PART FIVE
Ascent
Chapter I
Starbane growled as he stared down at the still form below. The ferret had not fallen as far as he had hoped. A ledge partway down had become the final resting ground. However, Starbane would have preferred that the ferret had fallen all the way down to the rocky floor at the base of the cliff. Because the fall had not been as great as he had hoped for, he spent a great deal of his morning watching the ferret for any signs of life. So far, however, he had made none. Starbane blinked.
"He moved."
Skullrag stared down at his fallen apprentice, then at the rat. "He is dead, he cannot move. Besides, if he was alive, it would not be for long." The assassin pointed at a nest resting on another ledge near where Ghost had fallen. "Gulls are very territorial."
Starbane growled as the assassin stalked away. This was out of his control, and he did not like it. His eyes shifted from the nest to the ferret, then back to the nest. "Fine. I hope you are alive, ferret, so you can feel the gulls tear you to pieces."
Starbane turned and took a few steps towards the centre of the camp. He gazed out across his camp and stopped, his eyes coming to rest on the assassin. Skullrag had made his way to the edge of the camp and was leaving, but not alone. Darkbane was with him. Overhead, a grey and white bird glided towards the edge of the cliffs on a wind current. This brought a grin to the horde commander. The gull had arrived. He returned his glare to Skullrag and Darkbane until they vanished into the trees. Then, out of curiosity, walked over to the cliff to watch the ferret's demise.
Skullrag was nearing the edge of the camp when a black rat stepped out in front of him. The assassin instinctively reached for a dagger.
"No need t' do that." The rat took a few steps towards the assassin. "M'name's Darkbane."
"Darkbane...how interesting." Skullrag feigned a look of interest and continued on his way.
"Wait up there, I 'ave a question fer ye."
Skullrag glared over his shoulder at the rat. "Speak your mind."
"Alright, 'ow does one go about becomin' an assassin?"
Skullrag turned to fully face the rat. "They find a master to teach them."
"An' where would I find a master?"
Skullrag grinned. "Your brother would not object?"
Darkbane waved a paw at the mention of his brother. "I'm through followin' 'im."
"Then come with me. I will teach you all there is to know." Skullrag turned and left the camp, his new apprentice following closely behind. "Of course, realise now that your first assignment will be your hardest."
"O' course, Sir."
"Maester, Darkbane. You will call me Maester."
"As you wish, Maester."
"That's better. With luck you will not turn out like my last student." Skullrag locked his eyes on Darkbane's and gave the rat a cold stare.
Darkbane gave a slow nod, he would ask about that later.
Chapter II
The Eagle Watch camp had fallen into a deafening silence. Acer had isolated himself in one far corner, not speaking with any beast and lapsing into his own thoughts and memories. Corbin and Montel had gone to scout the area for signs of pursuit. Lady Flynt had returned to speak with her lapwing companion. Celleste and Elflein had gone to a secluded clearing nearby, and spoke to no one save one another.
Of the six of them, Celleste was the worst off. When the rest of Eagle Watch had stumbled upon her and Elflein in the forest, the otter did not even need to speak for them to know that something had gone wrong. Acer seemed to know almost immediately, and Corbin was not far behind. They had left Elflein and Celleste behind and listened while Flynt outlined an idea that had formed in her mind.
Gurren, her lapwing companion, was friends with a few seagulls who inhabited the cliffs. He could easily scout the cliffside and let them know if recovering the body was at all possible. Acer had given his silent approval of the idea with a slow nod of the head. As soon as he had found out what happened that night, his mind clouded over and seemed to stop functioning altogether.
Now, he was staring off into nothingness and found his mind replaying the scene he had witnessed four seasons ago, when Ghost had chosen betrayal of his own kind to defend a friend. It had happened again; Ghost had placed himself in harms way for a complete stranger, and had died for it. It just did not seem possible that something like that could happen. No beast, vermin or not, deserved a death brought about by defending what was good and right.
His mind argued against its own thought. Ghost had died doing what he sought out to do. It was a risk he had taken upon himself, and it was what he had wanted the Watch to stand for. Ghost was not lost, nor was he undeserving of the fate that had befallen him. He died for a cause, and for what he believed in. It was self-sacrifice for another. Now that Montel and Lady Flynt had volunteered to join, it would have had been fitting for Ghost to lead. That was nothing more than a distant dream, though. Ghost was gone; the Watch would stay at six.
Acer stood and drove a javelin into the dirt. To sit about and mope all day was worthless. Starbane had lost a prisoner and would more than likely send out a search team. The entire Watch was at risk of being set upon by trackers and a retrieval team. The fear of that happening, with the team in such a condition that is was, would end in the loss of most, if not all, of the Watch. He could not allow that to happen.
Using the javelin as a staff of sorts, he made his way back to the centre of the camp. "Eagle Watch report!"
The command echoed in the clearing, and soon Elflein and Celleste appeared through the trees. Acer was relieved to see Celleste looked better, though it was debatable in his mind whether she really was or not. The three stood in silence until Corbin and Montel returned from their patrol.
"We 'ave a problem. Ghost left, an' now we're down a leader. I'll take th' job 'til things sort themselves out." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Ghost's loss is a tragedy, th' first that th' Watch will suffer, but not th' last if we stand. We all 'ave a choice, now, an' I'd like t' present it t'y'all. Y'can leave th' Watch, or follow me an' stick through 'til the end."
Montel buried the stolen axe in the ground. "I'll fight with you."
"I am in as well." Corbin grinned softly and leaned against his sword, digging the tip of the blade in the dirt for support. "No sense leaving a battle half fought."
Elflein looked down at Celleste. "Yore call, sis. I'm in if you are."
Celleste stared forward silently for what seemed like minutes, though in actuality was only ten seconds. "I wouldn't leave for the world."
Elflein gave Acer a nod. "Where she goes, I go."
The hare grinned and looked the group over. "We'll fight, then. I don't want t' hang 'bout this place long, so once Lady Flynt returns with that bird o' hers, we're strinkin' th' camp an' leavin' fer a new place. Until then, rest; but keep alert. If I've got any sense in me, Starbane'll be lookin' fer his lost prisoner." He saluted the others. "Look forward t' settlin' his hash, though. Eagle Watch, you are dismissed."
