A/N: I own the OC's Blair, Gentian, Zaykimir, and Raven. Please don't use them without permission.

I'd also like to mention that the reason this is rather short is because I wrote it for a contest quite a while ago and had a word limit. (It tied for second place.)

Chapter One

The mountain Salamandastron reared majestically into the morning sky. It had stood throughout the ages as the domain of Badger Lords and the hares of the Long Patrol, a symbol of right and good, and justice for all innocent creatures.

Buckler Kordyne, the young Blademaster, was heading down to the mess hall for breakfast. He could hear the chatter coming from the hares seated around the tables. The young hare was just about to enter the mess hall when he heard a commotion behind him.

Buckler turned to see two young Long Patrol runners hurrying through one of the side hallways supporting a limp, exhausted-looking haremaid. "Hey, what's going on?" He hurried towards them and helped support the haremaid.

"Sah! We were on patrol, an' found this haremaid walkin' around in a sort of daze, wot!"

"So we got 'er back 'ere. I hope she'll jolly well be alright!"

One glance at her was enough to tell him she needed medical attention - she had several slashes all over her and a lump on the back of her head. "Come on then! We need to get her to the infirmary!"

On their arrival, the healer, a middle-aged female named Gentian, took charge of the haremaid, as the young runners told their story to the healer.

"What d'you think happened to her?" asked one of the runners.

"It was vermin, without a doubt," Buckler said grimly.

Gentian was bandaging a slash on the haremaid's side. She nodded her agreement.

"Is she goin' t'be alright, marm?" the other runner inquired.

"Aye. She's got a good pulse an' she's breathin' well. She'll make a rapid recovery, so don't worry about her, wot!" Gentian replied.

The haremaid began to moan softly. Suddenly her eyes, a startling shade of green, flew open. She pulled herself slowly to a sitting position. "Wh-where am Ah?"

Buckler stepped forward, smiling reassuringly. "You're at Salamandastron, with the Long Patrol."

She seemed confused. "The Lang Patrol? Ah hail frae the north, ye ken, sae how…" She broke off, staring into space as if remembering something. Then she continued, her face a picture of shock. Buckler and the others in the room listened in sympathy. "Now Ah remember. Mah name's Blair. Mah mither, father, wee brother an' sister an' Ah left the Highlands earlier this season. 'Twas a hard life up North, sae we left for the warmer areas of the Sooth. We encountered the fox - Zaykimir, Ah think – earlier this morn. He had a band of aboot fifteen vermin, and for nae reason they attacked us – we were mostly unarmed. Ah fought with all mah strength, but somebeast hit me o'er the head with a spear haft or somethin'. Ah came to and wandered awa', not carin' where Ah ended up." She had spoken matter-of-factly until this point, but now she burst into tears. "Mah family's been slaughtered by that fox! And Ah swear, he'll pay!" She lowered her head, sobbing.

Buckler's thoughts were in turmoil. Memories of his brother Clerun ran through his mind. Four seasons before, Clerun had been murdered by Zwilt the Shade; Buckler had sworn vengeance and at last the sable was killed. Poor Blair. I lost my brother, but she's had her whole family slain. I know something of what she's feeling, but… no I don't. Clerun wasn't killed right in front of me. Right then and there the young Blademaster decided he'd help Blair any way he could in her quest.

The haremaid looked up. She wiped her eyes and addressed Gentian.

"Please, marm, may Ah leave now? Ah need to catch up tae that killer before he gets tae far off. Ah'm grateful tae ye all for rescuin' and carin' for me, but Ah must gae noo."

Buckler looked at the haremaid sympathetically. "But I don't think you're in any condition to go, miss."

Gentian nodded. "I'm very sorry, Blair. But Buckler's right. You must rest awhile longer before you're fit to leave. Perhaps tomorrow if you're doing well you can go."

"Ah'm leavin' right noo, nae matter what ye say!"

"First drink this," Gentian said, holding out a beaker of water. "It will help you recover faster, wot!"

Blair accepted it, draining it to the last drop. Almost immediately she lay back, yawning. "Ah think you're right. Ah'll rest awhile." The haremaid quickly dropped off to sleep.

"That wasn't just water, was it?" Buckler said, glancing at Gentian suspiciously.

"You're right," the healer admitted. "I put a sleepin' drug in it. She'll be out for hours with the dose I gave her."

Buckler stood and headed for the door. "Right, well, I'd better go an' inform Lady Ambrevina about Blair."