Ch

Ch.2

Arrival

This week has been more hectic than usual and it sucks! At least I was able to update. Anyways, please R&R and enjoy!


Bryon sat in the gatehouse, relieved that he was finally able to rest his paws. He woke up early that morning to assist Friar Gilbert in with preparing breakfast, helped bathe the dibbuns (which was never an easy task), and he had just finished reorganizing his bookshelf. All he wanted now was to close his eyes until lunchtime. The squirrel lay back in his chair, allowing his eyelids to droop until they closed completely.

"'Ello up there! Is anybeast willin' t' lend us a paw?"

The gatehouse keeper practically leaped out of his chair. Although he was a bit peeved that his slumber had been disturbed, he hurried to the main gate. "Shame on me for forgetting that they're arriving today. Just hold on a tic!" Quickly undoing the locks, Bryon swung the gate open, allowing the guests to come in.

"Bryon me bushy-tailed friend, it's been seasons!" exclaimed Isaac as pat Bryon heartily in the back, nearly causing the squirrel to fall over. Despite the seasons, the only difference in Isaac was the grey that began to creep up his brown spikes.

The squirrel quickly recomposed himself, smiling at the hedgehog. "It's nice to see you too. He turned his attention to the younger hedgehog, who looked like a smaller younger Isaac. "Hello there Munroe! You've grown since I've last saw you."

Munroe performed an elegant yet comical bow. Unlike his father, he was only chubby and his spikes were still a young brown. "Thank ye kindly sir. Noaw ah'd appreciate it if ye could find it in yer 'eart tae escort these weary travelers tae yon kitchens."

"Remember yer manners Munroe," said Isobel as she dusted off her forest green traveling cloak. "We can eat after we've greeted thae others."

"I don't think that's going to be a problem," replied Bryon. "Follow me." The Ashfords did as they were told, walking with the squirrel towards the Abbey orchard.

"Is Father Grayson working out in thae orchards?" asked Isobel.

"Ah don't think so," replied Munroe. "O'l Grayson's a bit older tae move aboot. Mayhap he can outrun a snail." Before Isobel had a chance to reprimand her son and Isaac could laugh at Munroe's comment, the hedgehogs' eyes widened as the Redwallers cheered for them. The residents of Redwall stood around the orchard, along with scores of tables filled assortments of vittles and beverages.

"Ye did all this fer us?" chuckled Isaac as he threw a paw around the squirrel's shoulders. "Ye shouldn't 'ave!" His stomached growled audibly, causing him to laugh once more. "On second thought, ah'm glad ye did!"

Abbot Grayson, assisted with a walking cane, hobbled over to the Highlanders. "I'm glad you could join us. Welcome back!" He turned his attention to Munroe. "And what was that comment about me being too slow to beat a snail in a race?"

An innocent smiled crept up the young hedgehog's face. "Father, why would ah e'er say somethin' loike that? Yer many season's are messin' wi' yer ears."

"Munroe, please respect yer elders!" scolded Isobel as Isaac laughed once more.

"I hope you don't mind me asking this," began the Abbot. "But where's Keith?"

The Ashford family was silent for a few moments before Isaac answered, "Um, 'tis a strange thing really. Two seasons back, we woke up an' foond a note written by Keith on thae table. He said Martin appeared tae him thae night before."

"Martin the Warrior?" replied Grayson, his old eyes lighting up.

Munroe was about to make another comment about the Abbot's hearing, but was cut off by his father. "Thae one an' only! Accordin' tae thae note, Martin told Keith tae leave thae Highlands, but he'd be reunited wi' us one day."

"I wonder why Martin would have Keith leave?" said Grayson.

"Ah 'ave nay idea," replied Isaac as he shook his head. "All ah know is that me stomach's growlin' up a storm! Martin said we'd find 'im again someday, so ah'm sure Keith's alright. Let's not put ah wet blanket on this feast, the Ashfords are 'ere, remember? Let's celebrate!"


The welcoming party was a smashing success. Everybeast enjoyed themselves by gorging on an array of food and drinks, playing an assortment of games, and got a chance to catch up with Isaac and his family, minus Keith.

With the sun nearly departed over the horizon, Bryon staggered back to the gatehouse. "Ugh, what was I thinking challenging Isaac to a drinking contest? He drinks as much as a hare eats! I'm going to regret it in the morning, that's for sure." A loud bang rang out from the main gate, causing the partly intoxicated squirrel to turn his attention to the noise. Another loud rap came from the gate.

"Hold on, I'll be right there," answered Bryon as he walked over to the gate. After fumbling with the lock for a few seconds, he finally unlocked it, swinging the door open.

An otter in his young adult seasons panted heavily as he staggered inside. "Help…please." His eyelids drooped suddenly, the otter collapsing to the ground.


Yeah, it was kinda short and not much action, but at least Isaac and his family are finally in the story. I usually don't like spoilers, but just to let you know, Keith will be in this fic, but that'll be a while. Hopefully that cliffhanger will keep you busy for the time being. Please R&R!