Two as One: Chapter 26:
Skipper looked out over Redwall as his troops fired arrows or fought off the vermin littering the walltops. The otter spun, smacking his rudder into the face of a fox, sending him careening back into one of his fellow vermin. It was invigorating to be the one doling out the punishments instead of being the one receiving them while in chains. Just the thought sent him reeling again and he knocked a second beast off of the wall with a punch of his fist.
Jenkins stood beside the otter and gritted his teeth as a spear ripped across the top of his shoulder, causing blood to arc through the air. He gripped his arm then sent a sling stone flying towards the back of another vermin's head.
"Looks like Crim got the gates open, mate!"
Skipper grunted and knocked another beast open, clearing the way for Valena as she shot over the wall and headed for the stairs. Her blade hissed as it cut through the unsuspecting body of a rodent. The otter grinned a bit as he watched her and cleared the way for a few others. "Aye! Let's hope he can bloody well keep it open long enough for the others to make it in- Whoa!" With a cry, he grabbed Jenkins and threw him to the ground as a bat went soaring past, crashing into a vermin that had been aiming at them. Skipper threw a smart salute then looked down. His eyes widened a bit and he cursed as he saw CloudDancer against the wall with another bat, both wounded. Tossing his spear to another otter, he shouted at Jenkins. "Cover me, mate!"
The large chieftain dove towards the steps, slamming into a vermin and sending him toppling backwards into the others that were trying to climb up. He skidded down the steps, close to falling as an arrow nicked him in the side. Blasted vermin, he thought to himself with a growl. Skipper hurled a sling stone at one then shot off towards the shadows where the two bats were.
"CloudDancer! You alright, mate?!"
The bat looked up and gave a faint nod of her head and stepped side. The other was lying on the ground in a puddle of blood. "I'll be fine…be fine. But I am worried about this one…this one."
Skipper nodded and tore off a piece of his tunic. Gently, he wound it around the wound and scooped the bat up into his arms.
"I'll put her somewhere safe."
CloudDancer nodded then stretched her wings and took off again. Skipper headed for the shadows, deeper in the abbey and gently huddled the bat up in the corner before turning back to the battle at paw. Goodbeasts poured through the front of the abbey, the otter raising a paw and cheering them on. He spotted Fleetfoot's group heading off towards the slaves. Skipper hooked his sling in his belt and ran after them. They'd need as much help as they could get.
As he passed McLear, he called out to Crim and Ebonia.
"Take a few beasts and finish off Stelumos! Hurry mates!"
Up above, the bats continued diving towards the vermin, their claws raking at unsuspecting backs and tearing into tender scalps. Kestra flew next to Eon, her eyes narrowed as she spotted several vermin attacking Jenkins and SilverStreak. Releasing a screech, she flew down towards them, claws stabbing into the head of a rat, causing him to fly right over the rampart wall. She landed close by the two and flashed them a smile.
"Are you alright…alright?"
Jenkins grinned and gave a salute, looking up as another set of five vermin suddenly veered their way. A curse left his lips and he backed up, blades drawn. "Bloody hell, well we were alright!"
Kestra screeched as one of the lances almost stabbed her through the wing. She stumbled back, trying to spread her wings far enough so that the wind would lift her into the air. Unfortunately, the cramped space allowed her little movement. The vermin came closer and closer, all three preparing themselves to fight to the death. SilverStreak growled and lifted her spear.
"Well…at least we can take them down with us, mates."
Jenkins gave her a grim nod and took a step forward; ready to take down the first one. Suddenly, a screech rang through the air and a grayish shape came tearing down towards the vermin. With a THUD, all five were knocked clear off the wall, landing on other vermin down below. Kestra stared in wide-eyed amazement as Eon toppled over on the ramparts…laughing!
"Reminds me of my younger days….ger days!"
Kestra just shook her head and flew to her uncle's side, helping him up to his paws.
"What did you think you were doing…doing?"
Eon squinted an eye up at her and leapt onto the top of the ramparts. He smiled slowly and gave a wink. "Just saving your life, what else…what else?" That said, he fell backwards, taking off into the air again to attack once more.
Wraith looked up and cursed as he spotted beasts heading for the slaves. Most were weak and exhausted but the moment they saw their fellow Redwallers, along with the Long Patrol hares, they grabbed chains and tried to fight back to the best of their abilities. The slavers, terrified of what might happen, started beating their captives so that they couldn't revolt. Wraith looked just as worried. He hadn't anticipated that this would happen so soon…and even when it had, he hadn't expected them to fight back so viciously.
