Two As One: Chapter 20

Stelumos was furious. And when a warlord was angry, creatures got hurt. The mink stood upon the front steps of the Abbey, gazing out upon the pitiful creatures before him. The Abbey beasts had been assembled in lines of 20, each one looking tired, sore or just completely downcast. It was something every slave master wanted to see but it only caused Stelumos to glower even more. His vermin had done well breaking the spirits of most of the abbey beasts, but there were still a few who refused to submit to him. He wouldn't tolerate resistance for it made him look bad in the face of others.

Wraith, Tolifen, Deathfang and Hensfloral stood to one side beside the creatures who refused to bow to their warlord's wishes. Kenyo had his back to the four vermin, his eyes never leaving those of the mink. Out of all of them, he had been the most stubborn, and he also had the most wounds. Blood was crusted over the cuts on his back and shoulders, almost giving his fur a different tint. He knew that he needed to raise the moral of his fellow abbey beasts but unfortunately, most had been too afraid of having the same thing done to them than to retaliate. Beside him stood Skipper, his multicolored fur appearing torn and battered from a rough night with Deathfang. He loathed that weasel but unfortunately he couldn't do much about it.

Renla, Jenkins and SilverStreak didn't look much better. Granted Renla was a large beast and had created her own damage but even she couldn't stand up to that many vermin. After Stelumos had assigned extra slavers to "deal with them" she had found that their situation was worse than she thought. The slavers hadn't come to just watch over them but to beat them into submission so that they wouldn't stand in Stelumos' way. Jenkins glared at the ground, his face cut up rather badly from the whip. After the episode with trying to save his sister, the slavers had taken it upon themselves to make sure that the otter went through hell. Even SilverStreak couldn't hold herself up as well. She leaned against her brother, her back looking raw and bloody. All of them had received cruel treatment but those who rebelled felt it the worst.

"Ya think ya be so smart doncha?" Kenyo looked up as the mink called out to them from the stairs. It was evident that the warlord hadn't gotten much sleep from the dark shadows under his eyes. That's what happened when you had the cries of misery ringing throughout the air. Stelumos swished his cloak to the side of his body as he stepped nearer to the five battered beasts. "Ya thought that by rebellin' against me soldiers that ya would help yer precious abbey beasts dinja?"

None of them spoke. Kenyo just stared up at the mink, the rest doing like wise save for Jenkins whose head just refused to move. Stelumos glared at them and stepped up to the Abbey Warrior, his face only an inch away from the mouse's.

"From wot they tell me, ya and yer little friends tried to stand up to mah creatahs last night so they wouldn't beat these other pitiful creatures. Tell me mouse, be this true?" Kenyo once more remained silent, making Stelumo's fury heighten another level. With a low snarl, he grabbed the warrior by the collar of his tunic and pulled him close so that the two were staring each other in the eye. "I suggest ya answer me slave unless ya want something bad to happen."

At these words, Stelumos snapped his claws loudly. A moment later, the abbey doors opened revealing Wraith and IceEye as they dragged out Abbot Welkum between them. Several of the abbey beasts released quiet gasps of fear as the two vermin dropped the Abbot unceremoniously upon the ground right in front of all the others. Kenyo couldn't hold back the startled and almost pained expression that came to his face at seeing the Abbot there, looking so exhausted and weak. Whatever they had done to him, it hadn't been good.

Stelumos turned his eyes back on Kenyo and shook the mouse violently.

"I'll give ya a deal, ya do wotever we tell you to do like a good little slave, and I won't kill that otter over there in front o all o ya. Otherwise-" The mink slowly stood to his full height and snapped his claws again. While Wraith held the otter up, IceEye drew his sword and placed it firmly on the back of Abbot Welkum's exposed neck. Kenyo's eyes widened and he turned back to the mink with a barely contained snarl.

"Fine, fine we'll do whatever you say just leave him be." The mink turned his cruel eyes upon Kenyo and drew the Abbey warrior closer. He loved toying with the mouse like this; it made him feel superior in the eyes of his horde. Stelumos unsheathed Doomsfate in a very ceremonious nature and pressed the blade close to the mouse's throat, forcing him to move his head back.

