The Day the Vermin Won
By Joseph Dunlap
Chapter 3
Dawn spread over the shores as a herald that morning. Both Dirion and Rilmarr were up to greet its coming to the warming sands.
In ceremony both sides of the barter stood before each other, the Long Patrol on one side and the South Kin on the other. Their leaders stood in the middle in greeting, shaking paws. "The weapons you desire are behind me," Kin said. "We should like to be on our way by noontide."
"It is as you say," said Dirion. "We shall bring the supplies if we are pleased with the trade." Spears, sabers, arrows, armor, and other weaponry were presented to the Badger Lord for inspection, aided by Colonel Frivard and Major Thim.
"Very good," Dirion said in approval. "Very well, we shall supply you and your horde amply for your long journey, friend." He nodded to his officers, who led the march back to the mountain as the supplies were brought.
Suddenly, a loud cry echoed through the rocks and an arrow zipped through the air. It hit Lord Dirion in the side, and he fell to his knees with a roar. He looked up at Rilmarr Kin, his eyes burning.
"Treachery," he growled. "Treacheryyy!!!" Rilmarr stared back coldly, saying nothing.
Colonel Frivard heard his lord and turned the Patrol around. "Treachery, mates, give 'em blood'n'vinegar! Eulaliaaaaaaaa!"
"My lance, where is my lance?" Lord Dirion roared, rising to his feet. He tore the arrow from his flesh and threw it down. Frivard stood by his side, bringing the badger's weapon of choice, a huge lance that stood half a head taller than even Dirion. Rilmarr turned in haste, calling to his own army.
"It's an attack! Fight for your lord!" A battleaxe was thrown to the stoat Warlord as he rejoined his horde. "Chaaaaaaaaarge!"