well hello Redwall readers.
I like people.
most of the time.
I am so tired, can you tell?
Anyways.
Guest review.
Guest: I had him run off because he was trying to deal with the fact his close friend from Noonvale had randomly appeared. To him it might have seemed as though Grumm was looking for him. He just barely started to get used to Redwall, he was even thinking of hanging up his sword, and then Grumm appears out of no where. He ran off to get his head in the game, for a little bit of time to think.
Disclaimer: Too tired for funny imaginative whatever. I do not own this.
Chapter 6
"Thank you Sister Chloe for the feast, and thank you to all of the kitchen assistants. And special thanks to Grumm Trencher, our visiting mole friend from Noonvale, for saving dessert!" Abbess Germaine said happily.
The Redwallers cheered. They'd enjoyed the feast, the storytelling, and the party, and they had also enjoyed the company of the old mole. He was friendly, and quick to impress the Dibbuns with tricks like throwing stones from his ladle.
"Now in three days time we will be seeing off our warrior. He will be returning with Grumm to help drive the vermin from Noonvale. I will request that he choose at the least, three companions, so that their travels will be safe." The Abbess said, and a heavy silence fell.
Martin stood, and took a deep breath. "I will ask no one to come with me unless it is of their own desire. I really don't want to take anyone, because I know for sure that it will be dangerous, but as the Abbess has requested it, we shall do so."
Gonff stood immediately. "I'm comin' with you mate, it was never in question." He said quickly.
Martin nodded gratefully, just as Folgrim, Trimp, and Dinny stood. "We're all coming with you Martin, and you knew we would." Trimp said softly. He smiled at her.
"Thank you all. Is there anyone else?" He asked quietly. He saw a flicker as Vurg almost raised his paw, but Beau pushed it down and whispered something. Disappointment ran through the old mouse's face as he nodded.
Martin bowed his head respectfully towards Abbess Germaine and sat down. The Abbess sighed. "We will be sad to see you go, and until you return we shall pray for your safety. I trust that you will all do your best to help the creatures at Noonvale, as would any of us. Now I think it best that we all go to sleep, and rest ourselves. It is late, and our celebration has been long, now go to your homes or you rooms, and let us all hope for the best tomorrow."
~~O~~
Redwall bustled with activity the next morning. but Columbine barely noticed. She sat near Gonff, leaning against him, and stroking his paw. For the others who would leave, it was fine. None of them had families. But Gonff did, and he was leaving them for the second time.
He was leaving her for the third.
She knew that nothing she said could keep him with her, but she still wished that she could convince him to stay. And yet at the same time, she almost wanted to push him out the door with Martin. She was half sure that if Gonff didn't go, then Martin wouldn't return.
Maybe she was paranoid, but part of her really did think that.
Chugger and Gonflet were causing trouble. Both of them wanted to go, and although they were almost grown, Columbine had firmly refused them. So now they were running about Redwall causing whatever trouble they could, making messes, and just being pains to every creature around them.
"Columbine." The mouse wife turned to see Martin next to her. "I'm sorry I am taking your husband again," he whispered gently, "I would have left him, but even then he would have tried to follow me. we both know it."
Columbine laughed softly, pressing a paw to her eyes and brushing away quick tears. "Oh it's alright Martin. If he hadn't volunteered I would have made him go. He needs to stretch his paws, and see something new, or else I'm sure he'd go crazy."
Gonff turned around from where he'd been talking to Folgrim and looked at them in mock horror. "Oh no! My best mate and my wife talking about me behind my back. The tragedy and terror!" He said quickly, winking at Martin.
Martin laughed and Bowed to Columbine. "Truly madam, you are the Queen of Mousethieves if you are able to keep this one in check. Thank you Columbine, I'm glad you are so willing to let him come."
Columbine nodded, biting her lip. "You're welcome Martin. Just keep him safe for me."
Martin smiled at her, and walked over to where Grumm was answering Sister Chloe's questions about his cooking. Columbine watched the warrior go. There was a spring in his step, and he seemed both happy, and sad, as though he couldn't wait to get going, but didn't want to leave.
Then Columbine turned to her husband and began to give him direct instructions on how not to die.
~~O~~
It had been several days of wandering, with no idea of where he was when Ballaw looked around in defeat. He was lost. After seasons of living peacefully at Noonvale, he'd lost his edge on tracking.
"Come on old chap. Rowanoak would have your head for losing y'self. First lesson your old Mater taught ye was t' find a path. So find a path!"
Ballaw had taken to talking to himself. There was rarely any other creature about, and it distracted him from the throbbing pain in his right leg, the pounding in his skull, and the gnawing hunger.
He'd been able to find a little food as he traveled, but not really a full meal anywhere. He'd found a stream, and followed it for as long as possible, until it widened into a river and went down into a ravine, where he couldn't go.
His injuries were thankfully not as severe as he'd at first thought. His right leg was the worst, with a deep wound that went almost to bone. His head had a large bump on it, which made him wonder if he'd possibly lost a few memories.
Of course, he discarded that almost immediately in favor of trying to get out of the woods. He simply bandaged his wounds as best he could, and continued.
"I say, used t'be much easier t' go through woodlands, eh wot? Better buck up and get used t' it again laddie." Ballaw said, just as he stumbled onto a path.
I hope you like it. I will have a couple of (maybe) surprises a bit down the road.
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