"Now that's wot I want to hear. Ya go and tell yer little friends that ya all are gonna do wotever I say or we'll be feedin him to the birds." Every beast fell silent as Stelumos dragged the sword away from the warrior's throat, causing a small line of blood across his neck. Kenyo took a step back and turned towards the others. They already knew what he was going to say and none of them looked pleased about it. But what could they do? They didn't want to risk the life of the Abbot nor the lives of those around them. Kenyo lowered his eyes and sighed ruefully. They had to get out of this somehow before Stelumos did something that couldn't be reversed.

The mink stared at them for a long moment then snapped his claws. Wraith moved over to him, the ferret's gaze never leaving those of the creatures around him. Once he was at his warlord's side, he looked up respectfully.

"What is it milord?"

"Take these worthless creatures in back o' the Abbey and have them continue working on their 'homes.' If one stops working, whip 'em and then bring 'em to me. I will not have slackers in mah slave lines."

Wraith bowed his head quickly then stood up and called to the other slave drivers. Without a word, Hensfloral, IceEye, Tolifen and Deathfang drew their whips and began 'directing' the Abbey beasts away from their leader. Stelumos flicked his tail from side to side as he watched them go. Now, he was satisfied. He had won against the abbey warrior, he had depleted any kind of resistance…everything was coming into place for him. With a malevolent smile, Stelumos turned on his footpaw and walked back into the Abbey. Nothing could spoil his victory.

Nightfall fell quickly over Mossflower that evening, quicker than Crim had expected. He stood outside of Brockhall once more, staring up at the moon as it glittered within the velvet sky. The bats had returned the following evening and once they told them of the plan to help save the Abbey beasts, they leapt to it. The sun squirrel glanced back at the door and furrowed his brow. This would be their first battle together and, although he didn't want to admit it, he was worried. They had just formed into a group and he didn't think he'd be able to handle losing one of them in the battle.

Blowing out a breath, he gazed into the sky, watching as one of the bats flew past. It dipped its wings in a small salute, causing Crim to smile grimly. He raised his paw and rapped upon the door three times, signaling that it was time to go. The plan was quick and simple but it could end up destroying all of them if they weren't careful.

Weave was the first to step out. The hare maiden smiled kindly at Crim then went to her normal stern self; her ears upright and her paws folded behind her back, very much like Fleetfoot.

"Are you jolly well ready for this?" Crim sighed and shook his head. To be honest, he really didn't want to do this but…it was a good plan and he trusted his sister to get them in. It was just the risk that frightened him. However, with the sword of Martin at his back, he felt a bit more comfortable as if Martin himself were standing beside him, ready to help him fight.

"I'm ready but I'm just worried is all. Who all have decided to come?"

"Pretty much those with stealth because that's wot we're jolly well going to need. You, me, Ebonia, Fleetfoot, PeriNickel and SkyBreeze are all going, wot. Ballard will stay here with Valena, Sprypaw, Malya, Tellio, Log a Log and Lezlo." Crim snorted.

"Not much of an army." Weave chuckled and shook her head slightly as she placed a paw on his shoulder.

"Oh I know it wot but, we'll have one with the bats, with the warriors at the Abbey back and once Ballard can convince the beasts that live around here to jolly well join us we'll have a nice size army. You'd be surprised at his persuasion techniques." The sun squirrel chuckled then looked up as the others began to step outside. Ebonia whispered softly to Fleetfoot then took to the trees with out a word, her dark cloak vanishing her from sight. The two other hares moved out behind them and began to walk towards the Abbey. Weave glanced up at Fleetfoot and he motioned a paw to her. Nodding, she glanced back at Crim.

"Come on 'ol bean, better get going. Fleetfoot and I will take the rear. Good luck to you wot." Crim smiled softly.

"And to you, Weave." Without a word, the sun squirrel took to the trees after Ebonia, his tail flicking out behind him. Weave watched him go for a long moment then turned her eyes up to Fleetfoot who appeared down cast. Gently he reached out and took one of her paws.

"Are you sure you want to jolly well do this? This is going to be dangerous." Weave sighed deeply. They had had this conversation many times over. She squeezed his paw gently and nodded.

"Yes. OakRealm sent us here to jolly well help them right? Well that's wot I have to flippe'n do, wot. What do you think of the dashed plan?"

