PART THREE
FALLEN STAR
Chapter I
The following morning, the newly formed Eagle Watch left the shadow of Salamandastron for the River Moss. It was a remarkable sight, for the few who witnessed it; the two ferrets who seemed to be leading a warrior mouse, an otter maid, and a hare who bore the uniform of Salamandastron. While travelling, all were talking, joking, laughing, and carousing on without a care in the world; all save two. Ghost and Celleste kept silent, instead listening to the others as they stared ahead at the approaching riverbanks. Acer was the first to address their mood.
"So, has my ol' chum Ghost gone an' gotten his self a gel?"
Elflein gave the hare a rough shove. "Watch out what ye let leave yore mouth. That there's m'sister."
Celleste rolled her eyes and stayed quiet.
Acer pressed the back of his forepaw against his head and cried out melodramatically. "Alas, my sisteh is nae 'ere with me. I left 'er behind in a mountain o' fire."
Elflein tripped him, ending any chance for the hare to continue his monologue. Acer found himself lying face first in the sand.
"You seem like a bright one, Acer. Why not start thinking ahead at what needs to be done?" Corbin had to stifle a chuckle as Acer pulled himself to his feet and brushed himself off. "We could always have you stand outside the camp and recite some more of your monologues. If that doesn't kill them, nothing will."
"Ha!" Elflein gave the hare a friendly cuff on the ear. "Only if they don't kill 'im first."
Ghost came to a sudden halt and turned to face the rest. "We have a difficult task ahead of us, but I hold no doubts we can do what we set out to do. Let it be known here and now that Eagle Watch is going to be a symbol of peace, however. Though we are off to fight a war, it is not to expand our own power, but rather give innocent beasts a chance to live free. Never will any of us strike another in times of peace, and we will always practice a policy of defeat with honour. If we do win, never will we ask for too much, and we will be merciful to those who surrender and are defeated. Do all whom are present agree?"
There was a round of nods.
"Acer, I am new to this leading thing, as well as group warfare. My true vocation is as an assassin. You have received training otherwise, so I will appoint you as my advisor. Corbin, you are in charge of strategies and planning for any fight that we may get ourselves into. Elflein, you and Celleste will head up field operations. I will take espionage and covert operations, as that it where my training lies. Do all present agree?"
They all nodded in approval.
"Now then, before we go further than the river, I want a plan of approach ready for execution. We will be ready when we get there to not waste time. Remember, we all have special skills; let's use them."
Having said what he wanted to, Ghost turned and resumed his course. The others were soon to follow. Eagle Watch was ready to go to war.
Ghost stood with his back to the campfire as Acer gave a brisk salute. They had reached the river and decided to set up camp for the night. Elflein was stirring hotroot soup while they all discussed ideas.
"Sah, ready to advise, Sah!"
Ghost stifled a chuckle. "The formality is unnecessary, Acer. We are all friends here."
"As y'say, Sah!" He chuckled. "Corbin suggest we do a recon o' the bally hoodlum camp as soon as we can."
Ghost closed his eyes as he thought. "Aye, that would be my field, wouldn't it." He bit his lip. "Alright. In my absence, Acer, you will be in charge. What do I need to find out for Corbin?"
The sudden reversal of roles caught the hare off balance, but he was quick to recover. He clasped his paws behind his back and stood up straight. "Well, he would like t'know wot't is we're up against. Numbers are important t'know. Also, find out what the little buggers are up tae; big plans, marches, an' th' sorts."
Ghost gave a slow salute. "Aye, sir."
"Oh, afore I forget. Th' ol' Badger Lord gave me this; said 't was for y' t' read." Acer handed over the book. "Now, if y' don't mind, there's a soup that needs eatin'!" The hare bounded off towards the campfire, where Elflein was now serving the soup.
Ghost looked the book over. Engraved on the cover was a pair of odd symbols that he could not tell the meaning of, though they appeared to be an old script of some sorts. He stared at them for a moment before opening the book. Written in a fancy handwriting on the inside of the cover was his name. He shivered. How had the badger known his name? He turned to the first page.
