something special." She smirked.
Grant glared at both of the vermin but didn't say anything.
Oh, Martin help me! How could I have been so blind?
"Er, thank you," Petu said uneasily, not entirely sure how to respond. If he could help any Redwaller that would be something, at least Rayne wouldn't be spending the whole night in the cold cellars. "Should I stay here, or go with you?" Petu didn't much favor the idea of attending the victory celebration. It would be like rubbing salt in a fresh wound. The rabbit blinked bleary eyed at the mere thought of creatures celebrating the atrocities that had happened.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Joining the horde leaders Fastooth listened with half an ear as he pondered how to deal with Rapshade. Obviously Vaskor had been incapable of dealing out the agreed murder for whatever reason, and as much as it infuriated the rat to be so betrayed, he didn't want an enemy of Vaskor. Instead he'd have to commit the murder himself, but such an action would have to be at the paws of another, and who among the horde would be stupid enough to attempt to slay the nephew of the chieftain?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You and me both," Bracklew agreed mournfully, slipping on the ice that Roscoe had jumped. The squirrel steadied himself, pressing forward on their chosen course. He watched Roscoe's back, frowning a bit in aspiration. "How well did you know Abbot Litho?" Bracklew enquired having nothing better to talk about. He couldn't imagine the weasel had been good friends with a stately mouse abbot. Perhaps Roscoe's expectations for friends was simply very small. "I never knew him well, I was very young when he ruled Redwall."
"Err, not very well, but 'e had a soft spot fer..."
Roscoe slowed down, eyes downcast.
"Litho's dead," he snapped, and began trudging forward hastily.
Like a rock.
Killed by a sickness at such a young age, and now I'm a pestilence!
At last the weasel whirled round and pointed back at the trees, a sideways grin plastered on his snout.
"Oh will ya lookit that! I know where we are now, no time t'lose, come on!" he exclaimed in a rush.
--
"You're coming with me, Fangfang too, grief knows what you'd try t' do if I left ye alone." Rapshade grumbled, testing his leg. He'd learnt to put little to no weight on it while walking. This shouldn't be too much of a setback.
"Um, and you're welcome, I guess..."
Fang hopped down from the cot.
"Why's Petu sad?"
Now that he thought about it, he was getting weird vibes from Rapshade, too.
The rat pulled a wry smirk. "What'd I miss?"
@Asher: *ahem*
Charm sat in the mess with the rest of the Vigil, who were taking the time to lick their wounds and prepare for their next confrontation with the vermin. She wished there had been some way to prevent the dibbun's death. No doubt the Vigil would be blamed for it. The otter sighed and poked at her food when she eyed Celio approaching.
"What is it?"
"Marm, there's an' old squirrel at the entrance. He must've known about Moledeep. Wants t'see whoever's in charge."
"And with One-Ear and Asher away, that would be me. Any idea how he knew about this place?"
"A few woodlanders have come here the past seasons fer food an' medicine. It's 'elpful fer those who don't want to trek all the way to the Abbey, after all."
"True. Let's go see him."
The otter and the mouse wandered down one of the tunnels that led to the main entrance. An old squirrel stood just inside the cave, shivering slightly. When he saw the two Vigil soldiers approaching, the squirrel sighed with relief.
"Thank goodness, I was beginning to think you would never come. Is... Is the fox here?"
"One-Ear? No."
"Then it was as I expected. He... He's dead, marm."
"What?"
"I... I saw him, slain by a badger. What kind of woodlander could do that? A vermin he was, but you have been nothing but good to me. Why?"
"You're sure it was him?"
"He had the logo on 'is chest. 'Ee 'ad one ear, one eye, an' only 'alf an' 'ead. The badger..."
"Thank you, old one. You look fatigued. Celio, have somebeast bring him food and a cloak."
"Th-thank you, marm. May the seasons be kind to you."
Charm nodded, and turned on her heel, walking back to the mess. She held up a paw for silence, as the troops turned to her. Aside from the score or two in the infirmary, the entire Vigil had gathered in the chamber. Charm cleared her throat.
"One-Ear is dead."
Murmuring started up immediately.
"Silence! With One-Ear dead, his titles are void, and the responsibility of running this army falls to Asher and I. With the Champion out on mission, with no sign of returning any time soon, I, as commander-in-chief, am the sole leader of the Vigil until he returns. And I'm calling the vote. If Asher is here, speak up."
No reply reached the otter's ears.
"As commander-in-chief, my vote is worth 100 votes. If Asher were here, we would each have 50 votes instead, but he is not. The lieutenants have 10 votes, the captains have 5, and the rest of you have 1. Should the votes for have the majority over the votes against, as is written down in our orders, the Commander-in-Chief of the Vigil, or acting leader should the Commander be incapacitated, will be given the power to disband the Vigil. Commence the vote."
Gukom pulled out his scroll.
"I, Commander-in-chief Charm, cast my votes for."
"100 for. I, Lieutenant Gukom, cast my votes against. Without the Vigil, I have nowhere to go. Redwall hates us, and the outside world is full of vermin, just like the ones that already took over the place. That's 100 for, 10 against."
"I, Lieutenant Celio, cast my votes against. One-Ear is dead. We can't just let what he started go to waste."
"100 for, 20 against."
"I, Mess-Lieutenant Chalmers, cast my votes for. This whole operation is a waste of time and resources. We'll never wipe out every undesirable in these woods, no matter how hard we try!"
"110 for, 20 against"
"I, Medical-Lieutenant Shillo, cast my votes against. We're helping beasts. Isn't that what counts? Redwall is content to stay within their walls and let everybeast outside die alone. We're what stands beside them. Us. The shield that guard them."
"110 for, 30 against."
"I, Captain Spinorem, cast my votes against. Spinoraz, my brother, died for this cause! I won't forget him. He died doing what he did best, killin' vermin. I ain't gonna dishonor his memory by lettin' them scum go free to keep pillagin' these woods!"
A small cheer went up through the ranks.
"I stand with the Cap'n!"
"As do I!"
"An' me too!"
"An' us! The Watervole Brothers are with Spinorem!"
"Spinorem is our captain! We stand beside 'im, all o' 'is team!"
"That's 100 for, 65 against."
"I, Captain Durken, cast my votes for. Redwall hates us, they'll never accept us, or forgive us! Why should we die protectin' 'em? Their walls are the strongest defenses in the woods, if they got off their fat be'inds and reinforced their gates, they'd be untouchable! Why do we 'ave ta give our lives jus' cause they're too stupid ta fix their own problems?"
Durken received a standing ovation. Those who had not yet voted rushed to cast their votes for.
"Th...That's 65 against, and... It's a landslide for."
"Spinorem, Celio, all of you who cast your votes against, hear me. Captain Durken speaks harshly. And truly. I want to help the Abbey, I really do. But there are too many vermin for us to deal with. Killing them just distances us and the Abbey, and we have neither the space nor the resources to keep more than a small handful as prisoners. You want to avenge your brother, Captain? You and anybeast who stands with you can do so, but you will not do so under the banners of the Vigil. You will not risk those who are under my protection, and you will not bring the hatred of Redwall Abbey to the rest of us. I, Charm, Commander-in-Chief of the Vigil, hereby issue my final order. Open the cells, we will give trial to the prisoners. Then every single woodlander in these caverns will take up arms, and drive those vermin out of Redwall. Upon the completion of this task, I relinquish my command, scatter my troops, and declare the Vigil disbanded!"
OOC; If you don't mindc let's just wrap up this Jergle thing in a few posts. It's not really doing much. :P
BIC:
Asher looked disgusted, holding the knife up in case of further attacks. "Ye don't have to eat other beasts! Why do it?"
He swiped diagonally, testing the mouse.
OOC-
Ay Fardan!
Jergle winced as Asher's knife sliced across his arm.
"Why? Eating plants never got anybeast far, did it? Look at vermin. They eat birds. Some of 'em eat other beasts. They're a lot stronger than us. If I lived off of, uck, roots and berries for all me life, I'd be a geriatric wreck with my age. But flesh gives me energy. Flesh gives me strength!"
The mouse swung his cleaver at the squirrel.
OOC: Can I just PP/briefly sieze control of Asher and kill Jergle?
OOC: Go ahead.
"Yeah weasel, I know he's dead." Bracklew said impatiently, not understanding what Roscoe was trying to imply. "I'm not a dibbun, I think I might know the difference between a deadbeast and a living one. I just wanted to know how well you knew him."
Bracklew jumped a little when Roscoe suddenly spun, saying he knew where they were. His eyes lighting up, Bracklew pursued the weasel through the woodlands, looking for any familiar landmarks. "Are you sure you know where you are?" He asked, heart beating rapidly, if Roscoe was wrong he could be getting them horribly lost. Bracklew knew he would be little help if that became the case, was completely turned around amongst the massive trees.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ah nothing much Fang," Petu declared, rolling his eyes in aspiration. "Just the invasion of Redwall and the murder of dibbuns and the enslavement of all my friends." Petu's voice lost much of its sarcastic tone and his tall ears drooped. "Nothing will ever be the same Fang, Redwall is a different place now. I don't think anyone could help us now."
"What?" Fangfang shot a glance at Rapshade as if asking for confirmation.
So that was why he'd been greeted by vermin instead of Woodlanders...
"How about th' Guowhatsit, th' group o' shrews, they could 'elp ya."
Rapshade's eye twitched.
He wanted to yell at Fang, tell him he was too pure and naive and that he should escape while he could.
Instead the ferret just nodded, shoving Petu out the door.
"I killed Chrysanthemum, they're getting no help from them."
--
"I-I think this is th' way I came!" Roscoe exclaimed with a grin, pelting through the snow.
"If'n we follow the stream, Redwall's south! When we get back will ya let me have some of that strawberry fizz stuff?"
The weasel giggled knowingly, there had to be something in it for him--even if it were merely that.
Fardan shrugged. "I don't see why not. If they don't do it willingly, there's always some leverage to use."
He glanced at Grant. It was fun to see creature's spirits crushed.
Alfhild dragged Grant inside, glancing behind her to see if Fardan was coming.
The two partners in crime would have been the duel rulers of the Abbey, if not for her upstart nephew Rapshade and her stupid idea to let him live.
Now she had to roll with having three rulers of Redwall...although, some of the horde still disrespected Rapshade.
Smirking as she bumped the Abbot into the kitchens, the ferret teased, "You all had better work hard and prepare us a feast that will rival--if not outdo--each and every other feast this building's inhabitants have ever prepared!"
She cackled and slammed the door shut.
The dazed and confused mouse stumbled backwards into the wall, spotting Friar Rusk and a few other creatures, all already having been put to work cooking up the vermin's victory feast.
Our defeat feast.
A ferret and a stoat constantly hovered over them to make sure nobeast tried anything fishy.
The stoat walked up and seized the Abbot by the arm, hauling him over by Rusk.
"I'm sure ye kin cook, eh? Get t' work, all o' ye!"
"Rusk, friend, help me," Grant hissed through clenched teeth.
"'E can't do anything, he's chained up, see? An' if 'e did try," said the ferret, unfurling a whip from his belt.
"Then that pore creature'd wind up on th' menu. The pain menu, hoho!"
OOC: Could Brack and Roscoe run into the vermin sent to look for Grenlik and get a status report on Redwall, or are you planning on using them for something else?
@Groddil IC:
"You killed her," Petu gasped in horror after being shoved out the door. The rabbit did his best to keep pace with Rapshade, which was made easier by the fact that both of them had a hurt leg, his more so. "Why are you doing this? I thought you hated your aunt, that's what you said before, isn't it? Why would you help her?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'll get you as much strawberry fizz as you want if you get me back to Redwall." Bracklew promised as he kept pace behind Roscoe. He was already lagging a bit from the run, but it lifted his spirits and warmed his body. Never mind his empty stomach and frozen toes, if Roscoe was right they'd be back at Redwall soon. "I'll make sure Drubble gives you the best, mulled, and fizzy strawberry cordial, heated over a fire. And some of that toasted acorn beard and tarts that Rusk can make. If you like those sorts of things. I can make them you know, being abbey champion and all."
He panted a bit, staring up through the darkening trees that seemed to grow thicker as they ran. "How much farther do you suppose it is? I don't know how much longer I can keep running like this."
OOC: Go to Morty's room, find the poison she used against Rapshade in Part 1, then put it in the food! Three vermin with one vial!
@LT Sandpaw: Sure, they weren't being used for anything other than sequel things. They can be thinned out a bit.
BIC:
Asher nimbly sidestepped the mouse's swing. Flesh or no flesh, he was still old. The squirrel kicked at Jergle's paw, sending the cleaver flying across the room. Jergle bit down roughly onto Asher's foreleg, causing the squirrel to wince. Jergle used the opportunity to snatch Asher's knife, but found him being tackled before he could do anything with it. Asher knocked Jergle to floor, holding the knife back with one paw and forcing the mouse into the fire with the other. Jergle's screams filled the fallen log as the flames began to jump to his fur, every thrust he attempted to make missing. With one last burst of adrenaline, the mouse burst free of Asher's grasp and ran for the snow, still holding Asher's knife. He didn't notice the cleaver knocked on the ground. Jergle tripped roughly over the blade, falling in a heap to the floor of the dwelling, Asher's knife stuck between his ribs. The mouse chuckled. The chuckles turned to coughs. The coughs turned to silence.
OOC-
@LT Sandpaw I'm down with that.
@Groddil Yours, not so much. ;P
IC-
"I'm not helping her, I'm helping me." Rapshade snapped.
His hatred of Alfhild had not lessened at all in the time he spent with her; in fact, it had grown.
"Chrysanthe's death has nothing t' do with Alfhild."
"Chrysanthe, y'mean Log-a-Log, r-right, Cap'n?" Fang chimed, raising an eyebrow.
The ferret hopped down the stairs, using the wall as support.
"Mmhm."
He halted in wait for Petu. He could see the entrance to the Great Hall from here, and his eyes glowed.
Last he'd been there he had been a servant, a pathetic figure scrambling to clean up the other animals' messes.
But not now!
"I could be King..." the ferret whispered, cracking a twisted grin.
--
"Acorn bread an' tarts also?!"
Roscoe snickered in glee, doing unnecessary hopskips over certain areas of snow.
"Yer not so bad, Treerat, I think I like ya!"
He skidded to a halt, perking his ears. "And we don't 'aveta run anymore if ya don't want, I'm good with that."
"You're easy to please? And did did you call me a treerat!" Bracklew snorted, slowing to an easy stride to keep pace with the weasel's frolicking. "I wouldn't go that far you fried frog, I just like the fact that you seem to know where you're going. Its an unwilling, mutually beneficial situation." Despite himself Bracklew gave a grudging smile, flicking his tail in time with his pawsteps. "Anyway, just point the way correctly pathfinder and we'll get to Redwall faster."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Not with your aunt running the place." Petu interjected in a distracted manner. He was doing his best to maintain a healthy distance from any vermin except Fang and Rapshade. The rabbit's naturally sharp ears had caught the whispered phrase, but he didn't think much of it. He was more concerned with his own safety, it was no secret that vermin had a certain predatory disposition towards his species. This belief was only reinforced when he heard a stoat mutter to his friend.
"I wunner if that'n be on th' menu tonight eh?"
"Where will you be sitting?" Petu asked in trepidation moving a little closer to Rapshade. "How about way in the back, where no one can see us?"
"Fry yer own frog, Treerat," Roscoe retorted, smirking as he gave Bracklew a playful nudge.
"I'm thinkin' we turn left now. How don't ya know how t' get back t' yer own home, eh? Must be awfully dim in that head of yers!"
The weasel broke into a laughing bout, nearly walking smack into a tree.
--
Rapshade blinked like he was pulled out of a trance.
"What?" He curled his lip, shooting the stoat a fiery glare.
"No, we're going to be up and center, I'm at Alfhild's right. Fang will be next to me, because..." He whirled round and grabbed the rat by the wrist, shaking him.
"Stop laggin' be'ind, Idiot! Like I was saying, Petu, you're going to stand behind me in case I need something." The ferret frowned.
"Savvy?"
OOC: Groddil?
IC:
"Mossflower is a big place," Bracklew argued, grabbing Roscoe's shoulder pulling him away from the tree before he ran into it. "I can't be expected to know the whole woodlands. Put me south of the wall and I'd be able to find my way around. Maybe."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Savvy, yeah very savvy." Petu agreed, fidgeting nervously. The rabbit felt a heavy paw on his shoulder, with a startled jump he looked around to see Fastooth's gruff face nearly inches from his own.
"Why is this 'er slave not wit' th' others in the cellars chief?" The rat asked Rapshade, glaring angrily at his ferret nemesis. "Shall I take 'Im for ye?"
OOC-
Gonna wait for Grodds for Roscoe.
Speaking of our missing adventurers, where in the moonlight is Sagey?
IC-
"No no, get your grimy paws off him." Rapshade snapped, pulling Petu by the wrist to him.
The rabbit looked so confused.
"He's my personal slave, you oaf. Or are y' dimmer than Fang? Oh, here comes Alfhild." The ferret grinned widely, whispering in Fastooth's ear.
"Best shape up or she'll have your head as an appetizer if I don't first."
Alfhild sauntered down the room, fixed up and grinning in what Rapshade could only assume to be some sort of cerimonial cloak.
Snickering, she leaned across Rapshade's shoulders as she kicked the chair out from under Fang.
"What's happening here, mm?"
Shank grumbled. He had expected to join the feast, not join the search party. This wasn't what Captains were supposed to do. The weasel kicked a rat who was lagging behind.
"Hurry up, filth. The sooner we find those good fer nothin' scouts, the sooner we get back t'the feast."
The rat stumbled, tripping through a bush and onto the track a few metres in front of Roscoe.
"Ey, boss?"
Shank brushed through the undergrowth.
"You there, weasel. What're you doin'? You one of ours? What's with th' prisoner?"
*****
Beneath Redwall, most of the Vigil were already resting by the time the Redwallers arrived at the Moledeep entrance. One of the squirrels yelled through a small gap in the rocks, causing the tunnel to open.
"In y'go folks. Get some rest. Anybeast who knows 'ow t'fight, report t'the mess 'all."
Roscoe stumbled back and put his paws on Bracklew's shoulders, grinning nervously.
"Y-yessir, just doin' what th' Cheif ordered as this'n 'ere tried ta escape and I caught 'im!" He tightened his grip a bit. "Right, Treerat?"
--
Maxy scampered forward, batting his paws.
"Me, I wan' fit' an' save Rwedwall!"
The elder stuck out a paw and scooped him up, shaking his head.
"You will do no such thing, little one."
"Nothing t'all chief, I was jus' askin' chief Rapshade if he wanted me ter take this slave down to th' cellars, so e' wasn't takin' up space during our feast." The rat stepped back, placing his paws on his hips. "Apparently he'd rather th' bunny stuck around, I suppose th' we'll just have to deal with the stink eh?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bracklew's eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms defiantly. He might have gone along with the ploy, if it hadn't been for the fact that Martin's sword was plainly still strapped to his hip, and there was only two vermin facing them. If Roscoe didn't run it would be an even fight, and Bracklew was done running. Maybe he could warn the two vermin off without having to battle them.
"Don't call me treerat Roscoe, and I ain't his prisoner." Bracklew said in his gruffest voice, trying his best to look tough. It didn't help that his eyes were still a little tear stained, and he was shivering a bit from the cold, but the point came across nonetheless. "We're traveling through here to Redwall, and if you don't want trouble, you'd best move along."
"Yeah, to Redwall because that's where Alfhild is taking over!" Roscoe gasped, stomping on Bracklew's tail.
"So I can return...the...prisoner?"
--
Alfhild wrinkled her nose, waving a paw exaggeratedly.
"Stink as he may, naught stinks as much as you trying to get into other creatures' business. Run along with your mates--if you have any. These chairs are reserved for the Three."
Rapshade cracked a smile--he almost wanted to congratulate her for that.
Fastooth reminded him so much of Saltooth.
"Gotta be careful round rats," said the ferret as he watched Fang haul himself back up.
"Th' addlebrains are either know-it-alls or dim as night."
Three more vermin emerged from the bushes. One pointed at Bracklew.
"Oi, Shank, get th' mud out of yer eyes. That treerat's got a sword. A nice sword. I could 'ave that..."
Shank kicked the stoat roughly.
"Shuddup addlebrain. Nobeast'll 'ave that blade but me. You ain't goin' ta Redwall. It's ours! Only way you're goin' is six feet inta th' dirt!"
The weasel drew his sword. The four other vermin looked at him briefly, before readying their own rusty weapons.
"Ouch, don't step on my tail you idiot." Bracklew hissed angrily to Roscoe, wincing as the weasel's sharp claws dug into the sensitive appendage. "Stay behind me, there's more then I expected."
Drawing his sword Bracklew went into the basic guard, licking his dry lips nervously. Fighting two would have been challenging enough, he wasn't sure he could best five.
"What do you mean Redwall is yours?" Bracklew enquired, trying to draw time so that he could formulate a strategy. "The only bit of Redwall you scum would get, is a mass burial in the ditch."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
If Fastooth's glare could have been any more vicious, it would have torn Rapshade's heart out and eaten it. The rat looked enraged, but he kept calm, though his current mood showed in the jerky movements of his salute. "Aye chiefs, I'll be goin'." Sending one last murderous stare towards the foursome the rat stalked away grumbling under his breath.
Roscoe shrunk behind Bracklew, giving way to his cowardice. "Bracky, I'm runnin'. The ferret said if I couldn't return t' 'er with a successful way into Redwall, I shouldn't return at all. I can't do it, I'm just a thief!" The weasel wailed, shoving past Bracklew as he tried hysterically to get through the guards.
--
Rapshade simply leaned back in his chair and waved, grinning as Fastooth stalked away as if he knew all of the rat's secrets. "Buh-bye."
A mouse and a hedgehog hurried out of the kitchen and began to set the table, one hesitatingly pouring wine in Alfhild's glass.
She took a swig and glanced at Rapshade, raising an eyebrow in interest.
"You're horrible."
"Am I?"
"You are. You don't know when to stop. You make them hate you until they hate themselves for not being able to hate you more."
Rapshade grinned. "So it's a good kind of horrible. Ah, look, appitizers! You want something, Petu?"
Shank laughed.
"A mass burial in the ditch? Only beasts in the ditch are a couple o' Vigil, an' a Dibbun that Vaskor slaughtered. Now that was a sight to see. We got in easy enough. Batterin' ram to the gates, then took their leader 'ostage. We 'ad full run o' the place by the time the Vigil showed up. Once Vaskor stabbed that likkle un, they left right quick. An' because o' this delay, I'm missin' th' victory feast!"
As Roscoe tried to escape, one of the stoats swung his rusty axe at the weasel.
"Back, filth. If'n ye ain't one of us, then ye 'ave two options. Join, or die. An' yer too much of a coward ta join. DIE!"
Screeching, Roscoe tumbled to the ground in an attempt to avoid the axe.
"I'll join---rejoin!" The weasel gaped, scrambling back to his paws. "Rejoin, yes, I was Alfhild's spy..."
Rusk gritted his teeth as Grant was shoved into the kitchen. "Father Abbot, we can't argue. What we can do is make food for the horde, so we aren't all slaughtered for disobeying."
