First off, I actually finished this chapter sooner than I expected. Ha, that's what happens when I "study", I suppose. I'm such an odd mix of perfectionism and procrastination sometimes, it isn't funny. Don't expect a new chapter next week, since I'll be busy with exams (ha, I said that last time). Anyways, here's the next chapter, along with a contest to keep you guys motivated. I haven't done that in a while. :)

Just read the chapter and read the directions at the end. Something tells me that everyone is going to like this chapter. ;)

Special thanks to all who reviewed: Lightwatcher, Cinnamonpool, Foeseeker, Awsomewriter123, Fwirl of Redwall, Jarrtail, SnuffSnuff, Clash of Fire, Moomoogirl1, and SilverZeo. You guys are just the greatest, you know that? :D

Questions and Answers

Lightwatcher: Thank you so much for the multiple reviews. I always got excited whenever my email said I had "5 messages" and stuff. Anyways, now to answer some of your questions. The dream in that chapter with the mystery otter is actually Deyna from "The Taggerung", not Grath Longfletch. It's just that I thought that someone who grew up with vermin would really appreciate a reformed fox the most. As for how Keetch knows about Greymorg, well, he was born and raised there. As for the Basilisk being trapped, I suppose he's more confined than trapped. Anyways, I do have one question. You said that the Long Patrol part in the last chapter was kind of depressing and I needed some work on it. Well, if what you meant was that it was too depressing, that was what I was going for (if you didn't know, I'm kind of a grim writer I suppose). Was there any kind of error or lack of energy to the segment? Just wondering. Anyways, thanks so much for your reviews. And by the way, congrats on finally catching up with the current chapter. :)

Fwirl of Redwall: Good job at pointing out the whole "Thatcher/Sagewood" discrepancy. I really just overlooked how confusing it was. Well, they aren't two different hares, they're just one, since his full name is Sagewood Thatcher, so he can be referred by either his first or last name.

SnuffSnuff: Thanks for your review. And thanks for pointing out how my chapters are always rife with unnecessary ellipses. I think I've cut down on those (or at least, I hope so). Whenever I add those things, it's because every discussion or thought has a pause, so I wanted to make it sound more realistic. I just wanted to explain my "writer's logic". So thanks for the advice about the emotions too. I'll work on that. :)

Clash of Fire: YAY for new readers! That alone makes me happy enough, but when someone gives me so many compliments, it just makes my entire day. And you actually did the Almost-Impossible and finished it in an entire day as well. (gasp) I guess I could refrain from making this story completely dark, I suppose. Can't promise that much with this chapter, but just keep reading on. (winkwink) As for the title fitting the storyline, I'm glad you pointed it out. I've always wanted to explain the meaning behind "The Chains that Bind Us". See, it can be looked at both literally and metaphorically. The beginning plot to the story can be taken more literally, I suppose, because they're chained together. In the current plot, however, they are still bound together, but their bound by their friendship rather than those physical chains. You can also look at those chains as the will of Fate or something instead of friendship too. Thanks a lot for your really long review. :D

So read and enjoy everyone!

Sweet Sorrow is the Gold of Tomorrow

It was a haggard, filthy, bristled figure staring back at him. The brown fur was stuck up in tufts, the eyes a dull coppery color instead of the usual sharp golden amber hue, and its rib cages were pressed up against its sides. And as for the scrappy cloak it wore, well, it had most likely seen better days- much better days.

To be honest, Keetch almost didn't recognize himself.

Upon looking into the calm waters of the crystal lake, he felt around his face as if he couldn't quite believe the transformation. But then again, after all he'd been through, he should've anticipated the worst.

Gingerly, he splashed some of the cooling water on his face. The dirt and dust clung to his fur like fleas and he had to comb his fur through his fingers. It was quite a tedious and somewhat painful procedure, but he managed. It was a small improvement to this hopeless, beggar-like look, but he supposed it was better than looking like a complete savage in the woods.

After all, if he ever happened to run across a Redwaller or maybe an old acquaintance, what would they say or think? Well, for one thing, he didn't want them to ask any questions about what he'd really been up to for the past two seasons.