"Well…it can work but we have to be dashed careful about the slavers…Ebonia's right about them not being all that well set up since they're just settling in the Abbey. The bats will help, but we have to dashed be careful…including you, wot." Weave looked up slowly and nodded her head. With another squeeze to his paw, the hatr maiden turned and began to follow Crim and the others towards the Abbey.

"I'll be alright Fleetfoot, no need to dashed worry. I've survived higher odds than these before wot. Just give them blood and vinegar right? It's a simple stealth attack, nothing's going to go wrong…wot." Fleetfoot watched her as she disappeared into the shadows.

"That's wot I'm afraid of…" With a heavy sigh, the dark hare followed her into the night, his paw never leaving the blade at his side.

CloudDancer, Mirage and Webwinger glided through the air, well above the trees so that the hawk couldn't spot them. Behind them, ten of their fellow bats flew, their wings out stretched and their ears swirling as they listened to their screeches. The Night Flyers had been trained for battle ever since the first beasts had started attacking Salamandastron. Nightscree had felt it was best if they were prepared and at the moment, all their training was about to pay off.

Webwinger took the lead with Mirage, their eyes squaring upon the Abbey down below from their vantage points in the trees. They had a simple and hard part in their mission. If they failed, the others failed as well. Mirage glanced back at her fellow flyers and dipped her wings two times encouragingly. Most of them returned the dip though a few of the younger ones appeared a bit disturbed by having to battle so soon. Webwinger folded his wings and dropped towards the ground at an alarming speed before spreading them again and turning back to the other bats.

"You know what you must do…must do. Wait for the signal then fly high…fly high. Be swift of wing Night Flyers…flyers! And may the winds guide us home…us home!"

A number of screeches responded to Webwinger's words and the bats took off flying closer to the Abbey.

Crim sat next to Ebonia in one of the closest trees to the Abbey. The ebony black squirrel glanced up at the sky then down below to where Fleetfoot, Weave, SkyBreeze and PeriNickel were standing. She looked over at her brother who slowly nodded his head. With a glance up towards the abbey he watched as the guards left to change shifts. Now was the best time to attack. With a quick nod to SkyBreeze, the hare maiden cupped her paws and screeched into the air, mimicking the other bats' sounds.

All six creatures watched as the Night Flyers turned in mid air, stretched out in a V formation and began thundering towards Redwall. Crim shifted uncomfortably in the branches of the tees and glanced at Ebonia. The black squirrel's eyes narrowed as she saw the first bats fly down towards the wall guards. She gripped the branch and stood up, her legs bunched and ready to jump. Crim stood up as well and looked down at the hares with them.

"Get ready, wait for the signal."

A young rat guard leaned against his spear tiredly as he stared out over Mossflower. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and it appeared as if it was going to be a rather peaceful night. Too bad. Inwardly he wanted something to happen to at least keep him awake. The rat began to dose off when another jabbed him harshly in the stomach.

"RagTail ya blunderini idiot, keep yerself awake. We got sentry duty."

RagTail opened his eyes and glared at his brother as he gripped his spear harder. Why did Wetpaw always have to insist on bothering him when nothing was happening out in the woods? Growling, the rat stood up a bit taller and pointed up towards the air without looking.

"Why do I gotta stay awake? Taint nothing happenin' out thar. Taint like they're gonna attack us from the air or something-"

WHAM!

Without warning, a bat collided head first into the rat, sending him flying off of the ramparts. Wetpaw yelped and looked up just as Kestra crashed into his face, knocking him out cold and sending him flying off of the wall with his brother. Both landed hard on the ground, neither moving after that. The two bats screeched and rose into the air again. Two guards down, plenty to go. Kestra flew away from the others as they dive-bombed the guards without warning. It wasn't until they got closer to the back of the Abbey, that the vermin actually realized what was happening.

IceEye ran out from where they were keeping the slaves and looked up at the sky as a ferret was sent hurtling backwards off of the wall. The fox wrinkled his nose in disgust as he watched another vermin get knocked flat from a blow to the head. Idiots! How did they ever capture the Abbey with incompetent fools likes these?! Growling, IceEye ran towards the ramparts, hollering to those who were trying to defend the walls.

