Guess whoooooo!

Yeah, ye can't kill me that easy. I'm back! One eye surgery, vacation out east, week of laying about after surgery, and lots of DVD watching later, here I am! Once again, I have to apologize. I had anticipated just a week or so being out of commission, but turns out that life decided to throw a tub of cosmoline into the works once again.

But I finally got the chance to just sit down and write for once. Things were a bit rusty at first, but after lots of diet pepsi and a few pounds of almonds, here we are! Hopefully you enjoy this chapter, and the future ones to come.

P.S: DoF WILL be updated soon. I'm not giving a specific date, but it WILL be updated in the near future. Just having to push through some writer's block with that.

Enjoy!


The sun was at its apex as the Helvetten's bow ground up onto the sand. William leapt over the railing with mooring line in paw, quickly tying the rope to a nearby tree as the other two did likewise. Jonas had guided the ship into a small alcove of thick trees and brush in order to camouflage and protect the vessel from anybeast with the heart to steal it. The forest around them was much different than the towering pines of the mountains. Instead of huge banks of endless green, the shores of Mossflower were dotted with smaller, straighter trees and the occasional clearing. Even the air seemed calmer, gentler than the harsh, biting winds of the hills. Insects buzzed and hummed around them and the dust kicked up from their paws almost twinkled in the afternoon sunlight.

Jonas stared, almost mournfully, as the last supplies were brought off board. "She was a fine ship, I don't mind tellin' ye. Seen a lot on that ol' hunk of wood, I 'ave. It'd be a shame t' lose 'er."

William stood beside him. "Come on, Jonas, we'll get back to her someday. Besides, we've hidden it better than most hide gold."

Astrid nodded as she tied off the last line. "And we've not much time. If we want to get any sort of real progress made, we'll have to leave soon."

The otter sighed, buckling on his sword belt. "Yore right, yore right. Jus'...ye mind if I, er...say good-bye?"

William stopped the inevitable comments from Astrid with a sharp glare, but nodded. "Go ahead, Jonas. We'll be waiting."

They walked away, letting Jonas to his own devices. Astrid leant against a sprawling oak and crossed her arms. "I don't see why he's so sentimental," she whispered, watching as Jonas ran a paw over the hull. "It's just a ship."

William answered without looking at his friend. "How would you feel if somebeast forced you to sacrifice your bow?"

A short pause. "Point taken."

After a few moments, Jonas finally took one last saddened, almost guilty look at his ship before marching back to his friends. "We'd best get a move on," he said, trying to hide the waver in his voice. "Better'n lazin' about."

They set off on a northeasterly bearing, trying to find the path of least resistance through the brush. It was beautiful scenery, no doubt, with lush trees and the occasional trilling birds' song. The autumn leaves were already turning to a myriad of vibrant hues, from stunning reds and bright yellow to the copper-toned browns that laced the boughs.

But as William yanked his footpaw from the fifth tangle of vines and underbrush, he couldn't help but remember his home. The rolling hills of grass and wheat, with distant forests beyond to break the never-ending plane of meadows. He even missed the rain, with its brisk chill and fresh scent left behind after a shower. Running through the dew-laden fields, watching as the heavy clouds retreated away. He felt a pang of homesickness, wondering what Jeremiah and Martha would be doing. Most likely finishing up the harvest and gathering with the other villagers to celebrate that season's crops. He could still remember the town's meager population, gathering in and around the tavern to share stories and enjoy each others' company. Faces lit up in the candlelight, smiling and laughing. Some of the elders would have no doubt gotten a little tipsy and begun singing, letting their warbling tones echo through the room.

He allowed himself a smile as they pressed on, their footpaws trudging steadily on over the leaf-strewn dirt. Someday he would go back; he would fulfill his promise to Jeremiah. No matter how much his destiny was intertwined with that of the Verkora, there would always be a part of him left in the village he had called home.

They marched on, only stopping once to refill their canteens at the banks of a small stream running through the woods. Soon their bodies were covered in dust and sweat, the latter only making it easier for the grime to adhere. William could almost feel the weight starting to build on the chain vest every time he set a footpaw down, sending more dust into the links. It was only when the sun was highest; bearing down on them from between the tree canopies, that Jonas ordered a halt. The trio hurriedly found some shade underneath a cluster five or so trees, which had grown into a haphazard semi-circle. William immediately sat, taking a few deep gulps from his canteen.

