Author's Note: 1) I've never referred to myself as 'author' before. This is fun! 2) Lots of the reviews are pointing out that Rose just appears from nowhere. If I knew how, I'd add a prologue that explains how she comes to be with the Loamhedge mice. To be honest it's not a very exciting or interesting explanation - basically, she finds them when they're travelling away from Loamhedge and joins them and quite by accident ends up in Mossflower. 3) Yeah, it's during Mossflower. I always had this fantasy that during the feast when the Loamhedge mice turn up Rose would be amongst them and Gonff would have his eye on Columbine and end up meeting Rose and start to introduce her to Martin but obviously he already knows her. 4) If I'm spelling Loamhedge wrong you're going to have to tell me. I suck at spelling. Which leads me onto 5) I'm not even proof reading these. I'm writing because I need to write. If you spot any more continuity errors, please tell me! Keep up the good work, readers.

In the face of danger, young mousemaids can prove to be every bit as brave as any warrior. When Columbine was taken into the wilcat's chambers, she saw and acted on the need for sharp wits.

"Well, mouse. Let's see if you're any use to me. How do you like my cells?"

"Not at all as well as my old home, milady. They could do with having that damp seeing to, as well." Although she was terrified, Columbine was determined to keep the conversation going. "Not like this room - it's so much nicer up here away from all that water!" Columbine walked boldly over to stroke the heavy curtains which draped around Tsarmina's bed, outwardly as relaxed as she would be if this wasthe room of a friend.

"Yes, this has been my private room ever since I can remember. I've never left Kotir, nor do i plan to." the threat was wellvhidden in her voice as she continued the friendly charade, but Tsarmina had her own way of dealing with prisoners. "Unlike you," she continued. "You're quite a traveller, so they tell me."

Columbine nodded eagerly. "Oh yes, I've had many homes over the seasons."

"And what about your new home? What can you tell me about where you're staying with the woodlanders?" Tsarmina was leanijg towards Columbine, her claws digging into the bed frame.

"Oh, I don't know what I should say. Bella and Skipper would be very angry if I told you anyhing. What docyou want to know?" Heart racing, Columbine repeatednher plan overnand over in her head as the mad queen leaned in closer.

"Where have you all been hiding?"

"Oh, I can't tell you that." Columbine said with an expression of mock regret. A sudden rage coursed through the wildcat queen and she lashed out at the impudent mouse before her.

"Don't tease me, mouse! Where have you been hiding? Where is your headquarters?" Tsarmina bouhded off the edge of her bed and walked towards Columbine until the mouse was trapped against the wall. The sudden attack had caught Columbine's nose which was now starting to bleed. Tsarmina held a threatening claw to Columbine's cheek. "Tell me where."

Columbine shook her head bravely. "No." Despite her determination to be brave and clever, a small scream of pain escaped the mousemaid as Tsarmina's claws sank through her skn.

After a moment of this sharp pain, Columhine delivered he answer the queen wanted.

"By the river!" She wailed, trying to push the cats paw away from her face. "We're staying with the otters." as blood started to drip into her mouth Columbine allowed herself a small smile.

Tsarmina's eyes widened manically. "Ah, yes. I thought so. That's why we haven't been able to find tracks - you go through that water, don't you?" The wildcat released Columbine and seemed to forget her for a moment, turning away and running her paws roughtly through her fur.

"Oh, please don't hurt them!" Columbine shrieked, bringing Tsarmina's mind away from water and back into the room. "They only want peace - if we could only live in our woodland -"

Tsarmina shut her up with a half hearted swipe of her paw, catching Columbine's ear. "Oh stop snivveling." She threw the door to her chambers open, nearly hitting the weasle guard. "Take her back to the cells and bring the other one up right away. Don't let them talk to each other - not even a word. Go on!"

The weasle panicked under his queen's mad stare and grabbed Columbine by the ear, dragging her sideways as he tried to run down the stairs. After the first two stairs, however, the unfortunate pair tripped over each other and tumbled, head over tail, down to the lowest step. Afraid of being punished, the weasle sprang to his feet and continued towards the cells, barely giving Columbine chance to right herself.

Tsarmina watched it all with a vacant expression. She was bored of living amongst so many idiots. As she returned to her chambers to wait for the second mouse she sighed, longing for a likeminded (but not too clever) companion.

Columbine wailed all the way back to he cells, drawing the attention of many vermin eyes. "You wait until Skipper finds out!" She threatened as she was flung into her cell. "When you try to attack them in Camp Willow the whole army of otters and squirrels and moles and mice and badgers will be ready! When Bella's father gets here, you won't stand a chance! Not that you do anyway. No beast can getus in Camp Willow! No beast!" She yelled as she heard the other cell door opening.

"Oh, I hope Rose understood." She mumbled to herself, pawing at the tender scratches on her face. She winced and held her nose. "Otherwise, we'll both be in trouble."

Evidently she had understood, because at the agreed time the mice were both released back into the safety of their friends.

For most of the walk back, Gonff and Columbine trailed behind Martin and Rose. Unlike he latter pair, they were openly relieved and relaxed. Columbine recounted her tale to Gonff and Skipper.

"You did well missy. All at Brockhall can be left in peace for a while now without fear of discovery - I'll have my otters ready for an attack back at Camp Willow tonight. They'll expect us to try and evacuate, no doubt, so they won't wait long."

"You're right Skip. Best to head back there now - there's no use in leading any spies back to Brockhall when we have the opportunity for a perfect ambush. I'll send some fast squirrels ahead and behind - to warn your otters and check for spies." Lady Amber said helpfully. Before anyone could agree she'd disappeared into the trees, passing on the plan to her fighters.

While the leaders had been discussing battleplans, Gonff had skipped off ahead to join Martin and Rose. Columbine watched them for a moment before joining their group. Martin didn't seem to be particularly... Happy. It was obvious that he was relieved to have Rose back, but he was rigid and alert, walking beside her protectively. He jumped when Gonff put a paw on his shoulder, half turning around with a paw raised to defend Rose. Columbine caught a glimpse of his face before he composed himself and thought she could see a red tone in his eyes.

Columbine processed this for a moment before skipping cheerfully to join the other three mice.