Mouse Guard: The Siege of Redwall

A/N: Hello everyone, Sonicfighter here bringing you another chapter of this story. In this chapter, Mortimer finally give the Guards permission to train the refugees to fight, while at the same time, Warbeak got captured by Clunys men and interrogate her for information or they'll eat her. I don't own Mouse Guard or Redwall. They belong to David Petersen and Brain Jacques (May he rest in peace) I only own my OCs.

Chapter 12: Training and returning a favor


In order in end the siege once and for all, Cluny captured a local Spice merchants wife and force the merchant Farlo to capture Cornflower and Gwen to slay both Matthias and the Guards. Gwen escapes and informed Redwall of what happen and launch a rescue mission lead by Foremole. Together with the help of Farlo, they manage to rescue Farlo's wife and Cornflower and foiled Cluny's plain once again. Soon after, both Matthias and Cornflower had finally confess their love for each-other after 10 years of waiting.

A day have pass since Foremole, Matthias and the guards along with help from Farlo the Dormouse rescue Cornflower from Clunys paws.

At dawn as the sky turn from black to purple, Mortimer approach Gwen, Kenzie, Saxon, and Sienna who are in the armory looking over the weapons.

"Morning Mortimer." Sienna said to Mortimer.

"Morning to you too." Mortimer greets Sienna and the others.

"What brings you here?" Kenzie said to Mortimer,

"I've been thinking for some time about training an army to fight Cluny and I finally realized you right and I was wrong." Mortimer said to the Guardmice. "It just we at Redwall have spent the last 400 years of peace, that we forgot the ways of battle."

"We don't blame you, Father Abbot." Gwen said to Mortimer honestly. "We can help you re-spark the ways, with your permission, I mean."

"Very well, starting today, you'll have your army." Mortimer said to Gwen as he bow.

Hearing this news, Saxon said "About time." Kenzie elbowed him to be quiet. "Sorry."

"Thank you, Abbot Mortimer. You won't regret this." Gwen said as she bowed to Mortimer.

The abbot smiled as he leave the armory, knowing that he makes the right choose, even though he said not to at the start of the siege, but desperate times calls for desperate measures cause Cluny won't stop until Redwall have fallen under his control.

As the Sun continue to rise, Matthias who have a bow and arrow on him, given to him by Edward, walk out of Redwall with Cornflower following him with a bag.

"Here Matthias. It's enough food and water for two days." Cornflower said to Matthias.

"Thanks, Cornflower." Matthias said to Cornflower as he put the bag over his head.

"I still can't believe that your going along to fight Asmodeus. You know the Guards can help you." Cornflower said to Matthias.

"Cornflower, I know that Gwen and the Mouse Guard can help, but I have to do this alone. I'm the only one who can face him. The serpent have Martin's sword, and if I don't find it soon, Redwall will fall." Matthias said to Cornflower.

"Safe Journey, Matthias." Cornflower said as she give his boyfriend a quick kiss on the cheek for luck as Matthias run out of Redwall to find where Asmodeus the Adder is.

Meanwhile back at Cluny's camp, the rats are preparing to launch another attack on the abbey as they sharpen their weapons and place arrows in their quivers. Darkclaw, Kilconey, Redtooth and Fangburn walk towards Clunys tent to report that they are ready.

Inside Clunys tent, the one-eyed rat is messing with a few bones as he mumbled to himself,

"Skullface, Rager, Shadow, Shragg the Weasel, Cheesethief. How many more dead or dead. Bungling idiots."

Cluny toss the bones to the floor as Darkclaw said to Cluny as he enter the tent,

"Chief? You in there?"

"Go away." Cluny said to Darkclaw, not in the mood to talk.

"Uh, we're almost ready chief. Like you said we-"

"GO AWAY!" Cluny shouted, cutting Darkclaw off as he left the tent and Cluny mumbles to himself.

Back in Redwall, Gwen deliver the news to the rest of the Guard.

"So, Mortimer have finally come to his senses." Edward said to Gwen.

"Indeed he have, Edward." Gwen said to the archer.

"It's about time too. I don't know how long the original garrison will last." Kenzie said to the others.

"We should get started immediately. Have the refugees meet us in the courtyard as soon as the next bell rings." Gwen said to the others as they all nodded.