The ferret backed up, growling as an arrow almost slammed into his chest. Very well, he'd leave these beasts to their own deaths. Pulling his blade from its sheath, Wraith turned and shot towards the shadows. He was tired of fighting for these cowards and he was tired of fighting for Stelumos. The mink never did anything but ridicule and hurt him. To hell with his leader…he was going to get out of here.
But not before he finished off a certain squirrel.
The ferret weaseled his way through the fighting creatures, his eyes flicking as he tried to seek out Ebonia. His paw clutched his blade tighter and he could feel the adrenaline race through his body. She had stood in his way for too long…If it hadn't been for her, the abbey would still be theirs. Oh he was going to make her scream in misery before the dark forest opened its gates to her. In and out he swerved, his lethal body hidden by the pressing shadows. These creatures had made a mistake attacking at night. They'd never know that a silent killer was making his way towards them.
Wraith pulled back his lips in a sneer, his eyes locking on Crim as he battled with the creatures at the gates. Over and over he watched the blade fly, the keen silver reflecting in the moonlight like a beacon. The ferret licked his teeth in lust. Maybe he could rid himself of another little nuisance first. The red squirrel had evaded him enough times. Death was calling him.
As the shout went up for Crim to go in and finish Stelumos, Wraith let a poisoned dagger slide into his paw. He watched the young warrior's head lift as he called for help from his fellow woodlanders. Despite the noise around them, the ferret could swear that he heard the squirrel's heart beating with the rhythm of his blood. One well-placed dagger would sever his lifeline forever.
Wraith brought the weapon close, his eyes overcast in delight. He was a marksman assassin. He just needed one clear shot, and that would be that. The squirrel turned, his blade shimmering as he ran for the Abbey. Wraith brought his dagger up, the blood lust gleaming in his eyes. He took one step forward; ready to deliver the merciless hand of death upon the warrior.
With a soft clatter, the dagger hit the ground. Wraith's eyes grew wide and he slowly looked down, staring at the blade that had been driven through his stomach. Ebonia glared up at him, her striped eyes gleaming as she twisted the weapon, causing a strangled squeak to leave the ferret's throat.
"For the Abbey, for my family…and for my brother." A sickening squelch resounded as Ebonia yanked the dagger out, causing Wraith to fall to his knees. He looked up at her, his mouth opened partially as if he wanted to say something…to curse her, condemn her. No air came to his lips and the last thing he saw was Ebonia vanishing into the darkness like a shadow of death.
SkyBreeze grunted as she was driven against a wall, her blade the only thing blocking the spear trying to stab through her neck. A long gash of blood ran from the side of her face to the tip of her neck, precious life fluid dampening her shirt and turning it a hideous red. The vermin sneered in her face, his putrid blood filling her nostrils and causing her to gag. Snarling, she lifted one powerful leg and delivered a kick to his stomach, sending him crashing into the back of one of his fellow creatures.
"Bloody vermin," she hissed then ducked as another blade swung at her head. She had gotten herself trapped in one of the far corners, away from most of the others. It had been her job to lead a small group of defenders around the abbey to snipe at the wall guards, but a fox, IceEye as she heard him called, had managed to block them and trap her from getting more help. The canine himself was working his way towards her, his bright blue eyes flashing dangerously.
SkyBreeze winced as another sword cut into her paw, making her right arm practically useless. Her chest heaved with each intake of breath as she fought valiantly to gain purchase. She hadn't thought that she'd get caught off guard like this, but even Long Patrol hares weren't invincible. Neither the less, she'd fight till her dying breath if it meant that it would keep the Abbey free. That was her soul purpose now and would forever be until the battle was won, or she was making her way towards the dark forest.
Unfortunately, it appeared that the latter would be more likely, much to her despair. So be it. If she died fighting…then she died with a purpose in her heart. Lifting her blade, she used her left arm to stable it and brought it down on a rat, her voice echoing.
"Blood and vinegar!"
SkyBreeze fought valiantly as more and more vermin tried to trap the haremaiden against the wall. Deep within, she was scared to die but if it meant helping her fellow good beasts, then she was ready to lay down her life for the cause. Metal beat against metal and twice she was driven back against the red stone wall, her back aching from the continuous pain. She couldn't keep going on like this.
