A/N; I'm quite proud of the way this chapter has turned out. It's one of those "got something for everyone" kinds of chapters. You'll see what I mean when you read it. I want to thank warriorofredwall especially for a bit of inspiration for this chapter. A while ago he commented on the poem Martin left at the Abbey before he set out for Noonvale way back in "A Mask and A Song." He came up with an interesting idea that was my pleasure to build off of and include in this chapter.

Just to let you know "Martin the Warrior," and "Mossflower," along with quite a bit of my own previous writings are quoted heavily in this chapter. So you'll be made aware any time words are surrounded by '' it portrays inner character dialogue. "" of course are still in place for normal talking dialogue between two characters.

29

Await the Dawn

In the subterranean tunnels that sheltered them, the Fur and Freedom Fighters were preparing their dinner of warm soup. Martin and Gonff were on the lookout for two very specific creatures.

"Grumm!" Martin cried.

"Oi Dinny me mate! Where'd you go and get yourself off to?" Gonff called out.

The two mice kept their voices down as best they could so the location of their tunnels wouldn't be given away. Finally the two mice found the two moles.

"Zurr Marthen," Grumm politely tugged his snout. "You'm be a-callin' for this 'ere mole."

"Oi does sus'pects 'ee mousers werem lookin' for usn's Grumm." Dinny told his Noonvale friend. He turned back to the mice. "Hurr, what can we be a-doin' for 'ee Marthen and Gonffen?"

Martin smiled warmly at his friends. "Reports have been coming in all afternoon and evening. The traps and tricks you two engineered have been working without a hitch."

"Oi told 'ee wurriurs 'ee ditches an' traps would be a-workin'." Dinny said smugly.

"Couldn't'a asked for anything better mateys," Gonff clapped both moles on their shoulders. "Now where's this soup I've been smellin'."

Grumm only shook his ever present ladle under the Thief's nose. "Hurr hurr, 'ee mousen thiefer baint be gettin' any o' that zoop." Grumm pointed to the large cauldron that was being used to serve the Fighters.

Gonff's face fell as he tried to worm his way down the narrow passage to the food. "What's the meanin' of this! A poor hungry thief and no food to swipe?"

Grumm burst into his deep chuckling laugh. "Hurr hurr hurr. Oi jus' said none o' that zoop. Oi made 'ee a whole gurt potful expecially for you zurr."

"Now yore talkin'!" Gonff's face lit up. "Lead me to it my fine soil flyer friend!"

Martin chuckled as he watched Gonff and Grumm trundle off down a side tunnel. After waiting his turn like any other beast Martin took his bowl of soup and hunk of bread and headed to the main cavern the Redwall and Noonvale moles had excavated.

It was large enough to avoid mass suffocation, yet not so big as to be detected above the surface. As he made his way to the cavern Martin couldn't help but be impressed by the skill and ingenuity of the moles. The idea to hide underground had been of critical importance to the main plan. Under cover of earth and snow the Fighters would be able to mount a surprise attack on the very gates of the Valley before the Allpack forces even knew the Fighters were marching on them. The captains of the Fighters knew they were still greatly outnumbered by the hordes of the Allpack. So the plan to do everything to thin out the enemy ranks before pitched battle ensued was greeted with enthusiasm.

For days before their actual appearance teams of moles had been digging and tunneling around the fortifications of the Allpack. Using the digging skills passed down through the ages, the moles were able to use ropes and pulleys to rig complex traps and tripwires to set against their foe. Each mission had been done mainly during the nighttime hours so as to try and avoid detection as long as possible. In the end the team led by Dinny had succeeded in setting the numerous traps around the Valley. Due to Dinny's creativity the Allpack forces would be left guessing if a trap would be sprung in front, behind, or on their sides.

While Dinny's mole crew had been busy setting up the traps another crew of moles was busy tunneling out the underground chambers that now sheltered the Fighters. The simple tunnels the moles had dug to get the Fighters close to the mountains had been enlarged, and sometimes combined to make a cozy and even more importantly warm living area for the Fighters. Using lumber brought from Redwall and harvested during their trek through Mossflower, Grumm's team had shorn up their workings so that anybeast who walked across the top of the tunnel system wouldn't fall through the roof and expose the Fighters. Grumm's moles had also dug hundreds of bolt holes that were easy to disguise. Thus with the right distraction it was possible for the Fighters to seemingly vanish into thin air. The press of body heat along with the insulation of winter snows kept the whole tunnel system warm and cozy. Mirrored sunlight provided enough light for creatures to see where they were going. At night some moonlight was able to be reflected using the same mirrors, but for the most part once darkness fell movement in the tunnels stopped as well.

However the Fighter captains didn't want to take to many chances. Orders had been issued that movement and talking were to be kept to absolute minimums. Extra movement and speech would not only raise the air temperature causing the camouflaging blanket of snow to melt, but ran the risk of cave in. Orders and instructions were passed from one beast to another via messengers that changed shifts thrice daily.

