III
Deep in old Figgles cellar, Skivel at last found the Hog-peanut. The next row had the bull thistles stems. She was ready to leave when something unusual caught her eye. In the darkest corner of the cellar, there was a barrel with almost no writing on it. All it said was "Rose". The curios little squirrel thought maybe it had some Wrinkled Rose in it. That plant was delicious. She lifted the cover. Her eyes were illuminated with a red sparkle form inside. This was not wrinkled roses! Inside, the barrel, was the largest, most beautiful ruby she had ever seen! It shone like a red star. What was old Figgle doing with a gem in his storeroom?. Suddenly, she heard footsteps. Skivel then placed the gem in her apron. She would ask Figgle about it later. She hurried to the stairs to greet the hedgehog. "You find them Hog-peanuts young' in?" the old hog asked. "Yes brother Figgle. I found just what I needed. Thank you for the help!" Skivel said as she hurried home. Old Figgle wondered why the squirrel had hurried off like that. It didn't matter. He needed some chestnuts for his cake. Back at her home, Skivel finished he salad. As she stepped back to admire it, the Ruby dropped from her apron. Then she remembered. "Oh well, I'll ask Figgle about it tonight at the feast. Speaking of, I better get ready." As the squirrel got ready for the feast, a familiar face appeared at the window. It was Driff, and he was not alone. His companion was a young mole named Gribble. They were laughing at Skivel, who was struggling with her dress. She rushed to the window, chasing after the little ones, screaming,
"You little skanks get back here, or all send a Mallow after you!" She had lied to Driff earlier, telling him a Mallow was an invisible monster, a monster that ate little ones. She knew it would scare them off.
That night, the village roared with the voices of hundreds of woodlanders. Wood-Sorrel wine flowed for the eldest, while Blackberry juice was refreshing the young ones.
Foods from all corners of the forest covered the table, and in the middle lied the most delicious looking Mud cake ever cooked. Brother Figgle even made it in the shape of little Driff, who sat there admiring "his cake". Skivel's Silverweed salad was a hit among the town elders, who especially liked the tang of crushed chestnuts mixed with thistles. Brother Tadle the mouse
Started his speech, "It is my pleasure as village elder, to proclaim this feast a success! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll help myself to a bowl of that lovely Silverweed salad! Brother Galan, pass me some of those ostrich ferns!". Driff and Gribble were caught trying to leave the party to get into trouble in the mud fields. Skivel was having so much fun, she forgot to ask old Figgle about the ruby, and she went into a deep sleep…
Blackspawn's men had reached the great river. Their map talked of an old bridge
On the western side of the shore. They had searched night and day, not finding any bridge.
But, toads and Martens could swim, and the river was not that deep. One by one the beast treaded into the Roonca's cold shallows. They were unknowingly treading into Terag's territory.
They great beasts eyes stared stiffly at the invading prey. No one noticed when he struck. No one
Noticed when Hetlash the Marten and Flaytoe the toad disappeared beneath the calm swampy waters. No one noticed how from the thirteen vermin that had entered the water, only seven remained. No one, at least, till they heard the faint scream of Jadeskin the toad, "Glub, Big, scaly, Glub, monst-". Then, he was gone. The once blue stream was now scarlet with the blood of six dead creatures…