Chapter III
Pain was the only sensation that registered in Ghost's mind. His body hurt; he could not move. His eyes hurt; he could not see. His jaw hurt; he could not speak. His ears were filled with a constant ringing; he could not hear. His head was aching terribly; he could not focus his thoughts.
He was not sure of how long he had lain where he had fallen, but he was not even certain if he cared. Once the painless, dreamless sleep of unconsciousness had given way to a conscious, dreamless sleep, the pain had come and refused to die away. He refused to die away as well.
He made an effort to open one eye, just enough to get an idea of what time of day it was. The lack of sunlight shining on where he was led him to guess that it was sometime during the morning. He had fallen from the cliff at night, or early morning -he could not recall exactly- and guessed he had been unconscious for only a few hours; any longer seemed highly unlikely.
He let the eye close again and shifted slightly in his position. At least he could still move, no matter how little it was. He would have to figure out his limits later. The ringing in his ears ceased, and voices caught his attention. One registered deep within his memory, and though he could not recall a name or face, he immediately knew it was danger, and that to keep still would be the best thing he could do. Unknowingly, he slipped into a dreamless sleep.
He awoke slowly sometime later and risked opening his eyes again, this time to see if the owner of the voice was still there. The first things he saw were a pair of bloodred eyes glaring down at him.
"Look, is alive."
Ghost trembled and looked away, knowing he was unable to defend himself against the bird if it chose to strike.
"Ferret sir, you name Ghost, right?"
Ghost looked back up at the bird.
"Ferret send to look for you. She upset bad, all think you dead. Can you stand?"
Inwardly, Ghost felt relieved at hearing the bird speak friendly towards him. He tried to will himself to speak. "Where is..." he had to take another breath. "Where is Celleste?"
The bird cocked its head. "You mean other ferret? She fine at camp with rabbit and otter. They send me find you."
Ghost breathed a sigh of relief and closed his eyes, warding off a returning headache.
"Hello down there."
The lapwing glanced up at the voice and hissed. Ghost opened his eyes and looked past the bird at the speaker. At the top of the cliff, bow drawn to its bent, was Starbane.
"I knew you weren't dead, ferret. That is something that can be easily remedied, though."
Ghost slowly pushed himself to a sitting position and pushed the bird aside so he could see Starbane clearly. "What do you want, Starbane?"
"Your blood, ferret." He loosed the arrow.
The deadly shaft whistled through the air and buried into the ground a good distance from Ghost.
"Ha! Not such a good shot, eh Starbane?"
Starbane ignored Ghost's comment and notched a second arrow. "Ghost, you will die, and I will kill you." He drew the arrow back, aimed, and released. Once again, the arrow struck dirt.
Ghost laid back on the ground and looked up at the bird. "How long until he hits, do you figure?" A third arrow whistled down, and Gurren had to jump aside to avoid it. Ghost turned and looked at the wooden shaft. "Try again, Starbane. I think the cliff is still alive."
Starbane growled. "I'll be back, ferret, with a real archer. You will die."
Ghost looked at the lapwing. "Listen, go find help as fast as you can. I'll wait out the storm."
"My name Gurren. I get help. Many more. Good luck!"
With a graceful hop powerful beat of the wings, Gurren was airborne. Ghost glanced about the ledge to see what he could use as shelter or protection. Starbane would return, he had no doubts about that, but he did not know how long it would take him too return.
He tried to push himself up to a sitting position again and checked for broken bones. As far as he was able to tell, three ribs were broken, and his left ankle was swollen, but nothing more beyond that. His head throbbed, but that was from a gash caused by falling on a rock, not because it was broken. He tried to stand, keeping most of his weight on his right foot. He was successful, but off balance, and had to use the rock wall for support. Ghost took a deep breath and hobbled over to the edge of the ledge, looking down to see how far he was from the bottom. He immediately saw it was too far to jump, or climb; he would have to get down another way.
"You there!"
Ghost jumped and pressed his back against the rock wall as he turned to see who it was. A grey and white seagull glided up and landed on the ledge.
"Gurren sent me. Said you were in trouble."
"Aye, a bit." Ghost relaxed; it seemed Gurren knew a few friends. "Any ideas?"
The gull glanced up, then down. "You walk?"
"A little."
"Come." The gull beckoned him over. "Go to nest, you see. Hiding place."
Ghost hobbled over to the gull and looked for the nest. "Where's the nest?"
"There. We fly over." The gull pointed to the second ledge and fluttered his wings. "You hold on tight, get on back."
The gull lowered himself so Ghost could climb onto his back. Then he took to the air. Ghost was glad it was a short flight, not lasting more than a few seconds. He did not know if his weight was enough to hinder long term flight. When they arrived, Ghost was dropped into the nest.
"Now listen good. On wall behind is small cave. Not cave really, more like hole. Rest there. Rat not find you there."
Ghost pushed himself to his feet and looked at the small shelter. It was not large, but it would do. "Thank you, sir. Tell Gurren I said thanks as well."
"No problem. My name Stryker, what yours?"
"Ghost."
"Rest, Ghost. I return with food later."
Ghost watched the gull fly off and limped over to the hole in the wall. He nestled up against one of the rock sides and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter IV
Celleste was lying beneath a tree in a sort of stunned silence, lost in thought about the past few days. Everything had come and gone with such speed she hardly knew how to react to it now. For her, the initial pain had gone and had been replaced by shock. The event would register soon, however she did not know when. Therefore, she spent her time staring up at the clouds and thinking.
A loud snap followed by intense rustling of leaves brought her out of the dream-like silence and she jumped to her feet, shortsword drawn.
"Who goes there?"
"Flynt. Celleste, is that you? Come here quick!"
The excited sound of Lady Flynt's voice confused her, but nevertheless, Celleste sheathed the shortsword and walked towards the trees. Flynt came bounding out, almost colliding full force into the ferret.
"Celleste, wonderful news, you won't believe it. Where are the others?"
Celleste clamped a paw on the darting squirrelmaid's shoulder. "Slow down. What news do you have that seems so urgent."
Lady Flynt grinned at Celleste as she spoke. The words came out so fast, Celleste had to stop her and tell her to start again slower.
"Gurren came back from meeting with one of the gulls. He's alive."
There was an awkward silence as the words registered with Celleste, and when they did the two bounded off towards the camp together.
