Mission 56

It was a mid winter morning. I must say winter is one of my four most favorite seasons. People laugh at that, but it is true. But on this morning, I was gate duty for The Misty Moor.

I am Philomel. Many have heard of my tales and me. Still I search for my past, as misty as The Moor itself. But on this morn, I saw a squirrel coming to the front gates of The Moor. "Identify yourself!" I bellowed, trying to sound high and mighty. "Phil," said this creature, "you know me well. Open this gates now, for I am in great trouble. Please." There was a pleading aura for this creature, so I allowed it in.

"Phil, it is me. Fargo!" the squirrel I knew well pitifully screamed. "Fargo?" I inquired. "What, what happened to you?" I stuttered out. "Tailblade, he's, he's, he's back!" Fargo screamed. "His vermin attacked and left me for dead. But I wouldn't die! I crawled here, finally finding you. Get Igger. Help…me," Fargo said before passing out.

In the infirmary, I was told Fargo would be fine, but he very much fatigued and that he wished to see me. "Phil," Fargo barely muttered, "you must defeat Tailblade on you own. Do not take anyone for help. Do not tell anyone of your departure. Prove yourself…" "Prove myself?" I asked, confused. "To who? Why? What for?" My questions were in vain. Fargo had passed out.

I left the infirmary, uncertain of what to do. I solved my problem. I got ready to secretly leave The Moor and go to Silverpeak to see what was the matter. With food and weapon in hand I left.

I was swift, hoping no one would notice my disappearance at The Moor. On the second day of my travels, around noontime, I came to the gates of Silverpeak. "State your name and business or be sent away!" said an unknown character from the top of the gates. I answered, "I am Philomel, and I search for Bandeye Maia Linsang on account of Admiral Tailblade's occurrences." The creature went silent then finally answered, "You are admitted inside. Come in please."

I entered Silverpeak, I still marveled at it. This huge place, with so many good beasts was amazing. If only a few of these people would come to The Misty Moor. The living quarters, kitchen, Bandie's living area, all amazing. We came to where Bandie resides. I was admitted on my own.

"Phil!" cried Bandie. "Welcome! I was worried you hadn't made it!" I wondered the position of the position of Silverpeak if Bandie was greeting me like this. I was afraid of what was going on here. "You can probably see we're all in trouble. You seem to be a major hope!" "Bandie," I asked, "I thank you for the greeting me this way, but I do have a question. Where are Flayyme, Julius, and all the members of the guard?" "Well," answered Bandie, "Flayyme is of scouting far away lands, searching for food. Julius is at her town trying to keep it up and all others are untrained, cooking or being taught combat. We are in trouble, being menaced by a beast I believe you know." "Who is this mystery creature?" I asked, confused about knowing the person. "If you can't remember, it is Admiral Tailblade. He set up a small base outside Silverpeak and is torturing anyone that gets in his range. Already he has killed eight mice, three weasels, five moles, and one otter. If this continues, many of us may not make it…" She trailed off there, though I knew what she meant. "A question, though," I asked, confused, "why are the good beasts going down there?" "Oh…" she answered, hesitantly, "I'm afraid crops were bad this year. We needed extra food. We went to waters edge to get fish and other such. The whole group there was attacked and killed. It tis' very sad…very sad indeed." At that time, though trying to keep it back, a silent tear feel down her cheek. I had never seen her like this before. She was always full of adventure, ready to kill something. I had to this. If not for myself, all good beasts of Silverpeak!

I left, needing to prepare for battle. I was worried, not sure what to do next. I looked around to see everyone downcast, and unhappy. I hated it. If a plague struck they would be no less downcast. I hated it. I had to go defeat Admiral Tailblade! But I needed a strategy… I figured spying would be the best way to accomplish this.

Later that night, it at least being midnight, I snuck to water's edge to get a look at them. They were talking, nothing much interesting or important. I suddenly noticed that Tailblade was nowhere to be seen. I didn't see him at all. I leaned closer to look for him. I suddenly tripped! One rock fell to another, another, and finally to sand. The whole camp turned. It was silent. I was seriously busted. I lye there on the sand, dazed, waiting for something to happen. Nothing did. Suddenly, a shadow overtook me. It was huge, gargantuan, and it didn't like me. 'It' was Tailblade.