OOC: Sorry. I hope that's good enough.
"Make food for the horde...mmmh, I can't imagine giving them anything but a knuckle sandwich." Grant hesitated and then rolled up his sleeves, looking for something to do.
"What? Abbots can have violent thoughts too!"
"Roscoe stay back, you're going to get us both killed!" Bracklew shouted as Roscoe leapt forward. Ignoring Shank's barbed words, and determining them as lies Bracklew surged after Roscoe sword point first. He stabbed towards the axe wielding stoat catching the creature off guard.
OOC-
What do you mean by "dealt with", is he trying to attack Roscoe or save him?
OOC: Troubles with grammar,
The axe-wielding stoat is dealing with Roscoe, as in swinging his axe at him. Bracklew is attacking the stoat while he is distracted.
OOC-
Okay, and if you could post with Petu, Rapshade asked him something.
IC-
Roscoe backed up and tried to flee in the opposite direction, really not caring.
He shoved a weasel out of the way and while the creature was confused began running.
"I'll see ya one day, Treerat, be careful now!"
OOC: I was waiting for Groddil but he's taking too long. :P
IC:
"Uh, no thank you I'm not very hungry." Petu lied, just as his stomach growled loud enough for some foxes, sitting a short distance away, to turn and look at him. In truth Petu wasn't sure he could eat, even though he was starving. The thought of eating at the victory feast while Redwallers wasted away in the cellars disgusted him, but as the savory scents from the appetizers reached his nose, the rabbit caved to his desires. "Maybe just a little then." He murmured in defeat.
Laughing jeeringly, the ferret gave Petu's ear a good, hard tug.
"Ohhh! What a pity!" He sneered, "All you're getting is a nice hard slap from me if y' ever assume again."
Glancing over at Alfhild, Rapshade noticed that she was grinning.
Good.
Snatching a scone, the former pirate mused, "Wipe that stupid look off your face, Petu."
Ignoring the comment, Rusk grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill. "Alright, well, these vermin are probably going to want something... meatier. Like a fish. Hasn't there been a trout in the Abbey pond for quite a few seasons now? That would do."
The stoat with the axe growled as Bracklew's sword slashed against his side. The stoat ignored Roscoe, and swung his weapon towards Bracklew. Due to his injury, it missed by a mile, and the stoat dropped his axe in agony.
"Rrrrr, gonna... kill ye!"
Shank shoved a ferret armed with a club forward.
"Deal with the squirrel while Third-Eye shoots 'im."
A rat, safe behind the rest of the vermin, notched an arrow to bowstring as the ferret swung his club at Bracklew. Shank stared down at Roscoe with contempt.
"Yes, I believe that. You were Alfhild's spy, regardless of your contradicting stories. Of course, you just gave that away in front of a Woodlander. That's not what Alfhild would want. And as your superior, I sentence you to die."
Grinning, the weasel drew his sword and nudged Roscoe.
"You prefer to die kneeling, or standing, runt?"
Roscoe backed up into the center again, having been stopped by Shank.
"Wh-wha-what?" He laughed, poking the tip of the weasel's sword with a shaky paw.
"That's a s-sharp 'un ya got there! Erm..." He glanced at Bracklew pleadingly and got down on his knees.
"You're so skilled, Shank, I'm a waste of yer time. You--you're fit annuf ta be another leader of th' horde. I'm just that, just a runt...surely Chief wouldn't think much of ya if ya kill the runt? Kill the squirrel with the big sword, however, and we'll all chant yer name, sir. Lord. Lord Shank."
--
"Yes, but the pond is iced over." Grant hissed, pouring a few drinks.
"And our Aver is too injured to go fishing."
The Winter of the White Sky feels more like the Winter of Oh My.
Far to busy to look at Roscoe, Bracklew preformed a quick backpedaled as the weasel's club whistled past where his head had been moments before. The young squirrel tightened his grip around the sword hilt, wishing he had both paws to add strength and speed to his swings. His heart beat like a drum in his chest, pounding out the notes from one of his lessons.
Keep on guard, remember your paw work, keep at it!
"You'll have to do better then that," Bracklew taunted, stabbing under the stoat's axe aiming towards the exposed armpit. "C'mon stoat, can't you best a one-pawed dibbun like me?" If he couldn't beat all four together, then maybe he could bait each one in turn into making a mistake. Hopefully Roscoe would survive until then.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ouch," holding his ear tenderly Petu backed away from the table and out of Rapshade's abusive reach. "Sorry, it wont happen again." He wasn't even sure what he did, it seemed to him that the ferret just liked beating up on him.
Rapshade felt Alfhild's icy eyes boring into him.
With a glower, he added, "Better not."
Fang glanced over, smirking. "H-Hey Cap'n, betcha I can juggle this cup."
"Bet you can't. You're not that talented...Is it full?" The ferret blinked, baring his teeth.
"Petu has t' clean it if'n y--"
Splash!
Rapshade leapt to his paws, gaping as cordial dripped from his fur.
His eyes blazed.
"Run, y' little runt!"
The fifth member of Shank's band, another ferret, kicked the stoat forward. The stoat spluttered as he was shoved directly onto Bracklew's sword. The ferret pushed the stoat further and further onto the blade until most of the weapon was stuck inside the poor creature. Grinning, the two ferrets lunged at Bracklew with their clubs as Third Eye aimed his bow.
Shank spat at Roscoe.
"Shuddup. I ain't no lord, an' Alf'ild ain't gonna be mad if I kill ye. She'll be mad if I don't. So I'm gonna. If yer one of us, yer a deserter. If yer not, ye can die anyway. I don't care."
The weasel held the point of the sword at Roscoe's neck.
"So what's it gonna be, runt? Standing, or kneelin'? I won't ask again."
Roscoe sat down, smirking nonchalantly.
"Not a lord, eh? You're not ambitious annuf. Whoever said I should stay still an let ya kill me? Bring me back t' Alfy an' then do it, she'll reward ya if she sees it."
He glanced at Bracklew and grimaced as the stoat died. Surely Alfhild would stick him like that, too...
"Y'know, Shank, mate, I always wanted ta die in my sleep...which wouldn't need me t' stand or kneel, would it..."
--
A pair of stoats sitting across the table began snickering.
Fang shrieked in laughter and tore away down the hall, leaving Rapshade to give chase as fast as his wounded leg would carry him.
"You'll rue that!" The ferret yowled. "You'll suffer for this!"
Fangfang turned and pelted up the stairs, racing to his room and locking it.
His heart beat so fast.
"Heheh, can't get in here, Cap'n!"
Rapshade twisted the doorknob.
"Y'did that's on purpose, didn't y'? That was no mistake!"
Yelling in pain Bracklew deflected one cub with his left arm, but the second connected with his shoulder. The young squirrel tumbled back into the snow, rolling away as the arrow buried itself into the ground next to him. His sword was still stuck in the stoat and Bracklew was down and disarmed, seemingly helpless in the face of the vermin. As they drew closer he sprung into action, moving with all the speed of a squirrel.
"Yaagh!" Reaching out Bracklew grabbed the stoat's abandoned axe and hurled it towards the farthest ferret before jumping up and tackling the second one in a flying leap of red fur and snow.
Bracklew's aim was true, and the axe thunked into one ferret's chest, causing him to drop like a stone. But when the squirrel tackled the second of his two assailants, causing them both to land in the snow, Third Eye simply chuckled. Now he didn't have to worry about hitting the others. The rat lowered his aim, loosing an arrow at Bracklew from only a few feet away. Shank, annoyed at how effective the squirrel was being at taking down his subordinates, withdrew his sword point from Roscoe's neck.
"Third Eye, keep an eye on the weasel. If he runs, shoot 'im."
The rat nodded.
"Whew, glad that's over." Roscoe breathed.
"Third Eye, mate, let me run an' I'll give ya a nice reward..."
--
"Maybe," Fang teased, pressing his weight on the door.
"If ya stop that I'll come out, I need t' talk, Cap'n."
He heard Rapshade back up and mutter a slew of curses.
Smiling awkwardly, the rat pushed the door open.
"I jus'...wanted t' ask ye a favor..."
--
Alfhild turned to Petu once the ferret and rat were gone.
"Now that they're off settling that, there's nothing to stop me from eating you."
OOC: Groddil: beasts*
BIC:
Rusk buried his face in his hands. "I've never had to do this. Well, let's just throw something simple together. We don't need to be fancy with these creatures..."
Third-Eye glared at Roscoe.
"Like what, runt?"
OOC: Sagetip: what*
What was left of Bracklew's luck was melting away rather quickly. Throwing a few hefty punches with his stump paw the young squirrel tried to pin the ferret down, grinding his teeth together. He might have been slain, there and then, if he hadn't reached for the abandoned club that lay nearby.
Third Eye's arrow buzzed past burying itself into his lower footpaw. Arching his back Bracklew hissed in agony, tightening his grip on the club's handle and bringing it down on the ferret's head, once, twice, thrice!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Petu eyed her in disbelief, his ears now permanently droopy. "I - ah, why would you do that when there's all this perfectly good food? You wouldn't want to ruin your appetite, right?"
While Bracklew was still distracted with the ferret, Shank walked up to the squirrel, sword in hand, and slashed at his unprotected back. Third-Eye kept one eye on Roscoe as he watched the proceedings, notching another arrow to his bowstring.
Bracklew was saved by the rusty blade, and his thick winter coat. Shank's blow acted more as a whip then a sword and left no more then a stinging red slice across Bracklew's back. The wound was shallow, but it was enough to cause Bracklew to slump forward, falling onto the ferret's body. Gritting his teeth together in desperation Bracklew swung the club blindly around in a wide arch, hoping to catch the weasel unprepared.
Shank noticed Bracklew try to swing the club. With one paw. Completely blindly. The weasel jumped back and stepped out of the way of Third Eye, as the rat fired another arrow towards Bracklew.
Roscoe bit his claw, he didn't think he'd come this far.
"Vittles...my hat..." The weasel froze as he noticed Bracklew's attacks getting weaker.
"A few compliments...so, whatcha say, buddy?"
--
"There is a lot of good food, Bunny, but the only thing wasting my appitite is thinking about the fact that we have to feed you, too! With you gone..." Alfhild leaned forward, bracelets jingling, and grabbed Petu's wrist.
"...there will be no extra mouths to feed. You useless, silly bunny."
--
Rapshade's eyes narrowed as he leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.
Fangfang took that as a sign to go on and marched up to his old friend. "Please jus' be careful," he begged, "Alfy was lookin' at yer like--"
The ferret slapped a paw across the rat's snout after regaining his composure.
"I know and I will." He snapped, "I'm not blind. I don't care if y' forgive me for ruining you, honest I don't. I lack the time t' take care of an airheaded little rat, so stop playing games. You go back down there with me right now if you're ready t' be a real vermin, Fang, or get out of here. If'n one of them doesn't kill you first."
The rat started fitting a third arrow to his bow, and aimed a kick at Roscoe.
"No. Shut yer trap, runt."
Roscoe yelped and plopped in the snow.
"Louse," he sneered, rolling over. "Frogwalloper."
--
Fang sniffed and brushed past Rapshade, heading down the stairs.
"R-right, Cap'n, I'm sorry."
"You had best be," hissed the ferret as he followed him. "You're a nuisance." He felt so torn he'd snapped.
As they silently reentered the Great Hall, Alfhild dropped Petu and began laughing.
Rapshade shuffled up beside Fang, keeping his eyes on the rat.
"I jus' missed ya," Fang whispered, causing his friend to pale.
"Spilling a drink on me isn't going to help your case."
Third eye ignored Roscoe, loosing the arrow. The rat fitted yet another projectile to his bow, then spat at the weasel.
"Will ye shuddup? At least die quietly when Shank lops yer 'ead off."
OOC: @Sandpaw - You've got two arrows comin' your way, with about 5 seconds in between. Better duck.
OOC: Groddil:
Quoteeffective the squirrel was being at taking down his men, withdrew his sword point from Roscoe's neck.
OOC-
Wha??
Also, waiting for Sand and then I'll psot.
OOC: Men aren't in Redwall. Beasts are.
Groddil used the wrong word.
TRIGGERED
OOC-
I was thinking the same thing, but then I thought maybe he meant it as in male creatures? Just guys?
AnywaAaaaay, I lost self control.
IC-
"Not today he won't."
Roscoe began trying to inch away on all fours while the other vermin were preoccupied.
The first shaft missed, thunking into the ferret's body having been loosed hastily. Bracklew unbalanced by the wild club swing stumbled, breaking off the arrow lodged in his footpaw. Groaning the young squirrel struggled to his feet, only to duck again feeling the second arrow buzzed past his ears.
"Stop it!" He shouted at Third Eye. Warding off Shank, Bracklew charged around the weasel and rushed the rat archer, swinging with his club before Third Eye could get off another arrow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Thanking the fates for Rapshade's good timing, Petu jumped away grabbing a nearby towel. "I'll get that mess cleaned up for you." He'd do anything to stay out of the reach of Alfhild's claws, and her teeth.
Third-Eye yelped and dived out of the way of Bracklew's club. Shank growled, pulling Martin's Sword from the stoat's corpse.
"Fine sword, innit treerat?"
The weasel slashed at Bracklew.
Roscoe snickered and darted away, glancing over only once he was far away enough to be out of hearing range of both Bracklew and the vermin.
"Pity th' squirrel wound up like 'e did. Mayhaps if I go back t' Alfhild with th' news I killed Bracklew..."
The weasel's eyes narrowed, purple and intense.
Yes. That's exactly what he would do.
Then she wouldn't believe the others if they ever got back to her, and his safety would be in tact.
He headed off down the trail to Redwall, skipping again.
"Even if Alfhild's not there like they said, I could tell th' news to th' Abbot and still be given my vittles. I win either way!"
--
"Shut up, Fangfang," Rapshade pleaded in a whisper, finding the rat's words taunting.
He glared hauntingly for a moment at Petu and then hustled Fang over to the table, farther away from Alfhild than before.
"You sit...there...and don't do anything stupid."
Fang cracked a grin and Rapshade couldn't tell if he understood or not, but he didn't care at this point.
"Petu, good idea..." the ferret trailed off, ears pricking as Alfhild beckoned him with a long filed claw.
"Conflicted?" The old ferret sneered, racing a paw around the rim of her glass.
"Cherry juice get in your ear?"
Limping back Bracklew parried the sword swing, the club splintering in his paws as wood and blade connected. "It is a fine sword isn't it, and it'll be the blade I use to run you through vermin." He sneered, glancing quickly over his shoulder to where Third Eye was, the rat would needed to be dealt with before he could concentrate on Shank. It seemed Roscoe had made his escape at least, it was too bad the coward hadn't stuck around to help, but what could one expect from a weasel?
~*~*~*~*~*~
Moping up the mess with his rag Petu listened in on Alfhild and Rapshade's conversation, if it could be called that. His nose twitching miserably as he worked, rubbing the sticky juice clean. He was exhausted, sore, and hungry from the battle, and it seemed his life rested entirely on Rapshade's patience. He couldn't live long relying on that, he'd have to escape, and find someone to help Redwall.
OOC-
If you guys are gonna post tonight (or for Groddil...afternoon?), don't go too far ahead please.
I'll be at my Grandma's with no wifi.
IC-
Rapshade rolled his eyes and took his seat instead of walking closer to her.
"No, but I wish it had, 'cause then I wouldn't have t' hear your voice. Fang, spill more drinks on me!"
"Er, maybe later, Cap'n!" The rat snickered and turned on his chair to face Petu.
"Rap's so clever...Hey, wanna sit next to me?"
--
"S-sure I'll sit next to you." Petu decided, putting down the sopping wet rag and taking the seat next to Fang. For a moment the rabbit considered the appetizers in front of him guiltily. Did he deserve to eat while everyone else starved in the cellars?
Deciding that it was better to have food in his belly, and energy available to help the others. He dug in, eating quickly in case Rapshade decided that this arrangement wouldn't be allowed to continue. "Thanks Fang," Petu muttered around a mouthful of bread. "I owe you one."
Fang giggled, "One what? Oh, 'ere comes Cap'n lookin' very mad..."
"What are you doing?!" yowled Rapshade as he glared down at Petu.
Lots of the vermin, including Alfhild, began looking.
The female ferret put on a hard frown.
Hissing in frustration, Rapshade pulled Petu up from his chair.
"Stop," he half-snapped half-begged.
"I never said you could do that. Y' only listen to me."
Just as he finished speaking, a few woodlanders burst from the kitchen and ran inside carrying plates and trays piled high with food.
The feast had begun!
OOC:
@Groddil: Did you ever do your stuff with Asher?
Quote from: Groddil on December 15, 2016, 10:23:42 PM
OOC: Go to Morty's room, find the poison she used against Rapshade in Part 1, then put it in the food! Three vermin with one vial!
@LT Sandpaw: Sure, they weren't being used for anything other than sequel things. They can be thinned out a bit.
BIC:
Asher nimbly sidestepped the mouse's swing. Flesh or no flesh, he was still old. The squirrel kicked at Jergle's paw, sending the cleaver flying across the room. Jergle bit down roughly onto Asher's foreleg, causing the squirrel to wince. Jergle used the opportunity to snatch Asher's knife, but found him being tackled before he could do anything with it. Asher knocked Jergle to floor, holding the knife back with one paw and forcing the mouse into the fire with the other. Jergle's screams filled the fallen log as the flames began to jump to his fur, every thrust he attempted to make missing. With one last burst of adrenaline, the mouse burst free of Asher's grasp and ran for the snow, still holding Asher's knife. He didn't notice the cleaver knocked on the ground. Jergle tripped roughly over the blade, falling in a heap to the floor of the dwelling, Asher's knife stuck between his ribs. The mouse chuckled. The chuckles turned to coughs. The coughs turned to silence.
Quailing on the floor Petu laid still, spitting out some food that was still in his mouth. "I - I'm sorry," he said for what felt like the tenth time that day. Crawling away Petu kept low to the floor, keeping one eye on Rapshade all the while, leaving a tiny blood trail on the red stones from where his leg wound had reopened.
Shank snarled, shoving against Bracklew's club. The weasel jumped back out of the squirrel's reach, slashed in front of himself to halt Bracklew's advance, and jumped behind Third Eye.
"Shoot him again, you fool!"
The rat already had another shaft ready to go. He grinned, loosing it, and dived into the bushes.
"'Urry up, boss. We'd best git out of 'ere while we still 'as the sword."
The weasel nodded, and began backing up.
"Alright, treerat. Here's what's gonna happen. Third Eye an' me is gonna leave. Yer not gonna follow us."
The weasel jumped into the brush after the rat.
OOC: An idea - Bracklew has to go get Martin's Sword in Part 3 because Shank and Third-Eye run off with it.
OOC: So... would he return to the vigil, or will they be gone by then?
OOC-
It would take ten seasons for him to get it?
Unless we wanted to just skip a little while like we did with this one.
IC-
Rapshade puffed, glaring as Petu inched away.
He coughed blood into his sleeve as he took his seat.
"Just stand there and don't do anything lest I say so."
And then, to shrug off any awkwardness left, the ferret fell upon the food.
He could barely remember the last time he'd eaten, and it showed.
OOC-
Do you guys want to skip to when the feast is over and it's night, soon as the thing with Brack and Shank is finished?
Also, Merry Christmas if you celebrate it. ;D ;D
OOC: If he runs, he can get back to Moledeep before the Vigil attacks. They're gathering strength atm.
"As if, you scummy vermin." Bracklew yelped, sidestepping quickly to avoid the arrow. The squirrel's eyes blazed red as he pursued Shank and Third Eye into the trees, sighting his nemesis's back, outlined clearly from the snow. His breath came in ragged bursts as he tried unsuccessfully to close the distance. His injured footpaw held him back, and the vermin began to draw further away. "No," he gasped to himself, watching both Shank and Martin's sword began to escape. "No, stop you can't do this."
Making a running throw Bracklew hurled the club at Shank's back sending the weighted wood spinning through the air towards his target. He was starting to get the hang of throwing weapons, and this one was no exception.
OOC:
I'm down for a time-skip to the end of the feast.
Shank ducked, the club whizzing over his head and slamming into Martin's Sword, the tip of which poked up over his neck. The blade hurtled from the weasel's paw and thudded itself into a tree. Third Eye went to grab it, but Shank pushed him back.
"Forget it, fool. Run!"
The two vermin vanished into the undergrowth.
OOC: So, during the timeskip,
@Sagetip , Asher should make it back to Moledeep. That way he's not left out during the attack.
OOC: Great.
OOC-
Okay whup starting Timeskip. ;)
IC-
The feast was over.
Well, for the most part.
It had gotten pretty rowdy, leaving the three leaders a bit on edge.
Rapshade, for one, was tired.
It was dark outside, and of vermin had fallen asleep in random places, tipsy from being drunk.
It looked like Alfhild was out, too.
Rapshade silently stuffed some leftovers in his pocket and then grabbed Petu, beckoning Fang along with his tail.
"Stay there and somebeast still eating will shank you..."
He led them down the dimly lit hallways to the cellars, struggling to suppress a cringe.
Stealing the key off of a sleeping guard's tunic, the ferret unlocked the door and poked his head in.
Everybeast who had helped cook was now back inside.
"I need the mouse who answers t' the name Rayne."
"Rapshade...?" Squinting up from the dusty floor, Rayne hesitantly stood picking her way over a few of the sleeping wounded Redwallers. She stared at Rapshade in distrust, not sure whether to go closer or not. Seeing Petu with him she made up her mind and stepping forward nervously.
"I'm here, what do you want?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Bracklew would have kept up the pursuit, if his exhausted legs hadn't given out. Stumbling to a stop the young squirrel leaned against the tree that Martin's blade had become lodged in, his entire body shaking in protest.
"Why'd you run, couldn't fight a one-pawed little squirrel like me?" He panted, more or less to himself and the tree. Resting his back against the trunk, Bracklew sheathed his sword, and lay still taking a breather. He supposed he ought to follow the tracks back, and find Roscoe's, that'd lead him back to Redwall. If that was where Roscoe went...
"Not that there's much of a point," he reminisced to himself tapping his claws on a patch of ice. "He betrayed me the first moment there was trouble, and even offered to join up with those horde vermin. I ought to hate him. I really ought'a. Where would he go anyway, surely not back to Redwall alone, they wouldn't let him in, especially not with the Vigil guarding the walls. But he can probably look after himself out here anyway, which is more then I could say." Bracklew glanced around at the unfamiliar landscape, the eerily frosted trees swaying in their dance of death. Creaking softly in the silence.
"What'd do I care?" Bracklew decided, standing up. "I don't owe him anything, in fact, he owes me. And I bet I could find my own way home, this way, I think." Stepping out boldly Bracklew took a single pace forward, and as his injured footpaw touched down, the thin layer of snow gave way, sending Bracklew and a good deal of snow careening underground, sounded by nothing, but a short scream.
Rapshade sniffed and folded his arms, leaning callously against the wall.
"I guess I'm doing him a...favor," he said, dragging her out by the wrist and then locking the door again. He waved a paw in front of his face. "Don't know why. I must be going soft in the head. Can't have both of you with me, though...two verses one is never good. You're going t' stay in the sickbay, Vadoma will watch you."