"Acer, Montel, Corbin, Elflein! Ghost I still alive!" Celleste burst through the brush, still struggling to get her travel cloak on, and ran headlong into the badger. "Terribly sorry," she suddenly gave the stunned Montel an excited hug. "He's alive!" She ran further into the camp. "Acer, Elflein, where are you?"
"Here, ol' gel. What's all th' noise about?" Acer entered from the opposite end of the camp and watched as the ferret and squirrel danced circles around a laughing badger. "I daresay, wot'n'th' blazes...." He cupped his paws around his mouth and gave a loud shout. "WHAT'S GOIN' ON HERE?"
Celleste nearly bowled him over. "Ghost's alive."
"Wha? How?"
"Gurren spoke with the gulls, they have him alive and in a safe spot on the cliff."
Acer grinned and gave a loud shout. "Wahoo! Well, now we need t' figure out how t' get th' poor chap down." He whistled, bringing the camp back into silence. "Listen, Ghost is alive, but now we've got t' figure a way t' get 'im off th' cliff." He thought a moment. "Flynt, how badly hurt is Ghost?"
"He won't be climbin' down, or up, any time soon. The gull told Gurren that he was limping. Also said he had a nasty looking hole in his chest."
Acer frowned. "Well, we need t' figure out wot 'e needs, an' get 't up t' 'im as soon as possible." He suddenly straightened up as something caught his ear. "First we need t' move out afore Starbane's hunters find us."
"Too late, you long eared freak."
All save Celleste and Lady Flynt turned to find three foxes standing, arrows notched on their bows and drawn to their bent. Celleste growled low, her back to the three hunters as she fingered the hilt of her shortsword. Lady Flynt ran with the speed possessed by all squirrels and vanished into the bush; so quickly that the foxes did not notice her presence.
"Listen up, you are going to do as I say, or you will find out what a pincushion feels like. You, ferret, turn around."
Celleste slowly turned her head around to face the fox, her eyes narrowing as she glared into his own. "You, sir, can address me properly, or you can kill me."
The fox grinned mischievously and eased up on the bow. "Looks like we've got a troublemaker here, boys." He walked over until he was half a step from Celleste, who still had her back to him. "What's your name, missy?"
"No matter of yours."
Celleste drew the shortsword and spun, slashing at an upward angle at the fox. Everyone was caught off guard by the sudden attack, and the blade struck its target full on. At the same moment Celleste attacked, an arrow whistled down from a nearby tree, striking one of the other foxes in the throat. The fox released his arrow, but it was off aim and soared harmlessly into the air. The third fox, upon seeing his other two comrades fall, brought his bow up and aimed at the ferret.
"Stow it, vermin! You've been lucky to live this long, but I've got another arrow notched an' ready if you want it."
Celleste gripped her shortsword tightly, staring at the fox. "Your call."
The fox growled, his deep, dark, green eyes roving from one beast to the other. "You killed members of my clan, one day I will kill yours. But until then you win." He fired the arrow into the ground. With a loud growl, he strode out of the clearing.
"How long d'y'think we've gots?" Acer stared at the two dead foxes, almost in a stupor. "That 'appened quicker'n y' c'n say Salamandastron."
Celleste growled followed the path the fox had taken, stopping at the edge of the camp. "Never mess with me, fox, you'll end up dead!" When no response came, she swung the shortsword and buried it in the trunk of a tree. Leaving it there, she strode back into the camp. "Best get a move on, Acer. He'll bring back more."
Lady Flynt came out of the bush; her bow held tightly in her paw with the second arrow still notched in it. "Anyone hurt?"
"Just a few of the other team's egos." Montel gave Celleste a pat on the back. "Good, quick thinking you two. Now let's get out of here."
"Yes," Corbin cupped a paw around his ear as he listened for any sounds of approaching beasts. "And we best be quick."
Elflein had remained silent the entire time. She slowly knelt by one of the foxes and studied it. "The fox said that we killed members of his clan. What do you think that meant?"
"We'll find out soon enough, sis." Celleste started towards her sister. "Let's go!"
Elflein reached for a small insignia that was embroidered on a piece of cloth and hanging from the fox's belt but was suddenly pulled to her feet. She started to protest, but the group was in too much of a hurry to stop. In less than a minute, Eagle Watch was nowhere to be found in or around the camp.
Chapter V
Starbane gave the fox a violent backhand, drawing blood, and caught him by the ear before he fell again. "You let them go?" He released the fox, who had yet to regain balance, and hissed as the tracker fell to the ground. "I paid your clan well, gave them food, shelter, military experience, and a good leader. How am I repaid? Utter failure!" He gave the fox a sharp kick. "Get up, Trent."
Trent coughed and spat the blood from his mouth. "I was outnumbered, they killed Reifer and Marx."
Starbane dropped to one knee beside the fox and clamped a paw around his throat. "Then kill one in return, preferably their leader."
Trent did his best to hide the pain that Starbane was inflicting on him, even going so far as to utter a low growl. "They will die. The clan will not stand idle after two of our comrades have been killed."
Starbane released the fox and stood. "Get your clan out of here. Tell them to elect a new leader. Seeing how Marx is dead, they will need a new one anyway. If you are not gone by nightfall, I will see to it you and your comrades never see the light of day."
Trent glared at the rat, but stood and bowed nonetheless. "It will be done."
Starbane watched the fox stalk off and call the score of foxes that made up the Foxtribe Clan. It would mean a small loss to his military strength, but there was no room for them. They were mercenaries, and he did not need them any more than the annoying resistance group that had sprung up seemingly overnight.
His mind shifted to the ferret that had fallen over the cliff. Curious, he sauntered over to the cliff's edge and peered down.
"Ferret, are you still there?"
"No beast here but us birds, Starbane!"
Starbane frowned. The ferret had holed himself up in a small alcove, making himself immune to archer attacks. "You can't stay in there forever, ferret. You have to give up sometime."
"I could live like a king in here, and when you least expect it, I will come and kill you in your sleep, rat."
"You're a traitor to your kind, and you deserve a traitors death."
There was a faint chuckle that seemed to rise from down below. "If you mean I am not a murderous, thieving, pillaging, plundering, villainous scum like yourself, then yes: I am a traitor. Otherwise, I am naught more than a ghost, Starbane."
Starbane shrugged the ferret's words aside. "You will starve to death, or die from your injuries. No one will come to care for you, mark that."
