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

[LT Sandpaw]

"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."

[Ashleg]

"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..."

[LT Sandpaw]

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."

[Ashleg]

"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."

[LT Sandpaw]

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."

[Hickory]

OOC: I answered Fastooth a page or two ago, if you want to respond.

[Ashleg]

"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."

[LT Sandpaw]

"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.

[Ashleg]

"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."

[Hickory]

"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.

[Ashleg]

"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?

[LT Sandpaw]

"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."

[Ashleg]

"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?"

[Groddil]

@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!"

[Hickory]

OOC; If you don't mindc let's just wrap up this Jergle thing in a few posts. It's not really doing much.

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.