Chapter 13
The War in Mossflower
*************************
Fox and Wolf had their Light Weapons out ready for battle as they heard the yells of the enemy.
Bill had a dagger ready for use in case he met the enemy. Martin was in front of them all with his sword
drawn out. "They intend on fighting?" asked Martin as he clenched the hilt of his blade.
Fox was worried. Just what is exactly going on? At that moment, loud clashes and screams were
heard in the distance. The front line was getting attacked! Fox became concerned about Ray.
Martin looked toward the distance as he saw the warriors getting slaughtered. He winced as some
blood flew in the air. Ray suddenly came up to Martin panting for breath yelling, "Mages! Cure the
wounded!"
Martin settled him down and asked what was going on. Ray briefed him on what was happening and
his conversation with Slagar. "What does he mean?" asked Martin. " 'Take back what's Drams'? Something's
amiss...."
"Redwall belonged to Dram before?" asked Wolf curiously.
"I don't think so," said Ray. "I have no idea what he's talking about! You think Masidus knows
about this?"
Martin paused. "Perhaps the abbey records were to say?" he suggested.
"They're of no use." said Ray. "They only tell of the wars they've fought and new borns. They
don't tell anything about politics."
Martin cursed.
"Man I'm confused," admitted Fox as he clenched the hilt of his blade.
"I'll explain later." said Ray. "Right now, we have to push Slagar's forces out of here! I know
just what to do to aid our victory."
Ray ran back to abbey and a few minutes later came back with Gus who was armed with an assualt
rifle. "You want me to use it here?" asked Gus pointing at a spot on the ground.
Ray nodded.
"Okay." said Gus. "Time to draw this ancient weapon out."
Gus stuck his hand out above him. He snapped and gray flames surrounded his hand. Suddenly, pieces
of stone from the ground lifted into the air and were enclosing his hand. After a few minutes, Gus' hand
became a rock! Gus' arm muscles were tense as he looked at his rock hand. With a groan, the rock bursted
and now, within his hand, was a dagger with a golden hilt, a blue edge, and a gray gem at the end of
the hilt.
Fox and Bill were amazed.
"This is the Light Dagger," said Gus. "You're about to find out one of its amazing capabilities."
Gus looked in front and saw Slagar's army adavncing toward them. Without hesitation, Gus jumped
in the air and threw the dagger to the ground. It sheathed almost to the end of the hilt. Gus landed
and waited. Then, a rumble was heard.
"Fox, Bill," started Ray, "over here."
Fox and Bill went over to Ray with haste confused. Then, the earth started to rumble and shake. The
dagger's gem started glowing very brightly. The earth rumbled violently more and cracked the ground. Large
fissures were being indented within the ground as they were making their way toward the enemy.
Slagar's army became bewildered and hesitated. Then, the ground below them opened up making the army
fall within the large hole. Screams were heard from with as they fell into the never ending ground. The ground
then sealed itself up, and the dagger flew into the air back into Gus' hand. Slagar and what was left
of his army looked at the abbey in angerment.
"RETREAT!" ordered Slagar to his men. "GET BACK TO CAMP!"
After the enemy was gone, the Redwall warriors were cheering aloud, holding their weapons high in
the air. Ray siged in relief and sat on the ground. "I need a break from all this fighting...." admitted
Ray.
Wolf's spear disappeared and he looked at Gus. "That was awesome, Gus!" Wolf said.
"Yeah, what was that?" asked Fox curiously.
Gus looked at Ray. "You heven't taught them how to use the weapon's 'abilities'?" he asked.
"What do you expect?" replied Ray. "They can't handle all those powerful spells yet."
"Well," started Gus looking back at the boys, "each Light Weapon has its certain abilities. Whether
it be an elemtal attack, defensive spell, or increase in power, each weapon has its standards. See,
the Light Dagger has the element of Earth within its blade. I know it because I found it in the ground
when it was given to me. In the form that it appears to you, is what certain ability it may have."
Fox understood a little, but didn't understand something. What was the material composed in
his Light Weapon?