A sudden well placed spear shaft crashed into her neck, driving the air from her throat and causing stars to burst before her eyes. The hare collapsed to her knees, panting and her eyes gazed over the numerous bodies that lay strewn around her. A shadow passed before her and she glanced up only to see the malicious blue eyes gazing back into her own. The spear lifted again, the point poised over her neck.
"Good-bye, wench!"
SkyBreeze shut her eyes, waiting for the strike to come…for her vision to go black and her last breath to float from her lips.
It never came.
With a bone-wrenching howl, the fox suddenly dropped to the ground, a stone lodged in the back of his head. His eyes stared upward into nothing, blood pooling around his shattered skull. SkyBreeze released a gasp of surprise and looked up as Sprypaw grabbed her arm, helping her to her paws.
"You alright, me gel?" His answer came in the form of a hug as the hare wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Sprypaw blinked in surprise but didn't reject her gratitude. Instead, he held her close and stroked her headfur gently. "It's alright…come on, we still have dashed work to do."
"Thanks…Spry."
The former Salamandastron hare gave a small salute to her then grabbed her arm, gently pulling her away from the vermin. Both skirted past the fallen bodies of countless foe, their weapons swinging and their cries ringing through the air.
McLear landed in the midst of several vermin, his powerful wings sweeping out and bowling the unsuspecting creatures over. His eyes gleamed with malicious intent as he clacked his beak down, tearing the flesh from an unfortunate weasel's arm. Crim had asked him not to eat the vermin, but at least he could make their deaths all the more painful.
Skipper's call reached the hawk's ears and he looked up, watching as Crim struggled to make his way towards the Abbey. The bird clacked his beak then screeched loudly, causing those closest to him to fall to their knees, paws thrown to their ears. He still had his honor to uphold…he had to help them.
"Get yerself goin', Crim." McLear smirked slightly as the squirrel gave him a salute. He ducked beneath the great bird, barely ruffling the hawk's wings as he tore for the Abbey. From the shadows, Ebonia appeared, along with Valena, Tellio, and a few other goodbeasts that had joined them.
Vermin started racing towards the door to help their leader but McLear turned his mighty form on them, snapping his beak at some or throwing several off their footpaws with a wave of his wing. He screeched loud and clear, his adrenaline level rising with each attack. He didn't notice the archers aiming at him until three arrows suddenly slammed into his body, causing the hawk to stumble, deadly talons scraping at the ground.
McLear grunted and stared at the blade lodged in his body, not quite realizing that he was injured. The indignity at being attacked was enough to keep the old bird going and he fought with a will. Vermin scattered as his talons came down at them, seeking flesh and blood. Another arrow hit him in the wing and he screeched, slowly starting to fall back.
A vermin close to the bird lifted an arrow, aiming for his neck. If the blade hit, the defenders would be without a powerful ally. The weasel licked his lips and pulled back, counting to three.
SLASH!
The headless vermin collapsed to the ground as Fleetfoot pulled his blade away from the corpse. Ballard moved up behind him, edging closer to the Abbey to help block the attacks from the vermin. As he did so, the black hare threw his paw into the air and hollered to McLear.
"Get your dashed tail feathers out of here, wot! Go! We'll cover the entrance!"
The hawk looked down at the Salamandastron warrior and gave a small nod of his head. Releasing one final cry, he ran and flew into the air. The arrow wound to his wing hurt terribly, but at least he would escape with his life. He had done his part…it was up to the woodlanders now.
Fleetfoot stood with his legs apart, his blades in his paws. PeriNickel and Ballard flanked him, fighting off vermin left and right. Both supported nasty gashes but attacks from Skipper's group kept quite a few vermin away from them. Fleetfoot charged forward a step, cleaving the head off of a vixen and stabbing a stoat through the stomach. His eyes glowed a dim red as he allowed himself to get lost in bloodlust. These monsters had taken Weave from him. He would not allow them to take his other hares, nor win this battle. They would fall before his blade and writhe in agony before they died.
From the corner of the Abbey, Galamore brought forth his garrison, sending hare after hare to help defend the door so that the other vermin couldn't lend aid to their leader. He worked his way past a fallen vixen and slid to Fleetfoot's side, his blade drawn and ready.
