What Really Counts Chapter Eight

(Revised Edition 1.1 Of Chapter Eight)

Disclaimer: I don't own Redwall or Salamandastron, those are from Brian Jaques. The name Consellariel is from htenywg. The rest, Daleria, Rapieratce, Clandestine and the others are mine.

A/N: Nothing much changed here either, only spelling and grammatical with some other stuff.

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Rapieratce sat and looked at the sunrise as well. The golden brilliance spread out before them, rising high above the horizon and climbing higher and higher into the bleak sky. Without shifting his gaze from the shining rays, Rapieratce spoke softly.

'You didn't know this would happen.'

'I could have stopped it.'

Rapieratce looked intently at her, frustrated at her obstinate stubbornness.

'Look me in the eye, Daleria, and tell me you did it.'

She looked up reluctantly. Rapieratce's eyes were as calm as ever, patient, yet fiery and it gave Daleria a feeling that he could see right through her as his bright, fathomless dark green eyes pierced through hers, as if telling her, daring her, to do it. Her own raven black ones glittered with guilt and spite for what she had done. Strong and violent stutters came out.

'I... I... did...'

The colonel did not shift his gaze, nor did his own stubborn and insistent emotion change.

'You did nothing.'

Daleria's head slumped back down.

'But look at Willow, Cosenet, Silecy, Tehora and Mealiney! Look at were my stubbornness got them!'

'They were on patrol, the vermin got them while they were not looking. You were not there, you cannot blame yourself.'

Daleria pulled her eyes away from his blazing glare. She could not stand it any more.

'But...'

'Daleria, do I have to stay here until sunset to get you to understand?'

'No, sah... I just feel so guilty.'

'You simply need time. Dry your eyes, m'gel. It's not your bally fault.'

'I'm sorry sah, for yelling at you earlier on, I wasn't thinking.'

The colonel beamed.

'It's all right, old gel. As long as you understand.'

'Thank you, sah...'

Rapieratce got up quickly.

'Now go get some sleep, you've been up since dawn yesterday without a bally wink!'

He strode out and left, probably to go ensure the orders were carried out properly. That was typical of him, Rapieratce was a committed workaholic. However, Daleria knew he was right, she did feel quite tired. Wordlessly, she lay down and went into a dreamless slumber.