OoO( 9 )OoO
Darkness surrounded him. He seemed to be floating in the center of some dark abyss. Looking around, he noticed that the darkness was starting to form images around him. Suddenly, he recognized the location the abyss was taking him. He turned and tried to run, but he couldn't go anywhere. The scene settled, and he saw a young mouse sitting on the floor of a comfortable den, playing with a small nut hammer. Turning, he also saw two adults sitting in chairs by the fire.
The mother turned to the son and smiled at him. "Are you done eating yet?" she asked him. The baby mouse smiled at his mother and nodded enthusiastically. "Good, cause its almost time for your bath." she said as she stood up and walked towards him.
The infant jumped to his feet and ran for cover. "Nonononono! No baff!" he shouted and ran around the small den. His mother laughed and chased him around the room, letting him get a head start on her. He giggled and ran for the door, then opened it and ran outside.
"No! Don't go outside!" shouted the mother. But he didn't listen. He ran out into the night, then suddenly stopped in his tracks. His mother went to run out after him, but stopped in the doorway as well. They both looked ahead at the new visitor.
"Well, 'ello there. Lookie what I found, a little tot and his beauty of a mother." said a voice in the darkness. "Lets see wha' else you got in that little 'obble of yours." said the voice in a wicked tone. He walked forward, making the child and his mother run back into the house. He followed them in, lighting the vermins features up from the firelight. He was a ferret with gold hoops through his ears and a large scimitar over his shoulder.
The father jumped to his feet and turned to grab a shortsword they had mounted on the mantle. But before he pulled it clean of the mount, he found himself staring down at a blade protruding from his gut. Both of the other mice in the den screamed loudly, causing the ferret to turn to them. The mother grabbed her son and ran for the door. Quickly, she shoved him out the door and yelled, "Mel! Run!"
"But mommy...!" shouted the child as he reached for her.
"Mel! Just go!" she shouted. Suddenly, she gasped as the blade was thrust through her back.
"Mommy! Nooooooooooo!" he shouted with tears running down his face. Standing up, he turned and ran blindly into the darkness of the forest.
OoOoO
Mel woke up with a startled jump. He reached up and wiped perspiration from his brow as he breathed heavily. "Not again." he said to himself as he kicked his feet off the bed.
"Eh? Whats'at?" asked Balfred from his bed across from Mels.
Mel looked at his friend in the darkness. "Nothing. Just a nightmare." he said with a sigh.
Balfred sat up also. "From the sounds of it, you've been having this nightmare for a while." said the hedgehog. Mel said nothing. "Wanna talk about it?" he asked.
Mel shook his head. "No, I managed to ignore it for the longest time...but that ferret..."
"You mean Cloud?" asked the hedgehog. Mel looked at him with a resenting expression. "Look, don't look at me like that. He's actually a goodbeast. You should get to know him." he said.
"Thats the last thing I want to do. I don't understand why they would let a ferret in Redwall anyway
..." he said, but was cut off.
"Listen Mel, you don't know him. He isn't like the vermin roving around the woods out there. He's from across the sea, where they live peacefully." said Balfred.
Mel glared at his friend across the room. "So, you are on his side then?"
"I don't understand you sometimes. Just get some sleep, and I'll introduce you to him tomorrow. You'll warm up to him eventually." he said as he rolled back up on the bed. Mel mearly shook his head gravely. "And don't shake your head at me, its settled." he said in a stern tone.
Mel laughed at his friend. "I'll never understand how you can see me with your back turned." said Mel as he layed back down.
"Family secret." said the hedgehog. "Now sleep, before I put you to sleep the hard way." he said jokingly.
OoOoO
Morning rose over Redwall Abbey and Mossflower Woods. The sun climbed into the sky and cast its warm glow over the entire woodland, ready to wake the creatures to start their day. But, there was one creature who didn't sleep a wink. He sat, shivering from fear next to a greatrat in the tent of a wildcat.
"Calm down mate, you'll only make him angry with your shivering and chattering." said Greytooth. The fox looked up at the rat with his one good eye. "And try an firm yourself up a bit, you look pitiful on the ground like that." he said.
Suddenly, the tent opened and the fox covered his head. Scorch walked in and stopped, staring at the cowering fox. "Whats wid him?" asked the weasel. Greytooth shrugged.
"So, whats this about? Why was I summoned?" asked the greatrat. Scorch didn't answer immediately, but rather went about the buisiness of polishing off the makeshift throne with a cloth rag. Greytooth was going to ask again when finally the weasel spoke.
