Chapter 2

Rakkety Tam MacBurl stood on the western battlements, watching the the sunrise. Life had been been good since he had slain Gulo. Peace had reigned in Mossflower. The Long Patrol hares had long since returned to Salamandastron. Tergan was now flying and the Lightpaws had returned with Rockbottom to their home. Life was good, so good.

"You're going to miss breakfast if you stay up here too long." Tam smiled as he heard the familiar voice come up behind him. It was Armel. He had married the good sister not long after he had killed Gulo.

He winked rougishly at his wife. "Ah wish ye had told me sooner, pretty one. Doogy probably went an' scoffed it all."

Armel laughed as she took his paw. "Don't worry. Last I checked, Friar Glisum had chased him away from the table. He's probably around somewhere, sulking."

Tam streched, following Armel down the the steps. "That sounds like Doogy. By the way, how's Melanda doin' ? Last week, Armel had given birth to a small squirrelbabe, who she and Tam had named Melanda. Their small daughter, whose Nameday would be this evening, was adored by all Redwallers, especially by her parents.

Armel smiled. "She's sleeping for now. Brooky's watching her for me."

Tam flinched, remembering Brooky's loud laugh. "She'll be awake 'afore long with yore friend watching her."

"That's why you need to hurry up so I can get back to her!"

Laughing, Tam followed her back to the abbey. "How's Melanda's Nameday feast coming along?"

"Oh, it's going fine. It'll be ready just in time, too. Here, I'll go get us some breakfast. Why don't you go up and see Melanda? I'll be up there in a few minutes."

Tam bowed gallantly. "Yore wish is my command, milady!"

After he had sent Brooky down stars, Tam stood over his daughters cradle. She was so tiny! Tam stroked his daughters head. He wanted only the best for her. There was a knock on the door. Tam straightened up. "Ye can come in!"

Doogy Plumm walked in. "Ach, ah thought ah'd find ye in 'ere mate. She'll end up just like 'er mama, though ah 'ope she won't be as braw a pawslapper!

Tam chuckled. "Aye, but I'll never know.

Doogy scowled, remembering how Armel had only slapped him and never Tam. "Ah well, ah 'ope the feast tonight will be as good as how 'ard yon wife slaps me paw!"

Meanwhile, Bone was leading his hoard triple march through Mossflower. He was determined to reach Redwall before tomorrow evening. Bone was ready this time. He would not be defeated.

R&R