"Are you bally well alright, Fleet?" The only response he received was the loud clank of metal meeting bone as Fleetfoot cleaved the head off of another vermin. He turned his gleaming eyes on Galamore and gave somewhat of a dark smile. Still without responding, he leapt back into the battle, cutting away at those that came near.
Galamore frowned and turned his attention on Ballard as the large healer staggered back from a blow to the shoulder. He rubbed the injured limb then motioned with his head towards Fleetfoot.
"No use talking to him, wot. He's in his element."
The two hares exchanged a silent look then went back to the battle at hand. So long as they kept Crim and the others protected…they knew that this battle was close to an end.
Crim skidded to a halt as he, Ebonia and the others made it within the Abbey. He looked around with his blade drawn ears folded back in mild anger. There was no sign of Stelumos in sight, nor of his fellow vermin. In fact, it was as if they were all alone. Valena stepped up beside her nephew and gave a frown.
"They're probably laying a trap for us."
The crimson squirrel nodded in agreement and tapped his tail on the ground. They had to find Stelumos before the mink got to them. There were only so many defenders…they had to be careful. Crim placed a paw on his sister's shoulder and motioned to the group.
"Alright…Ebonia, Tellio, you three there and I will head towards Cavern hole. The rest look in the upper corridors. Stay quiet and stay out of sight. If you're caught, warn the other group and we'll come up to help. Now go." The two groups split and silently went about their separate ways, both fearing death and yet both ready to die for the cause.
As Ebonia and Crim slid into the shadows, heading towards Cavern hole, one from the second group slowly broke away, following them on the other side of the room.
"Something doesn't feel right…"
Crim looked over at his sister as she whispered in his ear, a frown drawn up on her face. He had been feeling the same thing since they started moving along the wall, searching yet finding nothing. Surely Stelumos would have barricaded the door or something to at least keep them out…but no. They had easily stepped in without any trouble.
Ebonia bit her lip hard and placed a paw on her brother's shoulder, ready to suggest heading in another different direction. Suddenly, a thought struck her and she cursed.
"The Abbot…he always liked having the Abbot in here. What if he has Welkum now?"
Crim growled darkly and fingered the hilt on Martin's sword. He swore on the graves of his parents that if Stelumos laid one paw on the Abbot, he was going to die a horrible death. They hadn't gotten this far to lose their most trusted friend, leader, and teacher. They would not lose the Abbot if it was the last thing Crim ever did.
Instead of answering his sister, the sun squirrel squeezed her paw, giving her strength and reassurance. They couldn't panic now otherwise all was lost. Stelumos would have to use Welkum as protection and therefore couldn't kill the otter; at least not yet. Still, even the prospect of losing the Abbot had Crim on the edge of his nerves. They'd lost so much already, he didn't want to add Welkum to the total.
In silence, they continued on down the hall, Crim's eyes landing on the great Tapestry. He longed to ask Martin what they should do to finish this but he already knew the answer. Cut off the head of the snake and the body would fall. All they had to do was finish Stelumos…and then everything would be fine. It was the matter of finding him that was making it hard.
As they came to Cavern hole, Crim lifted his paw and motioned to his group.
"I'll go in first. If there's an attack, I'll draw it out. All of you, be careful."
Ebonia wrapped her paw around his arm, silently urging him not to go. "Crim…why don't I do it? I can at least sneak in the shadows and-"
"No, this is my burden." Patting his sister's shoulder, Crim moved into Cavern hole, Martin's sword held out in front of him. A shaft of moonlight glistened off of the blood channel, forcing Crim to lower it slowly. The room was completely dark except for what little light shot through the windows. The squirrel perked his ears up, listening for any sound that might alert him of the presence of the vermin. Each step caused a twinge of fear to pass down his spine but still…he wasn't going to worry. If he died, at least he'd die knowing there were others that could protect the Abbey and take over in his place.
The squirrel placed one footpaw in front of him then suddenly stopped when he caught the reflection of moonlight on a piece of metal. Crim's heart pounded against his chest and he turned, gazing off into the shadows towards where his enemy stood. Not but twenty feet away from him, Stelumos was pressed up against the wall, his arm around the shoulders of a creature and his blade pressed against its throat. Crim turned and held the blade out in front of him, growling.
"Come out, Stelumos…there's no place to run."
