Here's an extra-long chapter a day (ha, night) early for you guys since you've waited so patiently. I will update more tomorrow. I'm sure you're dying to know what creatures took our three Noonvalers!

Have a good night and enjoy! ~ladyofthelake92

Chapter 35

The hot sun beat down relentlessly on the creatures below. The combined Redwallers and Guosim shrews joined the Kamwians in a circle around Martin and Trout as they drew out their battle plan in the sand with sharpened sticks. Laurel and Violet sat next to each other in the shadows of Wally and Quincy, listening intently.

"Beryl has the advantage of flight." Martin explained as he drew a line. "We need to bring him down to our level."

Trout nodded. "Jus' make sure to keep the blighter away from the sea. He can swim better than any of us. If 'e gets the chance, he'll drown any beast that gets in 'is way. Once we throw the nets over 'im, he won't be able t'fly or walk because of the sand."

Atheria tilted her head and looked at her captain. "That bird has an eye on the ship constantly. All of our nets are below deck."

Trout raised a claw. "I'm gettin' there, milady. Remember our escape from Kamwe? I planned that too."

The princess raised an eyebrow. Trout rolled his eyes. "Well, it didn't go the way I wanted it to, but we survived."

"Hmph." Wally snorted. "Nearly blown t'pieces but 'we survived', he says!"

Quincy shushed him and gestured for his brother to continue.

"Right." Trout gave Wally a nasty glare before looking down at the drawn plans. "Old Cornwallis, since yer so quick t'judge, I 'ave a special job fer you."

The pompous hare sniffed.

Trout couldn't help but smile with glee. "Two words, mate. Live. Bait."

"Now 'old on there, you tattooed menace! I can't run fast, y'know!"

Trout gave him a look. "Yer not runnin' ye overgrown dough ball! Yer keepin' 'im distracted while Martin's group sneaks onto the Starfish t'retrieve the nets. Once the pelican is in the right place…"

He drew an 'x' next to a crude drawing of the ship. "Martin will throw the net over 'im before he stabs ye with that beak."

Wally still wasn't impressed. "Y'mean he'll swallow me whole, up in that ugly pouch of his!"

Trout shrugged indifferently. "Don't worry, Cap'n. He'll spit ye out once 'e tastes ye."

There was a lot of giggles and chuckling from the surrounding creatures. Even Martin was smiling.

"And when will this bally escapade take place?" Wally asked haughtily.

"Just before dark." Martin replied. "Pelicans can't see very well. That's one of our advantages against him." Martin held the stick at his side. "Just because you're unarmed, doesn't mean anything. Beryl thinks he's won now that he has your ship and your weapons. Well, let him keep thinking that. He will be on his guard though. He'll know immediately that something is wrong once Wally comes into his view. We just… have to be one step ahead of him."

Trout was impressed with Martin's strategy. "Yer pretty smart fer a mouse. Wot do they teach ye at that Abbey of yers?"

Gonff answered for him. "He's a natural born warrior, matey."

Trout shook his head admirably. He turned to Atheria. "So that leaves yer group, milady. Once that net comes down on Beryl, you will stake the net down and 'old him afore he c'n get away. Once we 'ave 'im pinned, that's when we'll get information out of 'im. Then be on our merry way." He made a waving motion with his paw to emphasize his point.

Atheria tilted her head. "We'll have to let him loose after we catch him, Trout. How do we do that without getting ourselves injured or killed? We can't leave him in the net."

The big otter narrowed his eyes in thought. "Well… I haven't gotten that far, yet."

"We make a bet wit' 'im." Sharktooth put in from where he was standing with Folgrim and Trimp. "We won't kill 'im. And 'e won't kill us."

Iris pursed her lips. The shrew chieftain took a pace forward and examined the drawn plans. "We could try that." She said at last after she had thought it through. "But he's going to put up a fight. Its gonna take all of us to keep that thing down. We'll have to wrap something around his beak so he can't peck us to death."

Quincy nodded. "Yer right, marm. That beak is a lethal weapon and 'e will use it."

"That's where Wally will come in." Martin looked up at the big hare.

Wally pointed at himself. "Me? I thought I was the distraction?"

Martin nodded. "I know, but you'll be in the right place to do it. The rest of us will be holding him down."

"Only you will 'ave a free paw." Trout reminded him.

Wally sighed. Atheria smiled charmingly. "Remember those stories about the Long Patrol you used to tell me and Quincy when we were little?"

"Aye." Wally perked up a little. Quincy looked up at the sky, groaning inwardly at the memory.

Atheria continued, giving a quick wink to Trout and Martin. "You always told us your rope lassos were the best in the land. Why not use that skill to hold Beryl's beak?"

