Author's Notes: Wow, this update was fast! K, I just came home… and inspiration struck me. I typed for an hour and a half straight and… voila! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Redwall in any way. It belongs to Brian Jacques.

Darwath's POV

Damn that Salamandastron!

I didn't even want their stupid mountain and they attack my hoard! Argh, why'd we have to capture that no-good hare anyways?

But if that stripedog wanted to fight…

I was seated on my throne. Claw had left to supervise the troops. Just a few minutes ago, Shademask had entered bearing angering news. The ferret had entered silently and stealthily, but I could see he was scared to report to me.

And with good reason. I had almost knocked him out.

Flarestripe's hares had ambushed fifty of my hoard who were scouring the area for food and other provisions. My beasts didn't stand a chance.

I stood up and hastily walked towards the door, my blood-red cape flying after me.

Fangface's POV

Ah, this was the life!

Beer, geese, ducks, trout, and big juicy berries!

I pulled up a chair and sat on it, placing my hind paws on the table. I stroked my tail and reached for an enormous oyster. I cracked the shell open and savored the tender meat inside. I had heard that sometimes beasts found pearls in oysters. But I haven't been lucky enough to find one.

I brought a mug of beer to my lips and gulped it down noisily.

However, my joy was short-lived, for at that moment the doors swung open. I leapt on me feet and started to scold the moron who opened the doors for disturbing me.

"Hey, you! Wh-"

I stopped myself abruptly, for I suddenly realized who I was talking to.

A pair of eyes stared at me harshly, upon the face of a black fox. The beast was dressed in a white tunic laced with gold, with a red cape on his back. He wore two belts; on holding his two daggers, the other his scimitar.

Darwath.

He then smiled at me. Which wasn't a good thing.

He spoke gently, but with a hint of danger in his voice. "Ah… Fangface. Enjoying the food? You know, only captains have access to this kind of luxury." He started walking in a circle, with me in the middle.

He raised his head and his smile became broader. "You like being a captain, Fangface, don't you?"

I felt a bead of sweat begin to form on my forehead. "Aye, sir…" I answered uncertainly.

He gave a grunt of approval. "But being a captain is hard work, isn't it?"

I narrowed my eyes. I might not have been the brightest rat, but I knew my master was up to something. I just didn't know what.

He continued. "But… you don't seem to have been working a lot, have you?"

"Nay…"

He frowned mockingly. "Tsk, that's no good. Tell you what, I'll give you something to do, okay?"

"Aye…"

He stopped circling me and turned to face me, putting his paws behind his back. He sneered, showing me white teeth. "Good… but you don't seem too eager to receive an assignment from me."

I gulped. "Sir! Me would be 'onored!"

He stopped sneering and raised an eyebrow. "Hum. Very well, this is your assignment: take down Salamandastron."

I felt my jaw drop. "S-Sir?"

He shook his head. "What's wrong? Not afraid are you? Tsk, that won't do… that simply won't do…"

I winced.

He looked at me intently. Staring into his eyes, I felt like I was already at Hellgates. He didn't just look at me, it felt like he was looking right through me.

He resumed his talking. "Taking Salamandastron would increase your status, you know. Hum… I might even kick out Claw and appoint you my second-in-command. Deatheye was supposed to have that honor… but sadly, he's not here right now…" He trailed off.

I still wasn't convinced.

Darwath's POV

I clenched my jaw and my fists. That rat wouldn't listen to me! I cursed under my breath, and then resumed faking a smile. I made my voice as sweet as possible.

"Fangface," I began, my claws itching to be buried in his miserable little throat, "I've even heard rumors of treasure behind Salamandastron's walls."

I saw the rat's eyes light up at the mention of treasure. This time my smile was genuine. I knew he would fall for it, they always did. Say the word treasure to any vermin at all, and they would do anything you asked.

The rat licked his chops. "'ave ye sir? That's… nice. Ah… mebbe I will take this Sala… Sale… Salo…"

I placed my right paw on his shoulder in a companionable manner. "Salamandastron."

The rats chuckled nervously. "Ya, wat ye just sayed."

I raised an eyebrow. Sayed?

I lifted my paw from his shoulder. "Yes… anyhow, I look forward to calling you 'mate'. G'day."

I left the greedy rat behind and walked calmly out the door. It wasn't until I reached my quarters that I let out a soft cackle. Things were looking up…

Eamon's POV

"Wait! Let me come with you!"

The words were out of my mouth before I could stop myself. What was I thinking?

The white-pelted fox turned slowly and fixed me with curiosity and mild bewilderment, as did all the other shrews present.

Damon was practically gawking. He cleared his throat. Twice.

"Brother… why do you want to go with the fox?" He asked slowly.

I answered without hesitation. "Because. I don't want to stay here anymore. This place is… old. Dull. Never in my life have I left the shrews. This is my chance, bro! I want to see Mossflower! I want… adventure. And if I have to travel in the company of a fox, then so be it."

My brother blinked. "But…"

I shook my head firmly. "Don't try to stop me."

There was a moment of hesitation, then, to my relief, Damon nodded. The gesture was reluctant, but he nodded.

He faced me. "I see. Then you'd better get packed." he declared in a monotone voice.

Zale's POV

I rubbed the back of my neck as I watched the young shrew leave to get his things. He was back shortly. I turned to leave and he followed me.

"Wait."

I rolled my eyes. What now?

I turned and saw Damon demand timidly, "No matter where you're going fox, the river route will be much faster… I could lend you a longboat…"

Flarestripe's POV

Lieutenant Tomas grinned at me and reached for another patty.

It was dinnertime, and we were celebrating our success. Sergeant Plaster was the one who found the band of vermin, and my hares took care of the filth quickly, and without casualties. Well… for most of them it was their first battle and they were exhausted… but apparently they still had enough energy to scoff down more that me.

I chewed on a celery stick and left the table. I just felt that something was going to happen…

Author's Notes: 'ope ye liked it, mates! Me just 'ad da feeling that we weren't seeing enough o good ole Salamandastron. LOL, I'm speaking vermin. So… Zale is finally going to leave the GUOSIM camp. LOL, later folks!