A comforting darkness surrounded her. Tassel snuggled deeper under the blanket that kept the bed warm and the room's chill away from her. She took a deep breath and rested somewhere between deep sleep and full alertness.
To her left came a deep rumbling sound. She turned in that direction, detecting the presence of her mate, who still slept. When the sound ended, she strained her hearing, trying to sense any other sound. His snoring resumed its rhythmic pattern.
Her mate, Bruno, acquired the title of Pa Badger when they became a couple. She enjoyed her role as Badgermom, but he embraced his with enthusiasm. The children gravitated to him like bees to honey. On some nights the two of them would crawl into bed and in the morning, several of her youngest charges emerged after spending the night cuddled with her mate.
If she awoke during the night, Tassel would slip into the Dibbun Dormitory, checking up on the ten children they supervised. Most times, she stalked the corridor and discovered nothing amiss. On those nights when a child had troubles sleeping, she found him awake and wanting to know what disturbed the child's rest. Whenever she discovered a sick child, some innate sense alerted him and they did what needed to be done.
To her right, Tassel listened to the steady tick of the mantle clock. Her fingers reached out to the night table and fumbled with her goggles. Since her deformed muzzle didn't allow her the option of wearing spectacles, the beast that ground the lenses mounted them in a pair of goggles. She stared at the clock and noted the time.
"May as well get up," she muttered. "The alarm will be sounding in another ten minutes."
She swung her feet over the side. The room's chill air dispelled the last vestiges of sleep. At that moment, a deep growl came from the sleeping form of her mate. Without looking, she reached back and kneaded a spot above his tail. The growl intensified, and then he shifted his position. Blessed silence returned.
Tassel padded quietly to the door that separated their quarters from the Dibbun Dormitory and gave a quick glance into the children's sleeping area. Her eyes saw no movement and her ears detected only the sound of many young beasts slumbering. She turned away and walked down a short corridor, entering her private washroom.
Bruno insisted on a mirror. A quick glance at her reflection explained her objection. Even though the years dulled the marks, her disfigured face could still induced nightmares. She did not need a mirror to see the marks that branded her a criminal in the minds of woodlanders. Tassel knew some elders living at the Abbey never missed an opportunity at calling her vermin, even after so many years.
Her dress slipped on with ease since she needed no vent for a tail. She lost that as a child, docked by her master's healer for a visiting dignitary. On cold nights like this, she swore the missing appendage had never been removed. Tassel could feel it wag with such vigor it hurt.
A pair of stirrup stockings, a matching pair of fingerless gloves, and the marks that branded her a criminal disappeared from sight. She removed her goggles long enough to put on the form-fitting cloth mask she wore, which hid her disfigured features. Once she had her goggles on, she stepped outside the room.
She bumped into her mate, who stood outside the room. Like every morning, he kissed her once on each cheek, and once on her forehead. He then slipped past her and entered the washroom. Tassel remained close to the door, this way they could keep any conversation private.
"It was a quiet night, Bruno. The celebration tuckered them all out and they slept soundly. Think it did the same to me as I slept the whole night too."
"Celebrating the end of winter is a big event at Redwall. It means we can look forward to another year of planting and improving weather."
"Every season festival is a big event. We party late into the night and then drag through the next day. I tell you, I'm not the young and energetic creature you married twenty-five years ago."
The soft sound of Bruno's laughter echoed from the other room. "Tassel, you're not getting old. If you were, I would have to admit to aging too, and I'm not ready for the title of honored elder just yet."
Tassel said nothing, knowing such a title would always elude her. That broke the rhythm of their conversation. The door opened; just enough that Bruno could stick his sopping wet head out. His expression showed his concern about Tassel's sudden silence.
"Something is bothering you." Bruno's wet paw reached out and held her muzzle closed. "No, I don't want to hear any excuses. After all these years, I can read you like a scribe's diary. Out with it, sow."
