NEW HORIZONS
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PART ONE
Chapter One - Flash back
The vast expanses of the sky sparkled, glittering with the millions of the counted and uncounted stars. The last glinting rays of the sun reflected off the building tops, casting a faint red tinge through the windows of a small apartment:
"You will accept wont you?"
"Are you serious?!"
"They need you for this"
I turned away, glancing over the briefing. They had to be kidding, last time they had me do something like this, J nearly shut the strand on me. I turned back to face her, she was a short hare, with a deep brown fur. She leaned her sturdy frame on the table, the usually steady hand trembling with anxiety. Her bright green eyes pleaded me.
"They need me for this?"
"Well..not really..I. " She paused, " I need you for this mission I cant do it without you! No one else thought twice before declining, so I took it. Its never been the same there since you left. Do you realize what will happen if I fail?"
"Your right." I turned and faced out the window, watching the glittering metropolis grow darker with the setting sun. "but is there enough time?"
* * * * *
Maltar stood on the rocky outcrop surveying the incoming maelstrom. He looked desperately at the straggling caravan, leaving the shattered walls of the once tall and proud Redwall Abbey. He pulled his cloak tight around himself trying to fend off the stinging wind as he jumped down to help the sturdy otter Tear.
"Got those strapped to the wagon there tear? Its coming in fast!!"
"Sure enough matey! Dunno if we can make it!"
Maltar steadied himself against a huge gust of wind. "Don't loose hope friend." The warrior mouse flashed a brief smile and went to check that everything was in order. Tear looked sadly at the shattered piece of sandstone he was using as a wheel wedge. He could faintly see a few drops of blood, remnants of Redwalls final conflict. The slashing wind scored his battle hardened face as he thought of the passed week. Where had those Creatures come from? only once before in the great chronicles of Redwall had a storm this powerful occurred and that was about 50 years after the death of the abbot Mordalfus. Tear remembered when it looked as if all was lost until the storm just appeared on the horizon. The great army of lizards had fled, leaving behind their wounded. At first the creatures of Redwall praised the storm with their remaining strength, but Tear new they should have fled , just as the lizards had, but they could not leave behind the old, the young and the wounded. Tear ground his teeth in frustration. As tears welled up in his eyes he turned his face to the storm so other creatures wouldn't be able to tell he was crying.
"Hurry!!" Maltar's cry rang above the storm, and the caravan began to move with the speed of desperation.
For an hour they ran slipped and stumbled, crashing through bushes, soaked to fur as the lightening split the heavy clouds. With one loud Clap of thunder the storm was upon them.
Frantically the score of drenched creatures pushed the cart towards the rock mountain cave that would provide shelter. Tear dived out of the way as a flaring bolt of lightning struck the tree he was dashing past, causing the soaked wood to burst into flames. The blaze was blown into life by the powerful gale, sweeping the fire across the woodlands. Crash! The raging waters of the boiling river Moss flooded the path and a huge broken tree slammed into the cart, tangling a young squirrel who was trying to fend it off, and swept him into the river. Tear lost no time, Snatching the ancient sword of Martin from the back of Maltar he dove into the melee. Swimming as strong as he could he caught up to the tree, Jumping clear of the water he made a swift glance back and saw they had made it to the cave. Raising the sword he prepared to cut the squirrel loose of the snaring branches.. The squirrel looked up in terror as he saw the brilliant electricity connect with the ancient blade, a million sparks cascaded upon him and the glowing pommel stone exploded, gashing the squirrels face with flying shards. Tear fell rigid into the waters holding the steaming hilt in a death grip.