There, he encountered what appeared to be a simple poem, but it had been written in the same script as the symbols on the cover and he could not read any of it. He fingered through the rest of the pages, but they were all blank. On the back cover was a map of the lands.
"Well, at least something will be useful."
He closed the book and slid it into his haversack.
"Ghost, how would you like to take a walk on the riverbank with me?"
Ghost looked over his shoulder at Celleste. "Never pass the chance up."
The two ferrets left the camp paw in paw.
Chapter II
Starbane's miss-matched eyes drifted over the camp, finally coming to a rest on a lone figure. The badger was hunched near a small fire; the only beasts close enough to carry a conversation with the prisoner were the guard detail, and they would not venture to speak without orders. He made a note to have a few words with the badger about his friend.
"Sir, what are yer plans now?"
The rat did not even need to turn to see who had spoken; he had known the voice since he had been a trouble making apprentice on board the Bloodwrath.
"Patience, Warspite. Th' web 'as been spun, now we wait fer th' fly. We have met little resistance here, and I don't think that our," he cleared his throat, "problem will arise 'ere like it did up north. Asides, Corbin 'as lost 'is frien', what harm can 'e do?"
Warspite gave a nod. "O' course. Though I must say that th' troops are wantin' action."
"Let 'em spar an' beat each other up, tell 'em th' winner fights me. See if they still want action then."
The weasel bowed. "As ye say so, Cap'n."
"Captain now, I see. Strange how much can change in four seasons time."
Starbane and Warspite had rapiers drawn immediately as they searched for the unknown speaker.
"Put those toys away." There was a deep chuckle. "I have an offer for you."
Starbane winked at his second in command and lowered the rapier. "Come on out, then."
A darkly clad figure stalked silently out of the shadows. "Starbane, apprentice of Rangear. What happened to the old pirate?"
Starbane's eyes narrowed. "Rangear stuck to th' sea. Who or what th' debil are ye?"
"An old acquaintance of Rangear, that is all you need to know right now as far as my identity."
Warspite eyed his commander uneasily. "Sir, I think th' beast is lyin'."
"I never lie."
"Stay silent fer now, Warspite. I'll ask ye when I want an opinion." Starbane stuck his rapier into the dirt. "Any mate o' Rangear's is welcome to m'camp. Now, what sort o' offer do ye 'ave fer me?"
The robed figure drew a thin bladed dagger, letting the sharpened blade ring as it slid from the sheath. "Countless seasons of experience, all at your command. All I seek in return, is a chance for revenge."
Starbane exchanged glances with Warspite. "Revenge against whom, might I ask?"
"An old apprentice." The figure threw back the hood, revealing his features. "You met him once, when he was commissioned by Rangear to assassinate a target. He turned against me, and vanished. I know you are planning to claim these lands as your own, and I want my chance to deal justice if he is captured in the process. You can kill anyone you wish, but the Ghost is mine." The ferret tested the blade as he waited for a reply.
Starbane could vaguely recall four seasons ago, but knew the assassin by his reputation. "Very well, Skullrag. Ye shall 'ave yer wish. Now I want t' rest, so make yerself lost 'til mornin'."
Skullrag vanished back into the shadows, leaving Warspite and Starbane alone.
"Warspite, get th' best tracker we've got. Find this Ghost feller. Sooner we 'ave that assassin workin' fer us, th' better."
Warspite sheathed his rapier and bowed. "O' course, sir." The weasel made as if to leave, but stopped as something entered his mind. "Sir, remember that pair o' ferrets, an' otter on Haunted Path?"
Starbane was puzzled at first, but the thought dawned on him quickly. "Aye, what was their names again?"
"Spectre an' Ghost, if I remember right, sir."
Starbane drew his dagger. "Start yer search there. If ye find th' others in that group o' 'is, bring 'em in alive if possible, I want at least one of 'em."