"The fox there was found out in the woods by our lord when he was hunting. When he found him, he said he mentioned something about an abbey somewhere in the woodland. He wants to verify this with you." said the weasel. "I'm sure you already know this, but be careful how you talk towards him. He is to be referred to as 'my lord', nothing else. And never lock eyes with him. He takes that as a threat. Be polite, and all you have to worry about is his mood swings. He has them quite often, so be careful." he said. After finishing the chore, he stood next to the throne and waited.
After a while, the wildcat strolled into the tent without his gauntlets on, much to the relief of Scorch. He walked over to the throne and sat down, with both paws on the arms of the wooden chair. Looking down at the fear struck fox, he smirked. "So...what is your title?" he asked sternly.
The fox looked up at him, his eye wide open. "M...Me?" he asked. Suddenly, he yelped in pain as Greytooth kicked him in the back of his footpaw. Straightening up again, the fox replied, "M-My name is Riveye milord." he said in a shaky tone.
"Very good. As you have no doubt heard by now, I am Dregg Ironclaw. I rule all that you see. The food that you have eaten, the water that you have no doubt drank, the air that you breath. It all belongs to me." he said, making the fox nod rapidly. "In advance, I would like to apologize for what I did to your friend out there. Never can be too careful...you know how it is." he said. The fox said nothing. "Now then, I would like to question you about what you and your friend were conversing about. This abbey place you mentioned, what exactly is it?" he asked gently.
"I-Its a big castle milord. At the edge of the woodland is a castle that a bunch of woodlanders live in. 'S called Redwall I think." he said scratching his head.
"A castle you say?" asked the warlord, now sitting back with an intrigued look on his face. "And how big is this castle?"
"Errr...more than big enough for yur army if'n thats what yur thinkin'." he said, then received another kick from the greatrat. "Err...milord." he said quickly.
A large smile creased the wildcats features. Then he turned to Greytooth. "Does he speak true?" he asked the greatrat.
Greytooth thought for a second, then responded. "I do recall there being a place called Redwall Abbey somewhere in the woodland. But I haven't been there, nor seen it myself. The old boss said they were very viscious in that abbey. Most of his other band was ambushed by three hares from that place and was torn apart. He was the only survivor milord." he said thoughtfully.
"Hmmm...warbeasts huh? This ought to be interesting. So, where is this Redwall Abbey?" asked the warlord curiously.
"Its about two days march south milord. I was there a day ago, but some kinda black beast and a riverbeast ambushed me and my partner. That fox...he was like nothing I had ever seen before. Looked like death 'imself." said Riveye, shivering slightly. Then, opening his eye again, he found himself face to face with the wildcat warlord. His eye was wide open with fear.
"Like death himself huh? You say that as if you had met death." said Dregg sadistically. The fox once again cowered to the floor. "You will learn to fear me more than some black fox." he said. "Greytooth, he is now under your command. Take him to your camp. Tomorrow, we are marching for Redwall, and I will take this castle for myself." he said, then flourished his cloak as he turned his back. "Now, begone from my..."
Suddenly, a loud noise woke the whole vermin horde and had them all in arms. Each and every one of them felt their insides go cold as the howl ripped through them like a hail of arrows. For once, the horde feared something more than their own leader. Anybeast in the camp knew that they would never want to stand face to face with a creature that sounded like that.
Ironclaw began shouting at the top of his lungs. "Get out of here now!" Immediately, all within the tent fled with a quickness to match a slingstone flying through the air. Dregg backed against his throne and looked all around him. He knew what that was, and he immediately covered his armored chest with a paw. Beneath the armor, a large scar stretched from hip to shoulder, showing the skin where the fur couldn't grow back. His heart hammered against his chest as the howl died down. He wrapped his cloak tightly around him and slid to the ground.
OoOoO
Redwall woke joyful that morning. But the warrior ferret chose to become better friends with the comfortable dormitory bed he slept in. His instinct woke him up early in the morning, but he lay in the bed staring through the darkness of closed eyes as he fluffed the pillow under his head. Eventually, he decided to rise and look at the incredible abbey in the light of the morning sun. Wearing only a soft green tunic supplied to him by Sister Mary from the infirmary, he strolled out of the dormitory and into the great hall.
The tapestry on the wall caught his eye and he walked over to it and marvelled at its beauty. There stood a warrior mouse clad in armor, holding a beautiful sword. All around him, every manner of evil beast fled in terror. Then, he locked eyes with the warrior. The mouse smiled down at him with a warm and inviting smile. But, in the same smile he read a stern and protective air. He instantly knew that this was the Martin warrior he had heard about so much, and without even meeting the mouse, he already had great respect for him.
