Part Seven
Chaos
Chapter I
Night had fallen, and with it went the moral of Starbane's horde. News had spread like wildfire about the ambush that had lessened their numbers by two score. Warspite had been spared from the rat commander's wrath simply by luck. Starbane instead sufficed his appetite for blood by swearing revenge. The horde had wisely decided to give their commander a wide berth, and he now sat alone at one of the camp's watchfires, his miss-matched eyes reflecting the flickering flame.
"Starbane, you look as though you've seen a Ghost."
"I want to know where my brother is, Skullrag."
"He's around, if you can find him. He learns quickly, much like my former pupil did, if not more so."
Starbane stood and glared at the assassin. "You've brought bad luck to m'horde. Since you arrived, I've lost a prisoner, over three score of my numbers, and my brother." He drew a dagger and pressed it to Skullrag's gut before the ferret could react. "I wonder if it would all end if I kill you."
"You can try, but you will be dead."
"Who's gonna kill me, ferret?"
"Turn around and see."
Starbane chuckled. "You don't fool me that easily."
A cold voice stopped Starbane's chuckle cold. "Ye should more often, brother. It jus' might prove useful."
Starbane glanced over his shoulder. Darkbane was standing next to the fire, a bow in paw with an arrow drawn and ready.
"Darkbane, you disappoint me."
"Yer jus' tryin' t' win me over. Nice try, but it ain't gonna work. Now let Skullrag go, or yer gonna know what an arrer in yer back feels like."
Starbane retracted the dagger, his eyes still boring into Darkbane's. "Why are you here?"
"We thought you might have a business proposal for us."
"I want that small group of rebels shattered."
Skullrag grinned. "I know just how to do it. One of them, the hare from Salamandastron, is a friend of Ghost's, and is their part time leader. By killing him you could effectively destroy their moral."
Starbane leaned in until his nose was a hairbreadth away from Skullrag's. "I don't care how you do it, just do it. Now get out of my sight." He glanced back at Darkbane, but saw only empty space. When he looked back to Skullrag, he started when he found that he was gone as well. He shuddered. "I don't like assassins, too sneaky. Warspite, come here!"
It took a while for the weasel to arrive, but when he did Starbane wasted no time. "We are going to strike the resistance fast and hard. I don't care if we conquer the badlands, we can always come back, but I want that ferret and his friends dead!"
"Of course. But how do you plan about doing it, m'lord."
Starbane glared at his second in command. "We out number them. That alone should make it easy."
"Sir, we outnumbered the Foxtribe, but they cut us down without a single loss on their side."
Starbane grinned. "Good observation. Ambush works. If it works, we'll use it. Three score ambushing seven will guarantee victory."
Warspite grinned. "Good to know, m'lord. Shall I ready the horde?"
"No. Wait until they're through getting over the Foxtribe incident. They've been struck dumb and will make stupid mistakes in battle. We can wait."
Warspite bowed. "Of course, m'lord."
Chapter II
Celleste looked up at the stars as she stroked Ghost's head, which was cradled in her lap. She was relieved that he was safe, and things seemed to be looking up. Trent had reportedly taken out two score of the vermin in Starbane's horde, lowering them to three score left to fight. More importantly, though, the Watch was back together. After she and Elflein had managed to bring Ghost back to the camp -both ferrets had requested to be in a small clearing near the main camp- Ghost had fallen fast asleep. Now, however, both were awake and gazing up at the stars.
"They are quite lovely."
"Aye," Ghost became aware that he was falling asleep again watching the stars. "They are nice to look at."
"I got your message."
Ghost's ears perked up. "Oh? What did you decide?"
She looked down at him and scratched his chin. "You know."
"I want to hear you say it."
"I want to hear you ask it, first."
He took her paw in both of his and rubbed it gently. "Celleste, I would be honoured if you would consider taking me to be your husband."
She gently lifted his head off her lap and stretched out on the ground next to him. "What do you think my answer will be?"
"I don't know, but a clue would be helpful."
She huddled up beside him and nuzzled her head into his neck fur. "I will. When is the ceremony going to be?"
"As soon as this is over. I'm sure someone at Salamandastron would know where we could go."
Celleste smiled and felt here eyelids getting heavy. She stifled a yawn. "Ghost,"
He did not answer, he had fallen asleep. She kissed him gently on the cheek and was soon dozing alongside him.
Elflein chuckled as the two fell asleep, oblivious to the fact they had been spied on. She nudged Lady Flynt and winked.
"I think it's cute."
Elflein shook her head and chuckled. "I think it's about time. I'm glad to se she's found someone. Ghost was rare. There aren't too many good ferrets in the world."
"There's another family somewhere south of here, or so I've heard. Hard to tell what rumours are true nowadays." Lady Flynt sighed. "Wish I could find someone like that."
"You will, you rogue." Elflein grinned.
The two turned and made their way back to the camp. Acer was sitting with Corbin and Montel, still lazy from the massive amount of soup he had tucked in for dinner. He waved at the two as they emerged from the trees.
"I say, 'ave they gone t'sleep?"
Elflein nodded. "Yes, and if you wake them up, I'll learn ya real quick just how much of a virtue silence can be."
Corbin yawned and nodded to the others. "I need to get some sleep." The silent warrior grinned drowsily and made his way to the spot of earth he claimed for his bed.
Elflein caught the next yawn. "Those things are contagious, or I ain't an otter. Good night all. Montel, it's your watch now, right?"
The big badger gave a slow nod. "Get some sleep. No beast is going to mess with us while I'm watching the place."
"Remember that we have two back there." Elflein pointed to the small clearing where Ghost and Celleste were.
"I will. Go sleep."
The ottermaid followed orders well, and was soon fast asleep near the fire. Acer stretched and trotted over to a log. Using it as a pillow, he was soon snoring soundly. Lady Flynt slowly gazed about the sleeping camp.
"You know, I like this Watch business. Feels like I'm in a family again."
Montel gave her a slow, agreeing nod. "That's what Corbin and I feel as well."
"Why are the two of you so quiet?"
"We are working on that. We've travelled together for five seasons, alone. After a while, you run out of things to talk about, and you learn to communicate silently. Now that we're in a larger group, though, we need to work on talking again. We're just both silent by nature."
Lady Flynt gave a slow nod. "I think I understood most of that."
Montel chuckled. "Get some sleep."
