Disclaimer: This story is based upon characters and situations owned by Brian Jaques and vaious publishing companies including, but not limited to, Penguin Books. I am not trying to make any money out of this, okay? I don't own any of the places mentioned in this chapter, or Freedom. I do own the other characters on the island and the abbey itself.
The Abbey of Riftguard Chapter Two
"The sun rises and sets in the ocean,
And covers our land with its light.
The Abbey of Riftguard awaken,
And look out at every new sight!"
Mother Gamma was singing again, in her husky badger voice. She stood in the doorway of the Dibbun dormitories, watching the sleeping creatures. Then, she looked more closely; she had seen the glint of an eye from the rabbitmaid Quiria.
"Hem, hem!" she coughed, loudly. There wasn't a sound from the Dibbuns, as she spoked to the room. "Is anyone here? Never mind, then I'll just have to go to the shore on my own then, never mind."
As she turned, as if to leave the room, Quinia sat up. "I's awake, Muv' Gam'. C'n I come wiv you?"
"Me, me's awake too!"
"An' me!" insisted a tiny shrewbabe.
"Very well," said Mother Gamma. "But first, you must neaten yourselves up a bit. Come on, brush your tails, straighten your fur, chop chop!"
Toobee the molebabe was ready first, his coat smoothed back and shining. He lined up by the door, the other Dibbuns behind him. "We's ready, Murther Gamm, marm."
"Alright then," said Gamma. "Let's go! Tomorrow is the first day of autumn, so do you know what song we sing?"
The Dibbuns did, as they had been practising it for several weeks. Mother Gamma had a soft heart, no matter what she seemed like on the outside, and had completely forgiven the young ones.
"Summer days go rushing past,
Autumn is come in!
Abbeybeasts sing Harvest Time,
Is a happy thing!
Woooo....autumn!
"Leaves are falling off the trees,
Birds are flying through the air.
Abbeybeasts sing songs of joy,
Come and join us here!
Woooo....autumn!
They repeated the short ditty several times, clapping their paws excitedly to the beat. Skipper and his otters, already down at the shore, looked up in interest as they came. Skipper was lying back on the rocks, taking a break, and the others were gambolling about in the shallows or the deeper water, as otters do.
"Hello Gamma!" said Skipper, jumping up. "How are ye then?" He made a sweeping bow to the badgermum, and the Dibbuns laughed.
"That's not something to make fun of, wot!" said a hare with a large moustache sitting on the rocks nearby scoffing a pasty.
"Frildon, are you eating again?" sighed Mother Gamma, taking the pasty off him neatly. The Dibbuns laughed even louder at that.
"Theif, scoundrel!" cried the hare, shaking a fist at Gamma. She simply glared at him with her brown eyes until he gave up and went away, most likely back to the abbey for more food.
"Okay, go and play now, but don't go too far!" she called after the Dibbuns' retreating backs. Looking about her quickly, she scoffed the pasty down in one bite!
"Muvva Gam', that not vewwy nice, wot!" said a voice from her feet. She looked down, and saw Tagger looking up at her reprochfully. She gulped, partly to swallow the pasty and partly in guilt.
"If you keep it quiet from Father Harrow, I'll let you do whatever you want in the kitchen," she whispered.
"An' da ovva Dibbuns?" asked Tagger, pointedly.
"And the other Dibbuns, now go and play," said Gamma. The harebabe ran off to where his best friend Rayba the rabbitbabe was playing in the water. Riftguard rabbits were nothing like as timid as the ones on the mainland.
The boat sailed across the sea, steered by Pallor. Down in the hull, Nightshade and Tawney sat communicating in silent. One of their guards, the fox Skumnose, was snoozing by the stairs. The other two, Burrad and the ferret Kazzik, were stood to attention, watching the badgermaids. Neither Burrad nor Kezzik had any fondness for each other.
'I sail beneath the sky and soil, changing colour with the time. I'm a net, but don't catch fish, what am I?' asked Tawny. The badgers were testing each other with riddles, as they often did when bored.
'A leaf,' replied Nightshade, her obvious ease at riddles coming through. 'I cannot be seen yet am always there, from the tallest tower to the lowest cave. I wear away mountains, I cut your breath. What am I?'
'Time,' butted in Pallor. 'Bright as sunlight, dark as midnight, all can be seen or hidden in me. What am I?'