As he entered the largest cavern excavated by the moles, Martin saw many of his captains sitting in a circle. Moving quickly he joined them. Gingivere currently had the floor as various tactics were discussed.

"I have to disagree with you Lieutenant. A full frontal charge, no matter how gallant would be suicidal. According to what the eagles have told us the vermin forces alone still outnumber us many times over. Also those Allpack wolves are the equal of even your Long Patrol hares. A full out attack would only waste lives."

"I see what you're getting' at. But my point still stands sah. The bloomin' enemy knows that a full frontal attack is bound to be disastrous to us. So on the same token they'd be expectin' us to sneak around a bit and hit them from the sides. So the attack that the mangy wolf types aren't expectin' is the full frontal charge. Forward the buffs and all that wot wot!"

Skipper and Starwort were of the same opinion as the hare. "Aye a direct attack might jus' be the last thing those vermin would expect." Skipper was checking his sling as he spoke.

"Let 'em see we aren't scared o' 'em. Nice big show 'o force jus' like this afternoon should send those curs runnin' scared," Starwort added.

Gingivere was about to argue the matte further when Martin cut in. "Hold Gingivere. Let's not get mad and upset at our friends. What Sandgall, Skip, and Starwort say does make a certain amount of sense."

"You mean you're willing to just send out entire force crashing against a wall of solid rock?" Gingivere looked shocked at the Warrior.

Brome spoke up too. "Aye Martin. That plan didn't serve you that well when you first attacked Marshank."

Martin turned to Lady Amber. "How difficult would it be to scale the mountains on either side of the valley?"

Amber thought about it for a moment. "It wouldn't be easy I can tell you that much. If there are any paths or passes it would certainly make things easier for anybeast trying to attempt it. Mayhaps a few of the eagles have seen likely spots in all the flying they've done over the valley."

Since the Highflight eagles were far too large to fit in the tunnels they had taken to roosting in the alpine forests. Martin sent a runner to signal Dorocol to meet behind a large snow bank out of sight of vermin eyes. "When we receive word that the eagles are at the meeting site would you please go and discuss the possibility of moving a rather large force into the highlands above the valley Amber?"

"Certainly Martin," agreed the Squirrel Queen. She got up and left in the direction the runner had gone.

Martin turned to the rest of his captains. "If this ideas pans out it should save us a bit of time and effort. Now here is the rest of what I intend to do." Martin began to outline his battle plan.


Lupisto raced into the Gardens. Behind him the seven wolves that had survived the GRAM attack were waiting in the tunnel leading to the Gardens. The first thing Lupisto saw was the shelters that now had barricades stretched between them. In the gaps of the wooden defenses the wolf could see figures holding javelins and slings at the ready.

"What is the meaning of this!" he shouted. "Thou fair maids seek to do harm to mine host after the selfless protection thou hast been afforded?"

"Go boil your head scumbag! You've done nothing but take and keep us prisoner against our will. Now that my Martin is here it's only a matter of time before your fate is sealed." The angry shout came back clear and fearless.

Lupisto's already dangerously thin patience was starting to snap. "Who darest speak in such a foul manner?"

The silhouettes of two mousemaids stood up from within the ring of barricades.

"I am Laterose of Noonvale!" shouted one.

"And I am Columbine of Redwall! If you thought that puny cell could keep us locked up your even more stupid than we first thought." came the bold voice of the second.

As one the two maids shot arrow and sling stone at Lupisto. The missiles fell well short of the wolf, but he was so taken aback by their fierce shouts he found himself taking a few steps backwards.

In a fit of rage he began snarling back at Rose and Columbine. "On your heads be it then. I shall command mine Allpack to re-capture thee. Never before have mine Allpack had cause to Chastise Flurem Woo-es, but thou shalt be the first." Restro turned to the wolves behind him and pointed a claw at the barricades. "ATTACK!" he screamed.

The wolves were hesitant. "Mine lord," one bowed his head as he began to speak. "Art thou certain thou wishes harm upon yon Flurem Wo.."

The wolf got no further. Lupisto had drawn his sickle sword and in one swipe lopped the head off the wolf. He glared at the remaining wolves. "Thou dost not question the Great Lupisto! NOW ATTACK!!"

As one the wolves let out their howling war cries and charged the GRAM fortifications.

Fearlessly Rose and Columbine stood their ground on top of the barricades. They heard the sounds of other maids rushing up to the defenses. The swish of slings twirling and the rattle of javelins told the two maids the GRAM was ready to fight.

Rose started twirling her own sling as she called out to her defenders. "Steady now, wait for them to get close. There's only seven of them. Hold. Hold! HOLD! LOOSE!"

A shower of sling stones, javelins, and a few arrows from Columbine's bow flew out against the rushing Allpack wolves. Many of the missiles missed their targets, but several struck true. All seven wolves fell slain on the floor of the Gardens.