"Foolish squirrel…ya be too young fer the responsibility that's been bestowed on ya." Crim furrowed his brow then growled as Stelumos shifted. In his arms was Abbot Welkum, the otter's head forced back as blood dripped from the small slash on his neck. Thankfully, the squirrel could tell his friend was still breathing. That still didn't quell the rage rising within him though and it took all his will power not to leap and stab Stelumos through. The mink sneered viciously and leaned forward just a bit. "Ya won't free the Abbey, squirrel…Ya don't have enough warriors. Already I can hear me vermin cutting them down."
Crim went to speak but one ear flicked up, taking in the screams and hollers coming outside. The cries of the wounded echoed through the hall and he felt a shiver run through him. Were those his troops? Were those the ones that he had brought with him…the ones he had sentenced to death just because he wanted to free the Abbey? The young squirrel stood a bit taller, eyes shifting from Stelumos to the window. He wanted to believe that it was the vermin he was hearing but how could he be sure? What if the mink was right and in any moment, the rest of his troops burst through the door and killed them?
"Ya know wot I say be true…don't ya?"
Crim looked up at the mink as he stepped closer, dragging Abbot Welkum along with him. The otter tried to cry out to the squirrel but the gag around his muzzle kept him silent. All he could do was shake his head desperately. Crim eyed him for a long moment then shifted his stance. He wasn't aware of the arrow that was pointing towards the back of his neck.
"Even if those cries are coming from my own warriors," he began, his voice wavering only slightly, "I still have enough time to defeat you." With resolution gleaming in his eyes, Crim snapped his head towards Stelumos, his sword lifted. The mink snarled and backed up, a triumphant smile coming to his face.
"Not if ya be dead!"
It was at that moment that the hidden creature released the arrow. The shaft flew unhindered, the faintest of whistles trailing its path until it reached its target. With a sickening thud, blade meet flesh and a terrible cry emitted from the beast's lips.
Ebonia jumped as she heard the cry, her eyes widening so far that she thought that they would fall from their sockets. Horror gripped her heart and, disregarding her safety, she raced forward, the others doing the same. Crim had been the only one in there besides the vermin…The fear that she had just lost her brother shattered her inner resolve. She couldn't do this without him. He was too important to her and to their cause! He had been the one that had led them through this, even during the darkest times!
Daggers left her sheathes as she sprang forward, ready to kill the beast that dared attack her brother. What met her eyes even surprised her. A huddled figure lay on the ground, blood streaming from between its shoulder blades. The darkness hid the creature from sight, but Ebonia could clearly see that it wasn't her brother.
Crim knelt on the ground off to the side, shaking like a leaf as he stared at the bundle on the ground. Martin's blade fell from his paws, landing with a loud clank on the stone ground beside him. Ebonia pushed back the confusion and looked up as Stelumos went running down the hall with another vermin, Abbot Welkum still in his arms. The squirrel maiden just couldn't understand it. Why hadn't her brother killed him?!
"Crim?! What are you doing?! You're let-" The maiden's words died on her lips as she stepped further into the room, her eyes locking on the creature writhing in pain. With a strangled sob, she almost collapsed to her knees. "No…"
There before them lay Valena, the arrow lodged deeply between her shoulder blades. The squirrel breathed heavily, her eyes filled with tears of pain as she looked at her niece and nephew. A pool of blood formed around her back, an eerie black in the faint moonlight that cascaded over her body. Ebonia fell to her knees behind her aunt, the rest of their group slowly moving into the room to see what had happened.
"Aunt Valena?" Even for a warrior, her voice sounded shaky, her eyes glassy from tears. She reached out with a paw, touching the elder squirrel's shoulder as Valena struggled to breathe. Crim scooted over to their sides, his own paw touching his aunt's arm. She looked up at the young warriors, her mouth held open slightly as she tried to force the words out.
"Crim…Ebonia…d..don't worry about me…Go…go stop him. Please…"
Ebonia rubbed a paw along her eyes and tried to shake her head though she knew she and Crim still had a duty to do. Still, the thought of leaving her aunt behind to die in the darkness broke her heart. Crim looked ashen, his paw shaking as he whispered.
"Why? Why did you do it?"