Sienna, Lieam, Twilight and Alvin spread the words about meeting the guards in the courtyard to the refugees by the next bell, and they all agree.

Meanwhile several miles outside of Redwall, Matthias, with his hood up and have a staff in his paw is walking around to find the quarry where Asmodeus the snake live.

As he continue to walk into Mossflower woods, he stop when he heard a bird call and is suddenly knocked to the ground by a bird. Matthias turn on his back and saw the bird is none other than Warbeak as she laugh,

"Got you, Matthias mouse."

"Warbeak Sparra." Matthias said, surprise to see Warbeak again.

"You big warrior now, huh?" Warbeak said as she got off of Matthias as he got up.

"You scared me half to death you noisy little devil." Matthias said to the sparrow as he place his paw of Warbeaks wing. "How are you?"

"Sparra good. But you, um got big trouble. We watch, um. Keep from sky. Rat worm make,um lot of plain." Warbeak said to Matthias.

"Plain? What kind of plain?" Matthias said, interested on the news Warbeak told him.

"Bad plain. Chatch,em abbey." Warbeak explain to Matthias.

Matthias then pick up his staff when he heard another sparrow call as he look up and saw a male sparrow with brown feathers as he landed next to Matthias and Warbeak.

"Bigwing, is Matthias mouse." Warbeak said to the sparrow, now called Bigwing as he introduce Matthias to him.

"It's an honor to meet you, Bigwing." Matthias said to the new sparrow as he nod.

"Ratworm see Sparra fly. Shoot'em many sharp sticks in air. See ratworms dig quickfast." Bigwing said to Matthias.

"Dig?" Matthias said a bit puzzled. He though Cluny have learn his lesson by now not to dig under Redwall due to that one tunnel which got filled with porridge.

"Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Uh-huh." Bigwing said to Matthias.

"I got to tell Constance and the others about this." Matthias said to the two sparrows as he run back to Redwall with the news as Warbeak and Bigwing follows as they fly.

Back in Redwall, the Joseph Bell rings telling the time, and true to the guards words, the refugees meet the Guards in the courtyard.

The refugees talk to each-other wondering why they're here, until Richard gain their attention.

"Everyone, you're properly wondering why we summon you all here. Well, the reason is simple: We're gonna teach you how to defend yourself against Cluny the Scourge and his hordes."

The refugees are puzzled by this info as one on them, a vole said to the Captain of the Mouse Guards, "Fight? We don't even know the first thing about fighting."

"True, but we have been train to deal with things that threatens our home since our order have been found, and we can past our knowledge to you." Gwen said to the mouse.

Another refugee, a mouse said, "But we are just farmers. Some of us here are fishermen, potters, masons, or even poets."

"Yes, many of you have different talents, but as long as Cluny and his army threaten this abbey, he's a treat to everything and everyone. Now again, me and my friends will teach you how fight and to stay alive so that you'll one day return to your farms and your normal lives. If there's anyone among you who think otherwise, feel free to back down. There's no shame in turning back." Gwen explain to the refugees.

However, not one refugee back down as Gwen smiled.

"Now, let get started." Richard said as he turn to Twilight.

"Twilight, if you please."

"Thanks captain." Twilight said to Richard and said to the refugees, "To the ones who are able to pick up a sword, grab a shield. To the ones who are over or underage, move to the other side."

About 92 refugees walk to Twilight who are males and females and each grab a shield from a cart Twilight brought over while 74 of the rest, who are kids and elders, move to a save distance as they watch.

The ones with the shields walk back to where they were as Richard then order,

"Form wall!" They then form a shield wall as several struggle to get into position.

"In order to defeat Cluny and his goons, you all need learn to work together as one. Some of you will be archers, some will be swordmice, some, pikes, crossbows and maces."

"Saxon?" Richard said to Saxon as he nod and draw his sword.

With a battle-cry, Saxon charged at the formation. As soon as he hit the first shield, the others fell on their backs by the force.

Gwen shook her head and simply said, "Lousy."

As the refugees get up, Kenzie said as he point to the ones that are getting back up. "Dead,dead,dead,dead,dead, also dead. Bodies, every last one of you."

"Aye. You all need to keep your feet locked." Richard said as he demonstrate a he place his feet apart and stood his ground.

"Now, as you all saw, teamwork can change the course of a battle." Gwen said to the others.

"So, working as a single unit is important, even in battle. Right?" Timmy asked.