Warspite bowed and went to find the trackers. Starbane watched his second in command leave and a grin crossed his face. He raised his dagger up so it glinted in the moonlight and ran a paw over its deadly surface.
"Salamandastron can't 'elp this place, an' it will fall t' me. With a stronghold 'ere, I'll be in position t' take th' mountain stronghold of th' badger Lord, and that pitiful Long Patrol."
"Ambitious, don't you think?"
Starbane glanced over his shoulder, but he had no idea where the voice had come from. "Skullrag, ye would do yerself a favour by keepin' out o' my business."
"Starbane, you would do yourself a favour by thinking your plans out fully, before carrying them out. Foolish ambitions lead to defeated warlords."
Starbane hissed, but said nothing. Sheathing the dagger, he stormed off towards the central campfire, leaving the assassin behind. Skullrag grinned from under his hood and started in the opposite direction, towards the Haunted Path.
Chapter III
"Good mornin' t' y'all!"
The loud voice pulled everyone from slumber. Acer and Ghost were the quickest to react, and had weapons ready to ward off any attacker that might show its face. It was a false alarm, however.
"Acer, good t' see y' again, brother."
Acer gave a nod as he stowed his spear. "Solace, wot brings y' 'ere t' our little camp?"
"Th' badger thot y' might be needin' a few arms, and sent me t' drop off this 'ere stuff." Solace dropped a large package she had been carrying. "Y' gots arrers an' a bow, some javelins, an' a shortsword. Not much, but 't's more than nothin!"
"Thank Salamandastron, and the badger Lord for his gifts. Would you like to join us for breakfast?"
Solace shook her head. "Sorry, Ghost. I'm gonna be th' first hare t' pass up a free meal. There's sentry work at th' mountain that needs doin'. So long, y' group o' hoodlums."
Solace sped off and was quickly lost from view. Ghost ventured over to the weapons pack.
"I am content with my daggers. Feel free to take whatever you feel suits your tastes best."
Elflein took the bow and arrows and tested them. "I'm a natural sling thrower, but arrows are a close second."
Celleste took the shortsword. "Just don't expect me t' use it all that much. I'm a healer at heart, an' fighting is a last resort."
Corbin declined taking anything. "My sword is all I need to deal justice."
Acer took the pack of Javelins. "Well, leaves me with these. No complaints here."
Ghost cleared his throat. "Corbin recently let it be known that an intelligence operation might be useful. Since that sort of assignment would fall under my field, I will be taking it up. I am leaving before breakfast; Acer will be in charge while I am gone. I should not be too long out, and I would like to hear some ideas on what our next move should be when I return."
"Do be careful. Remember, Starbane has seen you before."
Ghost grinned. "I will keep that in mind, Celleste."
"And you will come back safely."
Ghost took her paw and kissed it. "You still have to patch my robe."
Elflein came up to them. "I think it's time Ghost got goin'. Come on, Celleste, time t' eat." She gave Ghost a pat on the back and turned to go back to the fire.
Celleste glanced over her shoulder. "I'll be right there. Ghost, I want to-" Her heart skipped a beat. Where Ghost had been standing not a few seconds ago, was empty space. The ferret had vanished without a trace.
Chapter IV
Starbane had not even thought about his encounter with the assassin all the following morning. No beast spoke of it. As it was, only Warspite knew outside of himself. The event had been pushed aside to the furthest corner of his mind and was quickly forgotten. He had better things to do than worry about catching a ferret turned traitor against his kind. That could wait until the Badlands were under his control.
Now, the black rat was patrolling the camp, slowly making his way towards a destination he frequented often and had grown to enjoy as of late. During his campaigns over the past four seasons, he had quickly learned that stress and frustration with the horde, or a stubborn enemy, could mount up and send him into blind rages of anger. He had also learned that breaking the will of a prisoner was a prime method for calming his nerves and ridding himself of the stress and frustrations of the day. Mice, squirrels, and even an odd hare or two, had all fallen under his control, were broken, and killed at the frontlines of a battle. They had all been easy, and he longed for a challenge. He had one now.
