1Disclaimer: I do not own the Mossflower World. I don't own Redwall, Salamandstron, or any of the talking animals and their customs and habits.
Brian Jacques does. Not me.
Chapter One
Salamandastron was under attack.
One of the Runners had come back from his patrol to report that a whole fleet of pirate ships was sailing down the shoreline toward the mountain. They would reach Salamandastron in at least three days.
Tairin Windblade the Badger Lord had his entire Fighting Hares ready themselves for battle, knowing that they must be ready.
"Though I hope that those pirates will pass us; that they don't think there's any Badger Treasure in here," he said to Clary, one of his Colonels. "It would save a lot of bloodshed."
Clary smiled. This new Badger Lord wasn't like most badgers. He wasn't possessed by the Bloodwraith. Nor did he enjoy going into battles. Not since his first battle did he enjoy them. What he really wanted was just peace in his lands.
But even though he did not like battles, he was still a great warrior. He knew very well that if he did not fight then all the land would be taken over by evil creatures. He knew it was up to him to protect all those beyond his mountain; all those who were weaker than he was.
"I know, that would be nice," said the Colonel. "But many of the young hares, I think they would only differ with you on this. They're all going about, shouting about how many vermin they're going to slay and whatnot. All except young Horty, that is."
The Badger Lord sighed. "I did not sign him up for this battle."
"I should think not, my lord!" cried the Colonel. "Horty's far too young for that sort of thing. He's lived too short to be hacked up by searats and pirate-scum."
Windblade frowned thoughtfully. "Young or not, he's an excellent fighter. He's even better than a lot of the ones I've signed up. And he's got a fair amount more of intelligence than most around here."
"Ah yes, he's a stern-faced young rip. Just like his father."
Windblade nodded slowly. "Horty and his father were very close," he said quietly. "His father was the one who taught him how to fight. So did his mother. Both of his parents were both the best fighters at Salamandastron."
Clary sighed. "Yes. It was a sad day when they left the mountain to go and live in Mossflower . . . and it was an even sadder day when they were slain by those ferrets."
"Yes, and that caused Horty grew up with a special grudge against ferrets, which worries me," Windblade murmured to himself.
"I wonder if you're doin' the right thing?"
The Badger Lord looked at Clary sharply. "What do you mean?"
"I mean makin' Horty stay inside the mountain with the young and old. Don't you think that'll drive a wedge between the two of you? I mean, you took him in since his parents died and all; you're like a father to him."
The Badger Lord turned away and looked out the window. "Yes, I think I can deal with Horty's resentment after this battle is over. In the meanwhile, would you make certain that if the Runner comes back, he'll come straight to me?"
The Colonel saluted. "Yes, sah!"
And with that, he turned on his heel and headed out. When he left, Windblade watched an eagle as it flew away from the mountain, off to the south.
It was the very eagle that had given Windblade certain news that both a joy and a sorrow to him. He thought about the plan that he was going to do; the plan that he had not spoken to anyone about; and if he was doing the right thing; and if Horty would be able to take it.