"That's correct, Timmy." Gwen said to the young mouse and spoke to the other kids and elders. "But you all will play a role as well, like keeping their weapons sharp, and helping them maintain their gears."

"Wait, you want us to be servants to our parents while they to all the fighting?" Abigail asked.

"'Servants' is the wrong word. We prefer 'helpers'." Gwen said to Abigail as she continue.

"I know some of you can handle a weapon and I can appreciate that, but your lives are both your parents and our concern."

Gwen then turn to the adults and said, "Okay, I want each of you to split into groups 20 for each of our finest. Like my brother said before, some of you will be archers, some will become swordmice and so on. Any questions?"

Johnathan is the only one who rise his paw and ask, "How long do we need to train before we're ready?"

"If you all do your best, about several days, maybe weeks." Gwen answered to Johnathan. "Any other questions?"

However, on one have raise there paws to ask a question as Gwen smiled. "Good. You all know what to do. I can only ask you all good luck."

With that, the refugees split into groups of 20 for each Mouse Guard as they soon started training.

Meanwhile just outside of Redwall, Matthias run to the gates while running pass the rats camp.

At the camp, Darkclaw return to Fangburn, Kilcony and Redtooth after coming back from looking inside Clunys tent.

"Chef's in there like a stuff dummy. We should lead the troops ourselves." Darkclaw said to the three rats.

"Sacrifice them stove in the tunnel." Fangburn said to Darkclaw.

"And help ourselves with the best stuff." Darkclaw also said to Fangburn as they and Redtooth laugh at their plain.

"Listen, the rest of the army can't know about his worship, otherwise, they desert." Kilcony whispered to the three rats as they all laugh.

Back in Redwall after Matthias report to Constance about what Bigwing have told him, Both Matthias, Constance and Basil along with Foremole decide to go to the Listening Tunnel, which have been expanded in the last several days.

"On my word, those blighters almost crept us this time." Basil said in surprise.

"Let's clear the Listening Tunnels." Matthias said to Contance and Basil as they both hold one end of a rock which block the tunnel.

"On 3. 1,2,3." Constance said to Basil as they both move the heavy rock off of the tunnel.

Foremole then venture down into the Listening Tunnels and place a cup over his ear against the wall. When he did, Foremole can hear the rats digging a couple of feet close to the tunnel.

"Them vermin be comin." Foremole said to the others as he got out of the tunnel. "I recon they be comin under our walls there." Foremole said again as he point to the West wall.

"I'll keep listenin." Foremole said as he went back down the Listening Tunnel to keep hearing the rats progress.

"So, we know where the attack will come from, we just need to know when." Constance said to Matthias and Basil.

"But is this the main attack, or just another diversion?" Matthias said to Constance.

"Yes, indeed. Those Scallywags use diversionary tactics before, eh?" Basil said in agreement.

"Cluny always try to split up our forces. I wish we knew how many rats are coming and from which direction." Matthias said to the others as Constance nod in agreement. "Lets send three of our best watchers to the lookout."

Warbeak and Bigwing heard the whole conversation from a tree as they talk to themselves.

Matthias, Constance and Basil heard them squawking as Bigwing said to Warbeak, "Go quickfast."

"Yes, fly fast." Warbeak said to Bigwing as she chirped.

"Warbeak, I can still understand what you are saying." Matthias said to Warbeak as he walk to his friend. "I appreciate the warning, but you can't go back there, the rats will be waiting for you this time." Matthias warned.

However, Warbeak payed no heed to Matthias warning as she said to him with pride in her voice, "You will not boss, um Warbeak. We go."

"Warbeak, listen to me, don't go." Matthias beg to Warbeak again.

Warbeak once again ignore his warning and said to him, "Matthias mouse friend need ratworm numbers. Bigwing and me count. We go."

With that, Warbeak and Bigwing take to the air and head to Clunys camp.

"No! Warbeak, Bigwing, come back here!" Matthias said to the two sparrows. But it was too late, Warbeak and Bigwing have already flown off into the distance.

Matthias sight as he shook his head and said to himself. "They're gonna get themselves killed."

Back at the camp, Cluny is sleeping in his tent as he mumbled in his sleep.

His nightmare grew worse as he dream of being chase underground by skeletons of his army as they said, "Cluny, Cluny, Cluny."

