Disclaimer: So many chapters and I still don't own any of this world save my own characters!

A/N: Thanks for all the support please keep it up! Also.um.this isn't Lord Stonepaw from the book "Lord Brocktree"---which I also don't own---it's his umm.descendant! Yeah! Stonepaw the Second! I didn't accidentally take his name! Me? Never! shifts weight awkwardly and then runs away and hides in the shadows

Chapter 24: Let the Battle Be Joined

Death's jaw fell as he watched the wave of strong, giant hares come racing like battering ram towards the gate. His troops were so shocked that the mountain hares actually made it to the gate and threw it open before a suitable defense could be mounted. Death howled in rage at the lack of initiative and gave a shrill whistle to summon the bulk of his army from the Great Hall where they hid; after all, it didn't do to show one's hand all at once. As the wave of the Silvercat's forces swept into the Abbey lawns they collided full force with the wolf's terrible army.

"DEEEAAAATHHH!!!" The terrible cries of the Horde had instilled fear into the hearts of many over the years but now they were drowned out by the battle cries of their opposition.

"REDWAAALLLL!!!"

"SALAMANNNDASSSTRONNN!!!!"

"SILLVERRRCAAAT!!!!!"

All else was drowned out by the rhythmic clatter-clangs of steel on steel. The former slaves fought with any weapon they could find; often having to resort to taking the weapon of a fallen soldier. Allies would quickly form circles to protect their backs and fend of attacks from all sides. Sheede found herself locked in the center of the battlefield since she rushed forward with her followers; she was limited to using her claws as her main weapon because of how very close her allies were as well as her enemies. The sword of Martin was strapped to her back would have to wait its turn rather than risk harming a friend.

Death circled the action steadily picking off those how came too near. Occasionally, he could see the flash from the Silvercat's claws or catch a glimpse of her focused visage. This battle was only going to end when they had a face off. Death smirked, and he we wasn't occupied with battle, he would be the one to decide when this face off was.

Lord Stonepaw (2nd!) roared fury as more and more vermin rushed forward to cover him. Several weasels were thrown into the air as he pulled himself erect. He swept his great spear in front of him and knocked a variety of ferrets, rats, and stoats out of the way. Behind him, Phillet and Commander Thornblower worked to keep the badger's back protected. Arrows had begun to zip overhead and Phillet felt his heart constrict as he heard the sickening 'thunk' beside him. Thornblower had taken an arrow in the chest; Phillet wrapped an arm around his shoulder to support him. "Hurry to the side Sir! Got to get you patched up, wot wot!" Thornblower shook his head and pushed Phillet away and parried off the thrust of an over-zealous rat.

"No way young one, my time has come and I'll be jim-diggered if I'm going to go weeping on the side! Your pater'd be proud of you, and I'll be sure to tell him what a noble soul you've become." He called over the noise. He gave Phillet a farewell slap on the back and with a final, heart-wrenching cry "SALAMANDASTRON!!" he dove into the oncoming herd to give himself an honor guard to the Dark Forest Gates. Phillet was forced to grit his teeth and fight the tears of grief that would have to wait for the battle's end.

Above the sea of warriors Tyril led a group of burly hares along the ramparts. They threw every archer down in to the swirling mass of bodies and one hare would remain with the bow and arrows to do what they could.

Sheede suddenly realized that she was completely surrounded by the enemy and would soon be fighting a loosing battle if she didn't move to a more sheltered spot. But how? With the enemy on all sides it was impossible! : Did I not say I would send you an ally? : The warm voice of Martin the Warrior filled her head and she fought with renewed vigor. Soon she could hear a new wave of sound approaching from her right and she turned to see a large of group of otters clearing a path towards her. Leading them were a hard-eyed squirrel with a staff and a hooded warrior bearing a borrowed sword. Soon they broke through and formed a circle around her; she nearly collapsed to the ground in relief. The hooded one stood next to her and wrapped an arm around her for support.

"Who are you?" she asked breathlessly.

"You know me well, Milady," he replied, throwing his hood back. Darkness smiled down at her. "Happy to see me?"

Sheede stared in shock, "But how? You're Death's protégé!"

Dar shook his head, "Never; I never agreed with him. It's time he was stopped. You have my loyalty Milady."

Sheede grinned back, "We'd better find that mongrel if you want your loyalties to pay off."

A/N: OOOooo, it's all kinds of exciting now! You betta review for it to continue!!