Martin The Warrior V.O: Time space some creatures think there's only one way a story can end. But even this dimension is like a river. If you block the water flow one way, it will follow a new course with unexpected results. Read please this story and ponder the question...What If?
Everybeast knows the story of the otter Taggerung Deyna. How he was kidnapped as a babe and raised by Sawney Rath. And how only when Sawney ordered Tagg to skin the fox Felch alive, Tagg realized he couldn"t live the life of a Juskarath anymore. But what if something had stayed Felch's death? And what if Tagg had his first taste of battle with the clan? What if...
Prolouge Going Against Nature
Sawney Rath was pleased that his son had brought back the traitor fox Felch. He was a little disappointed that Tagg had brought him back a live, but that would be soon remedied. He wondered to himself if he should have dealt with Felch, Antigra, her brat Gruven II, and Dagrab. It was no secret that those members of the Juskarath hated him. It had been obvious for many seasons that they despised their leader. But he also knew Antigra was extra cautious ever since he had killed her mate: Gruven I. It wasn't a great fight but it served to remind everyone who was in charge. His clan was not as big as he would like either, so every member (no matter how much he hated or distrust them) was needed. Besides now that his son was big they could takeover more territory. But first, Tagg had to prove himself. And that time was fast approaching.
After Grissoul woke Tagg from his nap he felt uneasy. There was a sense of unrest in the air, he could feel it. There was something big going to happen, and unfortunately, this would cement Tagg in his current life.
"Grissoul tell Sawney to get the strongest members of our clan, looks like somebeast needs to learn to stay out of Juskarath territory."
The old vixen nodded and ran off to do the otter's bidding. The creature Tagg sensed was a wolf named 'Machtig Juskakrieger'. He was sent to see if the rumors that had spread through the Juska Clans were true. That the once mighty and glorious Juskarath clan barely numbered 60, and that they had taken in an otter of all things, to train as if it were vermin! Why would any self respecting Juska clan do such a thing? But the truth could not be denied.Machtig would have to report this back to his chief, or at least he would have if the young otter hadn't snuck up behind him and using a tree branch knocked him out cold.
Sawney Rath was pleased. While Felch hadn't been killed by Tagg, something bigger was happening. Tagg was showing himself to be the kind of creature Sawney had always wanted him to be. At least, he was beginning to. A common law in Juska clans is to never cross into another clan's territory. And if you ever did, be respectful of the creatures in charge. If they were in a good mood they might spare you.
Unfortunately, Machtig was not thinking about that. All he saw when he when he woke up inside Sawney Rath's tent were in his eyes, a bunch of traitors. Vermin who were part of what had been part Gerissen Taggerung's clan. Of course, Gerissen was long since dead, but until recently most Juska clans still respected that clan because of all the mighty things Gerissen had done alive.
Then the news came on the air, quite literally. Since Juska clans often pass the dwellings of crows, seagulls, and such flying creatures. So other Juska clans came to hear how Gerissen Rath's son had raised an otter babe and trained him as a vermin. The chief of the Juskakrieger had sent Machtig to spy on the clan to see if it was true. Now tied up, Machtig could see Sawney Rath glaring at him. At his right side was his seer Grissoul, on his left was Vallug Bow beast and Eefera, but front in center besides Sawney was the otter! Who strangely enough had a blue lighting bolt tattooed on his left cheek. Machtig didn't think much of it, he should have.
"You're all traitors!" he shouted. "A disgrace to the memory of Taggerung Gerissen! You've taken in a beast who's species has kill countless of creatures like us! Just wait until my clan gets here Sawney Rath! My chief Morderin Krieger will teach you a lesson!"
Sawney had heard of Morderin Krieger. She was a wolf with a hundred vermin at her command. This was a little concerning for Sawney, because although Tagg was the Taggerung, he had never been tested in battle. And so far, had never taken a life.
Tagg meanwhile, was deep in thought. It was true he was the only otter in the clan, but Sawney had always been good to him. Those dreams he'd been having lately had been on his mind more recently, but after what Machtig said he started thinking 'Sawney has always treated me like his own flesh and blood. Why should I care about some stupid dream when my life is good now? Would I be happy living inside some building instead of the outdoors? No. This is my family, and it's time this wolf learned his lesson.'
"Listen you," Tagg said in a harsh baritone voice. "My full name is 'Zann Juskarath Taggerung.' And Sawney Rath is my father! You have the nerve not only to tresspass into our territory, but threaten us as well?! Well, when your clan comes they'll find you, but it won't be alive! Father may I borrow your blade?"
Sawney had a proud smile on his face as he handed his son his best knife. There was no doubt in his mind now, his son was a true Taggerung.
"Take it, and do what you will with the prisoner.You may also keep the blade for yourself my boy. You have made me doubly proud today.And Felch is free to be your servant for the actions you've done today."
"Thanks father." So saying Tagg pick up the bound wolf. After taking him outside he killed him in front of the entire clan. Then hung himup for any intruders to see.After watching Tagg take care of the wolf Gruven II was not so sure any plan of his mother's would work. Antigra was thinking she just have to be extra sneaky and cautious as she gave the two doves she hunted up to Grissoul.And Sawney Rath started dreaming of his future conquest with his son. His stomach pains once again gone, and secretly happy Tagg finally called him "father".
A/n I'm a big fan of the redwall series as well as marvel's What if?. Recently I've been thinking about how the story of The Taggerung might have played out if events had gone differently. Please read and review constructive criticism is welcome. Stay safe everyone. By the way I used a few german words Gerissen means cunning, Machtig is mighty, Krieger is warrior, Morderin is female way of saying killer. Hope you enjoyed the prolouge.