For a moment, none of the two could remember the answer, and then they both got it together. 'Eyes!'
Meanwhile, Skumnose was having a strange dream.
A mouse and a squirrel were standing, facing him across a large plain.
"Leaf-bearer, you are not like the others. Listen now, as I speak," said the mouse.
"Who are ye?" asked Skumnose, "and what d'ye want?"
"I am Martin, warrior of Redwall. This is Triss, who bore my sword. Listen to me, for I know that you are not like the others. You will not harm the creatures of Riftguard."
"I just don't think that it's right, killin' anybeast," said Skumnose. "What d'ye want me ter do?"
"Find the sword, creature of your word.
The sword of the goodbeasts from Riftgard before.
Once peace reigned on the island, good lore.
But vermin, they took it, and peace was no more.
Hark to my word now, the badgermaids three,
They'll help you,
Show kindness,
And they will believe."
"What does that mean?" asked Skumnose, who felt a strange peace with the mouse and squirrel.
"Search for the sword!" cried the mouse, as he faded from view.
With a jerk, Skumnose awoke.
"Hah! Awake now, Rotnose?" asked Kazzik scornfully.
"Shut yer gob!" said Scumnose, lost in the dream. Martin, wasn't that the name of the mouse who had owned the fancy sword at Redwall. He had never heard of Triss before.
"Yar! Juxta needs da dark 'un in da galley, now!" roared Lumbat's voice from overhead. Kazzik raised his spearbut, about to hit Nightshade to make her move, but Skumnose grabbed it.
"I'll take 'er," he said, walking over and unlocking her from the wall. "C'mon, stri- badger, up them steps!"
Nightshade clambered up the wooden ladder to the main deck of the ship. She wondered why the fox had called her 'badger', because he had always used 'stripedog' before. She stood up, and moved to the side to let Skumnose up. Lumbat was also there, overseeing her to make sure that she didn't attempt an escape, not that there was anywhere to escape from on these boats, there were no lifeboats either.
Taking the ring from the end of her chain in his left paw, he began to walk along the passageway to the galley. Whenever it became taut he stopped, so that he did not hurt her. This was also new, because usually he just pulled until it hurt and she began to walk faster, as all the vermin did.
'Okay, that was weird,' she thought to her sisters, confusedly.
'What happened?' asked Pallor from the wheel.
'Skumnose the fox woke up, and then he stopped Kazzik from hitting me, and then he tried not to hurt me when taking me to the galley. It could almost be called kind' said Nightshade, her astonishment coming through.
"Get ter work!" roared Juxta, and the young badgermaid lifted the pot that was as large as her head onto the stove. Because the vermin were only her height, the cooker was at waist height for her. If she stayed on the ship for life, though, it would only be about knee height.
She went back over to the cupboard, as Juxta hooked the long chain to the wall and locked it. Nightshade could now not leave the galley. She took the preserved meat and held out her paw for Juxta to strap the knife to it. This way, the fox could stay in the far corner of the room, where Nightshade couldn't reach, and not be in danger of stabbing. The vermin were very cautious about their slaves.
Soon the smell of cooking filled the whole boat.
Back at Riftguard Abbey, preparations were well underway for the feast. All hares and Dibbuns had been banned from the kitchen, and were being entertained by Mother Gamma on the shore, at least, the Dibbuns were. Frildon, the old hare, was sitting on the rocks as usual.
"There have been some new babes born at Riftguard recently," said Gamma, smiling at the young ones.
"C'n we's pway wiv dem?" asked Arglod, the shrewbabe.
"They aren't old enough for that yet," explained Mother Gamma. "However, we can name them. They are five young Sparra, and they all need a name. I have just got a good idea..." she said, and a smile flickered over her face as she did so.
"Wot dat, Muv' Gam?" asked Rayba the rabbitbabe curiously.
"Come with me," said the middle-aged badger. "We're going to find Freedom!" The Dibbuns cheered as they ran after her, up the sandy path to the gardens from the hidden cove, and towards the tent in the orchard.
Freedom was sitting under the tent with Harrow. The two squirrelmaids Farlum and Padan were helping Skipper and his daughter Ransay to set up the benches around them. When he heard the Dibbuns and Gamma coming across the lawn, he groaned.
