During Which the Grass Will Grow
Another Redwall tale by Shadow of Silver of epic proportions
Introduction
It was another fine Redwall day in autumn. The Great Hall was lit up with candles and the sunset, which came through the windows, displayed a great orange tinge to the walls which reflected it. Every Redwaller was there as the meeting began. They all slowly went quiet as Father Abbot rose to the head of the table, ready to speak.
"My friends, as we have ad Redwall here for hundreds of seasons, I believe that since our great increase in the population this year, we should definitely keep inviting travelers to stay. Even if the season turns to the expected coldest ever, I believe it is time for an expansion to Redwall." There was many a person who began to talk quietly, who then stopped. "Please, please, listen! This will not start until the new harvest season begins, so not to worry. But during the coldest time, I would ask that Greenleaf would join me in the planning of this new expansion." Greenleaf froze. Me? Why me?!, he thought. Noticing everyone looking at him, the mouse reluctantly stood up, and walked over to the old Abbot.
"Now. That is all that I will say on this matter. Now, Cornflower is next on the latest issues from inside the kitchen." The Abbot then walked away. "Come!" the Abbot said sharply, and Greenleaf reluctantly went.
They climbed up a set of spiral stairs into the historical library in Redwall, added over fifty seasons ago, and entered it. The Abbot would not yet speak of the matter at all, but instead silently picked out a red book from a spontaneous shelf, which Greenleaf soon found out was fake. There was, instead, a golden key enclosed in it, which the Abbot used to open a secret door in one of the wide beams that held up the loft. The door opened, revealing a dumbwaiter.
Greenleaf had never seen anything like it, nor did he know Redwall contained a dumbwaiter of such secrecy. They both entered the compact elevator and closed the door. It immediately became dark, and the Abbot turned the pulley, and they descended to somewhere Greenleaf never knew.
Why me?, Greenleaf thought. Me? I'm only a simplebeast who controls the crop harvest and windmill. What would I know about architecture? The dumbwaiter stopped, and a candle was hanging on the wall, lit already, and they both got off the elevator, walking down a hall.
It then was clear to him; he was not needed for architecture of any kind. There was an otter standing at the edge of a table at the end of the hall, and behind him it seemed as this was a secluded basement shed which used to be used as hay storage. "Greenleaf, this is Lupin of the Topaz Holt at the eastern cliffs. He has urgent news about something terrible going on that is supposedly planned for the winter. Lupin, please explain what happened, for I don't remember..." the Abbot said.
It was night as Lupin headed out from the Topaz Holt, on a very dangerous mission. There was word from the Mossflower Wood that it was strangely quiet, and no enemies have attacked anywhere at all. There was word, from those who dared to see, that the enemies formed a large band in which they could conquer all of Mossflower and beyond. And seeing how curious otters can get, the Topaz Holt took the responsibility of finding out. And then he knew that it was true.
There they all were, in the Hidden Valley of Mossflower where not many a beast knew, a large swarm of armies of various defeated and enraged bands gathered. There were all bands that you could remember: even the crows and toads came, no matter the large vexation that they were known for. But that was not the amazing part. Lupin could not believe his eyes, because the leader of all bands looked strangely familiar...
...But then he knew.
He was the one who was actually successful on some tasks, which he conquered and won greatly, except for when he fought Redwall of course. Everyone knew about it, and they all thought he was dead...but he wasn't. He was the one who was the worst of all evil kings, queens, vermin, and rats...he was the one, the only, Badrang.
"And so, my friend, you must set off with your best and bravest warriors to tell all of Mossflower to form together. If we unite, there will be more of us than them!" Lupin finished.
Greenleaf then figured it out. The so-called 'Redwall Expansion' plans was just a cover-up for Greenleaf; he was to go on a mission with Foremole, Martin (the number of Martins in Redwall were now countless) and, of course, the intermediate warrior Mortimer and Lupin should come along as well. "I suppose we should return while still being unnoticed. Greenleaf, remember to tell only those you trust the most, but please leave your wife here, no matter how tough she is." He chuckled. "Lupin, you can stay the night. At dawn, the four of you...Martin, Foremole, Mortimer and Lupin...will set out. I have provisions here," he held up five haversacks, "and do not tell anyone of these plans or this location. All clear?" he said, and they both agreed.
Later that night, the old mouse Father Abbot was up in his dormitory, studying ancient scrolls. He began to worry. 'Maybe I should have told them about what the Great Warrior told me...I just hope maybe, just maybe, Martin was wrong for once...'
Author's Note: How do you like it? The title will be explained later on, and I have most of the story written in a notebook now. Please review and tell me what you think of it so far. Please be optimistic