"Get yer bows out ya idiots! Shoot them out of the sky and don't turn your back on them!" Stelumos is going to kill me if he finds out I took command, the fox groaned inwardly. But without their leader there at the moment, these bats were going to murder them. He looked up to the sky and growled as they headed to the back and left side of the Abbey, the vermin following. Blundering fools the whole lot of them. Snorting, IceEye followed suit, pulling out his daggers and preparing to throw them.

Ebonia snickered as she saw the first two vermin sent flying off of the wall. She looked to Crim who was already motioning for the other four creatures beneath them to start towards the Abbey. Fleetfoot and Weave faded from sight almost immediately while SkyBreeze and PeriNickel darted towards the closest trees. Crim looked up into the sky just as Kestra dipped her wings to them and he nodded.

"Let's get going. You know what to do Ebonia." The ebony squirrel didn't even wait. At the first sign, she took off at a fast sprint, her cloak fluttering behind her. Without guards on the wall, it was going to make it a lot easier to get through with the plan. She leapt into the closest tree to the abbey, her eyes always looking out for vermin. The moment she was in the branches, she hunched down and watched as a fox with startling blue eyes went running towards the other vermin. So far so good. With a powerful leap, the squirrel skidded on the ramparts and moved towards the stairs.

The abbey was in a state of chaos. The vermin ran around trying to collect bows and arrows or anything to hurl at the bats. She couldn't blame them really. Her former horde had never tried to defend a fort nor did they know how to handle aerial attack. Chuckling inwardly, Ebonia made her way towards the side door in the gates. One soldier was still standing there, creating a small obstacle. Pulling off the bow Valena had given her, she hooked an arrow to the string and aimed. With a soft sssssshhh, the arrow hurtled forward and took the rat through the neck with barely a sound.

The ebony squirrel stepped over the body quietly and unlatched the gate, shoving it open just a tiny bit. Crim smiled at her and slipped inside, followed by Weave, Fleetfoot, PeriNickel and SkyBreeze. The black hare ducked down quietly, glad that the moon was on the other side of the Abbey. He motioned to Weave to follow him as he called out to the other four beasts.

"Make way towards the slaves wot. SkyBreeze, send them the dashed signal then you all move to help the others. Ebonia, Weave and I will jolly well keep you covered, wot."

SkyBreeze looked up above them and quickly cupped her paws over her mouth again. Taking a deep breath, she emitted a horribly loud screech into the air. PeriNickel grabbed her arm the moment she did so and followed the others towards the left side of the Abbey wall. The bats turned around in midair and traveled towards the front of the Abbey as the call reached their ears. The vermin, like wise turned and followed them, hoping that maybe they were finally retreating.

As Crim ran beside PeriNickel towards the slave area, he saw Stelumos burst out of the doors and dart towards a blue-eyed fox who was trying his best to direct them all. The mink hollered and shoved the vermin out of the way as he tried to lead his troops. It wasn't going too well. The sun squirrel grinned inwardly and followed close.

Ebonia and Fleetfoot had taken the lead towards the slave area. The ebony squirrel ducked down low as a vermin ran past then looked up. The abbey beasts were being held in what appeared to be a half made slave pen. Vermin of different sorts stood around them though most were on the wall, trying to keep the bats from killing any more of their comrades. The squirrel maiden bit back a growl as she saw Wraith pacing near Kenyo and a few other slaves. Flicking her tail, she glanced over her shoulder at the others.

"Alright, we know which Abbey beasts we have to free. Fleetfoot and I will go in. Crim, can you and the others cause a distraction if they see us?"

"Of course, now hurry. I don't know how much longer the bats can hold out."

With a nod of her head, the ebony squirrel motioned to Fleetfoot. The black hare looked over at Weave for a brief moment then followed Ebonia. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to go terribly wrong.

Kenyo looked up towards the ramparts as another vermin went hurtling towards the ground, followed by the form of a brown bat. The mouse warrior grimaced and glanced back towards where Jenkins, Skipper and SilverStreak were standing. All three held bewildered looks though Kenyo was probably the most stunned of them all.

"I don't know whether to be cheering or fearing what's going to happen next."

