A/N: A big thank you to Redwallfreak and my adoptive mommy Auda for their lovely reviews, as well as everyone who is reading the story.

Reviews are always appreciated and welcome.

All mistakes are mine. Enjoy!

Chapter 2

As if awakening from a long winters sleep, flowers gingerly opened up to drink the rays of sunlight that filtered in through Mossflower's thick canopy. Birds chirped their morning songs as a new day dawned over the forest, the grass and leaves glistening with dew as they sparkled in the already bright sun. Its tiny wings humming, a bumblebee landed ever so softly on a flower and greedily sucked up its delicious nectar. Some pollen stuck to the insect's leg, but it took no notice as it drank. When it was finished, it lifted itself into the cool air and headed for another plant. Spring had arrived in Mossflower Woods.

Dawn was Culy's favourite time of the day, and she took in the beautiful sight as she stood atop the battlements of Redwall Abbey. The young ottermaid inhaled deeply, enjoying the sun's warmth on her face and a light breeze ruffling her whiskers. While still many seasons away from adulthood, she was loved by all and regarded as a wise and brave creature. She was tall and slim, with chocolate-coloured fur and sparkling blue eyes, features she had inherited from her mother and father respectively. Her creamy underbelly ran from throat to rump, where her muscular tail acted as an underwater steer. Like all otters Culy was an incredible swimmer, having learned to master the water when she was a Dibbun (this is the term given to all Abbey young ones). She was also skilled in the ways of close combat, often practicing with her father on the Abbey grounds with an otter javelin. Not too long ago her mother had given her a fearsome dirk, explaining that she had once wielded it. Culy kept the weapon at her bedside as, with the exception of battle, swords and the like were not allowed to be carried around the Abbey.

Culy's peaceful thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her grumbling stomach, something her father said she had received from her "uncle" Alddon, his best friend. It was almost time for breakfast, which meant the Redwallers would awaken to start another busy day. The young ottermaid gazed out at the never-ending landscape one last time before making her way down to the main building. Breakfast could wait; there was one more place she had to visit.

Redwall Abbey towered above the forest, like a protective mother watching over her beloved child. The ancient structure had been standing for countless seasons, built by those who had fled from a sickness that had plagued the now buried Loamhedge Abbey. Despite its age, Redwall did not show any signs of structural weaknesses as it was extremely well-kept by the many inhabitants who lived within its four walls. The Bell Tower loomed over the main Abbey building, and the two bells - named Matthias and Methuselah in honour of two bygone heroes - rested comfortably as if patiently waiting to be tolled.

Culy tip-pawed to Great Hall, a massive and ornate room filled with stained glass windows and gigantic columns. At the end were two spiral staircases, one that led to Cavern Hole and another that would take her to the dormitories where creatures were still slumbering, so she was extra careful in not making any loud noises or movements. She was an early riser, often up before the sun to get in her morning exercises of swimming in the Abbey pond.

At the front of the room was a long wooden table and old chair. This was the Abbot's Chair, a seat only used by the Abbot or Abbess. Halting at the table, Culy peered up at the tapestry that hung from the wall in front and on either side of her. It was a magnificent and very treasured artifact, having been around since the Abbey's construction. Culy recalled being held in her mother's arms and her father telling her about the tapestry's significance. Even though it was as old as Redwall itself, it displayed no signs of being tested by the element of time. The young ottermaid enjoyed studying the tapestry as it told the history of Redwall, but she especially loved the depiction in the very middle: Martin the Warrior.

She stared at the picture. Martin was in full armour, leaning on his famous sword whilst vermin fled behind him in fear. One of his footpaws was on the skull of some giant beast; Culy remember being told in Abbey School that it was an evil wildcat Queen who had attempted to conquer Mossflower and enslave all its inhabitants. Martin was the saviour of the forest, slaying the wicked one and ensuring that Mossflower was free from tyranny. The heroic mouse was also the co-founder of Redwall, helping to build it and becoming its first Warrior. He had a soft smile on his brave features, and whenever Culy peered into his eyes she felt as if he were watching her. It was not unusual to see the young maid talking to the Warrior's image, and it was said that Martin's spirit protected the Abbey from harm, often appearing in times of trouble and despair to aid the woodlanders.

