Author's Notes: Many of you already guessed what Stubby was going to attempt, so this probably won't come as a surprise. Oh, well.
Disclaimer: I do not own Redwall in any way. It belongs to Brian Jacques.
Warning: This chapter contains violence. And descriptions of violence. Can't handle blood, don't read. Get freaked out by violent scenes easily, don't read.
Original POV
The ferret ran a rough paw over the smooth longbow. It was made of fine yew wood and the beast had stolen it from Bladepace's armory. A terrible crime, but the beast didn't care. He didn't consider the consequences of his actions, and he planed on bringing the weapon back anyways. The ferret strung the bow with a sleek string, then slung a quiver full of arrows on his back. The quiver had also been stolen from the armory, and was also made of yew wood. The arrows themselves had sharp steel tips and were fletched with eagle feathers.
They were weapons worthy of a monarch, but the ferret was no royalty. No, he was just an unimportant member of a vast hoard, but he was motivated by jealousy.
Jealousy is a strong emotion, capable of turning the best of friends against one another.
Stubby perched himself at the top of a tree, inserted an arrow into the longbow, and then patiently waited for his target to come within range.
Fourfinger's POV
My new mate, Tridenter, and I were simply talking a walk in the forest next to Darwath's camp. Tridenter was talking to me about different types of warships when an arrow came zipping towards us from a tree.
Luckily for us, the archer had really bad aim, and only managed to hit my right ear. Well, the arrow went right through my ear, but I was still lucky to be alive.
Tridenter, who was a more experienced fighter than me, drew his saber and scurried up the tree. I never knew that the rat could climb so well.
Still standing on solid ground, I drew a small iron rapier and, clutching the weapon tightly, watched Tridenter anxiously.
Stubby's POV
I had unleashed the arrow joyfully, and I was eager to hear Fourfinger's cry of agony. But it never came. Instead, my joy turned into dismay as the arrow pierced his ear instead of delivering a fatal blow as was intended.
I blamed the misdirection of the arrow on the wind so I looked up and cursed the sky. Looking back down, however, I saw a menacing rat climbing up the tree, saber in hand. As the rat came closer, the blade of the saber seemed to be mocking me, assuring me that I'd die soon.
When I identified the rat as Captain Tridenter, I panicked. Tridenter was well known for his battle skills, and I didn't stand much of a chance against him. I shook my head frantically. The only way to escape the rat without fighting him was to jump off the tree. Never had the thought crossed into my mind to shoot the captain with an arrow; I was far too scared.
So, I took a risk and leapt out of the tree, landing on my stomach, right in front of Fourfinger.
Tridenter's POV
I could see the creature now, he was a ferret. His eyes reflected fear, and I snarled. But before I knew what was happening, the daring beast extended his legs and jumped off the tree. The movement puzzled me; he obviously wasn't game to fight me, but he would jump off a tree?
I shook my head in confusion and slid off the tree. The ferret had landed flat on his stomach, and he was literally eating dirt. I would have laughed, but then I saw Fourfinger. He was shocked, and his arms hung limply on his sides, a rapier dangling in his right paw.
I was about to ask him what's wrong, but he opened him mouth before me.
"Y-you…" he articulated, still shocked.
The ferret lying on the ground got back on his feet quite lively, and faced Fourfinger with a look of scorn and contempt. "Ya, mate, tis me. Surprised? Bah, idiot!" he spat on the ground and growled.
I then recognized the ferret and immediately understood Fourfinger's shock. Of course, his best mate Stubby had just tried to assassinate him.
I turned to the new captain. "Fourfinger… DON'T JUST STAND THERE LIKE THAT!" I shouted, yanking the new captain out of his thoughts. "He tried to kill you…" I continued. "You can't just let him get away with it! You're a captain, dammit! Act like one! Show him who's boss!"
I had hoped to motivate Fourfinger, and I seemed to have succeeded. He creased his brow and clutched his rapier with a stronger grip and held it in front of him, in a fighting stance. He then addressed his former mate harshly. "Tridenter's right. I'm willing to give you another chance though…"
Fourfinger's POV
Stubby didn't let me finish my sentence. He had rushed at me without warning, longbow in hand, and had tried to bring the wooden weapon down on my head. I acted on instinct, and plunged the iron rapier into my attacker's body, closing me eyes.
I felt a splash of blood hit my nose, and when I finally dared to open my eyes again, I saw Stubby's face peering into mine. His expression was unfathomable, and he emitted a horrible gurgle before collapsing onto the ground, to never rise again.
I unleashed a cry of shock as I realized what I just did. I sank to my knees and stared in horror. "No… mate, I'm terrible sorry. This was not 'pposed to 'av 'apened…" I started trembling and my breaths became short and deep.
Tridenter's POV
I shook my head and frowned at the new captain's reaction. Didn't he have any backbone? Was he really that attached to his mate? Normally one would be happy to have killed someone who had attempted to murder them.
I was confused, but I put on a compassionate look anyways. The truth was, I liked the new captain, but he was still an amateur. He didn't look fit to lead, not in this condition anyways.
My attention turned to Stubby. He was lying on the ground, both eyes still open. But what was really creepy was the fact that his lips were parted in what seemed to be a smile. The rapier had been thrust with such force that it had cut a gaping hole right through him.
The new captain was a sorry sight. Did he really have what it takes to be a captain?
Author's Notes: Wow… I just killed off my first character. Dammit. Plz don't get mad at me… but from the reviews I had decided that it'd be better to kill Stubby than Fourfinger. Killing off a character is a risk… (glances at readers nervously) Flames aren't appreciated, but I'll read them anyways.
And yes, I know, Zale once again didn't appear in this chapter. I'M SO SORRY! But I really had to finish the Fourfinger/Stubby scene. K? I'm sry… plus I don't know what to do with Zale and the Guosim…
Hum… R&R, plz… or R&flame, your choice, really.