********************************************
As soon as all the soldiers came back to the abbey and wounded were cured, Fox went up to his
room with Bill. They walked up the brick staircase, into the hallway, and found their room. They opened
the door and found Falco in the room by himself, peering out the window. They entered the room and Fox
asked, "Where were you?"
Falco jumped a little and at them. "Huh?" he said. "I...was sight...seeing...."
Something was wrong. Falco was always the one who suggested ideas and always was excited about
them. However, he was so silent and look still-faced. "What's wrong, Falco?" asked Bill.
"I'm fine...." said Falco silently.
"No you're not," said Fox. "Tell us the truth. C'mon!"
"I SAID I'M FINE!" yelled Falco scaring the two boys.
Falco looked at them angrily breathing hard. "You kids wouldn't understand!" said Falco.
Fox and Bill had never seen this side of Falco before. Silence drifeted the air. "Falco," started
Fox, "we're friends. We want to help you with whatever's going on. Why don't you need our help?"
Falco's eyes widened and he stopped breathing. He growled and ran up to Fox grabbing him by
the neck. "I DON'T NEED YOUR DAMN HELP!" Falco said tightening his grip on Fox. "OUTTA MY WAY!"
He threw Fox to the floor and ran out the dormatory. Bill helped Fox up and asked, "Are you
okay?"
Fox coughed a little and said, "Y...yeah.... I'm fine. Just a little...shocked...."
Something, indeed, was wrong with Falco.
**********************************************
Ray was talking with Martin and Cloud within the outdoors of the abbey as Fox and Bill made their
way to them. Ray saw them and looked conscerned. "What's wrong?" asked Ray. "You guys look like you saw a ghost
or something."
They had explained their encounter with Falco raising a few brows on Ray, Martin, and Cloud. "He
did that to you, Fox?" asked Cloud with conscern.
Fox nodded rubbing his neck little by little.
"Something's not right." said Ray. "He's never acted that way before."
"I know." said Bill. "It's like he's someone else or something...."
"Martin?" called Ray. "I want you to look all around in the abbey. See if Falco is around. I
wish to question him on his behavior."
"Sure thing." said Martin as he ran off into the abbey grounds.
"Why him?" asked Cloud.
"Because he's the only one who knows of this place since the founding of it." replied Ray. "Excuse
me, boys. I must get changed. I've been wearing this uniform sicne the meeting."
Ray walked off into the dormitories leaving Bill and Fox with Cloud.
************************************************
Night came very fast showing a full moon within the skies. Fox was eating his dinner in the
Great Hall by himself when Martin came and sat across from him. "Is Falco around?" asked Fox.
"No, I'm afraid not...." said Martin. "I searched every nook and cranny of this place. Nothing."
"Martin?" asked Fox. "How do you know Ray?"
Martin smiled and gave a small chuckle. "Well, lad, a tale that is indeed." he said nobily.
"I believe he was thirteen when I first saw him. He was so adventurous. And he always had something
going on in his mind.
"But, he came with Cloud one day and Cloud introduced me to him. He didn't talk as much. But when
I challenged him on a duel, he didn't hesitate but to take me up on my offer. He fought well with
that sword of his. We became more and more acquanted with each other.
"He is a boy of many dreams and hopes for this country. I'm glad to see him making it come true
instead of having it go to waist deep within the mind."
"He seems to know a lot of people." said Fox.
"What do you expect from the chairman of the third branch of the Exile Forces?" said Martin.
"You would be surprised!"
"And, what's that large carpet thing in the church?" asked Fox.
"Oh, the tapestry?" chucked Martin. "It's a tapestry of my grandsire. He was a brave warrior.
If only I could have met him...."
"Also, is there gonna be a war?" asked Fox innocently. "I mean, I here everyone talking about
it, but I wish it didn't happen."
Martin frowned and sighed. "Yes," he started, " 'tis a terrible thing, war is. Ray asked the
same question, and I gave him the same answer as I do with you. Even though the cost of war is the life
of a soldier, think about the lives of the innocents who are being scarred by it."