"Try it again scumbag! We'll be waiting for you!" Columbine called out to the wolf.

She nocked another arrow to her bow, drew back as far as she could, raised her bow to shoot for maximum distance and let the arrow fly. It was lost the darkness of the night sky until a yelp came from near where Lupisto was standing. The lethal dart, aided by a sudden gust of wind, had actually traveled clear to where Lupisto was standing. The sharpened arrow impacted the side of Lupisto's footpaw leaving a deep graze.

Lupisto knew that without additional forces he had no chance of capturing the escaped prisoners. Gritting his teeth against the pain in his footpaw he began backing up toward the entrance tunnel to the Gardens. "This is only the start. Thou shalt be Chastised before the moon is full!" he snarled.

"Not if we or Martin or Gonff have anything to say about it!" Rose's shout was clear and bold. Lupisto saw her raise her paw high above her head before she shouted loud and long. "FUR AND FREEEEDDOOOOMMMM!!"

The maids within the barricades joined in the battle cry. The shout was so loud it seemed that the very ground itself shook as it thundered around the Valley. With a final sneer Lupisto turned into the tunnel.

As Columbine led a party to recover what weapons they could from the bodies of the Allpack wolves Trefoil came up to where Rose stood on the barricades. "That was impressive Rose. Here I was thinking you were a peaceful Noonvale maid. I could have sworn I was seeing you charge Marshank again when you shouted like that."

Rose looked down at the squirrelmaid. "Thank you Trefoil. It must be because Martin is so close now. I'm tired of waiting. I want to get out of here and that won't happen any sooner if we just sit here twiddling our paws."

"I quite agree with you Rose." Giana joined the mouse and squirrel. "Did either of you feel that when we all shouted the battle cry?"

"Feel what?" Rose looked at the ottermaid.

"The ground seemed to tremble just as we shouted," said Giana. "Neither of you felt it?"

Trefoil shook her head. "I'm sorry I didn't. I was too exited to be fighting against those wolves to notice anything else."

"Don't worry about it Giana," Rose told her friend. "But if it happens again it might be important. I think we should all stay on the alert for tremors."

Trefoil pointed to the entrance tunnel. "That's not the only thing we need to be on the alert for, look!"

Wolves were beginning to enter the Gardens. In the moonlight Rose and her companions could see they were all heavily armed. The wolves marshaled into fighting formation and began a slow advance towards the GRAM fortifications.

"Columbine! Get back here! We've got company!" Rose shouted over the makeshift parapet she was standing on. Turning behind her she shouted to the rest of her force. "Everybeast to the walls! Here they come!"


Martin was sitting with his head against his shield. Amber had just come back from her rendezvous with the Highflight eagles. The news had been good. Martin was glad that that particular part of his plan presented no problems. The rest of his captains were also satisfied with the battle plan he had come up with. All that remained now was to wait for the right time to strike. The Valley Rouges still had a few mole traps to fall into, so Martin had ordered that no Fighter was to go above ground.

All his preparations could be made. Like a thousand other commanders on a thousand other battlefields he awaited the dawn. As had happened the night before the attack on Marshank many thoughts filled Martin's mind. Most revolved around the mousemaid he had sworn to rescue. His breathing became deep as he replayed many of his times he had had with Rose.

"I am a warrior! Martin son of Luke! I will live, I will not give in and die up here! Do you hear me, Badrang? I will live to take back my father's sword and slay you one day! Badraaaaaaaaannggg!"

"Martin son of Luke, can you hear me?"

'How could I not hear such a clear voice,' Martin thought to himself. "Yes I hear you. What is your name?"

"There are two of us, my friend Grumm Trencher the mole and myself, Laterose, daughter of the Chieftain Urran Voh. We heard you calling out. Tell me, is there a prisoner in there called Brome, a young mouse? He is my brother."

'Laterose,' Martin thought against the teeth of the gale. 'What a pretty name' "I do not know of a mouse called Brome and I don't think I'll have much chance to. I am sentenced to die up here Laterose."

The answer came back in as kindly a tone as the mousemaid could shout under the circumstances. "Laterose is my full title. Please just call me Rose…"


"Phwah! I've swallowed so much sand I'll be spitting it out all season."

"Here, wash it out with some cold mint tea."

Martin rubbed the dust from his eyes and stared at the mousemaid as he accepted the canteen of liquid. He was thunderstruck.

When she looked at him before speaking all his previous thoughts were completely lost to the Warrior. "You must be Martin."

He stared silently into the most gentle hazel eyes that eyes that ever reflected starlight, lost for words as a quiet smile spread over the mousemaid's serene features. "Drink up Martin. Your friend and my brother are waiting their turn."