"A visitor!" Tailblade bellowed. "And what do you wish of our humble camp O Great Philomel of Rodents?" he asked, with a mocking bow. My anger rose. I wasn't going to take that from him. I drew my weapon. "HAHAHAHA," he laughed, seemingly shaking the very ground I stood on. "Fool," he cried, "I have a legion of cruel, heartless, vermin waiting for the signal to cut yer' liver out! It'll be the best meal they've had in years! Beasts! Draw weapons!" Suddenly, there was a simultaneously clash of daggers, long swords, sling stones, and all imaginable weapons. I suddenly was scared. "To all beasts!" Admiral cried again, "the one who gives me Philomel's head on a dish gets promotion to my right hand! Get him!" A strange occurrence happened. Nobody moved, not a soul. They sat there, seemingly waiting for a different creature to give orders. A rat stood up and called, "Tailblade! You have mistreated us for the past five years just to get revenge for your lost ear! We don't care enough to help. We leave the job to you." The rat then promptly sat down with a satisfied grin on his face. "Yefnell, you fool!" he cried to the rat that had just stood up. "Who took care of you for many years, fed you, gave you me plunder? And now you come back and stab me in the back? I'm hurt…" he trailed off, trying to get pity. He didn't get any. A weasel, much smaller then me stood up and cried, "It won't hurt as much as this!" and promptly stooped down and threw a rock at Tailblade. Soon another few vermin started. Tailblade was attempting to deflect shots off his long sword, but the attempts were in vain. He ran, trying to escape the rocks. The rats stayed. I followed Tailblade.

In the middle of the night in a big forest, a place few would wish to be. That was my position. Every noise seemed some new creature that wanted to rip out my throat and watch me bleed. I needed better thoughts, but that was all that came to mind. I promptly came to an open field. There Tailblade started a charge at me. I barely was able to dodge, and was tipped by him, sending me flying into the side of a huge tree. I was having one of those nights. I knew my morning wouldn't be much better.

I readied myself, keeping defensive to prepare for him. I was ready next time he dodged, this time dodging to the side and tripping him. He fell, and I hoped the battle had been won. I over looked the situation.

"Please," he cried, nearly sobbing, "don't kill me! I didn't mean all I had done! Please!" I felt pity for the poor soul. I bargained with him. "I'll let you live if you leave the island after I'm finished with your ship. I had a plan.

Back at the ship, I forced the mast to a hanging position, not being able to sail very well. The rats were sent captain and Tailblade the only slave at rowing. I sent them off, giving my farewell to the rats and my good riddance to Tailblade. I left back for the Misty Moor, not wanting the praise at Silverpeak (wishful thinking).

Back at the Misty Moor, I went to Igger to report. "Igger, sir!" I said, wanting to be polite. "I have returned to the Misty Moor!" "No no no," he said, "it's Misty Moors. Plural, not singular." "Errrrrr, okay. After the long hike back to Misty Moors-" suddenly cut off by Igger who said "What?! How did you walk to Silverpeak? It's clear across the ocean!" "To tell the truth, Igger, I wasn't paying attention. For all I know, I drank the sea and created a tidal wave that sent me there! Anyhow…" and on and on I went on the story of my adventure, with certain changes Igger. I was annoyed, but I put up with him. When I was done, I went to see how Fargo was doing.

"Fargo? He's fine now. Been waiting for you," the nurse told me reassuringly. I went in to see him sitting there with a strange book in his lap. It was hard to read the cover. "I heard what happened with Tailblade. You have proven yourself as I always wanted you to. I see your father in you. You deserve this," and suddenly handed me the book. "What is this? I asked, confused. "This, Phil, is part of your father's left behind autobiography. It tells his first hand experiences and dates to his knowledge. You also must know, it is one chapter of six. When they come together, your father's story will be told. To get the rest of the stories, you must go to Delmva to find a great friend of your father. There, your adventure will pick up. Be ready…" and then fell asleep. I knew my quest and location; I just needed some…{yawn} sleep {yawn}. So…tired…{snore}