Valena gave a weak laugh and touched his cheek. "I…I promised your mother…I…I would protect you…Couldn't let th..em kill you." Her breath shook as she took it in, her eyes closing. "Both of y…ou go…I…I'll wait for you. Please…"
Tellio stepped up from behind the two and knelt down, lifting Valena's head onto his lap. "Go, I'll stay with her."
Ebonia glanced up at her brother, tears falling from her eyes. She could see the same fear and horror in his own. After everything that had happened, they still might lose the one they both cared about so much. It just didn't seem fair. What had they done that their aunt was forced to endure this cruel fate? The squirrel maiden swallowed hard and gripped her blade so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Crim was holding Martin's blade just as tightly, his eyes shut to the world. With a deep breath, his heart breaking, he finally got to his paws.
"We have to finish this…Come on." He looked down at Valena and forced his voice to keep from wavering as he spoke softly. "We'll be back…both of us."
Valena gave a faint nod and closed her eyes, allowing Tellio to tend to the injury in the best way possible. Ebonia looked at her brother and then both turned as one, heading into the shadows to kill the monster that had should have never been given life.
Stelumos made his way towards one of the windows, his breaths leaving him in heavy pants. It was hard enough trying to keep ahead of those bloody squirrels but now he had an Abbot to deal with. The otter was doing his best to keep the mink from dragging him along…but it wasn't enough to make the mink release him. If anything, he gripped his captive tighter, whispering obscenities under his breath.
Beside him, Tolifen panted just as heavily as she tried to hook another arrow to her bow. The others were upstairs unfortunately…though at least the good beasts up there would meet their ends. She looked at her leader and choked out a whisper, her headfur flying across her eyes.
"Wot we gonna do? Dem squirrels are gonna be mighty mad that ya killed the other one."
Stelumos growled at her and almost smacked her with one of his paws. What kind of foolish question was that? He was going to get out of there, that was what he was going to do, even if he had to use the Abbot or Tolifen as a shield.
"We're gonna kill them that's wot we're gonna do. The group from upstairs will kill the good beasts then they'll come and help us. The squirrels will scream afer they die."
Tolifen grunted and lifted her eyes towards the ceiling as she heard yelling from above. A slow smile flickered on her face as she thought of the good beasts being gutted and murdered right in their very own Abbey. It was a treat to know that they would die a horrible death while the vermin would become the soul rulers once again-
With a cry, Tolifen suddenly fell forward to the ground, an arrow lodged in the center of her back. Stelumos leapt in surprise and looked over his shoulder, spotting Ebonia's black form standing close to a window, a bow held high. Cursing, the mink raced on, panting as he almost stumbled to his knees. He was alone now, left with the Abbot and nothing more. Past tables and chairs he ran, heading for the kitchen without even realizing it. Like the fool he was, he hadn't taken full stock of what was around him. He was too desperate to get away from the squirrels to really care.
The sound of claws on stone echoed behind him as both squirrels tore after him, both intent on making him suffer before he died. The mink growled to himself. They could try all they wished but if they killed him, their Abbot was going to die as well. Stelumos sneered at the thought and was about to turn a corner when he almost ran into a wall. His eyes opened in surprise and he backed up, whirling instantly so that he wouldn't leave his back open to the squirrels. He unsheathed Doomsfate and held it against the otter's neck, heart pounding.
From the shadows, he saw the sun squirrel slowly step into view, his eyes dark and his sword pointed at the ground. Something was different about the young creature. He looked murderous…dangerous…and ready for blood. Stelumos shouldn't have been surprised but even seeing the look startled him. The mink backed up slowly again, yanking the Abbot closer.
"Back off squirrel…or the otter ain't gonna see another day."
Crim narrowed his eyes and moved forward a step, his blade slowly lifting into the air. "You kill him and you lose your shield, mink. Let him go." The fury behind his voice caused Stelumos to shudder. He remembered the squirrel the day they had captured the Abbey. He remembered the innocence in the young one's eyes. That look had long since disappeared, replaced by the warrior that had been burned within him since birth. Surely this squirrel's parents had been powerful warriors.
The mink bared his teeth slightly though the fear was evident on his face. If he made one mistake, he knew his life would end.
"If I kill him, it'll be one step closer ta killin' ya, squirrel. Ya ain't going to leave this Abbey alive." He saw Crim stop, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. A shaft of silver passed over him and for a long moment, he thought that he was looking at an apparition from the past. Another had had fur like that, but he couldn't remember who…He watched as the squirrel moved forward again, his eyes never leaving the mink's own. When he spoke, his voice was as dark as Stelumos's heart.