As far as he saw it, there was nothing good to be salvaged from the fact that he had underwent apprenticeship from a vengeful, bitter, and wholly-insane vixen. Even if it was for the sake of Redwall and every goodbeast in general, I'm not quite sure if that's enough...

And then there was the little slave, Clove. There was no doubt in his mind that they would weep over her story if it was ever told. And speaking of which, just where was that rabbit? She hadn't fallen into the cave with him; he was quite certain about that. But still, where was she? Could it have been that she had wandered away and found a home among the woodlanders?

And she wouldn't tell them about me, would she? She probably thought I was long gone- dead. And then she would tell them everything about my training, my treatment towards her, her slavery, my assumed death, everything. And what if word got to Redwall? She would've ruined everything I've been working for.

Also, it's not likely that she'd remember that pitiful lie about me saving her from a gang of vermin either. She'd just tell them the truth straight-out. And if that ever happens...Oooooh! I would wring her little neck!

It was entirely possible. After all, it had been days since he'd last seen her, and that was plenty of time to get to somebeast. Or perhaps she had been taken by a group of vermin? That was a possibility, even if vermin haven't been sited as often in Mossflower. And besides, she wouldn't actually be dumb enough to approach them, would she?

She had seen nobeast else in her life besides me and Grack, so she wouldn't even know the difference between "goodbeast" and "vermin" if it were staring at her in the face. Huh, if she actually did get taken by vermin, I don't think I would have anything to worry about, would I?

With that thought in mind, he struggled off his knees. He didn't know how much time he had left before it was too late for Redwall. And the quarry was right along the way to the redstone abbey as well.

Would Clove still be there? If she wasn't, then I'd have to rush to Redwall. But if she was...? But what would the chance of that be? She wouldn't stay there for all this time, waiting for more orders and snappish commands. Nobeast would.

With an quick swipe of his paw, he grabbed his medicine case and continued on his way. But still, questions still buzzing around his mind.

What would he say if she was at Redwall?
Would she tell them all about me? The truth?
And if she wasn't there, would they believe me? After all, I am a vermin.
Just how would I justify knowing about the on-coming danger? Would they call me a spy or accuse me of being a part of that horde?
And what if the worst comes to the worst and I was revealed to be a seer? How would they take it? Would they cast me out? Would they?

It doesn't matter... the quarry is just a little farther off. If that Clove is there, well, I suppose my problems are solved. If she'll cooperate, she'll be the one that builds the Redwallers' trust. And if she isn't there... well, then I'll just go on my way without her and hope she hasn't done anything to destroy my chances of making things right. But for all I know, they could just act like that family of voles from two days ago...

He winced at the memory still fresh on his mind. It was almost as if it were a tender, raw wound that stung everytime it was touched. Even if it was just a light brush, it still seared and sent a swift prick to his heart.

But, they were right to be afraid. After everything that my kind has done, it's only natural to fear me. I bet if they actually knew me, they wouldn't hate me.

But no matter how many times those words passed through his mind, he couldn't help but feel the reassurance start to ebb away. He had to admit, in his past, he had taken part in some deeds that he wasn't quite proud of. After all, the fact that he'd beat slaves before would definately not appeal to them.

That's different. It was either me or them. What could I have done about it?

And there was that one incident involving Brink. Surely that betrayal was a show of his true colors.

But cowardice isn't the same as evil and wickedness. Some are strong of heart, and others are weak. I'm weak of heart, I admit, but not evil. Not like the rest of the vermin of the world.

Clove? What about her? Over the years, he had stood by and watched Grack throw her around like a filthy rag doll. He had watched as she was beaten and starved, used as a display as the deranged vixen broke her bones and twisted her limbs out of their sockets, just to show him how to heal those.

It was for the general good. How would I have learned any of the Healer Knowledge and the ways of the seer if I wasn't a part of Grack's plans? No doubt she would've refused me as her apprentice if I started ordering her around.

And I have to admit, her methods were brutal, but oddly effective.

But what about the way Clove was treated lately? Is she really just a slave and nothing more?