Wally brightened up quickly. "You're right, old gel!" He mused. "Huh. I'd nearly forgotten that until you brought it up."

Atheria nodded to Trout and Martin. The otter clasped his paws together.

"We got ourselves a plan mates. Anything else t'add, Martin?"

The warriormouse shook his head. "I think we have it. Just watch what you're doing and do not trust that pelican." He advised everyone.

They disbanded to wait out the hot afternoon.

Laurel and Violet walked up to Martin as everyone went their separate ways.

"What can we do to help?" Laurel asked him.

Martin knelt down so he was eye level with them. "You two are going to stay hidden with Quincy until its safe."

The two mousemaids frowned at his answer. Atheria put her paws on their shoulders.

"Martin and I want to make sure you two are safely out of the way. Quincy's shoulder is still not well. We need you two young ones to watch out for him."

Violet and Laurel looked at each other and nodded.

"Alright." Violet relented. "It's better than doing nothing." They walked away, chatting as if they had known each other all their lives. Martin stood up and watched them go until they disappeared into the trees.

Atheria smiled at them. "I'm glad Violet has a friend to talk to. She's never been able to interact with anyone her age. Most of us in Kamwe are in hiding or..." She trailed off as dark memories swirled in her head. Martin gave her a sympathetic glance.

"We'll find a way out of this mess." He told her gently.

She took a breath. "If we stop Verang; that means Kamwe will be ours again. We won't have to live like fugitives anymore." She turned to look at him, her face worried. "But why does he want you, Martin?"

Martin crossed his arms. He was silent for a few moments before he and the princess met each other's eyes. Martin didn't sugarcoat it. "Badrang the Tyrant was his father. I killed him to free my friends from slavery." He replied. "I'm sure Verang's motive is vengeance."

Atheria's eyes widened but she kept silent. Martin continued. "I've been thinking about it the past few days. My dreams were warnings of what was and is to come. Not what happened before."

"What's about to come?" Atheria asked him nervously.

Martin's mouth became a grim line. "From what you've described; Verang the Vile won't be satisfied until I'm dead."

The sun started to set when they made their move. Before Quincy took Violet and Laurel into the woods to hide, the three of them made it look like there were creatures sleeping around the small fire using their bedrolls and piles of leaves to trick the pelican into thinking they hadn't left the camp. Martin gathered the 'net brigade' as Wally called it. Gaia and Sharktooth joined Martin along with a few shrews led by Philo, as well as Gonff and Dinny. The rest went with Atheria and Trout. The tattooed otter shook Martin's paw.

"Good luck mate."

"Same to you." Martin replied.

As they disappeared silently into the woods towards the beach, Trout turned to Wally.

"Now's yer time to shine, Cap'n. Hop to it!"

He grinned at the unimpressed look on the hare's face.

"I 'ope that bird takes your rudder off." Wally retorted. He spun around on his heel and marched off towards the ship. Atheria shook her head at the still grinning otter.

"Will you two ever get along?"

Trout huffed. "We get along fine, Lady Atheria. We just 'ave nothin' nice t'say to each other."

She sighed and walked past him. He chuckled and followed her.

Martin and his group waited quietly in the darkness of the bushes. The moon was bright tonight; the white sand glowed like the snow on a sunny day. Gonff stole up next to Martin, watching the deserted beach for any sign of Wally.

"What d'you think the old hare's gonna do?"

Martin shrugged. "I don't care what he does. As long as he keeps Beryl's attention until we can get to the nets."

"Hurr. I 'ope tis soon." Dinny had pushed his way between them and looked up with a terrified glance at the pelican.

Wally stood in the darkness of the trees, looking up at Beryl in disdain. His legs shook and his ears twitched nervously. The bird was wide awake, looking about the beach on all sides. The hare inhaled and exhaled.

"Alright old chap. You may be old and fat, but you still have your wits about you." He told himself.

Atheria and Trout had split their group in two. She waited with Iris and Folgrim next to her, as well as the remainder of the Guosim shrews.

"The bloke has cold feet." Iris commented.

Atheria shook her head. "Give Wally a few more minutes." She reassured the shrew chieftain. "I'm sure he's just planning his next move."

"We don't 'ave all night, yer highness." Folgrim said, looking up at the sky.

Atheria didn't reply. She clenched her fists and silently willed her friend to carry through with their plan.

Beryl was slightly surprised when Wally walked out of the trees. He clacked his beak and watched, puzzled as the hare sat down on the beach several feet from the ship. He pulled out a sharp stick and began to draw curlicues in the sand. Beryl looked back and forth and behind him. Everything was peaceful. He looked towards the camp. There was a small fire going and what appeared to be shapes lying around it. He looked down at the hare again.

