The Hero of Redwall: Southsward

[Rainshadow]

  "What?"  Joy looked at the Skipper.

[AbbotAlf0805]

Come on we be going tah show Father Abbot!" said Skipper. They walked into Abbot Slusk's room and Skipper handed him a bag. It was just Skipper, Abbot Slusk, and Badgermum Dew. They let the others in and Dew was sitting by a little cradle.

[Rainshadow]

  Joy followed Skipper.  "Really, what is it?"

[AbbotAlf0805]

Badgermum Dew pointed into the cradle. Hylia peeked into it, "It's a little baby!"

[Rainshadow]

  Joy couldn't see over everyone else.  "Who is it?  Or who's baby is it?"

[AbbotAlf0805]

We don't know. Skipper found him over in the ditch."  said Slusk. Badgermum Dew also said, "Yes a little ferret babe."

[Rainshadow]

  "A ferret?  Male or female?  Newborn or older?  What age?  Details please!"  Joy tried to look over everyone's head, but still couldn't see.

[AbbotAlf0805]

Hylia stepped aside and said, "It's a newborn male. Look at him, isn't he cute?"

[Rainshadow]

  "He is cute, but he's a ferret.  In Redwall.  Remember the last time we had a ferret in Redwall?  The outcast."

[AbbotAlf0805]

Who doesn't." said Dew, "But I have high hopes for this one. First off he didn't bite anyone yet." Abbot Slusk rose saying, "Does anybeast want to take care of him?"

[Rainshadow]

  Joy had always wanted to have a baby to take care of.  "I'll take care of him."

[AbbotAlf0805]

The abbot shrew nodded and said, "Then he's yours Joy." Hylia patted her friend's shoulder, "I'll help you with him Joy."

[Rainshadow]

  Joy turned to her friend and smiled.  "Thanks Hylia.  Now, what do you think we should name him?  Certainly not Veil.  Hmm, how about Buck?"

[AbbotAlf0805]

That sounds wonderful." said Hylia. Badgermum Dew handed her the little ferret babe.

[Rainshadow]

  Joy took Buck into her arms and cuddled him.  He laughed; a very cute laugh.  "Hi there, Buck."  Joy slowly walked out into the front lawns.  "Y'know, you remind me of Holm... Holm!  Shadow!  Talon!  Where are they?"