Montel the badger was without a doubt one of the strongest beasts his horde had ever overpowered, if it could even be called that. The badger and his mouse companion had been a plague to the horde since Starbane had driven through the northlands. One day, during a small raid on some hapless field mice, Montel and Corbin had taken a stand and charged headlong into the fray. The two fought long enough to allow the mice to escape.
The two warriors had been separated, and by chance a stray arrow had struck the badger in the shoulder. Robbed momentarily of the use of his battleaxe, the horde was able to subdue him and bind him. Corbin had fought for a brief while longer in an effort to free his friend, but was forced to retreat. Starbane had taken Warspite with him to personally catch and kill the mouse, but the two ferrets and otter had foiled that part of the plan. It was of no importance, though. Corbin had no doubt understood he could not win, and had more than likely retreated across the River Moss. Starbane was content, however; he had Montel.
The badger was chained between two posts, chains connected to a collar around his neck, and shackles around his ankles and wrists. The criss-cross pattern of fresh wounds on his back had been the result of a brutal whipping, and the horde captains had been unanimous in ordering no food or drink for the prisoner.
"Darkbane, you may take your leave."
A black searat standing sentry over the badger looked up and gave a nod. "If ye need anythin' jus' 'oller, I'll straighten th' beast out."
Starbane gave the rat a pat on the shoulder as he walked past. "Of course, brother. Just t' show how much I like ye, I'll let ye kill 'im when he's outstayed 'is welcome." He turned his attention to the badger. "Now then. Montel, right?" He drew a rapier and pressed the tip under Montel's chin, forcing the badger to look up. "Montel, understand now that until you swear allegiance to me, you will continue to be starved and beaten, and I will have no choice but to turn my back and act as though none of it happens."
Montel glared up at the rat, his eyes cold as ice and burning with an unbreakable spirit. "Turn your back and it could cost you your life."
"You don't scare me, Montel."
"Nor you, I."
"Swear allegiance to me, and if we capture your friend, I will let him die quickly and painlessly, unless he too swears. If you do not, I will have my brother kill him before your eyes and leave the method up to his own imagination."
The badger was silent.
"Perhaps I've struck a soft spot?"
"Don't sound so hopeful, vermin. If you do catch him, we will both die. Neither of us will swear allegiance to you."
Starbane chuckled softly. "We will see, stripedog, we will see."
Ghost growled under his breath as he was escorted past the badger and rat. Starbane had not noticed them passing and continued with whatever he was doing to the prisoner. Ghost stopped and stared at the badger, making a mental note not to leave without him.
"Krowe, come along now, don't get th' idear ye can jus' stand 'round an' do nothin'. Get a move on."
Ghost's focus was ripped from the badger and turned towards the weasel. "Aye, o' course, Sir."
"Now then, you know where th' different camps are, my advice to ye, learn t' fit in fast." Warspite waved him off and made his way towards his commander. "Starbane, we must speak."
Starbane turned and glared at the weasel.
When Warspite guessed he was not going to get a verbal command, he started. "We have a new recruit who jus' came in tonight; a ferret. I thought ye'd like t' see 'im fer yerself, though."
"Did you say a ferret?"
"Aye, an' this'n looks familiar, I know I've seen th' likes o' him before."
"What is his name, Warspite?"
"Krowe."
Starbane watched as his brother returned for the rest of his watch over the prisoner. "Darkbane, I have a new assignment for you. Find out everything you can about the new ferret named Krowe. I don't trust him, and I want to know why."
Darkbane bowed. "Aye, sir. I'll get right on it."
"Assign him to guard detail with you, so we know where he is at all times." Starbane turned quickly and made his way towards his tent. "Warspite, ready the troops for another movement. We march at dawn!"