The squirrel needed no second urging, and was soon fast asleep. Montel stood slowly, shouldering his axe, and silently made his way over to the spot where Elflein had been spying on Ghost and Celleste. He had to admit silently to himself; the two looked made for each other. He watched them for a moment, then started a slow patrol of the perimeter of the camp.
He had gone a few rounds about the perimeter and was about to return to the fire when a glint caught his eye. Holding the axe ready, he silently made his way towards whoever it was.
Chapter III
Trent gripped his bow tightly as he stole through the forest. Behind and to both sides of him, the one and a half score strong Foxtribe did likewise. Each fox had his or her own bow ready, arrows notched in preparation for the quick, guerrilla attack. Ahead, the camp watchfires were burning low, and scouts had already reported that most of the horde had drifted off to sleep.
He held a paw up, motioning the group to stop. Up ahead, hanging from a tree by a rope around his neck, was a fox. Trent made his way noiselessly towards the body. The rope had not been the method of death. A long gash ran perpendicular to the windpipe, and that was enough.
"Who is that, sir?" A younger member of the tribe slowly crept towards the hanging body and bared his teeth in anger.
"One of Starbane's own. His name was Thorpe, if I remember correctly. I asked him once to join us; top notch archer. A shame." He pushed past the body and stopped at the edge of the tree line. "Is the tribe ready, Snitch?"
Snitch glanced over his shoulder. "Been ready all day."
Trent held up his paw again, this time pointing at the camp. Foxtribe raised their bows, took aim, and awaited the signal. Trent's paw dropped, and thirty black-shafted arrows took to the air. The Foxtribe leader waited to loose his own, though, saving his arrow for a special target.
Starbane yawned; it was going to be a long night. He was still fuming over the loss of two score of his finest warriors, and Warspite had yet to recover from the brutal response he had received for delivering the message. Now, the weasel was sitting across the fire, holding his still sore nose in both paws. The rat stared at his second in command.
"Well? Are you just going to sit there and sulk the night away?"
Warspite growled. "Didn't you ever learn not to kill the messenger? You should be going after Trent and his Foxtribe."
A loud chorus of cries and screams took the two off guard. Both stood and turned to face the main camp; Starbane cursed and spit into the fire at what he saw. The horde had been ambushed, and about fifteen beasts had black shafts protruding from their bodies.
"Trent? Are you out there, Trent? It's me, Starbane. How would you like to parley?" A black arrow buried itself near the rat's feet. He pulled it free and snapped it in two. "Then you can all die!"
"You first, rat."
Starbane gnashed his teeth together. "Warspite, get armed patrols to scout the area. I want them dead."
"You want every beast dead." Warspite's comment was met with an icy stare. "All right, m'lord. It will be done."
Trent snapped his bow in two upon watching his arrow fall short. "Fall back, they'll be scouring the woods now."
Snitch glanced back. "Why don't we finish them off now?"
"We'll wait for reinforcements, and then back them up while they do all the work."
Another fox, Bloodwort, shouldered his bow and drew up alongside the two. "Are you sure that is a wise move?"
Trent grinned as he continued walking away from the dishevelled camp. "Of course it is. Let that ferret and his group fight, we'll snipe from a distance and stay safe."
"Good plan, Trent." Bloodwort glanced back. "They're coming, but I do not think they will want to set foot in the wood for a while."
Trent glanced at the other fox. "And why is that?"
Bloodwort took his bow from his shoulder, notched an arrow, and fired it at a stoat. The unfortunate beast fell; struck square in the chest. The rest of the scout group hesitated, and Bloodwort grinned at his leader.
Chapter IV
Montel had broken out in a cold sweat. There was no doubt in his mind that someone, or something, was in the trees around the camp. Whatever it was smelled strongly of the sea, but not of any living beast. He twirled the axe and sniffed the cool night air. A flash caught his eye, and he whirled around to face it. A low growl rose in his throat, and he gripped the haft of the axe tightly as he stood in a battle stance. Standing before him was a shadow of a rat, two glinting daggers in its paws.
"Assassin?"
"Mayhaps, stripedog."
Montel's ears perked up. "I know your voice, Darkbane."
"You are dead."
Something glinted in the rat's eyes, and Montel spun, bringing the axe about in a wide circle. The heavy blade struck a second figure solidly, and in a blur, Montel was facing Darkbane again. Darkbane took a step back and twirled the dagger in his right paw.
"You are quick. Not quick enough, though. Catch a shadow, stripedog." The black rat vanished into the trees.
Montel turned to see whom he had struck with the axe. His eyes narrowed as the scent of blood filled his nostrils. Whoever it had been was gone, leaving behind a trail of blood. The thought to follow the injured attacker came to his mind, but left when he remembered he was on watch for another hour yet. Wiping the blood from the axe head, he strode back to the campfire. On his way, he glanced at the sleeping form of Acer.
"Sleep well, one hour more." He shook his head, anticipating the good rest that awaited him. For now, though, he needed to wait out the adrenaline rush that had come during the brief encounter.
Darkbane hissed as he searched out his mentor. The ferret was most likely dead; nothing could withstand a blow like the one the badger had delivered. The smell of blood drifted to him on a soft breeze, and he followed it to its source.
He found Skullrag lying where he had ended his crawl away from the camp. A heavy trail of dark blood showed the path he had taken, and it was instantly clear that the assassin had died. Darkbane knelt beside the body and rolled it onto its back.
"Too bad, looks like fate caught up with ye."
He searched the body for anything useful, finding only one of the twin daggers gripped tightly in the ferret's paw. He pried it loose and studied the blood-covered blade. Wiping it clean, he backtracked along the trail left by Skullrag until he found the second dagger, which was also covered in blood. A grin spread across his face, and he ran off into the woods without a sound.
The hour had come and gone without further incident, though once Montel thought he had caught wind of Darkbane for a brief moment. With a yawn, he stood and stretched. His watch was over, and Acer was set to replace him. Leaving the axe by the fire, he slowly made his way over to the hare.
"Acer, your watch."
The hare did not stir.
"Acer, get up."
Baffled, Montel knelt beside the sleeping hare. Acer, out of habit, slept on his stomach, and was doing so now. Montel gave him a rough shove. Still, the hare refused to wake up. A wave of panic swept over the badger, and he rolled Acer onto his back. A dark stain was visible on the ground where the hare had been sleeping, and a second marred the fur on Acer's throat. The realisation struck Montel like a falling boulder and his heart skipped a beat. The adrenaline that had long left his blood returned like a flood, and he ran to where he had left his axe by the fire.
"EAGLE WATCH!"
