Author's note: I do not own Redwall or Martin the Warrior. Both belong to the wonderful Brian Jacques. This poem is based upon the last moments in Martin's life as he speaks with his elders, his friends, and the Abbey. It foreshadows what will come, and reveals what has happened in the past. I hope you enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here I Shall Remain

From Martin's View

The chilling breeze of the winter season

How ironic that my life fades now

Not in the warm embrace of the summer

When my red rose blooms anew

I've fought the good fight against countless foes

My blade forever swung strong and true

But now it rests away from my brethren

And bade me take my rest

These crimson bricks that I've walked upon

Are my home and forever it shall be

I am the guardian that brought it to peace

And here, I shall remain

The lives of the wicked that I long ago slew

Are but the first that shall plague these walls

Blood runs free and the swords shall clash

But here, my soul shall guide you

Many shall fall in the coming days of war

Many warriors shall wield my blade

And I shall forever guide their actions

Lest, my home falls to ruin

Read the words written I Am That Is

Let your son be the next in line

Your heritage continues with he that bares my name

And hence, the others shall come

Fear not my brethren who watch as I fade

With you, I shall always remain

In the chill of the winter, in the warmth of the spring

My spirit shall walk among you

See how the light flickers as I rest in this room

My home, your home, the glory of our lives

Rest above my grave dear Abbey

And let me bring you peace

Let the Rose that once brought me love and joy

Forever bloom and greet the season

Her spirit shall rest beside my own

And we shall guard these walls

The road ahead shall be long and arduous

But with the sword, the warriors, and code

Our Abbey will prosper and others shall come

To always carry on our name

And so my friends, my elders, dear abbey

I leave you naught but my flesh and clay

My spirit joins in the forest of my family

Yet here, I still remain