Then, his eyes drifted down to the sword below the painting. It was draped across two metal hooking supports placed in the wall. He examined it closer and noticed two grooves down the blade, channels almost. Tracing them with his paw, he ran them all the way to the metal crosshilt. Running his paw over the hilt, he squeezed the tightly bound handle, and gently lifted the sword from its place on the wall. It was very light compared to the heavy spear he always swung around, but he could tell it was much sturdier from the way it swung and danced through the air.
He spun several times, dodging left and right as if he were fighting a foe right there in the great hall. Ducking slightly, he thrust the blade forward and pulled back, spinning again, swinging it aloft, making it cut through the air like it were some ritualistic dance. Suddenly, he stopped with the blade pointing forward above his head with one arm forward...pointing strait at a surprised hedgehog. Quickly, he dropped the stance and almost panicked.
The hedgehog, a sturdy full grown male, stared at him in fascination. "I...I'm sorry!" said the ferret quickly as he dashed to the wall and put the sword back onto the rungs. He turned and bowed apologetically to the hedgehog, then turned to leave out the front door.
"Wait!" said the hedgehog in a gruff voice. The ferret halted and turned to the beast in a slow and guilty manner. The hedgehog walked forward and smiled brightly at the ferret. "That was some amazin' sword work you did there lad." said the large hedgehog in a cheerful tone.
Cloud looked up at him and scratched his head. "Oh...uh...thanks." he said confused.
"Where did you learn that little lot from?" he asked curiously.
"Oh...well, I had a teacher back when I was younger. He was a big beast, black and white. He taught me everything I know about weapons and combat." he said remembering his teacher.
"Black and white? What kind of creature was he?" asked the hedgehog, taking an interest in the ferrets tale.
"Not sure myself. He was the only creature like him I had ever met. From the grey in his fur he must have been pretty old at the time, but everytime I asked him what he was, he said he was a fossil." said the ferret amusedly.
"Ahahahahahaha! Sounds like a wise beast to me. And I see he was a warrior, a grand one too if'n he taught you to swing a kitchen knife like that. So, what say we go down and sample some of the breakfast from the kitchens?" asked the friendly hedgehog.
"Aye, that sounds good. By the way, I never got your name." said the ferret holding out his paw.
"I reckon thats cuz I never gave it to ya. You can call me Danpin." he said grabbing Clouds paw firmly and shaking it.
OoOoO
In the kitchens, the friar squirrel was bustling around the kitchen preparing breakfast for the waking abbey beasts. He dashed to a pot of boiling oatmeal and poured a ladle of honey into the concoction. Using his dockleaf, he fanned the fumes toward him, then took in a big gulp of the steam. Satisfied, he turned to attend the tray of scones in the oven when he saw the two visitors at the doorway.
"Mornin' Treetal. How's the breakfast looking?" asked the mighty hedgehog.
"That's Friar Treetal to you. And you will know how breakfast is when its done. Now if you are quite finished snooping around in here, you can wait in the cavern hole with every other beast. Now, be off with you!" shouted the friar, waving his dockleaf threateningly.
Danpin raised his paws as if surrendering. "Woah, belay the threats me ol' pal. I brought a feller thats never tasted a Redwall breakfast before. Why, he's been living his life eatin' from the woods. Look at 'im, he's almost fur and bones!" said the hedgehog dramatically.
"I say, never had a Redwall brekkers before? What have you been doing with your life old lad?" asked a voice behind them. They turned to see a hare striding up to the door. Looking at Cloud, the comical creature sniffed the air. "Is that scones I smell? And spiced apple pudding!? Good greif Friar Treetal, your making my poor mouth water out here."
Suddenly, a wooden spoon flew from the door and right between the hares ears. The beast stood on his tip paws with one paw pointing directly at the hare. "You! You are to be nowhere near my kitchen! Redwall is lucky to have food in its larders with a glutton like you around!" he shouted. Danpin turned around only to have a door slammed, making him step back.
"Well, he was in a fine mood this morn. Wouldn't you say?" he asked turning to his new friend. -But, Cloud had disappeared. "Now, where did he get off to?" he asked looking around the room.
Clovy was touching the fur in between his ears, making sure that nothing had been damaged by the projectile when he heard the question. "Not sure old chap. Was worried I might have lost one of me ears to that spoon for a moment, wot!"
OoOoO
Inside the kitchen, the friar sighed as he put his back against the door. Looking up at the startled newcomer, he smiled slightly. "So...never had a Redwall breakfast huh?" he asked. The ferret shook his head dumbly. "Well, then you have a lot to learn today. My assistant is out in the orchards for the day, so you are my new recruit for now." he said.