FALLEN STAR
Chapter I
The following morning, the newly formed Eagle Watch left the shadow of Salamandastron for the River Moss. It was a remarkable sight, for the few who witnessed it; the two ferrets who seemed to be leading a warrior mouse, an otter maid, and a hare who bore the uniform of Salamandastron. While travelling, all were talking, joking, laughing, and carousing on without a care in the world; all save two. Ghost and Celleste kept silent, instead listening to the others as they stared ahead at the approaching riverbanks. Acer was the first to address their mood.
"So, has my ol' chum Ghost gone an' gotten his self a gel?"
Elflein gave the hare a rough shove. "Watch out what ye let leave yore mouth. That there's m'sister."
Celleste rolled her eyes and stayed quiet.
Acer pressed the back of his forepaw against his head and cried out melodramatically. "Alas, my sisteh is nae 'ere with me. I left 'er behind in a mountain o' fire."
Elflein tripped him, ending any chance for the hare to continue his monologue. Acer found himself lying face first in the sand.
"You seem like a bright one, Acer. Why not start thinking ahead at what needs to be done?" Corbin had to stifle a chuckle as Acer pulled himself to his feet and brushed himself off. "We could always have you stand outside the camp and recite some more of your monologues. If that doesn't kill them, nothing will."
"Ha!" Elflein gave the hare a friendly cuff on the ear. "Only if they don't kill 'im first."
Ghost came to a sudden halt and turned to face the rest. "We have a difficult task ahead of us, but I hold no doubts we can do what we set out to do. Let it be known here and now that Eagle Watch is going to be a symbol of peace, however. Though we are off to fight a war, it is not to expand our own power, but rather give innocent beasts a chance to live free. Never will any of us strike another in times of peace, and we will always practice a policy of defeat with honour. If we do win, never will we ask for too much, and we will be merciful to those who surrender and are defeated. Do all whom are present agree?"
There was a round of nods.
"Acer, I am new to this leading thing, as well as group warfare. My true vocation is as an assassin. You have received training otherwise, so I will appoint you as my advisor. Corbin, you are in charge of strategies and planning for any fight that we may get ourselves into. Elflein, you and Celleste will head up field operations. I will take espionage and covert operations, as that it where my training lies. Do all present agree?"
They all nodded in approval.
"Now then, before we go further than the river, I want a plan of approach ready for execution. We will be ready when we get there to not waste time. Remember, we all have special skills; let's use them."
Having said what he wanted to, Ghost turned and resumed his course. The others were soon to follow. Eagle Watch was ready to go to war.
Ghost stood with his back to the campfire as Acer gave a brisk salute. They had reached the river and decided to set up camp for the night. Elflein was stirring hotroot soup while they all discussed ideas.
"Sah, ready to advise, Sah!"
Ghost stifled a chuckle. "The formality is unnecessary, Acer. We are all friends here."
"As y'say, Sah!" He chuckled. "Corbin suggest we do a recon o' the bally hoodlum camp as soon as we can."
Ghost closed his eyes as he thought. "Aye, that would be my field, wouldn't it." He bit his lip. "Alright. In my absence, Acer, you will be in charge. What do I need to find out for Corbin?"
The sudden reversal of roles caught the hare off balance, but he was quick to recover. He clasped his paws behind his back and stood up straight. "Well, he would like t'know wot't is we're up against. Numbers are important t'know. Also, find out what the little buggers are up tae; big plans, marches, an' th' sorts."
Ghost gave a slow salute. "Aye, sir."
"Oh, afore I forget. Th' ol' Badger Lord gave me this; said 't was for y' t' read." Acer handed over the book. "Now, if y' don't mind, there's a soup that needs eatin'!" The hare bounded off towards the campfire, where Elflein was now serving the soup.
Ghost looked the book over. Engraved on the cover was a pair of odd symbols that he could not tell the meaning of, though they appeared to be an old script of some sorts. He stared at them for a moment before opening the book. Written in a fancy handwriting on the inside of the cover was his name. He shivered. How had the badger known his name? He turned to the first page.