Slavery is all she knew of life, so she has no problems with it. Besides, I've seen and witnessed slavery first-hand, and my treatment towards her has been more than fair. In fact, I've been lenient enough that it's nothing compared to what she would face if I were a real vermin. I've never even raised my fist to her! She might fear and hate me, but what kind of slave actually likes its master? At that thought, he couldn't help but check a glance at the heavy metal shackle clasped over his left wrist. It had dulled and rusted slightly around the edges, but it still held as firm as it did on the first day he met Brink.

Would a real goodbeast allow himself to take a slave? Would Brink ever keep a slave prisoner to his whim? Even if he felt the lashes on his back and the beatings of stronger beasts, would he pass the pain on?

Never. But still... I've been treating her nice enough. I've never actually beat her or starved her. I've never actually been cruel, have I...? No. No I haven't. So there. I've done nothing necessarily evil, nothing to make me anything like the vermin, and nothing that makes me deserving of similar treatment.

But that doesn't matter, does it? Nobeast likes me or cares what I've been going through. Brink might've at one point, but that was before I betrayed him. I destroyed that friendship... or acquaintance- if that was all it really was to him. And as for the Redwallers, they never really wanted me to stay. They wanted me out of their precious abbey as soon as possible, and with good reason, since vermin are bad luck. After all, just look at what happened to Ma Krammel... and as for the voles the other day, they were just like the others.

So why am I doing this again? To prove my worth, to prove that I can be a goodbeast. It would change something, wouldn't it?

He looked up from his thoughts, his brows knitted together in concentration. He was right in front of the quarry now, the red stones against the green foliage, the colors like ruby against emerald. Swallowing dryly, he continued on his way, feeling the soft loamy path turn into hard, grainy rock. But they were warm rocks compared to the icy cold stones that he'd felt in the darkness of the caves.

And in this familiar place, the place where he'd crossed Death's path and stared it in the face, he couldn't help but feel all alone and wish that somebeast was there alongside him. Yet, he could almost feel it, that this forsaken place was void of life and that there was nothing for him here. After all, nobeast would wait for the likes of him.

He felt his shoulders sag with a certain invisible weight as he crept forward. The boulders here were just as lonely as he was, and the entire atmosphere was staring back at him accusingly, the cave mouths like empty eye sockets.

Even more disheartening was each step forward on his trek into the unknown. He felt his heart clench in anticipation. He couldn't help but half-hope that she was there, but for the sake of being right, he half-hoped she had abandoned him just like everybeast else. Without actually realizing it, he found himself quickening his pace as fast as his healing body could allow.

He hurried around the area, stopping when he reached a dead end. He felt his spirits sink as he stared at the emptiness of the place.

Just as I predicted. She's not here. She must've bolted the second I fell. For all I know, she's wandering free and happy with some woodlanders by now, a much better life than to be stuck with me. She must be-

"Keetch?"

The voice was so sudden and yet so tiny, the snow fox wasn't quite sure if he was hearing things or not. But still all the same, he slowly turned around, not seeing anything past the sun's glare at first. Squinting, he shielded his eyes as the image became clearer to him, his face a picture of disbelief as he recognized the skinny little figure.

Clove... she's still here.

He had no time to say anything before she charged at him at a startling pace, showing no intention of slowing down.

"KEEEEEEETCH!"

"Oof!"

He felt the impact of that colliding embrace, her arms clamping around his waist as she began squeezing the breath out of him. It wasn't that she was that strong, but it was rather the fact that his ribs were still damaged and she was crushing him with all her might. He groaned in pain as he felt the air get forced out of his lungs, his sides feeling as though they were going to cave in.

"Please don't go Keetch! Don't leave Clove all alone again!" she sobbed loudly as she buried her face in his cloak, "Clove will work harder. Clove's sorry, Clove will never disappoint Keetch. Don't go anymore." There was more to the pathetic little begging rant, but it sounded so muffled, he couldn't tell what she was saying. But he wasn't listening in the first place. Instead, he was trying in vain to pry her grip from him.

"Stop," he exhaled weakly, "It... hurts..."

Almost immediately, she released him, watching as her newfound master inhale deeply, moaning as she touched his sides tenderly.