Skipper shook his head and ducked down as one of the vermin accidentally loosed an arrow at the same time that he was flung backwards by a blow to the head.

"I don't know mate, but wot ever is happin' I hope it finishes soon cause iff'n these slavers aren't killed, we certainly will be!"

Kenyo ducked down and was about to respond when he watched a vermin crumble to the ground. Blinking in surprise, the mouse crept forward in time to see several of the slavers head towards a shadowed spot near the wall. There were fewer vermin by them now, not that it would help. After all, they were still cuffed.

He turned towards Skipper but fell silent as he saw a black paw cup around a weasel's mouth, followed by a silver blade that snuffed his life out forever. As the vermin crumpled the mouse caught sight of a black figure. It held a paw to its lips to signal silence then disappeared into the shadows again. The warrior shook his head and quickly turned as he heard another muffled groan. A second vermin collapsed with another larger beast standing behind it.

Skipper had seen it too. The otter crept forward and placed a paw on Kenyo's shoulder.

"Mate…I think we might be getting the help we've been asking for."

"You are correct."

The two turned with a start as Ebonia appeared at their sides. For a moment, neither spoke, just stared in astonishment as they watched blood drip off of the squirrel's blade. Without waiting for a response from the dumbfounded warriors, Ebonia grabbed their wrists each in turn, and plunged the dagger into the lock. With a quick twist, the cuffs fell away, leaving the two rubbing their paws.

Regaining his voice, Kenyo tilted his head and motioned towards the second black beast that was moving up behind her.

"What are you doing here y-"

"Less talk lad, we had better dashed get out of here before yonder vermin show up again, wot. Our friends are creating a jolly diversion but I don't know how long they'll be able to hold out. Here."

Fleetfoot passed two daggers to both warriors as he instructed them quickly.

"Ebonia and I are going to start freeing some of the others. I need you two to dashed get the badger free. Get some o' the shrews free then follow a hare named SkyBreeze out of here. Don't argue, we tain't got the time. Just bally well do it."

Kenyo and Skipper exchanged quick glances before heading off towards Renla. Well, they had asked for help and they weren't about to question it.

Once the two had fled, Fleetfoot crept over to Jenkins and SilverStreak. Stifling their surprised gasps, the hare freed them while Ebonia kept close watch. The squirrel maiden crouched down in the shadows, watching as the vermin raced about, trying to fend off the bats. Wraith was lurking nearby and though she felt the urge to attack him, she knew that he'd be a formidable opponent and the only thing she would accomplish would be giving them all away.

Ducking down from another stray arrow, she caught sight of PeriNickel and Weave as they loosed stones from behind the shadows, pulling the slavers away from their duties. They had their backs against the wall and one of the abbey side doors, protecting them from being ambushed from behind. Their plan was dangerous but as of now, they really had no choice. A sharp whistle told her that Fleetfoot had finished freeing the captive beasts. Without a word, she moved towards his side and nodded.

"Everything is going as planned. We have a clear path towards the abbey gates. Is SkyBreeze going to warn the bats?"

As if in response, a loud screech rented through the air. Ebonia folded her ears back and glanced up at Jenkins and SilverStreak. The male still didn't appear all that pleased to see her but they didn't have time to settle their differences. Motioning with her paw, she and Fleetfoot began to lead the two beasts towards the edge of the slave hold. The vermin had once again slipped towards the back of the Abbey where their numbers, as well as those of the bats were falling drastically.

Fleetfoot glanced towards the entrance where SkyBreeze was just urging Renla, Kenyo, seven shrews and Skipper through the door. Crim stood nearby, his blade drawn and two slain vermin at his paws. The hare could tell by his expression that Martin was working through the young squirrel for he had never seen Crim's features turn so cold before. He was about to usher Jenkins and SilverStreak forward when a weak gasp of pain caught his sensitive ears. Whipping around, the hare watched in horror as Weave stumbled to the ground with a dagger sticking out of her back. Screwing his eyes, he caught sight of Wraith as the ferret made to finish her off.

A swift strike from PeriNickel forced him to back away several steps but it wasn't long before the young hare was dealt a fierce blow across the face with the hilt of the blade. By now, the vermin were beginning to move towards the fallen hares, forgetting the army of bats up above. Narrowing his eyes, Fleetfoot slowly drew his blade and growled at Ebonia.

