Prolouge
Chapter 1
The Hero Unmasked
Trattek loped quietly down to the shore, where he heard the wailing of several young shrews. He had seen the searat ship from far off on the ramparts of Fort Blissban, and in the early hours, he had seen them steal into the shrew camp and quietly steal young beasts to be slaves.
Cap'n Reddwave was in a good mood from his successful raid. He threw a claw about his first mate Grinko's shoulders. "Aharr, Grinko me ole mate, that were as easy as stealing chestnuts off a cake! Those shrews'll never know wot 'appened. Stupid beasts!"
Grinko laughed along with his superior. "Duhuhuhuh, that's a good'un, Cap'n. Stoopid beasts! Shrews were al'ays stoopider then they look."
Cap'n Reddwave was about to board his ship when he heard a long, wailing howl. He leapt with fright. "Blisterin' barnacles, wot was that?! Sounded like a score 'o beasts being slayed at once!"
Hooktail, the lookout, scrambled up the mast. "Look Cap'n, a big wolf coming this way! My, is he a big feller! Never seen the like 'o him afore!"
Trattek came thundering down the hill. "Let the little ones go, wavescum, or I'll throw your entrails into the sea where they belong!" he roared with the voice of a huge male wolf.
Cap'n Reddwave was still for a moment. He was shocked by the utter power of the wolf, but he thought quickly. He began backing up into the surf to get to the ship.
Trattek didn't fall for that. He bounded closer, making Reddwave freeze. "Let them go," Trattek repeated. Reddwave smirked and suddenly fell backwards into the sea! The waves swept him farther out, closer to the ship. Trattek roared and leapt into the spray. He fought through the waves until he grasped Reddwave's tunic. He hauled him upright and held the battleaxe to his neck. "Let them go or this one gets it!" Trattek rumbled.
Cap'n Reddwave squeaked. "Do as 'ee says, mates. 'Urry!" One by one, the searats slowly lowered each shrewbabe into the shallows. When the last one began tottering towards Trattek through the waves, a great cheer went up from the shore. Trattek turned, seeing the shrew villagers emerging from the bushes towards their babes.
As the wolf turned, Cap'n Reddwave kicked out at his ribs and swam away with strong strokes. Trattek growled and lunged at the rat. He grabbed him by the footpaw and lifted him above his head. The rat screamed as Trattek swung him around and around, then let him go. He sped towards the ship, hit the side with a dull thunk, and sank beneath the waves. The searats hauled him aboard and sailed off quickly.
Several paws reached to help Trattek out of the water. One shrew came forward and bowed low. "My name is Log-a-log Qwae. What can we do for you to repay this immense debt?"
Trattek shook himself and turned towards Fort Blissban. "I need an army, or at least somebeasts to live in my fort," he said slowly. "Will you thank me by serving me?"
Log-a-log smiled. "My tribe would be honored to. We'll move in today!"