Redwall Isn't Safe Anymore! (Is Redwall as Safe as they Say it is? Part Two)

[Ashleg]

"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.

[Groddil]

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.

[Hickory]

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.

[Groddil]

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.

[Ashleg]

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."

[Groddil]

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?

[Ashleg]

OOC-
All yours!

[Groddil]

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...

[Hickory]

OOC: You'd think One-Ear would bring his katana into the ring as well...

[Groddil]

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.

[LT Sandpaw]

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."

[Ashleg]

"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.

[Groddil]

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..."

[Hickory]

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."

[Groddil]

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.