He started upstairs without another word, hopping to keep his leg elevated.
The crackling of thin ice breaking heralded the approach of the battered and beaten Guosim. Gruddil directed the boats to land on a bank, and the remaining crew stumbled out onto the cold ground. A few of the able-bodied shrews cleared snow and built fires, as the healers tended to the wounded. "Those vermin fought like Hellsteeth!" exclaimed a shrew. Gruddil nodded sadly. "We can't do anything now. We recover, then we strike back! Those vermin will pay for what they did!"
A reluctant cheer sounded from the crowd, puncuated with groans and cries of pain. Gruddil gritted his teeth. "I may not be Log-a-Log officially, but I'll do my best to lead you well. Now, of course, one thing needs to be cleared up. Whoever kills the vermin that murdered our Log-a-Log... will be made leader of our tribe. Now, rest Guosim. Recover your strength. We'll give those vermin what they gave us!"
However, there were murmurs of dissidence among the ranks. "You saw the ferret, right?"
"Yeah, she was fighting unlike anything I've seen!"
"No, idiot, the one with the bad leg. Rapshade! I guess that battle on the ship wasn't as fatal as we thought..."
"Stupid Redwallers might as well let him out themselves, he must've escaped easily. Why would we fight him? He slaughtered us on the ship, and at the last battle!"
"I dunno mate, I dunno."
~O~
Fardan woke up from his catnap. Whiskers twitching, he observed Rapshade's empty chair. Perfect, the ferret wasn't there to see him. The wildcat smirked at Alfhild's sleeping form. He was glad he didn't stoop so low as to get dumb drunk at a time like this. Keeping his steps light on the floor, Fardan left for the upstairs of the Abbey.
Beneath Mossflower Wood, in the forgotten chambers of Moledeep, the Vigil had finished their preparations. Charm, Celio, and the other captains had commandeered the barracks, and put the finishing touches to their plan.
"Celio, you take most of the force out through the side entrance, and circle round through the woods."
"And then I hit the gate."
"And then you hit the gate. I'll take one battalion with me through the main entrance. We'll be up that lift before they even know what hit 'em."
The mouse stood up and saluted, his paw shaking.
"May your battles be swift and your life long, marm."
"You too, Celio."
The mouse nodded, and together with the captains, left the cavern. Only four creatures remained. Charm, the captain of her battalion... And two foxes; one white, one red. Mortembell let out a long sigh.
"I'm going with you."
"No. Somebody needs to tend to the wounded."
"They killed my son."
"The badger killed your son, ma'am, not them. We'll handle it, you make sure nobeast else died."
"I'm. Going. With you. Rapshade is there, and that furry piece of... My husband is dead because of Rapshade. My son is dead... because of Rapshade. He was too busy running around down here to keep himself safe. If that ferret hadn't have opened his fat little mouth and told the horde about this place, he wouldn't have been running around those woods chasing his own tail, so that badger could find him!"
"Dare I say it, but you're right. This whole operation was a fool's errand from the start. All it did was make Redwall hate us. And today we march into that Abbey, and we slaughter every vermin in there, and for what? Nobeast'll remember our sacrifices. They won't care. We'll be remembered as fools, savages no better than the vermin we were created to destroy. Everybeast here will scatter tomorrow, either forgotten by history, or condemned by it. Your son was a fool. That got him killed."
The otter and her Captain rose, leaving the two vixens alone. Shadomay picked up a bow that was leaning against the wall.
"For what it's worth, I appreciate what he did for me. He may have been a fool, but he was a noble one."
The vixen shouldered the bow, slipped a dagger into her belt, and followed Charm.
Asher and Harnam shook ice water out of their foot paws as they stood on the bank of the river where Filargo had picked them up. "The Moledeep entrance is right over there," said Asher. Harnam ran over and disappeared down the hole. Asher followed him, and both of them ran into Celio. "Ah, Celio," he said. "Any idea if One-Ear's back yet?"
Celio shook his head.
"He's dead, Asher. We took the vote. Vigil's being disbanded as soon as this whole business with the horde is taken care of. We're on our way to the Abbey now. Going to kill them all... Or die trying. Durkon, Shillo, form up properly. Archers at the rear, everybeast with shields at the front. Move it faster, or this'll take all day!"
The mouse turned back to the squirrels.
"Look. This whole operation was a waste. Everybeast knows it, and nobeast wants to keep going. You can either join us now, or go live out the rest of your days in peace. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. What's it gonna be?"
Staring slack jawed, Asher grasped for a response. "It's suicide! But... I can't watch all of you die like that. I'm with you, Celio, even though it will probably be my last time. And, if One-Ear isn't here, then Chamrs in command. I do need to speak to her before I can do anything else."
Celio shook his head.
"She's already taken a battalion with her to the main entrance. What did you need to ask her, I can see if someone can run the message back."
"Tell, not ask. She needs to know Bracklew is not with us, instead he is presumably somewhere in Mossflower, maybe dead. The absence of an Abbey warrior needs to be filled quickly. Also, my mission was a success."
He thought for a second. "That should be all. Where should I go for the attack?"
"You, dormouse!"
"Y-Yes, boss?"
"Get back in there, and tell Charm that the Abbey Warrior's MIA, possibly dead."
"On it, boss."
The dormouse sprinted back into the cavern. Celio turned back to Asher.
"Anywhere, really. We're just going to get through that gate and wreak havoc. Kill 'em before they can react. We can't let them have the time to fortify themselves."
Roscoe grinned uneasily as he stepped up to the Redwall gates, waving off the archers that had trained arrows on him.
"Ayyy, it's just me, Roscoe. So you did win?"
The arrows lowered a little.
The weasel twirled his cape, adding in a snark, "Where's my parade?"
A rat snarled down from the battlements.
"Why I'll kill you, you little sass--"
Roscoe yelped from below, eyes shining disarmingly.
"I killed Bracklew. Th' Woodlanders' warrior!" He stepped back as the gates opened.
The rat raced out to greet him.
"Well then why don't you get in here? Chief'll surely want to talk with you."
"We'll need some sort of distraction, and then we can break for the Vigil's tunnels. How's Aver doing?" Petu whispered into Rayne's ear, saying the last part a little louder. The two were trailing a short ways in front of Rapshade, and Rayne was helping the wounded rabbit along as they padded up the stairs.
"Better, but I don't think he'll be back on his paws in no time." Rayne replied in kind, lowering her voice as she continued talking. "I can't abandon the hurt and leave them here to die. I'm sorry Petu, but I can't go with you. If you want to escape you'll have to do it yourself. Maybe you could join the Vigil, I'm sure they wont abandon us, and there is still Bracklew out there. Just be careful and don't do anything rash." This said the mouse healer ascended the final steps, pushing the infirmary door open, aiding Petu onto a bed.
Turning to Rapshade and Vadoma the mouse healer crossed her arms, feeling uncomfortable. She was a prisoner in her own home, forced to do these creatures bidding. She supposed now would be as good a time as any to test her boundaries. "Now that I'm here can I still treat the Redwallers down in the cellars? There are a few whose wounds will fester without proper care."
Rapshade's answer was distracted. "Yes...I told Petu to stay with me an' Fang though, just...do what Vad says." He irritably pulled the rabbit back up, snatching a vial of his medicine from Vadoma's open paws.
"Come on, Bunny, you know the rules."
Vadoma watched as Rapshade herded his slave back out the door.
As soon as she got the chance she slammed it shut, shoving a sharp claw under Rayne's chin.
"Heal the wounded of horde before any of your pathetic little friends. I'm not Rapshade, I won't be so nice."
Asher nodded and beackoned for Harnam to follow him away. "Thanks, Celio. See you in battle."
~O~
Fardan pulled out a cloth wrapped item from a cabinet drawer in the upper rooms. After the battle, he'd commandeered some of the rooms for his own purposes, and now he closed the door with the item in his paw. Staying quiet, he continued back downstairs.
Roscoe grinned snidely as he was led up to Alfhild; she gasped awake, claws poised out and ready to go.
"This'n says he murdered the squirrel Rapshade was with, Chief!" The rat announced with a salute.
Alfhild's blue eyes rounded.
"Really? Well, for his sake it better be true."
"It is," sneered Roscoe, leaning on the table. "Lissen, Chief, this rat may not be as big and strong as me, but that's no reason to pretend to doubt me. Honest, it won't make him feel better..."
The rat, who was larger than Roscoe, looked utterly confused.
Alfhild clapped a paw over her snout to suppress her laughter.
"When was the last time you saw your reflection, Hon? Here comes Fardan now, that's what I would call big and strong."
Rolling his eyes, Fardan ignoring Alfhild otherwise and looked over Roscoe. "And who might you be?" he said, smirking.
"I'm yer darn mother, that's who I..." Roscoe could suddenly hear himself blink.
Concerned, he popped an eye open to glance up at Fardan.
Snap.
The weasel felt his heart drop toward his tail as he switched to the defense and put on a horribly crooked grin, fumbling with his paws as he reached to take off his hat.
"Eh..."
"My mother would run you right through," said Fardan maliciously. "Now, did I hear that you murdered a squirrel? He didn't happen to be missing a paw, did he?"
Roscoe fell trembling against the table.
"Y-y-y-yessir, yes 'e did, that's him alright! Ran him right through like yer mother would do to me...."
"You probably don't have any proof, right?" asked Fardan. "I thought so. You look like you've never killed in your life. That's enough of you, however."
Fardan turned to face Alfhild. "I wanted to see Rapshade, d'you have any idea where he is?"
"H-h-he's a one-pawed Dibbun!" Roscoe snapped, losing his temper again now that Fardan was seeing through his ploy. "T'was easy, got him in his sleep and then took his vittles."
Alfhild dealt him a kick that sent him falling flat.
"Why do you need my precious little nephew, Fardan? Finally going to put him in his place?"
"Er, right," said Fardan skeptically at Roscoe. "We'll see. Your nephew, Alfhild, needs a better weapon. I happen to have one," he said, folding back the cloth to reveal a razor sharp sabré blade. "An old relic from my time elsewhere. I thought he'd like it."
Alfhild felt her blood boil, but then she dismissed it.
Maybe he would cut himself on that blade. She smirked just thinking about it.
"Oh sure, go find him. I'm sure he's around here somewhere--and there's nothing like welcoming in the third Chief with a new weapon, eh?"
"Quite right," said Fardan, patting his own rapier. "He's probably upstairs with that rabbit. Behave yourself," he said to Roscoe. "You might have a shred of value in you."
He started back upstairs.
"Value? Hah, what's the value in a runt?" Alfhild sneered, watching Fardan depart.
"...Well, except as a servant..."
"There's a small chance he's not lying," called Fardan. "Pretty small, though. Kill him if you want."
The wildcat listened for a second at each door until h found the right one. Flipping the cloth over the sword back over, he rapped against the door quickly.
"Oh my grief," Rapshade muttered, grabbing a lit candle from the bedside.
He slunk over to the door, brandishing it, and looked out to see Fardan. Shock flashed in his eyes.
"Aargh, what, you trying t' kill me?!"
Fardan narrowed his eyes. "Unfortunately, no. I wanted to give you something, actually. Mind if I come in?"
"Uh," Rapshade positioned himself in the doorway so that nobody could get in.
He frowned and waved the candle under Fardan's nose. "I'd rather y' didn't. It backfired last time I let that happen. What do you..."
Distracted by the candle moving, Fardan blinked a few times as his gaze returned to Rapshade. "Well, I heard you lost your sabré a season ago in the battle, correct?"
Rapshade's fur began to stand up.
"Savvy?" He muttered uneasily, eyes narrow.
"Where is this going? I have things t' do."
Like sleep, he thought, glancing tiredly back inside.
He hoped Petu hadn't taken it upon himself to claim the bed.
Darn rabbit...
"Of course," said Fardan sarcastically. "On a serious note, I thought you might like this."
He pulled the sword out from underneath the cloth. The keen blade caught the candlelight perfectly, and the steel had a slight curve expertly forged. The cord bound grip was protected by a gilded paw-guard into which strange characters were carved. The matching sheath was made from fine brown material, held together by shiny brass bands. "This is from one of my previous... associations," said the wildcat. "Since you haven't really had a proper sword fitting your rank, I thought this would do quite well. What do you think?"
The ferret's eyes locked on the shining metal, dialating greatly.
"This...it's a gift?" He glanced up suspiciously, but still felt a genuine grin start to form.
It could be a trap, a ploy--but he wasn't getting those vibes.
Rapshade made to take the sabre.
"I've never seen...ha, I've never..."
"This is from the far North," said the wildcat. "The metal is very sturdy. It definitely won't break like the other one."
He let Rapshade take the weapon. "I used to use it until my rapier came into play. Not a blade to be trifled with. And yes, it's a gift."
Rapshade was ecstatic. He casually pushed the candle into Fardan's paws as he claimed the sword.
"It is? I mean it is!" The ferret exclaimed, snickering as he ran a paw carefully over the blade to test it lightly.
"You're right, Fardan. This is th' best thing I've ever...seen."
He patted the wildcat on the back and then raced back inside, beheading an imaginary foe through the air.
"Look at me, Petu, I'm me again, ahhhaha!"
"Uh, okay. Have your fun then," said Fardan, setting the handle and sheath on the table. He closed the door and walked back down the hallway, discarding the cloth in an empty room. He wouldn't be needing it anymore.
Rayne nervously flinched away from Vadoma, keeping her eyes downcast. "Very well, where are the wounded staying? They aren't here in the infirmary, and I imagine there are many of them."
~*~*~*~*~
"Yourself again?" Petu questioned with a yawn. He'd collapsed at the foot of the bed resting his head against the wooden boards. He squinted up at Rapshade, watching the ferret prance about with his sword as a dibbun would with a new toy. "How are you yourself again?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Alfhild had been sleeping, and Fardan at the time had been nowhere to be found, so Fastooth had the audacity to act. Standing on the snowy lawns, surrounded by more then a dozen creatures the rat inspected his work with a dark smile.
Large fires had been lit to warm the sentries and on top of these were vats, filled with oil commandeered from the kitchens, all stacked at the Vigil's five possible entrances. Kneeling down Fastooth warmed his paws at the edge of the tunnel drop off, looking questioningly at the ermine to his left.
"Well, I've 'ad it for tonight. 'Im goin' to claim one o' those soft beds. I suppose yer gonna stay out here?"
"Yes."
"Suit yerself cully." Fastooth stood and stretched making his way towards the Abbey building. His trap was set, now all he had to do was wait.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bracklew slowly stirred on the cool dirt floor. Standing the young squirrel glanced about, blinking at the near perfect blackness. He seemed okay, despite his sore footpaw and stinging back he seemed to have come out without dying or losing anything. He laid a paw on his sword hilt curling his claws around the comforting leather grip.
"Where am I?" He murmured, blinking as his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. "What did I fall into?" From what he could tell he was in some ancient tunnel system, probably a part of the old moledeep. It appeared he'd fallen so far underground that even the light from the sun had vanished, or night had fallen.
The moment he thought this Bracklew felt cold and clammy, even in the stuffy lukewarm air. The thought of being trapped underground forever chilled him to the bone, until a flurry of snow fell from the roof tickling his ears.
Laughing thankfully, he scaled the dirt walls popping his head up over the area he'd fallen within moments. Frigid fresh air filled his lungs and he rolled out under the stars. Now all he needed to do was follow Roscoe's paw prints, and find Redwall, hopefully. Of course it was easier said then done.
OOC-
They left the infirmary, Sand, they're in the Abbot's Rapshade's room.
IC-
"I'm a real leader again," Rapshade laughed, bouncing back on the bed.
"Not some broken old ferret. Hey, here, will you?" He took the scones from his pocket and tossed them at Petu.
"Go ahead, they're from the feast--and they're not poison, that'd be stupid."
--
"No clue," Vadoma shrugged, baron her teeth slightly. "I'll go make an announcement to have the wounded come up here."
Petu ate the scones, wasting no time in downing the bread. "Does having a new sword make you a real leader?" He asked curiously between bites, finishing off the last scone like a ravenous wolf. He didn't want Rapshade to change his mind suddenly. "I don't understand how a sword could change you from being a broken old ferret to being, well I don't know, you again. It certainly didn't help Bracklew much... It almost made him worse actually."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Should I go with you?" Rayne asked, taking a step away from the vixen. "You wouldn't want to leave me alone in here would you?"
"I had nothing, now I have something, and it's a gift from a horde leader which is a sign of respect and power." Rapshade snapped. How dare Petu ruin his mood...
"Really, do I look like Bracklew to you? Go to sleep before you say anything else without thinking." He curled up and pulled the blanket over himself, his back to Petu.
"You ruined my moment."
--
"I guess," said Vadoma with a grunt as she shambled into the hallway.
Yawning, Fardan descended down back to the remains of the feast. "That's over with," he remarked. "That was a fine sabre. Shame it had to go elsewhere."
"Is he happy now?" Alfhild sneered, dragging Roscoe up to Fardan.
"Anywho, dear, mind elaborating on that potential you spoke of? I'm having trouble finding it."
Looking supremely bored, Fardan lazily set his eyes on Roscoe. "Perhaps he did kill the squirrel. Fortune is fickle, and our weasel may have been incredibly lucky. I still doubt it, though. Perhaps a little incentive would do well to get the truth out of you. Unless you want to say it now..."
"I killed him fair an' square!" Roscoe spat, tugging at Alfhild's arm to try and get away.
Unfortunately for him, she was quite strong for an old ferret.
"Incentive, eh? Like food?"
"No," sighed Fardan, exasperated. "As in torture!"
His rapier blade was pointed right between Roscoe's eyes. "Give me one good reason not to kill you. And it better be the truth."
Roscoe screamed.
"I killed Bracklew!"
Alfhild grinned silently, enjoying this.
Disgruntled, Fardan used the flat of his blade to hit Roscoe on the head. "Yeah, right. I find it hard to believe it. I couldn't kill him, Rapshade couldn't kill him, you couldn't kill him," he said, gesturing to Alfhld. "How could a cowardly weasel do it? And why would he run for the horde when he isn't even a part of it?"
"Hm, I don't know, Fardan, why not ask him to find out?" Alfhild cooed, tweaking Roscoe's whiskers.
The weasel sneezed, shaking his head.
"Eh...looks like ya have...three...'eads."
"Snap out of it!" Alfhild growled, shaking him.
"He could've hit you harder."
"Hmph," grunted the wildcat. He sheathe his rapier. "If you know better, try and see if he's telling the truth. Unless you think he already is.
"I was merely asking you why you were talking to me rather than him," Alfhild mused, tapping her claws together.
"Not that I believe him. It's so late, Fardan, perhaps we should deal with this in the morning."
Roscoe's arm was caught in a vicelike grip. Calmly infuriated, Fardan's claws drew blood from the weasel. "Tell the truth. Lying will only get you to the grave faster."
He started for the doors. "I'm going to make sure Fastooth's preparations are going well. Can't be too sure."
Roscoe cringed, biting his lip.
He weakly pulled away from the wildcat's reach, nursing his arm.
"Where did the potential go?" He whined.
"You never had it, dear." Alfhild laughed.
"Okay, Fardan. See you around."
"I didn't realize you were having a moment to ruin." Petu said truthfully, hugging his knees on the abbot's rug. The life of a pet slave wasn't a comfortable one, and it was cold too. Petu shivered as he wondered what would happen in the morning, how much worse could the coming days get?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
On his way back inside Fastooth crossed Fardan's path. The rat came lazily too attention, to weary from the battle and stuffed from the feast to bother being his usual snappy self. "'Ello chief, didn' reckon I'd be seeing ye outside."
Rapshade didn't reply, feeling his eyes droop.
Surely Petu wouldn't try to kill him with his own sword? The rabbit seemed to lack the qualities of that kind of beast, but he ferret held tight to his suspicions until at last he had fallen asleep.
--
"Can I go?" Roscoe sneered.
"I admit I didn't kill him, but your horde did an' I was there t' see it."
Alfhild's eyes twinkled.
"Who, exactly?" She mused, pulling him in close. "Give me this information and I'll surely reward you."
"It would seem that way," said Fardan. "I trust you've set up the horde as I asked?"
He could see perfectly on the dark, but he wanted to make sure Fastooth wasn't lagging in any regard.
"Aye," Fastooth shrugged his shoulders in a lackluster way. He didn't possess Fardan's night vision, but he could see the cat's face clearly from where he stood. This was a test, possibly to check his loyalty or commitment. Fastooth didn't lack either.
"Boilin' oil set up on th' gates, caltrops n' shattered glass scattered in the tunnel entrance an' behind th' gates, hordebeasts assembled on guard; all jus' as ye told me chief."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It took a lot longer for Petu to fall asleep, due to his uncomfortable 'bed' and the chilly temperature. The young rabbit's fur was fluffed up against the cold, and he shivered constantly as Rapshade's breathing became steady and rhythmic. Thoughts of escape swirled through Petu's head as he laid there, images of the battle flashing behind his tired eyes. He was wounded, exhausted, and scared. The vermin would be on high alert for any Vigil activity, there'd be no point in trying.
Slowly, second by miserable second Petu drifted off to sleep, his thoughts dissolving into dreams.
Roscoe tilted his head in thought.
"Shank, I think, an' a few I don't remember. Why?"
Alfhild stood up.
"I must know who to congratulate." She let go of the weasel's paw and shoved him into the hallway.
"You're a normal hordebeast again. But if you so much as think of running off or of betrayal, you're good as dead!"
OOC-
Who wants to TS to morning once Fardan's done with Fastooth?
"Alright, that's all good," said the wildcat. "That's all I wanted you for. But if any Vigil make it in... it's on your head."
OOC: If sand can respond soon, it's all good. If he can't, TS.
Fastooth grinned, flashing his large front teeth in a confident manner. "So be it chief. I c'n guarantee no woodlander'll be gettin' wit'out us knowin' about it. Then we'd give 'em a fight they wouldn' soon forget. Harrha." The rat nodded on last time and scurried off, wanting to claim one of the dormitory rooms before they were destroyed by ordinary hordebeasts.
OOC: I'm down for a time skip.
It was dark.
Rapshade could hear the laughing, raging ocean, the blood pounding in his head--and felt as something caught around his leg, something absolutely horrible...
The death cries of all he'd slain sounded up and rang obnoxiously in the ferret's ears.
Was that Alfhild?
His father, his mother? Perhaps she was dead.
Fang hit his head!
"NO!"
Rapshade the Swift shrieked and shot up, raspily sucking in air.
Sunlight drifted in lazily through the window. He didn't realize he was sobbing.
Blinking, the ferret inched towards the edge of the bed and gazed down.
His sword had fallen, as had the blankets. He must've been tossing and turning.
Where am I? The vermin wondered, and then he realized--he was in Redwall Abbey.
His, Alfhild's, and Fardan's Redwall Abbey.
He glanced up again, the frightened look not yet gone from his face.
OOC: I'm getting off at 11, or 10 for Ashleg.