"Age, it's my age." Tassel kept her muzzle down as she whispered her reply. "I hate admitting it, but those youngsters are running me ragged. Most elders our age will care for grandchildren for a day or two. We have ten dibbuns full of youthful energy every day. I love them, but I worry that our Abbess will replace me. If she has no further use for me, will she turn me over to the Law? Even after so many years, she could do it. I wouldn't last a month in a penal colony, not at my age."
Bruno reached out and pulled her head closer. A gentle kiss did nothing to change her mood. He ducked back inside and for several moments, silence hung in the air. Bruno exited the washroom and placed his paws on her shoulders, giving his mate a firm squeeze.
"We're getting rid of our little beasties for the next three weeks. It will be just the two of us, Tassel. I think what you need is a vacation away from every responsibility. So as soon as those young charges have stepped beyond the gate, we are going to have some fun." Bruno's eyes twinkled. "Perhaps we can take some long walks along the battlements late at night, a leisurely stroll through the orchard, or you can practice your music. It's been a long time since I heard you play your flute."
Once more Tassel's eyes appraised her mate. Bruno still sported the vibrant, characteristic coloration of his species, though the ravages of time left their mark. What had been a brilliant white now had a yellowing, antique look to it. Grey intruded wherever black had been. Even the flag on his tail certified to his advancing years as it appeared somewhat ragged instead of full and lustrous.
That had her think about her own appearance. Over the years, her fur had taken on a dull, uniform, grayish color. No longer did she possess the distinctive black and white markings of a badger in its prime, which had many a newcomer to the Abbey inquire about her species. She felt every year of her life weigh on her.
Bruno embraced her. In his powerful arms she felt safe and his loving voice made her feel desirable. She never wanted him to let go. He nibbled on an ear and she leaned into him. Bruno's words shattered the illusion that they stood there alone.
"As much as I would love to stay right here, I do believe we should wake the children."
Tassel followed Bruno to the doorway between their quarters and the Dibbun Dormitory. They leaned on the half door that separated their living space and gazed down the long corridor. Tassel couldn't see the children sleeping due to privacy curtains, but she did hear their steady breathing.
"It seems a shame waking them up."
Bruno chuckled. "Liar, I do believe you enjoy watching their reactions each morning."
Tassel returned the gentle rub her mate gave her back by patting his broad chest. She then opened the door and latched it against the back wall. Bruno cranked the ceiling window shades open as Tassel seized the handle of a large wooden mallet. With a swift motion, she struck the sounding board next to the door. Three times the room filled with a hollow boom that put thunder to shame.
Badgermom Tassel yelled at the top of her voice. "It's time to wake up. Everyone, get out of bed."
She got the reaction she desired on the very first swing of her hammer. Several children darted out of their beds, racing for the washroom as if some demonic hellhound nipped at their heels. Others moved in a slow, but deliberate manner, but at least they moved. One mouse lad slept at the far end of the room, but Tassel still heard him muttering about the noise. It made her giggle as he pushed the blanket to the side.
Bruno pointed to one bed still occupied. With the snap of his wrist, he threw the blankets off the pillow. A pair of furry feet rested on the pillow, the toes wiggling. Bruno grabbed both feet in his paw and yanked the child out of her bed. With a deep growl, he held the child up until her toes were at his eye level. He added a snarl to his voice as he spoke.
"Alright girl, wake up." With a light tap, he batted the girl's feet. "I am not going to be fooled into believing you're still asleep. Now open those eyes or I'll slap you silly."
A young mole hung just above the bed, giggling. "I'm down here, Pa Badger."
Bruno shifted his eyes from the child's toes to her head. His eyes almost doubled in size and his deep inhale gave him the appearance that he was surprised. He released the girl and she tumbled onto the mattress. "Well how was I supposed to know that wasn't your head?"
Tassel fought the urge to laugh. Bridgett and her mate, went through this routine at least once a week. Instead, she focused on the day's chores. She cleared her throat, which caught the attention of those still in the main room.
"If you are not wearing it, or packing it, all garments are to be placed in the appropriate hamper. All beds are to be stripped and the bed linens dumped in one pile. I also want every privacy curtain taken down and put next to the bedding in a separate pile."