As he raised the canteen to his lips Martin found he still couldn't tear his eyes off the pretty mousemaid standing in front of him. Her travel dress was covered in sand, the hem of which was torn and stained with mud. Her fur was askew in places and dirt covered her paws. Even still she was beautiful. He took a quick mouthful, suddenly finding his voice as he did. "Yurn b'rosty nose!"

"I beg your pardon?" Her laughter was like a summer breeze among bluebells. At that moment Martin thought he would give anything to hear it for the rest of his life.

Martin took another gulp and cleared his throat. "Sorry. You must be Rose."


The loud cheers of the pigmy shrews, coupled with the Dinjer's anguished wails, cut through the sunlit morning as the four friends strolled free along the beach, away from pigmy shrews and captivity.

Grumm smiled fondly. "Burr, tha' sound be loik music to moi ears!"

As soon at the four travelers were out of sight of the shrew encampment Rose turned to Martin. "Sit down please."

"Why?"

"That's a nasty bump that little terror Dinjer gave you. And I'm not done wrapping your side."

Martin tried to shrug her off. "Oh please don't worry about it. I've hade worse before. We need to get a move on"

Rose stood in his way paws akimbo. "We'll do no such thing Warrior." She walked over to Martin and forcefully pushed him down into a seated position so she could tend his wounds better. She dug into her bag that she had taken from the shrews before they left, muttering as she worked. "Let's see a strip of willow bark, a few dock leaves, and an actual bandage. I don't have that much of my smock left to rip up you know. I can't believe you just jumped like that. I though my heart would stop when I saw you falling so fast. Still you're right, this isn't too bad. We'll be ready to go in a few ticks."

Martin found himself smiling as she tended him. He couldn't remember a creature that had cared for him as tenderly as she was. Even while she was scolding him he felt his grim grow. It was nice to be well thought of by such a pretty maid.


"The old earth gently turn as the seasons change slowly.
All the flowers and leaves born to wane.
Hear my song o'er the lea like the wind soft and lowly.
Oh, please come back to Noonvale again."

'That was incredible!' Martin thought. Martin found himself staring at Rose as they backed up down the path back to where Pallum was waiting for them.

As Pallum fussed over them Martin still couldn't take his eyes off of Rose. He shook his head in amazement, burying his short sword point down in the loam. "Thank you, Rose. That was marvelous. Who needs a sword to defend us? That's the second time you've won a victory with your voice – first as a sea eagle, then as a singer. You know the strange thing is that I hardly noticed the bees. All I could hear was your song. I could have listened to it forever!"

As Grumm and Pallum tended the bee stings and added their agreement to Martin's words, the warrior saw Rose blush as she bent to her pack. He could tell that she was quite taken by his kind words, even if she did try to act humbly as she stood up with her pack.

"It was only an old Noonvale song. Every young creature there can sing it as well as me. Come on you two, or are you going to sit there all morning?"


"Don't stop, keep going," Martin yelled up to them. "Take Pallum with you! I'll act as a rearguard. At least I'll stand a bit of a chance being above them with a sword in my paw. Go on Rose. Do as I say!" 'At least she'll be safe. I hope you find Brome' Martin thought as he took up a Warrior's stance. The time had come for his last battle.

The mousemaid sat down firmly on an outcrop, her footpaws dangling over the landscape far below. "Oh no, if you don't start climbing I'm stopping here. Either we go together or not at all Martin!"

'Doesn't she know I'm trying to save her?' However Martin's thoughts were cut off as he looked up at Rose. The fierce look she was giving him gave him no doubt that he needed to follow her order. 'That's the second time she's been able to override me in battle.'

Even though their lives were still in mortal peril Martin found himself attracted even more to the mousemaid scowling down on him. He put up his blade and reached up for another paw hold.


'Noonvale, a place to call home at last.' The thought came to Martin as he looked around. 'There by the waterfall, that's where Rose and I can live.' He looked down to the circlet of flowers he was making. Growing up on the northlands coasts, seasons as a slave, and all his previous adventures hadn't left much time for Martin to learn craft skills. Still he hoped Rose would appreciate the effort he had put into the headband. He was waiting for her by the waterfall. She told him to wait there as she helped clear away the breakfast dishes.

Martin was so lost in his thoughts he didn't hear Rose creep up behind him until she covered his eye from behind.

"Guess who?" her melodic voice seemed to ring in the morning air.

Martin spun around to see Rose smiling up at him. He felt a grin break across his own face as he stared down into her eyes. "Stand still a moment," he told her. Gently he placed the circlet of flowers on her head.

Martin didn't know how it was possible but Rose's smile seemed to grow even wider as the flowers came to rest on her headfur. At once she darted over to the waterfall pool to see her reflection.

"Oh Martin! That's lovely!" Rose spun around and hugged Martin tight. "Thank you!"

"It nothing much," he said modestly.

"It was sweet for you to take the time to make this just for me." Rose leaned in and gave Martin a quick kiss on the cheek. As Martin stood in shock from her peck Rose took his paw. "Come on I want to show you the entire valley."


