--Thanks for the reviews, everyone! Let me say that this chapter switches points of view a lot. Here is the next chapter to the Season of Tribulation!--
Skinface scowled at the sight ahead of him. There was the badger, alone, laying against the bank.
"Get the others," he scowled. "The badger's ours."
Skinface jumped off the ship first, unsheathing his spear.
"You're mine, badger."
He jumped forward, in a deadly pounce.
Abbot Sarmin folded his arms in his pockets as he gazed out the window of the threshold. It would be a hot day today. Summer had just began, and a feast was in preparation. Most of the cooks would work in shifts, because the kitchens were far too hot for any one beast to stay for long periods of time in.
"Going to be a hot one, eh Hob?"
An older mouse appeared, leaning on a stout oaken cane.
"Aye, indeed a scorcher."
Sarmin took a sip of his lemon honey tea, enjoying the aroma nearly as much as the rich sweet flavor.
Meanwhile, a young mousemaid named Belan was working diligently in the kitchens. The heat was almost unbearable, yet it bustled with the excitement of the cooks testing out their inventions and dishing out instructions.
"You there, Gram, spread the almonds on that toffee cake nice and liberally, make it sweet as you can."
Gram, a young otter who had been raised by the Brothers and Sisters of Loamhedge after his parents had gone, nodded vigorously and kept going.
Belan came to comfort him.
"Hey, it'll get better. Think of this food we'll have to eat ourselves, the members enjoying it and bragging on us."
Gram nodded, and worked some more.
All was well at Loamhedge, members enjoying the mild weather before it would change to almost unbearable heat.
Fhaz was also enjoying himself immensely. He, along with only a few-score beasts, had easily overcome the forces that stood between him. Now he not only had food aplenty, but weaponry, treasure, and much more. Even the crew were enjoying themselves. They had fished the oceans, catching mackerel and shrimp, and swilling grog like none other.
But where was Skinface with the badger?
"Fangslayer! Come here immediately!"
A ferret approached, wearing the cloak of a Major.
"Yes, lord?"
"Post a sentry," he stated. "I want to know when Skinface and party return."
"It shall be done, lord."
Skinface pounced on Bluestripe. However, he was not expecting what happened next. Bluestripe jumped up and actually grabbed hold of the spear, and threw Skinface into the shallows of the river.
"Face me, scum. Salamandastron does not belong to you."
Skinface lifted himself up, and sneered.
"Are you kidding? Mount Fhaz will never fall!"
Bluestripe laughed.
"Mount Fhaz! What short sighted excuse for a name is that?"
Skinface started to really get scared. Bluestripe was working himself into a frenzy. He turned to run, but found an arrow through his head.
Bluestripe watched as the six remaining hares stormed the ship, furious with rage. The ship belonged to him. Next stop, Loamhedge.
--Well, I know it was short, but this chapter was a catch up chapter. Anyway, please review! See ya soon!--