The loud call woke everyone in the camp. Corbin yawned and glared at Montel. "What's the shouting about?"
Elflein rubbed her eyes wearily and yawned. "Keep th' noise down, mate, we're tryin' t' sleep."
Montel looked around the camp. "Where are Ghost and Celleste?"
"Sleeping in the next clearing."
Lady Flynt stretched and yawned. "Why do ya want to know?"
"Find them, make sure they are alright. Acer's been assassinated."
The news left all stunned into silence. Elflein was the first to recover, and she ran towards the clearing where Ghost and Celleste had fallen asleep. Corbin was next, and he stood and walked over to where Acer was lying still on the ground.
Lady Flynt growled. "Assassins are the lowliest of the low. I'll kill 'em slowly."
Montel shook his head. "One of them is dead, I can guarantee that." He grinned. "Gave him a taste of my axe."
Elflein returned from the next clearing looking somewhat relieved. "They're fine. The two will be along in a second, Ghost just needed time t' think things over. He took th' news a bit hard."
Corbin knelt beside the hare and shook his head. "A shame, really. Starbane will pay for this, no doubt. Ghost'll see him to the grave."
All eyes turned as Ghost entered supported by Celleste. The two crossed the camp and stopped by the hare's side. Ghost wiped a tear away from his eye.
"I will avenge your death, friend. Starbane will pay with his life, and I will see to it he does."
He leaned heavily on Celleste as the energy seemed to drain from him. She walked him back to the fire and sat him down on the ground, taking a seat next to him.
"Listen," she said, taking his paw. "It's gonna be alright. Just cry on me."
Elflein's heart broke at the sight of Ghost crying on her sister's shoulder. Lady Flynt came up alongside the otter and wiped a tear from her eye. She did not have as long as the others had to get to know the hare from Salamandastron, and she was recovering from the shock faster than anyone else was. She gave Elflein a nudge.
"Why's Ghost so upset?"
Elflein sighed and shook her head. "Ghost was friends with Acer four seasons back. It's a long story, you'd 'ave t' ask Ghost 'bout it."
"Must have been good friends." Lady Flynt watched the two ferrets in silence for a moment. "Breaks you're heart. I don't envy Starbane for the fate that awaits him."
Elflein glanced down at the squirrelmaid. "Nor I."
Chapter VII
Daybreak saw Starbane tired from lack of sleep. His horde was sluggish and slow to respond, as they had gone without sleep all night for fear of another attack. The count had come in, fifteen were dead and another four wounded. Foxtribe had made its wrath known. Militarily, Starbane was a wreck. His ambitions for controlling the land north of the River Moss had been foiled by a ferret, his followers, and a group of disgruntled foxes. Warspite was still angry with him for the harsh treatment he had received, and several of the horde members were starting to doubt his leading capabilities. They still feared him, and he kept it that way, but they were becoming less responsive to his commands, and a few had stopped obeying completely.
"Starbane."
The rat jumped and spun around, drawing his rapier and levelling it at his brother's throat. "Never sneak up on me like that. Where's Skullrag?"
"Dead. The badger killed him."
"Is it done?"
"Yes. The hare's dead."
Starbane sheathed his rapier. "I want proof."
"My word is proof enough."
Starbane was in no mood to argue with his brother, so he nodded and shrugged. "Why don't you join the horde again?"
"I like my new life." Darkbane crossed his arms over his chest and grinned. "You could join me, though. Leave this mess of a horde."
Starbane shook his head. "No. This is my horde, and we can win."
Darkbane did a quick count. "Seems to me you lost quite a bit since I've been gone."
"A few, yes." Starbane glanced over his shoulder. "We can still win."
"Where's Sytre?"
"Dead. The Foxtribe ambushed two score when they were trying to ambush that ferret and squirrel. They all died. We were attacked again last night by Foxtribe, fifteen dead and four wounded."
"Aw, too bad. Maybe ye should've kept Foxtribe. They sound like a formidable group, if they've taken out three score already."
"We'll win."
Darkbane shook his head. "Ye ain't gonna win. My offer stands for as long as ye do. Feel free to jus' walk away and leave."
Starbane pointed a finger at his brother. "I'm not leaving. If I say we can win, then we can win. Foxtribe will die, that ferret and his friends will die, and this land will be mine!"
Darkbane shook his head again. "Then yer jus' gonna die." He turned and started walking away.
"Where are you going, brother?"
"Away, brother. I ain't got no reason to be here any more. Farewell."
Starbane spat on the ground as his brother walked away. "I'll show you what my horde can do. Warspite!"
The weasel slowly made his way across the camp. "Yes, Starbane?"
"Warspite," Starbane's tone of voice turned apologetic. "I am truly sorry for how I mistreated you. Forgive me. All of that is passed, though; we have bigger problems to sort out. The ferret and his group have suffered a loss. Seeing how they are in mourning, I think it would be appropriate to pay them a visit. Have our best scout find where they are camped, and we will pay our respects when all of them are corpses baking in the sun."
Warspite grinned. "Welcome back, commander." He turned and started shouting to the horde. "Blackeye, find Lancer and Scree. We're gonna find us a ferret!"
Starbane grinned. He was back in control.
Chapter VIII
Trent pressed his paws together and grinned at the three others that occupied the small clearing.
"Bloodwort, Snitch, Dengar, we are going to try something that, if failed, could be the end of us."
"Of Foxtribe, sir?"
"No, Dengar, of the four of us. We are going to befriend the ferret and his peacekeepers. It will be beneficial to our group. Like I said before, we find an ally who will fight for us."
Snitch scratched his head. "I thought the ferrets said they didn't want to ally with us."
Trent shrugged. "A minor obstacle. I can change their minds easily."
Bloodwort grinned slyly. "And just how do you plan on doing that?"
"That is why we are here." The Foxtribe commander pressed his paws together. "That group stands for peace and giving aid to those in need. We simply need to find a need that they can aid. Inform the Foxtribe that they are to camp here for the next four days. Then return here. Snitch, stay here." Trent watched the other two leave before focusing his eyes on the young fox. "I want to ask you a question, if I may,"
"Of course."
"How good are you at feigning injuries?"
Snitch grinned and shrugged. "Well, name it and I'll tell you."
"Dagger to the lower back, giving you a limp."
The young fox thought for a moment. "Easy. Need the blood, though."
"How squeamish are you about blood, Snitch?"
"Not very, sir."
"Go back to Thorpe's carcass and bring it here. Be very careful not to attract attention."
