Chapter 19
I cleared my throat, my mind in a buzz, turning thoughts and weighing ideas over and over again. Finally putting together words that would make sense, I leaned forward; looking him straight in the eye while Darkslash dozed in the bed next to us. "Wyatt, you're missing a few things. It's not spring anymore, it's been over two years."
I let the thought sink in before I continued. "You've been gone for a long, long time. Time in Redwall must be slower than time back in the real world. We're both older, if you haven't noticed. As for how I got here.your mom said that you were dead and told me to come up to Maine to see the funeral. When I was there, she let me explore a bit and I found some woods, which I'm guessing were the same ones that you found. I was captured, brought to this world, and found an otter's cottage, but was enslaved while I was staying there. I escaped and found my way here, I guess. No injuries I'm afraid, but a few weeks of slavery which I'll never forget."
I tried to search his face to see what his reactions were, but I couldn't find one. "That's all I know, other than the fact that this is a lot for my mind to take in. Usually I can figure out stuff like this no problem, I admit, I've got a good chunk of it figured out, but I'm still a bit confused on different things. Maybe now that there are two of us we can figure more things out than what we could if we were alone."
I stopped speaking, waiting for Wyatt to answer. He paused for a moment or two, his brow furrowed in thought. He chose his words carefully as he responded. "I.understand what you mean how you came here, but.two years! That's a long time. No doubt there have been a few detectives and policemen notified and a small search going on. I mean, you have your family unaware of where you are, and mine too. Disappearing without a trace."
My eyes widened as I cut in with a point that was quite important. "What if they find the woods that we were in? The possibilities are endless! We could end up with loads of SWAT team members here, or they would cut down the place and we wouldn't be able to get back! What are we going to do?"
Wyatt took a deep breath before he spoke again. "It's a good point, and a serious one too. The lives of the creatures of Redwall and those of ourselves are in danger."
I shook my head in disbelief, suddenly not hungry at all as I looked down at my food. I placed the tray on the desk next to me, pushing aside the covers and standing up. I smoothed out my ragged clothes, looking around and stretching a bit. I turned to Wyatt as he stood up also. "Should we tell the Abbess?"
"I don't think so, it would only be more worry for her."
"You're right."
I looked at Wyatt; I noticed that my clothing was not in the best condition anymore and was worried that they wouldn't last much longer. Telling Wyatt, he nodded and pulled aside a mousemaid who was in the infirmary, whispering to her his request, she gave a quick curtsey and led me to a side room. I returned with my hair brushed and my face washed, with an ivory colored habit on, tied at the waist with a rope. My wavy brown hair fell about my shoulders as I walked briskly across the room, grabbing Wyatt by the arm as I sped by, leading him out into the hall; I pinned him against the wall. "So what are we going to do? I'm dead out of ideas here. We could be wasting precious time here."
Wyatt bit his lip, thinking harder. "I don't have anything for the time being, but I'll think of something," He tried to brush past me, but I only pushed him back against the smooth stone, holding him firmer. "We don't have time for that! Remember, time back home goes much faster than what it does here, they could have already figured something out!"
I relaxed my grip, slumping down to the floor with my back against the opposite wall from him. I sighed deeply, frustrated. Wyatt sensed my aggravation, sliding down to the floor also and looking straight at me. I raised my gaze from the ground, my eyes sparkling in what little light we had in the hallway. Wyatt finally spoke. "Look, you need to relax. We've got some time, if we would have trouble, we would have heard about it by now. Word travels fast. Calm down and think, okay? We'll be fine."
His voice seemed to calm me a bit. I sighed again. "I'm just so worried. You know how much I love this place. The creatures, the food, the scenery; it's like a dream come true compared to what I live like at home. I wish I could stay here forever, but I know that I can't. My family is probably going insane back at home because their daughter disappeared. As much as I'd like to stay here, the realization is that it'll never happen. You're so lucky to have stayed here longer; I would have loved to find out more about Redwall life. But for the moment many lives are in danger, and we need to do something about it. It's just.hard to stop and relax when so many things are going on."