Above Martin's picture, the actual sword rested on two spikes. A red pommel stone gleamed in the filtering sunlight, and the two-pawed handle was ordained with a cross-hilt. This was nothing special, but the double-edged blade, sharp as a hawk's talons, shone like a brightly-burning fire. It had been forged at the ancient mountain Salamandastron, home of the Badger Rulers and the fabled hare army known as the Long Patrol, from the metal of a fallen star seasons before the Abbey was constructed. Culy hoped that one day she would wield the ancient yet dangerous weapon.

Although she was not tired in the least, she felt the need to lay down on the cool stone floor. Upon doing so her eyelids began to droop. Soft tolling rang in her ears, yet she knew the twin bells had not been rung. Her senses swam in dizzying circles, and before she could stop herself she dozed off. A gentle voice came from the distance. "Beware the Hooded Clan."

Time appeared to stand still, but her dream quickly ended as she felt somebeast shaking her. Rubbing her eyes, she blinked several times and smiled upon realizing who the creature was.

"Thought I'd find ye down 'ere. You'll be late for breakfast if ye keep dozin' off like that."

Semser helped his young daughter to her footpaws, and she kissed his cheek lovingly. "Sorry Dad. Must have fallen asleep while talkin' to Martin."

The older otter nodded in understanding. "Yore mother an' I used to speak to Martin when we were yore age. Everybeast does it now an' then."

"Did he say anything to ye?"

"No, but that doesn't mean 'e wasn't listenin'. Martin's the silent type; he won't always answer-"

She finished his sentence with a chuckle. "But he'll always listen. I know; ye told me that when I was a Dibbun."

Semser's eyes gleamed with admiration at his daughter. "An' look at wot a fine young maid you've become. By chance Martin say anythin' to ye?"

She sighed and glanced up at the armoured mouse, totally forgetting about her very brief dream. "Nary a word. At least it's comfortin' to know that he's listenin'. Shall we head down to the kitchens? I'm sure Friar Alddon and Ganlel would appreciate some help."

"Excellent idea m'dear. If we don't get there soon enough I'm sure yore uncle will scoff up the entire breakfast. Goodness knows how much he loves t'eat. Yore mother is probably down there now."

Father and daughter linked arms and strode down the ancient floor, unaware of both the Warrior and another pair of eyes following them.

Down in the Abbey kitchens, Friar Alddon was busy preparing breakfast. His wife and assistant, Ganlel, washed dishes and kept a watchful eye on a batch of blueberry scones that were baking in the ovens. Alddon, who was big in stature, was busy whipping up a different recipe made with oatmeal. Both squirrels worked efficiently and quickly, but it was always helpful to have a few extra creatures lending a paw.

Semser and Culy arrived, both giving Alddon and Ganlel a hug and clap on the back. Semser then immediately walked over to the massive table that sat in the middle of the kitchens, where a beautiful ottermaid, nearly identical to Culy, was washing and cutting strawberries.

She turned to him with a big smile on her serene features, and he kissed her nose. "How are we doin' this mornin', m'love?"

Emroon blushed and whacked him playfully on the arm. "Quite the charmer you have for a father, Culy."

Alddon could not help but chuckle at this statement. "Charmer? Ye don't 'appen to remember the first day ye arrived 'ere, Emroon? That rascal played a trick on ye, made ye call the Abbot 'Father'."

Emroon took hold of her husband's paw and squeezed it gently. "I remember that very clearly, Alddon. But he made up for it in his good looks."

Culy giggled and winked at her parents. "Who knows, mayhap I'll be a charmer one day. Should be useful in a few seasons, wouldn't ye agree Dad?"

Semser knew exactly where she was going, but he also knew she was playing. "Oh ye don't 'ave to worry about that m'dear. I'll make sure no male otter gets close to ye."

Everybeast shared a chuckle, though they all knew about Semser's protective instincts. Even when Culy was a babe he had fiercely guarded her, making sure she was safe and under his watchful eye. No matter how wise she was or how fast she was growing up, he would worry about her. She was his daughter, after all.

The wondrous aroma of freshly-baked scones suddenly assaulted Semser's nostrils, and he licked his lips, commenting to Emroon, "I've been here plenty o' seasons, but I'll never get tired of smellin' all this delicious food! Redwall certainly does 'ave the best vittles."

Emroon continued to slice strawberries as she replied, "You won't be having anything for breakfast if you don't start helping."