Jonas prepared some lunch from whatever stores they had managed to bring along, musing out loud as he did so. "Ye know, lad, there's more t' bein' a knight than jus' swinging a hunk o' steel about. There's still courtship, how t' treat a maiden, addressin' yore superiors, proper ceremony..."

William involuntarily grimaced as the otter went on. There seemed a thousand things to learn. "Is all of that really necessary?" He asked after Jonas had finished. "It seems a little, well...worthless, if you ask me."

Jonas waved his spoon at the mouse, like he was scolding him. "Not if yore tryin' to make a name for yerself. Ye won't get far if ye can't perform the proper ceremonies, such as makin' a good introduction. 'specially when we get to Redwall. I don't want ye makin' yoreself look like a fool, or me fer that matter."

William took a bite from his apple and shrugged. "Well, whatsch tha' mean?"

Jonas leaned forward, like he was going to tell William some sort of secret. When the mouse did likewise, Jonas smacked him behind the head with a heavy paw. "That's what that means, lad. Don' talk with yer mouth full, ain't polite. Now, while I got yore attention, let's go over some rules."

Astrid sat against a weathered oak trunk, enjoying herself immensely as Jonas drilled the proper etiquette and manners into William. How to introduce oneself, arranging his armor and weapons in the correct fashion, speaking to maidens, award and drill ceremony, marching, even how to hold a fork and spoon! William couldn't stop himself from grumbling time to time, which promptly earned him a good smack on the head.

It was almost two full hours before Jonas finally relented. William sat down with a sigh of relief, rubbing an ear. "You didn't have to hit me so hard, you know." he lamented. "It's just a bunch of pomp and display."

Jonas' face tightened somewhat. "Ah, but tell me somethin', William. What good is a beast if he isn't willin' to learn? How is he goin' to make the world a better place if'n he can't even take the time to sit down and listen? Like I said 'afore, there's far more to bein' a knight than swingin' a sword. It's beasts like yore father that made life worth livin'. Without what's in here," he said, tapping his chest with a paw. "We're nothin' more than a bunch of fancy-dressed knife-chuckers. It's what ye make yore life about, what ye do to make things better, that makes a difference."

Nobeast spoke for a moment, until William sighed. "I understand, Joseph." he said quietly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have complained."

The otter allowed himself a small grin. "Ain't no trouble, lad. Yore still young, and all young 'uns do. Jus' in their nature, I suppose. Now, up on yore paws. We need to get movin' before dark."

They broke camp and set off once more, following the winding, dusty path that lay before them. Occasionally, Jonas would stop them with a raised fist and scan the forest, perturbed by an odd noise or some such. William, at first, was confused as to what the otter was looking for. But gradually, as time wore on, he began to notice the subtleties as well. A rustling bush usually just turned out to be a few bugs or dragonflies. A shadowy figure turned out to be a large clump of moss hanging from a tree branch. But even so, William could feel his perspective beginning to change.

As they continued marching, he suddenly caught the undeniable scent of heavy, rain-laden clouds beginning to descend over them. He looked up through the forest's canopy and noticed the dark, shifting clouds. "Jonas, stop for a second. Do you see that?"

Jonas craned his neck to look for just a brief moment. "Aye, and smell it as well. Rain's comin', and soon. We need to find somewhere to shelter fer the night." He thought for a moment, before nodding to himself. "Alright, here's the plan. We split up and look fer somewhere to hide, just to get outta the rain. Come back and meet 'ere in 'alf an 'our and decide where t' go. Everybeast agree?" Both William and Astrid nodded and set off, William taking the path directly ahead while his two companions went separate ways.

He had scarcely gone a hundred paces when the first raindrops began to patter against the leaves. William flinched as a particularly large droplet fell onto his nose. Ignoring the dampness starting to seep into his clothes, William pressed forward through the rapidly darkening woodlands. As the sun began to fade behind the clouds, the forest seemed to close in around him. Branches snagged and tore at his tunic as he pushed through the dense brush. Everything was wreathed in shadow, turning the forest into a twisting maze of sharp twigs and towering oaks.