There, he encountered what appeared to be a simple poem, but it had been written in the same script as the symbols on the cover and he could not read any of it. He fingered through the rest of the pages, but they were all blank. On the back cover was a map of the lands.
"Well, at least something will be useful."
He closed the book and slid it into his haversack.
"Ghost, how would you like to take a walk on the riverbank with me?"
Ghost looked over his shoulder at Celleste. "Never pass the chance up."
The two ferrets left the camp paw in paw.
Chapter II
Starbane's miss-matched eyes drifted over the camp, finally coming to a rest on a lone figure. The badger was hunched near a small fire; the only beasts close enough to carry a conversation with the prisoner were the guard detail, and they would not venture to speak without orders. He made a note to have a few words with the badger about his friend.
"Sir, what are yer plans now?"
The rat did not even need to turn to see who had spoken; he had known the voice since he had been a trouble making apprentice on board the Bloodwrath.
"Patience, Warspite. Th' web 'as been spun, now we wait fer th' fly. We have met little resistance here, and I don't think that our," he cleared his throat, "problem will arise 'ere like it did up north. Asides, Corbin 'as lost 'is frien', what harm can 'e do?"
Warspite gave a nod. "O' course. Though I must say that th' troops are wantin' action."
"Let 'em spar an' beat each other up, tell 'em th' winner fights me. See if they still want action then."
The weasel bowed. "As ye say so, Cap'n."
"Captain now, I see. Strange how much can change in four seasons time."
Starbane and Warspite had rapiers drawn immediately as they searched for the unknown speaker.
"Put those toys away." There was a deep chuckle. "I have an offer for you."
Starbane winked at his second in command and lowered the rapier. "Come on out, then."
A darkly clad figure stalked silently out of the shadows. "Starbane, apprentice of Rangear. What happened to the old pirate?"
Starbane's eyes narrowed. "Rangear stuck to th' sea. Who or what th' debil are ye?"
"An old acquaintance of Rangear, that is all you need to know right now as far as my identity."
Warspite eyed his commander uneasily. "Sir, I think th' beast is lyin'."
"I never lie."
"Stay silent fer now, Warspite. I'll ask ye when I want an opinion." Starbane stuck his rapier into the dirt. "Any mate o' Rangear's is welcome to m'camp. Now, what sort o' offer do ye 'ave fer me?"
The robed figure drew a thin bladed dagger, letting the sharpened blade ring as it slid from the sheath. "Countless seasons of experience, all at your command. All I seek in return, is a chance for revenge."
Starbane exchanged glances with Warspite. "Revenge against whom, might I ask?"
"An old apprentice." The figure threw back the hood, revealing his features. "You met him once, when he was commissioned by Rangear to assassinate a target. He turned against me, and vanished. I know you are planning to claim these lands as your own, and I want my chance to deal justice if he is captured in the process. You can kill anyone you wish, but the Ghost is mine." The ferret tested the blade as he waited for a reply.
Starbane could vaguely recall four seasons ago, but knew the assassin by his reputation. "Very well, Skullrag. Ye shall 'ave yer wish. Now I want t' rest, so make yerself lost 'til mornin'."
Skullrag vanished back into the shadows, leaving Warspite and Starbane alone.
"Warspite, get th' best tracker we've got. Find this Ghost feller. Sooner we 'ave that assassin workin' fer us, th' better."
Warspite sheathed his rapier and bowed. "O' course, sir." The weasel made as if to leave, but stopped as something entered his mind. "Sir, remember that pair o' ferrets, an' otter on Haunted Path?"
Starbane was puzzled at first, but the thought dawned on him quickly. "Aye, what was their names again?"
"Spectre an' Ghost, if I remember right, sir."
Starbane drew his dagger. "Start yer search there. If ye find th' others in that group o' 'is, bring 'em in alive if possible, I want at least one of 'em."
