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(STILL IN EDITING PROCESS) Meanwhile back in the badger fortress Salamandastorn, the hare regiments and Lord Snowfur were just returning form their trip from Redwall. Snowfur was in a foul mood, all the hares were afraid just to get near him, so he was in the front of the line...way in front of the line. Every hare in the regiment was whispering to each other trying to convince one another to talk to Snowfur. "I say old bean I think you should talk to the lord, he likes you more wot wot?"
Tammo III looked back at the hare behind him "Oh jolly good plan chap. I go up to a badger who is having quite the temper tantrum, slap him on the back and tell him, hey no jolly old worries because like me auntie use to say a problem worth fretin over shouldn't even be thought of that way you can't fret over it wot? Then I get myself flippen killed. Is that your jolly good old plan?"
The hare backed off whishing that he had never made the suggestion. But Tammo was actually smiling with approval to the recruits idea "Well if I don't, no one in this blinkin regiment is going to do it. Wish me luck wot!"
Tammo III picked up his pace to catch up with Snowfur "Ummm greetins m'lord, it's getting quite chilly out wot?" Snowfur ignored the hare completely, in fact he picked up the pace to avoid the hare but Tammo didn't take a hint quite well, he picked up his pace to match up Snowfur's pace. "Look Snowfur M'Lord I know that you are in a jolly bad mood, but well I thought it was bad to think bad things about fellow creature's."
Snowfur stopped immediately, he did not look at Tammo but he spoke to him in a very annoyed tone "Yes that is true but that dose not account for vermin like that-that fox!"
Tammo's legs were shaking like a bow string pulled all the way back and let go, but still Tammo held his ground "Well then m'lord if you hate that fox so much my auntie said t'was best just to write it down, that way you can release all those negative thoughts about the chap wot wot?"
Snowfur said nothing for awhile, then looked at Tammo, and smiled! "Well it sounds like a good idea, I'll try it thank you Tammo you are a good friend thank you. I feel a lot better now." He said lying only because he wanted to raise the spirits of the regiments up a little so Tammo suggested small dittiy for while they marched to Salamandastorn. Suggestions popped up left and right until Tammo heard someone suggest his favorite marching song "We are the hares of the long patrol." The hares took a deep breath and shouted as they kept their march in time with the beats.
"Ohhhh we are the hares of the long patrol,
A proud and sturdy lot
We will fight to the death for our badger lord
Wot wot wot!
The badger lord is a fierce one tis true
But a hare is deadlier
S'Death on wind, Eulaliaaaa!
The war cries of a Salamandastorn hare
And if you got some good vittles well
Run for your lives
Because when food gets involved
A hare is the champion."
And if you saw a hare at a feast you would be amazed
At the skill and speed of how he ate
Before you even looked at you plaaaaate!
So heed me warning listen well
And hide you food in the cellars oh
Lock it good and lock it again
Don't open the door for anyone
Cause we'll find it and eat and eat and eeeeeat until theresssssss
Nothing left!!!!
Tammo staggered with laughter up to Snowfur "You know why I love that song?" He asked Snowfur "Why do you like that song Tammo?" He was laughing so hard he could barley speak "Hahaha well hahahhaha it's true hahahahaha!"
He was laughing so hard he fell on his back in the sand, a couple of hares picked him up and the drill sergeant walked over scolding Tammo "Bad form laddie buck. Your supposed to set a good example for the recruits wot wot!? But what you did say was completely true, according to those Abby chaps a hare is a walking stomach bahahaha!" It went on like this for awhile between the hares, mostly because it was the only thing keeping Snowfur's spirits up.
Salamandastorn was a great sight. From afar it appears to be an ordinary mountain by the beach. But on closer examination you can see you have arrived at the fortress Salamandastorn, home to a badger lord who protects the bay and anyone in need, and the hares who assist him. Salamandastorn is also home to the greatest weapons ever made, it is even said that the sword of Martin the warrior was made by a badger; this is why it has survived so many seasons and had so many use the great sword. When everyone returned to the mountain so did Snowfur's temper.
When they went inside Snowfur went to the forage room straight away. The forage room was a favorite and judging on the badger lord only pass time. The room was filled with a variety of weapons: spears, short swords, long swords, broad swords, rapiers, daggers, dirks, ect. Every weapon in the forage room was very special because every one was badger made, so they are very nice weapons. It is said that even the great sword of Martin the warrior was badger made.
All of Salamandastorn was quiet, there wasn't a sound to be heard. Except for the constant ringing, and banging noise coming form the forage room. Most of the time the hares were use to this but this time was different. The sound of the hammer meeting metal got faster in intervals, and louder, and louder, and louder, until sleep was only a dream to the hares. Under normal circumstances somebeast would go and tell him to stop. But to do so under these circumstances was suicide. "Oi, can't a chap get a decent bit o rest 'ere, why doesn't some beast go and tell that badger to flippin calm down wot!?"