Cluny stop as he saw Martin the warrior in front of him with his sword drawn.

"I am that is." Martin said as he raise the sword and brought it down on the rat.

"NOOO!" Cluny said as he woke up sweating.

Unknown to Cluny, Fangburn saw the whole thing from a hole in his tent as he went back to Darkclaw, Kilconey and Redtooth as he said, "He's off his rocker."

At the same time back in Redwall, the mice along with Lieam, Sadie and Kenzie are working on setting up an ambush for the rats digging under their feet as the moles place wooden stakes on where the rats will emerge.

"I hope Foremole's information is right." Sadie said to Kenzie as they oversee the ambush.

"I know he's right, Sadie. We have to prepare for the rats." Kenzie said to Sadie.

Meanwhile, Gwen, Richard, Edward, Remy and Saxon continue training the refugees as they look at their progress.

"Back straight, legs apart." Edward said to a mouse as he do what Edward said as he louse the arrow as it hit the bulls-eye. "Good. Keep it up." Edward said as he smiled at the mouse.

Saxon saw a mouse and a squirrel sparing with each-other as he too smiled at their progress.

"I must say sis, if things keep up at this pace, they'll be ready in two weeks, maybe more." Richard said to Gwen.

"Yep. I hope they'll be ready before Cluny strikes again." Gwen said to her brother.

"Don't worry m'lady, they'll be ready. I hope." Remy said to the matriarch as Sadie came to them.

"Sorry to intrude, but Cluny is preparing for another attack on the abbey." Sadie said to them.

"He always sure pick the worst times to strike. When he'll attack?" Gwen said to Sadie.

"Warbeaks friend, Bigwing said they'll be digging under the walls, but this time we know where they'll attack." Sadie informed Gwen.

"Digging? I though Cluny already learned his lesson when we used porridge the last time he decide to dig." Gwen said as she recall the last time Cluny dig below Redwall.

"Guess we need to remained him that he cannot dig." Saxon said to Gwen as the matriarch give out orders.

"Saxon, you and Sadie go back to Kenzie to help with the counter-attack, me and Richard will stay and continue training the new troops. Remy and Edward, you assist Saxon and Sadie."

"Yes, m'lady." Saxon, Remy, Sadie and Edward said as they bow to Gwen and went to the spot where the counter-attack is.

Meanwhile, Warbeak and Bigwing fly to the camp as Warbeak said, "We count em, quick fast! Go!"

With that, both Warbeak and Bigwing dive down to the camp. But an archer posted on the tree above the camp spotted them.

"50 ratworms. Um, 55." Warbeak said as she count how many rats, but before she can count more, the archer notch an arrow, take aim and fired.

"Break um right!" Warbeak command as she saw the arrow as they bank right. However, the arrow hit Bigwing across the wing as he scream and started to fall.

Warbeak saw this and chirped in fear. Oh why didn't she listen to Matthias in the first place?

Bigwing mange to recover from his fall as fly to a safe place and out of range of the archers.

The rat archer notch another bow and fired at Warbeak as it strike her leg and begin to fall.

The rats in the camp saw the sparrow as she crashed between them and is knocked out.

Back in Redwall, the defenders continue planning the counter-attack as Matthias handed them weapons.

"Remember to wait for the signal." Matthias said to the defenders.

"We need more firewood over here." Constance said as Basil and Kenzie place more wood on a fire for the boiling water.

Back at the rat camp, Darkclaw dumped a bucket of water on Warbeak as the rats laugh.

Warbeak wake up and spit the water out of her beak.

"Warbeak, she need help." Bigwing said, seeing Warbeak in trouble as he fly to Redwall despite his wound.

"What do you tell those stupid mice?" Darkclaw said to Warbeak as he interrogate her.

"Yeah, how much do they know?" Fangburn said to Warbeak.

"Me swear, me killi filthy ratworms. That big swear. Warbeak Sparra, all brave warriors! Not tell um stinky tails nothing!" Warbeak said to the rats, not telling them a single information.

Luckily for her, none of the rats can understand the Sparrow language.

"That did it say?" Darkclaw said.

"Speak up you pile of feathers." Fangburn said to Warbeak, demanding information.

A rat kick Warbeak as she spin in the water.

"Be tasty. Roast it." Fangburn said to the rats as he see Warbeak as as meal unless they are given answers.