Down below, nestled in his shelter, Ghost had to fight to resist laughing solely to taunt the rat. He had torn the hem of his robe and made a makeshift bandage for the dagger wound, but Starbane was right. If he received no help soon, he would die. Archers had been warding off the gull, and he had not seen the lapwing since he met him this morning.
"Starbane, just remember my words. You will die in these lands. No beast will make you a grave, and until you die I will haunt you forever!"
"A mere trifle I will take care of when the time is right, ferret. You are in as much a position to bargain as the lowest class beast in my horde, maybe even less. Die for all I care, it will solve plenty of my problems for me."
Ghost closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall of the alcove. Hunger was slowly making its demand to be satisfied, but had yet to reach a level where it was unbearable. He had long ago given up trying to figure a way down, knowing full well his swollen ankle would not last in a climb, and instead turned his hopes to Eagle Watch. They knew he was alive, if the gull had been able to get a hold of Gurren, and Gurren in turn able to get a hold of the group.
He pulled a small pouch from his belt; part of the supplies he had been given upon joining Starbane's horde. In it were the crumbled remains of a few semi-stale oatcakes that had been crushed in the fall. They would do in a pinch, but he wanted to save them in case the need arose. He sincerely hoped it did not.
The sound of wings beating air caught his attention. He looked outside and watched the lapwing make a reckless attempt to land on the ledge.
"Lissen ferret, they come at night. Lady Flynt bring package." Gurren glanced up and flapped his wings. "Must go now, farewell."
Gurren took off as an arrow embedded itself in the nest where the lapwing had been perched a few seconds earlier. Ghost looked up at the ceiling of the alcove, as if he could see the horde above him through the rock.
"You missed him that time, Starbane! Ah, well, I can wait."
There was no reply, he did not wish to hear one anyway. There was nothing left to do now but wait for nightfall. Until then, there was always time for sleep.
Chapter VI
Lady Flynt stared at the rock wall in front of her, readjusted her pack, and muttered to herself again just how crazy she was for doing this. The pack, which weighed a considerable amount, had been filled with basic supplies. Food, water, and medical supplies to last for however long Ghost could stretch them out. A rope had been added as an afterthought, but was coiled and bound to the side of the pack, where Flynt could use it if necessary during her climb.
"Good luck, Flynt."
Celleste was the only one of the group who had come to see the squirrelmaid off. The rest had stayed behind to work on concealing their new camp. It had also been decided that too much activity at the base of the cliff was bound to attract attention, something none of them wanted.
"Celleste, any messages you want to give your dear once I get up?"
Celleste placed her paw on Flynt's shoulder. "Just tell him I'm waiting, and if he ever wants me to patch up that robe of his he'd better come down."
Lady Flynt grinned nervously. "He'll be fine. I don't know him half as well as you do, and I don't think I'd let him die without a fight."
Celleste shivered as a light, cool breeze blew through. She silently pulled her travel cloak tighter around herself. "Be careful, Flynt."
"Hey," Flynt said with a lopsided grin as she gripped the rock. "I'm a squirrel, climbing is my life."
Without a word more, she started her ascent. Never going too fast, or too slow, she belaboured her way up until she was lost from view in the darkness of the night. Celleste stayed a while longer, listening to the occasional clatter of a loose pebble falling down the cliff face, though never looking to see where it landed. Another breeze kicked up, stronger this time, and her cloak lightly whipped about her ankles.
"Good night, Ghost." She whispered the words into the wind and slowly started her walk home.
Flynt stopped to rest on a small ledge. Climbing a tree was easy, but rock was by far one of the most difficult challenges she had faced in her lifelong climbing career. Her claws were useless, and she had to rely on precarious handholds that under normal circumstances she would never consider using. She did not have much further to go, however. Another five minutes would see her on the ledge, which she saw above her and to the left, silhouetted against the night sky.
With a soft, yet determined growl, she continued her climb. Each step held an element of risk. As she clutched a stone, it could easily be the last; choosing to hold long enough to fool her, then crumbling and breaking as she placed her trust in it. It was an element almost beyond her control, yet she could not force herself to push it from her mind. She looked up to check her progress and found the goal just in reach. She shifted her weight, gripped a small fissure in the rock wall, and pulled herself up and less than an arm's length from the ledge. With the nimbleness only a squirrel could possess, she darted the rest of the way up. With a heavy sigh, she stretched out on the cool rock to catch her breath.
"You must be Lady Flynt."
She lifted her head and looked up at the ferret. "Aye, and that must mean you're Ghost."
He gave curt nod and offered a paw to pull her up. She willingly accepted, and once on her feet the two moved to the shelter of the alcove. Flynt noticed immediately that he walked with a heavily uneven gait.
"You're limping pretty badly, there."
"I fell and hurt my ankle. It will heal." He sat down, leaning against the alcove wall. For added comfort, he had lined the rock with pieces from the nest. "Have a seat."
Flynt let the pack drop to the floor and graciously sat back against the wall. "Nice place you have here, a bugger to reach, though."
"Well, it keeps me safe from the rain." He tossed her the arrow that had been shot at Gurren earlier that day.
Flynt looked the arrow over and tossed it carelessly aside. "Well, as long as you're safe, I suppose."
Ghost shook his head, but in the darkness, it was almost a useless gesture. "It won't be long before they figure out I'm not much more than a good rope's length away. When they do, they'll swarm this place like bees on honey."
"You'll need to get down then."
Again, Ghost shook his head. "Easier said than done. I have a few broken ribs and a swollen ankle. Not the best things to have on a climb."
"I've got rope. That will make it easier." She loosened the straps that held the rope to the pack and tossed the coil to Ghost. "It's not long enough to reach the bottom, but we could take it in stages. How are you at climbing, or should I even ask?"
"Don't ask. I'll pick it up soon enough, though. I always was a fast learner, especially when my life was on the line."
Lady Flynt just sighed and shook her head. It was going to be a long climb down, that was for sure.
"We're not getting down any time tonight. Get some rest, you look tired after your climb."
Lady Flynt suddenly felt heavy with exhaustion. "Aye, you're right." She yawned once, and was soon fast asleep.
Ghost rummaged through the supply pack until he came across a pencil. Taking the small book that the badger had given him, he wrote a long note. Then, he tied it closed with a small cord and dropped it off the side of the ledge. Someone would be around from the Watch by morning, and they would find it.