"Grampa, Grampa!" yelled the oldest of the Dibbuns, a mousemaid called Rosebel, but normally just Bel. She was Freedom's granddaughter, and a very sensible maid.
She threw herself into the old recorder's lap, and hugged him tightly. Farlum and Padan's younger brother Miggen climbed the pole of the tent, out of reach of Mother Gamma. He sat there, grinning at her, but didn't notice his sister coming up behind to grab him.
"Oy, gerroff! Gerroff! Stupi' sista!" cried Miggum, struggling in Padan's grasp. She jumped lightly to the ground, and released him.
Up on the Abbey roof, where work was still ongoing to complete the ornate carving, the female Sparra, Weshaw, was alighting after hunting for food. Her husband Phineas was currently guarding the tiny chicks. Work had stopped on the Abbey roof for the moment, as they did not want to disturb the young ones.
For a moment, the Sparra looked out to sea, down South towards where Peace Island lay beyond the horizon. They had become very friendly with the islanders, and often invited them to feasts such as this one. It was often the younger hedgehogs that preferred to make the long journey, for as they got older they began to settle down and make their own families. The hedgehog working on the tapestry with Ransay and the other squirrel was from Peace Island, as there were no hedgehogs in Riftguard Abbey.
The Sparra gave a loud whistle, and her husband emerged onto the rooftop. They conversed for a few moments in the Sparra language, and then she went inside whilst he flew down towards the tent.
He perched on a bench near where the Dibbuns were playing, and waited. Only young Toobee noticed him, and went over to have a look.
"Goom afternoon to 'ee, zurr Phin'as," said Toobee, tugging his nose politely. "How'm be 'ee Spar'chicks?"
"Sparrachicks finenow. Haveyou namesfor themyet?" he asked in his high-pitched voice. The Dibbun mole, used to different accents, shook his head.
"We'm's gonna name 'em later, burr, at 'ee feaster for Auturm. Muv' Gam's gonner let urs give in 'ee namers an' we pick 'em outen 'ee hart," informed Toobee, with his innocent smile.
"PeaceIsland hedgepigs come in bigship," whistled Phineas, bobbing his head up and down.
"Oooh! Oi tell Muv' Gam', boo hurr oi do tha'." said Toobee, toddling off towards where the badger mother was chatting to Freedom. Bel was listening quietly, being well behaved since she was the eldest.
"Muthurr Gamurr," said Toobee, interrupting her.
"What is it?" asked the badger mother kindly, but with a bite of impatience.
"Phin'as says tha' 'ee Peace Island hedgey hogs bees a comin'," replied Toobee, with a nod of his head. "He'm also wanna know when 'ee namers for 'ee Spar'chicks be's ready. I tol' him they be done by tumorra, Muthur Gamur."
"Thank you, Toobee," said Mother Gamma, looking around to see Phineas. She waved at him, and he flew off, whistling a merry tune.
"Right, well we'd better get on with these names then," said Freedom. "Let's go to the gatehouse and get it sorted."
Mother Gamma called the Dibbuns, who were all attempting to annoy their elders, and they strolled over to the comfortable gatehouse.
"Raise thine flag, Yestre!" called the hedgehog captain of the ship Peaceful.
"It shall be done," said Yestre, standing up and walking to the mast. She took the rope and tied the sea-green flag to it, and then raised it up the mast to the top. There, the symbol of peace flew clearly - a white feather.
A small boat came across the water, manned by two otters and a sturdy-looking shrew. The shrew was Log-a-Log Edary, cheiftain of the Guosar - Guerilla Union of Shrews at Riftguard.
"Ahoy there, Peaceful!" cried Skipper, picking up a rope from the floor of the boat. "Can we come aboard?"
"Greetings, Riftguarders. You are permitted to send one aboard this ship, the shrew," said the captain.
"Aye aye!" said Skipper, cheerfully. He threw the rope to the boat, and waited whilst a young male hedgehog tied it up. Then Edary swarmed up it to the top, and undid it again. With a quick movement, it had landed into Skipper's boat.
"My name is Welrod," said the hedgehog, tugging his forespikes respectufully. "It is pleasant to see thee this fine day, Log-a-Log Edary."
"It's nice ter see you too, matey!" replied the shrew. "But how come you know my name when I don't know yours?"
"I was just a young one when I first came to the Abbey. This year, I am old enough to help sail the boat."
