In a space of what seemed like a month to Mariel, but was in reality a few years, Blyth and Joseph were no longer Dibbuns. Blyth had been offered the titile of Sister Blyth and to join the brother and sisterhood of Redwall, but she declinded, saying that she preferred to work out in the orchard than inside the Abbey, owing to her adventurous nature. Her brother Joseph was quiet natured, and when Abbot Saxtus stood down from his position as Father Abbot of Redwall Joseph was overwhelmingly voted to become the new leader.
One night, Blyth was walking alone in the orchard. She had heard her mother's storys of adventures thousands of times, and she decided it was time she had her own. Blyth was bored of Redwall Abbey and it's calm life. Everytime the Joseph Bell boomed out she was reminded of her Grandfather, who had lived in Southsward protecting people and living in Castle Floret, until he was so old he returned to Mariel to say good bye for the last time. He had died shortly afterwards. The Joseph bell tolled in the depths of Blyth's mind. It was ringing, ringing, and there was a huge mountain. Looking out into the sea. She saw herself, walking into a secret entrance, wielding a magnificent sword... Her head lolled forward as she fell into a deep slumber.
She awoke to the sound of her name being called over and over. "Blyth! Blyth where are you?" Her mother peered around the apple tree she was lying behind. "Blyth where have you been? We've been searching all over for you!"
"I'm not a Dibbun anymore you know" Blyth grumbled. Suddenly her dream came rushing back into her head. "Mum, I'm going to Salamandastron. I saw it in a dream last night. I was carrying a great sword in my paws as I walked inside. This is my calling, I must go. Do you understand?" she gazed at her mother hopefully.
To her great surprise Mariel hugged her tight. "I understand darling. When I was your age I was just the same. Dandin and I could never stay in one place long. I was called in a dream to travel to Southsward, and your father stuck with me. Go Blyth, find your dream"
~ Later, Blyth was packing a bag of supplies. Her brother walked in, smiling at her. With him was a red squirrel, strongly built and with a twinkle in his eye.
"Blyth, meet Adrier. A decendent of Rufe Brush. He has heard of your quest to the fire mountain and wishs to go with you"
Blyth stared at the squirrel. He stared right back. She smiled. "Of course he can come! Pack another bag of vittles, there's two going to the mountain!"
As Adrier hurried to pack a bag, Joseph took Blyth's arm. "Sister, I was told of your dream, maybe this will help you on your way" From behind his back he produced a huge sword, with a beautiful jewelled hilt. "This is the sword of Martin the Warrior. For years it has waited for another warrior to take it, after our father Dandin had it it has been hiden in the gate house, in one of Brother Gilwold's dusty old drawers, would you believe. Would you say this is the sword in your dream?"
Blyth took the sword from her brother's paw. She felt a surge of enery flow through her. "This is the one" she said solemnly.
~ Maulcore the Deathbringer stood in full view of Salamandastron with his horde of ferret's standing behind him. He smiled, transforming his face into an evil, snarl like grimace.
"Soon my ferocious ferret's, soon. We'll show those stupid long ears and their stripedog Lord who's boss in Mossflower!"
~ The Joseph Bell belled tolled as Blyth and Adrier walked out of the Abbey gates. Everybeast was waving and shouting goodbyes. Blyth felt the power of the sword running through her paws. The bell tolled again. This quest is for the Joseph Bell. Blyth decided. For the Joseph bell, and for dreams.
"Redwwwwwwaaaaaallllll!!"