A recruit yelled out loud. Another hare in the bunk above the recruit looked at his bunk mate below him scolding him "You flippin' fool, don't ye know the chaps has the blood wrath over im!?" The recruit looked at his bunk mate with a face of puzzlement "Blood wrath." The hare on the top bunk was nodding his head "Aye, blood wrath. Tis a gift and a curse to all badgers. Tis said that when a badger goes through blood wrath he gets twenty times stronger, twenty times braver, and from the roomers say that the badger will even be invincible."
The recruit was getting out of his bunk and walking for the door "Well that doesn't sound to jolly well bad. So he's stronger, and braver, but us hares have got to get some sleep don't ya know?" Another one of the hares quickly got out of his bunk and stood in front of the door blocking the hare's path.
He continued the lesson on blood wrath to the recruit "When a hare is under blood wrath he can not tell the difference between friend and foe, to stand or cross with a badger who is under blood wrath is death for the unfortunate beast. There is a saying we use for recruits.
"When a badgers eyes are blood red Run fool or be dead..."
The recruit stopped with all eyes on him, waiting to see what he would do. "I think I will go to the kitchens to get corks for me ears." The hare who was blocking his way reached into his cloak and smiled pulling out tow corks "Jolly good plan that is, but I'm already ahead of you there. But I warn you no vittle scoffin or Calover will have a fit that will surpass blood wrath wot!" The recruit chuckled softly, and thanking the two for their warnings and went off to the kitchens to get a pair of corks for his ears.
As he was walking back from the kitchens quite happy for finding the last two corks that weren't on bottles, and for not being caught by Calover for scoffing a scone. But then he noticed something different, the noise had stopped, and despite the many warnings he had received curiosity took the hare over as he changed his direction to go to the forage room. He had almost lost his nerve many of times already, so to keep his cool the hare hummed a few marching songs he had learned softly to himself, less he wake any of the other hare who would surely stop him.
When he made it to the large wooden door of the forage room, he stood for a moment in deep thought, thinking if what he was doing would end up being his undoing. So to be on the safe side he peeked through the key hole. He couldn't see much, except for a few weapons on the floor, along with Snowfur. Seeing that Snowfur was unconscious the hare creped into the room.
The hare was shocked at the sight before him: spear heads, sword blades, axe blades, random armor, and bits of scrap metal...all flattened to a pulp. Behind the anvil in the forage lay Snowfur. His right paw was bloody from the forage hammer making contact with his paw instead of metal, both paws blistered and raw from the heat and doing all that work without gloves, and a large piece of a spear point was stuck in his muzzle. Thinking quickly the hare ran for the infirmary where he knew the chief medic Padpaw slept.
When he made it to the infirmary the hare threw open the door. The slamming noise woke up Padpaw and before she knew it she was being dragged by a hare that she didn't even know up a flight of stairs. When they were half way up Padpaw managed to free her paw from the hare, "I say what is the jolly meaning of this shenanigan. Come on chap speak up!"
The recruit looked at Padpaw with a face of complete fear "Our lord is hurt, and he needs help." But Padpaw could barley hear the recruit for the infirmary was just one floor below the forage, and her ears were ringing like bells. "Huh? What's that ye say laddo your board is burnt, and you need help. What is that suppose to mean, come on stop talkin' gibberish."
The recruit realized that at the moment Padpaw was tone death, so he got up close to her ear and spoke to her in a loud whisper "No no I said our lord is in quite a heap of trouble." But Padpaw still couldn't understand him "Huh? Your sword is in a heap of rubble, that too bad but what dose that have to do with me?"
Knowing that this was pointless he grabbed Padpaw's paw again and took off toward the infirmary. When they made it to the door way Padpaw shook free again "Alright that's it! First I am wakened up from a very nice dream, then I am dragged up some stairs, and then I have a hare I don't even know yelling gibberish in my ear, now what is the jolly flippin bad problem?!"
With frustration written all over the hares face he looked Padpaw straight in the eye "Can you hear me?" Padpaw looked at the hare with confusion "Well of corse I can understand ye! What did you expect! Now what's the problem, this is the last time I will ask you!" Keeping his eyes level with Padpaw's he pointed to the forage room saying only two words "Blood wrath." Padpaw quickly opened the door, shocked to see the full force of blood wrath.
