After being condemned to a self-imposed exile from Redwall Abbey, Dann Reguba wanders south. There he discovers woodlanders held in slavery by wicked pine martens. However, the pine marten Regolith's cruel green eyes are not only focused on the Castle, he also yearns to venture into Mossflower Country. Forcing Dann to venture back to a home he swore never to return and for all to reevaluate the true meaning of good and evil. Immerse yourself in Dann's fantastic adventures together with a group of Long Patrol Hares lead by Major Peony Laminar, an otter named Cinnabar Shellhound and a ferret named Thalweg.

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Book Two

A History Better Forgotten

"I don't like discussin'

the troubled pasts of others.

The past will be revealed

at our own discretion."

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Chapter Twenty-One

As the younger patrollers were loathe to discover, Major Peony was not happy when she finally awoke the next morning with a splitting headache. Alma and Blackberry looked over at her guiltily as she sat with her head down on the table between Borage and Captain Turnsol.

"I can't believe I bally well missed the secret rendezvous!" Peony moaned while keeping her head down on the table. "At least Cinnabar was able to talk to Thalweg. Why does the sun have to be so bright this morning?"

Cinnabar and Galena were sitting across from the two hares, keeping an eye on Peony. "The horde is going to Redwall of all places. We should warn them no doubt," declared Galena.

Turnsol looked across at Dann who was sitting next to Cinnabar. The squirrel warrior had been silent since Cinnabar had revealed the pine marten's plans. "What do you think, Dann old chap? 'Bout time to return to yer old stompin' grounds?"

Galena stared. "Old stompin' grounds? You've been to Redwall."

"Yes. I passed much of my youth there."

"Then why did you leave?" Galena asked aghast that anyone would want to leave such an idyllic haven.

Peony lifted her head off the table and looked over at Dann. The warrior blenched for a moment before schooling his face into a blank expression. Peony said loudly. "Can we stop talking?"

CCC

Thalweg fastened the clasp to his blue cloak as he walked over to Regolith and Vermilion's tent. It was set away from the main camp to provide the leaders with a bit of privacy. He didn't realize until he came closer that the pine martens were arguing inside. Regolith's voice was deathly quiet and Vermilion's voice was always soft from lack of use.

"You'll go where I lead. I'm the king of the Southern Lands with a host of creatures at my call."

"But why must we go to Redwall? You promised me that we wouldn't…"

"Are you afraid to see him again? Afraid of what he'll think of you after you betrayed him?" came Regolith's cool reply.

"But I… You said…"

Thalweg tiptoed closer to the tent and stepped on a branch. It broke loudly under his footpaw. He cursed and lifted his footpaw, trying to pull out a splinter. When he looked up, Regolith and Vermilion were looking at him strangely.

He tossed aside the piece of splintered wood. "Sorry, milord. A splinter."

"I noticed," drawled Regolith. "You are here for dinner?"

"Yes, sir" replied Thalweg.

"I'm sorry, ferret, but we wish to dine alone tonight."

"My apologies, sir. As you wish."

Thalweg beat a hasty retreat, wondering what the pine martens had been arguing about.