BIC: Fardan too was having dreams. The cold North wind whistled through the rocks the wildcat found himself in. Snow was blown back and forth, landing lightly on his fur. Turning, Fardan gazed upon the army at his back. They, and another wildcat in the distance, stared at him in askance before the wind whisped them all away. Fardan woke up in the chair he had drifted off on. He knew where the dream had come from: the memories stored in the back of his head, pushed back long ago. The wildcat sat for a while, thinking.
Alfhild waltzed into Fardan's room, placing one paw on the wall.
"Sleep well, Fardan?" She mused, blue eyes teasing. "I definitely did."
Petu jerked awake, his fur and ears standing on end. Rapshade's shriek rang in his sensitive ears and he glanced towards the bed, his heart beating like a drum.
"What happened?" He gasped scrambling to his footpaws. His body as sore beyond belief and he winced a little, his claws tingling from where he had slept on them funny. "Rapshade... Are you okay, did you scream?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Creeping through the ice laced ditch Bracklew watched the wall tops horror. His stomach felt lead laden and he choked back a sob. High above the walls wood smoke swirled from the sentries fires floating into the air. A single crow flew overhead, circling the high roof like a dark shadow of what had come. On the proud battlements that had protected the abbey through so much marched vermin warriors, their spears glinting in the early morning light. Sinking back into the ditch Bracklew fell to his knees disbelieving and defeated.
Shank hadn't been lying, Redwall had fallen to the horde.
"I screamed?" Rapshade whispered, shaking.
He then caught a sob in his throat. "Petu, help me! It gets worse every night..."
The ferret whirled like he heard something, gasping and clawing at the bedsheets.
"Tell me if this is what guilt feels like?!"
Tall ears pinned to the back of his head Petu retreated from the bed, groping behind himself for the door latch. Was he in the presence of a madbeast? He'd heard many stories of vermin being driven mad. Petu and many other dwellers of the abbey borrowed books from the library and gatehouse, reading the nightmarish tales of such creatures. Surely Rapshade wasn't insane, no he only had a bad dream, that's it.
G-guilt, eh Rapshade I wouldn't know. I have no idea what it is you're feeling or talking about really. Um, maybe you could explain it a little more."
The rabbit felt his paw close around the latch, and he stood ready to bolt should Rapshade turn on him. But in an Abbey full of vermin who would protect him? Petu licked his lips nervously, hoping his only protection wouldn't become an aggressor.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Having woken from one of the best night sleep he had in a long time Fastooth practically skipped down the halls jostling drowsy guards into wakefulness. The rat's sharp ears suddenly pricked as a muffled cry rang out from a doorway to his left.
Rapshade's voice.
Intrigued, the intuitive rodent pressed one of his large ears against the door, eavesdropping on its two occupants as they conversed.
Fardan stared at Alfhild unhappily. "Good for you, then. I slept... fine. Although I don't suppose it's any business of yours."
"D-don't leave, Petu!" Rapshade scrambled forward on the bed.
He looked both deranged and apologetic, his tail lashing side to side in spurratic movements.
In this moment it seemed, he was seeing Petu as his protector.
"Terrifying recurring nightmares...I'm so confused." He trailed off, becoming silent as he looked at Petu for help.
--
Alfhild grinned, ears flicking.
"The woodlanders are in the kitchen making breakfast. Surely you'll come?"
OOC: Should we wait for Groddil?
IC:
"Nightmares, are they making you feel guilty?" Usually when Petu had bad dreams he woke up terrified or sweaty, but certainly not guilty. Perhaps it was something that a pirate would suffer from, being an evil vermin and all. Petu took a deep breath and stayed where he was, unaware that just behind him a rat was listening intently to all that was said.
"What are the dreams about?" Petu inquired cautiously. "I - I'm just as confused as you, if not more so. Maybe I could help..." Why he'd help his slaver was beyond Petu, but the only other option was to run and there was little chance of that succeeding.
OOC-
It says he's been online, perhaps he's just waiting for the right time to get in.
I think we should keep going unless Groddil asks us to wait for him.
IC-
Rapshade stood beside the bed, ears twitching as he glanced around intensely like something wasn't right.
"I'm dreaming about the animals I killed. I saw Alfhild. They caught me..." He trailed off. That was half correct, however the ferret didn't mention that memories of Fang and his parents were mixed in there.
His eyes shifted back and forth, landing fidgetily on Petu's footpaws and where the door met the ground.
"G-get away from the door, that shadow there isn't yours."
"Perhaps," replied the wildcat. He got up from the chair and walked past Alfhild. "I am a little peckish."
Rapshade's order, stern and demanding was very different from the scared Rapshade that Petu had witnessed only moments before. The rabbit quickly shuffled aside, hating that he was moving farther away from his only way out of the room but not wanting to anger the dangerous pirate.
"Whose is it then?" He said in a loud whisper trying to spot whatever the ferret had already seen. "Are there guards posted outside maybe? It seems like the sort of thing your aunt would do."
Rapshade bared his teeth.
"Well, my aunt needs a good one-two." He straightened up to make himself presentable and then threw open the door.
"Who's there?!"
--
"Hon, then go get something." Said Alfhild sweetly, scampering after him.
"We can't have a hungry warlord."
"Aw, you think you're funny, don't you?" said Fardan. "I wonder what the woodlanders have cooked up? It's a wonder they put so much time into it."
Alfhild snickered wickedly.
"If I forced you to cook me breakfast, you would, too! Let's go see."
She hurried up down the hallway, bracelets clinking and green cloak twirling.
Having moved away from the door Fastooth crossed his paws, smirking smugly at the ferret captain. For a moment the rat's gaze trailed towards Petu, but quickly snapped back to Rapshade. He held the ferret's grey stare with his own piercing yellow, not backing down for a moment.
"Officer Fastooth, Second to Fardan an lead rat o' th' Horde. C'n I help ye chief?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The infirmary was packed to the breaking point with injured vermin flooding in by the score. Everything from mortal gut wounds to broken claws had filled Rayne's waking hours until the mouse nearly collapsed from exhaustion. However true to her healers vow she was up again in the morning, treating the dying and inured of their hurts. Her own humble supplies, targeted towards minor illnesses and basic treatments was very quickly depleted leaving nothing but raw materials and herbs.
Approaching Vadoma the mouse tapped her waterlogged claws together as she tried to gain the vixen's attention. "Um, Miss Fox, I'm afraid I don't have the stores to treat the horde and the injured Redwallers, there's just far too many wounded. With your permission I could get some creatures from the cellars, or even willing vermin to make salves, bandages, and other such things." She coughed rubbing her eyes. "If you would allow it?"
Rapshade's eye twitched.
"No. Can I help you, Saltooth? I mean Fastooth..."
He inwardly cursed himself for that and fixed the rat with a glower, blocking the doorway.
--
Vadoma fixed Rayne with an icy glare, folding her claws together.
"If there's not enough to treat the Redwallers, don't! If anybeast in the horde wants to make something to help themselves, however...that shouldn't be a problem."
Blinking indifferently the rat stepped aside to show he had no interest in entering the room. "Saltooth eh? Is e' one o' th' beasts you've been dreaming 'bout? Now, now don' get your tail in a knot chief, I'm just goin' an' doing me business. Makin' sure everybeast is loyal an' not plannin' anything suspicious with th' slaves." Fastooth raised his eyebrows mockingly his sly grin revealing his darker thoughts. Turning he strode down the hall disappearing down the stairs towards the kitchens without another word.
"What was that about?" Petu questioned, peeking around Rapshade to see if the rat was gone.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yes, yes thank you Miss Vadoma." Rayne scurried off selecting a few of the more cooperative looking vermin. The ones who were trapped on beds or floor mats with nothing else to do through the dull hours of the morning as they slowly healed. She set them to work grinding herbs, mixing poultices, and weaving bandages among other mundane necessities. Rayne was surprised at how efficient the vermin were, they obviously weren't the sharpest knives in the drawer, but with a simple and explained task at their paws they worked well. Some of the more rowdy ones even made bets to see who could work the fastest and produce the most.
Satisfied by the results of her request Rayne continued her healing duties, discreetly storing a large amount of the supplies in her bag to use on the wounded Redwallers later.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It took some time, and a bit of backtracking but Bracklew found the Vigil's secret entrance. The young squirrel wasn't sure what he was expected to discover there, maybe piles of bodies or a burned out bit of trees, or maybe even a few vermin warriors standing guard, but the woodlands seemed peaceful in the morning light. Glistening snow clung to branches and frosted the ground like a cold blanket. Bits of ice flow through the chilly waters swirling in small gullies. No one would know of the dark shadow that reared its ugly head across Mossflower. No one would tell that Redwall had fallen. Here in the glade beside the river, a beast could forget all their troubles and worries and start afresh.
Perhaps the Horde hadn't pushed down into the Vigil's warren, it wasn't beyond speculation. Drawing his sword Bracklew approached the hidden tunnel, refusing to be disillusioned by the relatively peaceful aura the glade now held. Holding his sword at the ready he called out in a loud whisper, "hello, anybeast home?"
Rapshade stared after Fastooth, hatred burning in his eyes.
He felt a growl rise in his throat. What a slimy little eavesdropper!
"If anybeast isn't loyal, it's him for distrusting his chief. If he's really Fardan's little lackey like he says he is, surely he won't mind if I spread t' word of this...to Fardan."
The ferret huffed and stepped out of the doorway.
"Everybeast here is insane. Stay in th' room, will you, I'm going to get breakfast."
Unhappy with Alfhild's answer, Fardan continued down the stairs at a slower pace. "You don't know what I mean. In order to fully defeat your enemy you must know them. There's always an item or ideal motivating them to do something, working carefully in the kitchens is just an example of that something. Take the tapestry in the hall; it's elaborate and large and representative. It probably means a lot to the woodlanders. But what is it? Do you see my point?"
"Overthinking." Alfhild's voice held an edge to it.
"They aren't the Vigil; these are dumb, scared animals we're dealing with. They get killed if they don't cook carefully--so what do they do? They cook carefully."
She stepped off the last of the stairs and headed towards the Great Hall, which was still in a mess from the previous day's feast.
"The tapestry may be meaningful, but it can be destroyed and replaced like any piece of cloth. Why not make our own tapestry out of our enemies' hides?"
"Disgusting," replied Fardan. "I suppose now is not the time to be discussing strategy. Hopefully the woodlanders have not slackened in any way... although I'm sure you've seen to that one way or another."
The ferret flicked her tail.
"If you mean vermin with whips ready to get anybeast that falls behind, I certainly have! Smells good, don't you think?"
"Aye, so it does. What did ye tell them to whip up chief? Heh, get it cullies?" Fastooth joined the duo on the stairs. He was in a good mood and he stamped down the stone steps a foolish grin plastered on his face. When he caught up with them he became a little more serious, glancing from ferret to wildcat. "Will we be pursuing th' Vigil into their hidey-hole an' crushin' them afore they c'n regroup an' attack? Or are we gonna bunker down in th' Abbey? I c'n 'ave the troops prepped by this afternoon for wotever ye orders are."
Alfhild wrinkled her nose and took a step back, sneering.
"Don't address your leaders as cullies, Fastooth," she warned. "I say we stay in our newly acquired empire."
The ferret broke away from the group and seated herself in the Abbot's chair in the Great Hall.
There was a bounty of food set out on the tables, ranging anywhere from muffins to fish.
Rapshade snuck into the room from the alternate entrance.
Oh my, he thought, eyes growing wide. There was so much it was overwhelming. He didn't want to draw attention to himself, especially from that rat.
Like a shadow, he appeared near the food and took a plate, on alert for Fastooth should anything go wrong...
"Heya, Cap'n!"
Oh no.
The tunnels of Moledeep lay empty. Deserted. A single light shone faintly, deep within the caverns. Calling.
"Yes chief," Fastooth answered coolly, not letting Alfhild break in on his good mood. He started digging in when a familiar voice cut across his meal.
"Hey'a Cap'n!"
"Ah, Fangfang," he murmured watching the yellow furred rat hail Rapshade. He hadn't noticed the ferret entering, and it appeared the rabbit slave wasn't with him. A devilish light appeared in Fastooth's eyes as he suddenly stood up. He had business to handle.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Crouching at the entrance Bracklew contemplated entering. No reply, hostile, friendly, or otherwise was issued forth, nor did there seem to be any signs of danger. The young squirrel swallowed his fear stepping gingerly into the tunnel's frigid air, venturing inside, sword raised and ready.
OOC:
Edit: Fixed the italics.
"Faaang," Rapshade groaned, holding the loaded plate up to his chest.
"Not right now."
"Aw, why not?" The yellow rat whimpered, folding his arms as he stared at the ferret.
Rapshade gritted his teeth and pulled him close. "Because, if you want Petu t' live and I can't get back there soon than y' won't be as lucky. See, over there?"
Fangfang nodded, grinning foolishly.
"Yeah, Cap'n, that's Roscoe."
"Good! Now go an' talk t' Roscoe. Go now..."
Exiting the Great Hall Fastooth wandered seemingly innocently down the stairs into Cavern Hole. Flicking his eyes from left to right the rat surveyed the near deserted hall. There was a door to his left that led to the dormitories and another on his right that exited into the kitchens. Choosing the first of the two Fastooth climbed the ancient sandstone steps, laying one paw on his sword hilt.
Sunlight poured in from the windows poorly illuminating the dim steps. Without the Redwallers care all the candles had gone out leaving only natural light to guide traversers' footpaws. This did not bother Fastooth however, his night vision, though not on par with Fardan's, was capable of easily piercing the shoddily lit halls of Redwall. He discovered the room he was looking for with ease sniggering with evil intentions, a nasty surprise would be waiting for Rapshade once he returned. Lifting the latch the rat peeked inside and a surprise of his own was waiting. His eyes crossed and he slumped awkwardly to the floor.
Petu gulped, holding a heavy fire iron in his paws, looking at the unconscious rat with some trepidation. That hadn't been his intentional target, but... It was perhaps better that he had struck down the rat.
"His fault really," Petu muttered, grabbing Fastooth by the armpits and dragging him inside. "This old ratty shouldn't have come in here, surely he knew that this is Rapshade's room, shouldn't be wandering into any room that takes his fancy. I wonder if anyone will miss you bucko? Oh well, ooh, thanks for the sword, you're a good pal, I'll take that."
As soon as Fang was busy with the irritated-looking Roscoe, Rapshade fled.
He didn't know how this would help him or if he was going weak--he could very well just sink back into his captain role and be a cold blooded killer. And he was, but he didn't want to work with Alfhild and Fardan.
He felt like he had no respect from most of the vermin.
On the other paw, Petu...had no choice but to listen to him. He seemed scared of him, and that was what Rapshade thrived off of.
He flicked his tail.
Of course there was that horrible portion of him that wanted to see the rabbit as a companion, but couldn't he just push it down?
No, it's okay to have double standards. You've gotten this far.
"Why's my door open?" He said as he got to the room, careful not to drop anything.
Busy as he was tying up Fastooth, Petu didn't have the time to get into position. He heard Rapshade's voice and in a panic, shoved Fastooth, along with all the assorted weaponry he had collected under Grant's bed. The rabbit popped up just in time, a guilty look on his face.
"Ehh, heh I didn't expect you to be back so soon." He said clenching and unclenching his paws behind his back. "Is that breakfast, sure smells good."
Still the tunnels were silent, save for the echo of Bracklew's voice. The light dimmed, calling, from the far end of the caverns. A shadow quickly crossed the light, but no other movement could be detected.
"Yes it is," said Rapshade skeptically.
He tried with little effort to get around Petu and find out what it was the rabbit was hiding, but something inside him decided it was better to wait to do that.
They couldn't let the food get cold.
"I don't know what rabbits eat and frankly I don't care...this is for you. I'm not fond of breakfast."
He slid the plate onto the bed and stepped back, letting his eyes roam.
"...Where's that sword that Fardan gave me, mm?"
"You're wearing it," Petu said candidly, licking his dry lips and watching Rapshade nervously. What an odd question he thought, making no move to take the food. Instead the rabbit snatched up the beaker, downing the greensap milk it contained in a single gulp. At least his throat wasn't so dry anymore.
"So, what's the plan for today?" He asked, trying his best to sound natural. "I don't suppose you have something to do, downstairs?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Freezing Bracklew waited on baited breath for something to spring from the shadows. Nothing came, but wild images of snakes, vermin, and avenging monsters raced through his mind as he crouched in the darkness. The shadow flickered again, somebeast with a light must be moving, it couldn't be the Vigil, they would have left guards at the entrances. Fear beat its way into Bracklew's heart and for a moment he considered fleeing the tunnels, and running as far away as he could out of Mossflower in any direction but forward. Confined in the tunnels Bracklew had felt Closter phobic and a war waged in his heart demanding he either stand true and advance, or run like he had never run before.
A small logical part of him said he was making a big ordeal of nothing, but another more radical part spoke of beasts with torches and weapons hiding just beyond where he could see, like spiders waiting for him to walk into their trap.
"Father Abbot Grant," Bracklew whispered to himself remembering the faces of those who he had sworn to protect. "For Rayne, Petu, Sister Jelmel, Brother Trovias, Aver, Gillpaw, and Friar Rusk. For Mother Ava and Mixy and Brandon, for Redwall, FOR REDWAAAALL!!!"
Knowing he could only gain the confidence to go on in a reckless charge Bracklew released his inner warrior, raising his sword and rushing headlong towards the shadows and ghosts that had plagued him for so long. A battle cry on his lips, he stormed straight into the main Mole Deep caverns like a tormented spirit from hellgates.
"I'm losing it," Rapshade said aloud as he reached a paw down his side to feel for his weapon. Yeah, his new sword was there all right.
"Not really. I have nothing t' do now but wait. I know the Vigil is coming...if not them, somebeast. There isn't any way they would just back off like that." He sounded almost griefstricken, but kept his expression neutral.
"Back off from vermin taking over Redwall?" Petu asked his ears fusing with blood and standing up like twin spear points. "I don't see that happening, they'll probably attack again, and again until they win or..."
At that very moment a muffled groan came from beneath the bed and Petu desperately covered it up, talking in a slightly louder voice. "Oh is that a gooseberry muffin?" He took the tray clattering it with what he hopped looked like shaky, nervous paws. "Why did you have to come attack our home anyway? Why couldn't you just leave us be?"
Rapshade's anger flared up. He struck out and aimed to claw Petu's cheek. "It wasn't my idea! I know they're coming, I know I'm stupid and I know they're gonna kill me. The only reason I'm even waiting around is because I can't do away with Alfhild until Fardan an' their loyalists are dead..."
The ferret turned round, withdrawing into himself, about to mutter an apology when Fastooth's scent hit his nose.
"Dear grief," He moaned. "Th' rat. Th' eavesdropper. From this morning. Is 'e in here?"
Wincing Petu gingerly dabbed at his cheek, glaring up at Rapshade. "Wasn't your idea, you're the one that attacked first, last autumn." He rabbit's boldness deserted him the moment Rapshade mentioned Fastooth. He crouched on the floor, shaking his head.
"He was here this morning, when you talked with him. He hasn't been up here since." Petu lifted his snout into the air, inhaling deeply, he couldn't smell anything except the scent of bread and cheese. Rapshade must have a highly sensitive nose, he thought in horror, his eyes flickering towards the spot where the rat was stashed.
"Autumn was my idea, but..."
Rapshade stopped, trying to set himself straight.
Ever since the morning he'd been scared, upset, and angry. Calm down...
He gazed at the rabbit suspiciously, padding up to him.
"What are you hiding?"
OOC: I hate posting like this, but I can't think of anything else to write.
IC:
"Nothing!" Petu said, maybe a little to fast. "I'm not hiding anything... Why do you ask?"
OOC-
'S alright.
Is
@Groddil alive?
Oh and Sand, maybe you could have Rayne sneak away while the vermin are eating to go sneak herbs to the Redwallers.
Or she could use either Roscoe or Fang to her advantage. Fang isn't too smart so he'd help her, and in Roscoe's case he'll go against anyone if it means he gets something. He isn't too loyal anyway. IC-
Rapshade frowned and sidestepped Petu, eyes rolling.
"Because you're acting fishy an' it smells like he's in here, idjit." The ferret peered under the bed.
He paid no heed to the stash of weapons, seeing only Fastooth. He could barely hold back the laughter that came to his throat.
"Aha, I knew it, did I not? What happened?"
Terrified that Rapshade would suddenly lash out Petu pressed against the wall, looking at the ferret in bewilderment. "He came in and I hit him with the fire iron." Petu stuttered, conveniently leaving out that Rapshade was meant to be the actual target of the attack. "I - aren't you mad?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Gathering up her supplies Rayne took a chance, scurrying through the rows of bedridden vermin and exiting the infirmary with as much confidence as possible. She deliberately lingered by the door to see if anybeast would challenge her right to leave the infirmary. It appeared as if anybeast that would want to was downstairs eating. Releasing a sigh of relief the mouse healer quickly descended the stairs heading towards the cellars. She'd have to pass by the Great Hall's entrance in order to get there, a place that was probably crawling with vermin. She pressed boldly on, hoping for some miracle to aid her through.
"Mad?" Rapshade echoed, drawing his sword.
"Why would I be mad? This is great. Y' captured th' filthy eavesdropper. If there was anything t' be mad about it's th' fact you barely tied him up...Hm, do that, will ye?"
He smirked casually. A nasty idea had formed in his mind.
His initial thought was to kill the rat, but it would be suspicious if he suddenly disappeared. So the ferret decided to treat Fastooth like a member of his old crew.
He tested his paw on the tip of his sword. He'd make Fastooth fear the oh-so sick and weak nephew of Alfhild.
--
Alfhild stood beside Fardan, watching her horde through analyzing blue eyes.
"What did you dream about?" She probed, grinning slyly.
Roscoe was still stuck with Fang, though he looked perfectly happy.
This caught the Chief's attention--her smirk quickly turned into a scowl.
"Look at those two, the traitor and the nephew's friend, talking. I'm gonna go split them up."
"...things best left in the past," said Fardan cryptically. "Go ahead. I won't stop you."
"You can trust me," Alfhild snickered.
She shook her head in mock-sadness and marched up to the two perpetrators, leaping between them from what was seemingly out of nowhere.
Fang shrieked and Roscoe's fur fluffed up.
"Oh, come now, boys." Alfhild mused, flashing her sharp white teeth.
"It's only me. What are you talking about, mm?"
"Nothing," said Roscoe quickly.
Alfhild pulled Fang aside and ruffled his yellow fur. "Oh, surely you're talking about something," she said, grinning as they both became a little skittish.
"There's naught a secret you can keep from me."
She plucked one of Fangfang's hairs, sending the little rat in a frenzy.
"Arright, I'll tell ya! We was talkin' about, er, about th' Redwallers!"
Fastooth was slowly coming awake when somebeast dragged him roughly out from under the dusty bed. Gagged as he was Fastooth's cries of anger were muffled, but he struggled in vain his yellow eyes flashing from ferret to rabbit in turn. How had Rapshade snuck up the stairs so fast? Surely the little rabbit hadn't managed to clobber him so easily.
His memories were a bit scattered, and the throbbing pain in his head certainly wasn't helping. "Rmmphf mmm!" He demanded from behind the gag, glaring daggers at Rapshade.
"What're you going to do?" Petu asked, watching the saber blade closely.