"Get them outta here now…I'll follow."

"Fl-"

"Just do it!"

Ebonia pulled back with a start as the hare snapped at her. With a small nod, she grabbed onto Jenkins' shoulder and began to maneuver them through the shadows towards where the others were standing. The bats made daring attempts to swoop within the walls of the abbey though by the time two of them had fallen, they pulled up again. Ebonia stared forward, daggers drawn as about five vermin neared her. Bows were drawn and arrows were loosed but with the distance between them, she dodged them and urged the former prisoners on.

SilverStreak grabbed her brother and shoved him forward as a sling stone passed between them. It would be only a matter of time before the vermin closed in upon them.

"We're not going to make it."

She whispered in disbelief. They had been so close-

A red blur caught her attention and she watched in shock as Crim moved to their sides, helping to protect them against the onslaught of vermin. Ebonia lashed out her blades at a weasel that was trying to attack and slammed her shoulder into the Abbey door, pushing it open fiercely.

"Go! The others are out there!"

The two didn't even wait. Without a word, they dashed out the door while Crim made his way back towards Ebonia's side.

"Where's Fleet and the rest?!"

The black squirrel motioned towards where the vermin were beginning to cluster. Crim felt a knot form in his stomach. No, they couldn't lose the hares like this. Looking at Ebonia, he was about to speak when she suddenly grabbed his arm.

"Come on, I have an idea."

Without a word, she yanked him out of the abbey door, slamming it shut behind them.

Stelumos whirled as he heard the abbey door slam shut, watching as two of his vermin crashed into it. The mink cursed vehemently, eyes blazing in fury. How had a bunch of bloody bats and a few beasts attacked his army so fiercely?! Snarling, he grabbed the nearest vermin who happened to be IceEye and flung him towards the ground.

"Where the bloody hell be the rest o' mah horde?!"

IceEye winced and scrambled to his paws as he motioned towards the vermin that were forming a ring around PeriNickel and the wounded Weave.

"Over there sah! I think they caught some of the defenders!"

Stelumos turned on his paw and released Doomsfate from its sheath.

"Go and get those blasted idiots off of the wall! I'll not have more o' mah vermin slain!!"

Without another word, he thundered towards his vermin and the hares. There would be hell to pay if he found even one of the defenders alive. If they didn't die by his horde's paws, they certainly would fall to his wrath.

IceEye swallowed as his chief stomped towards the hares. Blood would be spilt, of that he was certain. Turning, he began climbing up the steps to alert the rest of the vermin. He was fairly certain that the ones down below would be able to defeat the hares, unless one of them went insane or something, though that wasn't likely to happen.

He was about to step on the ramparts when a screech suddenly caused him to clutch his ears. Without warning, a bat collided with his body and sent him tumbling head over tail backwards down the stairwell. CloudDancer spread her wings and fluttered back up into the air, screeching in indignation as she watched the fox stumble to his paws, cursing as his leg twisted the wrong way. He glared up at the bat and watched as she disappeared beyond the wall before slumping backwards against the wall with a groan.

Fleetfoot unhooked the spear from his back, his eyes glinting a mad red. He watched as PeriNickel struggled to his paws and struck at the opposing vermin, fighting valiantly as he tried to protect Weave. The hare maiden was doubled over on the ground, her face sweating. It was hard to believe that a single dagger could have brought her down. However, if one had taken a closer inspection, they would have noticed something irregular about the blade that had struck her. Still, this matter didn't occur to Fleetfoot. No, saving his fellow hares and seeking out his revenge was the only thing that came to mind.

Rearing his head back, he shouted to the sky as he leapt at the vermin.

"Give em blood and vinegar! Tis death on the wind!"

The first vermin that he met didn't even have a chance. With their backs turned, they didn't even have time to meet the perilous hare as his spear struck out at their necks and backs. Fleetfoot shoved his way through the vermin like a mad beast, feeling blades cut here and there though none of them remaining inside of him long enough to cause a serious wound.