"Well matey, I'm here to help you navigate inter the secret cove. It's hidden from the outside, an' even the vermin didn't see it from the inside. Just foller Skip an' Fidesa fer now," suggested Edary. Welrod called the instructions up to the captain, and they were on their way.
In the kitchen of Riftguard Abbey came many delicious smells. There were candied chestnuts being rolled in their sugar coating by the two mousemaids Olivia and Laurel, and the rabbitwife Jersey. Jersey was Quiria and Rayta's mother.
"Burr, how be's tha' poi comin' along, zurrs?" asked Friar Lusso to the foremole Manred and the other mole who had just left Dibbunhood, Kester.
"Et be's comin' along foine, zurr Luzzo," said Manred, taking a small taste of it. He nodded. "Oi think tha' jus' needs ur touch more in'ee oven, an' it'll be durn."
At the next table in the busy kitchen, Espanso the squirrel, mother of Farlum, Padan and Miggen, was preparing a delicious salad containing numerous vegetables. There were mushrooms, lettuce, carotts, tomatoes, beetroot stalks, radishes and much much more. Even Friar Lusso couldn't help licking his lips hungrily when he saw it.
"Boi 'okey, Ezpanser, tha' do look noice."
"It isn't half finished yet," said Espanso, leaping onto the table and then into the ceiling rafters to fetch some turnips. She jumped down again, and began to chop it skilfully, chatting to Lusso all the while.
"It won't be finished until those Peace Islanders arrive with their potatoes. I won't make a salad with any other sort."
Friar Lusso nodded, moving on to the next table, where another Peace Island hedgehog who had decided to stay for a season at Riftguard was cutting slices from a giant cheese.
"Tha' looks noice," said Lusso. "What drinks do 'ee think 'ee ought'a drink wi' tha'?"
"Straw'bry cordial," said Varty, who didn't talk like the others. "It'd just add that perfect flavour..."
Review Replies:
Thanks to everyone who read my fic. TrueStarseed (hi from Atham!), thanks for reviewing. You want more, you got more!
clara200, yes, the badgermaids are young. They were only newborn when captured, and have not been fed much so they're not that strong. They'll still be stronger than most when full grown though.
RedFerret15, this story is based on the island of Riftguard after the end of Triss, that's the idea. I hope you like this spacing better.
Peachy_Garlic, your wish is my command!
The Abbey of Riftguard Chapter Two
"The sun rises and sets in the ocean,
And covers our land with its light.
The Abbey of Riftguard awaken,
And look out at every new sight!"
Mother Gamma was singing again, in her husky badger voice. She stood in the doorway of the Dibbun dormitories, watching the sleeping creatures. Then, she looked more closely; she had seen the glint of an eye from the rabbitmaid Quiria.
"Hem, hem!" she coughed, loudly. There wasn't a sound from the Dibbuns, as she spoked to the room. "Is anyone here? Never mind, then I'll just have to go to the shore on my own then, never mind."
As she turned, as if to leave the room, Quinia sat up. "I's awake, Muv' Gam'. C'n I come wiv you?"
"Me, me's awake too!"
"An' me!" insisted a tiny shrewbabe.
"Very well," said Mother Gamma. "But first, you must neaten yourselves up a bit. Come on, brush your tails, straighten your fur, chop chop!"
Toobee the molebabe was ready first, his coat smoothed back and shining. He lined up by the door, the other Dibbuns behind him. "We's ready, Murther Gamm, marm."
"Alright then," said Gamma. "Let's go! Tomorrow is the first day of autumn, so do you know what song we sing?"
The Dibbuns did, as they had been practising it for several weeks. Mother Gamma had a soft heart, no matter what she seemed like on the outside, and had completely forgiven the young ones.
"Summer days go rushing past,
Autumn is come in!
Abbeybeasts sing Harvest Time,
Is a happy thing!
Woooo....autumn!
"Leaves are falling off the trees,
Birds are flying through the air.
Abbeybeasts sing songs of joy,
Come and join us here!
Woooo....autumn!
They repeated the short ditty several times, clapping their paws excitedly to the beat. Skipper and his otters, already down at the shore, looked up in interest as they came. Skipper was lying back on the rocks, taking a break, and the others were gambolling about in the shallows or the deeper water, as otters do.
"Hello Gamma!" said Skipper, jumping up. "How are ye then?" He made a sweeping bow to the badgermum, and the Dibbuns laughed.
