Chapter 6. Feasts and Visions

Disclaimer: I do not own Redwall.

The feast was starting! Ruth and Daisy hurried off the steps. Even though she was old, Mother Ruth made it quickly to the orchard. Both creatures gasped when they saw what was there. All kinds of food were laid out on the many tables in the orchard-crumbles, tarts, flans, pies, cakes, and soups. The pair spotted the Father Abbot Maxtus sat in the huge Abbot's chair. Beside him sat Tokam Greypinch, and Mother Ruth sat beside him, flanking him on either side by badger and hedgehog. Daisy took her spot among some of the others her age. The feast was about to begin.

Hushed whispers rang in the still air. Beasts clattered about, settling themselves in comfortable positions. A respectful silence fell among the Redwallers as he Abbot rose from his seat. He placed his paws in his wide habit sleeves. He spoke.

"Redwallers, young and old, hearken to what I have to say. Today is my Jubilee Feast. I hope you all enjoy.

Thank you, Mother Nature, dear,

For providing what we have right here,

Thank you for the tarts and flans,

Which wouldn't be possible without your hands,

Amen."

There was a chorus of amen. The Redwallers began to apply theirselves to the food. Daisy piled lots of things onto her plate. Tarts, flans, salad, cakes, pies, a bowl of soup to the side, warm, soft, buttered loaf bread, all were around her. She ate ravenously. Only one ate more than her, Turfy, the Redwall hare. He had mounds of summer salad piled upon his plate. Some of everthing was around it. He bolted it down quickly, never seeming to end.

"You really outdone yourself, Friar," said Mother Ruth. The friar was flattered. "Thank you, Mother. I had to make it very special, after all, it is the Abbot's feast." Friar Tum looked over at the Dibbun's. "You, know, Mother, not even I can stay mad at that lot today. An air of joy is in the air, calm and serene. I love our home, Redwall." Ruth nodded wisely.

"Aye, so does everyone else here. I'll think you'll find, however, Friar, a lot more joy if you stopped being so angry. An air of joy is always here at Redwall, not just today. You just haven't noticed it yet, for your anger at the Dibbuns is to great, as well as it is for Turfy." Friar Tum listened to the kind Mother's words. She spoke wisdom, speaking through many years of experience.

"Yes, marm, but you have no idea how frustrating it is running the kitchens and supervising that everyone has food, without the Dibbuns messing with it." Ruth looked at him knowingly.

"Nor do you, my friend, know how it feels to govern the whole Abbey, like I did when I was Mother Abbess.

The feasting and celebrations carried on into late evening. Beasts were singing, dancing, and reciting poetry. None were still eating, save Turfy-though he ate less famishedly now, and there was still much food to spare. Daisy watched as a hogmaid, called Spikehead, sung a ditty.

"The place is warm, the place is big,

Carrying trees of pears, and trees of fig,

Made of red sandstone, it stands alone,

Where hedgehogs brew, and moles dig.

This place I know, and so do you,

A place of hospitality and care too,

It is called Redwall, standing proud and tall,

Housing orchard, lawn, and pool."

Though it was short, Daisy applauded with the rest of the inhabitants of Redwall. Spikehead flushed with embarressment, wriggling her spikes in true hedgehog fashion. Ruth smiled over at Daisy.

"Why don't you oblige us with a song, little one?" Daisy was an excellent singer. She readily agreed. She stood up in front of everybeast.

"There is a badger, strong and tall,

Who kills vermin, one and all.

Soon this badger will meet his match, fighting one unsurpassed.

The badger and the corsair, one will fall."

A silence had falled over the crowd of assembled Redwallers. They had never heard this, and it wasn't a song, it was a poem. They looked curiously at Daisy. Suddenly, she jerked, and gazing around, she said, "What happened?" Ruth looked at her and replied.

"Daisy, what was that you just said?" Before Daisy could answer, the recorder, Brother Mendell, called out.

"I wrote it down, Mother Ruth. I always take parchment and charcoal wherever I go. I have an excellent memory, I remembered it all." He handed the parchment to Ruth, who in turn, promptly recited it to Daisy. Daisy looked utterly bewildered.

"I have never heard that before. But just a second ago, it was like I was in a trance. It was strange. What could possibly be happening?" Ruth looked out silently for a long time. All beasts looked over at her, if anybeast knew, she would be the one.

"Indeed, I know what it is. The spirit of Martin the Warrior told us this through you. A badger and a corsair, eh? Doesn't seem to important." Ruth did not say this out of carelessness, but she knew battles between badgers and corsairs were not unduly uncommon. Brother Mendell replied.

"Martin the Warrior would not just tell us this. There has to be some reason. Maybe the badger needs help." An air of silence settled over all. Ruth countered the reply.

"We should not endanger the lives of those at our Abbey for someone we don't know. I am not being cruel, but I wish everyone here to be safe." Mummers of agreement rang through the air. "Then it is settled, no one is to leave this Abbey."

Daisy had wondered why Martin had picked her. She felt constantly she should go aid the badger. She did not know what he looked like, however, and she was not permitted to leave the Abbey. It was night-time and everyone was asleep. Her mind raced as she wondered what to do. Finally making a descision, she snuck down to the kitchens.

In her hands she held a haversack of rations. She had taken traveling food from the kitchens and now she was ready to head out. She creaked the Abbey's front door openly as silently as possible. Creeping out of the door, she shut it, and walked outside.

The night air was fresh and cool. The wind swept over her face and fur, causing a chill to run up her body. She headed for the small wickergate. She opened it as she had opened the first door. She shut it behind her. She started off along the path feeling she was destined to help the mysterious badger.

Well, that was chapter six. I know it was short, but it is still a chapter, nonetheless. Please R&R:)