His curiosity overcame him and he glided down from the mast to sit on the side of the ship. Wally looked up and saw him. There was a flash of fear in the hare's brown eyes.

Beryl tilted his head. "Hare not welcome in camp?"

Wally huffed when he realized the great bird wouldn't hurt him. "Oh those chaps!" He waved a paw in that direction. "They don't care for me, y'see."

The pelican nodded as if he understood. "I see newcomers. Mouse with sword."

Wally paused when he saw Martin leave the bushes some distance behind the ship and quickly looked away so he didn't rouse the pelican's suspicions. "Yes. Tis a nice sword too. Do you like swords?"

For a moment, there was an awkward silence and Wally clenched his jaw, regretting the words he just said. After a few tense moments, the pelican bent his neck to preen his feathers.

"I despise weapons." He said as he worked.

"Oh." Wally relaxed and glanced over where he had just seen Martin. "Righto."

Martin walked on all fours silently across the sand and hurried behind the ship. Once he felt it was safe, he waved to the others and they followed after him. Once they were all gathered in the ship's shadow, out of sight of the pelican, Gaia pointed up and Martin nodded, silently understanding. Sharktooth, being the strongest, boosted Gaia up on his broad shoulders, making a 'ladder' up to the side of the ship. Martin scrambled up quickly and gripped the side of the ship as he stood on Gaia's shoulders. He slowly looked over the side and froze when he saw Beryl, his back to Martin, on the opposite side staring down at Wally. He could hear them conversing with one another. Silently and carefully, with one eye on the pelican, the warrior mouse slipped over the side and onto the deck.

Looking around, he finally found the rope ladder folded neatly in the corner. Glancing at Beryl again, he tiptoed over to it and slowly began to gather it up, his heart beating rapidly in his chest.

"I don't see why you took our bloomin' ship, old bean." Wally forgot to be careful as he and Beryl's conversation became more open. The pelican's eyes glinted dangerously.

"Fish swim 'way. Nothing to eat."

"Surely there's other places to fish besides here. We aren't staying, mind you. Just fixing her up so we don't sink in the open waters." Wally explained. "I'm old an' fat, y'know. Can't swim like those bally otter chaps."

There was a hint of a smile on Beryl's beak.

Once Martin had lowered the rope ladder down, the rest of his group climbed up onto the ship. Gaia motioned for silence and led them to the stairs that led to the storage compartment of the ship. Martin and Sharktooth took up positions at the top of the stairs but out of sight of the pelican while the rest hurried below deck to gather the nets together.

Atheria chewed on her claws nervously. Wally seemed to be getting along with Beryl just fine but she was terrified that their plan would fail. Iris patted her and she jumped at the sudden touch. She smiled at the shrew apologetically.

"Sorry."

"It's alright, Princess." Iris smiled back. "I'm just as nervous as you are. Nothing to be sorry for."

Gaia and Philo pulled at the nets to free them while Gonff and Dinny spread them out to make them easier to untangle. They attached the different nets until they made one big net large enough to hold Beryl in. Gonff nodded his approval and between all of them, they dragged it to the stairs where Martin and Sharktooth were standing watch.

Martin turned when he saw them and motioned for them to stop and be quiet.

Beryl spread his wings and glided down to the sand, landing in front of Wally.

"You interesting creature." Beryl told him.

Wally shrugged. "I try to be."

Martin nodded his head once Beryl left his perch; he and Sharktooth began to gather up their end of the net and together, they dragged it out on the deck and began to spread it out.

Atheria and Trout, along with their respective groups saw them and took up their positions, ready to leap in.

Wally had seen them too but he kept his focus on Beryl.

"I'm sure the fish will return once we set sail." He said to buy some more time.

Beryl clacked his beak. "Ship mine, long ears. You walk to destination."

Wally tapped his chin. "Yes, that would be the next option but we 'ave little uns' too. And where we're headed, tis quite far to go on foot."

"Then landwalkers should not have landed on beach." The pelican rose to his full height. Wally gulped.

"Come on Martin." Atheria whispered fearfully.

Martin and Sharktooth stood up on the side of the ship, balancing precariously with the net in their paws. Wally twitched his ear, giving them the signal that Beryl was in the right spot. The warrior mouse nodded and with one fluid motion, the combined Redwallers and Kamwians tossed the net into the air. Wally scrambled out of the way. Beryl jerked back, wandering why the hare had moved so fast. The net enveloped him before he could figure out what was happening.

"NOW!" Trout cried and the two groups left their hiding places and ran to hold down the net.

Atheria grabbed a hold of the ropes and put her whole weight on it as Beryl began to struggle, hissing and shrieking as he tried to free himself.