"Keetch is hurt?" she asked meekly, returning back to the delicate slave he was used to.

"Yes," he hissed, turning to her, "I was gone for days. What d'ya think?"

Her ears lowered as she stared up at him, tears still falling freely. "Clove's sorry, Keetch... Where does it hurt?"

"Everywhere," he grunted as he felt himself recover from the pain. However, his head was throbbing now and his throat had a raw taste to it.

"Is Keetch," she paused, unsure of herself, "Is Keetch hungry?"

"Wha'?"

She flinched away from him as he looked at her. Timidly, she pointed towards a familiar-looking overhang draped in cooling shade. It took a moment for him to recognize it, but it really was the same place he sat on the day of that fateful fall. It hadn't changed at all, and yet it felt like seasons ago.

"There's food there," the little rabbit piped up, still pointing at the oblique structure of rock. That was all he needed to know. Without another word, Keetch left to the place, his stomach shriveled and eager for nourishment. And upon arriving at it, the sight that greeted him seemed so odd to him, so unexpected.

He simply imagined a collection of just a few roots and berries, but here there was a large pile of a variety of food just waiting for him. There was a colorful assortment of colored berries, soft mushrooms, rosy peaches, yellowed pears, and all sorts of food. Licking his lips, the fox felt his mouth water.

Clack

He ripped his gaze from the delicious food and looked at the source. It was just his slave, rummaging through a pile of rocks for some reason. She busied herself with the random task, arranging the rocks this way and that. It then occurred to Keetch that she was trying to form a comfortable seat out of the small boulders. As if anybeast could make this place seem cozy!

"Stop that," he ordered as he took his seat on the ground.

"Yes Keetch," she said quickly as she dropped a stone back to the ground. She sniffed loudly as she swiped her patchy sleeve over her face in an attempt to rid herself of the tear-stains on her cheeks. With that accomplished, she sat down on the stony cold ground, a nervous look in her eyes.

The place finally quiet, Keetch sat down and bit into a freshly-picked pear, relishing the savory crunch and the sweet juice that trickled down his throat. In the middle of his "meal" he suddenly felt uncomfortable. Swallowing, he glanced sideways to see his slave staring at him.

"What are you looking at? Hungry?" She shook her head in response. Keetch only shrugged as he took another chunk from the fruit.

"So you've been collecting all this food the entire time?"

"Erm... yes Keetch. Clove's been foragin' a lot and-"

Grrrrrrrrrrgggg...

Instantly, the rabbit's posture stiffened as she realized how loud her stomach complained. She chanced a fleeting at her master, knowing full well that he had heard that noise. There was a moments pause, and then the seer spoke.

"I thought you said you weren't hungry."

"But- but Clove's been collecting food for Keetch and storing most of 'em just for Master. Clove just wanted to please Keetch..." she swallowed fearfully as she cowered, "Clove's sorry, Master. Clove was wrong to lie. Clove deserves to be punished." She stopped at that, anticipating a strike, or hopefully, a harsh scolding instead. However, Keetch didn't raise a fist, nor did he raise his voice. Instead, he just munched thoughtfully on his pear, already nearing the core. Seeing this, the little rabbit saw her chance to redeem herself.

"If Master wants, Clove will get more." She turned away, eager to avoid him.

"No. Stay." His voice sounded tired and resigned, far from the usual authoritative commands she was used to, yet she hesitantly did as she was told. She did, after all, live to serve and obey. Without a word or a glance his way, she sat down stiffly, staring at the ground while time passed by.

"Pick something from the pile," he spoke so suddenly, she jumped. "Eat whichever one you want the most." She froze, as if she didn't understand what he'd just said, her eyes shifting between her master and the pile of food. And then she realized that he'd just commanded her to do something; so with all haste, she scanned the pile. Hesitantly, she selected a single shriveled mushroom and nibbled at its edges.

"You were supposed to choose the one you wanted most," her master said nonchalantly as he picked up a couple berries and plopped them into his mouth, "It's a reward."

"A reward?" Clove repeated inwardly to herself. But if Keetch could read her confused expression, he didn't answer the questions running through her mind. Instead, he asked another question.