"That's not something to make fun of, wot!" said a hare with a large moustache sitting on the rocks nearby scoffing a pasty.
"Frildon, are you eating again?" sighed Mother Gamma, taking the pasty off him neatly. The Dibbuns laughed even louder at that.
"Theif, scoundrel!" cried the hare, shaking a fist at Gamma. She simply glared at him with her brown eyes until he gave up and went away, most likely back to the abbey for more food.
"Okay, go and play now, but don't go too far!" she called after the Dibbuns' retreating backs. Looking about her quickly, she scoffed the pasty down in one bite!
"Muvva Gam', that not vewwy nice, wot!" said a voice from her feet. She looked down, and saw Tagger looking up at her reprochfully. She gulped, partly to swallow the pasty and partly in guilt.
"If you keep it quiet from Father Harrow, I'll let you do whatever you want in the kitchen," she whispered.
"An' da ovva Dibbuns?" asked Tagger, pointedly.
"And the other Dibbuns, now go and play," said Gamma. The harebabe ran off to where his best friend Rayba the rabbitbabe was playing in the water. Riftguard rabbits were nothing like as timid as the ones on the mainland.
The boat sailed across the sea, steered by Pallor. Down in the hull, Nightshade and Tawney sat communicating in silent. One of their guards, the fox Skumnose, was snoozing by the stairs. The other two, Burrad and the ferret Kazzik, were stood to attention, watching the badgermaids. Neither Burrad nor Kezzik had any fondness for each other.
'I sail beneath the sky and soil, changing colour with the time. I'm a net, but don't catch fish, what am I?' asked Tawny. The badgers were testing each other with riddles, as they often did when bored.
'A leaf,' replied Nightshade, her obvious ease at riddles coming through. 'I cannot be seen yet am always there, from the tallest tower to the lowest cave. I wear away mountains, I cut your breath. What am I?'
'Time,' butted in Pallor. 'Bright as sunlight, dark as midnight, all can be seen or hidden in me. What am I?'
For a moment, none of the two could remember the answer, and then they both got it together. 'Eyes!'
Meanwhile, Skumnose was having a strange dream.
A mouse and a squirrel were standing, facing him across a large plain.
"Leaf-bearer, you are not like the others. Listen now, as I speak," said the mouse.
"Who are ye?" asked Skumnose, "and what d'ye want?"
"I am Martin, warrior of Redwall. This is Triss, who bore my sword. Listen to me, for I know that you are not like the others. You will not harm the creatures of Riftguard."
"I just don't think that it's right, killin' anybeast," said Skumnose. "What d'ye want me ter do?"
"Find the sword, creature of your word.
The sword of the goodbeasts from Riftgard before.
Once peace reigned on the island, good lore.
But vermin, they took it, and peace was no more.
Hark to my word now, the badgermaids three,
They'll help you,
Show kindness,
And they will believe."
"What does that mean?" asked Skumnose, who felt a strange peace with the mouse and squirrel.
"Search for the sword!" cried the mouse, as he faded from view.
With a jerk, Skumnose awoke.
"Hah! Awake now, Rotnose?" asked Kazzik scornfully.
"Shut yer gob!" said Scumnose, lost in the dream. Martin, wasn't that the name of the mouse who had owned the fancy sword at Redwall. He had never heard of Triss before.
"Yar! Juxta needs da dark 'un in da galley, now!" roared Lumbat's voice from overhead. Kazzik raised his spearbut, about to hit Nightshade to make her move, but Skumnose grabbed it.
"I'll take 'er," he said, walking over and unlocking her from the wall. "C'mon, stri- badger, up them steps!"
Nightshade clambered up the wooden ladder to the main deck of the ship. She wondered why the fox had called her 'badger', because he had always used 'stripedog' before. She stood up, and moved to the side to let Skumnose up. Lumbat was also there, overseeing her to make sure that she didn't attempt an escape, not that there was anywhere to escape from on these boats, there were no lifeboats either.
Taking the ring from the end of her chain in his left paw, he began to walk along the passageway to the galley. Whenever it became taut he stopped, so that he did not hurt her. This was also new, because usually he just pulled until it hurt and she began to walk faster, as all the vermin did.
'Okay, that was weird,' she thought to her sisters, confusedly.
