Chapter 9

Reinforcements

Matthias was sitting on the battlements looking out at Mossflower in the direction Ethias' village was. He wondered if Ethias arrived at his village ok, and what was happening at the village. Matthias was concerned for Ethias because Ethias was his new best friend. He didn't want anything bad to happen to him.

"Matthias, come down for supper," Constance called up at him.

"I'll be right down," he called back.

Matthias took a couple seconds to look out into Mossflower wondering what was happening at the village. Then he strode down the steps and ran with Constance to Cavern Hole.

"What were you doing on the battlements this late?" Constance asked.

"Oh nothing," Matthias answered.

"Matthias you can tell me anything. What were you doing up there?"

"I was looking out into Mossflower in the direction Ethias' village was in, wondering if he arrived at his village in one piece."

"I'm sure he'd fine, Matthias. Now let's go to Cavern Hole and enjoy some of the otters Shrimp n' Hotroot Soup, and Ambrose's fine October Ale."

"Just thinking about it makes my stomach growl, and makes me even hungrier."

They laughed while running to Cavern Hole to enjoy a good supper. Once they got there, everyone was seated and was waiting to hear the Abbot's comments on the soup. The Abbot took a spoon and tasted the soup. Suddenly, he leapt into the air fanning his mouth and searching for a water jug. He found one and gulped the whole thing down. Everyone laughed at his attempts to cool down his tongue.

Finally after a couple more water jugs, the Abbot was ready to give his review.

"I claim that this soup is definitely hot and spicy, but also a delicious meal for everyone to eat," he said.

Everyone laughed and cheered at the same time while waiting for their share of the soup. Matthias got his bowl, and he gulped it down without taking a single cup of October Ale. He was used to the spiciness and ate it all along with the October Ale. Then he excused himself from the table, and headed toward his dorm. He went to his bed, and fell asleep.

Suddenly, his dreams were interrupted by Martin the Warrior. He strode out of no where and pointed his sword at Matthias.

"Matthias, why do you sleep? Ethias' village is in grave danger, and you need to gather up some Redwallers to help fend off the vermin that are attacking it. They need your help Matthias, or else everyone, including Ethias, will be slain by Slaygart's massive invasion."

Then the dream was shattered as Matthias sprang out of bed, and put on his habit. He searched Redwall for a weapon to use, and finally thought of Skipper. Matthias headed for Skipper's dorm, and almost ran straight into Constance who was doing her rounds of the abbey. Matthias hid behind the corner and held his breath hoping Constance would continue going straight. He breathed a sigh of relief when she kept going straight. Then he continued going to Skippers dorm, and finally made it. Matthias knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer it. Skipper opened the door and was surprised to see Matthias standing at the entrance so early.

"Matthias, why are you up this early? Is the sun up already?" Skipper asked.

"No Skipper. I came by to tell you Martin came to me in a dream informing me that Ethias' village is in grave danger. Martin told me to gather as many Redwallers as I could to help Ethias," Matthias said.

Skipper quickly answered Matthias plea. "Of course I'll help Matthias! I'd do anything for Ethias and his village after he saved me from Slaygart's vermin, and cared for me until I was well enough to head back here. Who are you planning to take with you?"

"I know Constance would agree. You said you would. Ambrose loves helping others. That's who I know will come, including volunteers that would like to come."

"So why did you come by to my dorm first, Matthias?"

"I know your dorm is filled with a few weapons, and that you have the key to the weapons storage."

"I can help you there. What were you planning to use?"

"Anything that will help the villagers and Ethias defend the village."

"I like your thinking Matthias. Let's do it!"

They put their paws together and then shot them up. Then Skipper handed the key to Matthias, and Matthias went to the weapons storage. Matthias unlocked the door and saw all the weapons. He thinks he will need help getting all of the weapons out. Then he thought that Constance was strong enough to haul a wheel barrow. He went searching for Constance and finally found her.

"Constance I need your help with something."

"What do you need Matthias?" she asked.

"Can you pull a wheel barrow to the weapons storage?" Matthias asked.

"What for?"

"Martin came to me in a dream telling me that Ethias' village is in danger, and that we need to help them."

"If that's the case then I'm coming with you."

"So you'll get the barrow?"

"Of course. I'll be over soon."

She went off to the orchard to get the wheel barrow, and Matthias headed back to the weapons storage. A couple minutes went by until Constance finally came with the wheel barrow. They didn't know how many would volunteer to come, so they just took all the weapons and put them in the wheel barrow. Matthias had to carry a few because all of them couldn't fit.

Finally they met Skipper out on the lawn, and he gave each of them instructions.

"Matthias, you will put the weapons with their own in separate piles, and Constance you will go to Cavern Hole later, and make the announcement. Do you know what you have to do?"

They both agreed.

As the sun came over the hill, everyone woke up and went to Cavern Hole for breakfast. They had pancakes and Mossflower Mulled Cider. Then when Constance saw that almost everyone was finished eating, she rapped the table with her spoon and gave the announcement. Everyone turned to face her as she spoke.

"There is a crises going on in Mossflower. I have heard that the nearest village is under attack from vermin. They are known as Slaygart's horde. They need our help and we would like to take volunteers who would like to come help us. Raise your paw if you would like to help."

A lot of paws were raised in the air, and Constance nodded with a smile on her face.

"Thank you to those who are helping. We have set out the weapons outside near Matthias. You may take a weapon of your choosing, but only one. We will carry the rest with us to the village. You may go out and get your weapons."

Those who raised their paws excused themselves from the table, and went to get their weapons. Once they had their weapons, they made armor for themselves. Finally, after they were armed and ready, Matthias took a last look at everybeast and nodded to Constance to open the gates.

"Are you ready to fight?" Matthias yelled while holding his sword up.

Everyone else raised their weapons and roared the battle cry.

"Reeedwaaaaaaaaalll!"

They marched through Mossflower to Ethias' village ready to protect them when under attack.