Sntich left just as Bloodwort and Dengar were returning. Trent motioned them to sit and began outlining his plan.
"Foxtribe is dead. Starbane had a small group of his killers ambush us. This ferret is big on the justice philosophy, so we will claim that we surrendered; knowing it would prevent bloodshed. Starbane, however, would not have it that way. He ordered the deaths of all of us. The four of us are all that remain. Snitch went to fetch something that we need for our costumes. Bloodwort, you know a bit about healing so you will be in charge of keeping their healer off our backs. You will also be the only one not bearing any serious wounds. Snitch has a dagger in the lower back, and a limp. Dengar, you will have a hurt arm, your choice. I will take care of myself, and see to it that Starbane took time to place the leader of Foxtribe in extreme pain. Once we get inside their sphere of trust, we will tear them apart. They killed members of our clan, we will take them with us. Before we kill them, though, I want to use them to bring Starbane crashing down."
Bloodwort raised a paw. "What if they catch on?"
"Then we use my backup plan. Kill the ferret's group, and then kill Starbane ourselves."
Snitch returned with the limp body of Thorpe slung over his shoulder. He dropped it to the ground. "There you go."
"Thank you, Snitch."
Trent drew his dagger and slit the body open. "Bloodwort, go get some bandages. I'm about to give us all our wounds."
Chapter IX
Acer had been laid to rest in a small clearing where the last star of night could be seen. Ghost had not uttered a word in the presence of Eagle Watch since his vow to avenge the death of his friend. Dawn saw him still sitting by the dying embers of the watchfire, Celleste sleeping on his shoulder. Corbin had found a trail of blood and followed it to the source, returning with the report that Montel had killed one of the two assassins. The news seemed to affect Ghost's mood even more, and his expression deepened further into the harboured hatred for Starbane.
By noon, little had changed. Celleste had been roused from her sleep earlier and managed to talk Ghost into a walk, from which they were now returning. Lady Flynt had gone as well, to inform Gurren and his flock to watch out for the Starbane's scouts. Elflein was stoking a new fire to prepare the noon meal while Corbin and Montel held a tight watch. Corbin, hearing the approach of the two ferrets, raised his blade in the direction of the sound.
"Who walks, state your names."
"Ghost and Celleste." Celleste smiled at the mouse as she led Ghost into the camp. "We ran into Lady Flynt and Gurren, both of them will be around shortly."
Corbin gave a nod. "Welcome back, Elflein is getting ready to serve some soup."
Ghost gave the mouse a nod. "Find anything new?"
Corbin was startled by the shakiness in Ghost's voice, but kept the surprise well hidden. "No. Montel is hoping to get his paws around Darkbane's neck, though."
"I hope he gets his chance."
"Enough talk about death, dear." Celleste urged Ghost further into the camp. "Now you're going to get some rest, it will do you good."
Elflein glanced up from the fire. "Yore th' mother he ne'er 'ad, sis. Now fergit sleepin' an' get some grub. Ye can't sleep on an empty stomach."
Ghost had sat back against a tree trunk and was dozing away. Both otter and ferret shook their heads.
"Well, guess ye can." Elflein handed her sister a wooden bowl half full of soup. "Not hotroot, we're a bit pressed but it'll do."
"Thank you." Celleste tasted the soup and decided to let it cool down a little. "He asked last night."
"And?" Elflein nudged her sister. "Ye didn't leave 'im hangin there, did ye?"
"No, of course not. As soon as things clear up here, we're going to Salamandastron and asking if they know where we can have a formal ceremony."
"Loam'edge. I can tell ye right away that's where ye want t' go. It's a ways south o' here, an abbey. I'm sure they'd be happy to help ye out in that area."
"I forgot about Loamhedge." Celleste tasted the soup again. "Sounds nice."
There was a sudden growl and loud crash from one end of the camp. Several shouts, followed by Montel's overwhelming cannon of a voice followed. The badger appeared, pushing four battered foxes into the camp.
"Found 'em creeping around and followed them for a while."
One of the foxes, the youngest, winced and grabbed at his bandaged back. "We were just lookin' for a place to rest. You near took our heads off with that axe."
Celleste looked the four over and froze when her eyes locked on Trent. "Wait, I know one of them."
"Aye," Elflein narrowed her eyes. "That'n there was with th' scoutin' group we disbanded th' other day. Starbane probably sent 'em."
Trent pushed himself to his feet, pressing a paw to what was left of his ear. "Right, I knew full well you would recognise us, that is why we came. Starbane kicked us out of the horde when we failed to kill you. My clan was forced to leave, and last night we were set upon by a battle group from his horde. He killed all but us four, and we were beaten badly before we were able to escape. We were just looking for a place to rest the day. We can be gone by morning."
Ghost, who had been roused by Montel's voice, glared at Trent from where he sat against the tree. "You were going to kill me, fox. Why should I grant you refuge?" He slowly pushed himself to his feet and limped over to where the four foxes were gathered. "I know your status with Starbane, but I also know where Eagle Watch stands with you. Trust is not an option I am allowing myself to take now. Give me one good reason, and I might reconsider throwing you out of my camp."
Trent locked eyes with the ferret. "Justice, perhaps?"
Ghost pointed towards the second clearing. "We'll talk, alone. Drop whatever weapons you may have here, first."
Trent obliged, leaving behind a dagger and matching rapier as Ghost led him to the clearing. As soon as they were out of view of the rest, the ferret turned on the fox, a dagger drawn and held tightly in his paw.
Trent's eyes locked on the dagger blade. "This is not the same ferret I met at the base of the cliff, is it."
"Things happen. Why are you here?"
The fox locked eyes with Ghost. "First off, call me Trent."
"Why are you here, Trent?"
"I was right, you have changed. Something happened, didn't it?" Trent pressed his paw against the bleeding ear. He would have to thank the badger for his impaired hearing later. "Justice has melded with revenge, hasn't it."
Ghost took a step forward and pressed the dagger against Trent's throat. "Why are you here? Answer or die."
"Why," Trent slowly pushed the dagger aside. "I am here for the same reason you are. To kill Starbane."
Ghost sheathed the dagger and pushed past the fox, returning to the main camp. "Come."
Trent grinned as the ferret limped away. Things had gone easier than he thought they would. He followed the ferret, one thought playing on his mind. It was, as he had told truthfully, revenge. The ferret had said trust was not something he could afford. Trent made a mental note to teach him how true instinct was.