Warspite bowed and went to find the trackers. Starbane watched his second in command leave and a grin crossed his face. He raised his dagger up so it glinted in the moonlight and ran a paw over its deadly surface.
"Salamandastron can't 'elp this place, an' it will fall t' me. With a stronghold 'ere, I'll be in position t' take th' mountain stronghold of th' badger Lord, and that pitiful Long Patrol."
"Ambitious, don't you think?"
Starbane glanced over his shoulder, but he had no idea where the voice had come from. "Skullrag, ye would do yerself a favour by keepin' out o' my business."
"Starbane, you would do yourself a favour by thinking your plans out fully, before carrying them out. Foolish ambitions lead to defeated warlords."
Starbane hissed, but said nothing. Sheathing the dagger, he stormed off towards the central campfire, leaving the assassin behind. Skullrag grinned from under his hood and started in the opposite direction, towards the Haunted Path.
Chapter III
"Good mornin' t' y'all!"
The loud voice pulled everyone from slumber. Acer and Ghost were the quickest to react, and had weapons ready to ward off any attacker that might show its face. It was a false alarm, however.
"Acer, good t' see y' again, brother."
Acer gave a nod as he stowed his spear. "Solace, wot brings y' 'ere t' our little camp?"
"Th' badger thot y' might be needin' a few arms, and sent me t' drop off this 'ere stuff." Solace dropped a large package she had been carrying. "Y' gots arrers an' a bow, some javelins, an' a shortsword. Not much, but 't's more than nothin!"
"Thank Salamandastron, and the badger Lord for his gifts. Would you like to join us for breakfast?"
Solace shook her head. "Sorry, Ghost. I'm gonna be th' first hare t' pass up a free meal. There's sentry work at th' mountain that needs doin'. So long, y' group o' hoodlums."
Solace sped off and was quickly lost from view. Ghost ventured over to the weapons pack.
"I am content with my daggers. Feel free to take whatever you feel suits your tastes best."
Elflein took the bow and arrows and tested them. "I'm a natural sling thrower, but arrows are a close second."
Celleste took the shortsword. "Just don't expect me t' use it all that much. I'm a healer at heart, an' fighting is a last resort."
Corbin declined taking anything. "My sword is all I need to deal justice."
Acer took the pack of Javelins. "Well, leaves me with these. No complaints here."
Ghost cleared his throat. "Corbin recently let it be known that an intelligence operation might be useful. Since that sort of assignment would fall under my field, I will be taking it up. I am leaving before breakfast; Acer will be in charge while I am gone. I should not be too long out, and I would like to hear some ideas on what our next move should be when I return."
"Do be careful. Remember, Starbane has seen you before."
Ghost grinned. "I will keep that in mind, Celleste."
"And you will come back safely."
Ghost took her paw and kissed it. "You still have to patch my robe."
Elflein came up to them. "I think it's time Ghost got goin'. Come on, Celleste, time t' eat." She gave Ghost a pat on the back and turned to go back to the fire.
Celleste glanced over her shoulder. "I'll be right there. Ghost, I want to-" Her heart skipped a beat. Where Ghost had been standing not a few seconds ago, was empty space. The ferret had vanished without a trace.
Chapter IV
Starbane had not even thought about his encounter with the assassin all the following morning. No beast spoke of it. As it was, only Warspite knew outside of himself. The event had been pushed aside to the furthest corner of his mind and was quickly forgotten. He had better things to do than worry about catching a ferret turned traitor against his kind. That could wait until the Badlands were under his control.
Now, the black rat was patrolling the camp, slowly making his way towards a destination he frequented often and had grown to enjoy as of late. During his campaigns over the past four seasons, he had quickly learned that stress and frustration with the horde, or a stubborn enemy, could mount up and send him into blind rages of anger. He had also learned that breaking the will of a prisoner was a prime method for calming his nerves and ridding himself of the stress and frustrations of the day. Mice, squirrels, and even an odd hare or two, had all fallen under his control, were broken, and killed at the frontlines of a battle. They had all been easy, and he longed for a challenge. He had one now.
