Chapter 8

Matthias and Constance's bodies were buried beside each other in the abbey graveyard that night instead of midday because of atrocious weather. During the funeral, no laugh was heard, no smile was given, and not a single dibbun squealed for anything. One by one, the abbey dwellers came up to the tombstones and paid their sorrowful respects to each one.

The first to come up was a portly hedgehog and his noticeably leaner wife, namely Mr. and Mrs. Kole

"Oh Constance, y' poor thing," wept Mrs. Kole. "Y' didn't deserve this. I hope you rest easy in the Dark Forest. You just as well, Matthias. You were both brave warriors, and I honor your mem'ry. Dear, do you have anything to say?"

Mr. Kole slowly shook his head as a tear escaped his left eye. He took a look at both tombstones before he turned and left, and Mrs. Kole followed.

Next to come were Basil Stag Hare and his adopted otter son, Cheek.

"Matthias...we had quite a few adventures together, wot?" said Basil. It was obvious that he was holding back a streaming flow of tears. Cheek stared at both gravestones.

"I wish they hadn't died. I wish that flippin' monster never came!" Cheek was now on the ground, holding his head in his paws. Basil helped Cheek off the ground and used light humor to calm him.

"Steady now, Cheek! Not good form to cry, eh..." Basil's voice trailed off as he saw the look in Cheek's eyes. He could tell that nothing would cheer Cheek up until after the funeral was over. Basil left first and bid Cheek to come with him, back to the abbey.

A few more came and went, and then Mattimeo, Tess, Martin (who was still sleeping) and Cornflower were up. Mattimeo spoke first.

"Father...I don't...I..." Mattimeo thought for what seemed like an eternity, and then continued. "I don't understand. Why did you have to die? Why did Constance have to die? Why was Martin not there to save you both? I don't know if you can hear me...but I...I'm sorry. I should have been there to save you. I miss you already...and it just...it just hurts so much..." He looked down and stopped his speech. "Tess, is there anything you want to say?"

"You've taken the words out of my mouth," said Tess. Cornflower stepped forward very slowly, and spoke in a shivering voice that one could interpret as hysterical.

"Matthias...why? WHY?!" she sobbed. She kept on trying to force words out of her mouth, but her sobs blocked out her sentences. She was able to sputter a few things here and there, but otherwise, she couldn't help herself. She broke down in an instant, and she was on the ground, screaming and crying. Mattimeo tried to comfort her, but she could not hear anything besides her own wailing. Then, she suddenly stopped crying and then she stopped breathing. Mattimeo was wide-eyed and was beside himself with worry.

"Help!" shouted Mattimeo. "We need medical assistance NOW!!!"