"I'm going to make him know that I'm not weak and merciful as he'd like t' think." Rapshade's eyes glinted as he crouched to look Fastooth in the face, tapping the rat's nose with the tip of his blade. "In no way am I above beating a 'helpless' prisoner. How do y' feel, eh, Fastooth?"
He sneered. "Horrible I assume. Scared, maybe?"
Pausing, the ferret analyzed the rat's face.
"No, not scared yet. Let me ask you some questions, mate. Will you still eavesdrop if y' don't have ears? Tattle if you don't have a tongue?"
He snickered, glancing backwards at Petu.
"You've made my day, y'little frogwalloper."
--
"What about the Redwallers, Fangfang?" Alfhild whispered, digging her claws into the rat's shoulder when he began to squirm.
"Uh...that I think y' should be nicer t' them, Chief." Blurted Fang absently.
Roscoe slapped his own forehead.
"Really, you think that?" Alfhild asked. "Does Roscoe think so, too?"
Before Fang could answer Roscoe was all over her, shaking his head. "No way, Chief, never! I say you'd oughta be even harsher!"
"Really," remarked the ferret, nodding.
"Well at least I know there's one of the two of you with his heart in the right place. As for Fang here...if you pity the Woodlanders, I say you join them!"
Fury glittered from Fastooth's yellow eyes as he stared in contempt up at Rapshade. The rat certainly felt nervous, but surely Rapshade wasn't foolish enough to attempt any of the things he threated, or was he? The ferret certainly looked stupid enough. The rat glanced semi-nervously towards the shining saber, imagining all the horrible things Rapshade could inflict upon him, none of which were pretty.
"Mmmph rrrgh mmmmaghf." He managed, shaking his head slowly.
"I'm glad I made you so happy." Petu told Rapshade sarcastically, looking revolted at the idea of torture. He didn't wish such a fate on anybeast, not even this rat who wouldn't bat two eyelids before cutting his throat. The rabbit shuddered, backing away from Rapshade. "You ought to just kill him or something, why bother torturing him?"
Mortembell's ears pricked up as the dark tunnels filled with screaming. The vixen moved away from the doorway and silently took a small blade from her medical supplies. Gripping the blade firmly, she pressed herself against the cavern wall, just beside the doorway, and waited.
*****
Deep beneath Redwall, Charm and her squadron crouched near the exit to the Abbey. The cave-in that blocked the tunnel had been lifted ever so slightly off the ground, just enough for Charm to look through. She grinned.
"Alright, know the plan?"
"Aye, marm. We wait fer Celio ta come, then while those fellas up there be's distracted, we 'its 'em from be'ind."
"Right, right. Hopefully we should hear them. Celio's not stupid, he'll know those guards are here. He'll make sure they're distracted."
"MARM!"
"What? What're you doing here?"
"Celio sent me. Asher's back. Mission success, apparently. He's with them now."
"Good. Has he been told the news?"
"I don't know."
*****
Just beyond the treeline, Celio and the rest of the Vigil concealed themselves behind whatever they could find. The mouse whispered to the captains, who passed the orders down the line.
"Crossbows at the ready, lads. Everybeast fire yer ranged weapon up an' over th' walls when ye start runnin'. That hail o' bolts should catch a few by surprise. Now, I don't think them vermin are very good architects, so chances are the gate they got in through is only barely patched up. Which is why you," he pointed to a large, bulky otter, "Are going first. Swap weapons with somebeast who has a war axe. When ye get ta the gate, one good hit to the hinges an' she'll come right off. Two, if we're unlucky. Once we get inside, I want the primary focus to be on securing the Redwallers. Th' boss doesn't want this organisation to end on a sour note, an' neither do I. No repeats of what happened last time, we clear? If somebeast takes a hostage, surround them. Shoot them in the back of the skull. Last order, make sure any vermin that are guarding that hole stop guarding it. Ready? CHARGE!"
The ranks of woodlanders, the otter at their head, burst forward from the woodlands, crossbows in hand. Each one raised their weapon to the sky, loosing a deadly rain of crossbow bolts that slaughtered two rats on the walltops, and flew into the Abbey Grounds. The otter was the first to reach the little wallgate the horde had used to make their entrance. While still sprinting forward, he swung the war axe hard at the gate hinges. Wood cracked and splintered, but the gate held. The main rank of the Vigil, about to reach the gate, stared at the otter. He raised the axe above his head and brought it down even harder than before. The gate split clean from the jury-rigged hinges, thudding into the Abbey grounds. The Vigil poured through the gate, some engaging the closest vermin with swords, some shooting at the walltops with their crossbows, while the main group ran for the Abbey building itself.
"He doesn't pity 'em, Chief, 'e was sayin' that he felt so bad that they were so stupid and got caught." Roscoe lied, but Alfhild wasn't listening.
Her ears were pricked and her nose was twitching nervously. The second attack she had thought would come had came.
Releasing her grip on Fang completely, the old ferret wasted no time in finding Fardan.
"Dear, you hear that?!" She barked, "Ralley the Warriors! I'm going to get Third Chief Rapshade!"
Alfhild broke into a brisk run up the stairs.
Rapshade sneered at Petu, aiming to draw a small cut above Fastooth's eye.
"Killing is too easy." He positioned the sword beside the rat's ear.
"I said I'm goin' t' have fun with him and that's what I'll--"
The door burst open and he shot up, shrieking, and shoved the blade against Petu's throat.
"Alfhild, you're finally here! Help me kill this little sneak who tied up Fastooth!"
The aunt blinked rapidly.
"You don't need help, but my am I proud of you! Finally, my weak nephew has some kind of violence inside him..." She quickly untied Fastooth, though standing in between him and Rapshade it made any attack between them impossible.
"Come on, Fastooth, if you'd take a look out that window you'd see the Vigil attacking. Rat, follow me, Rapshade, hurry when you're ready!"
And she was gone, beckoning hastily to Fastooth.
Rapshade felt his heart catch in his throat.
No, no, too soon...
He released Petu, glaring at Fastooth to get out.
Vaskor was reclining against the stairs when the Vigil attacked. His red eyes flashed in surprise, but he didn't panic, simply running up the wall steps to gain a better angle on the Vigil incursion, bow in paw.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Climbing to his paws Fastooth wiped away the tiny tickle of blood that glistened above his eye. "This innit over Rappy." He hissed under his breath before vanishing down the stairs to join the defense.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bracklew thundered into the caverns not noticing Mortembell. The young squirrel burst through the opening like a red furred arrow, breathing heavily and looking around for some sign of life to fight.
Drawing his rapier, Fardan raised it to gain the attention of the horde. "Warriors, to me! We won't let our pride be taken from us so fast. Wreak havoc on these woodlanders!"
He opened the Abbey gates, letting his troops flow out. Quickly slaying a Vigil solider, the wildcat engaged in combat with the enemy troops.
"Remember yer promise." Rapshade spat at Petu, adjusting his sabre and racing down the stairs.
He nearly trampled Fang and Roscoe on his way over to the door.
"Cap'n, I'm scared!" Fang screeched, "Me friends are fightin' eachother!"
Rapshade hurried him back to the steps and pointed upward, hissing urgently, "Go 'ide in the Abbot's room. Whatever y' do, don't come out."
The yellow rat nodded and began ascending the stairs. He halted. "You're not gonna die, are ya, Cap'n?"
Rapshade bared his teeth. "Th' longer you stay there th' sooner I will. Get going!"
Noticing Roscoe still lingering by the door, he strode up and bopped him over the head with his sword. "Stop loitering an' fight somebeast!"
"R-right!" Stammered the weasel, saluting and racing into the snow.
Vigil...Vigil...Celio....he could try and take Celio...
The charging Vigil soon discovered the horde's traps at the gates. Steaming pots of boiling oil flooded down upon the attackers, cooking creatures alive, while glass shards hidden in the snow cut any paw that was unshod. Fastooth, rushing out onto the grounds, armed with nothing but his paws could hear the screams that rose from those areas, but the traps wouldn't last forever.
Snatching a spear from a stoat, Fastooth signaled Grah to join him on the abbey lawns. "Listen up bird, take yer warriors n' attack them crossbows on th' other side o' th' wall. Once they're dead hit them woodlanders from behind."
"Craaah," Grah squawked angrily, nearly knocking Fastooth off his footpaws as she churned the air with her powerful wings. "Don't order Krah! I go with warriors where Grah wants, feast, kill filthy earthcrawlers, cross bow filth!"
"Aye ye do that, great plan." The rat growled summoning some of the vermin to him. "Les' go lads, fight 'em back, 'old them at the gate!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the cellars Rayne was confronted by two guards, who leveled their spears at her. "Wot ye doin' down 'ere mousie?" They asked in gruff voices.
"To warn you," Rayne said, sounding panicky. "Alfhild want's you up top, the Vigil are attacking. She said to hurry."
Both vermin looked at each other in uncertainty, before deciding to err on the side of caution. They rushed up the steps to aid Alfhild in repulsing the invasion. Shaking her head Rayne took the lock and a pair of needles in her paws, fiddling with the mechanism in an attempt to unlatch the door.
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on January 18, 2017, 09:11:33 PM
Snatching a spear from a stoat, Fastooth signaled Grah to join him on the abbey lawns. "Listen up bird, take yer warriors n' attack them crossbows on th' other side o' th' wall. Once they're dead hit them woodlanders from behind."
...
"Aye ye do that, great plan." The rat growled summoning some of the vermin to him. "Les' go lads, fight 'em back, 'old them at the gate!"
OOC: They're already inside, m8.
OOC: I know...
Duncan's eyes popped open as he heard the key turning in the door.
Even with one ear, he was a hare and had great hearing.
He tossed an old piece of wood at Aver's back.
"Wake up! The vermin are back, they might have food or if they're feelin' jolly good, maybe one of our friends."
Grant stirred, tired and wary.
"I admire your optimism so much, Duncan..." he murmured through a yawn. "If only I had it for myself..."
Sitting up the otter chieftain rubbed his eyes, staring blindly through the gloom towards the door. "I'd be happy if'n they bring us some food, m'starving." Aver shuffled over to Duncan just as the door creaked opened and Rayne stuck her head inside.
"Redwall is under attack!" The mouse healer stated in a rush, opening the door wider, flooding the cellars in torchlight. "I mean, the Vigil are attacking, they're fighting bravely but they need help. I distracted the guards, but they might be back soon."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Petu had collected his stash of weapons from under the bed, strapping the sword to his hip, and clenching the fire iron in his paws. He'd help in any way he could, and right now, many willing fighters were waiting in the cellars. He was about to exit when the sound of pattering paws reached his ears. Peeking out the doorway, the rabbit watched and waited to see who was approaching.
OOC-
Grant throwing shade. 8)
IC-
Duncan's eyes lit up like a Dibbun's on a holiday.
"Good old Sister Rayne!" he exclaimed, racing to the door.
"How's everything, Missie? Have you seen Petu? Is he okay? Are you okay?"
"If Rayne's alright I could bet you ears to tail that Petu is," Grant remarked as he stood up and gave himself a shake.
The old mouse chuckled under his breath.
"What was that part about the Vigil attacking Redwall? It sounds like something I'd dream about."
--
One of the shrew brothers that had been there as Rapshade murdered Chrysanthe noticed Roscoe and charged him, sending the short weasel running shrieking across the lawn.
The shrew stopped, twirling his rapier with a look of pure puzzlement on his face.
"Well, I never thought I'd live t' see the day vermin soldiers started outright wearin' their cowardliness outright for everybeast t' see..."
Mortembell went to stab the squirrel with the blade, but realised who it was just in time.
"Bracklew? Why in Hellgates are you charging around in here like you've gone mad?"
*****
Having already made it through the gate, the bulk of the Vigil charged through the vermin defensive line before it could be established, running for the Abbey building. A few split off, armed with ranged weapons, to deal with the vermin on the walltop. Another small group rushed the defenders at the pit. Charm grinned.
"Do it."
A squirrel heaved on the rope at the entrance, opening the tunnel. Charm's squadron quickly filed onto the lift and began to haul themselves out of the pit while the vermin were distracted.
Mortembell found herself staring down the length of Bracklew's wondrous sword. For a moment the squirrel looked as if he'd run the vixen through, but he stayed his paw, lowering the blade.
"Mortembell, y-you're alive? Thank the fates, I thought this cave would be full of verm- er, horde beasts." Sheathing his sword Bracklew cast about, looking like he had lost something. "Where is everybeast, don't they know Redwall has fallen? We need, we need to take it back."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Gutting a squirrel through the stomach, Fastooth spun in a slow circle watching the battle rage on all sides. The situation was good. It seemed the woodlanders were so determined to push forward that they were breaking into smaller groups, allowing the defenders to surround and slaughter. The Vigil didn't have their full force and they couldn't match the horde one for one, which gave the horde the upper paw.
They didn't have their full force!
Fastooth's eyes widened and he rushed across the lawns smiting down anybeast that dared stand in his path. The militaristic rat roared out orders as he rushed towards the pit.
"Pour the oil now! Pour it now, light the fires, their army is coming out of the pit!"
The horde beasts around the pit were hard pressed, and couldn't attend the large vats of boiling oil. Vaskor came to their rescue putting an arrow through an otter before launching a flurry of attacks on the Vigil creatures. The red eyed ermine bared his teeth in a vicious snarl, skewering and stabbing like a beast possessed. His wild assault, brutal as it was left the vermin time to tip the oil into the pit, throwing down with it, a lighted torch.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"They're attacking, through the wicker gate, but the horde can still push them back." Rayne said, rushing over to the Abbot and dusting him off. "They'll need everybeast they could get to help them."
Aver needed no second bidding, standing and clasping Duncan's shoulder with his webbed flipper as he looked around at the other Redwallers. "Shall we take th' fight to 'em Duncan an' force these vermin out o' Redwall? Victory or death an' all that eh?"
Duncan's eyes glinted with desire to take back his home from the vermin whom had unjustly torn it from him.
"Correcto, Aver my chap!" He said, saluting in true regimental form. "This time I'll show those vermin no quarter. Blood an' vinegar...for my wife, for my daughter, for all our lost friends an' allies, an' for Redwall!"
Grant smiled at Duncan and Aver, though as they were getting riled up for the fight he glanced at Rayne.
"It's my Abbey. How can I help?" the old mouse whispered. "I can't fight, but I am not about to sit back and watch. Rusk, too."
"I'll need everybeast that can't fight, to help me treat the wounded." Rayne offered the Abbot and Friar. "We should also bar the Abbey itself, so that the vermin can't retreat inside and hold the building, right Duncan?"
Quote from: LT Sandpaw on January 20, 2017, 03:01:11 AM
Fastooth's eyes widened and he rushed across the lawns smiting down anybeast that dared stand in his path. The militaristic rat roared out orders as he rushed towards the pit.
"Pour the oil now! Pour it now, light the fires, their army is coming out of the pit!"
OOC: All 20 or so of them. :p
BIC:
The lift that carried Charm's squad was quickly splattered with oil.
"Try... not to slip."
Most of the oil; however, landed at the bottom of the pit, and quickly went up in flames as the torch crashed into the bottom. Almost at the top, the soldiers gave one last heave and jumped into the fray, taking several of the vermin by surprise and slaughtering them before they could even turn around.
"Hmph," grunted Fardan as he saw the Vigil come out of the pit. "Follow me," he said, taking a few horde members and starting towards Charm and her beasts.
"Right! We'd better hurry," said Duncan, waiting for Rayne to make the first move.
He didn't know who--or what--could be waiting above the cellars, and none of them had any weapons.
OOC: Don't forget to post with Mortembell, I want to get Bracklew in on this.
IC:
Charging forward, Fastooth and the few vermin with him he smashed into the Vigil lines, taking the woodlanders by storm. Blades clattered on shields and axes splintered spears as the combatants slaughtered each other without mercy, no quarter was asked for or given.
"Keep 'em here," the rat ordered his minions, sidestepping a charging shrew, slaying the smaller creature with a thrust of his spear. Running to Fardan's side the rat explained the situation. "Chief, we got th' woodlanders 'ard pressed. We c'n 'old, but we'll loose most o' th' horde doing it. Wots yer orders?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"We c'n get weapons from th' gatehouse, an' collect them off the ground." Aver suggested, thumping his large plank-like tail on the stone floor. "C'mon we can't leave th' Vigil out there fightin' our battle for us alone."
Rayne nodded, leading the Redwallers out of the cellars and down the deserted corridors. Whispering into Grant's ear, the mouse healer told him about the infirmary. "There's a lot of wounded vermin in there, and Vadoma, the vixen, I think she's in there. We could lock them in for now, so they don't try anything until the battle is over, but we should do it quietly."
"I could do that," said Grant, lightening up.
"If you give me the key I'll go fast."
Duncan saluted, racing off towards the door.
"Righto, Aver! We'd best hurry." He found a discarded vermin sword on the ground and gave it a few experimental swings.
"As soon as you're ready, I am.
OOC-
By the way, if anyone wants to fight me, just ask.
The vixen sighed with relief and dropped the blade.
"They've already left to take it back. You go down that tunnel, you might just make it there."
She nodded to one of the many tunnels that left the makeshift infirmary.
*****
Charm's squad, having finished off the pit guards, charged the vermin line while the rest of the Vigil kept them engaged. The otter stabbed her javelin into a rat's neck, swinging the other end into the face of a large weasel. Two other soldiers slew the three vermin that surrounded their leader, but not before an arrow thudded into the chest of a squirrel. The line broken, the remaining seventeen charged through. An otter shoved the door to Great Hall open, giving the squadron access. Those who had already made it through started moving a table towards the door to slow down the vermin, as the otter was quickly overwhelmed and cut down. Charm stabbed her javelin out the door, slaying a rat, as her troops moved the table into position. The table buckled as the vermin tried to gain access.
"That isn't going to hold for long. You five, with me. We'll search the upper level. The rest of you, search the kitchens, the cellars, Cavern Hole... Get it done."
The Vigil squad split up to search for the Redwallers.
"I don't have the key," Rayne explained as she and the Abbot hurried along the corridors. "They wouldn't let me keep it, I think Vadoma might have it, or Alfhild. I was actually hoping you might know where some spares are?"
"Right beside ye matey," Aver said, joining Duncan and all the other able bodied Redwallers in rushing towards the main Abbey door. "Shall we give the bloody vermin a good ol' fashion Redwall surprise fr'm behind?" The otter was running faster then the others and took a corner to quickly, running face first into Vigil creature going the opposite direction.
"Hoy little matey, I heard ye lot was about." The otter chuckled, picking the felled mouse up and returning him too his footpaws. "Ye saved some o' th' vermin for us right?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nodding his thanks Bracklew saluted the fox with his sword, turning to charge down the tunnel. "I'll see you after the battle Mortembell, wish us fortune, fates alone know we're going to need it."
The table broke through and out burst Alfhild, firing off arrows with no haste.
"Today is the death of the Woodlander!" She roared, "And the victory of the Three!"
An otter let out a desperate gurgle and fell back, and his friend dove to catch him, but they were both dead before they touched the floor.
Alfhild's roving icy eyes soon noticed Charm, and she mercilessly worked her way over to the otter.
How fitting would it be if the most esteemed vermin Chief slaughtered the Vigil Leader?
The ferret notched an arrow to her bow, grinning wickedly.
--
Rapshade clutched his sabre at his side.
Now was his chance, he had to do what he wanted or else he would never be able to...
He let out a yelp and threw himself into the shadows as Duncan, Aver, and the other Redwallers raced past.
Don't let them notice....
--
"I'm sure he did," Duncan commented, "Hurry!"
He threw open the door and raced out.
"Eulaliaaaa! Redwaaaaaaallllllll!"
OOC: I guess charm just blew through the wildcat coming their way?
Guess it doesn't matter now ¯\_(?)_/¯
"Redwaaaaall!"
Barreling out the door Aver leapt upon the first horbebeast he saw, a scruffy female weasel wielding a mace, pinning her to the ground and stealing her club. A single swing later she breathed no more and the otter was looking around for a new target. His eyes landed on a group of ferrets who had surrounded some shrews. Charging the vermin Aver twirled his recently captured club whacking out left and right with devastating efficiency. "Come at me vermin, haharr ye scum o' th' lands! S'death on th' waters!"
Nearby Vaskor was tearing through a Vigil squadron when he spotted Duncan. Sighting his bow on the hare, the red eyed ermine sent an arrow spinning towards Duncan, hoping to take out the dangerous fighter before he did too much damage.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Leaving the tunnel was like walking into the fires of hell. Bracklew coughed and gagged as putrid fumes of burning oil filled his lungs and stung his eyes. Small flames danced around his footpaws, licking at his red fur.
What had happened here? Whatever had occurred, the ruined lift wasn't a viable option to escape the smoldering remains of Fastooth's trap. For a moment Bracklew considered retreating down the tunnels and going around, but such a trip would take hours, time he didn't have.
Narrowing his grey eyes Bracklew forged ahead, ignoring the burning sensation on his footpaws. Setting his sword between his teeth the young squirrel scaled the pit's sheer walls like an enormous insect, finding pawholds in the loose earth. Sparks from the burning wood that had once been the elevator settled into his shoulders stinging like nettles, smoke filled his lungs causing racking coughs, all of which threatened to send him tumbling from the walls down into the burning wreckage.
At last he reached the top, panting from the effort of hauling himself up with only three paws. Scrabbling at the icy grass Bracklew found himself staring at a heated battle field, for the second time in his life.
Duncan was busy parrying a rat when he looked up and noticed Vaskor's arrow flying headlong.
Quick as the wind, he dove down and pushed his foe into the way of the oncoming artillery, hopping back up to see the shrew Benyo at his side.
"Chrysanthe was my friend. You're a Guosim, right?" The hare asked, yelping as a stoat ran at him.
Benyo nodded, swiftly catching the stoat in the neck to spare Duncan a grizzly death. "Aye, and you're a Salamandastron 'are?" he panted.
Duncan's eyes shined as he knocked down a ferret that was sneaking up behind the shrew. "Long Patroller and Redwaller to the end, wot! Say, we make a good team."
--
Roscoe's ears picked up Aver's challenge as he finished fleeing from the shrew that had been after him, and suddenly the small weasel was grinning triumphantly. He'd take that otter down. Anything for his ego.
Leaping atop a snow pile and pointing his dagger, he exclaimed, "Alas, foul otter, I'm Roscoe! And that rhymes with death!" He clumsily tossed his weapon over his head and caught it in his other paw.
"Lightnin' flashes as I come!"
He aimed to jump down and attack, but he slipped and crookedly scrabbled his way over to Aver. He pointed the dagger at him.
"...Ready to lose?" he sneered.
--
Whew.
Rapshade padded sneakily down the loud corridors, though he couldn't see anybeast. It definitely made his fur spike with the eerie feeling.
He had to find Alfhild.
The big otter was finishing off a different ferret, stunning the downed creature with a hefty swing of his club. Grinning Aver stepped towards the smaller Roscoe, spinning his heavy club around in slow loops, blood flicking off in every direction.
"Gladly matey, up at ye, and on guard, haharr! I'll slay any vermin oo's willin' t'die today."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Growling in frustration Vaskor laying another shaft on his bowstring. The ermine locked onto his target, slithering like a snake through the battlefield, his white fur making him almost invisible, allowing him to pass wherever he pleased.
