Okay everyone, this is my big one. I started this in…sheesh, about a year ago. That's when the idea came up. I've been adding to it, making changes, and throwing stuff out since July. So, here 'tis, while not quite finished (not by a LONG shot), a few have been able to enjoy it. See if you can notice a difference from the beginning and the end…
The island of Serus lies shrouded in the mist of the great ocean. It is said that a great earthquake made the land into one that shows no mercy. Great deserts cover the land and giant plateau loom over the dusty horizon. Somehow, life managed to flourish on this desolate wasteland. The underground rivers and caves managed to give rise to badgers and otters alike. They learned to live peacefully among each other. Serus wasn't always peaceful though. There was once a time when evil vermin ran freely across Serus, and often raided the coast in their great ships. The badgers were forced out of the caves after another earthquake when waterways blocked off land routes underground. They took to the safety of the dunes and became nomadic and war-like. The otters turned the caves into a military camp, named after the founder, L'aqua Crimsonblayd. Every season, another ship would loom on the shores of Holt L'aqua, and soon fall due to the tremendous force of the army of otters. But could it really have gone on like this forever?
PROLOGUE
Bright sunlight gleamed off the shear cliffs on the outside of Holt L'aqua. It was very early in the morning, yet fort L'aqua bustled with activity. Otters ran about the place, going about their morning chores. A band of badgers left the inner safety of the caverns for the dunes, as is their nature. They had long been allies with the otters since the leaders of both tribes had grown up practically as brothers by blood.
A young otter no more than three seasons old, raced around in the great, lantern lit halls as if he was on a mission. The infant ran into a large room where an older otter, scarred from many battles, lay sound asleep.
"Daddy, daddy!" the small otter screamed
"What is it Rain?" the larger warrior mumbled still asleep. "I'm too old for this…" L'aqua rolled his head to look at his son.
"Likkle tiny stripe dog ou-sigh daddy!"
"Rain! Bite your tongue! Badgers; not stripe dogs!" He said in a stern voice, burying his face back in his pillow. This had become a normal routine for him.
"Daddy, the big stripe dogs leave likkle one in basket in tha orchad!"
"Rain, not stripe d- oh for crying out loud little one, hold on!" the burley otter rose from his goose down mattress, brushing some of his long, silver fur out of his eyes. His son grabbed hold of his paw and led him out on to a cliff side overlooking the sea, with an orchard of apple, plum and apricot trees.
Sure enough, there was a small basket with a young badger in it. It was too large to be called little. He looked to be the same age as Rain. Attached to the basket was a small piece of parchment. L'aqua read it aloud to his son:
To L'aqua Crimsonblayd
My son Celtian is but a few seasons old and his mother lays on her deathbed I write this. It would be impossible for the tribe to take him any further, as the encounter rate of rat tribes has become high. I ask for your cooperation in taking care of him and for your apologies for not informing you sooner.
Lord Dunerose
"Oh great," L'aqua sighed "another mouth to feed." He joked
The infant badger stirred in his drugged sleep.
"Well, lets get you in little one. Celtian, I like that name; has a ring to it." L'aqua chuckled and hauled his new burden inside, his son following close behind.