Semser wrinkled his nose at her in mock severity, but before he could get out a playful retort Alddon piped up. "No worries there, marm. I'm sure yore glutton o' a husband will eat us all out o' the Abbey if'n 'e 'ad the chance."

Semser picked up a piece of fruit and flung it at the squirrel Friar, who neatly caught it in his mouth. "Says the one who 'as an appetite to match a hare."

Culy whispered to her mother, "Those two are like Dibbuns bickerin' over the last candied chestnut."

Both Semser and Alddon looked at her in mock suspicion and said in unison, "I heard that."

Before long, Redwallers started to appear in Cavern Hole. The tables were lined with white cloth and pitchers of lemon water and hot mint tea placed on top, along with flowers of various species. Near the front rested two big tankards of strawberry cordial, a delicious drink brewed by the Cellarmaster, a fat old hedgehog with gray spines. Culy assisted in putting out all the food, her mouth salivating at the scrumptious-looking dishes. In addition to the scones there was also hot porridge topped with raspberries and blackberries, blueberry-and-strawberry pancakes dripping with fresh honey, cheeses studded with nuts and fruit, and fresh bread with ingredients such as nuts and cinnamon baked right in. Once all the food was out, it was time for the Abbey grace. This was recited before every meal, led by the Abbot or Abbess. An ancient grey-furred hare rose from his seat, clasped his paws together, and spoke.

'Seasons of plenty at Redwall,
Yield their bounty to us all,
From the good earth's fertile soil,
We who bent our backs in toil,
Reaped Mother Nature's rich reward,
To bring unto this festive board,
This food which we have laboured for,
What honest beast could ask for more,
Save that kind seasons never cease,
And hope to live long lives in peace!'

While she ate, Culy studied her fellow Redwallers. There was an abundance of species, from mice and shrews to otters, hedgehogs, and squirrels. Everybeast sat where they pleased, but the Abbess - or Abbot in this case - sat at the head of the table. Torlay was still as wise as ever, though there were permanent flecks of sadness in his aging eyes. His mate, Tsella, had passed on to the sunny slopes and quiet streams several seasons ago, and while all the inhabitants grieved for this loss Torlay had suffered the most. However, he took some comfort in knowing that they would eventually be reunited.

At the same table as Culy and her parents sat the latter's friends. Her eyes fell upon the magnificent sight of Mahdis Camberk, who was no longer the only badger at the Abbey. He was sitting alongside a young badgermaid named Lilee, who was seated beside one of the other newcomers: a female hedgehog called Livandle. She was known as Liv, a kindred spirit who had come to Redwall only a season ago with her adopted son and daughter, the badgermaid being one of them. The other one, who had instantly caught Culy's eye, was on the other side of Liv.

Emroon's hushed voice came close to her ear. "I have to admit, he is pretty handsome. Don't tell your father I said that."

Culy stifled a laugh and lowered her voice to a whisper, leaning in towards her mother. "That makes both of us."

Emroon winked and returned to her meal, but Culy watched him from beneath hooded lids. His full name was Treyl, but he preferred to be called Trey. He was an otter about the same age as her, though a little taller. They had talked only a few times since his arrival, and she really didn't know much about him other than he was an orphan. His parents had been killed by vermin when he was an infant, and Liv had adopted he and Lilee as her own. Culy did not know where the young badgermaid was originally from, but Trey mentioned he and Liv had lived in a village on the fringe of northeastern Mossflower before it was attacked by vermin wearing hooded cloaks. He had no recollection of this, having been told the village's fate by Liv. After finding and adopting Lillee, they made their way south towards the Abbey. Trey mentioned he had never heard of Redwall, though Liv had said it was the safest place for them.

The young ottermaid pushed the tragic thoughts from her mind and focused on the meal. She would need the nourishment as it was to be another busy day at the Abbey.

At the top of the spiral staircase, hidden from view, a large male raven watched the Redwallers. He had silently followed the two otters from Great Hall to Cavern Hole, careful not to make any noise that would give away his position. He took note of their numbers and species, ruffled his black feathers gleefully, and launched himself into the air. He had much news to tell his master, especially of his findings in the big hall. Exiting from an open window in Great Hall, he flew over the Abbey's north wall and vanished into the thickness of Mossflower Woods.