VI

A village meeting was called to speak of the rouble the maids had found in Banarang.

"Now, Kes, Skivel, Farad, Tar, what did you see in the forest?" It was Sister Mora speaking. The old squirrel waited for the beasts to answer. But it was young Driff who replied, "It was' in big black bird'ins, they caught' in Me and Gribble and Kifro, an Skivel come and beat'um the big' in birds And dey fly away' in" . That was the just of it. The villagers started whispering amongst themselves. There were no crows on this side of Roonca, the lived in the Willow Forest.

Kes the shrew spoke up, "D'em crows say they want' in some Rose of Banarang. We told um no Roses in this forest there be. Crazy birds they be." The council, upon hearing this, nearly all turned pale. Brother Tadle spoke. "Um, this incident is most interesting. The council would like to review it privately. Now you may all return to your homes and enjoy the day." Following this, The Council walked out, unknowingly with Skivel trailing them. They went to Figgle's cellar, where Skivel had been the day before. They walked to the dark corner. "Now Figgle, you are sure no one has touched this barrel since the time of placement." It was Brother Roscan the Mole. "Roscan, I nay let anybody know about this them treasure. I never touch or look at dere rose." Skivel felt a chill. It wasn't the cellar air. It was her. She had the gem that had been in that barrel. Now she knew the truth: This was the Rose of Banarang. The council would see that there is nothing in the barrel and they will blame Brother Figgle. She must tell them the truth. Maybe they will take pity on her. The council opened the lid. Brother Tadle reached in.

"Gasp! This barrel is empty. Figgle, are you sure no one has been down here?" Trembling, Brother Figgle replied, "Well, one as been. Twas little Skivel Redsquirrel not but yesterday. And, well, many were down yesterday preparing for the feast. Could be anyone! Maybe we sould'in question little Skivel. She may know where it is." The council agreed they would check everyone. Skivel slowly escaped to her home. Yes, she knew where the Rose was: It was in her pillowcase!

Nightbeak and Quickwing were in trouble. If Rawfur found they had retreated after defeat by a squirrel, he would chop them up for a midnight snack! They needed reinforcements. Yes, crows, ravens, even weasels would do! They would find the Rose, even if they needed to kill every living beast in Varki to get it! And to do that, they would need an army. Meanwhile, Stripepaw's band was going unwatched threw the forest. Stripepaw had noticed the two crows had stopped following them when they left the river. Probably going to report to the old Badger. He was still on his guard. Sure, this was the field he grew up in, but it was also a training ground for the toughest weasels and stoats around. With them on his side every beast that Rawfur controlled would be dead within minutes. Suddenly, an arrow flew into the neck of Gashtail the weasel.

He was dead. As the others would be in seconds. They heard the wailing of near hundreds of creatures in the trees and around the valley. Stripepaw raised an old flag from his belt. The beasts stopped moving. This was the emblem of the valley. He spoke, "Who is your leader. Show yourself scum!" Out of the crowds, stepped a large mink. In one paw he held the emblem, the other, the largest sword that Stripepaw had ever looked upon. "Scum am I? Who speaks to Lashclaw the warrior like this? Speak now knave!" Stripepaw was regretting his words. He knew what minks were capable of. His father had talked of some that killed for the sport of it, hunting fellow minks to death because they could. "Stripepaw, Stripepaw the marten. I came from this valley long ago. My father was Slingjaw. Spare me, please spare me". The mink smirked.

"Son of Slingjaw are you, I remember him. Powerful fighter, brave. Good meal for Terag.

I'll spare you only because I owe your father my life. Now, what do you seek from us…"