Meanwhile in Redwall, they continue the preparations for the next attack as Bigwing fly in feeling weak.

"Matthias mouse, Matthias mouse!" Bigwing called to Matthias as he saw Bigwing coming in as he run to catch him.

"Matthias mouse!" Bigwing said again as he crashed into Matthias arms as they both fell to the ground.

"Warbeak fly um too low. Ratworms got her!" Bigwing said to Matthias.

"Constance! Cornflower! Angela!" Matthias called to his friends as they rush to his aid.

"Warbeak much got um friend, rat enemy much bad. All coming. Go to make um dead! Killie! Killie! Kille!" Bigwing said to Matthias.

"The rats are on the move. Warbeak is Clunys prisoner." Matthias said to the others as Angela examine Bigwing.

"The arrow glanced off the bone. Bigwing, this is going to hurt, but your wing should heal well." Angela said to the sparrow.

Bigwing is then taken to the infirmary as Angela follows.

"We can't split up our forces to rescue Warbeak, that what Cluny wants." Constance said to the others.

"We can't protect Redwall and rescue Warbeak at the same time, there aren't enough of us." Cornflower said to Constance as Matthias though about a plain to rescue her friend.

Back at the camp, the rats have a fire going with a cooking spit over it as they plain to cook Warbeak unless she give up the information they want.

"You mangy garbage!" Darkclaw said to Warbeak in a threatening voice. "If you don't talk, you are supper!"

Warbeak chirped with fear as her time is turning out.

A little later, she is put in chains as the rats laugh.

But as Warbeak is being move to the cooking spit, Cluny emerged from his tent and saw the commotion and walk toward Darkclaw.

"Who ordered this?" Cluny said as Darkclaw gasped seeing Cluny out of his tent after being in there all day.

"Chief! But i-i-i thought that-" Darkclaw try to say before the one-eyed rat interrupted.

"You don't think! You do as I ordered." Darkclaw cringe as Cluny walk to Warbeak.

"It's just a bird." Cluny said as he and his men laugh before he gives a glare as they stopped laughing.

"She was spying on us, chief!" Darkclaw said to Cluny as he point at Warbeak.

"Then lets get her to good use." Cluny said to Darkclaw and turn to the rats holding her.

"Take her down old Poisontooth Trail."

Warbeaks blood went cold when the one-eyed rat said 'Poisontooth' meaning Asmodeus the Adder himself.

"If the mice split up their forces to rescue her, we win. And if they don't come, the snake will. No loss for us."

Cluny then turn to his army and ordered, "Back to the tunnels and get the guards to the gates."

Fangburn then throw a bucket of water on the fire as they went back on digging the tunnel.

Back in Redwall, Matthias try to talk to Gwen and Richard along with Constance and Cornflower about dispatching a rescue team.

"We have to save her Gwen." Matthias said to the matriarch of Lockhaven. "Warbeak is our friend. You remember when King Bull Sparra ordered our execution, Dunwing and Warbeak saved our lives."

"I understand Matthias, but we can't risked the troops. Also, the new recruits would need a few weeks if not months before they are ready." Gwen said to Matthias.

"Then I'll go alone if I have to." Matthias said in determination.

"You'll get yourself killed." Cornflower said to Matthias.

"But I can't abandon a friend." Matthias said as he turn to Richard. "You once told me that a guard help those in need, right?"

"Yes, that's right Matthias, but-" Richard said before Basil interrupted as he run to them.

"Sorry to interrupt. Baly rat scouts near the gates." Basil reported.

"My first duty is to Redwall. I must stay and do battle here. If you must go, Matthias, I won't stop you." Constance said to Matthias as she left to command the counter-attack.

Matthias then run to the walls to rescue Warbeak as Richard said stopping him, "Wait Matthias. I'm coming with you. You'll need the extra paws."

Matthias nod as he continue running to the walls.

"Good luck brother." Gwen said to Richard as the twins hug each-other.

"You too Gwen. And give the rats my regards when they attack." Richard said to Gwen as she laugh.

"I will." Gwen said as Richard follow Matthias to the walls.

"Be careful Matthias." Cornflower said to Matthias, wishing him luck as Richard follow him.

On Poisontooth Trail, named cause Asmodeus used it more times than could be counted, a rat hammered wooded stakes on the ground as another rat tied Warbeak in ropes.