Approaching Duncan and his shrew comrade, Vaskor raised his bow, releasing the arrow in a hiss of death.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Bracklew stormed through the vermin with a single minded passion, slaying hordebeasts left and right. The wondrous blade of Martin flashed like a beacon of death, slaughtering weasels, ferrets, rats, and stoats with contempt. Each foe he defeated, crushed under heel the fear and terror that plagued him for so long.
His paw, stained red from blood, quickly grew weary but he kept on, pushing his way through the conquerors towards the main Abbey building.
One scrawny rat, smaller then most, took one look at the avenging squirrel and fled inside, shattering a window with his dagger, disappearing into the kitchens. Bracklew pursued, leaping headlong after the rodent and catching him in the lower kitchens.
The rat turned, waving his dagger piteously as he stood his ground, though fear shone in his eyes. "Arrrr, die treemouse!"
"You first," Bracklew shouted back swiping the dagger and a good portion of the rat's paw away in a single swing. The rodent gasped, falling to his knees and wailing in pain.
"Please yer lordship, I ain't 'arm to no beast. Mercy, I beg ye." He pleaded, clutching his ruined paw close to his chest.
Bracklew's heart beat twice, and with a nod the raised sword fell uselessly to his side. Leaving the rat in the kitchens Bracklew strayed into the lower passages, his eyes pealed for foebeasts as he sought to return to the battle.
OOC: Rapshade n' him, like you asked Ashes? Or should that happen later?
OOC-
Grodds ma man, Charm's in stranger danger.
@LT Sandpaw Perferably while Fardan is fighting Shadowmay.
IC-
Roscoe grunted; he had expected Skipper Aver to make the first move.
He took a running start and leapt at the otter, whacking his dagger's hilt purposely towards the paw that held his opponent's weapon.
The weasel didn't take notice to see if he struck true or not, he was too busy smirking at Aver.
"Thing is, yer not
supposed t' kill me. We duel, I win, you give me vittles.....Understan'?"
--
Duncan ducked his head at just the right moment so that the arrow merely tore off a chunk of fur.
His eyes blistered as he realized who the archer was.
No...is that....?"It was you who killed that innocent Dibbun!" he roared, raising his sword and charging at Vaskor.
Benyo hopped out of the way and began fighting a ferret, earning a cut across his cheek.
"Go, Duncan!"
--
Abbot Grant tip-pawed away from the locked infirmary door, shoving the key into his habit pocket.
Then he ran, as fast as he could, back to Rayne.
"They're not getting out," he panted, "They didn't even notice. But that large vixen was not in there..."
Backpedaling away from the weasel's attack, Aver, his paws akimbo raised one eyebrow at Roscoe's declaration. "Wot makes ye think ye'll win this matey, I don' plan on loosin' today. Its do or die now, have at ye." Sizing his opponent up Aver swung his club in a crushing roundhouse blow, aiming for Roscoe's head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Parrying the sword slash with his bow, Vaskor sidestepped around Duncan, his paw grabbing at his dagger hilt. The stone knife flashed out, its sharpened edge seeking the hare's heart as he thrust thrice.
"Yesss," The ermine cackled remembering the senseless murder of the dibbun. "I wish they fight on, yes? Then I kill two."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Great, good job Grant" Rayne answered, not overly concerned by the disappearance of the fox. Perhaps she had just gone out to fight in the battle. "We'd best get started on blocking up the lower levels."
OOC-
@Groddil Grodds if you're too busy to fight Alf, I'll make her go somewhere else. Just tell me.
IC-
"Do you have any clue where Petu might be?" The Abbot asked as he began briskly down the hallway.
"It was you and him who were taken out. I dearly hope he's alright, the young fellow..."
He stopped near the door, wondering what they would block it with.
--
Rapshade weaved his way through the stream of vermin pouring into the Great Hall.
A Vigil warrior lunged at him and he somehow managed to stab him through the neck on impulse, then turned and fled to one of the overturned tables, scrambling on top of it.
He could make out Alfhild as she went for Charm.
Perhaps he could get to her, if only...
"AAAHH!"
His black fur fluffed up in agony.
The ferret whipped his head to the side, biting back another scream as he stared at his bleeding leg.
Behind him stood the other shrew that was there when he killed Chrysanthe: Benyo's brother, Roye.
He held a rapier suspended in one paw.
Quivering, Rapshade felt around for his sabre.
"Fight me, Ferret." The shrew spat, "You killed Log-a-Log, but I'm gonna give you the chance to retaliate."
Rapshade growled and slid down from the table, taking a rough swing at the smaller creature.
"I'll kill you like I killed your precious friend,
Shrew. Trust me, nobeast will remember you after this battle. Just like Chrysanthemum, you'll be dead."
--
Duncan's memory was flooded with the equally senseless murder of his daughter, as both her and the Dibbun that Vaskor murdered would never get to grow old like he. His teeth gritted.
He had buried his grief and anger inside for so long, and Vaskor's words were the blade that set them free. What a mistake the vermin had made in choosing him to attack.
The hare's eyes transformed into the reflection of an angry, dancing fire.
"No young creature will ever have to endure an evil like that again!" He yowled, pulling up his sword at just the right moment.
Metal clashed with metal, resounding in a loud, ear-shattering smash.
Duncan pulled back and swerved to the left, bringing the blade in a roundabout movement as he went for the ermine's side.
"You, and Rapshade, and every other cowardly scum in your horde...You'll pay in blood for what you did!"
--
Roscoe gave a high pitched shriek and lost his balance--and it was fortunate for him, because Aver cleaved air.
The weasel grinned disarmingly and tossed a clump of snow at him. Then he fixed his hat, adjusted his dagger, and leapt up, back and ready to go.
"Yelpin' frogwalloper! Yer
actually tryin' ta
kill me!" The crooked, teasing smirk still lingered on his face, outweighing the surprise he was experiencing. He frowned as he kicked out at Skipper's ankle.
"Here, let me rephrase my deal; I win, you give me vittles. I lose, you give me vittles as compensation fer what yew did t'me. Oh, watch yer side, here comes th' knife!"
OOC-
I love how Aver's actually trying to kill him and Roscoe's just taking it as a game.
The trees and shrubs opposite of the path outside Redwall rustled as furry bodies moved through them. Sword blades and speartips are seen poking out, and whispers are heard between the creatures.
The Guosim army had arrived.
The fourscore beasts emerged onto the path, with Gruddil in the lead. "The horde that attacked us and killed our Log-a-Log is inside battling... let's return the favor! Logalogalogalogalooooooooooog!"
The Guosim charged into the Abbey grounds, reinforcing the Vigil forces inside.
Its early morning mate. I had school all yesterday, I'll do it in an hour.
Charm whirled around as the body of another otter fell past her, an arrow embedded in his chest. Alfhild.
"You."
The otter brandished her javelin in one paw and snatched the fallen soldier's war axe with her other.
"Hiding behind the ones dying for you?"
She charged the ferret, throwing the javelin over several rats between her and the ferret..
*****
On the lawns, Shadomay stood back-to-back with two soldiers, slowly being overrun by vermin. Unable to get an arrow off, the vixen stabbed one into a stoat's neck, snatching his cutlass as he gurgled and fell to the ground. Slashing at the advancers, the young vixen and her companions managed to push the vermin back. One of them gasped.
"That's 'im. The wildcat. 'Ee's one o' their chiefs..."
He pointed to Fardan.
"Think he's seen us?"
"Oh, I 'ope not! We'll die if 'ee 'as!"
"Shut up. Get me a way out of these idiots, and I'll deal with him."
The soldier nodded. He snatched the cutlass from Shadomay and rushed the vermin, a sword in each hand. While he was quickly cut down, Shadomay made a run for a gap in the attackers. Once she was on the other side of the wall they had formed, the vixen snatched a sword from a fallen soldier, tucked it into her belt, and fired an arrow at Fardan.
"Please hit..."
Alfhild dove expertly out of the reach of the javelin, clicking her teeth as she and Charm advanced towards eachother. She shot down a bold and used him as a shield to block herself from the Vigil Leader's axe.
"What are you fighting for?" The old ferret snarled, spitting through gritted teeth. "Your little Vigil is the reason Fardan, Rapshade, and I had Vaskor slay that young creature. You are the ones in the wrong here..."
That gave her enough time to notch an arrow to her bow.
"Surrender your armies or die."
--
"How dare you disrespect Log-a-Log like that!" The shrew, Roye, spat, just barely leaping aside as Rapshade swung down at his legs and tail with the sparkling new sword that Fardan had given him.
He ducked to the ground and sprang up on the other side of the ferret, shearing the whiskers (and some skin) off one side of his snout.
Rapshade snarled furiously and pounced on him. The two tumbled to the floor, yowling and clawing at eachother.
A few Vigil archers aimed arrows at Rapshade, but he rolled Roye on top of him and the weapons found themselves inside the shrew's back.
Not dead yet, Roye fell flat on his stomach, gasping for breath.
"Mercy...!"
"Really, y' think I have mercy." Rapshade laughed coldly, amber eyes alight with the thrill of battle.
He wiped blood off his face and leaned in on Roye, whispering into the Guosim's ear.
"Mercy's for the stupid and the weak. You miss Chrysanthe, and I'm doing you a favor by bringing y' closer t' her."
He silenced the petrified looking shrew with a paw to his mouth.
"Nah nah, no mercy from me."
Just as Roye was about to bite him and get back up, he felt himself stabbed twixt the ribs.
And he never did get up.
OOC: Jus to clarify, Shadowmay doesn't know who Fury is, right?
BIC:
The arrow overshot Fardan, but pierced his ear, leaving a clean hole as the arrow passed right through. He turned from where he had been standing, picking out Shadowmay quickly. "A mistake on your part," he yelled across the battlefield. Quick as a flash, the cat had sprinted over to the fox, his bloodstained sword ready to strike again. "You will meet a fate as bloody as your compatriots, just for that," snarled Fardan, gesturing to the hole in his ear, now dropping blood.
OOC: nope.
BIC:
The vixen gulped.
"Uh oh."
Unable to loose another arrow, Shadomay stabbed it towards Fardan's leg.
Holding his spear out like a riot pole Fastooth knocked three shrews over, dealing with them in quick succession. The big rat had a nervous air about him, but he fought on viciously giving no mercy or quarter to any woodlander that challenged him.
Finding himself in a lull of the fighting, Fastooth rested, looking around for a viable target. His yellow eyes flashed when he saw Gruddil, and without question he charged, spear raised defiantly. If he could kill the shrews' leader, he might be able to rout them off the battlefield.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Responding in kind Vaskor, parried and slashed for all he was worth against the big hare. Stone flecks flew off his knife in every direction, like tiny arrows, while his bow, though made of hardwood began to wither under the ferocious assault.
Needing a moment, Vaskor kicked out driving Duncan away for a faction of a second, giving him enough time to lay one last arrow on the string, the stone knife fell and sticking hilt up in the snow. "You can't stop." He growled, drawing the string back to his ear. "Us!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Parrying the blade with almost comic ease, Aver wondered if the ferret he now faced would even be affected by a blow to the head. His skull seemed too thick for even an otter to crush. Wanting to end the confrontation and move on, Aver bullied forward reaching out to grab ahold Roscoe's knife paw.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm afraid I have no idea," the mouse healer answered, sizing the big door up. Rayne wasn't entirely sure how they'd go about doing what she suggested, and it didn't help that her plan was semi-ruined by the vermin already in the Great Hall. "Last I saw of him, he was leaving the infirmary with Rapshade, I hope he's okay. We ought to get some tables from Cavern Hole to block the lower entrances, I don't think the Great Hall is an option now, they're already fighting there- Bracklew!"
The young squirrel had come running up behind them, his eyes alight and his fur on end. "Sister Rayne, Father Grant." He gasped in equal surprise, hiding his gory sword and paw behind his back, as if ashamed to be seen like this.
OOC-
Roscoe is a weasel.
IC-
"Bracklew!" Grant exclaimed, turning away from Rayne to greet the squirrel. "I had thought you were dead! Are you alright?"
Bracklew looked very messed up, but at least he was alive.
--
"I would stop you," Duncan grunted, bleeding from his forehead as he got real up close to Vaskor so that the arrow wouldn't be able to work properly. He slashed downwards at the ermine's head.
"Even if I had to die a million times for it to happen."
--
Roscoe held back a hiss of frustration.
Aver was making him look like a fool. He twisted his leg and made another attempt to get at him, but the otter clamped his claws around his wrist, rendering his fighting paw useless.
"Really?" The weasel spat, trying to free himself. "That's low. Couldn't handle me, huh?"
OOC:
@Ashleg: Your post is a little weird. Charm was charging
towards Alfhild. If Alfhild just walks up to her, she's gonna get an axe in the face before Charm even stops running.
Misunderstood.
Let me change that.
OOC: I keep doing that. :P
IC:
Nodding, Bracklew stepped around the two mice struggling in vain with the knob, answering Grant cryptically. "I'm alive and better then those out there, in less then three pieces I suppose. Could you open the door please?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
The arrow fell off the bow at an awkward angle, ruining Vaskor's attack. He struggled ferociously, trying his best to keep away from Duncan's blade as the two battled back and forth across the snow.
However slippery and fast the ermine was, he didn't possess the speed of Duncan's paw. Vaskor released a guttural cry of pain as Duncan's sword sank into his shoulder.
Wrenching himself away the ermine attempted to flee clutching at his wounded shoulder, his breaths coming ragged bursts. Casting a fearful glance towards the hare Vaskor made his last mistake, tripping over a shield sprawling muzzle first into the snow.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"You varmint, ye should'a learned a few manors a'fore comin' here." Aver advised rapping Roscoe's captured paw to knock the knife away. He raised his arm so that the weasel was standing on his tip claws "Ye ain't a warrior mate, what're ye doing fightin' in a horde?"
OOC: Thankee.
BIC:
Charm swung the axe, sheering the tip straight of Alfhild's arrow.
"No. You could have just walked off. You didn't. You don't get that chance again."
The otter cracked her neck.
"I'll call my army off if you do the same. You and me. Whoever dies, their army retreats."
A squirrel handed the otter her javelin.
OOC-
Welcome.
IC-
"Put me down!" Roscoe snapped, kicking his footpaws.
"It's none o' yer business why I'm here or what I choose to do, Riverdog. I'm impulsive..." He lifted his paws entirely off the ground to try and tire Aver.
--
"I accept your challenge," Alfhild spat, dropping her bow and lunging at Charm.
She tried to scratch the otter's face with her sharp claws.
Rapshade the Swift watched Alfhild fight Charm. He slipped away, knowing that he'd have to wait until Charm was out of the picture in order to kill his aunt.
Either that, or he could walk straight into the wave of armed Vigil soldiers and get himself slain.
Sneakily, the black ferret headed out of the Great Hall and down one of the corridors leading around to the other side of it.
He could hide somewhere and ambush her as she came out...aha! The vermin's eyes lit up.
There was a room with double doors, and it seemed empty. It was the perfect spot. He ran inside and pressed himself against the wall, blending in with the shadows.
On the other end, Grant was unlocking the door for Bracklew.
"There you go...We were actually going to block this off so they couldn't use it as some kind of secret route, but if you need it for something, that is fine. Rayne, I'm going to go see if I can find Petu."
The old mouse scurried off.
--
Duncan took a flying leap just as Vaskor was about to fall, and he wound up on top of the ermine, pinning him to the snow.
The hare partially flipped the vermin over to look at his face.
"Sorry...I'll make it fast," he said halfheartedly, "It's more than you deserve."
The Salamandastron warrior aimed a blow at the assassin's chest.
Charm lifted a foreleg in front of her face, slashing the axe sideways towards Alfhild's midsection.
"Everybeast, stand down. All of you!"
Alfhild jumped up, onto the table behind her, and knocked an oncoming hare onto the axe.
"Ooh!" She yowled, grinning mockingly. "That must've hurt!"
Vadoma jumped up at her side from seemingly out of nowhere, tail lashing in anticipation.
"Attack Charm, and keep her distracted even if it kills you." Alfhild ordered her, before weaving off through the crowd and disappearing.
"Understood, Chief. I may be a healer, but I'm also a fox. There's a reason I have these," the vixen mused, and bared her teeth in a snarl. Vadoma advanced towards the axe-wielding otter, hopping in her way so she couldn't chase after Alfhild.
She had gained hold of a poisoned knife, and she aimed the tip in a downwards slash at Charm's forearm.
OOC: Foreleg, ya mean. Animals don't have arms. ;D
BIC:
Charm stepped back, narrowly avoiding the first slash.
"Dammit, keep fighting! COWARD!"
When Vadoma tried to stab the otter a second time; however, Charm found herself without enough room to back away. The squirrel who had handed her her javelin jumped in front of her, taking the blow.
"Don't... Let them... win."
He slumped to the floor. Charm growled, stabbing the javelin towards Vadoma.
"Don't bring a knife to a spearfight, fox. You can never get close enough to use it."
Using the javelin to keep Vadoma at bay, Charm contemplated throwing the axe. Surely it couldn't miss at this range...
The otter grinned. No... She had a better plan.
OOC-
Wot th' flip....
These are anthropomorphic animals, mate.
Matthias had arms just like Mickey Mouse would have arms...and I'm quite sure I've seen that word used in the books. :P ;)
IC-
Vadoma was putting all her focus and energy into parrying Charm's javelin.
As a seer, she had never really trained in combat, but she wasn't all that bad either.
"Step down, Otter!" The vixen sneered, flattening her ears threateningly.
OOC: lol
IC:
Vaskor's eyes widened as the sword delved into his chest, breaking ribs and ripping vital organs. A terrible fear of death welled inside of him, but this was a foe he could not hide from, no matter his fur color. The strange ermine could only convulse, his body twitching involuntarily as he uttered his final words with one last breath. "No.... Die..."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Giving the adolescent squirrel a quick hug, Rayne opened the door wider, giving Bracklew ample space to charge back into the fray. "I'll lock it up after you, be safe Brack, promise me you'll be safe..."
~*~*~*~*~
"I ain't gonna let ye go less ye promise to surrender, whoa, don' do that!"
In time past Aver could have easily held the weasel up for a lengthy bit of time, but due to recent wounds and his previous exertion in the battle his arm gave, and he released Roscoe, raising his club intending to finish the purple eyed vermin.
OOC-
"Goofy's foreleg"... ;)
IC-
"I'm sorry," murmured Duncan flatly, even though he knew Vaskor could no longer hear him.
He pulled his sword free and dusted some snow over Vaskor's body before running to find Benyo.
"How's it goin'?" The hare panted.
The shrew adjusted his sword. "Alright. Lots of th' vermin are either dead, or they ran off, or fled inside. You okay?"
Duncan nodded.
"Yes, I'm jolly good. Let's stop worryin' about me and go help the Vigil warriors still inside."
--
"Don't hit!" Roscoe fell on his back and threw his paws up to cover his face, letting out a wail.
"I wasn't tryin' ta kill you, it was a duel, that's all!"
Charm panted.
"And why would I do that? Last time I checked, I intended on winning.
The otter stabbed the javelin down towards Vadoma's footpaw.
OOC: I'm just gonna PP the first few posts for the shock factor, then you can have sShadowmay come up with an undoubtedly ingenious plan to best Fardan.
BIC:
The arrowhead fell harmlessly to the ground, lopped off by the rapier. Fardan smiled, a cold smile, as he took a step back. With the open space, it became much easier to wield his sword, and he lightly jabbed it towards the vixen, testing her reflexes.
OOC-
By the way, when Vadoma's done with, don't go after Alfhild. I've got her covered...
IC-
"I do not foresee that you win today!" said Vadoma, bringing her knife towards Charm's side.
Little did she notice the otter trying to attack her footpaw, so the javelin sank in and the fox let out an anguished howl.
"YAaaaaagh! What have you done?!" Her eyes gleamed. "You will die for that!"
Charm swung her axe at Vadoma, cleaving the paw that held the dagger clean from her body, and sending the axe clattering to the ground. Ignoring Vadoma's scream, Charm punched the vixen squarely in the nose, sending her stumbling back. At least, as far back as the javelin would allow. The otter grabbed Vadoma's head and twisted roughly. A loud crack, and the vixen was silent. Charm released her hold on the vixen's limp form, causing her to flop lifelessly to the ground. Her soldiers, having managed to finally defeat their attackers, began to search for the captured Redwallers.
*****
Shadomay screamed in pain as Fardan's rapier slashed across her arm. Backing up, the vixen unsheathed her sword and raised it to try and block the wildcat's attacks.
Grant was walking past a room of which the door hung slightly ajar, when all of the sudden he was grabbed by two dark paws and pulled inside.
The Abbot was too lost for words to scream as he gazed up into the cold eyes of the perpetrator.
It was Alfhild, at it again with her hostage schemes.
OOC: Could you have Rappy do something so Brack can notice him before he rejoins the fight outside? They could battle there in Cavern Hole I suppose.
IC:
Unsure of himself, Aver lowered his club giving the downed weasel a contemptuous glare. "Alright fine, but ye better keep yer 'ead down an don' try n' take up arms again, I won't be so merciful next time."
~*~*~*~
Listening at the door with Fangfang, Petu's sharp ears picked up the brief sounds of a scuffle happening down the hall. Clenching his captured sword, the rabbit turned to his rat companion summoning his courage. "Duncan would say to keep a stiff upper lip and be brave, and he'd say wot too. Somebeast could be in trouble down there and we ought to help them.
"I feel so useless hiding up here, while everyone else is fighting. C'mon, you could come too and provide back up for me." The rabbit held out what used to be Fastooth's dagger to Fangfang, holding the blade so that Fang could take the hilt.
Roscoe made to get up, remarking snidely, "It was all in fun, addlebrain."
He adjusted his cape and hat and gave Aver a snooty down-the-nose glare before spinning and heading towards the gate.
"Idjit!" He called behind him. "Can't stand those crazy riverdogs, nope!"
--
Fang wrung his paws together, sending Petu a very nervous blue-eyed glance.
"Er, Petu, Cap'n doesn't want me t' get killed. I mean..." He took he dagger but didn't make to move, not sure what to think.
Every time in the past that he had tried to fight, something awful had happened.
"What if it's Alfhild or th' big freaky bird?"
--
Rapshade watched Bracklew and tried to remain unseen as he inched towards the door, but at the last second he tripped over a broom and fell into the light.
"Dratted stupid--!"
Fardan drew back from Shadowmay, a grin spreading across his face. "Better. But you will not survive this..." Narrowing his eyes, the wildcat circled around the fox like a bird of prey. Waiting for an opening.
Rayne and Bracklew spun around, spotting Rapshade and the culprit broom that tripped him. Locking onto the downed ferret Bracklew left off rejoining the battle outside, running across Cavern Hole his paws echoing throughout the near empty dining room.
"Rapshade," he growled drawing closer, and slowing to a trot. "You wont escape this time, there's nobeast here to save you from what you deserve!"
~*~*~*~*~
Ignoring Roscoe's insults, Aver stepped back into the fray, summoning several woodlanders to his side. Sending them on various missions the otter tried to contain the remaining vermin, and destroy what was left of their resistance.