When her eyes made contact with the unconscious badger she ran up to him sizing up his condition "His right paw's broken, spear tip in the muzzle, paws blistered. I need to get him to the infirmary, get help quick." The hare ran up to the door way of the forage taking a deep breath "Help!! Lord Snowfur's hurt badly, help!!" It didn't take long for all the hares to come rushing in to the forage room asking what happened, though most were speechless at the sight of destruction that lay before them.
Padpaw asked for the strongest hares to carry Snowfur to the infirmary. Six stepped forward. With three getting on each side of the badger the heaved the badger up on their shoulders and started to slowly walk out of the forage room, with drill sergeant Thime disbursing the crowd. Padpaw was walking out of the forage when the recruit stopped her "Look marm I'm greatly sorry for well you know."
Padpaw patted his shoulder "There is no reason to start apologizing, as a matter of fact you are a hero. Thanks to you Snowfur will be just fine, sir?" Putting a paw to his head "Oh, I'm sorry." he said throwing a salute "Recruit Curieux De Accomplir at ye service. Oh and just to tell you my first name stands for curious and my last name stands for accomplish."
Padpad smiled and nodded her head with approval "Two rather appropriate titles if you ask me eh?" Curieux shuffled his footpaw blushing under his fur "Awww...well they are nice names...and...ehhehehe, umm I must be going now sleep calls too much jolly action for one night g'night Padpaw sweet dreams and all that, and good luck with Snowfur wot wot!" Padpaw couldn't resist taking a moment to laugh before coming back to her senses she made her way to the infirmary.
When Curieux made it back to the barracks he was expecting what would happen when he opened the door, he would walk in and everyone would be congratulating him on a job well done and he may even be put in the long patrol. Sure enough when he opened the door the whole room exploded with cheers from all the hares in the barracks, this was followed by egger hares wanting to know everything that happened in every specific detail, and back slapping, and many questions, but no general accepting him into the long patrol.
Curieux had a look of happiness on the outside but on the inside he was quite the opposite. Curieux came from the northern mountains, where he had heard many stories of Salamandastorn, and the famous, fearless long patrol. Ever since then he has always hoped and dreamed of joining the long patrol. "Maybe the general thinks I need more training before I join." he thought to himself. But as he went to his bunk he noticed a piece of paper laying on his pillow picking it up and examining it he was shocked by who the letter was from.
To: Recruit Curieux De Accomplir
From: General Tamello De Fformelo Tussock II
Dear Curieux
I am grateful for your act of bravery tonight, what you did probably saved Padpaw and all of us a
lot f trouble wot! I don't know how I can show my appreciation for your top hole deed. I got it!!
Get some good rest tonight for tomorrow you shall eat like a king (or something close to that) I'm
sorry but I can't tell you what you will be eating mostly for two reasons. One: because I will
enjoy seeing the shocked expression on your face in the morning. Two: because your mouth will
water so much you will flood out Salamandastorn.
Curieux was happy to see that he was going to eat a lot, because if there was a thing a hare liked more than food that's lots and lots of food. But he was still disappointed that the general didn't accept him into the long patrol, but then he noticed a part of the letter that his paw was covering.
P.S
Don't think I didn't see the way you were looking at Padpaw you rascal. I for one shall not hear
of it!!! Why you may ask. Because it is quit inappropriate behavior for a long patrol hare. Sweet
dreams.
Curieux dropped the letter saying to himself softly "I'm in." he chuckled a little and said a little louder "I'm in!" This followed to him jumping around the room yelling and laughing "Hahaha I can't believe it, I can't believe, I'm in." "In what?!" Curieux looked back at the hare with a face of complete joy "I'm in the long patrol." Everyone in the room was completely shocked "Well looks like curiosity got the best for this one eh?" one of the hares said to the person next to him.
The next morning Curieux was first to wake up and first to the great hall, he could not believe his eyes. On the table lay a wide assortment of foods from Redwall recipes, and a few made by the Salamandastorn cooks. Meadow cream pie, October ale, strawberry cordial, hot root soup, deeper n ever pie, smoked grayling, buttered scones, cream scones, honey scones, vegetable soup, skilly'n'duff, sweet shrimp, hot shrimp, and a few others that the cooks invented themselves.
Curieux heard another hare in the great hall laughing at him "Who's there, and what's so jolly funny?!" he called out. Tammo II waked down from the stairs "Why Private Curieux, you are! Didn't you read my letter? I wanted to see the look on your face when you entered the great hall." Throwing a salute to the general "Sir, umm how is our lord fairing, well I pray."
The mood in the room changed for a moment. There was a long silence between the two "At ease private. He's asleep, his paws are hurt badly, they will have to be bandaged up for awhile but aside from that and another bandage on his muzzle he will be just fine. Padpaw also told me that if you didn't find Snowfur his wounds might have gotten infected, which would have lead to some unpleasant circumstances." He said pulling a sleeve over his paw, and holding it forward. "But I wont go into too much detail on that subject wot! You have all the jolly good vittles to scoff."