"Why did you do it?" he asked softly, averting his eyes, "Why are you here?"

"Because Keetch ordered Clove to... stay?" she replied, uncertain.

"No," the seer shook his head slightly, "I'm talking about when I was gone. You waited for me when I was gone. Why didn't you just go away?" At those words, Clove felt her heart turn icy and plummet.

"K-Keetch doesn't want Clove anymore?" she asked, her voice quivering as she fought her tears back, "But-"

"Just tell me why you didn't just run away," he interrupted, his voice hinting impatience.

"Uh..." she stopped at that, her mind drawing a blank.

"Anybeast would've left me for dead, but you didn't. Why?"

"Um..." she squirmed uncomfortably at the questions being thrown at her.

"Is it because you had nowhere else to go? Nobeast else to turn to?" he pushed, his voice growing cold and brittle.

She stayed silent, averting her gaze nervously as she tucked her head safely between her shoulders. They stopped there, their silence mingling with the air as Keetch continued his meal.

"Forget it," he finally muttered, "It doesn't matter."

And as for poor confused Clove, she only sat there, her eyes downcast as her paws timidly busied themselves as she squeezed them together. Finally, she managed to pluck up just enough courage to speak.

"... K-k-keetch," she said, her voice a willowy whisper, every syllable forced out shakily, "Clove was worried... Clove was really scared that Keetch wouldn't come back for Clove, or that Keetch got very hurt, or maybe... maybe something... worser." She bit her lip at the end, her expressive ears pointing to the ground. And as for Keetch, he stared at her for a moment, as if assessing whatever it was that she just said.

"... Really?" he breathed, his eyes wide in surprise. Clove only gave him a shy, fleeting glance, but that was enough. It lifted his spirits all the same, the ache from his heart slowly dissolving to a light, glowing sensation.

"But why? You could've run off to join some woodlander family and been happy," he paused, remembering his stinging encounter with the family of voles, "You wouldn't have to be forced to do whatever I said. You'd be free."

He watched as his slave cocked her head sideways in confusion as she rubbed her neck.

"But Clove's always been happy with Keetch," she brushed the faint scar where her collar used to be, "Clove stayed because Keetch is really good to Clove... Keetch, what's 'family'?" The seer hesitated for a heartbeat, but chose to ignore the subject.

"It doesn't matter," he said briskly, "Just hurry up an' eat your fill so we can pack this stuff and leave."

"Yes Keetch," she said, obediently getting on her knees and choosing the humbler choice of vittles. The rest of the moments dragged on in silence, both of them minding their own business as they ate. However, Keetch's head was abuzz with more than just thoughts of food.

She stayed for me? I still don't understand why, though. Does she even like me? But since when? I haven't done much of anything to make her like me... she's probably lying to me, isn't she? After all, she's so clueless, she would never survive out there for very long; she was probably doing the smart thing just waiting for me. But still, she waited for me anyways. Does she really care about me? About whether a vermin lives or dies? Does she actually like me? Is she like Brink, who used to see the good inside me?

He glimpsed sideways to look at her. For once, she didn't seem so miserable. Instead, she was leaping and running around the quarry, chasing an elusive white butterfly with glee. Some time ago, he would've seen her to be useless and stupid. But now... now she just seemed so vulnerable and innocent- a child. Quickly, he brushed the cloying idea aside as he opened his medicine case, noticing how the contents cluttered noisily.

The stony pair of fangs were still there, fully intact. He picked them up gingerly, as if their original owner were still fully capable of wounding him. Slowly, cautiously, he lifted the main compartment of the wooden case a crack, slipping the fangs into the hidden storage compartment. The less the Redwallers knew about him, the better, after all.

Suddenly, as he retracted his paw, he felt his fingers brush against something. Raising a brow, he carefully lifted the main compartment off, exposing the false bottom. And there, sitting patiently, was the quaint darkwood box of bones. He had almost forgotten of its existence, but here it was again, a solid reminder of his trials.