Wyatt nodded his head as I lowered my gaze again, feeling my eyes become wet. I fought them back, not the type of person to cry easily. Wyatt thought about doing something, but he didn't know whether it was the right time or not. He reached out his hand, placing it on mine. I looked up, blinking a few times. "Liz, it's going to be okay. There's a lot going on right now, I know, but we need to not get too drastic here. Plan things out before we jump to situations. I know that this is all going to work out, trust me."
He gave my hand a small squeeze and I managed a grin before getting up and walking down the hall. It hadn't been too long and I felt as though I already had a good friend. At least there was someone I could talk to. We reached the lounging area of the abbey, sitting down on two plush chairs. I propped my chin up with my elbows. "Now for the plan." I grinned as we began our preparations.
Meanwhile, in another part of the abbey, Glen, Trytle, Sister Elm, Oak, and Abbess Birch were having a conference about the new arrival. Oak was doing the opening talk. "So, we have another human amongst us eh? Anybeast here know much?"
Glen raised her paw. "I know a few things if you'll allow me."
Glen got her answer by seeing Abbess Birch nod her head. "Well, when I ran into her, she was at the main gate. She looked like she had been treated harshly for a while; but I honestly don't know what that is."
Trytle offered a suggestion, "Maybe we could ask her. What do you think Abbess Birch?"
Abbess Birch gave a small sigh and then said, "Well, just like Wyatt was when he was first here, he didn't know our language. I am already starting to go through the teaching process with her, and progress is a lot quicker. I expect her to be able to speak fully in a matter of days. Until then, we can have Wyatt translate for us."
Everyone in attendance nodded his or her heads in approval. Abbess Birch continued on. "I will go and ask her as to how she got here and what happened to her when she came to Mossflower. Everyone here agree with that?"
Once again, everyone in attendance agreed to this. After that, they filed off to go do some chores before supper.
Supper in the infirmary was still a somewhat new experience for Liz. The food was different then she had thought it was. Wyatt, who had been there longer than she had, was used to eating it and helped Liz with food selections. After the meal, Abbess Birch came into the infirmary. Sitting down in a chair between Wyatt's and Liz's beds, she decided it was time for a talk. "So, Wyatt, Glen tells me that you know her from where you're from. What do you know about her?"
I was a bit surprised at the question, but I answered her. "Well, her name is Liz Vander Heide and she is from the state of Michigan. Not that you'd know what that was, but anyway; she is a Redwall fan. I will explain this; the book you found in my bag is a part of a series of books by an author from our world. A lot of people like it and have become fans of it; both Liz here and I are some of those fans. It's all quite a bit hard to explain, but other than that, that's all I actually know about her. This is the first time I've actually met her in person. Why are you asking Abbess Birch?"
Birch gave a slight nod and replied, "Well, it seems a bit odd that she should end up here in Redwall with you. Do you know how this happened?"
Wyatt gave a small sigh. "Well, I did talk to her earlier. Apparently a few things have happened since I came here." Wyatt sighed again before continuing on. "Apparently time between here and where I'm from is different. I've only been here in Redwall for a few months. It's been two years back home; the only reason Liz is here was because my mother had presumed me dead and had a funeral. Liz was invited to join for the funeral, but she decided to go wandering around the house and found the group of trees that led me here. She has been held captive as a slave for the last week or so. She got herself cleaned up earlier and into some fresh clothing."
Abbess Birch was shocked by this news. So things were a lot more different then she had thought. She decided to ask him a question that has been on her mind. "Wyatt, will you and Liz be going back?"
Wyatt smiled and said. "Well, I have been making plans to go back once I am fully healed. Redwall is a great place but I need to get back home sooner or later. The plan should be going into action sometime next week. I hope you understand Abbess Birch, I must get home sooner or later."
Abbess Birch managed a weak smile. "I understand Wyatt. Now, it's time for you and Liz to go to bed. Good night!"
As Abbess Birch left the room, there was still one beast left in the room eavesdropping. Sister Elm started to make her own plans for the day when Wyatt and Liz would go back home. Little did she know that Darkslash had also heard the conversation as well, but his leg wouldn't permit him to get out of bed to do anything for a long time to come.
