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

[Ashleg]

"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.

[LT Sandpaw]

 
OOC:    Maaah 
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.

[Groddil]

"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.

[Ashleg]

"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?

[Groddil]

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..."

[LT Sandpaw]

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.

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."

[Groddil]

 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.

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]

[LT Sandpaw]

OOC:

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.

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.

[Groddil]

Yeah, sorry, I've just got a headache. Unless Sage has an idea, I can only really make Jergle climb after Bracklew.

[Ashleg]

OOC-
Oi, friends, action's coming. Rappy's starting the attack now.
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?"

[LT Sandpaw]

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.

[Ashleg]

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!"

[Groddil]

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?"

[Ashleg]

Duncan shoved Fang foreword.
"Mortembell says you know who tried to kill him." He said with a wrinkled nose.

[Groddil]

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.