Chaos
Chapter I
Night had fallen, and with it went the moral of Starbane's horde. News had spread like wildfire about the ambush that had lessened their numbers by two score. Warspite had been spared from the rat commander's wrath simply by luck. Starbane instead sufficed his appetite for blood by swearing revenge. The horde had wisely decided to give their commander a wide berth, and he now sat alone at one of the camp's watchfires, his miss-matched eyes reflecting the flickering flame.
"Starbane, you look as though you've seen a Ghost."
"I want to know where my brother is, Skullrag."
"He's around, if you can find him. He learns quickly, much like my former pupil did, if not more so."
Starbane stood and glared at the assassin. "You've brought bad luck to m'horde. Since you arrived, I've lost a prisoner, over three score of my numbers, and my brother." He drew a dagger and pressed it to Skullrag's gut before the ferret could react. "I wonder if it would all end if I kill you."
"You can try, but you will be dead."
"Who's gonna kill me, ferret?"
"Turn around and see."
Starbane chuckled. "You don't fool me that easily."
A cold voice stopped Starbane's chuckle cold. "Ye should more often, brother. It jus' might prove useful."
Starbane glanced over his shoulder. Darkbane was standing next to the fire, a bow in paw with an arrow drawn and ready.
"Darkbane, you disappoint me."
"Yer jus' tryin' t' win me over. Nice try, but it ain't gonna work. Now let Skullrag go, or yer gonna know what an arrer in yer back feels like."
Starbane retracted the dagger, his eyes still boring into Darkbane's. "Why are you here?"
"We thought you might have a business proposal for us."
"I want that small group of rebels shattered."
Skullrag grinned. "I know just how to do it. One of them, the hare from Salamandastron, is a friend of Ghost's, and is their part time leader. By killing him you could effectively destroy their moral."
Starbane leaned in until his nose was a hairbreadth away from Skullrag's. "I don't care how you do it, just do it. Now get out of my sight." He glanced back at Darkbane, but saw only empty space. When he looked back to Skullrag, he started when he found that he was gone as well. He shuddered. "I don't like assassins, too sneaky. Warspite, come here!"
It took a while for the weasel to arrive, but when he did Starbane wasted no time. "We are going to strike the resistance fast and hard. I don't care if we conquer the badlands, we can always come back, but I want that ferret and his friends dead!"
"Of course. But how do you plan about doing it, m'lord."
Starbane glared at his second in command. "We out number them. That alone should make it easy."
"Sir, we outnumbered the Foxtribe, but they cut us down without a single loss on their side."
Starbane grinned. "Good observation. Ambush works. If it works, we'll use it. Three score ambushing seven will guarantee victory."
Warspite grinned. "Good to know, m'lord. Shall I ready the horde?"
"No. Wait until they're through getting over the Foxtribe incident. They've been struck dumb and will make stupid mistakes in battle. We can wait."
Warspite bowed. "Of course, m'lord."
Chapter II
Celleste looked up at the stars as she stroked Ghost's head, which was cradled in her lap. She was relieved that he was safe, and things seemed to be looking up. Trent had reportedly taken out two score of the vermin in Starbane's horde, lowering them to three score left to fight. More importantly, though, the Watch was back together. After she and Elflein had managed to bring Ghost back to the camp -both ferrets had requested to be in a small clearing near the main camp- Ghost had fallen fast asleep. Now, however, both were awake and gazing up at the stars.
"They are quite lovely."
"Aye," Ghost became aware that he was falling asleep again watching the stars. "They are nice to look at."
"I got your message."
Ghost's ears perked up. "Oh? What did you decide?"
She looked down at him and scratched his chin. "You know."
"I want to hear you say it."
"I want to hear you ask it, first."
He took her paw in both of his and rubbed it gently. "Celleste, I would be honoured if you would consider taking me to be your husband."
She gently lifted his head off her lap and stretched out on the ground next to him. "What do you think my answer will be?"
"I don't know, but a clue would be helpful."
She huddled up beside him and nuzzled her head into his neck fur. "I will. When is the ceremony going to be?"
"As soon as this is over. I'm sure someone at Salamandastron would know where we could go."
Celleste smiled and felt here eyelids getting heavy. She stifled a yawn. "Ghost,"
He did not answer, he had fallen asleep. She kissed him gently on the cheek and was soon dozing alongside him.
Elflein chuckled as the two fell asleep, oblivious to the fact they had been spied on. She nudged Lady Flynt and winked.
"I think it's cute."
Elflein shook her head and chuckled. "I think it's about time. I'm glad to se she's found someone. Ghost was rare. There aren't too many good ferrets in the world."
"There's another family somewhere south of here, or so I've heard. Hard to tell what rumours are true nowadays." Lady Flynt sighed. "Wish I could find someone like that."
"You will, you rogue." Elflein grinned.
The two turned and made their way back to the camp. Acer was sitting with Corbin and Montel, still lazy from the massive amount of soup he had tucked in for dinner. He waved at the two as they emerged from the trees.
"I say, 'ave they gone t'sleep?"
Elflein nodded. "Yes, and if you wake them up, I'll learn ya real quick just how much of a virtue silence can be."
Corbin yawned and nodded to the others. "I need to get some sleep." The silent warrior grinned drowsily and made his way to the spot of earth he claimed for his bed.
Elflein caught the next yawn. "Those things are contagious, or I ain't an otter. Good night all. Montel, it's your watch now, right?"
The big badger gave a slow nod. "Get some sleep. No beast is going to mess with us while I'm watching the place."
"Remember that we have two back there." Elflein pointed to the small clearing where Ghost and Celleste were.
"I will. Go sleep."
The ottermaid followed orders well, and was soon fast asleep near the fire. Acer stretched and trotted over to a log. Using it as a pillow, he was soon snoring soundly. Lady Flynt slowly gazed about the sleeping camp.
"You know, I like this Watch business. Feels like I'm in a family again."
Montel gave her a slow, agreeing nod. "That's what Corbin and I feel as well."
"Why are the two of you so quiet?"
"We are working on that. We've travelled together for five seasons, alone. After a while, you run out of things to talk about, and you learn to communicate silently. Now that we're in a larger group, though, we need to work on talking again. We're just both silent by nature."
Lady Flynt gave a slow nod. "I think I understood most of that."
Montel chuckled. "Get some sleep."