Ascent
Chapter I
Starbane growled as he stared down at the still form below. The ferret had not fallen as far as he had hoped. A ledge partway down had become the final resting ground. However, Starbane would have preferred that the ferret had fallen all the way down to the rocky floor at the base of the cliff. Because the fall had not been as great as he had hoped for, he spent a great deal of his morning watching the ferret for any signs of life. So far, however, he had made none. Starbane blinked.
"He moved."
Skullrag stared down at his fallen apprentice, then at the rat. "He is dead, he cannot move. Besides, if he was alive, it would not be for long." The assassin pointed at a nest resting on another ledge near where Ghost had fallen. "Gulls are very territorial."
Starbane growled as the assassin stalked away. This was out of his control, and he did not like it. His eyes shifted from the nest to the ferret, then back to the nest. "Fine. I hope you are alive, ferret, so you can feel the gulls tear you to pieces."
Starbane turned and took a few steps towards the centre of the camp. He gazed out across his camp and stopped, his eyes coming to rest on the assassin. Skullrag had made his way to the edge of the camp and was leaving, but not alone. Darkbane was with him. Overhead, a grey and white bird glided towards the edge of the cliffs on a wind current. This brought a grin to the horde commander. The gull had arrived. He returned his glare to Skullrag and Darkbane until they vanished into the trees. Then, out of curiosity, walked over to the cliff to watch the ferret's demise.
Skullrag was nearing the edge of the camp when a black rat stepped out in front of him. The assassin instinctively reached for a dagger.
"No need t' do that." The rat took a few steps towards the assassin. "M'name's Darkbane."
"Darkbane...how interesting." Skullrag feigned a look of interest and continued on his way.
"Wait up there, I 'ave a question fer ye."
Skullrag glared over his shoulder at the rat. "Speak your mind."
"Alright, 'ow does one go about becomin' an assassin?"
Skullrag turned to fully face the rat. "They find a master to teach them."
"An' where would I find a master?"
Skullrag grinned. "Your brother would not object?"
Darkbane waved a paw at the mention of his brother. "I'm through followin' 'im."
"Then come with me. I will teach you all there is to know." Skullrag turned and left the camp, his new apprentice following closely behind. "Of course, realise now that your first assignment will be your hardest."
"O' course, Sir."
"Maester, Darkbane. You will call me Maester."
"As you wish, Maester."
"That's better. With luck you will not turn out like my last student." Skullrag locked his eyes on Darkbane's and gave the rat a cold stare.
Darkbane gave a slow nod, he would ask about that later.
Chapter II
The Eagle Watch camp had fallen into a deafening silence. Acer had isolated himself in one far corner, not speaking with any beast and lapsing into his own thoughts and memories. Corbin and Montel had gone to scout the area for signs of pursuit. Lady Flynt had returned to speak with her lapwing companion. Celleste and Elflein had gone to a secluded clearing nearby, and spoke to no one save one another.
Of the six of them, Celleste was the worst off. When the rest of Eagle Watch had stumbled upon her and Elflein in the forest, the otter did not even need to speak for them to know that something had gone wrong. Acer seemed to know almost immediately, and Corbin was not far behind. They had left Elflein and Celleste behind and listened while Flynt outlined an idea that had formed in her mind.
Gurren, her lapwing companion, was friends with a few seagulls who inhabited the cliffs. He could easily scout the cliffside and let them know if recovering the body was at all possible. Acer had given his silent approval of the idea with a slow nod of the head. As soon as he had found out what happened that night, his mind clouded over and seemed to stop functioning altogether.
Now, he was staring off into nothingness and found his mind replaying the scene he had witnessed four seasons ago, when Ghost had chosen betrayal of his own kind to defend a friend. It had happened again; Ghost had placed himself in harms way for a complete stranger, and had died for it. It just did not seem possible that something like that could happen. No beast, vermin or not, deserved a death brought about by defending what was good and right.
His mind argued against its own thought. Ghost had died doing what he sought out to do. It was a risk he had taken upon himself, and it was what he had wanted the Watch to stand for. Ghost was not lost, nor was he undeserving of the fate that had befallen him. He died for a cause, and for what he believed in. It was self-sacrifice for another. Now that Montel and Lady Flynt had volunteered to join, it would have had been fitting for Ghost to lead. That was nothing more than a distant dream, though. Ghost was gone; the Watch would stay at six.
Acer stood and drove a javelin into the dirt. To sit about and mope all day was worthless. Starbane had lost a prisoner and would more than likely send out a search team. The entire Watch was at risk of being set upon by trackers and a retrieval team. The fear of that happening, with the team in such a condition that is was, would end in the loss of most, if not all, of the Watch. He could not allow that to happen.
Using the javelin as a staff of sorts, he made his way back to the centre of the camp. "Eagle Watch report!"
The command echoed in the clearing, and soon Elflein and Celleste appeared through the trees. Acer was relieved to see Celleste looked better, though it was debatable in his mind whether she really was or not. The three stood in silence until Corbin and Montel returned from their patrol.
"We 'ave a problem. Ghost left, an' now we're down a leader. I'll take th' job 'til things sort themselves out." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Ghost's loss is a tragedy, th' first that th' Watch will suffer, but not th' last if we stand. We all 'ave a choice, now, an' I'd like t' present it t'y'all. Y'can leave th' Watch, or follow me an' stick through 'til the end."
Montel buried the stolen axe in the ground. "I'll fight with you."
"I am in as well." Corbin grinned softly and leaned against his sword, digging the tip of the blade in the dirt for support. "No sense leaving a battle half fought."
Elflein looked down at Celleste. "Yore call, sis. I'm in if you are."
Celleste stared forward silently for what seemed like minutes, though in actuality was only ten seconds. "I wouldn't leave for the world."
Elflein gave Acer a nod. "Where she goes, I go."
The hare grinned and looked the group over. "We'll fight, then. I don't want t' hang 'bout this place long, so once Lady Flynt returns with that bird o' hers, we're strinkin' th' camp an' leavin' fer a new place. Until then, rest; but keep alert. If I've got any sense in me, Starbane'll be lookin' fer his lost prisoner." He saluted the others. "Look forward t' settlin' his hash, though. Eagle Watch, you are dismissed."