I cleared my throat, my mind in a buzz, turning thoughts and weighing ideas over and over again. Finally putting together words that would make sense, I leaned forward; looking him straight in the eye while Darkslash dozed in the bed next to us. "Wyatt, you're missing a few things. It's not spring anymore, it's been over two years."
I let the thought sink in before I continued. "You've been gone for a long, long time. Time in Redwall must be slower than time back in the real world. We're both older, if you haven't noticed. As for how I got here.your mom said that you were dead and told me to come up to Maine to see the funeral. When I was there, she let me explore a bit and I found some woods, which I'm guessing were the same ones that you found. I was captured, brought to this world, and found an otter's cottage, but was enslaved while I was staying there. I escaped and found my way here, I guess. No injuries I'm afraid, but a few weeks of slavery which I'll never forget."
I tried to search his face to see what his reactions were, but I couldn't find one. "That's all I know, other than the fact that this is a lot for my mind to take in. Usually I can figure out stuff like this no problem, I admit, I've got a good chunk of it figured out, but I'm still a bit confused on different things. Maybe now that there are two of us we can figure more things out than what we could if we were alone."
I stopped speaking, waiting for Wyatt to answer. He paused for a moment or two, his brow furrowed in thought. He chose his words carefully as he responded. "I.understand what you mean how you came here, but.two years! That's a long time. No doubt there have been a few detectives and policemen notified and a small search going on. I mean, you have your family unaware of where you are, and mine too. Disappearing without a trace."
My eyes widened as I cut in with a point that was quite important. "What if they find the woods that we were in? The possibilities are endless! We could end up with loads of SWAT team members here, or they would cut down the place and we wouldn't be able to get back! What are we going to do?"
Wyatt took a deep breath before he spoke again. "It's a good point, and a serious one too. The lives of the creatures of Redwall and those of ourselves are in danger."
I shook my head in disbelief, suddenly not hungry at all as I looked down at my food. I placed the tray on the desk next to me, pushing aside the covers and standing up. I smoothed out my ragged clothes, looking around and stretching a bit. I turned to Wyatt as he stood up also. "Should we tell the Abbess?"
"I don't think so, it would only be more worry for her."
"You're right."
I looked at Wyatt; I noticed that my clothing was not in the best condition anymore and was worried that they wouldn't last much longer. Telling Wyatt, he nodded and pulled aside a mousemaid who was in the infirmary, whispering to her his request, she gave a quick curtsey and led me to a side room. I returned with my hair brushed and my face washed, with an ivory colored habit on, tied at the waist with a rope. My wavy brown hair fell about my shoulders as I walked briskly across the room, grabbing Wyatt by the arm as I sped by, leading him out into the hall; I pinned him against the wall. "So what are we going to do? I'm dead out of ideas here. We could be wasting precious time here."
Wyatt bit his lip, thinking harder. "I don't have anything for the time being, but I'll think of something," He tried to brush past me, but I only pushed him back against the smooth stone, holding him firmer. "We don't have time for that! Remember, time back home goes much faster than what it does here, they could have already figured something out!"
I relaxed my grip, slumping down to the floor with my back against the opposite wall from him. I sighed deeply, frustrated. Wyatt sensed my aggravation, sliding down to the floor also and looking straight at me. I raised my gaze from the ground, my eyes sparkling in what little light we had in the hallway. Wyatt finally spoke. "Look, you need to relax. We've got some time, if we would have trouble, we would have heard about it by now. Word travels fast. Calm down and think, okay? We'll be fine."
His voice seemed to calm me a bit. I sighed again. "I'm just so worried. You know how much I love this place. The creatures, the food, the scenery; it's like a dream come true compared to what I live like at home. I wish I could stay here forever, but I know that I can't. My family is probably going insane back at home because their daughter disappeared. As much as I'd like to stay here, the realization is that it'll never happen. You're so lucky to have stayed here longer; I would have loved to find out more about Redwall life. But for the moment many lives are in danger, and we need to do something about it. It's just.hard to stop and relax when so many things are going on."
