Chapter 16

As had been predicted, by that night the storm had hit Redwall and Mossflower Wood. Cold winds surged through the trees and the great Redwall weathervane spun in odd directions during the night. Heavy rains beat down relentlessly and indiscriminately. This was a storm that would just have to be weathered out.

But somebeasts had differing orders. Half a score of vermin, corsairs and hordebeasts both, stealthily wove through the wet underbrush to the Abbey of Redwall. During the midnight hour they caught sight of its great walls and in no time at all they were just outside the north wall, unbeknownst to the Redwallers within, who were most likely seeking shelter from the treacherous storm. As if on cue a skilled corsair of Bloik's crew set to work immediately on the sturdy but wet wallgate. It swung open in a matter of seconds and the vermin entered stealthily as shadows.

.

Underground Cavern Hole was very crowded. Nearly all of Redwall was cramped in the dining hall because of the storm. Those who had been outside, such as Leslie, Lingen, and Stikle, had had to come in as soon as the chill winds arrived. Those upstairs, not quite limited to the frightened Dibbuns, were not at all comfortable with the flashes of lightening and the menacing thunder. The Abbeydwellers who had already been downstairs soon found themselves dreadfully crowded but had somehow made room for everybeast to be seated comfortably. Friar Gringle, Leslie, Benno, and others worked in the kitchens to provide a modest midnight meal for everybeast.

Instruments were soon brought out to drown out the storm: mole fiddles, flutes, drums, and whatever else was on paw. Before long a corner of the hall had been converted into a small jigging floor. Even Sister Polly was coaxed into dancing with the jovial hedgehogs and moles, joined by Brother Lucas and Skipper of Otters, who appeared to be all rudder. In one turnaround the otter had knocked over three hedgehogs behind him, who in turn bowled into Sister Polly, who fell flat on her back, laughing all the while. The storm and all other problems seemed to have been forgotten in light of the holiday of food and festivities in Cavern Hole.

Suddenly a small, shrill scream cut through the air. Tankards were dropped and the music waned out abruptly.

Cindy Vole jumped to her feet. "I know that scream," she squeaked. "My Tera!!"

Sister Polly, who was now angry at herself for becoming lax as the Dibbun keeper, shot off to the stairs to Great Hall, where the scream had come from, followed by Mother Brilla, Brother Lucas, Skipper of Otters, Rufus Rillflag, Dangur Furgin, and a few others. "Don't worry, Mrs. Vole, we'll see to this," she shouted as they left the hall of bewildered Redwallers.

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Although the dwellers of Redwall Abbey had done well to keep everybeast inside, there appeared to be a stroke of luck for Captain Fayde and Lookout Rosno's party. They stumbled across a small vole child who had probably sneaked out of the Abbey building to play in the rain. Before she could scream the hordebeast Fayde had covered her mouth with one paw and placed his cutlass menacingly to her throat. "Now, missie," he warned, "let's not make any mistakes. Just answer our questions and you won't get 'urt."

The volebabe, Tera, nodded.

"This is th' Abbey o' Redwall?" Rosno, the corsair scout leader asked their captive.

Tera nodded.

"Tell me then, is there a great sword 'ung 'ere, a famous warrior's sword?"

She nodded, still wide-eyed but afraid to move.

"You'll lead us to it then," Fayde cut in impatiently, and pushed the volebabe before them.

She led them to the doors of Great Hall. They swung open slowly, squeaking slightly but quiet enough. There on the wall hung the sword of Martin the Warrior, which Tera had often admired while playing with her friends. It had been her friend some days, when she was by herself and had nobeast else to talk to. What these beasts wanted with it she didn't know, but they were not nice to her, and she knew that they were not planning anything nice for her friend. Rosno stood atop a table and took the legendary sword from its hooks, holding it aloft a few seconds before coming down with it. Fayde caught his breath when he saw it aloft, the Sword of Martin, with the light of a small candle flashing momentarily on the fabled blade.

Tera saw her chance and bit into his hand fiercely. The rat yelped slightly and let go of his hold on the volebabe. Growling, he raised his blade at her. She screamed, and crumpled to the floor.

What happened after that was all a blur. Sister Polly, Mother Brilla, and other older beasts were there, and there was shouting. Mother Brilla was holding something big, and then Fayde was bleeding. The vermin ran outside, no longer interested in Tera, and Brilla and the others followed. The sword was gone.

Then Sister Sara was there.