'What happened?' asked Pallor from the wheel.
'Skumnose the fox woke up, and then he stopped Kazzik from hitting me, and then he tried not to hurt me when taking me to the galley. It could almost be called kind' said Nightshade, her astonishment coming through.
"Get ter work!" roared Juxta, and the young badgermaid lifted the pot that was as large as her head onto the stove. Because the vermin were only her height, the cooker was at waist height for her. If she stayed on the ship for life, though, it would only be about knee height.
She went back over to the cupboard, as Juxta hooked the long chain to the wall and locked it. Nightshade could now not leave the galley. She took the preserved meat and held out her paw for Juxta to strap the knife to it. This way, the fox could stay in the far corner of the room, where Nightshade couldn't reach, and not be in danger of stabbing. The vermin were very cautious about their slaves.
Soon the smell of cooking filled the whole boat.
Back at Riftguard Abbey, preparations were well underway for the feast. All hares and Dibbuns had been banned from the kitchen, and were being entertained by Mother Gamma on the shore, at least, the Dibbuns were. Frildon, the old hare, was sitting on the rocks as usual.
"There have been some new babes born at Riftguard recently," said Gamma, smiling at the young ones.
"C'n we's pway wiv dem?" asked Arglod, the shrewbabe.
"They aren't old enough for that yet," explained Mother Gamma. "However, we can name them. They are five young Sparra, and they all need a name. I have just got a good idea..." she said, and a smile flickered over her face as she did so.
"Wot dat, Muv' Gam?" asked Rayba the rabbitbabe curiously.
"Come with me," said the middle-aged badger. "We're going to find Freedom!" The Dibbuns cheered as they ran after her, up the sandy path to the gardens from the hidden cove, and towards the tent in the orchard.
Freedom was sitting under the tent with Harrow. The two squirrelmaids Farlum and Padan were helping Skipper and his daughter Ransay to set up the benches around them. When he heard the Dibbuns and Gamma coming across the lawn, he groaned.
"Grampa, Grampa!" yelled the oldest of the Dibbuns, a mousemaid called Rosebel, but normally just Bel. She was Freedom's granddaughter, and a very sensible maid.
She threw herself into the old recorder's lap, and hugged him tightly. Farlum and Padan's younger brother Miggen climbed the pole of the tent, out of reach of Mother Gamma. He sat there, grinning at her, but didn't notice his sister coming up behind to grab him.
"Oy, gerroff! Gerroff! Stupi' sista!" cried Miggum, struggling in Padan's grasp. She jumped lightly to the ground, and released him.
Up on the Abbey roof, where work was still ongoing to complete the ornate carving, the female Sparra, Weshaw, was alighting after hunting for food. Her husband Phineas was currently guarding the tiny chicks. Work had stopped on the Abbey roof for the moment, as they did not want to disturb the young ones.
For a moment, the Sparra looked out to sea, down South towards where Peace Island lay beyond the horizon. They had become very friendly with the islanders, and often invited them to feasts such as this one. It was often the younger hedgehogs that preferred to make the long journey, for as they got older they began to settle down and make their own families. The hedgehog working on the tapestry with Ransay and the other squirrel was from Peace Island, as there were no hedgehogs in Riftguard Abbey.
The Sparra gave a loud whistle, and her husband emerged onto the rooftop. They conversed for a few moments in the Sparra language, and then she went inside whilst he flew down towards the tent.
He perched on a bench near where the Dibbuns were playing, and waited. Only young Toobee noticed him, and went over to have a look.
"Goom afternoon to 'ee, zurr Phin'as," said Toobee, tugging his nose politely. "How'm be 'ee Spar'chicks?"
"Sparrachicks finenow. Haveyou namesfor themyet?" he asked in his high-pitched voice. The Dibbun mole, used to different accents, shook his head.
"We'm's gonna name 'em later, burr, at 'ee feaster for Auturm. Muv' Gam's gonner let urs give in 'ee namers an' we pick 'em outen 'ee hart," informed Toobee, with his innocent smile.
"PeaceIsland hedgepigs come in bigship," whistled Phineas, bobbing his head up and down.
"Oooh! Oi tell Muv' Gam', boo hurr oi do tha'." said Toobee, toddling off towards where the badger mother was chatting to Freedom. Bel was listening quietly, being well behaved since she was the eldest.