William could feel his heart beginning to race as the fear began to creep into the corners of his mind. He forced himself to stop and take a deep breath, trying to calm down. As he did, a sound previously hidden by his stumbling through the leaves became clear. It was the distinctive popping and sizzling of a damp fire, along with muffled voices. William settled into a crouch, trying to hone in on where it might be coming from. After a few minutes, he turned just a tad west and set off, away from the path. It was by no means easy going. The woods were even thicker now. Once again, he breathed slowly and thought about each step carefully before making it. It might have been slower, but it was much better than getting caught by whoever was out there.

The sounds of the fire and voices, along with the smell of smoke, grew more distinct as William kept going. He winced every time a twig snapped underpaw, or his maille vest rattled and clinked together. Just as he was ready to push through a veritable wall of thick, thorn-laden bushes, something caught his attention just to one corner of his eye. Turning, and making sure he was still concealed behind the shrubbery, William was met with the sight of the camp, with a fire at its center and two tents constructed out of cloth and wire hung between two trees. The beast who had chosen this spot knew what they were doing. Even William felt a sense of admiration. The ground was flat and free of any thick underbrush, nearby trees formed a semi-circle to stop any wind or rain, and it was close enough to the river to allow easy access to water. Overall, William thought to himself, not a bad spot. It also seemed like too good of a choice for the average vermin, but he chose not to make assumptions just yet.

William chewed his lip, pondering his options. There were really only two viable choices. One, he could wander into the camp and see if anybeast was about, and maybe ask how they could get to Redwall. But if the creatures who had set up here really were vermin, he could be in a fine mess.

He decided on the second course of action: To wait it out, at least for a little while, and see what transpired. If the beasts showed up and appeared to be friendly, he would make his move. If not, getting back to the path wouldn't be terribly difficult. William settled on his haunches, steeling himself for a long wait.

Thankfully for him, it wasn't long before the voices started to converse again, and the rustle of somebeast moving through the forest started to echo across to William from across the camp. Without realizing it, his paw settled on the grip of his sword, ready for whatever might occur.

"Oof, pfwah! Oh, confound it! That's the third time I've fallen in the mud today. Sister Abigale is going to be miffed when she sees the condition of my habit, I'm sure of it."

"Bah, you worry too much. Come on, enjoy it! We don't get let out into Mossflower often, you know. Especially not overnight. Now come on, you worry-wort, let's get back to camp. I've still got some of the chestnuts Friar Drumber gave us."

Two figures walked out of the forest's edge, on the other side of the campsite. Squinting through the rain's haze, William found it difficult to pick out any sort of detail. All he could tell was that both creatures wore foliage-green habits, a traditional sort of robe he had seen the village friar wear. One was definitely a squirrel, distinguishable by his bushy tail. The other could have been anything, for all William could tell. Both appeared to be in their younger seasons, most likely just a bit younger than himself.

The squirrel reached into a bag sitting nearby and retrieved a few nuts, giving one to his friend while sticking the other on a twig and holding it over the fire. "There we go, nice an' comfy. Candied chestnuts just aren't the same unless they're warm, eh, Thoran?"

The other creature, Thoran by the sounds of it, nodded. "Absolutely. Just be careful, though. Don't burn your paw. Otherwise Sister Abigale might physick you." He actually shuddered. "An' I wouldn't wish that on anybeast."

The squirrel twitched his tail, like he was waving off the comment. "Don't fret yourself, I'll be just fine. Besides, I don't think she'd be able to catch us. Two fastest beasts in the whole Abbey, you and me."

Abbey? William thought excitedly. Could it be Redwall?

The other creature chuckled. "Thoran and Josiah, the naughtiest dibbuns in the whole of Mossflower. Runnin' from bathtimes, runnin' from bed, runnin' from the infirmary, we were always runnin' somewhere."

"Aye, 'struth. Wait'll we...gah, get this smoke outta my face! Here, fan it with your paws."

William noticed, far too late, the billows of smoke flowing towards him. The acrid smell hit him like a brick wall, burning his eyes and immediately setting upon his lungs. It wasn't long before William could take no more. He let out a wheezing cough, trying his best to cover his mouth with a paw. But it was no use. Josiah's head snapped towards the bush. "Did you hear that?" He asked Thoran, who simply nodded in response. In a flash, Josiah had plucked an ashwood staff from the ground and stood near the fire, eyes fixated on the spot.