Fox didn't quite understand, but decided to agree with it.
Martin smiled at him. "I think you'll do just fine out in the world," reassured Martin.
"How do you know?" asked Fox.
"You are just like Ray." replied Martin.
Then, Ray walked in and sat next to Martin. "What's going on?" asked Ray.
"Just talking." said Fox finishing his soup.
"Are you okay, Fox?" asked Ray.
"Yeah, my neck's fine." replied Fox.
"Well, Fox," started Ray, "it appears that Father Masidus wishes to meet you and Bill a little
more. He invites you for a cup of tea in his office."
"Sure." said Fox. "Where's Bill at?"
"He should be in the dormitory," said Martin.
"Okay, I'll go and see him." said Fox getting up and walking away.
"Just to get to know them?" asked Martin. "Why didn't you tell him the truth?"
"I want the Father to tell them first hand," said Ray.
"If you say so," said Martin.
******************************************
Fox and Bill walked into the church of the abbey and gazed at the tapestry as they walked to
Masidus' office. What could he possibly want with them? Fox came up and knocked on the abbot's door.
No reply. Bill tried, this time harder.
Still no reply. Fox turned the door nob and was surprised to have found it open. They went entered
the office and saw a sight that would scare them for life. Abbot Masidus was on the floor with blood
flowing out of his back! In front of him, was Falco with the knife that had stabbed him.
Falco looked at them with a saddened expression on his face and he dropped the knife on to the
ground. "FALCO!" yelled Fox as he ran inside. "WHAT DID YOU DO?"
Falco backed away and said, "I.... I was forced...."
Bill ran over to the abbot and checked to see if the mouse was breathing. He was, but barely.
Falco started to the window when Fox pulled his arm back. "WHY DID YOU DO IT?" yelled Fox as his eyes
began to water. "You are our friend!
"You wouldn't hurt anyone! Why did you do it...?"
Falco turned away, went to the window, and jumped out and disappeared into the night. Tears rolled
down Fox's eyes. Bill looked at the abbot one more time and saw he wasn't breathing. Bill checked Masidus'
pulse. None.
Bill's eyes widened in horror. "F-Fox...." said Bill. "He's...dead!"
"Oh my God...." said Fox in a scared tone.
Never before had death come before them both. It seemed impossible that such a friend that Falco
was could go and kill someone. They had no idea what to do now. The door suddenly opened revealing Martin
at the entrance. He looked around seeing the tears on Fox's face and the body of Masidus.
Martin gasped and yelled, "WHAT HAPPENED? DID YOU DO THIS?"
Fox told everything that they had witnessed and swore he had seen it. Martin looked at Masidus'
body. "My God," said Martin. "Why did this happen? Why now?"
Cloud ran in with panic. "Slagar's army has come back!" he said. "We have to fi-"
Cloud's eyes were fixed on Masidus' body. He gawked and asked the same question similar to MArtin's
and was briefed on the situation. "What are we gonna do?" asked Fox so innocently.
Cloud sighed. "This entire abbey will fall if we don't act fast." he said.
Martin cursed and punched the cement wall.
"Can we evacuate all the people to another village?" asked Bill.
"Too much time." said Cloud. "We'd take up two hours!"
"Then we must escape ourselves." said the voice of Ray.
Ray walked in wearing his usual black trench coat. "Fox, Bill, and Martin," he started, "you and
Wolf will go out to Second Miltia past the Green Border. We will meet you there. Me and Cloud will
take care of the situation here."
"But you'll die!" protested Fox.
"Fox, this is not something to get you involved in!" said Ray. "The important thing is that you
survive during this time of conflict. A child like you shouldn't experience something like this in
their life, I must agree. However, it is happening, and I cannot let someone your age die because
of war. Please go."
Fox tilted his head. "W...what if we never see each other again?" asked Fox silently.
Ray kneeled and put his hand on his shoulder. "Fox," he started, "I will not break this promise.
You have my word. I need for you to go and be safe in Second Mitia. Please."
Fox looked up at Ray and nodded. "I will meet you there," said Ray, "I promise."