Chapter III
Pain was the only sensation that registered in Ghost's mind. His body hurt; he could not move. His eyes hurt; he could not see. His jaw hurt; he could not speak. His ears were filled with a constant ringing; he could not hear. His head was aching terribly; he could not focus his thoughts.
He was not sure of how long he had lain where he had fallen, but he was not even certain if he cared. Once the painless, dreamless sleep of unconsciousness had given way to a conscious, dreamless sleep, the pain had come and refused to die away. He refused to die away as well.
He made an effort to open one eye, just enough to get an idea of what time of day it was. The lack of sunlight shining on where he was led him to guess that it was sometime during the morning. He had fallen from the cliff at night, or early morning -he could not recall exactly- and guessed he had been unconscious for only a few hours; any longer seemed highly unlikely.
He let the eye close again and shifted slightly in his position. At least he could still move, no matter how little it was. He would have to figure out his limits later. The ringing in his ears ceased, and voices caught his attention. One registered deep within his memory, and though he could not recall a name or face, he immediately knew it was danger, and that to keep still would be the best thing he could do. Unknowingly, he slipped into a dreamless sleep.
He awoke slowly sometime later and risked opening his eyes again, this time to see if the owner of the voice was still there. The first things he saw were a pair of bloodred eyes glaring down at him.
"Look, is alive."
Ghost trembled and looked away, knowing he was unable to defend himself against the bird if it chose to strike.
"Ferret sir, you name Ghost, right?"
Ghost looked back up at the bird.
"Ferret send to look for you. She upset bad, all think you dead. Can you stand?"
Inwardly, Ghost felt relieved at hearing the bird speak friendly towards him. He tried to will himself to speak. "Where is..." he had to take another breath. "Where is Celleste?"
The bird cocked its head. "You mean other ferret? She fine at camp with rabbit and otter. They send me find you."
Ghost breathed a sigh of relief and closed his eyes, warding off a returning headache.
"Hello down there."
The lapwing glanced up at the voice and hissed. Ghost opened his eyes and looked past the bird at the speaker. At the top of the cliff, bow drawn to its bent, was Starbane.
"I knew you weren't dead, ferret. That is something that can be easily remedied, though."
Ghost slowly pushed himself to a sitting position and pushed the bird aside so he could see Starbane clearly. "What do you want, Starbane?"
"Your blood, ferret." He loosed the arrow.
The deadly shaft whistled through the air and buried into the ground a good distance from Ghost.
"Ha! Not such a good shot, eh Starbane?"
Starbane ignored Ghost's comment and notched a second arrow. "Ghost, you will die, and I will kill you." He drew the arrow back, aimed, and released. Once again, the arrow struck dirt.
Ghost laid back on the ground and looked up at the bird. "How long until he hits, do you figure?" A third arrow whistled down, and Gurren had to jump aside to avoid it. Ghost turned and looked at the wooden shaft. "Try again, Starbane. I think the cliff is still alive."
Starbane growled. "I'll be back, ferret, with a real archer. You will die."
Ghost looked at the lapwing. "Listen, go find help as fast as you can. I'll wait out the storm."
"My name Gurren. I get help. Many more. Good luck!"
With a graceful hop powerful beat of the wings, Gurren was airborne. Ghost glanced about the ledge to see what he could use as shelter or protection. Starbane would return, he had no doubts about that, but he did not know how long it would take him too return.
He tried to push himself up to a sitting position again and checked for broken bones. As far as he was able to tell, three ribs were broken, and his left ankle was swollen, but nothing more beyond that. His head throbbed, but that was from a gash caused by falling on a rock, not because it was broken. He tried to stand, keeping most of his weight on his right foot. He was successful, but off balance, and had to use the rock wall for support. Ghost took a deep breath and hobbled over to the edge of the ledge, looking down to see how far he was from the bottom. He immediately saw it was too far to jump, or climb; he would have to get down another way.
"You there!"
Ghost jumped and pressed his back against the rock wall as he turned to see who it was. A grey and white seagull glided up and landed on the ledge.
"Gurren sent me. Said you were in trouble."
"Aye, a bit." Ghost relaxed; it seemed Gurren knew a few friends. "Any ideas?"
The gull glanced up, then down. "You walk?"
"A little."
"Come." The gull beckoned him over. "Go to nest, you see. Hiding place."
Ghost hobbled over to the gull and looked for the nest. "Where's the nest?"
"There. We fly over." The gull pointed to the second ledge and fluttered his wings. "You hold on tight, get on back."
The gull lowered himself so Ghost could climb onto his back. Then he took to the air. Ghost was glad it was a short flight, not lasting more than a few seconds. He did not know if his weight was enough to hinder long term flight. When they arrived, Ghost was dropped into the nest.
"Now listen good. On wall behind is small cave. Not cave really, more like hole. Rest there. Rat not find you there."
Ghost pushed himself to his feet and looked at the small shelter. It was not large, but it would do. "Thank you, sir. Tell Gurren I said thanks as well."
"No problem. My name Stryker, what yours?"
"Ghost."
"Rest, Ghost. I return with food later."
Ghost watched the gull fly off and limped over to the hole in the wall. He nestled up against one of the rock sides and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter IV
Celleste was lying beneath a tree in a sort of stunned silence, lost in thought about the past few days. Everything had come and gone with such speed she hardly knew how to react to it now. For her, the initial pain had gone and had been replaced by shock. The event would register soon, however she did not know when. Therefore, she spent her time staring up at the clouds and thinking.
A loud snap followed by intense rustling of leaves brought her out of the dream-like silence and she jumped to her feet, shortsword drawn.
"Who goes there?"
"Flynt. Celleste, is that you? Come here quick!"
The excited sound of Lady Flynt's voice confused her, but nevertheless, Celleste sheathed the shortsword and walked towards the trees. Flynt came bounding out, almost colliding full force into the ferret.
"Celleste, wonderful news, you won't believe it. Where are the others?"
Celleste clamped a paw on the darting squirrelmaid's shoulder. "Slow down. What news do you have that seems so urgent."
Lady Flynt grinned at Celleste as she spoke. The words came out so fast, Celleste had to stop her and tell her to start again slower.
"Gurren came back from meeting with one of the gulls. He's alive."
There was an awkward silence as the words registered with Celleste, and when they did the two bounded off towards the camp together.
