A/N: I'm rather pleased with this opening, although it's a bit short.
Please review!
Summary: A vermin invasion at Salamandastron sends Martin the Warrior to ten Redwall youngsters with an urgent plea for help. When Rica, Danmar and their friends pit their wits against Lucar, High Lord of all searats, their fates become inextricably linked with one other creature- Marsano, mighty Lord of Salamandastron!
Young Warriors' Quest Part 1: Rica's Dream
Roaring seas, the clash and clamour of battle, the flash and crackle of flames, and above it all, the voice of two great bells tolling the sound of freedom. Rica knew those two bells. They were called Methuselah and Matthias and they belonged to the Abbey she lived in with her twin brother, Danmar. They were distant relations of Gonff, Prince of Mousethieves, the best friend of Martin the Warrior, and so their surname was Gonffen in honour of their great ancestor. Suddenly the scene faded to one of great peace and beauty. Rica felt at peace there and, above all, safe. A hot eyed warrior mouse in armour came to her there, leading a large group of creatures. She knew instinctively who it was. Martin. The sword he carried was beautiful, glinting softly. Something told her the names of the shadowy creatures he lead- hares, mice, badgers, shrews, otters and squirels. They were Mariel, Dandin, Matthias, Joseph, Finnbarr Galedeep, Mattimeo, Rockjaw Grang, Rosie, Tarquin, Mellus, Gonff their ancestor, and so many more. Martin spoke, although the voice was one of many creatures and echoed, as though from very far away.
"Mousetwins, squirrel, otter, shrew,
The fiery Lord has need of you!
Hedgehog, badger, moles and hare,
Follow your dreams, they'll take you there!"
Two mice came forwards to join their leader. Instinct told her their names. One was a warrior maid bearing a thick knotted rope. That was Mariel, and the other was another warrior, male this time, Dandin- another ancestor of Rica and Danmar. The mousemaid and her partner spoke, and again their voices echoed like birdsong on a misty morning.
"Remember us, Rica! Follow your own star,
Remember us, Rica! We'll be with you, in your heart."
They faded away, and their image was replaced by one of barbaric splendour. A rat, with only one ear and half his tail missing. A rat with a gold circlet on his head and red eyes. A rat with golden armour, decked well with weapons and wearing a grim smile. At last he, too, faded away, and she saw Martin, Mariel and Dandin once more. They were chanting the same verse over and over again.
"You alone shall bear my sword,
In service of the badger Lord,
Use it wisely, use it well,
'Till Lucarass is nought but a shell!"
The feeling she had felt before, of great peace and security, came over Rica once more as she slipped back into untroubled slumber. Unknown to her, nine other young Redwallers, both in her dormitory and the one close by, had had almost the same dream.
Summary: A vermin invasion at Salamandastron sends Martin the Warrior to ten Redwall youngsters with an urgent plea for help. When Rica, Danmar and their friends pit their wits against Lucar, High Lord of all searats, their fates become inextricably linked with one other creature- Marsano, mighty Lord of Salamandastron!
Young Warriors' Quest Part 1: Rica's Dream
Roaring seas, the clash and clamour of battle, the flash and crackle of flames, and above it all, the voice of two great bells tolling the sound of freedom. Rica knew those two bells. They were called Methuselah and Matthias and they belonged to the Abbey she lived in with her twin brother, Danmar. They were distant relations of Gonff, Prince of Mousethieves, the best friend of Martin the Warrior, and so their surname was Gonffen in honour of their great ancestor. Suddenly the scene faded to one of great peace and beauty. Rica felt at peace there and, above all, safe. A hot eyed warrior mouse in armour came to her there, leading a large group of creatures. She knew instinctively who it was. Martin. The sword he carried was beautiful, glinting softly. Something told her the names of the shadowy creatures he lead- hares, mice, badgers, shrews, otters and squirels. They were Mariel, Dandin, Matthias, Joseph, Finnbarr Galedeep, Mattimeo, Rockjaw Grang, Rosie, Tarquin, Mellus, Gonff their ancestor, and so many more. Martin spoke, although the voice was one of many creatures and echoed, as though from very far away.
"Mousetwins, squirrel, otter, shrew,
The fiery Lord has need of you!
Hedgehog, badger, moles and hare,
Follow your dreams, they'll take you there!"
Two mice came forwards to join their leader. Instinct told her their names. One was a warrior maid bearing a thick knotted rope. That was Mariel, and the other was another warrior, male this time, Dandin- another ancestor of Rica and Danmar. The mousemaid and her partner spoke, and again their voices echoed like birdsong on a misty morning.
"Remember us, Rica! Follow your own star,
Remember us, Rica! We'll be with you, in your heart."
They faded away, and their image was replaced by one of barbaric splendour. A rat, with only one ear and half his tail missing. A rat with a gold circlet on his head and red eyes. A rat with golden armour, decked well with weapons and wearing a grim smile. At last he, too, faded away, and she saw Martin, Mariel and Dandin once more. They were chanting the same verse over and over again.
"You alone shall bear my sword,
In service of the badger Lord,
Use it wisely, use it well,
'Till Lucarass is nought but a shell!"
The feeling she had felt before, of great peace and security, came over Rica once more as she slipped back into untroubled slumber. Unknown to her, nine other young Redwallers, both in her dormitory and the one close by, had had almost the same dream.