The next morning, Dann woke up before the others. He got up and put on his sword, going over and opening the door as he slipped out quietly.
The town was already bustling, even a few hours after dawn. Dann, remembering Rayn's instructions, walked down to the wall. He approached the gate and saw the squirrel standing there, his arms loaded with a large stack of green cloth, a belt of throwing knives, and a hidden blade. As Dann stopped, Rayn took the cloth from the stack and tossed it to Dann. The young squirrel unfolded it, revealing the green color of an acolyte robe. He put it on and donned the other weapons as Rayn spoke to him.
"Normally there isn't any activity over near the guard posts. We haven't had a reason to violate the peace yet. If any of Ashren's creatures come through, say that this is our land. If they refuse, you can fight them, but please try not to kill any of them."
Dann nodded. Rayn presented him with a small tool belt, then, after Dann had put it on, walked out of the opening gates. Dann followed.
They walked through the forest for a short time, until coming to an area where the trees were more spread out. Rayn pointed out a small, circular area that was surrounded by a low wall. There were four gaps in the wall, which surrounded a tree in the center. Rayn pointed at the tree. "There's your post. You'll be relieved at sometime around midafternoon. Practice, nap, or do something to pass the time, but stay alert."
He took off the haversack from his back and chucked it at Dann, then turned and ran off into the forest.
Dann walked into the clearing and sat down.
Rayn ran through the woods, jumping into a tree and running out along a branch before jumping forward, rolling forward in the air and landing on the wall. He then ran down the stairs and up to the fortress, climbing the flight of stairs to Tuscan's room.
The squirrel Grand Master was painting when he arrived.
"One last stroke…done." Tuscan turned and beckoned him forward. "Come. I've just finished."
Rayn walked over to him and looked at the painting. It was a mirror image of the bay. He smiled. "It looks wonderful."
Tuscan chuckled. "Thank you. Dann is at his post?"
Rayn nodded. "Yes. I think he will do well."
Tuscan smiled behind his mask. "If the worst comes to fruition, you will step into my place, Rayn?"
Rayn hesitated for a moment. He wanted to say that Tuscan wasn't going to die any time soon, but he knew that the squirrel would deny it. He finally bit his lip and nodded. "Yes. But don't you think-"
"Do not protest, Rayn. I have not told you why I asked that question."
"You're dying," Rayn replied. "What other reason is there?"
"I fear that today may be the last day that I am able to fulfill my duties."
Rayn stared at him. "What do you mean?"
"I cannot explain it. I feel though, that my time is nearing its end."
"No!" Rayn said. "We still need you! You can't die right now!"
Tuscan rose faster than Rayn thought he could. The squirrel Grand Master moved almost nose-to-nose with him, his normally kind eyes now angry. "Listen to me, Rayn. I trained you so that you would be Grand Master when my time came. Do not disappoint me by denying what you can plainly see in front of you!"
Rayn backed away. "I'm not denying. I just wish it killed you slower."
Without another word, he turned and walked out.
The sun was high in the sky when the four vermin entered the guard post. Dann looked up and rose. All of them wore armor, though the one that looked like the veteran among them wore a cloak. The pine marten walked forward and jerked his head. "This is our land, young 'un. You should clear off."
"This land belongs to the assassins."
The vermin laughed. Their leader silenced them with a look, then turned back to Dann. "Not anymore. Lord Ashren wants this land. And he always gets what he wants. So I suggest that you turn around and go back home, or let us kill you."
Dann pulled his sword from his back, holding it in the guard position Rayn had taught him. "No."
The pine marten shrugged, pulling out his own sword. He held it in an odd position, one paw holding it with the blade lying across his shoulders. He then swung the blade, Dann blocking it, throwing it off, and spinning as he launched his own blow.
The pine marten blocked it and spun low, drawing a knife from his boot. He stabbed with it but Dann avoided it at the same time he blocked another blow from the pine marten's sword. Dann blocked a third blow then brought his sword down on the pine marten's off paw. The vermin yelped and dropped his dagger. Dann pressed the attack, swinging his sword relentlessly as he drove the pine marten back toward his fellows. The pine marten moved to the left, out of the way of another blow. He raised his sword and then let it fall in a downward chop that Dann blocked. The young squirrel spun, throwing the blade off and causing the pine marten to be taken off balance. He staggered forward and Dann's sword blade sliced him across the throat.
As Dann came to a stop, the pine marten gurgled and fell over, his blood soaking into the grass. The other three vermin looked at his corpse, then at Dann, then fled.
Shaking, Dann sheathed his sword and took off, back towards the village.
We're getting to the climax now. This'll be the last chapter I post for a while, I'm going up to Illinois to spend Christmas with my grandparents. I'll post more as soon as I get back. R and R!