The squirrel needed no second urging, and was soon fast asleep. Montel stood slowly, shouldering his axe, and silently made his way over to the spot where Elflein had been spying on Ghost and Celleste. He had to admit silently to himself; the two looked made for each other. He watched them for a moment, then started a slow patrol of the perimeter of the camp.
He had gone a few rounds about the perimeter and was about to return to the fire when a glint caught his eye. Holding the axe ready, he silently made his way towards whoever it was.
Chapter III
Trent gripped his bow tightly as he stole through the forest. Behind and to both sides of him, the one and a half score strong Foxtribe did likewise. Each fox had his or her own bow ready, arrows notched in preparation for the quick, guerrilla attack. Ahead, the camp watchfires were burning low, and scouts had already reported that most of the horde had drifted off to sleep.
He held a paw up, motioning the group to stop. Up ahead, hanging from a tree by a rope around his neck, was a fox. Trent made his way noiselessly towards the body. The rope had not been the method of death. A long gash ran perpendicular to the windpipe, and that was enough.
"Who is that, sir?" A younger member of the tribe slowly crept towards the hanging body and bared his teeth in anger.
"One of Starbane's own. His name was Thorpe, if I remember correctly. I asked him once to join us; top notch archer. A shame." He pushed past the body and stopped at the edge of the tree line. "Is the tribe ready, Snitch?"
Snitch glanced over his shoulder. "Been ready all day."
Trent held up his paw again, this time pointing at the camp. Foxtribe raised their bows, took aim, and awaited the signal. Trent's paw dropped, and thirty black-shafted arrows took to the air. The Foxtribe leader waited to loose his own, though, saving his arrow for a special target.
Starbane yawned; it was going to be a long night. He was still fuming over the loss of two score of his finest warriors, and Warspite had yet to recover from the brutal response he had received for delivering the message. Now, the weasel was sitting across the fire, holding his still sore nose in both paws. The rat stared at his second in command.
"Well? Are you just going to sit there and sulk the night away?"
Warspite growled. "Didn't you ever learn not to kill the messenger? You should be going after Trent and his Foxtribe."
A loud chorus of cries and screams took the two off guard. Both stood and turned to face the main camp; Starbane cursed and spit into the fire at what he saw. The horde had been ambushed, and about fifteen beasts had black shafts protruding from their bodies.
"Trent? Are you out there, Trent? It's me, Starbane. How would you like to parley?" A black arrow buried itself near the rat's feet. He pulled it free and snapped it in two. "Then you can all die!"
"You first, rat."
Starbane gnashed his teeth together. "Warspite, get armed patrols to scout the area. I want them dead."
"You want every beast dead." Warspite's comment was met with an icy stare. "All right, m'lord. It will be done."
Trent snapped his bow in two upon watching his arrow fall short. "Fall back, they'll be scouring the woods now."
Snitch glanced back. "Why don't we finish them off now?"
"We'll wait for reinforcements, and then back them up while they do all the work."
Another fox, Bloodwort, shouldered his bow and drew up alongside the two. "Are you sure that is a wise move?"
Trent grinned as he continued walking away from the dishevelled camp. "Of course it is. Let that ferret and his group fight, we'll snipe from a distance and stay safe."
"Good plan, Trent." Bloodwort glanced back. "They're coming, but I do not think they will want to set foot in the wood for a while."
Trent glanced at the other fox. "And why is that?"
Bloodwort took his bow from his shoulder, notched an arrow, and fired it at a stoat. The unfortunate beast fell; struck square in the chest. The rest of the scout group hesitated, and Bloodwort grinned at his leader.
Chapter IV
Montel had broken out in a cold sweat. There was no doubt in his mind that someone, or something, was in the trees around the camp. Whatever it was smelled strongly of the sea, but not of any living beast. He twirled the axe and sniffed the cool night air. A flash caught his eye, and he whirled around to face it. A low growl rose in his throat, and he gripped the haft of the axe tightly as he stood in a battle stance. Standing before him was a shadow of a rat, two glinting daggers in its paws.
"Assassin?"
"Mayhaps, stripedog."
Montel's ears perked up. "I know your voice, Darkbane."
"You are dead."
Something glinted in the rat's eyes, and Montel spun, bringing the axe about in a wide circle. The heavy blade struck a second figure solidly, and in a blur, Montel was facing Darkbane again. Darkbane took a step back and twirled the dagger in his right paw.
"You are quick. Not quick enough, though. Catch a shadow, stripedog." The black rat vanished into the trees.
Montel turned to see whom he had struck with the axe. His eyes narrowed as the scent of blood filled his nostrils. Whoever it had been was gone, leaving behind a trail of blood. The thought to follow the injured attacker came to his mind, but left when he remembered he was on watch for another hour yet. Wiping the blood from the axe head, he strode back to the campfire. On his way, he glanced at the sleeping form of Acer.
"Sleep well, one hour more." He shook his head, anticipating the good rest that awaited him. For now, though, he needed to wait out the adrenaline rush that had come during the brief encounter.
Darkbane hissed as he searched out his mentor. The ferret was most likely dead; nothing could withstand a blow like the one the badger had delivered. The smell of blood drifted to him on a soft breeze, and he followed it to its source.
He found Skullrag lying where he had ended his crawl away from the camp. A heavy trail of dark blood showed the path he had taken, and it was instantly clear that the assassin had died. Darkbane knelt beside the body and rolled it onto its back.
"Too bad, looks like fate caught up with ye."
He searched the body for anything useful, finding only one of the twin daggers gripped tightly in the ferret's paw. He pried it loose and studied the blood-covered blade. Wiping it clean, he backtracked along the trail left by Skullrag until he found the second dagger, which was also covered in blood. A grin spread across his face, and he ran off into the woods without a sound.
The hour had come and gone without further incident, though once Montel thought he had caught wind of Darkbane for a brief moment. With a yawn, he stood and stretched. His watch was over, and Acer was set to replace him. Leaving the axe by the fire, he slowly made his way over to the hare.
"Acer, your watch."
The hare did not stir.
"Acer, get up."
Baffled, Montel knelt beside the sleeping hare. Acer, out of habit, slept on his stomach, and was doing so now. Montel gave him a rough shove. Still, the hare refused to wake up. A wave of panic swept over the badger, and he rolled Acer onto his back. A dark stain was visible on the ground where the hare had been sleeping, and a second marred the fur on Acer's throat. The realisation struck Montel like a falling boulder and his heart skipped a beat. The adrenaline that had long left his blood returned like a flood, and he ran to where he had left his axe by the fire.
"EAGLE WATCH!"