Badgermom Tassel had just finished giving her instructions when she shrieked. Those children still in the room gave a quick look and then returned to what they were doing. One child giggled while the older ones shook their heads, a smirk engraved on their faces. Even Bruno had no reaction to his mate's unexpected outburst.
As for Tassel, her reaction was not so calm. She spun about on her heels and pounded on the chest of the intruder that stood behind her. Her light blows left the fellow laughing rather than moaning. Her victim did nothing to stop her assault.
"Thorn, how many times have I told you not to scare your mother like that? I swear you'll be the death of me yet."
The male badger, which looked like a younger version of Bruno, trapped her flaying fists in his paws. "You must be getting old, mother. I don't remember anyone being able to enter or leave this place without you knowing about it."
"Don't change the subject, Thorn. I swear, you might be a respected elder, but I will do my level best to put you over my knees and let you know just how upset I am."
Thorn gave his mother a light peck on her masked muzzle as he scanned the room. He moved from bed to bed, collecting the children's backpacks, while passing a few pleasantries with his father and some of the children. The three badgers stood about until the children finished their chores.
After a quick inspection, Tassel led everyone down the stairs and into Cavern Hole, the Abbey's communal dining hall. The children kept quiet until they occupied their usual table. As the children took their seats, they discussed the upcoming special event with such enthusiasm that the three badgers were left to discuss adult topics undisturbed.
Badgermom Tassel quizzed her son, who sat to her left. "And how much gold do you intend to take?"
"I don't need too much, mother. Serenity, offered us free housing since the military base will be closed during the six-day holiday. We'll take a ten minute walk, join the other families at the Inn they rented, and after another short hike, we will be at the festival. I might even hire a few goat carts and we can ride in style."
"Thorn, my sources tell me you're taking well over a dozen extra children that cannot afford attending such an event. How much silver will you be giving them each day?"
Thorn stared at his mother. "Seventeen isn't what I would call well over a dozen, mother. Anyway, I intend giving each child two silvers each day of the Spring Festival. It will be enough to keep them entertained."
Those closest to the head of the table heard a low growl from Tassel, which signaled her displeasure. "You must be out of your mind. Two silvers will keep them well fed, but it will never allow any of them admittance to the better shows and activities."
"How would you know? You've never been outside these walls."
Bruno's fist struck the table, tipping his empty mug and spilling the dregs onto the table. "That was completely uncalled for, son. Need I remind you that I took everyone to the festival when it last came to Salamanderstorn six years back? Your mother and I talked all night about the cost of the premium attractions."
Thorn stared at his empty plate. He muttered an apology. Tassel patted her mate's arm while her other paw dug into the pocket of her dress. The cloth bag jingled with sound of coins when she dropped it on the table. She pushed the purse closer to Thorn.
"I have enough from the sale of my craft works that you could afford giving each child eight silvers a day." Thorn made to protest, but Tassel gave a low snarl that silenced his protests. "Use your money to hire those goat carts for the length of your stay. When you add my money, there should be enough to give everyone three or four silvers each day. That way, they can all enjoy some of the better activities. Make it a week they'll never forget. As you said, since I cannot leave this Abbey, money means nothing to me."
Their youngest charge, Bridgette, asked if she could go outside. In quick order the fidgeting dibbuns raced outside. There, Thorn had a cart waiting, piled with supplies and the backpacks of some thirty other creatures. Tethered goats pranced in place. Parents and young gathered by the Abbey's front door as they waited for Thorn.
Those parents remaining at Redwall gave their children a final hug and kiss. The children Thorn promised to watch gathered about his cart. Many parents smiled as their offspring milled about the young badger, eager at starting this trip. After giving his mother a hug and shaking his father's paw, Thorn followed the crowd to the Abbey's main gate.
The children waved and shouted their goodbyes. Those traveling with their elders drew closer to them. Already, half the caravan had passed the inner gate.
Bruno called out to the departing children. "You better hurry, you're…."
All of Tassel's youngsters chorused Pa Badger's favorite saying, "wasting daylight."