The War in Mossflower
*************************
Fox and Wolf had their Light Weapons out ready for battle as they heard the yells of the enemy.
Bill had a dagger ready for use in case he met the enemy. Martin was in front of them all with his sword
drawn out. "They intend on fighting?" asked Martin as he clenched the hilt of his blade.
Fox was worried. Just what is exactly going on? At that moment, loud clashes and screams were
heard in the distance. The front line was getting attacked! Fox became concerned about Ray.
Martin looked toward the distance as he saw the warriors getting slaughtered. He winced as some
blood flew in the air. Ray suddenly came up to Martin panting for breath yelling, "Mages! Cure the
wounded!"
Martin settled him down and asked what was going on. Ray briefed him on what was happening and
his conversation with Slagar. "What does he mean?" asked Martin. " 'Take back what's Drams'? Something's
amiss...."
"Redwall belonged to Dram before?" asked Wolf curiously.
"I don't think so," said Ray. "I have no idea what he's talking about! You think Masidus knows
about this?"
Martin paused. "Perhaps the abbey records were to say?" he suggested.
"They're of no use." said Ray. "They only tell of the wars they've fought and new borns. They
don't tell anything about politics."
Martin cursed.
"Man I'm confused," admitted Fox as he clenched the hilt of his blade.
"I'll explain later." said Ray. "Right now, we have to push Slagar's forces out of here! I know
just what to do to aid our victory."
Ray ran back to abbey and a few minutes later came back with Gus who was armed with an assualt
rifle. "You want me to use it here?" asked Gus pointing at a spot on the ground.
Ray nodded.
"Okay." said Gus. "Time to draw this ancient weapon out."
Gus stuck his hand out above him. He snapped and gray flames surrounded his hand. Suddenly, pieces
of stone from the ground lifted into the air and were enclosing his hand. After a few minutes, Gus' hand
became a rock! Gus' arm muscles were tense as he looked at his rock hand. With a groan, the rock bursted
and now, within his hand, was a dagger with a golden hilt, a blue edge, and a gray gem at the end of
the hilt.
Fox and Bill were amazed.
"This is the Light Dagger," said Gus. "You're about to find out one of its amazing capabilities."
Gus looked in front and saw Slagar's army adavncing toward them. Without hesitation, Gus jumped
in the air and threw the dagger to the ground. It sheathed almost to the end of the hilt. Gus landed
and waited. Then, a rumble was heard.
"Fox, Bill," started Ray, "over here."
Fox and Bill went over to Ray with haste confused. Then, the earth started to rumble and shake. The
dagger's gem started glowing very brightly. The earth rumbled violently more and cracked the ground. Large
fissures were being indented within the ground as they were making their way toward the enemy.
Slagar's army became bewildered and hesitated. Then, the ground below them opened up making the army
fall within the large hole. Screams were heard from with as they fell into the never ending ground. The ground
then sealed itself up, and the dagger flew into the air back into Gus' hand. Slagar and what was left
of his army looked at the abbey in angerment.
"RETREAT!" ordered Slagar to his men. "GET BACK TO CAMP!"
After the enemy was gone, the Redwall warriors were cheering aloud, holding their weapons high in
the air. Ray siged in relief and sat on the ground. "I need a break from all this fighting...." admitted
Ray.
Wolf's spear disappeared and he looked at Gus. "That was awesome, Gus!" Wolf said.
"Yeah, what was that?" asked Fox curiously.
Gus looked at Ray. "You heven't taught them how to use the weapon's 'abilities'?" he asked.
"What do you expect?" replied Ray. "They can't handle all those powerful spells yet."
"Well," started Gus looking back at the boys, "each Light Weapon has its certain abilities. Whether
it be an elemtal attack, defensive spell, or increase in power, each weapon has its standards. See,
the Light Dagger has the element of Earth within its blade. I know it because I found it in the ground
when it was given to me. In the form that it appears to you, is what certain ability it may have."
Fox understood a little, but didn't understand something. What was the material composed in
his Light Weapon?