Martin gave a relieved sigh and turned to face her. " Thank you for understanding Rose. This morning and yesterday have been so wonderful. Especially sharing it with one as lovely as you Rose." Martin had to admit Rose's secret spot by the river was indeed a lovely spot.

Rose fluttered her eyelashes on hearing the compliment. "Why Martin, that's so sweet of you to say."

He took both of her paws in his before he went on. "I've never felt so happy since we came here Rose. I feel like Noonvale can be a place where I can truly belong somewhere. Especially with such good friends like Grumm, and Pallum, and you."

"Is that all I am to you Martin? A friend?" Rose gave him a hopeful smile.

Martin looked deep into her hazel eyes before he answered. "You're a friend to everybeast you meet, a guide to those who are lost, a comfort to those who are hurting, and the song of light to those in the darkness. I wouldn't know where to start to list all the things you are to all those around you. But to me you'll always just be Rose, simple and beautiful."

Rose felt her heart melt at Martin's words. For one of the few times in her life she found herself at a loss for words. "I…er….um…wow." She leaned forward and hugged the Warrior next to her tight. It took awhile before she found her voice again. "I'm honored you think so highly of me. No one has ever said something like that to me before." She felt his arms encircle her and couldn't help but think how right things were at that moment in that place with Martin.

They stayed locked in each other's embrace for a long moment before Martin spoke again. "Rose?"

She looked up at him. "Yes Martin?"

The nervousness was clear in his eyes and voice. "Would it be to forward of me to ask for a kiss?"

Martin felt his heart leap at the gorgeous smile she gave him. "Not at all my brave Warrior."

Martin closed his eyes and leaned down to kiss Rose. It was unlike anything he had experienced before. His entire life had been cold, or pain, or war. For the first time in his life he knew there could be an end to his warrior ways. Here in Noonvale with Rose he would be able to live a life of peace and tranquility. The feel of the slender mousemaid in his arms and her lips pressed against his was beyond joy for Martin. He was caught up in the softness of her fur and the scent of the flowers he had put on her head. The warmth of the summer sun was nothing compared to the glow that now lit his spirit. His logic and emotions went haywire as the kiss deepened as he held Rose closer to him.


"Calm down Martin. Like Boldred just said you can't make the Broadstream flow any faster."

The Warrior looked at the mousemaid who had joined him on the bow of the Waterlily. He wrapped an arm around her waist as he looked over the river. "I know Rose. It's just that with every moment that passes we could already be too late to help your brother."

Rose leaned her head on Martin's shoulder. "Don't worry Martin. Once all this is over we can return to Noonvale. We'll never have to leave and with you as our warrior with your father's sword there will never be anything to worry about again."


"Me, a hero? What for?" Martin laughed softly.

"For bringing down that great dead sycamore. They've been at it for seasons, on and off, without much success. Then you came along and in a single day it was uprooted and fallen."

The young mouse passed her a cloak Trung had given him. "You look tired, Rose. Better get some rest. Go on. I'm not sleepy, I'll sit here close by."

Rose draped the cloak lightly about her, and she was soon asleep next to Martin. Martin sat up and pulled Rose closer to him, thinking of many things as he felt the night hours slip slowly by.

'Will the nets hold if so many creatures are going to be climbing them? Brome and Keyla said the tunnel we escaped from the prison pit had caved in. Would the tunnel we're going to dig under the wall do the same thing? Am I only sending so many goodbeasts to their deaths? Why are they all looking to me to lead them? All I want is my father's sword and then to return to Noonvale with Rose.
'Will she say yes when I ask her to marry me? I've never built a cottage before, I hope Grumm will be able to help me. We could name our first born son Luke and our daughter…actually I think I'll let Rose name our daughter."


Martin saw his mortal enemy hurl Rose hard against the wall. 'ROSE!! NO!!' "MAAAARRRRTTIIIIINNNNNN!!" Roaring and screaming like a wounded wolf, Martin threw himself from the walltop. Martin the Warrior quickly raced to where Badrang the Tyrant was trying to hack through another of his friends.

"Get up, you scum! Up on your paws and face me!" As the Warrior and the Tyrant dueled the last of the Fort Marshank horde beasts fell to the overwhelming numbers of the Fur and Freedom Fighters. Every eye was drawn to the fight in the ruins of the slave compound. Once it had held beasts forced into a life of servitude. Now it only held two beasts. A scared bully that fancied himself a tyrant, and a red-eyed berserk Warrior. The Warrior pinned his foe against the blackened wall and with his bare paws turned the sword on the stoat. With a final hate - filled thrust straight through the heart the Tyrant fell.

With his last vestige of strength, the young mouse pushed the slain foebeast from him and tugged his father's sword loose. Lying on his side with sand crusting the blood of his warwounds, Martin saw dawn's light beam across the face of Rose where she lay close to him by the wall.