"That'll hold her til old Poisontooth gets here." The rat said as he chuckled.

"Yeah, I'll bet that serpent can smell frighten bird for miles." Another rat said as they both laugh, leaving Warbeak alone.

Back at the walls, Matthias look down as see a few defenders patrolling the gates.

"They're guarding all the gates so no one can get out." Matthias said to himself as he lower a rope over the wall as the two mice climbed down.

"Lets move. We need to find Warbeak and fast." Richard said to Matthias as they both run to Mossflower Woods.

Back in the courtyard, the counter-attack is set with four pots of boiling water, two on each side and stones are piled up to rain down on the diggers.

"Stand by everyone." Constance said to the defenders and the mouse guards.

"Are you sure you're strong enough to fly, Bigwing?" Cornflower said to Bigwing after he was released from the infirmary.

Bigwing flapped his wings and started to fly, seeing he's alright.

"I'll take that as a yes." Cornflower said to herself as she smiled.

Meanwhile in Mossflower Woods, Matthias and Richard move through the tall grass when Richards ear twitched.
"Someone's coming." Richard said to Matthias as they both crouched down.

They soon saw a fimilar figure wearing a purple cape with a hood over his head.

"Cluny." Matthias said to himself as he and Richard follow 'Cluny' and run out of the grass to see a path made by a snake.

"Asmodues." Richard said to Matthias, knowing only one snake who can make a trail this big.

They soon heard rats chatting, 'Redwall,Redwall,Redwall must fall.' as they both climb a tree and saw rats doing drills.

They then heard a familiar squawk as they look up and see Dunwing along with a few sparrows with her.

"Dunwing, maybe she can help us find Warbeak." Matthias said to Richard as the Captain of the Lockhaven Guards nod and the both climb down from the tree and follow Dunwing.

At the same time back at the rat camp, Cluny look into the tunnel seeing it's nearly complete as he turn to Darkclaw and said, "Get in."

"Me? But chief, I-I." Darkclaw try to say to his boss.

"Mutiny?" Cluny growled to Darkclaw.

"No-no, chief." Darkclaw said as he jumped into the tunnel as Fangburn laugh at Darkclaws misfortune.

"You too." Cluny said to Fanburn as he stopped laughing and gulped.

Dunwing continue flying when you look down into a clearing and saw two familiar mice.

"Dunwing! Dunwing, down here!" Matthias called to Dunwing as she landed next to the mice.

"Matthias, Richard friends, what news?" Dunwing said to the two mice.

"Warbeak have been captured by the rats cause she was flying too low. I try to stop her, but she wouldn't listen." Matthias said to Dunwing as he explained what happened.

Dunwing sigh as she heard this before. "She's stubborn like father." Dunwing said, mentioning her late husband and Warbeaks father, Greytail.

"Guess it runs in the family, huh." Richard said to Dunwing and said, "Do you know where they took her?"

"Yes. Dunwing saw filthy ratworms take eggchick Warbeak to Poisontooth Trail." Dunwing said to Matthias and Richard.

"'Posiontooth Trail?' Where's that?" Richard said to the sparrow.

"It's pass those trees. Now go. Quickfast. Warbeak have no time." Dunwing said as she gave directions.

"Don't worry Dunwing, we'll rescue your daughter from Asmodeus. And thanks." Matthias said to the sparrow queen as he and Richard run to Poisiontooth Trail.

Back on the Trail, Warbeak struggle to get free, but the ropes are too tight as she chirped in fear of Asmodeus, the same snake that killed her father long ago.

She then saw Matthias and Richard on the tree as her fears begin to fade.

"Matthias mouse and Richard friend." Warbeak said to herself, happy to she the two mice again.

Just then, Richard and Matthias saw 'Cluny' walking to Warbeak as Matthias pull out and arrow and notched it to the bow, ready to kill the rat leader and finally put an end to this long siege.

"Come with me. I've got a job for you, you useless vermins." 'Cluny' said to the rats as Matthias slowly pull back on the bow.

"But chief, I though you told us-." The rat said before 'Cluny' growled and point the other way.

The rats run away, not to anger their boss, leaving the Sparrow alone with the 'rat'.

"Steady, Matthias." Richard whispered to Matthias, as he took a deep breath.

Then, 'Clunys' hood dropped to reveal...