Cloud stood stiff at attention and saluted smartly. "Cloud Longfork reporting for duty!" he shouted. The friar chuckled, then put a chefs hat on the ferrets head.
"Good, now, lets start with these scones." Friar Treetal said.
OoOoO
Breakfast was served later that morning by the friar and his new apprentice. The creatures in the Cavern Hole were highly amused at seeing the ferret fly around with a chefs hat on, placing different foods on the table. When he had finished, the abbey dwellers all sat at the tables and began eating as the panting ferret leaned against the wall. The friar walked up and nodded approvingly. "Good work there. You may become my new assistant before long." said the friar squirrel.
Cloud nodded and smiled. "I've never worked around so much food before. It really is quite exhausting, and mouth watering." he said.
The friar nodded and shoved the ferret towards the table. "Now, go enjoy a hard mornings work!" he said. Cloud needed no more goading, for he found himself a spot next to Ivan and started to choose from the tasty looking scones on the platter in front of him. Taking one, he began to nibble on it as he scanned the faces at the table for Zango. Suddenly, he locked eyes with a mouse. Instantly he felt himself heating up, as if before a battle. The mouse looked at him with an expression of utter hatred in his eyes.
Cloud set the scone down and stared back at him, not with a look of anger, but confusion. The mouse stood up and left the table, walking out the door of the Cavern Hole. Cloud watched him go before digging back into the scone.
OoOoO
The ferret and two foxes sat on the wallstairs holding a hands over their stomach. "Oy...that was by far the best breakfast I have had in a long time my friend." said the warrior as he patted his bulging tunic. Zango laid his head on the stair behind his head and closed his eyes. "Hahaha...getting lazy already? I think Redwall is going to turn you into a farm beast my friend." he commented. Cloud turned his head and saw two figures approaching him. One was a hedgehog wearing a thick apron, and the other was the mouse from breakfast. Cloud stood and watched as the two got closer.
"Don't worry, I know you will like them..." said the hedgehog. Mel just looked away from his friend with his arms crossed. Looking ahead, Balfred spotted the creatures on the wallstairs and nudged his friend. "There they are, lets go." he said as he sped his pace up. When they arrived, Balfred smiled brightly and nodded to the ferret. "Good day to ya Cloud." he said.
"Balfred! What have you been doing all day? Did you taste the breakfast this morning? I helped the friar make it!" he said in a bright tone.
The hedgehog nodded. "That I did. It was marvelous, especially the strawberry tarts. They were perfect!" Balfred remarked. "Oh...Cloud, this is my friend Mel. Mel, this is Cloud Longpike." he said jokingly. Cloud jabbed the hedgehog gently in the shoulder. "I was just joking. Cloud Longspear, I know." he said slugging the ferret and making him go flying backwards.
Cloud stood back up rubbing his arm tenderly. Sticking out his paw to Mel, he said, "Good to meet you Mel." with a smile.
Mel looked at his paw, then back up to his face. Sticking his paw out, he clasped the other beast and shook. But as soon as he did, he got a sickening feeling in his stomach. Jerking his paw away, he said, "I'll see you later Balfred, I have something to do."
Balfred looked at his friend startled. But, before he could speak, Cloud spoke up. "You know, I don't know these woodlands, but where I come from it generally rude to jerk ones paw away from a greeting." he said.
Mel turned and glared at him. "Then maybe you should go back to where you came from." he said, then turned and was about to leave when he stopped again. His eyes went wide in horror as he saw Sister Mary standing only a few feet away with a horrified look on her face. "M-Mary...I.."
Her face instantly changed from shocked to anger as she walked up and stood in his face. "Don't you Mary me! That was completely uncalled for Mel! How dare you treat a Redwall guest with such rudeness!" she shrieked, making Mel shrink.
"Sister Mary, it was just a misunderstanding." he said. Walking over to the two, he stared at Mel.
"Misunderstanding or not! He shouldn't have treated you like that!" she said to him sternly. She turned to Mel again, but he was gone. She looked across the landscape and saw him sprinting across the lawn towards the abbey building with his head low.
Suddenly, everybeast in Redwall feel cold fear slide along their spine. They all stared up into the sky as a loud howl reached their ears. Cloud instantly looked up as he heard the call. Zango and Liska jumped to their feet.
"W-w-what was that sound?" asked Mary frightened.
Cloud listened until the call ended, then grabbed Mary and pulled her along with them as they all ran to the abbey building. "Thats bad news..." said Cloud as his footpaws pounded to the ground like heavy rain.