Curieux was quite eager to start eating, but he would think it rude and quite a bad example for the other hares. Tammo II walked to the table and as he was walking by Curieux he whispered in his ear "I say why such the slow poke today wot! Snowfur's in the infirmary, and there is no one to start the feast. But since I am the highest in rank in this room so far I think I can give us permission."
Curieux grinned widely "I say top hole idea sir now lets get scoffin'!" Curieux was about to run to the table when Tammo II held out an arm blocking his way. First Tammo got his face level with Curieux's and spoke in a happy evil tone "A warring to you though. Don't scoff so much, you are now in the long patrol, and since Snowfur is out of commission at the moment, well you belong to me! When breakfast is over you and my son will take a short patrol for now, just to get the lay of the land. When you get back report to Sendill, he will provide you with maps, report to my room then, I will give you instructions on that. When our lord feels better report to the forage room to get you a weapon. By the time I'm done with you, the only thing you will long to see will be the darkness when you close your eyes at night. But don't get to comfortable; a patrol drill can take place at any time. But that should be a jolly old walk through the park for you, right?" This was followed by a soft moan "Why did I leave the mountains for this."
A little bit later, all the hares came flooding in, mesmerized at the sight of all that food in one place. Without a second thought they ran up to the table fighting over seats that were closest to the food. Before anyone knew it a war of food had started. But little did Curieux know that Tammo II planed this perfectly by letting him start early. His son Tammo III wasn't quite that hungry, he munched on a few scones stood up, walked over to Curieux's seat pulled it back and pulled Curieux out of the chair "Ready?" he asked. "Umm actually I'm still..." but Tammo III interrupted him mid sentence "Great well best be goin, and no sad faces. Tis too beautiful of a day today wot!"
The two were walking along the shore with Tammo giving direction, and short cuts to different places. When the two made it to the boarder between the shore and the forest Tammo called for a quick break. "Ah thankee kindy sir my paws are killin' me. I guess I'm not fit for this long patrol stuff wot!"
Tammo turned around casting a warning glance "Ohohohoh your not getting out that easy." Curieux threw up his paws shaking his head "Oh well can't blame a chap for trying wot wot!?" Giving a snort of amusement Tammo sat down. "Hey Tammo? Have you ever had an odd dream, you know the kind that you think might mean something?"
Tammo was taken back by the sudden question "Umm no I'm afraid I haven't. Why do you ask ?" Curieux looked up at the sky as he was trying to find an understandable way of putting it. "You know of the tapestry of Martin the warrior back at Redwall right?" Tammo nodded his head "Well, I think Martin came to me with a message, though it made absolutely no blinkin sense."
"Find them, help them.
Help live and his friend."
"Well sounds like he just stopped talkin, spirits probably have very important things to do ya no." with raised eyebrows Curieux looked at Tammo "You don't know what you are talking about do you?"
Tammo lowered his head "No ..'fraid I don't" Tammo and Curieux couldn't help but laugh at each other "Woahahah, oh goodness. Well come on breaks over chap, up on ye paw's." The two marched to the edge of Mossflower forest with Tammo telling him short cuts, land marks, were to go, and were not to go. But Curieux wasn't listening he was enjoying the scenery. Tammo let out a soft silent evil chuckle.
When they made it back to Salamandastorn Tammo went to the officers barracks, while Curieux went to the expert tracker and map maker Sendill, who provided the hare with five maps of Mossflower, strangely they all looked the same. There was a knock at Tammo III's door "It's open!" he called. Curieux entered the room, Tammo was in the middle of polishing his saber. Setting down the sword he smiled and greeted Curieux quite homely, too homely "Ah Curieux come in, come in. Did you have a nice walk, here have some of the October ale from the feast it's still cold."
Gratefully accepting the cup from Tammo he finished it in one gulp, he knew then why Tammo was being so nice "You know that when my son was talking to you about all the short cuts and all that blinkin' stuff. Well, it wasn't just small talk." Curieux had a hard look of horror and fear on his face, "Now as for those maps. First you must find the real one, you can't have any help, you got plenty from my son didn't you?" He nodded his head dumbly "Top hole! Well, after that you must plot safe routs to Redwall, the construction site of Saint Ninans, a patrol around Mossflower woods, and the camp were my father lived. I'm sure you can handle that can't you?"
Once again he dumbly nodded his head, and walked out of the room. "Curieux!" He stoped and turned around. Tammo walked over to hem "Two things. First there is no time limit to this take your time, second you never turn you back on a high ranking officer without saluting you best remember that alright?" Curieux saluted and left for the dormitories to start his work.