The merciful darkness closed in on him as he muttered to her, "Rose, we could have chopped the sycamore down with this."


Martin opened his eyes to a familiar sight. The molewife Polleekin was dressing the wounds on his chest. Turning his head to the right he saw anther familiar face. Grumm was sitting at the table picking at his plate of food.

The mole noticed Martin looking at him. "Marthen, you'm woked. Oi bees vury glad to be a-seein' you'm awake agin'."

Martin tried to sit up but found that he didn't have the energy. He tried to speak but the words wouldn't form in his throat. He mouthed "Where's Rose," to the downtrodden mole.

Martin wasn't prepared for Grumm to bury his face in his strong digging claws and start to weep uncontrollably. He tried to sit up again but was only pushed down by a large blunt clawed paw. "Shhh Martin. You need your rest." Rowanoak said soothingly.

The Warrior looked up at the badger. Again he mouthed, "Where's Rose?"

Rowanoak hung her head in sorrow. "I'm sorry Martin. She didn't make it."

'No! No! No! No! No! NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!' The word seemed to blast from every part of Martin's mind. He couldn't, wouldn't believe what Rowanoak had just said. With every ounce of strength he had left Martin the Warrior began to try and throw off the sheets covering him. It was only the firm paws of Rowanoak and a sleeping potion of Polleekin that caused the Warrior to fall back asleep.


'I can't go on. Not like this. It's impossible.' Martin was alone with his thoughts and his tears. Polleekin had asked him to go and gather firewood. He dragged his sword next to him not caring about the dings and dents the pebbles caused on the blade. Autumn was fast approaching and still Martin hadn't said a word since the Battle of Marshank. He looked down at the sword in his paw.

'Metal, worthless metal. That's all this is. Meaningless." Martin threw the steel from him. By a fluke in landed hilt first in the fork of a fallen tree limb. The keen tip was pointing straight at him. 'All it would take would be a quick run. I'd be free of this pain and I'd be with Rose again.' The inviting sword gleamed with a diamond of sunlight. He prepared himself for his final charge. 'I hope Grumm and Pallum don't to anything to fancy for a burial.'

Martin sprinted at the sword. He ran straight for it speeding up with each step. Then out of the corner of his eye a flash of red appeared. As he turned to look at it, Martin tripped over a root and went sprawling hard on the ground. He jumped up and feverishly looked around for the flash of color that had interrupted him.

There it was! Alone, perfectly cut, dew still clinging to its petals was a single rose. The thorns on its stem were still green. Its sweet fragrance still wafted in the air. Cautiously Martin picked it up. Looking around in a daze he searched franticly for the beast that had left it on the forest floor. Seeing no creatures near him he began searching for the bush from whence the flower had come from. Hours of searching proved fruitless. Finally he looked down at the flower. Taking one sniff from the petal he put it in his pouch. He went over to where his sword was still stuck in the tree limb. Disentangling it from the offending branch Martin began the slow walk back to Polleekin's tree house. It was dark and everybeast had fallen asleep by the time he arrived.

The next morning Martin ate automatically, neither tasting nor commenting on the food. When he had finished he made a simple statement. "I am leaving today."


Winter had fallen. The Sword of Luke the Warrior now lay rusted and disused across the shoulders of his son. The ancient battle blade once treasured was now disgusted by the young mouse that carried it. He gathered his cloak as he stared into his fire lost in his thoughts.

'"Rose, we could have chopped the sycamore down with this." Why couldn't I have told her "I love you?" Why was she taken from me? How far do I have to go yet? Why can't I keep my word? What kind of warrior am I? Rose, I'm so sorry.'


SNAP!

Everyone present heard the sharp report. Furious at being overruled, Tsarmina had set the sword between the jamb of the door and the stone doorway. With a huge burst of energy she threw her weight against the venerable weapon. Suddenly it broke; the old blade rang upon the floor, leaving her holding the shorn – off handle, which she tossed to the ground.

"Here, throw him in the cells with this tied around his neck. If ever we do release him, then others will see him and realize how merciful we can be. Take the wretch away – the sight of him offends my eyes."

Something else snapped in Martin as he stared at the broken blade lying on the floor. Finally he emerged from the depths of self pity he had draped about him as he felt the guards tug on the ropes binding him. Martin stood firm resisting them. For a moment his eyes met those of Tsarmina's. His voice was clear and unafraid. "Your father made a just decision, but yours was the right one. You should have killed me when you had the chance, because I vow that I will slay you one day."


Instinctively he moved towards the food, and felt something clunk against his chest. It was the sword handle dangling from a piece of rope around his neck. Martin held it in front of his eyes staring at it hard and long.

'Rose,' he thought. 'You may not be with me in body anymore, but I know you're with me in spirit. I swear to you and to your memory that I will never again break my warrior's vow. From here on out I live only, to prevent what happened to you from happening to any other goodbeast.'