Montel the badger was without a doubt one of the strongest beasts his horde had ever overpowered, if it could even be called that. The badger and his mouse companion had been a plague to the horde since Starbane had driven through the northlands. One day, during a small raid on some hapless field mice, Montel and Corbin had taken a stand and charged headlong into the fray. The two fought long enough to allow the mice to escape.
The two warriors had been separated, and by chance a stray arrow had struck the badger in the shoulder. Robbed momentarily of the use of his battleaxe, the horde was able to subdue him and bind him. Corbin had fought for a brief while longer in an effort to free his friend, but was forced to retreat. Starbane had taken Warspite with him to personally catch and kill the mouse, but the two ferrets and otter had foiled that part of the plan. It was of no importance, though. Corbin had no doubt understood he could not win, and had more than likely retreated across the River Moss. Starbane was content, however; he had Montel.
The badger was chained between two posts, chains connected to a collar around his neck, and shackles around his ankles and wrists. The criss-cross pattern of fresh wounds on his back had been the result of a brutal whipping, and the horde captains had been unanimous in ordering no food or drink for the prisoner.
"Darkbane, you may take your leave."
A black searat standing sentry over the badger looked up and gave a nod. "If ye need anythin' jus' 'oller, I'll straighten th' beast out."
Starbane gave the rat a pat on the shoulder as he walked past. "Of course, brother. Just t' show how much I like ye, I'll let ye kill 'im when he's outstayed 'is welcome." He turned his attention to the badger. "Now then. Montel, right?" He drew a rapier and pressed the tip under Montel's chin, forcing the badger to look up. "Montel, understand now that until you swear allegiance to me, you will continue to be starved and beaten, and I will have no choice but to turn my back and act as though none of it happens."
Montel glared up at the rat, his eyes cold as ice and burning with an unbreakable spirit. "Turn your back and it could cost you your life."
"You don't scare me, Montel."
"Nor you, I."
"Swear allegiance to me, and if we capture your friend, I will let him die quickly and painlessly, unless he too swears. If you do not, I will have my brother kill him before your eyes and leave the method up to his own imagination."
The badger was silent.
"Perhaps I've struck a soft spot?"
"Don't sound so hopeful, vermin. If you do catch him, we will both die. Neither of us will swear allegiance to you."
Starbane chuckled softly. "We will see, stripedog, we will see."
Ghost growled under his breath as he was escorted past the badger and rat. Starbane had not noticed them passing and continued with whatever he was doing to the prisoner. Ghost stopped and stared at the badger, making a mental note not to leave without him.
"Krowe, come along now, don't get th' idear ye can jus' stand 'round an' do nothin'. Get a move on."
Ghost's focus was ripped from the badger and turned towards the weasel. "Aye, o' course, Sir."
"Now then, you know where th' different camps are, my advice to ye, learn t' fit in fast." Warspite waved him off and made his way towards his commander. "Starbane, we must speak."
Starbane turned and glared at the weasel.
When Warspite guessed he was not going to get a verbal command, he started. "We have a new recruit who jus' came in tonight; a ferret. I thought ye'd like t' see 'im fer yerself, though."
"Did you say a ferret?"
"Aye, an' this'n looks familiar, I know I've seen th' likes o' him before."
"What is his name, Warspite?"
"Krowe."
Starbane watched as his brother returned for the rest of his watch over the prisoner. "Darkbane, I have a new assignment for you. Find out everything you can about the new ferret named Krowe. I don't trust him, and I want to know why."
Darkbane bowed. "Aye, sir. I'll get right on it."
"Assign him to guard detail with you, so we know where he is at all times." Starbane turned quickly and made his way towards his tent. "Warspite, ready the troops for another movement. We march at dawn!"