He was about to rush to Shadowmay's aid against Fardan, when a piercing pain shot across his back and neck like hot brands. The otter squirmed trying to pull away as Grah pinned him to the ground, sinking her beak into his skull.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"It can't be the bird," Petu assured Fang, stepping out and tiptoeing down the hall. "She'd be outside fighting, and we'd smell her if she did come inside." He didn't make any comment about Alfhild, he hoped it wasn't her, he certainly was no match for the ferret warlord. Hopefully it was just some vermin warrior, hiding from the fight. If he saw it was two on one he'd most likely surrender without a fight, hopefully.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Sidestepping a shrew and running her through, Fastooth growled in satisfaction. He was surrounded by dead vermin and shrews a fair distance from the main battle. His squadron had been eradicated, but they held until the bitter end, leaving their commander alone, but alive.
Wrenching his broken spear from the shrew's body Fastooth threw it aside, knowing the fight was over. Exhaustion weighed at his limbs, and the thought of fighting even one more beast made the rat squirm in misery. This battle was lost, even now the remaining vermin were beginning to collapse, they'd fight on for some time, but Fastooth could see where this was going. Even the crows couldn't turn this around. Fastooth limped to the nearest wall gate, his leg bloodied from a gaping slash in his leg.
He'd survive, and he could care less if anybeast else lived or died.
As she stepped backwards, Shadomay found herself back-to-back with another fox, one currently engaged in battle with a squirrel. The vixen whirled around, plunging her sword through the fox's chest. The blade point sticking out of the front of the fox, Shadomay placed the fox between herself and Fardan and shoved him forward, lunging at Fardan with her human shield.
"D-deserve? Bracklew..." Rapshade smiled disarmingly as he unsheathed his sabre and got up. His tail flicked crookedly as he approached the young squirrel--he seemed reluctant, if almost unwilling, but he went at it with words anyway, desperately trying to fill the role of a fearsome captain once more.
"You owe me, y'little whelp. I helped y' fix yer paw, so yer indebted. You can't kill me, but I can kill you..."
Deciding not to let any more time flee his paws, Rapshade took a swing at him, but it was topheavy and he went stumbling as to not fall flat.
The ferret huffed, flicking his eyes back to Bracklew as he suddenly jumped at him with a much stronger attack, cleaving the blade through the air and at the squirrel's ears.
--
Roscoe fled just then, smirking as usual as he stepped onto the fresh snow with a new relish.
The Redwallers were winning and the horde was nearly defeated.
He felt no loyalty to either side, no obligation to join back in the fight for anything but amusement like he had with Aver.
Now, where to?
"It's up t' me. No more Alfyhild callin' to come home." Roscoe answered himself. His pace quickened to an excited run. "Ha! Roscoe the Rogue is back at it again!"
--
Fangfang chuckled.
"Huh, sure, guess y'ave a point, Petu. Lead th' way..." He grinned sheepishly and stepped behind the rabbit. There was no way he was going first.
--
Duncan snuck back inside after knocking a few more vermin out of action for the time being.
"Anybeast in here need help?" He called, padding down the hallways with his sword poised.
OOC-
Ay Sand, I think the more we get in now until Fardan's death the better it'll be.
Ducking beneath the saber Bracklew heard the blade sing past his head, the razor blade slicing through the tufted fur at his ear tips. Gritting his teeth the young squirrel rolled away from Rapshade, jumping to his footpaws and readying his sword.
"I don't owe you anything Rapshade, you murdered Chrysanthe and Mixy and so many others. Its time you pay." A slight twinge in Bracklew's stomach made him wince, but he pushed the guilt aside, determining that Rapshade's actions that day was nothing more then a cheap trick. It was the kind of thing Rapshade would do.
Lunging forward Bracklew attempted to knock Rapshade's saber to one side so he could stab the ferret through the stomach.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Following the sounds of the struggle Petu glanced inside each room as they passed, occasionally looking to see if Fang was still following. A sound a little ways away alerted the rabbit and he raised his sword.
"Whose there?" He called boldly.
Rapshade found himself focusing on their verbal exchange rather than the fight, and he was late to dodge and block the blade that Bracklew jabbed towards his middle.
He whacked it at the last minute, diverting it away from his stomach but still letting out a shattered scream as it struck true in his side.
Clawing at the bloody wound, he swung at the squirrel, pushing the pain down beneath him.
He had to survive long enough to kill Alfhild. He could hurt later.
--
Fang tensed. The shadow on the wall was growing closer....he felt his paws tighten around his sword.
At last the unknown creature spoke. It was a familiar voice.
"Petu...?"
Neatly sidestepping the body and Shadowmay's rush, Fardan watched as the fox missed him. The wildcat waited for her to regain her footing, than rushed in with his sword, testing her defenses.
Enamored by his early victory the squirrel spun his stained sword away, parrying Rapshade's swing. Paw ringing from the vibrations of the heavy clash Bracklew leaned back on his heels winding up for a powerful blow. "Remember when I told you stomach wounds heal slow?" He taunted, bringing Martin's sword across in a round-house attack. "Well, that one I just gave you wont ever heal!"
~*~*~*~
"Yeah that's me." Petu called back, while trying to hide the fact that his fur stood on end and his voice trembled. "Show yourself please, I warn you, I'm armed."
As soon as she had shoved the fox's body past Fardan, Shadomay whirled around, taking an arrow from her quiver and stabbing it towards Fardan's sword paw. Pulling the sword from the corpse would take too long.
"Why...won't it?" Rapshade's dangerous sabre shot out just in time to protect him from the powerful blow, and he even managed to push Martin's sword back and away from him long enough to get a grip on what he was doing.
Breathing through his mouth, the ferret kept his eyes trained on Bracklew. If he looked away from his target for just one moment, his focus would go back to his side wound and he would likely faint.
That couldn't happen, not yet.
"How foolish I was t' think anything good would come from that moment..." he panted, swiping at the squirrel again. Some hidden anger flashed in his eyes as he realized that he didn't deserve for Bracklew to uphold his promise. He wouldn't have.
He had to end this...
--
Duncan stepped out from around the corner, flashing grins.
"Flippin' fires, Petu, aren't we all armed? You're okay! And Fang, too."
He wiped a gray paw across his brow. "What a relief."
"Because I'm going to kill you!" Bracklew yowled, stumbling back to regaining his footing. The young squirrel was about to lunge again when the saber slashed out at him. He dodged away, but he wasn't fast enough to avoid the blade entirely and got cut on the shoulder.
Wincing Bracklew felt his sword arm grow weaker. His good arm, a lucky blow for Rapshade. "That single act meant very little after you betrayed me, leaving me to Fardan and Alfhild's mercy. Then you joined them and attacked my home, again!" Leaping forward Bracklew delivered a kick, following up by slashing towards Rapshade's wound.
~*~*~*~*~
"We're fine, me and Fang just thought he heard somebeast in trouble down this way and came to investigate." Petu explained, lowering his sword and stepping closer to Duncan. "How's the battle going?
The arrowhead caught the paw guard on the sword and jerked Fardan's paw away. A minor annoyance at most, but the wildcat still found it frustrating. In quick succession, he made a diaganol strike at Shadowmay's legs and another one at her neck.
Rapshade withstood the kick in order to be able to deflect Bracklew's more vicious attack.
"I know what I did," he spat through gritted teeth. "But who will kill Alfhild if you kill me?"
Taking an uneven step around the squirrel, the ferret watched, hoping soon Bracklew would tire.
--
Duncan's ear twitched proudly. "We're winning, we're bally winning. Th' only ones left for the most part are the leaders."
Fang flinched noticeably but didn't say anything on that, instead nodding down the hallway.
"'S somebeast walkin' around or somethin'?"
Warily stepping in time to Rapshade's footfalls, Bracklew kept a close eye on the saber. His own sword remained out, the tip wavering a bit as his arm grew tired.
"Why would you want to kill Alfhild?" He questioned, wondering if this was another trick intended to make him lower his guard.
~*~*~*~*~
Snapping back to being on alert, Petu raised his sword once more, challenging the shadow that Fang spotted. "There's three of us, who are you? Come out now and show yourself." He felt much bolder now that Duncan stood beside him. The Salamandastron hare was a trained warrior, capable of defeating any odd vermin.
Rapshade shrugged mutely.
He hesitated and then aimed a downward cut at the squirrel's sword paw, not bothering to continue engaging in the conversation.
--
Nobeast stepped out of the shadows, but a crackly female voice rose in laughter.
"Silly Bunny!" she boomed. "I could be casting false images for all you know...throwing my voice...oh, but the one thing that's certain is that I won't come to you. You will have to come to me."
The lanterns flickered and the shadow vanished.
"Alf'ild." Fang breathed, finding an unhappy wail start rising in his throat.
"Oooooohhhh, Petu, why'd y'ave'ta go an' start this?"
The sword's guard protected his paw, and Bracklew followed through the successful, albeit lucky parry by stabbing towards Rapshade's eyes. If the ferret wasn't going to answer the question, there was no reason for Bracklew to press the issue, and his suspicious were more or less confirmed. It was a trick on Rapshade's part.
Behind them Rayne watched in fascination, inching her way around the duelers to reach the door.
~*~*~*~*~
"Because we gotta finish it, we can't let her get away." Petu answered, surprising himself with his sudden spark of courage. "C'mon Fang, stay behind me and Duncan." The rabbit pressed forward, stopping suddenly, lowering his voice. "Err, Duncan, what's the plan here?"
Shadomay weaved to one side, narrowly avoiding the first strike, but moving directly into the second. Fardan's rapier whizzed past her head, leaving a thin slice across the left side of her face. Weaponless, the vixen desperately looked around for a way to defend herself. A mouse charged the wildcat, spear in hand, but was quickly cut down by a weasel. Shadomay snatched the spear from the fallen soldier and ran the weasel through, before turning back to Fardan. The vixen lashed out with the spear, aiming for Fardan's chest.
Fardan attempted to dodge the blow, but the spearpoint drew blood from his chest, leaving a fresh wound. "Hmph," said the wildcat, adrenaline lessening the pain. He carved a semi circle in the ground with his rapier, daring the fox to try again.
OOC-
Couldn't help myself. Oops..
IC-
Rapshade yelped and swung his sword up to deflect Bracklew from sticking him through the head.
He noticed Rayne, raising a brow, before hurriedly aiming a stab at his squirrel foe's middle. Perhaps they could both get stomach wounds.
--
"Follow her shadow, paw steps, anything. Try to corner her and don't let up until she flees or dies." Duncan said, tip-pawing his way around Fangang and Petu and up to the front of the trio.
Thus he headed down the hallway, sword out and ready.
"Where are ya, Ferret?"
Shadomay gripped the spear as a staff, trying to hit the rapier from Fardan's paw.
The swords clashed once again and due to the saber's unique design combined with his shoulder wound Bracklew's attempt to block only just succeeded. His own sword slid down the saber's length, becoming caught on the pommel guard, while the blade sank a full inch into the squirrel. His thick winter coat took the brunt of the blow, protecting him from being slain, but not from receiving a small yet painful wound.
Jumping away Bracklew pressed his left arm against the fresh wound, letting out a pained yelp. He reacted on instinct, striking out at Rapshade's nose.
Behind the two fighters Rayne winced sympathetically, putting a paw to her mouth. The mouse knew very little of combat, but she knew a lot about such wounds. The two warriors were slowly witling away at each other.
~*~*~*~
"Listen, I think I can hear her." Petu whispered, leaning in on a particular room, squinting to pierce the shadows that hid Alfhild from view. Petu stepped forward, checking around the left side of the door.
Rapshade hesitated, surprised that he actually hit.
How dare he feel guilty. He was faulty, there was something wrong with him.
Angrily, the ferret bit his tongue and made to move out of the way, but he felt Bracklew's sword leave a thin cut across his nose.
That was when he realized he couldn't win by playing fair. The ferret turned and ran at Rayne before she could get to the door, sword raised.
--
Alfhild, lurking in the shadows behind the door, maneuvered into position and fired an arrow at Petu when he came into sight.
Fardan's blade spun across the battlefield. Enraged, the wildcat gripped the spear and wrenched it from the fox's hands, discarding the weapon like a toy. Claws out, Fardan advanced towards Shadowmay.
OOC: He tries to throttle her, she pulls a dagger from somewhere, kills him, END SCENE!
Shadomay ducked back as Fardan lashed at her. The vixen raised her forelegs to protect her face, but not before a paw raked across her face, leaving three thin scars down her muzzle. The vixen kicked out at the wildcat, but to no avail. Fardan's powerful paws gripped her by the neck. Her own paws instinctively rose to pry him off, but she was not strong enough. Salvation came in the form of Celio, stabbing a knife into Fardan's back. The wildcat roared, wheeling around, snatching the fallen spear, and jamming it into Celio's leg as the mouse attempted to dodge. Shadomay took the opportunity to wrench the dagger from Fardan's turned back and stab him twice in the stomach. The wildcat spat blood, ripping the blade from his own gut and charging Shadomay. The vixen nimbly sidestepped the wildcat, drew an arrow from her quiver, and stabbed it into Fardan's eye. The wildcat dropped the dagger and pawed roughly at the arrow lodged in his skull, trying to break it free. The vixen took the dagger and thrust it up, one final time, through the wildcat's neck and straight up until the tip burst through his mouth. With a final gurgle, Fardan crashed onto Celio. Shadomay ran to the mouse's side.
"You alive?"
"Yeah. Can't... Feel my leg, though."
"Come on. Let's get you out of here."
"Thanks."
OOC: Good enough death for ya?
OOC: PP much?
IC:
Surprised by Rapshade's sudden charge, Rayne stood frozen, her footpaws rooted to the ground. Bracklew on the other paw was galvanized into action, pursuing Rapshade, a shout of fury rising from his throat. "Come back cowa-"
~*~*~*~*~
Stepping over the unconscious Aver, Grah the Krah released a challenging hiss towards Shadowmay. One jet black eye remained locked on Fardan's corpse, the other rested on the fox that had killed him.
An courageous mole charged Grah with a sword, but a single swipe from the crow's razor talons silenced the poor beast forever.
"Why kill Far-dan earthcrawler filth?" She challenged, fluffing up her feathers, almost doubling her already impressive size. "Craaaah, I feast, kill!"
~*~*~*~*~
Dim light and quick reflexes saved Petu's life. Leaping back the rabbit sucked in his stomach, falling completely over as the arrow buzzed past his ears, bouncing off the stone wall behind him. Abandoning his sword Petu scrambled on all fours out of the doorway, joining Duncan and Fang a little ways away.
"I think she's in there!" He shouted, stating the obvious.
OOC:
You might want to get a few more characters involved against Grah, she's kind of a beast.
OOC-
@LT Sandpaw ...Now! ;)
IC-
"Right, here I come..."
Smirking, Rapshade spun at the last moment and lunged at Bracklew.
He thrust his sabre forward, aiming to knock him down.
--
"Seems so," Duncan breathed, helping Petu up.
"Come on." He drew his sword and advanced towards the room, stepping lightly. His nose twitched when he peered inside, ready for an attack any moment...but all he got to see was the other door swinging wildly as Alfhild made her escape.
The March hare sprinted inside after calling back to Petu and Fang. "Hurry, she ran off, quick before we lose her!"
--
Alfhild snuck along the hallways, going down a less-used area that led back to the main hall.
She glanced down at the very scared Grant, whom was struggling a bit and shot a fierce glare right back at her.
The ferret kept her paw over his mouth, snickering mildly.
She picked up her newphew's scent from the room where he was doing battle with Bracklew, and began creeping towards it.
Caught off-guard by Rapshade's spin, Bracklew sought out the ferret's blade with his own, only realizing his rookie mistake when Martin's sword was sent flying from his paw. It clattered to the stones a few tail lengths away, out of Bracklew's reach. A single kick of Rapshade's footpaw sent the young squirrel to his knees, where he stayed, unable to fully comprehend how the fight had gone out of his favor so swiftly.
"You... Cheated." He panted, staring up at Rapshade in dismay, his grey eyes pleading. "Rayne, run. Get out of here..."
Rayne ignored Bracklew's urging, she stayed and more, rushing over and slapping Rapshade's side with her bare paws. The little mouse had recovered from her shock, and squeaked angrily. "Leave him alone, you murdering bully!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"I'm right behind you." Petu grunted, recollecting his sword and giving chase after Duncan. He cast a single glance back to see if Fang was still following.
OOC:
You can have Rapshade deal with Rayne easily. Also its fine if Benyo fights Grah as well.
"Gah--idiot!" Rapshade gasped, reeling as she touched the wound.
He whirled and knocked Rayne away with the hilt of his sabre while keeping Bracklew pinned with one paw.
"How dare..."
That was when Alfhild burst in through the door and threw Grant down on the floor.
Duncan and Fang skidded to a stop right outside, digging their footpaws in so they didn't go flying.
"Surrender or I'll kill him!" Alfhild screeched.
Duncan's eyes, wide with shock, traveled round the room from one fight to another. He didn't move.
"Aunt." Rapshade's pupils contracted.
"Rap, don't kill Bracklew!" Fang yelped, trying to slip past Duncan. He was blocked and pushed back to that he stood beside Petu.
"Don't listen to him! Kill them all, even Bracklew," Alfhild snapped. "He would kill you."
Rapshade raised his sabre.
Closing his fear-filled eyes Bracklew lowered his head in defeat, waiting for the saber's blade to snatch away his life. His body tensed in anticipation, wondering what deaf was like.
Further away Rayne lay still on the floor, paws clutching her jaw where Rapshade's pommel had connected.
It was taking too long...
The black ferret felt his paws get clammy.
He adjusted the sabre and then prepared it for a swing.
Alfhild leapt up, laughing hysterically, and placed her footpaw over Grant's throat.
"Yes, yes! Kill, Rapshade! Kill your enemy!"
"For my mother, and for me." Rapshade's amber eyes were cold as he swung the sword in a wide arc, at the same time whirling right.
Crimson red blood came splattering out, splashing the walls and his fur like a wave in a current.
And then the weapon went clattering from his grasp. He fell backwards on his tail, staring widely at Alfhild's head which lay in the corner.
"I win."
He waited for what seemed like an eternity. Bracklew dared not look up lest he see Rapshade's sword descending upon him at that very moment, yet the sound of Alfhild's cackling being cut short, and the thump of something hitting the floor was too much.
Raising his head, Bracklew stared in amazement at Rapshade, and his bloodied sword. Alfhild's decapitated body. Petu and Duncan and Grant who stood near by, and lastly Rayne who lay deathly still on the floor beside him. "I don't... Why?" Bracklew could say no more. He simply didn't understand. He was alive, somehow, had some trick of fate saved him from Rapshade's sword? The young squirrel was to confused and tired to puzzle through it himself.
Beside Duncan, Petu whispered tersely into the hare's tall ears. "Erm, should we do something about Rapshade? Whose side is he on anyway? Wasn't that his aunt he just slew?"
Rapshade gasped and clutched his bloodied side, feeling the pain now that the adrenaline was gone.
Dizzy, he slapped a paw to his forehead.
"I surrender. Don't kill me."
"It looks like 'e killed Rayne..." Fangfang whispered, watching as Duncan, without speaking, stepped cautiously inside. The hare continued to hold great contempt as he looked at Rapshade.
"You're bluffing," he said, holding his swordpoint a hairbreadth away from the neck of his adversary. The room was quiet except for Duncan's stern voice and the animals' breathing. "Faking a surrender is your thing...and even if it wasn't, what do you want? You have proven to us that we cannot let you go. The first thing you did when you got free was rise up and continue killing our friends."
Rapshade avoided eye contact, shrugging meekly.
"I know...and I'm not sorry. I'm not lying either."
Duncan pressed the blade harder against the vermin's throat.
He glanced at the others.
"My vote is to kill him. I knew I was wrong when I told Grant that I thought he could change. If anybeast has any objections, speak up or forever hold your tongue. But by golly, I am not letting him walk away from here."
Grant was quiet, glaring daggers at Rapshade.
Fang ran forward. "Don't kill 'im, please Duncan."
"He'll be dead, and on my blade!" yelled Gruddil, storming onto the scene. "That ferret murdered our leader, and as Guosim law states, a new Log-a-log cannot be chosen until the previous one was avenged. And that is what I intend to do!"
The shrew drew his rapier and started towards Rapshade. "It would be wise for none of you to stand in my way..."
"No, NO!" Rapshade shrieked, kicking on the floor as Duncan held him there.
"I SURRENDERED!"
Fangfang paled three shades, wanting to wail but not finding it in him. Rapshade's yowling rang in his ears.
The small rat stepped quietly in line with Gruddil. He tried to block him.
"Please no, that's me brother...I mean, not by blood, but..." he glanced at Duncan. "Y'can't d-do this."
The hare shook his head. "Even though he killed my wife and daughter I still gave him a second chance. He threw that away, wether he killed Alfhild or not. He has to die."
"He can change--"
Still crying, Rapshade eagerly nodded.
"Aye, lissen t' Fang..."
Standing by, Petu's tall ears drooped. He recalled his promise from the battle before, and he could only guess how Rapshade had known this situation might arise. The rabbit knew that a promise was a promise, whether Rapshade had basically forced it from him or not, and yet he also knew the ferret didn't deserve to live after everything he's done.
Biting his lower lip in indecision Petu forced himself forward, laying a paw on Duncan's shoulder. He felt terrible for what he was about to say and it took effort to form the words. "Duncan, we... I mean, you can't kill a beast that's surrendered, right?" He kept his eyes downcast, not daring to look Duncan or Gruddil in the eye. At this angle he could see Bracklew, kneeling close to Rayne, his head hung in defeat.
"She's alive," his squirrel friend murmured, seemingly detached from the tension in the room. "Just hit her head on the stones. I think she'll be alright."
"He's right, Gruddil. Chrysanthe herself wouldn't kill anybeast who surrendered." Duncan snorted. "I have a better idea--we should let him pick."
He glanced at Rapshade, who was still squirming. "You can die, or be a prisoner again. Death, I tell you, is the easier option...you could either go quickly or be miserable. This isn't like the first time."
Rapshade nodded furiously.
"I know, I know! Don't kill me. Y'won't regret it...See? I didn't kill Rayne!"
"That leave a loose end!" retorted Gruddil. "We can't have an unavenged leader." The shrew pushed past Fang. "Get it of me way, rat. Rapshade dies!"
Fang yelped and chased after the shrew. "He surrendered, Gruddil! Even Duncan said--"
He stumbled clumsily and gave the Abbot a pleading glance.
Grant, though inwardly siding with the Guosim, gave a long sigh.
"Not in my Abbey, Gruddil. I think we all know who should be Log-a-Log even without the blood spill."
"Yes, of course we do," responded the shrew impatiently. "I'll do it outside. Whatever it takes! Rapshade has to be punished for what he did!"
"And he will be punished." said Grant calmly.
"It is actually harder on his end if you let him live."
Rapshade looked nervous, Fang looked hostile, and Duncan was unreadable.
Shadomay whirled around to face Grah.
"Why don't you come and find out?"
Several other soldiers, having managed to wipe out most of the vermin on part of the lawn, gathered around the vixen, weapons drawn.
"You, get him out of here."