Realizing he had no choice, William cleared his throat and announced himself clearly. "Friend, friend! I'm coming out." After some trouble, he pushed himself through the leaves and out into the open, not more than a paw's length from the two young creatures. As William filled his lungs, which were still irritated from the smoke, he noticed the other creature. To his astonishment, it was a young pine marten! But both their faces bore the same expressions: Shock, wonder, and perhaps just a bit of fear.

Both parties stood awkwardly for a few moments, before Josiah cleared his throat loudly and puffed out his chest, trying to make himself look as intimidating as possible, which wasn't easy to do for a squirrel just out of childhood. "Who are you, mouse? And why were you sneaking up on us like that?"

William tried to suppress the grin beginning to show itself on his face. Deciding to humor the young one, he knelt and bowed his head, placing a paw over his chest, just as Jonas had instructed him previously. "I am known as William of the Verkora, your liege. And I am just a passing traveler, looking for Redwall Abbey. I had no intentions of harming you or your friend."

Both the squirrel and pine marten were unsure as to what to do. As William stood, Thoran stammered out a response. "We, uh...we're from Redwall, sir. We didn't mean any offense, honest we didn't."

Josiah nodded furiously. "Yeah, I mean no, I mean..."

William grinned, laughing. "It's alright, no need to explain. But would you mind if I asked you two something?"

Both shook their heads, so he continued. "I'm traveling with two friends, an otter and a squirrel. We've been searching for your Abbey for some time now. Is there any chance you could take us to it?"

Josiah seemed to be regaining some of his bravado. "And how do we know you're not an enemy trying to attack our home?"

William did the same as before, placing a paw over his maille vest. "You have my solemn oath, as a knight of the Verkora. I wish no harm on your abbey."

The two immediately turned towards eachother, whispering in hushed tones.

"...a knight! Who'd have thought..."

"...trust him? I'm not sure."

"Come on, what choice do we have? Besides, he seems like a goodbeast."

After some more conversing, Josiah turned back to William. "Alright, we'll show you the way. But I'm warning you, if Skipper Erran catches a whiff of anything suspicious..."

William nodded. "I understand. Just give me a moment to call my friends."

Taking a deep breath, he held two claws to his mouth and whistled sharply, three short notes just loud enough to be heard throughout the forest. He stopped, waiting for a reply. Not a second later, he was answered by two similar calls, not more than a few hundred paces either way. After some waiting, he could hear the distinct sound of Jonas crashing through the bushes, followed by some cursing on his part and sniggering on that of Astrid's.

"...I told ye already, that blasted log got in me way! It ain't like I jus' decided to fall into a muddy trench fer the fun o' it. Now I'm flounderin' about like some sore-bellied toad!"

He burst through the trees, still swearing and cursing up a storm. He only stopped once he saw Josiah and Thoran, who had obviously never heard such nautical terms. The otter's face went slack in surprise for a moment before a wide grin came over his features. "Why, 'ello there! I kin see William already introduced himself. The name's Jonas Hagen, riverdog extraordinaire. That sour-faced treemouse o'er there is Astrid."

The squirrel shot him a look as Jonas shook both Thoran and Josiah's paws. The otter seemed to care little that Thoran was a pine marten. "Nice to meet'ya, both of ye. Meetin' a Redwaller is allus' a wunnerful treat. How's ol' Friar Drumber? Still cookin' up the best food this ol' otter's ever tasted?"

Astrid crossed her arms as Jonas conversed with the two youngsters. "I didn't realize they were allowing vermin to mix with decent woodlanders now." But any further comments were forestalled as William shot her an icy glare.

Josiah and Thoran finally managed to get a word in through Jonas' banter, to show them the path to Redwall. Soon enough, they were trudging through Mossflower woods while the rain storm continued to grow. The two younger creatures put up the hoods on their abbey robes, while the other three marched on doggedly, trying their best to ignore the soaking. The trees overhead offered little cover. In fact, all they did was form apple-sized droplets that would soak any bit of expose fur worse than any normal shower.

William just barely managed to put his paws out in front of him before slipping on yet another splotch of grease-like mud, covering his arms and chest in the stuff. Spluttering, he shook himself and stood. What met his eyes was a sight more welcome than any he thought imaginable.