********************************************
As soon as all the soldiers came back to the abbey and wounded were cured, Fox went up to his
room with Bill. They walked up the brick staircase, into the hallway, and found their room. They opened
the door and found Falco in the room by himself, peering out the window. They entered the room and Fox
asked, "Where were you?"
Falco jumped a little and at them. "Huh?" he said. "I...was sight...seeing...."
Something was wrong. Falco was always the one who suggested ideas and always was excited about
them. However, he was so silent and look still-faced. "What's wrong, Falco?" asked Bill.
"I'm fine...." said Falco silently.
"No you're not," said Fox. "Tell us the truth. C'mon!"
"I SAID I'M FINE!" yelled Falco scaring the two boys.
Falco looked at them angrily breathing hard. "You kids wouldn't understand!" said Falco.
Fox and Bill had never seen this side of Falco before. Silence drifeted the air. "Falco," started
Fox, "we're friends. We want to help you with whatever's going on. Why don't you need our help?"
Falco's eyes widened and he stopped breathing. He growled and ran up to Fox grabbing him by
the neck. "I DON'T NEED YOUR DAMN HELP!" Falco said tightening his grip on Fox. "OUTTA MY WAY!"
He threw Fox to the floor and ran out the dormatory. Bill helped Fox up and asked, "Are you
okay?"
Fox coughed a little and said, "Y...yeah.... I'm fine. Just a little...shocked...."
Something, indeed, was wrong with Falco.
**********************************************
Ray was talking with Martin and Cloud within the outdoors of the abbey as Fox and Bill made their
way to them. Ray saw them and looked conscerned. "What's wrong?" asked Ray. "You guys look like you saw a ghost
or something."
They had explained their encounter with Falco raising a few brows on Ray, Martin, and Cloud. "He
did that to you, Fox?" asked Cloud with conscern.
Fox nodded rubbing his neck little by little.
"Something's not right." said Ray. "He's never acted that way before."
"I know." said Bill. "It's like he's someone else or something...."
"Martin?" called Ray. "I want you to look all around in the abbey. See if Falco is around. I
wish to question him on his behavior."
"Sure thing." said Martin as he ran off into the abbey grounds.
"Why him?" asked Cloud.
"Because he's the only one who knows of this place since the founding of it." replied Ray. "Excuse
me, boys. I must get changed. I've been wearing this uniform sicne the meeting."
Ray walked off into the dormitories leaving Bill and Fox with Cloud.
************************************************
Night came very fast showing a full moon within the skies. Fox was eating his dinner in the
Great Hall by himself when Martin came and sat across from him. "Is Falco around?" asked Fox.
"No, I'm afraid not...." said Martin. "I searched every nook and cranny of this place. Nothing."
"Martin?" asked Fox. "How do you know Ray?"
Martin smiled and gave a small chuckle. "Well, lad, a tale that is indeed." he said nobily.
"I believe he was thirteen when I first saw him. He was so adventurous. And he always had something
going on in his mind.
"But, he came with Cloud one day and Cloud introduced me to him. He didn't talk as much. But when
I challenged him on a duel, he didn't hesitate but to take me up on my offer. He fought well with
that sword of his. We became more and more acquanted with each other.
"He is a boy of many dreams and hopes for this country. I'm glad to see him making it come true
instead of having it go to waist deep within the mind."
"He seems to know a lot of people." said Fox.
"What do you expect from the chairman of the third branch of the Exile Forces?" said Martin.
"You would be surprised!"
"And, what's that large carpet thing in the church?" asked Fox.
"Oh, the tapestry?" chucked Martin. "It's a tapestry of my grandsire. He was a brave warrior.
If only I could have met him...."
"Also, is there gonna be a war?" asked Fox innocently. "I mean, I here everyone talking about
it, but I wish it didn't happen."
Martin frowned and sighed. "Yes," he started, " 'tis a terrible thing, war is. Ray asked the
same question, and I gave him the same answer as I do with you. Even though the cost of war is the life
of a soldier, think about the lives of the innocents who are being scarred by it."