He would wear it, not because he had been sentenced to as a mark of shame, but to remind himself that one day he would slay the evil cat that had broken his father's blade. And of the mousemaid that even still commanded his heart.


It was the sword!

Double – edged, keener than a razor, it lay glittering and twinkling, a myriad of steely lights. Its tip was pointed like a mountain peak in midwinter, the deadly blade had a three – quarter blood channel. It was perfectly balanced against the hilt, which had been restrapped with hard black leather and finished with a ruby – red pommel stone and curving scrolled crosspiece where it joined the marvelous blade. Now he was the Warrior!

Everyone moved back to the walls as the warrior mouse took his sword in both paws. He held it straight out, letting the point rise slightly to feel the heft of the weapon. Suddenly Martin began sweeping it in circles, up, down, and around. The steel blade whooshed and sang eerily on its own wind, the bystanders followed its every move as if hypnotized. Martin leaped onto Boar's anvil, still swinging his sword. There was an audible ping as he sliced the tip from the anvil horn. It ricocheted of the rock walls. They ducked instinctively as it hummed past like an angry wasp, leaving the singing blade unmarked.

"Tsarmina, can you hear me?" Martin roared out above the voice of the howling blade. "I am Martin the Warrior. I am coming back to Mossflowerrrrrrrrrr!" And to himself Martin thought, 'Rose now I can keep my vow to you forever!'


The code of the warrior to me calls,
Travel north from these red stone halls.
Do not worry, oh please don't despair,
I shall return come autumn fair.

Courage, justice, valor, truth,
All my hallmarks since my youth.
Yet, one deep secret I've always kept,
The reason why my heart has wept.

Of one who gave all she could give,
To ensure that others would live.
I the captive she set free,
Yet her chains still keepeth me.

Now her home in danger lies,
From evil vermin in cruel disguise.
Unable to stand against this might,
They have called to me, a creature of right

By my sword I will defend,
Until this evil meets its end,
And purge the land upon which grows,
The memory forever, of a faded rose.

Martin looked over the words he had written. Ever since his fight with Tsarmina he had longed for a more peaceful life. The idea to write down his intentions in verse had come to him like a shot out of the blue. After he had packed his armor Martin had sat down to write the poem to be left in front of Abbess Germaine's door.

'Maybe it's all Gonff's songs that have me thinking poetry,' he thought. 'Still that should be vague enough to keep anybeast guessing for awhile. At least it should keep them from coming after me.'


Through the lightning now flickering above him he again gazed down into the valley he had left so long ago. Between the trees he caught glimpse of a lone cloaked figure dashing towards the line of what must be the Silent Slavers. Martin started down the bluffs, after the figure as it bellowed out a challenge he could not hear due to the hot wind that had just arisen. Seeing the figure cut down two rats Martin couldn't help but be impressed by the creatures courage. His pride turned to shock as he saw the masked fox confront the figure. Martin drew his sword as he pounded down the slope drawing nearer and nearer. He only paused an instant to duck the flying blade the masked fox had sent flying from the paw of the cloaked one. Martin looked at the blade, and fresh waves of his sense of duty came to him at the sight of it.

'That's the sword Amballa gave me! I'm glad it's still seen as a symbol to preserve freedom, but that creature's now defenseless. Time to show this Rassk what a real Warrior is.'

Lowering the visor on his helmet, he turned back just as the black armored fox swung his sword high for the finishing blow. Martin put on an extra burst of speed and flung his sword before him expertly.


"The old earth gently turns as the seasons change slowly.
All the flowers and leaves born to wane.
Hear my song o'er the lea like the wind soft and lowly…

Martin added his own voice to the last line.

"Oh please come back to Noonvale again."

At the sound of his voice the mousemaid turned and stared at Martin. He however was rooted to the spot in shock. Only one word escaped his mouth. "Rose?"

"Martin!" Rose shouted out his name and ran to him, hurling herself into his arms. She started talked very rapidly in her excitement "I knew you would come, I just knew it. Then after everything you said last night, and what your friends have told me you've gone through, I can't believe that you…mmmph!"

Rose couldn't talk anymore since Martin had leaned his head down and kissed her. Rose couldn't remember a time she had felt as happy, exited, or nervous as at that moment. As he continued to kiss her, her nerves left and she was only caught up in the feel of the Warrior next to her. The muscled arms that held her, the broad back where she could feel several new scars under his fur, the scent of smoke that still hung on him from his duel all came rushing to her as they kissed. Her heart skipped several beats and time stood still during that enchanted moment.


"So does this mean you've changed your mind?" asked Martin as he held up the bracelet. Rose could only smile as she held up her right paw. Martin couldn't help but notice that the starlight reflecting in her gentle hazel eyes looked exactly the same as it had when he had pulled himself out of the escape tunnel. He slid the bracelet over her paw and then leaned down to kiss her.