"And neither are you."
Stelumos snarled but it was too late. A pain in his arm forced him to release Welkum and he looked over his shoulder as he saw the dagger plunged in his forearm. Ebonia growled at him, twisting the weapon until the mink cried out. Furious, he swung out his arm, smacking her against the wall and forcing her to release him.
It was all that Crim needed. The squirrel ran forward and slammed his blade down, the silver metal glinting. A clang echoed as Stelumos's own weapon came up to parry the blow, both pushing to gain an advantage over the other. The mink was barely aware of the Abbot's presence until Ebonia yanked him away from the two, causing him to howl out in anger.
Pushing forward, he threw Crim off balance and slashed Doomsfate down, clipping the red squirrel across the cheek. Still, that didn't stop the warrior. He brought his blade back up and once again, they were locked together in a deadly duel, both struggling to gain advantage…both struggling to spill the blood of the other. It was a vicious battle, both working their way around the room, grunting and hissing vile oaths.
Stelumos couldn't believe that he was struggling to defeat such a young squirrel. He was a warlord, he was supposed to be all powerful! He wouldn't die to this puny little nothing! The mink howled as the sword stabbed into his arm, cutting clear to the bone. Blood splattered on the ground, making the floor sticky and causing a metallic smell to reach their nostrils. The scent seemed to invigorate the squirrel and he stepped up the attack, spinning and slamming his footpaw into the mink's stomach.
Stelumos tumbled backwards, his back smacking against the wall. He was panting heavily by now, eyes beady and narrowed. This couldn't be happening! This bloody squirrel couldn't defeat him! He had been so close…so close to capturing the fabled Abbey, he wouldn't lose it all now.
With a roar, he leapt forward, taking Crim off guard. He swung with his fist, smacking the squirrel across the face and driving him to the ground. The warrior struggled to get up, yelping as Stelumos's knee came down on one of his arms, his paw reaching out to pin the other. Crim strained to get out from beneath him but the mink wouldn't budge. He leaned forward, putrid breath filling the squirrel's nostrils.
"Goodbye…brat." Doomsfate lifted and fell, the sword aimed for Crim's throat. Just before it hit, he felt a stabbing pain in between his shoulders. The sword fell from his numb paws, falling harmlessly to the side as Ebonia twisted her dagger in his back. He'd forgotten about the squirrel maiden…
Stelumos coughed and choked, blood filling his lips as he stared down at Crim. Before he could speak or do anything, he felt another searing pain stab into his stomach as Martin's blade passed through the tender flesh. The mink gurgled, his eyes growing wide. He had never been in so much pain before in his life. His body shuddered and he swallowed a mouthful of blood, three words leaving his lips.
"Who are ya?" He saw the squirrel's face curl up into a slow smile, his eyes gleaming.
"I am that small squirrel that you thought would never amount to anything…I'm the one you left in the snow while you took my sister away from me. I…am a warrior and this is for my family…"
With that, Stelumos felt the squirrel twist the sword in his gut, blood spilling down the mighty blade. With a howl of pain, he collapsed, his once fiery eyes glazing over in death. He would haunt the abbey no more.
In the corner of the room, a cold wind blew over the three creatures, two panting heavily and one lost in death. Slowly, a white light glistened and two figures emerged, one a mouse and the other a tall vixen. She looked over Ebonia quietly as the squirrel maiden went to her knees beside Stelumos, shoving the mink off of her brother. Martin drew up beside the fox as she whispered softly, her paws folded.
"The one you have taken
The one you have left
Will both be the cause of
Your unfortunate death
The black one is vengeful
Because of your lie
Through ebony and red ray
You surely shall die."
Martin nodded slowly to Bemal and stepped back into the mist, allowing the vixen to look over her young charge, one last time. She saw Ebonia look up slowly, their eyes locking for a single moment before the fox, too, disappeared towards Dark Forest's gates.
Ebonia felt warm tears falling from her eyes as she watched Bemal disappear, the words filling her senses. They had done it…they had finally killed Stelumos. Now the Abbey could be-
"Valena…"
Ebonia looked at her brother as the bloody squirrel rolled to his knees, sheathing Martin's sword on his belt. The sudden realization caused the maiden's heart to slam in her chest, destroying every joyful feeling that had swept through her. With a soft cry, she sprang to her paws and pulled Crim to his own. Her brother's face was once more as pale as death as both raced towards the place where their aunt was hopefully still alive.