The hare twirled on his footpaw, spear singing through the air as the butt met the chin of one beast while the blade lashed out at the throat of another. It was true what they said about Salamandastron hares. Even when the odds were against them, they still fought valiantly. Nothing seemed to stop him, not even when he realized that he had some how made it through a small path of vermin to his friend's sides.

PeriNickel looked up and called something to the dark hare, but Fleetfoot didn't even hear him. Instead, he whirled on his paw and blocked the slash of a sword as it swung down towards his chest. Twisting his blade, he sent the spear tip crashing into the gut of his opponent, watching in satisfaction as blood glistened upon the ground.

Those that remained began to back up, frightened by the beasts strange tinted eyes. The vermin that were attacking the bats began to thin out as their adversary's took flight and headed back towards the woods. It wouldn't be long before the rest of the horde made it down the steps and captured the three hares.

Fleetfoot bent down swiftly and swept Weave off of the ground. As he touched her, he found that she not only had a dagger in her back from Wraith, but another blade had caught her roughly in the side, most likely from when she had fallen. The hare was unconscious but her limp body didn't hinder Fleetfoot. He gripped his spear and pointed it at any beast that came near him though it was evident that the Bloodrath was beginning to wear off.

"Nice try hare but ya ain't got any way out of here."

Fleetfoot looked up as Stelumos and Wraith began to move towards them. The mink's vicious face was creased in anger while a rather smug expression grew on Wraith's own. The ferret nodded to the hare on Fleetfoot's shoulder as he sneered evilly.

"Better hurry little hare, she's only got a minute or so to live…in case you haven't noticed the poison on the blade."

PeriNickel's eyes widened and he took a step forward to protect the two Generals from being attacked by the vermin.

"You'll bally well pay for this scum nose! Eulalia aahhh!"

The hare fell backwards with a gasp as a loud clang reverberated through the air and the side door of the wall flew open. Fleetfoot turned swiftly and hauled the fallen runner out of the door, kicking it shut behind him. Without waiting for the others, the black hare took off running towards Brockhall.

PeriNickel groaned as he stumbled to his paws, a bruise on the side of his face.

"I swear the next beast that dash knocks me down or gives me a bloody bump is going to get it."

"Peri! Get your tail out of there now!"

Crim snapped as he tried to keep the door closed. Before the hare could argue, Ebonia appeared next to him and gave a fierce shove.

"Once you reach the trees, don't stop running. Crim! Come on we can't hold them off like that!"

The sun squirrel held the door for a moment longer before racing after his sister and PeriNickel towards the trees. The door burst open and several vermin began chasing after them but with a sharp command from Stelumos, they stopped and stepped back inside. The remaining bats turned in the air and flew back into the trees, mindful of the hawk that might still be out there.

Wraith looked up at Stelumos as the mink sheathed his blade with a growl. It wasn't like him to stop his vermin from going after escaped slaves. Though he didn't wish to anger his chief any more then he already was, the ferret slowly looked up and inquired softly.

"Sir…why did you tell them to stop?"

Stelumos turned his fiery eyes towards his tracker and growled in a deep, seething tone.

"We've lost enough as it is. We send 'em out there and they might get slaughtered, no telling how many o 'em are out there. Now listen closely, I wantcha to follow them…track 'em down Wraith and tell me where they are."

The ferret lifted an eyebrow in surprise. Well,…this was a different mink than he was use to. Normally Stelumos was the kind that would lash out the moment something angered him…now he was actually thinking ahead. Giving a small bow, he threw his cloak a bit more tightly around his shoulders as he voiced another thought.

"What will you do while I'm gone?"

Stelumos turned and began to walk towards the abbey, a strange glint in his eyes.

"There's a certain vermin mistress that I need to speak to. These abbey beasts will not get off easily."

That said, the mink disappeared into the abbey, leaving his vermin to tend their wounds and fix the door. Wraith stood there for a moment then glanced over at IceEye as the fox made is way over towards his side. Giving a small wince with each limp, the vermin growled softly.

"Once ya find them, leave at least several of the bats fer me. I'm going to rip apart the grayish white one that hit me."

Wraith didn't respond. With a roll of his eyes, the vermin turned on his heel and vanished through the threshold. He would do as his leader commanded…and he would make certain he finished off his prey this time.