(STILL IN EDITING PROCESS) Meanwhile back in the badger fortress Salamandastorn, the hare regiments and Lord Snowfur were just returning form their trip from Redwall. Snowfur was in a foul mood, all the hares were afraid just to get near him, so he was in the front of the line...way in front of the line. Every hare in the regiment was whispering to each other trying to convince one another to talk to Snowfur. "I say old bean I think you should talk to the lord, he likes you more wot wot?"
Tammo III looked back at the hare behind him "Oh jolly good plan chap. I go up to a badger who is having quite the temper tantrum, slap him on the back and tell him, hey no jolly old worries because like me auntie use to say a problem worth fretin over shouldn't even be thought of that way you can't fret over it wot? Then I get myself flippen killed. Is that your jolly good old plan?"
The hare backed off whishing that he had never made the suggestion. But Tammo was actually smiling with approval to the recruits idea "Well if I don't, no one in this blinkin regiment is going to do it. Wish me luck wot!"
Tammo III picked up his pace to catch up with Snowfur "Ummm greetins m'lord, it's getting quite chilly out wot?" Snowfur ignored the hare completely, in fact he picked up the pace to avoid the hare but Tammo didn't take a hint quite well, he picked up his pace to match up Snowfur's pace. "Look Snowfur M'Lord I know that you are in a jolly bad mood, but well I thought it was bad to think bad things about fellow creature's."
Snowfur stopped immediately, he did not look at Tammo but he spoke to him in a very annoyed tone "Yes that is true but that dose not account for vermin like that-that fox!"
Tammo's legs were shaking like a bow string pulled all the way back and let go, but still Tammo held his ground "Well then m'lord if you hate that fox so much my auntie said t'was best just to write it down, that way you can release all those negative thoughts about the chap wot wot?"
Snowfur said nothing for awhile, then looked at Tammo, and smiled! "Well it sounds like a good idea, I'll try it thank you Tammo you are a good friend thank you. I feel a lot better now." He said lying only because he wanted to raise the spirits of the regiments up a little so Tammo suggested small dittiy for while they marched to Salamandastorn. Suggestions popped up left and right until Tammo heard someone suggest his favorite marching song "We are the hares of the long patrol." The hares took a deep breath and shouted as they kept their march in time with the beats.
"Ohhhh we are the hares of the long patrol,
A proud and sturdy lot
We will fight to the death for our badger lord
Wot wot wot!
The badger lord is a fierce one tis true
But a hare is deadlier
S'Death on wind, Eulaliaaaa!
The war cries of a Salamandastorn hare
And if you got some good vittles well
Run for your lives
Because when food gets involved
A hare is the champion."
And if you saw a hare at a feast you would be amazed
At the skill and speed of how he ate
Before you even looked at you plaaaaate!
So heed me warning listen well
And hide you food in the cellars oh
Lock it good and lock it again
Don't open the door for anyone
Cause we'll find it and eat and eat and eeeeeat until theresssssss
Nothing left!!!!
Tammo staggered with laughter up to Snowfur "You know why I love that song?" He asked Snowfur "Why do you like that song Tammo?" He was laughing so hard he could barley speak "Hahaha well hahahhaha it's true hahahahaha!"
He was laughing so hard he fell on his back in the sand, a couple of hares picked him up and the drill sergeant walked over scolding Tammo "Bad form laddie buck. Your supposed to set a good example for the recruits wot wot!? But what you did say was completely true, according to those Abby chaps a hare is a walking stomach bahahaha!" It went on like this for awhile between the hares, mostly because it was the only thing keeping Snowfur's spirits up.
Salamandastorn was a great sight. From afar it appears to be an ordinary mountain by the beach. But on closer examination you can see you have arrived at the fortress Salamandastorn, home to a badger lord who protects the bay and anyone in need, and the hares who assist him. Salamandastorn is also home to the greatest weapons ever made, it is even said that the sword of Martin the warrior was made by a badger; this is why it has survived so many seasons and had so many use the great sword. When everyone returned to the mountain so did Snowfur's temper.
When they went inside Snowfur went to the forage room straight away. The forage room was a favorite and judging on the badger lord only pass time. The room was filled with a variety of weapons: spears, short swords, long swords, broad swords, rapiers, daggers, dirks, ect. Every weapon in the forage room was very special because every one was badger made, so they are very nice weapons. It is said that even the great sword of Martin the warrior was badger made.
All of Salamandastorn was quiet, there wasn't a sound to be heard. Except for the constant ringing, and banging noise coming form the forage room. Most of the time the hares were use to this but this time was different. The sound of the hammer meeting metal got faster in intervals, and louder, and louder, and louder, until sleep was only a dream to the hares. Under normal circumstances somebeast would go and tell him to stop. But to do so under these circumstances was suicide. "Oi, can't a chap get a decent bit o rest 'ere, why doesn't some beast go and tell that badger to flippin calm down wot!?"