"Basil?" Matthias and Richard said in surprise as Matthias release the bow, firing the arrow.

Luckily, the arrow missed Basil as it hit the tree between his ears, surprising the hare as he put his hood back on and saw his shooter and Richard in the tree across the trail.

"Oh dear boy you need a bit more practice." Basil said to Matthias.

"Sorry Basil." Matthias apologize to the hare as Basil does hand signals.

"We get Warbeak." Richard said as he translate what Basil is doing as he does more hand signals and point to the running rats.

"He'll take care of the guards." Matthias said as he gave a thumbs up to Basil as he and Richard climb down to a branch.

"Oh no." Warbeak said in fear, sensing that the Adder coming closer.

"Assmodeusssss." Asmodeus said as he sliver through the tall grass toward the panicking sparrow.

"Poisontooth. He kills Warbeaks father. Not get me too." Warbeak said in fear.

"Hang on Warbeak." Matthias said as he pull out an arrow and quickly notched it on the bow.

"Matthias mouse! Pointy stick no killie Poisiontooth!" Warbeak said to Matthias, knowing that an arrow won't bring down the snake that killed her father.

"Matthias, aim for the rope." Richard said to Matthias as he point to one of the rope next to a wooden stake.

"Got it." Matthias said to the captain as he take aim at the rope and wait.

"Steady." Richard said to Matthias as he pull back on the bow as Asmodeus moves ever more closer towards his prey.

"Now!" Richard shout as Matthias release the arrow as fly through the arrow and cut the rope, setting Warbeak free.

Asmodeus emerge from the grass, ready to feast on the sparrow, but Dunwing and Bigwing swooped down and manage to get Warbeak out of danger.

The Great Adder hissed, seeing that his meal have escaped as shivered away.

"By the Axe, he's the biggest snake I've ever seen." Richard said, surprise by Asmodeus size.

"I'll say." Matthias said in agreement. How can he defeat a snake that big?

Back in Redwall, the rats begin to dig up as Foremole hears what's going on as he rushed out of the Listening Tunnels and wave a red flag at Constance and the others.

"That's the signal." Gwen said as she and the others get into positions as a few mice place wooden beams on the pots, ready to pour on the rats.

The ground start to crumble as a few rats emerge from the hole and begin to attack.

"Now!" Constance shouted as the mice begin pushing the pots, spilling the water as the rats in the tunnel screams in pain as the water burn their fur and skin. Some manage to escape while others turn and quickly run out of the tunnel, much to Cluny's surprise like last time.

"Get back down there, or I'll have your heads!" Cluny said to the retreating soldiers.

Fearing of Cluny's treat, the rats went back into the tunnel and continue the attack.

However, no one seem to notice Fangburn sneaking towards the gates.

Sadie use her sling as she hurled a rock on a rat, knocking him out as he was getting out of the tunnel.

A mouse with a staff knocked Frogblood on the floor as he charged at him.

Saxon block a rats sword and went on the offensive.

Richard attack a rat with an axe as the rat block his attack.

A mole remove a rats helmet while Foremole whacked him on the head with a frying pan.

"Keep em rats in the trap." Foremole said, seeing that the rats are losing ground.

"Jump 2-3-jump-2-3!" Gwen said as Kenzie, Lieam, Abigail and Timmy jump up and down a few times causing a large opening, exposing the rest of the rats waiting to attack.

"All forways!" Foremole ordered as the moles, defenders and the Guards start throwing rocks into the crack on the rats below as they yell in pain and begin to fall back.

"We got them on the run now." Edward said as he throw a rock at a fleeing rat, knocking him out.

As the fighting continue, Richard and Matthias sneak back into Redwall and climb up the rope just like they left it.

Both mice make it to the top as they and Basil saw Fangburn running to the back gates as he try to open it to let the rest of the army in.

"Come on! To the back gate!" Matthias said to Richard and Basil as they both run to the other side as fast as they could.

"We're not gonna make it, dash it!" Basil said, knowing by the time they make it, it would already be too late.

Fangburn struggle to get the gate open when he heard squawking as he look up and saw Warbeak, Bigwing and Dunwing flying at him and start attacking the rat as they peck him with their beaks.

"Filthy ratworm not mess Warbeak Sparra again!" Warbeak said to Fangburn as the sparrows pick up the rat, fly over the wall and drop him as he fell with a crash.