"Muthurr Gamurr," said Toobee, interrupting her.
"What is it?" asked the badger mother kindly, but with a bite of impatience.
"Phin'as says tha' 'ee Peace Island hedgey hogs bees a comin'," replied Toobee, with a nod of his head. "He'm also wanna know when 'ee namers for 'ee Spar'chicks be's ready. I tol' him they be done by tumorra, Muthur Gamur."
"Thank you, Toobee," said Mother Gamma, looking around to see Phineas. She waved at him, and he flew off, whistling a merry tune.
"Right, well we'd better get on with these names then," said Freedom. "Let's go to the gatehouse and get it sorted."
Mother Gamma called the Dibbuns, who were all attempting to annoy their elders, and they strolled over to the comfortable gatehouse.
"Raise thine flag, Yestre!" called the hedgehog captain of the ship Peaceful.
"It shall be done," said Yestre, standing up and walking to the mast. She took the rope and tied the sea-green flag to it, and then raised it up the mast to the top. There, the symbol of peace flew clearly - a white feather.
A small boat came across the water, manned by two otters and a sturdy-looking shrew. The shrew was Log-a-Log Edary, cheiftain of the Guosar - Guerilla Union of Shrews at Riftguard.
"Ahoy there, Peaceful!" cried Skipper, picking up a rope from the floor of the boat. "Can we come aboard?"
"Greetings, Riftguarders. You are permitted to send one aboard this ship, the shrew," said the captain.
"Aye aye!" said Skipper, cheerfully. He threw the rope to the boat, and waited whilst a young male hedgehog tied it up. Then Edary swarmed up it to the top, and undid it again. With a quick movement, it had landed into Skipper's boat.
"My name is Welrod," said the hedgehog, tugging his forespikes respectufully. "It is pleasant to see thee this fine day, Log-a-Log Edary."
"It's nice ter see you too, matey!" replied the shrew. "But how come you know my name when I don't know yours?"
"I was just a young one when I first came to the Abbey. This year, I am old enough to help sail the boat."
"Well matey, I'm here to help you navigate inter the secret cove. It's hidden from the outside, an' even the vermin didn't see it from the inside. Just foller Skip an' Fidesa fer now," suggested Edary. Welrod called the instructions up to the captain, and they were on their way.
In the kitchen of Riftguard Abbey came many delicious smells. There were candied chestnuts being rolled in their sugar coating by the two mousemaids Olivia and Laurel, and the rabbitwife Jersey. Jersey was Quiria and Rayta's mother.
"Burr, how be's tha' poi comin' along, zurrs?" asked Friar Lusso to the foremole Manred and the other mole who had just left Dibbunhood, Kester.
"Et be's comin' along foine, zurr Luzzo," said Manred, taking a small taste of it. He nodded. "Oi think tha' jus' needs ur touch more in'ee oven, an' it'll be durn."
At the next table in the busy kitchen, Espanso the squirrel, mother of Farlum, Padan and Miggen, was preparing a delicious salad containing numerous vegetables. There were mushrooms, lettuce, carotts, tomatoes, beetroot stalks, radishes and much much more. Even Friar Lusso couldn't help licking his lips hungrily when he saw it.
"Boi 'okey, Ezpanser, tha' do look noice."
"It isn't half finished yet," said Espanso, leaping onto the table and then into the ceiling rafters to fetch some turnips. She jumped down again, and began to chop it skilfully, chatting to Lusso all the while.
"It won't be finished until those Peace Islanders arrive with their potatoes. I won't make a salad with any other sort."
Friar Lusso nodded, moving on to the next table, where another Peace Island hedgehog who had decided to stay for a season at Riftguard was cutting slices from a giant cheese.
"Tha' looks noice," said Lusso. "What drinks do 'ee think 'ee ought'a drink wi' tha'?"
"Straw'bry cordial," said Varty, who didn't talk like the others. "It'd just add that perfect flavour..."
Review Replies:
Thanks to everyone who read my fic. TrueStarseed (hi from Atham!), thanks for reviewing. You want more, you got more!
clara200, yes, the badgermaids are young. They were only newborn when captured, and have not been fed much so they're not that strong. They'll still be stronger than most when full grown though.
RedFerret15, this story is based on the island of Riftguard after the end of Triss, that's the idea. I hope you like this spacing better.
Peachy_Garlic, your wish is my command!