A recruit yelled out loud. Another hare in the bunk above the recruit looked at his bunk mate below him scolding him "You flippin' fool, don't ye know the chaps has the blood wrath over im!?" The recruit looked at his bunk mate with a face of puzzlement "Blood wrath." The hare on the top bunk was nodding his head "Aye, blood wrath. Tis a gift and a curse to all badgers. Tis said that when a badger goes through blood wrath he gets twenty times stronger, twenty times braver, and from the roomers say that the badger will even be invincible."
The recruit was getting out of his bunk and walking for the door "Well that doesn't sound to jolly well bad. So he's stronger, and braver, but us hares have got to get some sleep don't ya know?" Another one of the hares quickly got out of his bunk and stood in front of the door blocking the hare's path.
He continued the lesson on blood wrath to the recruit "When a hare is under blood wrath he can not tell the difference between friend and foe, to stand or cross with a badger who is under blood wrath is death for the unfortunate beast. There is a saying we use for recruits.
"When a badgers eyes are blood red Run fool or be dead..."
The recruit stopped with all eyes on him, waiting to see what he would do. "I think I will go to the kitchens to get corks for me ears." The hare who was blocking his way reached into his cloak and smiled pulling out tow corks "Jolly good plan that is, but I'm already ahead of you there. But I warn you no vittle scoffin or Calover will have a fit that will surpass blood wrath wot!" The recruit chuckled softly, and thanking the two for their warnings and went off to the kitchens to get a pair of corks for his ears.
As he was walking back from the kitchens quite happy for finding the last two corks that weren't on bottles, and for not being caught by Calover for scoffing a scone. But then he noticed something different, the noise had stopped, and despite the many warnings he had received curiosity took the hare over as he changed his direction to go to the forage room. He had almost lost his nerve many of times already, so to keep his cool the hare hummed a few marching songs he had learned softly to himself, less he wake any of the other hare who would surely stop him.
When he made it to the large wooden door of the forage room, he stood for a moment in deep thought, thinking if what he was doing would end up being his undoing. So to be on the safe side he peeked through the key hole. He couldn't see much, except for a few weapons on the floor, along with Snowfur. Seeing that Snowfur was unconscious the hare creped into the room.
The hare was shocked at the sight before him: spear heads, sword blades, axe blades, random armor, and bits of scrap metal...all flattened to a pulp. Behind the anvil in the forage lay Snowfur. His right paw was bloody from the forage hammer making contact with his paw instead of metal, both paws blistered and raw from the heat and doing all that work without gloves, and a large piece of a spear point was stuck in his muzzle. Thinking quickly the hare ran for the infirmary where he knew the chief medic Padpaw slept.
When he made it to the infirmary the hare threw open the door. The slamming noise woke up Padpaw and before she knew it she was being dragged by a hare that she didn't even know up a flight of stairs. When they were half way up Padpaw managed to free her paw from the hare, "I say what is the jolly meaning of this shenanigan. Come on chap speak up!"
The recruit looked at Padpaw with a face of complete fear "Our lord is hurt, and he needs help." But Padpaw could barley hear the recruit for the infirmary was just one floor below the forage, and her ears were ringing like bells. "Huh? What's that ye say laddo your board is burnt, and you need help. What is that suppose to mean, come on stop talkin' gibberish."
The recruit realized that at the moment Padpaw was tone death, so he got up close to her ear and spoke to her in a loud whisper "No no I said our lord is in quite a heap of trouble." But Padpaw still couldn't understand him "Huh? Your sword is in a heap of rubble, that too bad but what dose that have to do with me?"
Knowing that this was pointless he grabbed Padpaw's paw again and took off toward the infirmary. When they made it to the door way Padpaw shook free again "Alright that's it! First I am wakened up from a very nice dream, then I am dragged up some stairs, and then I have a hare I don't even know yelling gibberish in my ear, now what is the jolly flippin bad problem?!"
With frustration written all over the hares face he looked Padpaw straight in the eye "Can you hear me?" Padpaw looked at the hare with confusion "Well of corse I can understand ye! What did you expect! Now what's the problem, this is the last time I will ask you!" Keeping his eyes level with Padpaw's he pointed to the forage room saying only two words "Blood wrath." Padpaw quickly opened the door, shocked to see the full force of blood wrath.