"Acer, Montel, Corbin, Elflein! Ghost I still alive!" Celleste burst through the brush, still struggling to get her travel cloak on, and ran headlong into the badger. "Terribly sorry," she suddenly gave the stunned Montel an excited hug. "He's alive!" She ran further into the camp. "Acer, Elflein, where are you?"
"Here, ol' gel. What's all th' noise about?" Acer entered from the opposite end of the camp and watched as the ferret and squirrel danced circles around a laughing badger. "I daresay, wot'n'th' blazes...." He cupped his paws around his mouth and gave a loud shout. "WHAT'S GOIN' ON HERE?"
Celleste nearly bowled him over. "Ghost's alive."
"Wha? How?"
"Gurren spoke with the gulls, they have him alive and in a safe spot on the cliff."
Acer grinned and gave a loud shout. "Wahoo! Well, now we need t' figure out how t' get th' poor chap down." He whistled, bringing the camp back into silence. "Listen, Ghost is alive, but now we've got t' figure a way t' get 'im off th' cliff." He thought a moment. "Flynt, how badly hurt is Ghost?"
"He won't be climbin' down, or up, any time soon. The gull told Gurren that he was limping. Also said he had a nasty looking hole in his chest."
Acer frowned. "Well, we need t' figure out wot 'e needs, an' get 't up t' 'im as soon as possible." He suddenly straightened up as something caught his ear. "First we need t' move out afore Starbane's hunters find us."
"Too late, you long eared freak."
All save Celleste and Lady Flynt turned to find three foxes standing, arrows notched on their bows and drawn to their bent. Celleste growled low, her back to the three hunters as she fingered the hilt of her shortsword. Lady Flynt ran with the speed possessed by all squirrels and vanished into the bush; so quickly that the foxes did not notice her presence.
"Listen up, you are going to do as I say, or you will find out what a pincushion feels like. You, ferret, turn around."
Celleste slowly turned her head around to face the fox, her eyes narrowing as she glared into his own. "You, sir, can address me properly, or you can kill me."
The fox grinned mischievously and eased up on the bow. "Looks like we've got a troublemaker here, boys." He walked over until he was half a step from Celleste, who still had her back to him. "What's your name, missy?"
"No matter of yours."
Celleste drew the shortsword and spun, slashing at an upward angle at the fox. Everyone was caught off guard by the sudden attack, and the blade struck its target full on. At the same moment Celleste attacked, an arrow whistled down from a nearby tree, striking one of the other foxes in the throat. The fox released his arrow, but it was off aim and soared harmlessly into the air. The third fox, upon seeing his other two comrades fall, brought his bow up and aimed at the ferret.
"Stow it, vermin! You've been lucky to live this long, but I've got another arrow notched an' ready if you want it."
Celleste gripped her shortsword tightly, staring at the fox. "Your call."
The fox growled, his deep, dark, green eyes roving from one beast to the other. "You killed members of my clan, one day I will kill yours. But until then you win." He fired the arrow into the ground. With a loud growl, he strode out of the clearing.
"How long d'y'think we've gots?" Acer stared at the two dead foxes, almost in a stupor. "That 'appened quicker'n y' c'n say Salamandastron."
Celleste growled followed the path the fox had taken, stopping at the edge of the camp. "Never mess with me, fox, you'll end up dead!" When no response came, she swung the shortsword and buried it in the trunk of a tree. Leaving it there, she strode back into the camp. "Best get a move on, Acer. He'll bring back more."
Lady Flynt came out of the bush; her bow held tightly in her paw with the second arrow still notched in it. "Anyone hurt?"
"Just a few of the other team's egos." Montel gave Celleste a pat on the back. "Good, quick thinking you two. Now let's get out of here."
"Yes," Corbin cupped a paw around his ear as he listened for any sounds of approaching beasts. "And we best be quick."
Elflein had remained silent the entire time. She slowly knelt by one of the foxes and studied it. "The fox said that we killed members of his clan. What do you think that meant?"
"We'll find out soon enough, sis." Celleste started towards her sister. "Let's go!"
Elflein reached for a small insignia that was embroidered on a piece of cloth and hanging from the fox's belt but was suddenly pulled to her feet. She started to protest, but the group was in too much of a hurry to stop. In less than a minute, Eagle Watch was nowhere to be found in or around the camp.
Chapter V
Starbane gave the fox a violent backhand, drawing blood, and caught him by the ear before he fell again. "You let them go?" He released the fox, who had yet to regain balance, and hissed as the tracker fell to the ground. "I paid your clan well, gave them food, shelter, military experience, and a good leader. How am I repaid? Utter failure!" He gave the fox a sharp kick. "Get up, Trent."
Trent coughed and spat the blood from his mouth. "I was outnumbered, they killed Reifer and Marx."
Starbane dropped to one knee beside the fox and clamped a paw around his throat. "Then kill one in return, preferably their leader."
Trent did his best to hide the pain that Starbane was inflicting on him, even going so far as to utter a low growl. "They will die. The clan will not stand idle after two of our comrades have been killed."
Starbane released the fox and stood. "Get your clan out of here. Tell them to elect a new leader. Seeing how Marx is dead, they will need a new one anyway. If you are not gone by nightfall, I will see to it you and your comrades never see the light of day."
Trent glared at the rat, but stood and bowed nonetheless. "It will be done."
Starbane watched the fox stalk off and call the score of foxes that made up the Foxtribe Clan. It would mean a small loss to his military strength, but there was no room for them. They were mercenaries, and he did not need them any more than the annoying resistance group that had sprung up seemingly overnight.
His mind shifted to the ferret that had fallen over the cliff. Curious, he sauntered over to the cliff's edge and peered down.
"Ferret, are you still there?"
"No beast here but us birds, Starbane!"
Starbane frowned. The ferret had holed himself up in a small alcove, making himself immune to archer attacks. "You can't stay in there forever, ferret. You have to give up sometime."
"I could live like a king in here, and when you least expect it, I will come and kill you in your sleep, rat."
"You're a traitor to your kind, and you deserve a traitors death."
There was a faint chuckle that seemed to rise from down below. "If you mean I am not a murderous, thieving, pillaging, plundering, villainous scum like yourself, then yes: I am a traitor. Otherwise, I am naught more than a ghost, Starbane."
Starbane shrugged the ferret's words aside. "You will starve to death, or die from your injuries. No one will come to care for you, mark that."