A squirrel hauled Celio to his feet and helped him limp away.
Gruddil smiled, happy he got his way. "Let's not wait around, then. Drag the pirate outside, and his last sight will be the blood he spilled!"
Craaah!" The massive bird responded accepting the challenge without question. "Grah eat all, Grah kill all! Kraaaaah!" Two beats of her wings later she hovered above the Vigil creatures diving down upon them like a black comet, her talons and beak slashing and stabbing, her wings flapping and churning the air with the power to break bones. Everybeast was welcome to meet their death at her talons.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"You'd execute him?" Petu asked aghast. Surely it was what Rapshade deserved but it seemed almost barbaric.
"He'll die someway," replied the shrew stonily.
Rapshade sobbed hysterically and fell into Duncan's arms.
"Noo, no, please no! Don't let 'im do it! Please, Grant, have mercy--"
The Abbot held up a paw.
"Will somebeast please shut him up?"
Duncan took it upon himself to cover the ferret's snout.
Grant continued. "You will not lay a claw on him while he is under our control, Gruddil." he paused. "However, if he escapes and you find him, you are more than welcome."
The shrew wrestled with himself for a second. "Fine, Abbot, have it your way," he said. "But like you said, if he sets a single foot outside of the Abbey and away from any of you Abbeydwellers, it'll be onto the tip of my blade."
"Understood," said Grant.
Fangfang let out a sigh of relief.
--
Benyo the shrew raced up to Shadowmay, wielding a sword.
"You'll need all th' help ye can get, Marm." he said, glancing at Grah with a smirk.
The Vigil soldiers stabbed spears and swords into the air above them, preventing Grah from attacking from above. Shadomay and three other soldiers armed with crossbows fired into the air. While the crow was pre-occupied, Celio and his helper limped off towards the lift.
The mad-eyed bird snatched spears from the paws of Vigil soldiers, landing amongst them only just avoiding the bolts that streaked past. Knowing the danger of such weapons Grah focused her battle rage on getting close the crossbow beasts. Tearing through a squirrel's face and goring a hedgehog in the stomach, Grah fought her way to where Benyo and Shadowmay stood. Her oily, blood soaked feathers offered her little protection from the blades that swung out of every direction and already she had sustained several wounds.
"Craaaaaaah die earthcrawlers!" She screamed in fury, sweeping her wings around to knock both the fox and shrew off their footpaws.
~*~*~*~*~
Picking himself up, aided by Petu, Bracklew made a point of not looking at Rapshade. The young squirrel didn't pity the ferret's plight, but he knew Rapshade's tricks well and he was confident the ferret intended on taking advantage of Grant's honorable spirit.
"We ought to get Rayne, somewhere..." The sounds of ebbing fighting could be heard outside, either the vermin or the woodlanders were winning. "We ought to ask the remaining vermin fighters to surrender." Bracklew suggested nodding towards the felled Alfhild. "Their leader is slain, they should give in."
"Do you want to go deliver that message, Bracklew?" the Abbot inquired.
"The sooner this is over, the better. They have lost."
Duncan lifted Rapshade to his paws.
"Fang and Petu can help with Rayne while I take care of this vermin."
--
Benyo dropped to the snow and bolted back up.
He'd avoided Grah's attacks so far, but how long could he hold up?
Narrowing his eyes, he nimbly raced her, sword poised.
Shadomay was pushed backwards by Grah's wings. She fell back towards the ground, rolling over her shoulder to a crouch, and fired another arrow. The soldiers who had not been killed by the crow ran towards the bird, weapons raised.
The arrow was too close to miss. The full force of the shaft tore through Grah's raised wing, continuing on along the remainder of its short journey. The great bird immediately reeled back, squawking in pain. Holding the damaged wing close to her body Grah once again launched herself into battle, large droplets sprinkled in every which direction as she stabbed out at anybeast that came too close.
Even landlocked, the crow proved to be more than a match for the Vigil creatures, slaying them one by one. Ragged but alive she once again attacked Shadowmay her massive talons slashing horizontally to try and knock the bow away.
~*~*~*~*~
"Are you sure?" Bracklew asked, leaving Rayne's side to collect his sword taking the time to wipe it clean on his tunic. Though rust could not damage the wondrous blade it didn't bode well for a fighter to leave his sword stained. The task took longer then Bracklew expected and left his already ruined clothing smeared in gore. Hopefully he'd be able to change out of the soiled winter tunic later.
"I'm hurt and I can barely think straight right now Father Abbot..." It was best to be honest, no one-pawed, weary eyed, juvenile squirrel would convince many vermin to surrender. "Somebeast else would be better suited to it, Aver or Duncan, or Gruddil or, someone..."
"I'm the most fit one in here, so I should watch Rappy. Hmm..." Duncan thought deeply, at last coming up with an idea. "Mayhaps all we need is to roll Alfhild's head out where they can see it. Nobeast can deny what they see for themselves."
"Good idea," said Grant, but he didn't know if any of them would be willing to touch that. He shuddered inside, muttering to himself, "Winter of the White Sky, more like the winter where everybeast dies..."
Shadomay threw the bow forwards into Grah's talons, and stabbed at the crow with a dagger. Other soldiers either nursed wounds or lashed at the bird, going on adrenaline alone.
OOC: Try fire ;)
IC:
Snatching back her talon to avoid the dagger, Grah leapt after the bow crushing the irritating weapon underclaw. Hissing like a serpent the great bird reengaged in battle, stabbing towards the vixen with her beak.
~*~*~*~*~
Disgusted by the prospect, but knowing it very well could be a good idea Bracklew knelt by the severed head, scrunching his nose up in repulsion.
"Uugh, I don't want to carry it, make Rapshade carry it, he was acting chief right? Once the vermin see him surrendering and their commander dead they'll give in."
"I don' wanna hold it!" Rapshade yelped. "They ne'er respected me anyway. Come on!"
Duncan twisted the ferret's arm.
"Silence in the ranks, there, Quickblade. We want submission from you. Otherwise, there's always Gruddil. He could teach ya. Your choice, what'll it be?"
Blinking rapidly, Rapshade bent to pick up the head. He stifled a moan of disgust and bit on his tongue.
Duncan nodded approvingly.
"See? It's better already. Bracklew, I'll take him. You can keep doing this."
He walked the limping ferret out the door.
When they were gone, Fang cast a glance at Petu and the Abbot.
"Thanks fer sayin' somethin'."
Shadomay screamed as the crow's beak dug into arm. As she tried to push the crow back, the beak continued to peck roughly. Other soldiers tried to help the vixen, but many were struck down, dead or otherwise.
*****
At the bottom of a nearby stairwell, a pile of corpses shifted slightly. The body of a rat flopped to the ground as a small, bloodied hamster crawled out. Trapped in amongst the fighting, Gukom had been ignored by most of the living. The dead; however, did not care where they landed, and the hamster had eventually become pinned underneath the corpse pile. Now; however, the sight of Grah ravaging Shadomay made the vixen gulp. He looked around for some kind of weapon. Anything. The hamster's paw reached shakily for the nearest object. A lit torch, slotted into a wall bracket. The hamster snatched the flaming stick and ran towards Grah, swinging the torch towards the huge crow.
Raising her feathered head to deliver the finishing blow, Grah stalled, a single black eye swiveling towards the golden glow her peripheral vision had caught. The crow didn't have many fears, but all birds had a healthy caution of the flames and Grah was no exception.
Hopping away from Gukom the bird retreated, unable to fly away from the hamster's makeshift weapon due to her wounded wing. Grah screeched and hissed clacking her beak and slashing with her talons, going so far as to suck her feathers in to avoid being touched at all costs.
"Caaaah, Krah kill! Krah kill it! Back craaaah!"
~*~*~*~*~
"Hmmph, he doesn't deserve it, ferret almost killed poor Rayne." Petu groused, patting Fang on the shoulder before going off to help Rayne. Bracklew had gone with Duncan to escort Rapshade and his bloody cargo, leaving the rabbit to care for the wounded mouse healer. "I'll take her up to your room Abbot Grant, I guess the infirmary wont be usable until all the prisoners are dealt with. Give me a paw carrying her Fang, after today, her skills will be invaluable."
"'M not too strong," Fang muttered, though he tried awkwardly to prop the mouse up by her paws.
"But at least she's alive, right? Y'lead th' way, Petu."
Grant watched them go and then turned and stalked off. He was sure not to touch Alfhild's headless body...he had to have that removed at once.
"Drubble?" the Abbot called, padding through the halls. Where was that mole?
--
Ignoring his stinging wounds, Rapshade practically ran ahead of Duncan and Bracklew so that he got to the door first. "Aerrgh, think I'm gonna be sick," the ferret whined, stumbling out into the snow.
He could feel his aunt's blood soaking into his paws...and it was leaving a trail, too, no doubt he'd be the one to clean that up.
"Stop complaining!" Duncan growled. "You're the one who chose to do her in like that."
Pointing a gray paw at the small group still engaged in the fight, the hare glanced at Bracklew.
"Y'think we should have him wait 'till that big crow's gone, or intervene now? She looks powerful."
Rapshade sniffed. "She was one of t' leaders, so she's powerful. Er, Sir."
"Do you think she'd surrender?" Bracklew asked, his paw clutching at the hilt of his sword. From what he knew of the bird the situation wasn't good. She could be slain like any other beast, but at what cost?
"There's still some other vermin fighting to the bitter end over there, we could confront them while the Vigil finish off the crow."
"No..." Rapshade murmured, though quietly because he couldn't quite tell if the question was directed at him or at Duncan.
There was a snort from beside him. His escort thought that Bracklew's idea was clever.
"Seems simple enough, Brack." said Duncan as he pushed the ferret captive over there.
Upon release, Rapshade swayed on his paws, barely able to focus on the head and the confused-looking vermin who had now just noticed the three.
"A'fild's dead," he announced, slurred. He suddenly released his grip on it and it fell in front of his footpaws.
Duncan elbowed Bracklew. "What in the bloomin'...look at him tip. Something's not right."
The vermin soldiers had stopped fighting and were watching in fear, awe--or for some, interest.
A few broke and ran, but one of the more daring raised a claw in question.
"Who killed 'er?"
Rapshade didn't answer. He fainted clean away, fell flat on his nose.
OOC: I was waiting for Groddil to post, but it seems he might unable to at the moment. We might have to wait for his return before continuing.
IC:
"Erm, I think he's out cold." Bracklew nudged Rapshade's still form with his footpaw, a worried grimace on his face. That threw a acorn in their plans. The young squirrel could guess what had floored the ferret pirate, the blood loss from his wounds could kill him without immediate care, care that wasn't available at the moment, nor did Bracklew suspect many would be willing to give such treatment. Bracklew considered allowing Rapshade to bleed out, letting him to die naturally. How many beasts and friends had Rapshade killed? No one would object to the ferret dying in such a manner, not even the hot tempered Gruddil or the peace minded Grant. Not even Petu or Fang could object because Rapshade would simply perish from his already sustained injuries...
Sighing Bracklew knelt down, removing his scarf and stopping up the ferret's wound. "This is for my paw and my life, my debt is repaid." He whispered to the unconscious Rapshade. This done, Bracklew stood, laying his paw on Martin's sword. "I slew Alfhild, with this blade." He cast a glance towards Gruddil and Duncan, hoping they'd go along with his ploy. "And I'll do the same to each vermin that continues fighting, throw down your weapons and you'll be spared. There's nothing for you to gain anymore, this battle is over!"
Weeks of pretending to be stronger than he was finally came back to assist Bracklew. He was quite efficient now at sounding more confident then he felt, and he did so now, staring the vermin in the eye, demanding they surrender, and wishing he could be anywhere else but here.
Gukom backed away slightly from the bird, holding the torch in front of him. Shadomay groaned, clutching her foreleg and struggling to her feet. Behind Grah, Charm's group of soldiers burst through the Abbey door. With the enemy inside dealt with, the otter glanced across the lawns at the stragglers of both armies that still fought on wearily. Charm spotted Gukom and Shadomay confronting Grah and pointed.
"Looks like if we kill the bird, that'll be the last of 'em."
She readied her javelin.
"Ready?"
The soldiers nodded.
"Let's get 'er."
Weapons raised, the survivors charged Grah.
Quaking, the weasel that had asked the question threw down his weapon.
The other vermin followed suit.
"We should send 'em off after their friends, huh?" Duncan mused, glancing at Bracklew.
He nudged Rapshade off to the side with his footpaw.
Hearing the approaching soldiers that rushed up behind her, Grah spun, lashing out and tearing open one of the creature's stomach. Her sudden move however sent her fluttering backwards straight into Gukom. The little hamster reacted instinctively, lashing out with the torch, swatting the bird's downy under feathers.
Grah was a flesh eater by nature, devouring almost any prey both bird and beast in equal fashion. Often she bathed in the blood and gore of those she feasted so viciously upon, wearing it like a trophy of her superiority. Oils collected by this rampant diet and lifestyle now ignited, flaring up as the crow screeched in pain. Torn by the flesh eating flames the maddened bird leapt one last time into battle against the Vigil creatures, slaying two more and wounding a third before death finally caught her in its icy relief.
Grah the Krah was dead.
~*~*~*~*~
Ordering the vermin to sit on their paws and wait for further instruction Bracklew left them guarded by a couple of weary looking otters and shrews, turning away and placing a paw on his forehead.
"Yeah, we ought to, how do you think we should do it?" The young squirrel felt unsteady, and he was sure if called upon to draw his sword his exhausted paw wouldn't be able too. "I feel like I might faint myself," he admitted to Duncan. "Let's get this done and over with before we all keel over."
"Don't worry, Brack, I'll do it."
Puffing out his chest, Duncan swaggered over to the defeated vermin. Most of them appaeared more tired than scared, but Duncan realized that that was okay, for these were just a few scrappy soldiers and not captains or anybeast that was a real threat.
Speaking of which...the hare's brown eyes narrowed as he scanned them. His gaze landed on the weasel in front, the one who had been speaking. That reminded him. Where was Roscoe? Had that smug little pest been killed, or did he flee?
"You all are free to go. But wait!"
He poised his sword at a rat that tried to get up.
"Don't move yet. I have some terms you lot have to agree to first, understood? Here we go: you will not keep fighting, you will not remain in Mossflower Country, and you will not and I mean not give good honest creatures any more trouble. Raise your paw if you understand."
A few hesitant paws went up at first, and the rest followed suit right after Duncan coughed and pointed at Alfhild's head.
The hare beamed and and pulled the weasel to his paws.
"Good, glad to see that! Righto, you chaps, up and ready. I'm a hare, an' I've bet you know that the typical hare is a really good jumper, so how about a hare-styled send off, wot?"
None of the vermin looked too eager.
Duncan chuckled. "Of course. Well, on the count of ten, I want you to hippity-hop your way off my property. Anybeast who chooses to stay, however, can have a little counsel with Alfhild's head. Ready? One...two...three..."
By the time he reached three, they were up and gone.
Charm panted, staring at the dead crow. Reinforced by her squadron, the last vermin were either dead or long gone. The soldiers gathered around her, clutching wounds, while Shillo, the Vigil's medic, checked several bodies.
"Marm. Chalmers, Spinorem, and the Watervole Brothers are dead."
"And with luck, they will never be forgotten."
The otter took a deep breath.
"It's done. I relinquish my command."
Charm took a dagger from her belt and slashed the patch embroidered with the Vigil's symbol from her tunic. Letting the scrap of fabric flutter to the ground, Dropping the dagger on top of the piece of tunic, the otter turned on her heel and vanished out the wallgate, into the snow. One by one, the other captains took the dagger and cut the symbol from their clothing. Durken and Shillo were first, followed by the other surviving leaders. After a brief pause, the majority of the troops began to follow suit. Soon, only Gukom and a few indecisive grunts remained. They stood, looking sadly at the pile of patches, as the battered lift rose from the caves. While the lift mechanism had mainly escaped unscathed, there were several holes in the wood, and the bottom had been scorched black. Two creatures limped towards the soldiers. Celio leaned heavily on Mortembell as he took the dagger and removed his own patch.
"Go on. Make your own path."
"Cin we stay 'ere?"
"You'd have to ask."
"What'll 'appen if we doesn't?"
"I don't know, kid... I don't know."
"What'll you be doin', boss?"
"Don't call me that. I'm not anyone's boss anymore."
"Err... Okay... Celio. Where'll ye go?"
"Nowhere for the moment. Gotta get this leg fixed. After that... I guess I'll wait and see."
"A'right."
Another soldier nudged the first.
"Come on, mate. We can't stay here. Durken said it, they 'ate us. We'll stick together, come on."
The first soldier nodded as the two removed their patches.
"We'll find a place, mate."
"Aye."
As the two former soldiers filed out of the wallgate, Gukom looked sadly at Celio.
"Even after we voted against it..."
The mouse just nodded silently. Shaking his head and letting out a sigh, Gukom took the knife and cut the patch from his robe.
"And just like that... It's over."
The hamster looked around briefly before making his way towards Duncan.
"Er... I need to speak with... Name starts with a G... Gerald? No, Grant. The Abbot. Please."
OOC: Well then... Seeing as how we're (presumably) close to the end, wanna send me stuff for the epilogue?
OOC-
I was actually thinking I'd write it this time.
Sometimes in the books, the Abbot/Abbess would do the ending journal.
IC-
Duncan glanced up as Gukom made his way over to him.
"He's inside, though he might be busy." He was about to continue, when an old mouse appeared at the gates with all the Dibbuns with him.
The Redwall elders and Dibbuns had returned!
The white squirrel, Maxy, shimmied down from the mouse's shoulders and went running up to Duncan.
"Dunca', Dunca'! Did we win?"
Duncan grinned and scooped him up. "We sure did, Buddy. Come on inside, all of you. It's warmer there."
OOC-
How about we do a short timeskip an hour or two ahead to when everything's cleaned up, Groddil, you can start with Gukom approaching Grant's door.
OOC: One more post from me before the TS.
IC:
Seeing the last of the vermin off and the clearing the infirmary so that Redwallers and wounded Vigil beasts could be placed there, Bracklew, exhausted and ready for a well needed rest wandered back across the lawns, winding his way slowly through the piles of bodies. He kept his gaze downcast, unable to look at the devastation that had been reaped in his home.
"Brack, matey. Is that ye?"
Bracklew's head snapped up, his eyes scanning the bodies until he noticed who had spoken. "Aver!" Scurrying over the squirrel knelt beside his otter friend taking Aver's paw in his own. "Are you okay? You look terrible, why didn't you speak up when we were looking for the wounded? We must have walked right past you."
"Must'a been out cold, eh, jus' woke up ye know. Been 'aving a nice chat wit' me pa, e' always was a better Skipper n' me. More aware o' wot was 'appenin'." Aver sounded delirious, and Bracklew squeezed the web paw tighter, biting his lower lip.
"You'll be fine, the infirmary is clear, I'll help you there, can you walk?"
Aver blinked, his large eyes filling with tears. "I can't feel me legs matey, I can't feel me toeclaws or me tail an' I can't move 'em. I think that bird did a number on me."
"It'll be fine," Bracklew insisted, not wanting to think about what had happened to the otter. "Rayne'll fix you up once she's better. She can fix just about anything, as long as its still attached." Aver chuckled appreciatively, and Bracklew rushed off, finding one of the ottercrew to help him drag Aver upstairs. It was a struggle, as all both beasts were in no fit state to carry an adult otter, but they managed, leaving Aver in an infirmary bed. Unable to face anyone or anything else, Bracklew retreated to his dormitory room and collapsing onto his bed.
OOC: K. I've got my part 3 character sheets ready as well.
BIC:
Gukom nodded timidly on Grant's door.
"Err... Sir... Abbot Ge-Grant. I need to ask you something."
The door swung open to reveal the mouse and his newly tidied room.
Rapshade had left the place quite a mess.
Grant's brown eyes traveled downward to rest on Gukom.
"Yes, what is it? Is there a problem?"
OOC-
@LT Sandpaw and
@Hickory , could you guys send me the character info for the epilogue/journal thing?
It's a "where are they now" kind of doohickey for the end of the winter.
You may remember it from last year.
Oh, and Grodds, you may need to edit your character sheets based off the forum I'm going to put up. Early bird doesn't always get the worm y'know.
The hamster sighed.
"The Vigil's disbanded. They're gone. Am I... Am I welcome to stay here? I know you're not fond of- err, were not fond of us, but I have nowhere else to go."
"Of course," said Grant, cracking a smile as he put a paw on the hamster's shoulder.
"There's a pace for everybeast here at Redwall Abbey. Come now, they're all in the Great Hall having supper. As you can imagine, the fighters must be famished! Shall we join them?"
The mouse chuckled as he led Gukom down the stairs.
OOC:
Fade to black.
So, we doing anything else before the end?
Put up part 3, m8!
Seasons travel fast--and if there is one thing that will never cease to astonish me in my old age, it's the amazing ability my Redwall family has to bounce back from the horrible battle we experienced not so long ago.
The Winter of the White Sky was undoubtedly one of our hardest yet.
Of course, we lost a more than a few dear friends along the way (goodness rest the late Ava Badgermum, and peace be upon Mortembell, Asher, Charm, and poor crippled Celio, all of whom left here to journey alone). Even despite this, just as the winter chills are renewed by the spring rains, the number of Redwallers does not dare dwindle.
Gukom, the former Vigil hamster, moved in with us this winter and took up Mortembell's post as Recorder of Redwall Abbey. Even Shadowmay claimed residence, and Stumbly, the goofy mousebabe, has been faring rather well twixt her and Drubble!
(Though I do say, that poor Cellarmole has got his work laid out for him. Young Fangfang has been naught but a nuisance in trying to sneak cordial behind from his back. At least he isn't shaken anymore.)
Bracklew, the Abbey Warrior, seems to have brightened as well. Although he remains quiet, he ceased being grumpy and has even been given a nicely made paw cover from the ever-jolly Petu, of whom seems quite sociable lately.
The rabbit made friends with Aver, and they are together almost as much or more than he is with Bracklew. (Did I mention that the poor otter lost the use of his legs as a result of a war injury? He seems to be coping well, but you never know. I do feel bad for him.)
My close friend, Duncan, appears to be the least recovered of the group. He has insisted he watch Rapshade, and he seems to be losing sleep over it. If Duncan ever needs a break, I say he should get one. He deserves it. On a lighter paw, that hare has definitely taken a liking to Maxy and has even adopted him as his own son (with, and can you believe, Bracklew as the older brother!)
His old Salamandastron appetite is coming back a little bit more every day.
Perhaps Rayne, who has mostly recovered from her jaw wound, won't need to help him like I thought!
If only----
Oh dear, that's young Maxy now! That rascal just raced in to tell me to come down for dinner, and my quill slipped.
Well, I can't be mad. Friar Rusk must be cooking something good, as I can smell it all the way up in my room.
If you are ever journeying through the snow and you happen to scent our wonderful fare, do not hesitate to join us.
The gates of Redwall Abbey will always be open to everybeast, strong or weak, as long as the wind can rustle the trees.
-Grant, Abbot of Redwall Abbey in Mossflower Country
**
Spoiler
**OOC- Cease posting now. I am makin' part Three!
@Groddil @Hickory @LT Sandpaw