The loud call woke everyone in the camp. Corbin yawned and glared at Montel. "What's the shouting about?"
Elflein rubbed her eyes wearily and yawned. "Keep th' noise down, mate, we're tryin' t' sleep."
Montel looked around the camp. "Where are Ghost and Celleste?"
"Sleeping in the next clearing."
Lady Flynt stretched and yawned. "Why do ya want to know?"
"Find them, make sure they are alright. Acer's been assassinated."
The news left all stunned into silence. Elflein was the first to recover, and she ran towards the clearing where Ghost and Celleste had fallen asleep. Corbin was next, and he stood and walked over to where Acer was lying still on the ground.
Lady Flynt growled. "Assassins are the lowliest of the low. I'll kill 'em slowly."
Montel shook his head. "One of them is dead, I can guarantee that." He grinned. "Gave him a taste of my axe."
Elflein returned from the next clearing looking somewhat relieved. "They're fine. The two will be along in a second, Ghost just needed time t' think things over. He took th' news a bit hard."
Corbin knelt beside the hare and shook his head. "A shame, really. Starbane will pay for this, no doubt. Ghost'll see him to the grave."
All eyes turned as Ghost entered supported by Celleste. The two crossed the camp and stopped by the hare's side. Ghost wiped a tear away from his eye.
"I will avenge your death, friend. Starbane will pay with his life, and I will see to it he does."
He leaned heavily on Celleste as the energy seemed to drain from him. She walked him back to the fire and sat him down on the ground, taking a seat next to him.
"Listen," she said, taking his paw. "It's gonna be alright. Just cry on me."
Elflein's heart broke at the sight of Ghost crying on her sister's shoulder. Lady Flynt came up alongside the otter and wiped a tear from her eye. She did not have as long as the others had to get to know the hare from Salamandastron, and she was recovering from the shock faster than anyone else was. She gave Elflein a nudge.
"Why's Ghost so upset?"
Elflein sighed and shook her head. "Ghost was friends with Acer four seasons back. It's a long story, you'd 'ave t' ask Ghost 'bout it."
"Must have been good friends." Lady Flynt watched the two ferrets in silence for a moment. "Breaks you're heart. I don't envy Starbane for the fate that awaits him."
Elflein glanced down at the squirrelmaid. "Nor I."
Chapter VII
Daybreak saw Starbane tired from lack of sleep. His horde was sluggish and slow to respond, as they had gone without sleep all night for fear of another attack. The count had come in, fifteen were dead and another four wounded. Foxtribe had made its wrath known. Militarily, Starbane was a wreck. His ambitions for controlling the land north of the River Moss had been foiled by a ferret, his followers, and a group of disgruntled foxes. Warspite was still angry with him for the harsh treatment he had received, and several of the horde members were starting to doubt his leading capabilities. They still feared him, and he kept it that way, but they were becoming less responsive to his commands, and a few had stopped obeying completely.
"Starbane."
The rat jumped and spun around, drawing his rapier and levelling it at his brother's throat. "Never sneak up on me like that. Where's Skullrag?"
"Dead. The badger killed him."
"Is it done?"
"Yes. The hare's dead."
Starbane sheathed his rapier. "I want proof."
"My word is proof enough."
Starbane was in no mood to argue with his brother, so he nodded and shrugged. "Why don't you join the horde again?"
"I like my new life." Darkbane crossed his arms over his chest and grinned. "You could join me, though. Leave this mess of a horde."
Starbane shook his head. "No. This is my horde, and we can win."
Darkbane did a quick count. "Seems to me you lost quite a bit since I've been gone."
"A few, yes." Starbane glanced over his shoulder. "We can still win."
"Where's Sytre?"
"Dead. The Foxtribe ambushed two score when they were trying to ambush that ferret and squirrel. They all died. We were attacked again last night by Foxtribe, fifteen dead and four wounded."
"Aw, too bad. Maybe ye should've kept Foxtribe. They sound like a formidable group, if they've taken out three score already."
"We'll win."
Darkbane shook his head. "Ye ain't gonna win. My offer stands for as long as ye do. Feel free to jus' walk away and leave."
Starbane pointed a finger at his brother. "I'm not leaving. If I say we can win, then we can win. Foxtribe will die, that ferret and his friends will die, and this land will be mine!"
Darkbane shook his head again. "Then yer jus' gonna die." He turned and started walking away.
"Where are you going, brother?"
"Away, brother. I ain't got no reason to be here any more. Farewell."
Starbane spat on the ground as his brother walked away. "I'll show you what my horde can do. Warspite!"
The weasel slowly made his way across the camp. "Yes, Starbane?"
"Warspite," Starbane's tone of voice turned apologetic. "I am truly sorry for how I mistreated you. Forgive me. All of that is passed, though; we have bigger problems to sort out. The ferret and his group have suffered a loss. Seeing how they are in mourning, I think it would be appropriate to pay them a visit. Have our best scout find where they are camped, and we will pay our respects when all of them are corpses baking in the sun."
Warspite grinned. "Welcome back, commander." He turned and started shouting to the horde. "Blackeye, find Lancer and Scree. We're gonna find us a ferret!"
Starbane grinned. He was back in control.
Chapter VIII
Trent pressed his paws together and grinned at the three others that occupied the small clearing.
"Bloodwort, Snitch, Dengar, we are going to try something that, if failed, could be the end of us."
"Of Foxtribe, sir?"
"No, Dengar, of the four of us. We are going to befriend the ferret and his peacekeepers. It will be beneficial to our group. Like I said before, we find an ally who will fight for us."
Snitch scratched his head. "I thought the ferrets said they didn't want to ally with us."
Trent shrugged. "A minor obstacle. I can change their minds easily."
Bloodwort grinned slyly. "And just how do you plan on doing that?"
"That is why we are here." The Foxtribe commander pressed his paws together. "That group stands for peace and giving aid to those in need. We simply need to find a need that they can aid. Inform the Foxtribe that they are to camp here for the next four days. Then return here. Snitch, stay here." Trent watched the other two leave before focusing his eyes on the young fox. "I want to ask you a question, if I may,"
"Of course."
"How good are you at feigning injuries?"
Snitch grinned and shrugged. "Well, name it and I'll tell you."
"Dagger to the lower back, giving you a limp."
The young fox thought for a moment. "Easy. Need the blood, though."
"How squeamish are you about blood, Snitch?"
"Not very, sir."
"Go back to Thorpe's carcass and bring it here. Be very careful not to attract attention."