Down below, nestled in his shelter, Ghost had to fight to resist laughing solely to taunt the rat. He had torn the hem of his robe and made a makeshift bandage for the dagger wound, but Starbane was right. If he received no help soon, he would die. Archers had been warding off the gull, and he had not seen the lapwing since he met him this morning.
"Starbane, just remember my words. You will die in these lands. No beast will make you a grave, and until you die I will haunt you forever!"
"A mere trifle I will take care of when the time is right, ferret. You are in as much a position to bargain as the lowest class beast in my horde, maybe even less. Die for all I care, it will solve plenty of my problems for me."
Ghost closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall of the alcove. Hunger was slowly making its demand to be satisfied, but had yet to reach a level where it was unbearable. He had long ago given up trying to figure a way down, knowing full well his swollen ankle would not last in a climb, and instead turned his hopes to Eagle Watch. They knew he was alive, if the gull had been able to get a hold of Gurren, and Gurren in turn able to get a hold of the group.
He pulled a small pouch from his belt; part of the supplies he had been given upon joining Starbane's horde. In it were the crumbled remains of a few semi-stale oatcakes that had been crushed in the fall. They would do in a pinch, but he wanted to save them in case the need arose. He sincerely hoped it did not.
The sound of wings beating air caught his attention. He looked outside and watched the lapwing make a reckless attempt to land on the ledge.
"Lissen ferret, they come at night. Lady Flynt bring package." Gurren glanced up and flapped his wings. "Must go now, farewell."
Gurren took off as an arrow embedded itself in the nest where the lapwing had been perched a few seconds earlier. Ghost looked up at the ceiling of the alcove, as if he could see the horde above him through the rock.
"You missed him that time, Starbane! Ah, well, I can wait."
There was no reply, he did not wish to hear one anyway. There was nothing left to do now but wait for nightfall. Until then, there was always time for sleep.
Chapter VI
Lady Flynt stared at the rock wall in front of her, readjusted her pack, and muttered to herself again just how crazy she was for doing this. The pack, which weighed a considerable amount, had been filled with basic supplies. Food, water, and medical supplies to last for however long Ghost could stretch them out. A rope had been added as an afterthought, but was coiled and bound to the side of the pack, where Flynt could use it if necessary during her climb.
"Good luck, Flynt."
Celleste was the only one of the group who had come to see the squirrelmaid off. The rest had stayed behind to work on concealing their new camp. It had also been decided that too much activity at the base of the cliff was bound to attract attention, something none of them wanted.
"Celleste, any messages you want to give your dear once I get up?"
Celleste placed her paw on Flynt's shoulder. "Just tell him I'm waiting, and if he ever wants me to patch up that robe of his he'd better come down."
Lady Flynt grinned nervously. "He'll be fine. I don't know him half as well as you do, and I don't think I'd let him die without a fight."
Celleste shivered as a light, cool breeze blew through. She silently pulled her travel cloak tighter around herself. "Be careful, Flynt."
"Hey," Flynt said with a lopsided grin as she gripped the rock. "I'm a squirrel, climbing is my life."
Without a word more, she started her ascent. Never going too fast, or too slow, she belaboured her way up until she was lost from view in the darkness of the night. Celleste stayed a while longer, listening to the occasional clatter of a loose pebble falling down the cliff face, though never looking to see where it landed. Another breeze kicked up, stronger this time, and her cloak lightly whipped about her ankles.
"Good night, Ghost." She whispered the words into the wind and slowly started her walk home.
Flynt stopped to rest on a small ledge. Climbing a tree was easy, but rock was by far one of the most difficult challenges she had faced in her lifelong climbing career. Her claws were useless, and she had to rely on precarious handholds that under normal circumstances she would never consider using. She did not have much further to go, however. Another five minutes would see her on the ledge, which she saw above her and to the left, silhouetted against the night sky.
With a soft, yet determined growl, she continued her climb. Each step held an element of risk. As she clutched a stone, it could easily be the last; choosing to hold long enough to fool her, then crumbling and breaking as she placed her trust in it. It was an element almost beyond her control, yet she could not force herself to push it from her mind. She looked up to check her progress and found the goal just in reach. She shifted her weight, gripped a small fissure in the rock wall, and pulled herself up and less than an arm's length from the ledge. With the nimbleness only a squirrel could possess, she darted the rest of the way up. With a heavy sigh, she stretched out on the cool rock to catch her breath.
"You must be Lady Flynt."
She lifted her head and looked up at the ferret. "Aye, and that must mean you're Ghost."
He gave curt nod and offered a paw to pull her up. She willingly accepted, and once on her feet the two moved to the shelter of the alcove. Flynt noticed immediately that he walked with a heavily uneven gait.
"You're limping pretty badly, there."
"I fell and hurt my ankle. It will heal." He sat down, leaning against the alcove wall. For added comfort, he had lined the rock with pieces from the nest. "Have a seat."
Flynt let the pack drop to the floor and graciously sat back against the wall. "Nice place you have here, a bugger to reach, though."
"Well, it keeps me safe from the rain." He tossed her the arrow that had been shot at Gurren earlier that day.
Flynt looked the arrow over and tossed it carelessly aside. "Well, as long as you're safe, I suppose."
Ghost shook his head, but in the darkness, it was almost a useless gesture. "It won't be long before they figure out I'm not much more than a good rope's length away. When they do, they'll swarm this place like bees on honey."
"You'll need to get down then."
Again, Ghost shook his head. "Easier said than done. I have a few broken ribs and a swollen ankle. Not the best things to have on a climb."
"I've got rope. That will make it easier." She loosened the straps that held the rope to the pack and tossed the coil to Ghost. "It's not long enough to reach the bottom, but we could take it in stages. How are you at climbing, or should I even ask?"
"Don't ask. I'll pick it up soon enough, though. I always was a fast learner, especially when my life was on the line."
Lady Flynt just sighed and shook her head. It was going to be a long climb down, that was for sure.
"We're not getting down any time tonight. Get some rest, you look tired after your climb."
Lady Flynt suddenly felt heavy with exhaustion. "Aye, you're right." She yawned once, and was soon fast asleep.
Ghost rummaged through the supply pack until he came across a pencil. Taking the small book that the badger had given him, he wrote a long note. Then, he tied it closed with a small cord and dropped it off the side of the ledge. Someone would be around from the Watch by morning, and they would find it.