When her eyes made contact with the unconscious badger she ran up to him sizing up his condition "His right paw's broken, spear tip in the muzzle, paws blistered. I need to get him to the infirmary, get help quick." The hare ran up to the door way of the forage taking a deep breath "Help!! Lord Snowfur's hurt badly, help!!" It didn't take long for all the hares to come rushing in to the forage room asking what happened, though most were speechless at the sight of destruction that lay before them.
Padpaw asked for the strongest hares to carry Snowfur to the infirmary. Six stepped forward. With three getting on each side of the badger the heaved the badger up on their shoulders and started to slowly walk out of the forage room, with drill sergeant Thime disbursing the crowd. Padpaw was walking out of the forage when the recruit stopped her "Look marm I'm greatly sorry for well you know."
Padpaw patted his shoulder "There is no reason to start apologizing, as a matter of fact you are a hero. Thanks to you Snowfur will be just fine, sir?" Putting a paw to his head "Oh, I'm sorry." he said throwing a salute "Recruit Curieux De Accomplir at ye service. Oh and just to tell you my first name stands for curious and my last name stands for accomplish."
Padpad smiled and nodded her head with approval "Two rather appropriate titles if you ask me eh?" Curieux shuffled his footpaw blushing under his fur "Awww...well they are nice names...and...ehhehehe, umm I must be going now sleep calls too much jolly action for one night g'night Padpaw sweet dreams and all that, and good luck with Snowfur wot wot!" Padpaw couldn't resist taking a moment to laugh before coming back to her senses she made her way to the infirmary.
When Curieux made it back to the barracks he was expecting what would happen when he opened the door, he would walk in and everyone would be congratulating him on a job well done and he may even be put in the long patrol. Sure enough when he opened the door the whole room exploded with cheers from all the hares in the barracks, this was followed by egger hares wanting to know everything that happened in every specific detail, and back slapping, and many questions, but no general accepting him into the long patrol.
Curieux had a look of happiness on the outside but on the inside he was quite the opposite. Curieux came from the northern mountains, where he had heard many stories of Salamandastorn, and the famous, fearless long patrol. Ever since then he has always hoped and dreamed of joining the long patrol. "Maybe the general thinks I need more training before I join." he thought to himself. But as he went to his bunk he noticed a piece of paper laying on his pillow picking it up and examining it he was shocked by who the letter was from.
To: Recruit Curieux De Accomplir
From: General Tamello De Fformelo Tussock II
Dear Curieux
I am grateful for your act of bravery tonight, what you did probably saved Padpaw and all of us a
lot f trouble wot! I don't know how I can show my appreciation for your top hole deed. I got it!!
Get some good rest tonight for tomorrow you shall eat like a king (or something close to that) I'm
sorry but I can't tell you what you will be eating mostly for two reasons. One: because I will
enjoy seeing the shocked expression on your face in the morning. Two: because your mouth will
water so much you will flood out Salamandastorn.
Curieux was happy to see that he was going to eat a lot, because if there was a thing a hare liked more than food that's lots and lots of food. But he was still disappointed that the general didn't accept him into the long patrol, but then he noticed a part of the letter that his paw was covering.
P.S
Don't think I didn't see the way you were looking at Padpaw you rascal. I for one shall not hear
of it!!! Why you may ask. Because it is quit inappropriate behavior for a long patrol hare. Sweet
dreams.
Curieux dropped the letter saying to himself softly "I'm in." he chuckled a little and said a little louder "I'm in!" This followed to him jumping around the room yelling and laughing "Hahaha I can't believe it, I can't believe, I'm in." "In what?!" Curieux looked back at the hare with a face of complete joy "I'm in the long patrol." Everyone in the room was completely shocked "Well looks like curiosity got the best for this one eh?" one of the hares said to the person next to him.
The next morning Curieux was first to wake up and first to the great hall, he could not believe his eyes. On the table lay a wide assortment of foods from Redwall recipes, and a few made by the Salamandastorn cooks. Meadow cream pie, October ale, strawberry cordial, hot root soup, deeper n ever pie, smoked grayling, buttered scones, cream scones, honey scones, vegetable soup, skilly'n'duff, sweet shrimp, hot shrimp, and a few others that the cooks invented themselves.
Curieux heard another hare in the great hall laughing at him "Who's there, and what's so jolly funny?!" he called out. Tammo II waked down from the stairs "Why Private Curieux, you are! Didn't you read my letter? I wanted to see the look on your face when you entered the great hall." Throwing a salute to the general "Sir, umm how is our lord fairing, well I pray."
The mood in the room changed for a moment. There was a long silence between the two "At ease private. He's asleep, his paws are hurt badly, they will have to be bandaged up for awhile but aside from that and another bandage on his muzzle he will be just fine. Padpaw also told me that if you didn't find Snowfur his wounds might have gotten infected, which would have lead to some unpleasant circumstances." He said pulling a sleeve over his paw, and holding it forward. "But I wont go into too much detail on that subject wot! You have all the jolly good vittles to scoff."