Sntich left just as Bloodwort and Dengar were returning. Trent motioned them to sit and began outlining his plan.
"Foxtribe is dead. Starbane had a small group of his killers ambush us. This ferret is big on the justice philosophy, so we will claim that we surrendered; knowing it would prevent bloodshed. Starbane, however, would not have it that way. He ordered the deaths of all of us. The four of us are all that remain. Snitch went to fetch something that we need for our costumes. Bloodwort, you know a bit about healing so you will be in charge of keeping their healer off our backs. You will also be the only one not bearing any serious wounds. Snitch has a dagger in the lower back, and a limp. Dengar, you will have a hurt arm, your choice. I will take care of myself, and see to it that Starbane took time to place the leader of Foxtribe in extreme pain. Once we get inside their sphere of trust, we will tear them apart. They killed members of our clan, we will take them with us. Before we kill them, though, I want to use them to bring Starbane crashing down."
Bloodwort raised a paw. "What if they catch on?"
"Then we use my backup plan. Kill the ferret's group, and then kill Starbane ourselves."
Snitch returned with the limp body of Thorpe slung over his shoulder. He dropped it to the ground. "There you go."
"Thank you, Snitch."
Trent drew his dagger and slit the body open. "Bloodwort, go get some bandages. I'm about to give us all our wounds."
Chapter IX
Acer had been laid to rest in a small clearing where the last star of night could be seen. Ghost had not uttered a word in the presence of Eagle Watch since his vow to avenge the death of his friend. Dawn saw him still sitting by the dying embers of the watchfire, Celleste sleeping on his shoulder. Corbin had found a trail of blood and followed it to the source, returning with the report that Montel had killed one of the two assassins. The news seemed to affect Ghost's mood even more, and his expression deepened further into the harboured hatred for Starbane.
By noon, little had changed. Celleste had been roused from her sleep earlier and managed to talk Ghost into a walk, from which they were now returning. Lady Flynt had gone as well, to inform Gurren and his flock to watch out for the Starbane's scouts. Elflein was stoking a new fire to prepare the noon meal while Corbin and Montel held a tight watch. Corbin, hearing the approach of the two ferrets, raised his blade in the direction of the sound.
"Who walks, state your names."
"Ghost and Celleste." Celleste smiled at the mouse as she led Ghost into the camp. "We ran into Lady Flynt and Gurren, both of them will be around shortly."
Corbin gave a nod. "Welcome back, Elflein is getting ready to serve some soup."
Ghost gave the mouse a nod. "Find anything new?"
Corbin was startled by the shakiness in Ghost's voice, but kept the surprise well hidden. "No. Montel is hoping to get his paws around Darkbane's neck, though."
"I hope he gets his chance."
"Enough talk about death, dear." Celleste urged Ghost further into the camp. "Now you're going to get some rest, it will do you good."
Elflein glanced up from the fire. "Yore th' mother he ne'er 'ad, sis. Now fergit sleepin' an' get some grub. Ye can't sleep on an empty stomach."
Ghost had sat back against a tree trunk and was dozing away. Both otter and ferret shook their heads.
"Well, guess ye can." Elflein handed her sister a wooden bowl half full of soup. "Not hotroot, we're a bit pressed but it'll do."
"Thank you." Celleste tasted the soup and decided to let it cool down a little. "He asked last night."
"And?" Elflein nudged her sister. "Ye didn't leave 'im hangin there, did ye?"
"No, of course not. As soon as things clear up here, we're going to Salamandastron and asking if they know where we can have a formal ceremony."
"Loam'edge. I can tell ye right away that's where ye want t' go. It's a ways south o' here, an abbey. I'm sure they'd be happy to help ye out in that area."
"I forgot about Loamhedge." Celleste tasted the soup again. "Sounds nice."
There was a sudden growl and loud crash from one end of the camp. Several shouts, followed by Montel's overwhelming cannon of a voice followed. The badger appeared, pushing four battered foxes into the camp.
"Found 'em creeping around and followed them for a while."
One of the foxes, the youngest, winced and grabbed at his bandaged back. "We were just lookin' for a place to rest. You near took our heads off with that axe."
Celleste looked the four over and froze when her eyes locked on Trent. "Wait, I know one of them."
"Aye," Elflein narrowed her eyes. "That'n there was with th' scoutin' group we disbanded th' other day. Starbane probably sent 'em."
Trent pushed himself to his feet, pressing a paw to what was left of his ear. "Right, I knew full well you would recognise us, that is why we came. Starbane kicked us out of the horde when we failed to kill you. My clan was forced to leave, and last night we were set upon by a battle group from his horde. He killed all but us four, and we were beaten badly before we were able to escape. We were just looking for a place to rest the day. We can be gone by morning."
Ghost, who had been roused by Montel's voice, glared at Trent from where he sat against the tree. "You were going to kill me, fox. Why should I grant you refuge?" He slowly pushed himself to his feet and limped over to where the four foxes were gathered. "I know your status with Starbane, but I also know where Eagle Watch stands with you. Trust is not an option I am allowing myself to take now. Give me one good reason, and I might reconsider throwing you out of my camp."
Trent locked eyes with the ferret. "Justice, perhaps?"
Ghost pointed towards the second clearing. "We'll talk, alone. Drop whatever weapons you may have here, first."
Trent obliged, leaving behind a dagger and matching rapier as Ghost led him to the clearing. As soon as they were out of view of the rest, the ferret turned on the fox, a dagger drawn and held tightly in his paw.
Trent's eyes locked on the dagger blade. "This is not the same ferret I met at the base of the cliff, is it."
"Things happen. Why are you here?"
The fox locked eyes with Ghost. "First off, call me Trent."
"Why are you here, Trent?"
"I was right, you have changed. Something happened, didn't it?" Trent pressed his paw against the bleeding ear. He would have to thank the badger for his impaired hearing later. "Justice has melded with revenge, hasn't it."
Ghost took a step forward and pressed the dagger against Trent's throat. "Why are you here? Answer or die."
"Why," Trent slowly pushed the dagger aside. "I am here for the same reason you are. To kill Starbane."
Ghost sheathed the dagger and pushed past the fox, returning to the main camp. "Come."
Trent grinned as the ferret limped away. Things had gone easier than he thought they would. He followed the ferret, one thought playing on his mind. It was, as he had told truthfully, revenge. The ferret had said trust was not something he could afford. Trent made a mental note to teach him how true instinct was.