At the west wall, the fighting had lulled. Only the odd sling stone or arrow was fired. Then Tidon showed up.
He crept into the middle of his crew. "Retreat!" he called.
The vermin back off from Redwall to the ditch. Once they were all there, Tidon addressed them.
"Well mates, we didn't come here to conquer the abbey. Leave that to the fools who think they can. We came here to get this sword." He held up the marvelous blade. The crew gasped in wonder. "Look, only a couple hours and we already got what we came for! Now I suggest we get outta here afore they realize it's gone."
The crew moved out down the path. The woodlanders cheered.
"We did it!"
"We beat 'em!"
Skipper had to smack the ground loudly with his rudder several times until order was restored.
"We won the battle, but we haven't won the war. Those vermin will be back, so we're gonna keep sentries up here nightn'n'day."
The bright looks on the Redwallers faces faded.
Skipper quickly thought of something to cheer them up.
"Why don't we all go inside? Friars Herb and Octillius have made blackberry pudden, turnip'n'mushroom pasties and leek and carrot turnovers."
The Redwaller's faces lit up again as they all headed towards the main abbey door into the safety and comfort of their beloved home.
The defenders were greeted by an odd sight inside the abbey. Sister Lace was binding Kugo's foot paw, and many abbeydwellers were standing around, looking scared and helpless.
Skipper went to the abbess. "Wot's goin' on, marm?"
The Abbess was worried. "Oh Skipper, it's been stolen, the sword of Martin has been stolen! Poor Kugo blames himself. Could you try and cheer him up for me?"
Skipper winked. "I'll try, marm." They walked over to Kugo, whos head was buried in his paw. "The abbess tells me ye blame yerself for the sword getting' taken. Why would you do that?"
Kugo's face was the picture of guilt. "I was right there. I couldn't stop him! Just one rat, I couldn't even get that one rat!"
The Abbess stepped in. "Kugo, from what I heard, you killed the rat who took Martin's sword."
"Yeah, but the sword still got into the hands of Tidon Poisonclaw. I wasn't quick enough!"
"Stop talkin' like that! If it was anybeast's fault it was mine. I had every sentry come over to help in the battle. I shoulda realized it was a diversion." Skipper tried to help.
"Say what you want. It's my fault your warrior's sword got stolen, and I'm gonna get it back for your abbey!"
Daisy shook her head. "It's far too dangerous. I will not allow you to go."
Kugo stood up. He walked around, not even limping. "Thank you, sister. My paw feels good as new." He turned to the abbess. "Listen, I'm not one of your abbey creatures. You're not in charge of me. I'm going, that's final."
Skipper and Abbess Daisy could tell by the look in his eyes that he couldn't be stopped.
"Alright. However, you are not leaving until tomorrow at dawn. Go to the kitchens when you wake to receive a sack of provision for your journey." The Abbess always had the final word.
Please review!