Warily, he undid the simple latch and lifted the lid, inspecting the gleaming bones nestled in their keep. For all he could tell, they were undamaged, their symbols clear in the blazing afternoon sun.

clop

He shut the lid. It didn't matter, since the moon wasn't the right shape right now. Anyways, he had to move on. They'd spent too much time lingering in this empty, lonley place.

"Clove," he called, "Come and pack the food. We're going."

"Yes Keetch," she smiled breathlessly, a spring in every step as she approached him. I still don't see what she's so happy about.

Quickly, she stored the food into the medicine case, careful not to squish the delicate peaches or crush the brittle nuts.

"All done," she announced once her task was complete. Eagerly, she held it up to her master, grunting and wobbling in the process, the burden blocking her vision. She teetered this way and that, her body swinging at precarious angles, threatening to throw her off her balance.

"Stop it before you hurt yourself," she heard her master's annoyed voice as the snow fox snatched the case way from her, the weight lifting off from her arms.

"Sorry Keetch," she lowered her ears in dismay.

Suddenly, before she could even comprehend what was happening, her master's paw reached down to her head, his palm pressing right between the ears. She startled at the touch, squeezing her eyes shut as she anticipated a slap of pain.

"It doesn't hurt," came her master's voice as he ruffled her headfur lightly.

"Come on." With that, he lifted his paw from her head and trudged away, the little rabbit staring after him with a bewildered look on her face. Almost in a dazed fashion, she touched the spot where his palm was, feeling the soft fur on her head.

"I'm waiting."

And in a heartbeat, she was beside him again, looking up at him with a shy, uncertain smile. In return, Keetch gave her a curt nod before he continued on his long trek, master and slave, side by side.

It has occurred to me that Keetch almost seems to love self-pity and self-loathing. That makes him masochistic in my book. :/ I kind of enjoyed the whole process of justifying his actions too, just to show that he really does have good intentions behind those dark actions of his. Just goes to show you that you really shouldn't lose sight of your morals no matter what (but there are always exceptions). Hey, I'm not saying I approve of his methods. His main problem, I think, is that he's desparate for acceptance, so he tries to be a goodbeast. However, he tends to compare himself to villains rather than goodbeasts.

And guess what guys, Clove is back due to popular demand! YES! I just thought that everything was just so sweet in this chapter. She clearly loves him, and he's just beginning to realize that. :3

As for the medicine case, if anyone of you guys is wondering, it had a secret compartment in it. Thanks to Nancy Drew books, I'm able to envision it, so I guess I should explain it to you guys. Sometimes, trunks or cases have false bottoms on it, where there's a secret compartment underneath the top. So to be simple, imagine a make-up box that has multiple layers. You can lift off the layers one by one, and there is just one last one that's trickier to pull out. Not everybody knows it's there because it's concealed and it's deep enough to be the last, but there's stuff under there. I hope that helps... kinda. Or maybe I'm just confusing you guys more?

CONTEST INFO

This is a prize that anyone could win. Notice the weird chapter title, "Sweet Sorrow is the Gold of Tomorrow"? That was a misinterpretation of the lyrics "Standing Still" by Jewel (I love that song). Anyways, I thought that the line was a perfect title to this chapter and it's really poetic, in a way.

So your challenge is to tell me the meaning behind the phrase and how it relates to what happened in this chapter. I would prefer it if you send a Private Message to me, since people can cheat off a review. The reward goes to every person that gets the answer right. The contest ends by Wednesday, the 14th.

Anyways, the prize is that you can get another chapter 3 days before I post it. It's not the next chapter, but it's coming really soon and it's a REALLY important one. Plus, the chapter preceding that has a cliff-hanger, so you'll be glad to know that you'll get to read what happens before all the regular people. In order to do that, please keep in mind to leave your email so I can contact you (only if you're anonymous). For non-anomymous reviewers, please keep in mind that I'll send you a message if you got it right and I'll send it to you through DocX when I'm ready to send it. If you're confused about how this works, just ask me.

So guys, please review and all that good stuff because I really like hearing your opinions and I seriously do listen to your advice and suggestions. Any constructive criticism, questions, comments, etc. are all welcome. I don't care if you're harsh, just be brutally honest. :)