Redwall stood within an arrow's flight from them, beyond the fringe of woodlands. Even in the dark and rainy early-evening haze, the ruddy gold candlelight from within the abbey's windows and walltops was enough to illuminate the sandstone walls. The bell tower, which stood high above the rest of the abbey, flashed as a bolt of lightning struck far to the east. William was suddenly immune to the biting rain and cold mud splattered over him as they all rushed towards the main gates, laughing and shouting joyfully.

After a brief moment of banging on the towering gates, torchlight appeared overhead as somebeast called down from the top of the battlement. "Oi! Oo's there? Better not be any stinkin' vermin, I'll tell ye! Spit 'em like a frog, I will!"

Josiah cupped a paw over his mouth and shouted over the pounding rain. "Grubble, it's Josiah and Thoran! We're back, and we've got some friends with us! Please open the door, it's freezing out here!"

The torch disappeared after a moment, followed shortly by the sound of pawsteps on wooden stairs. Not too long afterwards, the massive gates swung open with nary a creak, revealing a gray-spined hedgehog with lantern in paw, scrutinizing them carefully. "These be yer 'friends', eh? Who are ye and whaddya want?"

William stood in silence, expecting somebeast else to answer. When none did, he turned to see Jonas and Astrid looking at him expectedly. He sighed and turned back to the suspicious gatekeeper. "Travelers, sir. We're heading to the north, we just need somewhere to recoup and gather some supplies, if you're willing to trade. We have some things of value and enough coin, if that's what you're looking for."

Almost at once, the hedgehog's demeanor turned for the better. "Travelers, eh? Wunnerful! I was allus a bit o' a trekker meself, ye know. Bravin' the hottest deserts, roughest seas, most nasty vermin ye'd ever lay eyes on! Why, I remember once when..."

Josiah cleared his throat loudly. "Sorry to interrupt, Grubble, but is there any chance we can come inside? It's freezing out here!"

The hedgehog nodded briefly, stepping aside to allow them to pass. "Aye, might as well. If'n ye hurry, there's still some evenin' supper left. Best 'urry though, no tellin' who got to it."

Josiah and Thoran guided their new acquaintances across a sprawling lawn, towards one of the largest buildings on the abbey grounds. They nearly sprinted the last few feet, desperate to reach the dry, warm dining hall. When they rushed through the doors, they nearly toppled an elderly squirrel, thin and somewhat frail, but still spry enough to leap out of their way.

"Well well, this is a surprise!" He said, adjusting the crystal glasses perched on his nose and smiling. "Thoran and Josiah, running as usual. And you've brought friends, I see? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Father Henrik, Abbot of Redwall."

William, recalling the advice Jonas had given him, knelt and bowed his head. "It is an honor and a privilege to meet you, Father Henrik. My name is William of the verk...of the south."

Henrik chuckled to himself, placing a paw on William's shoulder and bidding him to stand. "There's no need for such formalities, I assure you. All are equal here at Redwall. But I admire your chivalry." William didn't fail to notice the small wink the aging squirrel gave along with that last word.

Jonas extended a paw. "As William said, Father, 'tis an honor to meet ye. Jonas Hagen, at yore service."

After the proper introductions had been made all around, Henrik's cheery smile fell slightly. "While I understand your need for security and safety outside these walls, my friends, I must ask you to relinquish your weapons while inside Redwall. We are peaceful creatures here, there is no need for violence within our abbey. Not that I think of you as violent beasts, but rules are rules."

Jonas nodded, handing over his own sword and dagger. "I understand, Father. No arguments from us, eh you two?"

Astrid unbuckled her quiver and knife belt, surrendering them quietly, but with an undeniable expression of nervousness.

"I can assure you," Henrik said, accepting the weapons. "These arms will be kept safe and secure in one of our lockers. No harm will come to them."

William finished unbuckling the thick swordbelt around his waist and held them out to the aging squirrel. As he did, something rippled across the abbot's face. Something akin to curiosity perhaps, William thought, or even realization. But Henrik blinked away the spark in his eyes and looked back up, smiling. "Thank you very much. Now, if you'd like something to eat, there's still plenty of leek and potato stew left over from tonight's supper. After that, I'm sure we can find an open room in the dormitories for you. Enjoy yourselves, and welcome to Redwall."