Wyatt nodded his head as I lowered my gaze again, feeling my eyes become wet. I fought them back, not the type of person to cry easily. Wyatt thought about doing something, but he didn't know whether it was the right time or not. He reached out his hand, placing it on mine. I looked up, blinking a few times. "Liz, it's going to be okay. There's a lot going on right now, I know, but we need to not get too drastic here. Plan things out before we jump to situations. I know that this is all going to work out, trust me."
He gave my hand a small squeeze and I managed a grin before getting up and walking down the hall. It hadn't been too long and I felt as though I already had a good friend. At least there was someone I could talk to. We reached the lounging area of the abbey, sitting down on two plush chairs. I propped my chin up with my elbows. "Now for the plan." I grinned as we began our preparations.
Meanwhile, in another part of the abbey, Glen, Trytle, Sister Elm, Oak, and Abbess Birch were having a conference about the new arrival. Oak was doing the opening talk. "So, we have another human amongst us eh? Anybeast here know much?"
Glen raised her paw. "I know a few things if you'll allow me."
Glen got her answer by seeing Abbess Birch nod her head. "Well, when I ran into her, she was at the main gate. She looked like she had been treated harshly for a while; but I honestly don't know what that is."
Trytle offered a suggestion, "Maybe we could ask her. What do you think Abbess Birch?"
Abbess Birch gave a small sigh and then said, "Well, just like Wyatt was when he was first here, he didn't know our language. I am already starting to go through the teaching process with her, and progress is a lot quicker. I expect her to be able to speak fully in a matter of days. Until then, we can have Wyatt translate for us."
Everyone in attendance nodded his or her heads in approval. Abbess Birch continued on. "I will go and ask her as to how she got here and what happened to her when she came to Mossflower. Everyone here agree with that?"
Once again, everyone in attendance agreed to this. After that, they filed off to go do some chores before supper.
Supper in the infirmary was still a somewhat new experience for Liz. The food was different then she had thought it was. Wyatt, who had been there longer than she had, was used to eating it and helped Liz with food selections. After the meal, Abbess Birch came into the infirmary. Sitting down in a chair between Wyatt's and Liz's beds, she decided it was time for a talk. "So, Wyatt, Glen tells me that you know her from where you're from. What do you know about her?"
I was a bit surprised at the question, but I answered her. "Well, her name is Liz Vander Heide and she is from the state of Michigan. Not that you'd know what that was, but anyway; she is a Redwall fan. I will explain this; the book you found in my bag is a part of a series of books by an author from our world. A lot of people like it and have become fans of it; both Liz here and I are some of those fans. It's all quite a bit hard to explain, but other than that, that's all I actually know about her. This is the first time I've actually met her in person. Why are you asking Abbess Birch?"
Birch gave a slight nod and replied, "Well, it seems a bit odd that she should end up here in Redwall with you. Do you know how this happened?"
Wyatt gave a small sigh. "Well, I did talk to her earlier. Apparently a few things have happened since I came here." Wyatt sighed again before continuing on. "Apparently time between here and where I'm from is different. I've only been here in Redwall for a few months. It's been two years back home; the only reason Liz is here was because my mother had presumed me dead and had a funeral. Liz was invited to join for the funeral, but she decided to go wandering around the house and found the group of trees that led me here. She has been held captive as a slave for the last week or so. She got herself cleaned up earlier and into some fresh clothing."
Abbess Birch was shocked by this news. So things were a lot more different then she had thought. She decided to ask him a question that has been on her mind. "Wyatt, will you and Liz be going back?"
Wyatt smiled and said. "Well, I have been making plans to go back once I am fully healed. Redwall is a great place but I need to get back home sooner or later. The plan should be going into action sometime next week. I hope you understand Abbess Birch, I must get home sooner or later."
Abbess Birch managed a weak smile. "I understand Wyatt. Now, it's time for you and Liz to go to bed. Good night!"
As Abbess Birch left the room, there was still one beast left in the room eavesdropping. Sister Elm started to make her own plans for the day when Wyatt and Liz would go back home. Little did she know that Darkslash had also heard the conversation as well, but his leg wouldn't permit him to get out of bed to do anything for a long time to come.