As they ran, Crim felt his heart breaking all over again. It was his fault. He should have been watching for the vermin, making certain that none of them were going to pounce on him before he killed Stelumos. Now, because of his mistake, he had cost the life of his aunt. All she had wanted was for them to be a family and he had taken that away from her! The squirrel cursed himself over and over again. He wasn't worthy to wear the title of warrior.
The moment they reached the entrance hall, he saw Tellio look up at him, tears streaking down his cheeks. Beside him, the now freed Abbot knelt, quietly saying a prayer over the fallen squirrel maiden. For a long moment, Crim dreaded venturing closer, fearing that he'd be looking into the vacant eyes of his aunt. He didn't know if he could bare that. He took a faint step forward and breathed out a sigh of relief as he saw Valena turn her head towards her niece and nephew. One trembling paw lifted, urging them to come closer before it was too late.
Sniffing, Crim knelt down at her side, gently rubbing her scarred paw, giving her what comfort he could. He could already feel the cold grip of death chilling her skin, forcing the tears to fall unbidden from his eyes. Ebonia knelt down at her aunt's other side, her head lowered in grief. They had been together for such a short time and now…now they were going to be separated again.
Valena sighed softly and gave them both a weak squeeze.
"He's gone?" She didn't even need to explain who 'he' was. Crim gave a small nod of his head and lowered his head, nuzzling her paw.
"Yes, Aunt Valena…the Abbey is free again." He looked into her once vibrant eyes, watching as a small glaze started to take away the glittering irises. Despite the pain that he knew must be racing through her body, he saw a smile touch her lips.
"Then..we…we can be a family again. Y..you said it before Crim…On…once the Abbey was free…we could be…be a family. I..it's all I ever wanted."
Crim shut his eyes, avoiding Ebonia's eyes as she choked up a sob. He knew that she was going to be hurting horribly after this. He only wished he could right this terrible wrong. He craved to. Instead, he was forced to endure his aunt's last moments of life as she talked about being a family once again.
"Yes…we can be a family…I just wish…we could be one for a lot longer."
Valena chuckled softly, a cough breaking through soon after. She took a moment to swallow before looking up at them once more. "We…we'll be a family forever…n…no matter where we are. I…I may be going..to…to another place, but I'm…still with you. Yo…you both have no idea…how proud I …I am of you." She lifted her paws and gently stroked both of their cheeks, her breathing labored and her eyes glazing even more. Crim felt the tears soak his cheeks again as he tried to keep her down.
"You'll be alright…we'll get you a healer and-"
Valena shook her head and smiled sadly, tears glittering in her own eyes. "No…it is m…my time. I'll be with you…you're parents again…and…and my dear sister. I'm just glad…that…that I could see you one last time before I left."
Ebonia shook as the sobs racked her body and she leaned down, gently hugging her aunt. If she hadn't helped Stelumos take over the Abbey, none of this would have happened. They could be living together, free…only worrying about how fat they might become by eating all the good foods. It wasn't fair.
Valena stroked her niece's headfur and shut her eyes, the pain causing her body to spasm once then go still. With what little strength she had left, she pulled Crim close, hugging them both as she whispered to them. "I love you …both with all of my heart. Do…do not blame yourself for what…what has happened…but look to a new life together. You have much to l…live for. Just remember…your family is watching you…and we'll always be there for you…We'll…always be within…your…hearts."
With another deep breath, Valena looked up towards the heavens and whispered one final phrase.
"Finally…I am at peace." The breath left her and the squirrel maiden's eyes closed for the last time.
Crim shut his eyes tightly, feeling his aunt's limp body fall back towards the ground. He set her down gently, his tears melting in with the blood that had been spilt from both Stelumos and Valena. The pain was so great that he didn't know if he'd even be able to stand and look at how the Abbey beasts had done. It just hurt so much.
Across from him, Ebonia wept bitterly, her tears lost in the darkness of her fur. Crim looked up at her and reached forward, gently pulling her into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around him as both succumbed to their grief, their shoulders shaking and tears streaming down their cheeks.
Neither heard the cries of victory that the good beasts released from outside as they sent the last of the vermin to hellgates.