"Oh! Flat rat." Richard said as he saw what happen to Fangburn.

"To the words right out of my mouth old boy." Basil said to Richard.

Fangburn survive the fall as the rest of the army regroup to Cluny, who growled seeing that his plain to conquer Redwall have failed once again.

"Useless traitor! Your all traitors!" Cluny said to Fangburn and the army. "I'LL KILL YOU ALL! ALL!"

"I'll kill you all!" Basil said as he mimic the one-eyed rat as he, Richard and Matthias laugh.

"Your Cluny impression is very good Basil." Matthias said to Basil.

"I'll say." Richard said, equally impressed. "What a masterful scourge you are."

"It's just one of my talents my lads. Could've been an actor you know." Basil said as he does a theatrical pose

"Basil, I'm sorry I almost shot you." Matthias said to Basil about what he did earlier.

"Yeah, we didn't know it was you." Richard also said to Basil.

"There's nothing in the world quite like being shot at, and missed." Basil said as he chuckled.

Warbeak and Bigwing fly to the mice as Matthias said to them, "Thank you, all of you."

Warbeak laugh and said to Matthias and Richard,

"And me thank em you, Matthias and Richard friend."

The two sparrow then begin to fly back home.

"A dept repaid in full." Richard said, knowing that they help Warbeak after she and Dunwing have his sister and the others weeks ago.

Matthias, Richard and Basil walk to the wall which the crack have been filled with rocks to plug the hole and the ground is littered with turned over pots and broken stakes.

"Matthias, Richard." Gwen said to the two mice, happy that they have returned as Cornflower run to Matthias as both mice kiss.

"They're all back." Constance said, also please to see them safe.

"Yes, and Warbeak is safe from harm." Matthias said to Constance after he and Cornflower stop kissing.

"Good." Gwen said to Matthias, happy to hear that their ally is out of danger.

"And how are things down here?" Richard said to Constance.

"We got them all, just." Constance said to the captain of Lockhaven.

"I say, came a little close that time, eh what?" Basil said as he ruffled Matthias head a little.

"Yeah, too close. The rats are more and more successful each day. How long will this siege continue?" Matthias said to Constance, knowing that Cluny and his cohorts get close to capturing the abbey, but failed every-time.

"Who knows, Matthias. Who knows." Constance said to Matthias as she shook her head.

"Well, let fix the abbey up a bit, then she'll be ready for what ever comes." Basil said as he and Constance walk to fix up the abbey, leaving Matthias alone with Gwen, Richard and Cornflower.

"Well done, brother." Gwen said as she congratulate Richard on the rescue mission.

"Thanks, Gwen." Richard said to Gwen as he smiled.

"You return with the worse for wear I see?" Cornflower said to Matthias.

Matthias just nod as he said to Cornflower and Gwen. "We saw him. The Adder, Asmodeus. He's huge. He move like lighting and his eyes...they're terrible, how can we beat a snake like that?"

"Yeah, he's not like the other snakes we face back home." Richard said to Gwen.

"Everyone in Redwall believe in you, Matthias. We all do." Cornflower said to her boyfriend. "You know you'll find a way."

"Aye." Gwen said in agreement. "Though what you said about Asmodeus was true, we'll be by your side in the coming battle."

"Thanks Gwen." Matthias said to the Matriarch as Cornflower leave to help with the repair.

Then, Matthias heard a familiar voice in the winds,

"Matthias." Martin's voice said to Matthias.

"Martin. The time have come." Matthias said to Martin's spirit, knowing it's now time to recover Martin's sword and finally take the fight to Cluny the Scourge and his army.

"Indeed." Gwen and Richard said in unison. They'll assist Matthias reclaim what rightfully belong to Redwall from the fangs of Asmodeus the Adder and finally turn the tide of the siege.


(A/N: Cut and print. Another chapter finally done. Sorry for the delay. Much have happened, my father died last month and me and my brother are now leaving with my grandmother until I get a place of my own. In the next chapter, Matthias and the Guards along with the shrews travel to the old quarry to find and kill Asmodeus the Adder and reclaim the lost sword of Martin the Warrior. But I plain to do a chapter before that about the Guards telling a few stories back home. Also, the training scene is from the 2014 movies, Hercules staring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. You all know the drill, read and review and no flaming or trolling. Until the next chapter, T.T.F.N.)