Captain Goldmar the Slayer was thrilled. They had spotted land. It loomed up ahead of them. They could see the lush green forests of Mossflower Woods. Birds were soaring overhead. They would reach the land by midday. After that, they could get their treasure, and Goldmar coul retire to the peace and tranquility of the land. Goldmar seen smoke rising from the treetops. Somebeast was obviously out there. Whoever they were, they weren't real careful.

Goldmar swigged his grog, then turning to his crew, he pointed at the smoke. "Make for there. Obviously somebeast is out there. We could see if they know anything about the treasure!" The crew paddled furiously. They were eager to get to land. They wanted to see the treasure as much as their captain did. At full speed, they were headed to lanMidday found the hot sun beating down mercilessly upon the backs of many tired vermin. They had hauled the might ship ashore and hidden her among some dense leafy foilage. Goldmar led a trek up the beach. The sand was hot beneath their paws. The vermin were tired an weary. Their captain led them on, only wanting his treasure. He would certainly be pleased when he obtained it. As Goldmar and the crew went onwards, they heard voices.

"Oi say! That's a fine blade that'un. Where'd ye git it?" said an old, hoarse voice. There was a brief moment of silence. Soon another voice spoke up.

"I found et by the woodlands, I did. Somebeast must've dropped it." Goldmar took a few steps forward. He could see two shrews, one was elderly, and one was quite young. He spied the sword. It had a light blue pommel stone, in the shape of a star, before meeting up to the cross-hilt. It's guard was simply quillons. It was double-edged. He turned back to his crew.

"Listen, youse lot! Thers two shrews out there, both of 'em looking as if they couldn't fight. When I give the signal, we charge them." He peered back around the corner. The old shrew was holding the blade carefully, carressing the flat of the blade. He and the younger shrew began to walk off. Goldmar looked back at his crew, and gave them the signal.

Wefta, the younger shrew, turned around. Various types of sea vermin were charging after them. He screamed at the old one to hurry up his pace. The lead vermin runners were catching up fast. The old one tripped and fell, vermin pouncing on him. Wefta had no choice, he ran on all fours with all his might. He was fast, but the arrow was faster. It went straight through his back, near the shoulder blade, piercing his heart. Mangepaw lowered the long bow that the arrow had been shot from. He had very keen eyesight, and this was what caused him to see the dust on the far side of the plains that they were in. He shouted a retreat. Goldmar backed up his desicion, and they headed back to the beach. They hid in on their concealed ship. They heard screams of horror and viscious war cries piercing the air.

"Logalogalogalooooog! I will avenge the deaths of Wefta and Gruth! I swear it on my affydavit I will!" Soon the shouting stopped and they could hear paws thrumming towards the beach. It was as if an earthquake were happening. They watched as hundreds of shrews ran past. They stayed hidden for atleast another hour.

It was early evening when the crew emerged. They tredd past the spot where Wefta had been slain. Goldmar had managed to take the shrew's sword before the army passed. He looked at it admiringly. In the distance he could see the very edge of Mossflower Woods. There Goldmar called a halt. They camped in a damp cave, lighting a small fire to illuminate their surroundings. Stalagtites hung from the ceiling. The noise of a small stream gurgled farther back in the cave. Golmar called Rangsear and Intrega to his side. He gave orders for the vermin to scout ahead. They conversed as they made their journey.

"Wonder if'n any other beast lives 'ere. 'Tis a pretty massive dwelling." He looked at the light his firefly lantern gave off.

"Aye, my thoughts exactly. There is a stream in 'ere, 'tis very possible." As Intrega finished his sentence, the rushing of the water grew closer and louder. It became so loud that the two vermin could barely here eachother. Rangsear, who was ahead of Intrega, stopped dead in his tracks. It was no stream that they had heard, it was a waterfall.

"Would yer look at that, matey. 'Tis a waterfall." Intrega nodded back to the mouth of the cave.

"Best 'ead back that way, cully. Ain't nuthin' fer us up here." The vermin walked back to give their report. Rangsear was now following in the rear. Intrega jumped as the light went out sharply.

"Matey, what's happened. Matey?" Rangsear came stumbling up, and arrow in his back, just barely visible to see. He fell to the ground with a crash. Intrega ran for his life. The damp cave floors were slippery, though. The stoat slipped and fell headfirst on a sharp stalagmite. The vermin would never come back and give their report. That left Goldmar and his crew vulnerable to whatever was out there.

It was night time now. The two animals had not made it back yet. Goldmar knew there was something wrong. If they didn't show up by dawn, he would have to send out more vermin to find them. Most of his vermin were already stretched out everywhere on the cave floor. Many were asleep, and some were almost there. Goldmar stifled a yawn. He checked to make sure his two sentries were awake. He then lay down himself. He was soon asleep.

Dawn broke over the land in shining pink sunrays. Goldmar awoke and aroused his crew. He looked around for the missing beasts Intrega and Rangsear. They were nowhere to be found. He sent out the ferret Longfoot to find his ex-companions. The ferret came back half an hour later with his report.

"Cap'n, they're dead. Rangsear to an arrow in the back, and looks like Intrega fell on one of the stalagmites jutting out of the floor. Impelled 'em." The weasel captain looked grim at the news.

"Tell the crew to pack up and leave. We need to get out of 'ere and fast!" Longfoot saluted smartly and marched off. The crew were startled at the news, and everybeast hurried out of the cave readily. Goldmar followed in the rear. The walked into the wwodlands. They were unaware of a certain creature following them.

In the woodlands, vermin found vittles: apples, pears, plums, and berries. They dined on the meal while Goldmar had time to think of his next move. He called the seer over to him.

"Wroggle, do thee omens still be bad?" he asked. He looked at her ancient figure. She nodded.

"I've told ye, Goldmar the Slayer, there will be starvation among you and yer crew. I'd be wary." She stalked off mysteriously and sat under the shade of a vast, sprawling oak tree.

Goldmar got his crew up from their breakfast. He lined them up double file. He was determined to find the treasure today. He marched bodly through the woodlands with his vermin. They sung a marching ditty to pass the time.

"We will march, onward ever onward,

Headed to the gold horizon,

Yes, we'll march, ever onward,

Until our work is all done!

We will fight, we will slay,

No beast gets in our way,

Unless they won't to pay,

Hey!"

Their gruff voices carried on through the air. Birds flew from their posts in the trees. The vermin cheered eachother on. They marched on behind their captain in waiting eagerness. And so did the shrew who followed them.

Page.4

That is the end of chapter 2. It was a shorter chapter than what I expected but, I suppose it will be alright. Everyone, please read and review!