Chapter 6:

"Redwall." Martin sighed. "It's an abbey not quite done yet. Abbess Germaine did most of the designs, but I helped with some. It's going to be very similar to Noonvale. A place where creatures live in peace. It's enclosed in red sandstone walls. It has a pond, orchards, a main building with a Great Hall, cellars, dormitories, an infirmary, kitchens, dinning areas, everything an abbey needs."

"Wow. Sounds beautiful." Rose sighed.

"What are the creatures there like?" Pallum asked.

"Well, it's never a dull day at Redwall. There are so many, I can't describe everybeast. But, first of all, there's Abbess Germaine. The original designer of Redwall. She an old, fragile mouse with a lot of spirit. It's because of her I'm still alive today."

"The wildcat story?" Pallum asked.

"Yes. Then there's Bella. She's our badger. She helps keep everything in order. Then there's Skipper, leader of the otters of Redwall, and Amber, the squirrel queen. And then there's Ferdy and Coggs, our cellar hogs. Of course there are the Dibbuns, the children of Redwall. Among them is Gonff's own son, Gonflet. You already know Dinny and Gonff. Columbine is Gonff's wife. And there are many more."

"Sounds like a great place." Pallum said with a hint of "I have an idea" in his voice.

"And anybeast is welcome as long as they mean us no harm." Martin finished his description of Redwall.

He looked around expecting everyone else to be gathered around Gonff telling about when they met. They weren't. Instead, everyone was gathered around him listening about Redwall.

"Gonff, I thought you were going to tell them about our journey to Salamandastron." Martin told his friend.

"And miss your description of Redwall? I think not." Gonff said.

"It'll only be roight ifin we tell about that trip." Dinny told Gonff.

"It's only fair. They told us a story, it's our turn." Trimp said.

"Alright. Do you want to tell it mate?" Gonff said.

"You go on. Add Prince of Storytellers to your list." Martin gladly gave Gonff the spotlight.

"Alright. I guess I'll begin with a description of what was going on then. Verdauga Greeneyes was a wildcat with two children: Gingivere, and Tsarmina. He took over Mossflower killing many creatures. My own parents included. A few seasons later, the Corim was founded. Corim was the Council of Resistance in Mossflower. One day, Verdauga died and Gingivere was framed for the death so Tsarmina was the new ruler. One day, I was captured by the soldiers of Kotir, the wildcats' fortress, and was thrown into the dungeons. That's where I met Martin."

Gonff continued with a few exaggerations, but corrected himself whenever Martin gave him a look. At the end of the story, everybeast looked at Martin who nodded in agreement.

"You are never short of an adventure. Are you?" Brome asked.

"No." Martin answered.

"Burr. When will ee be leaving?" Grumm asked.

Martin looked at the crew.

"Unfortunately, tomorrow. We promised we'd be back by autumn." Martin announced.

"Well, at least you'll be here the rest of today." Brome said. "We'll help in anyway possible."

"Thank you Brome." Martin told the younger mouse. "We owe you."

"No. If it wasn't for you, then we would either be dead, or slaves at Marshank. I only wish there were more we can do."

"This is enough Brome." Martin said putting a paw on Brome's shoulder. "Your hospitality towards me and my friends, including us in the festivities, the creatures of Noonvale will always be welcomed at Redwall."

"Thanks Martin." Brome said to the warrior mouse.

"Well." Gonff yawned. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm beat."

"You guys go on to bed. I want to catch up with some old friends." Martin said looking towards Rose.

"Oh yeah. Of course. Night mate." Gonff said heading off to the guest lodge.

TBC