Chapter 36

It was early that next morning that Clamjaw was given the unnerving task of taking Stoneclaw his only meal for the day. Clamjaw hated this part of his job, but if he disobeyed, he would lose his rank as captain or worse, be killed by the Vile One. With food on a beat up tray, he made his way down the stairs to the brig, grumbling to himself.

What he saw at the bottom of the steps made him drop his burden in shock. It clattered to the floor with a bang. The small apple rolled across the floor until it halted against the mutilated body of one of the black weasels left on guard.

Clamjaw stared at the two dead weasels for several moments while his brain registered what might have happened. Slowly, he raised his eyes to the open cell door and what he saw inside made him start trembling with fear.

Scratched into the wall were the words: I'm coming for you Verang.

Leaving the carnage behind, Clamjaw went flying up the stairs, sounding the alarm.

The sound of boiling water and an appetizing smell made Brome open his eyes. He blinked, confused as he stared at a rosy beige-colored stone ceiling. He sat up and winced at the pounding pain at the back of his head. Looking around, he found that he was in a small, homely room. A fireplace had been carved into the wall at the opposite end. That's where the sounds and smells were coming from. A large pot hung over the fire, the contents inside of it bubbling. Whatever it was, it smelled delicious.

Brome looked to the side of him. Keyla and Birch were still asleep nearby. He fought the urge to throw something at the slumbering otter. A flash of white caught his eye and he looked down. His injured foot had been bandaged neatly. He realized he hadn't felt any pain at all. He flexed it and grit his teeth. It was sore but not as bad as before.

"Bless me 'eart. Yer the first t'wake." Brome looked up at the unfamiliar voice.

A small rabbit stood near the fireplace, her paws on her hips. She had a devil may care smile on her face that told Brome she was not one to mess with.

Brome looked around the dwelling. "Where are we?"

"In the warren. Betta then outside." She turned her back on him and lifted the lid. She sniffed appreciatively and put it back on. She turned back to Brome.

"I 'ope yer 'ungry. I've outdone meself wit' this soup."

Brome smiled. "It smells wonderful." He tried to stand up but the rabbit ushered him down again.

"Yer lucky that foot a yers is still attached. I wouldn't put yer weight on it jus' yet."

There was a low groan and Brome looked over. Keyla had sat up, grasping his head. "Somethin' hit me." He said through grit teeth. Brome clenched his jaw, angrily. It wouldn't do to argue with Keyla in front of their host. Birch woke up when he heard Keyla's voice, staring about him in confusion.

"Welcome to life, boyos." The rabbit greeted them. They stared at her as if they had just noticed her standing there.

She shrugged and turned back to the pot. "My name's Aster. Wot's yer names?" She asked Brome.

"This is Keyla and Birch." He pointed to each of his friends. "My name is Brome. We're from Noonvale."

Aster spun around, her eyes wide.

"Wot? Didja say Noonvale?"

Brome raised an eyebrow. "...Yes?"

The rabbit grinned. "Oh, I can't wait t'tell Larkers! Now we know why those pirates are back at the fort!"

Keyla scratched his head. "Verang was there before?"

"I dunno this Verang chap, but we've been watchin' that place fer seasons. Wot a lucky thing ye ate our dream b'rries! Otherwise, we'd never of met!"

"Dream breeze?" Birch asked.

That's when it dawned on Keyla and Brome. Brome narrowed his eyes at their host. "Berries, Birch." He corrected the squirrel as he glared at the sheepish looking rabbit. "They drugged us."

"Well... not ex'zactly." Aster shrugged apologetically. "Those b'rries were meant fer those vermin. Who knew we'd catch you three?"

The three Noonvalers glared at her. She was saved by the arrival of a round bellied male rabbit. He chuckled when he saw them.

"Tis about time, lads." He addressed them. "Supper's nearly ready." He gave them a bow. "Meh name's Larkspur."

"Wait." Birch tilted his head. "Supper? We slept all day?"

"How long have we been out?" Keyla asked.

The male rabbit turned to inspect the pot. "Since yesterdee morn." He sniffed at the steam billowing from it, ignoring their guests' reactions. He rubbed his slightly large belly appreciatively. "Ahh. Me luverly Aster is thee best cook."

Aster fluttered her eyelashes demurely. "Why thankee, Larkers."

"Hold on!" Brome shouted. The two rabbits turned to look at him. Ignoring the dull pain in his bandaged foot, he stood up, fighting a wave of dizziness. The after effects of the drugged berry bushes.

"There was a bunch of vermin after us, led by a gray fox. Do you know if they're still on our trail?"

Larkspur and Aster looked at each other. Aster turned back to Brome. "They 'eaded back the way they'd come. Lucky thing we found yer senseless forms afore they did."

Keyla shook his head, confused. "But why drug the berries?"

Larkspur laughed. "T'get rid of our enemies, otter. I'm sorry we got you instead."

Brome sighed. "We need to get going. Thank you for helping us; we're very grateful, but we have families to return to."

"Wit' out supper?" Aster protested.

Birch's stomach growled loudly; Brome and Keyla turned and looked at him. The squirrel shrugged.

Keyla turned back to their hosts suspiciously. "The soup's not drugged, is it?"

"'eavens no!" Aster waved her paw dismissively. "Let's get ye fed. Then we shall 'elp get you 'ome."

The three looked at each other for a few moments. Finally, Brome nodded his head reluctantly.

"Alright."

"Wunnerful!" Larkspur beamed at them. "Let me call the others t'join us!" He hurried out of the room.