Curieux was quite eager to start eating, but he would think it rude and quite a bad example for the other hares. Tammo II walked to the table and as he was walking by Curieux he whispered in his ear "I say why such the slow poke today wot! Snowfur's in the infirmary, and there is no one to start the feast. But since I am the highest in rank in this room so far I think I can give us permission."
Curieux grinned widely "I say top hole idea sir now lets get scoffin'!" Curieux was about to run to the table when Tammo II held out an arm blocking his way. First Tammo got his face level with Curieux's and spoke in a happy evil tone "A warring to you though. Don't scoff so much, you are now in the long patrol, and since Snowfur is out of commission at the moment, well you belong to me! When breakfast is over you and my son will take a short patrol for now, just to get the lay of the land. When you get back report to Sendill, he will provide you with maps, report to my room then, I will give you instructions on that. When our lord feels better report to the forage room to get you a weapon. By the time I'm done with you, the only thing you will long to see will be the darkness when you close your eyes at night. But don't get to comfortable; a patrol drill can take place at any time. But that should be a jolly old walk through the park for you, right?" This was followed by a soft moan "Why did I leave the mountains for this."
A little bit later, all the hares came flooding in, mesmerized at the sight of all that food in one place. Without a second thought they ran up to the table fighting over seats that were closest to the food. Before anyone knew it a war of food had started. But little did Curieux know that Tammo II planed this perfectly by letting him start early. His son Tammo III wasn't quite that hungry, he munched on a few scones stood up, walked over to Curieux's seat pulled it back and pulled Curieux out of the chair "Ready?" he asked. "Umm actually I'm still..." but Tammo III interrupted him mid sentence "Great well best be goin, and no sad faces. Tis too beautiful of a day today wot!"
The two were walking along the shore with Tammo giving direction, and short cuts to different places. When the two made it to the boarder between the shore and the forest Tammo called for a quick break. "Ah thankee kindy sir my paws are killin' me. I guess I'm not fit for this long patrol stuff wot!"
Tammo turned around casting a warning glance "Ohohohoh your not getting out that easy." Curieux threw up his paws shaking his head "Oh well can't blame a chap for trying wot wot!?" Giving a snort of amusement Tammo sat down. "Hey Tammo? Have you ever had an odd dream, you know the kind that you think might mean something?"
Tammo was taken back by the sudden question "Umm no I'm afraid I haven't. Why do you ask ?" Curieux looked up at the sky as he was trying to find an understandable way of putting it. "You know of the tapestry of Martin the warrior back at Redwall right?" Tammo nodded his head "Well, I think Martin came to me with a message, though it made absolutely no blinkin sense."
"Find them, help them.
Help live and his friend."
"Well sounds like he just stopped talkin, spirits probably have very important things to do ya no." with raised eyebrows Curieux looked at Tammo "You don't know what you are talking about do you?"
Tammo lowered his head "No ..'fraid I don't" Tammo and Curieux couldn't help but laugh at each other "Woahahah, oh goodness. Well come on breaks over chap, up on ye paw's." The two marched to the edge of Mossflower forest with Tammo telling him short cuts, land marks, were to go, and were not to go. But Curieux wasn't listening he was enjoying the scenery. Tammo let out a soft silent evil chuckle.
When they made it back to Salamandastorn Tammo went to the officers barracks, while Curieux went to the expert tracker and map maker Sendill, who provided the hare with five maps of Mossflower, strangely they all looked the same. There was a knock at Tammo III's door "It's open!" he called. Curieux entered the room, Tammo was in the middle of polishing his saber. Setting down the sword he smiled and greeted Curieux quite homely, too homely "Ah Curieux come in, come in. Did you have a nice walk, here have some of the October ale from the feast it's still cold."
Gratefully accepting the cup from Tammo he finished it in one gulp, he knew then why Tammo was being so nice "You know that when my son was talking to you about all the short cuts and all that blinkin' stuff. Well, it wasn't just small talk." Curieux had a hard look of horror and fear on his face, "Now as for those maps. First you must find the real one, you can't have any help, you got plenty from my son didn't you?" He nodded his head dumbly "Top hole! Well, after that you must plot safe routs to Redwall, the construction site of Saint Ninans, a patrol around Mossflower woods, and the camp were my father lived. I'm sure you can handle that can't you?"
Once again he dumbly nodded his head, and walked out of the room. "Curieux!" He stoped and turned around. Tammo walked over to hem "Two things. First there is no time limit to this take your time, second you never turn you back on a high ranking officer without saluting you best remember that alright?" Curieux saluted and left for the dormitories to start his work.