Martin opened his eyes from his long reverie. The cavern he was laying in was still warm from the body heat of the many Fighters sleeping inside it. His thoughts had stopped just short of when Rose had been taken from him once again. He didn't want to dwell on that hard fact anymore than he wanted to dwell on the long seasons when he had though she was dead.

Don't worry Rose. I'm here, he thought. Hang on just a bit longer and this will all soon just be a bad memory.

He closed his eyes again and fell asleep as he awaited the dawn.


Rose also waited the dawn. She hoped the returning sun would send a reprieve in her situation. The Allpack wolves had been mounting attacks all night long. The GRAM forces were increasingly hard pressed to repulse the attacks. At fist the wolves had seemed reluctant to engage the maidens in combat. The long held view of not harming maids was difficult for most of them to overcome. The GRAM had taken advantage of the wolf's hesitation and inflicted many casualties.

However as the night wore on the wolves lost their inhibitions. As their comrades fell around them many wolves began fighting back in earnest. The defenses the GRAM had built were solid and seemed to be holding well. As the sun rose over the crater that held the Gardens the Allpack still hadn't been able to breach the defenses. That fact wasn't to last for long though.

Giana came running up to where Rose stood. The mousemaid looked at her friend afraid of what the otter would say. "What's the news?"

"It's not good Rose. We're down to our last few javelins and sling stones. We might have enough for one more volley but after that we'll be down to our very last weapons."

A hard lump formed in Rose's throat as she heard the news. Still she tried to put on a brave face. "Thank you Giana, please pass the word for everybeast to hold onto their last weapons. We'll have to use them to fight paw to paw."

Giana saw the despair in Rose's eyes but knew it wasn't worth commenting on. She simply bowed to the Noonvaler and left to carry out her orders. Rose threw her sling down to the ground. Reaching down to her belt she drew the short sword that Martin had once wielded against so many foes in the far northlands.

The final charge was swift. After one last volley of sling stones and javelins the Allpack rushed the barricaded shelters. The sight of scores of wolves crawling over the defenses caused many of the maidens to loose their nerve and throw down their weapons.

Rose, Columbine, Giana, Trefoil, Gauchee, and Kastern however fought to the bitter end. Between them they managed to slay several wolves. However their enemy's number was too great. Other Allpack wolves were able to get behind the GRAM leaders and pinned the maid's arms to their sides. As their weapons were taken from them Lupisto himself entered the compound.

"Thou hast lost!" he snarled. "Now thou shall see what happens to Undeserving ones who dare to defy the might of the Allpack. Bring the ones called Laterose and Columbine. Escort the other Flurem Woo-es to watch as these two art Chastised."

As the wolves frogmarched Rose and Columbine out of the shelters Lupisto saw the short sword Rose had wielded laying on the ground. He bent down and picked it up as he followed the procession to the crater rim.

At the edge of the same waterfall where the Flurem Woo-es had once seen two male mice rescued by eagles the Chastisement party came to a halt. Lupisto ordered Rose and Columbine's paws bound behind them. Turning to the crater rim he shouted down to the assembled creatures below him.

"This day thou shalt see what happens to those who would scorn mine protective embrace. Just as several of mine noble Allpack were slain here not long ago, so shall these Undeserving ones meet the same fate!" As he talked the wolf was swinging the short sword over his head wildly.

If I can just break loose I might be able to kick the sword away from him, Rose thought to herself. She waited until Lupisto brought the sword back down to her side. With a sudden bust of energy she broke free from the grip of the wolves holding her and kicked out at the sword hilt.

As her footpaw made contact with the hilt several things happened. The sword was knocked out of Lupisto's grip and went sailing over the crater edge back into the Gardens. Lupisto turned to see Rose running as fast as she could back down the path that would lead her to the crater floor. The Allpack leader made to chase her but after several strides heard a new noise behind him. He ducked under a rock and turned back to look at his forces.

Arrows and sling stones were raining down on his forces from the nearby tree line. Lupisto couldn't care less for the fate of his followers and turned to pursue Rose once more.

As such he didn't see everything that happened. As the body of a large brown wolf fell it hit hard against Columbine. Her balance was thrown off as she was forced back to the rim of the crater. She tried to regain her footing, but it proved futile. With a dreadful scream she plummeted over the edge headfirst, falling faster and faster towards the jagged rocks below.

A/N; Another big cliffhanger (almost literally hee hee). Oh I'm really looking forward to reading the reviews on this chapter.

If you can't tell those are my favorite scenes from "Martin the Warrior," "Mossflower," and my own writings. It took quite a bit of thought to get all that the way it did. I hope I didn't step on BJ's toes to much when I added in my own thoughts to his words, but I think what I've added gives a better description of what Martin has had to go through up until this point. And what do you know, I broke my record again for longest chapter. Huzzah! Sorry about all the scene break lines, but I figured they'd help you considerin how much I was skipping around.