Wally retrieved the rope that Trout had tossed him and expertly lassoed it in the air before aiming it at Beryl's open beak. It wrapped itself around it and Wally pulled tightly, sliding in the sand as Beryl fought to free his head. The pelican swung his head around, taking Wally with him. The hare went flying and landed belly first in the sand.

Martin and Sharktooth rushed over with extra ropes, bringing Beryl down at last. Eventually, the pelican had worn himself out. He glared hatred at his attackers as they staked the net down.

"Well." Trout sighed with relief as he rubbed his sore paws. "That went better than I expected."

"It's not over yet." Atheria reminded him. Using Martin's sword, she hovered the tip of it over Beryl's restrained head. "Right, you feathered monster; I have a few things to ask you and you're going to tell us the truth or you'll find this blade between your eyes!"

Martin was surprised at her uncharacteristic tone.

The pelican muttered something but couldn't get it out with his beak held shut.

"We're on our way to Noonvale. Do you know of that place? Nod once for yes. Two for no."

Beryl glared at her.

Atheria brought the point of Martin's sword closer to his unprotected head. "I will use this, Beryl!" She threatened.

The pelican looked surprised that she knew his name. His eye roved over to Martin.

"Noonvale is in trouble. The sooner you talk, the sooner we leave and you can have your fish back." Martin told him.

Wally held tight to the rope that held Beryl's beak. He was waiting for Atheria to give him the next command.

Atheria glared back at their prisoner. "I'm going to release your beak. You make one wrong move and this sword will be in your brain. Understand?"

Beryl nodded once and Atheria exhaled. She nodded at Wally and the hare loosened his grip. The rope fell from Beryl's beak and his eyes roved over the entire group.

"Mousemaid dangerous warrior." He said as his gaze rested upon Atheria once more. She kept Martin's sword pointed at him, not trusting him.

"You're right." She gave him a small smile before returning to business. "Noonvale! Where is it?"

"Let me go and I tell."

Atheria shook her head, suspicious. "How do we know you won't kill us once that net comes off?"

Trout was livid. "You tell us first, then you promise not to hurt us and let me take my ship in peace!"

Atheria glared at him. "You're not helping!"

Martin walked up to her and placed his paw on his sword hilt. He met her outraged sea-green eyes. "Let go of the sword, your highness." Martin ordered her gently.

"No, Martin." Atheria protested. He gave her a hard look. Reluctantly, she let go of it and backed away. Wally put his arm around her, whispering comforting words.

Martin and Beryl met eye to eye.

"A stoat called Verang the Vile is attacking Noonvale. We need to get there as quick as we can before more lives are lost. I was told by a friend that you could tell us how to get there. Please."

Beryl's hostile eyes softened slightly. "You landwalkers don't give up."

Martin stared at him, keeping his temper under control.

"Noonvale is known to few. Sail east, out to sea."

"But-

"Hush mouse. Let me speak." Beryl cut Martin off.

"A current runs in sea. It will take you swiftly in north direction. Look for deserted vermin fort. Noonvale is three days journey northwest."

Martin knew which fort Beryl mentioned. He nodded. "That's what we needed, Beryl. Thank you."

"Hmph. Take ship. But mark words well, mouse."

Martin exchanged a glance with Trout.

Beryl clacked his beak. "You return this way. I kill."

Martin nodded. "Done." He turned to the rest. "Let him go. Keep your weapons sheathed." With that, Martin put his sword in its scabbard and reached down with a small dagger and began to cut the lines. Trout and Sharktooth did the same with theirs and the net was pulled off the pelican.

Beryl spread his wings and Martin put his paw back on his hilt, ready to swing out if the pelican made a move.

But the great bird folded them at his sides and shook his head, a begrudging smile on his face.

"I know now, thou art Martin the Warrior. I've heard strange tales of thee in my travels. I will say this. Your death awaits you in Noonvale."

Martin was struck dumb with surprise. Trout broke the awkward silence.

"Right then. Where's our weapons?"

"On thy ship." Beryl pointed with a wing. He gave the mouse warrior one last look.

"Good luck to thee. You will need it."

The pelican spread his wings and trotted down the beach before leaping into the air. He disappeared into the night.

"Well that was ominous." Gonff walked up next to Martin as they watched the pelican fly off.

Atheria was still trembling with rage. Trout shook his head at her. "I know yer angry at 'im, milady fer threatenin' the little one but you need to curb that tongue of yers. You could 'ave got us all killed or worse."

Atheria shrugged Wally's arm off. "Worse than death? What's worse than death, Trout?!" She spun around and stalked off into the trees, furious. There was some awkward shuffling and whispers from the others.

"Atheria!" Trout called after her.

Wally sighed. "Let her cool down, old chap. Let's get this ship prepared to leave."

Martin took one last glance at where Atheria disappeared. "The sooner, the better."