Fox didn't quite understand, but decided to agree with it.
Martin smiled at him. "I think you'll do just fine out in the world," reassured Martin.
"How do you know?" asked Fox.
"You are just like Ray." replied Martin.
Then, Ray walked in and sat next to Martin. "What's going on?" asked Ray.
"Just talking." said Fox finishing his soup.
"Are you okay, Fox?" asked Ray.
"Yeah, my neck's fine." replied Fox.
"Well, Fox," started Ray, "it appears that Father Masidus wishes to meet you and Bill a little
more. He invites you for a cup of tea in his office."
"Sure." said Fox. "Where's Bill at?"
"He should be in the dormitory," said Martin.
"Okay, I'll go and see him." said Fox getting up and walking away.
"Just to get to know them?" asked Martin. "Why didn't you tell him the truth?"
"I want the Father to tell them first hand," said Ray.
"If you say so," said Martin.
******************************************
Fox and Bill walked into the church of the abbey and gazed at the tapestry as they walked to
Masidus' office. What could he possibly want with them? Fox came up and knocked on the abbot's door.
No reply. Bill tried, this time harder.
Still no reply. Fox turned the door nob and was surprised to have found it open. They went entered
the office and saw a sight that would scare them for life. Abbot Masidus was on the floor with blood
flowing out of his back! In front of him, was Falco with the knife that had stabbed him.
Falco looked at them with a saddened expression on his face and he dropped the knife on to the
ground. "FALCO!" yelled Fox as he ran inside. "WHAT DID YOU DO?"
Falco backed away and said, "I.... I was forced...."
Bill ran over to the abbot and checked to see if the mouse was breathing. He was, but barely.
Falco started to the window when Fox pulled his arm back. "WHY DID YOU DO IT?" yelled Fox as his eyes
began to water. "You are our friend!
"You wouldn't hurt anyone! Why did you do it...?"
Falco turned away, went to the window, and jumped out and disappeared into the night. Tears rolled
down Fox's eyes. Bill looked at the abbot one more time and saw he wasn't breathing. Bill checked Masidus'
pulse. None.
Bill's eyes widened in horror. "F-Fox...." said Bill. "He's...dead!"
"Oh my God...." said Fox in a scared tone.
Never before had death come before them both. It seemed impossible that such a friend that Falco
was could go and kill someone. They had no idea what to do now. The door suddenly opened revealing Martin
at the entrance. He looked around seeing the tears on Fox's face and the body of Masidus.
Martin gasped and yelled, "WHAT HAPPENED? DID YOU DO THIS?"
Fox told everything that they had witnessed and swore he had seen it. Martin looked at Masidus'
body. "My God," said Martin. "Why did this happen? Why now?"
Cloud ran in with panic. "Slagar's army has come back!" he said. "We have to fi-"
Cloud's eyes were fixed on Masidus' body. He gawked and asked the same question similar to MArtin's
and was briefed on the situation. "What are we gonna do?" asked Fox so innocently.
Cloud sighed. "This entire abbey will fall if we don't act fast." he said.
Martin cursed and punched the cement wall.
"Can we evacuate all the people to another village?" asked Bill.
"Too much time." said Cloud. "We'd take up two hours!"
"Then we must escape ourselves." said the voice of Ray.
Ray walked in wearing his usual black trench coat. "Fox, Bill, and Martin," he started, "you and
Wolf will go out to Second Miltia past the Green Border. We will meet you there. Me and Cloud will
take care of the situation here."
"But you'll die!" protested Fox.
"Fox, this is not something to get you involved in!" said Ray. "The important thing is that you
survive during this time of conflict. A child like you shouldn't experience something like this in
their life, I must agree. However, it is happening, and I cannot let someone your age die because
of war. Please go."
Fox tilted his head. "W...what if we never see each other again?" asked Fox silently.
Ray kneeled and put his hand on his shoulder. "Fox," he started, "I will not break this promise.
You have my word. I need for you to go and be safe in Second Mitia. Please."
Fox looked up at Ray and nodded. "I will meet you there," said Ray, "I promise."