Redclaw

Chapter Three

Dewclaw was the first to wake. He sat up and yawned wide, before standing from the bed, his eyes not even open as he stretched again and immediately dropped down and started doing push-ups. However he stopped when he heard a giggle, and his eyes shot wide at the feminine tone it carried. He looked up and noticed a pair of female abbey mice going about setting clean, pressed clothes for his companions, setting them where their old tattered clothes had been.

Dewclaw then remembered that all he was wearing was a breechcloth that was usually worn under his trousers. Sighing, Dewclaw finished his set of twenty, then stood to his full height and shooting the females a look. The two broke into a fit of giggles and ran from the room, leaving the baskets of clothes behind. Dewclaw smirked as he turned back to his own clothes, which had been replaced by a white, long sleeved shirt, plain brown trousers, and simple sandals. He pulled the pants on first, and found they fit fairly well, if a little large. To fix this he simply pulled his belt on. Next he slid the shirt on, leaving it un-tucked. Finally he slid the sandals onto his footpaws, finding them not uncomfortable. He plucked up his bow and quiver of arrows before moving outside, politely declining food as he walked thru the Great hall.

"No thank you. I'm not hungry yet."

The light brown ferret moved off to the area where he and his friends had been sparring the day before. He noticed that someone had left a broken plank there and he smirked, before grabbing the larger piece and setting it against the far wall. Digging a small hole he set the end in the dirt and buried it, to keep it in place. Then he slid his quiver onto his back and plucked an arrow. Drawing the bow back he took a breath and sighted down the shaft, imagining a bull's eye. After a moment he released, and watched the arrow drive into the board. In his mind he relocated the bull's eye down a notch and drew again, repeating this until he had fired all of his arrows, leaving a line of twenty quivering shafts sticking out of the board.

Dewclaw didn't smile at this accomplishment, simply nodded, acknowledging that he had done it, before walking over and retrieving his arrows. Once his quiver was again full he started back towards the Great hall. As he passed the stand of apple tree though, he heard some odd grunting sounds. Curiosity getting the better of him he walked over. Pushing some low branches aside he saw a young mole babe, probably only a few seasons old, trying to reach a large red apple.

When the mole heard the branches move he looked up at Dewclaw and said, "Bur Aye! A ferrick!"

Dewclaw laughed, he'd never heard mole speech before. When he began to calm down he said, "Hello my little friend, are you having some trouble?"

The mole smiled at him and nodded, "Aye Zur! Moi muvver sent me to be collectin zum abbles for the brekkist table. But'n Oi can't reach!"

Dewclaw chuckled, "Well how about I help you then? How many do you need?"

After they had picked a small basket the mole babe, who's name was Goby, said, "This'n shud do noicely zur. Thankee very much."

Dewclaw chuckled as the Dibbun tried to carry the basket, which had to weigh nearly as much as he did, until Dewclaw scooped them both up, setting young Goby onto of his shoulders while holding the basket at his side, "Well since I haven't had breakfast yet either, why don't I just help you with that?"

The Dibbun was only up there for a moment before he said, "Uh-oh. Arrers."

Dewclaw nodded, "That's right arrows. And you should leave those alone so you don't hurt one of us. Alright Goby?"

The mole held onto Dewclaw's head as they walked thru the Great Hall doors. As he handed the basket to an abbey mouse who came over Dewclaw asked, "Alright Goby, where's your mother at?"

The mole babe released one of Dewclaw's paws pointed across the room, "Over there."

Dewclaw reclaimed the loose paw and walked towards a female mole in a brown frock that was almost as dark as her fur, a deep chocolate brown. Dewclaw stepped up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.

When she turned around he said, "Is this yours Ma'am."

The mole wife giggled and nodded, "Yezzur him is", she reached up and gently untangled her giggling child from his head, "I'm opin' that he bain't been causin' no trouble."

Dewclaw shook his head, "No trouble at all Mrs…?"

"Urthrose Spriggan."

Dewclaw shook her paw, "Nice to meet you Ma'am", then he shook young Goby's paw, "It was nice to meet you too Goby."

The young mole smiled and said, "Bait Miztur Dewclawz! Can I bees ur friend?"

Dewclaw smiled, "Sure. I can always use more friends", he patted Goby on his small shoulder, "If we're going to be friends, then call me Dewie."

The ferret then moved to sit by his other comrades, all of which were grouped together near one end of the large table. He sat down just as Erin stood up, the fox walking past at a leisurely pace, heading towards the stairs. About halfway to the infirmary he was passed by Sister Withe, who was practically running down the stairs. Erin's first thought was that something was wrong and he bounded up the stairs as quickly as he could. He practically smashed in the infirmary door, which jolted Redclaw awake.

"What the hell!"

The ferret fell to the floor with a thud and a groan before Erin came over and helped him up, saying, "What's wrong? What happened? Is one of the others hurt?"

Red snapped his claws to get his attention and said, "I don't know. I was asleep until you came barging in! And…wait."

Red had just realized he shouldn't have been able to snap with his gloves on. He looked down and saw his red stained paws and his blood ran cold, "Get the others together. Tell them we have to leave now."

Erin nodded and turned towards the door, to see it was blocked by Sunflash, who had a none too happy look on his face. The badger was joined by Skipped, Cap, and a big rabbit, whom Erin hadn't met yet. And also, in front of them all, was Abbess Byrony. Each of them had their arms crossed and were staring right at Redclaw, who's eyes were fixed on the Abbess. The mouse stepped into the infirmary and walked right past Erin, her eyes traveling over the ferret. He was still garbed in his black pants from the day before, but his boots had been removed and his tunic was long gone.

As her eyes met Red's she said, "Veil."

Redclaw flinched as if he'd been slapped in the face, "Byrony."

The hare was suddenly standing beside the mouse, an accusing finger jabbing into Redclaw's chest, "That's Abbess Byrony to you, you blighter."

Erin tried to step in the middle, but Redclaw shook his head, "Erin follow my orders. Gather the others. I believe our welcome's worn out."

The fox started to say something, but wound up nodding and leaving the room. Byrony gestured to Red's paws and said, "Redclaw. I'm surprised it didn't click immediately."

Redclaw clasped his paws together and muttered, "I know I'm not welcome here. I never will be again, not after what I've done. I poisoned poor Sister Myrtle, tried to kill Sister Withe. I betrayed your trust on more occasions then I can count", he was quiet for a moment, "I am happy you're alive though", he scoffed and sat on the bed, "I remember thinking, as it all faded to black, that all I'd done was by you a few seconds to run", he looked up at Sunflash, "I take it you saved her, right?"

The badger nodded and Byrony said, "Where have you been though? When Sunflash, Togget, and I left we were the only ones living on that rock."

Redclaw wiped his nose, finding it running and tears in his eyes for the first time in ten seasons, "The rat Lefty. He was a deserter from Swartt's hoard who just happened to be in the area. He found me after you left. I was barely alive and he nursed me back to health…him and Erin's mother Vina", this earned a slightly surprised look from the others, causing Red to chuckle, "Yeah that old scoundrel had found himself a quiet little nook to grow old in, just like he wanted. I think he even started to fall for the old vixen, I know she was smitten with him. And for four seasons life was good, I got back on my feet, with a new appreciation for life, a new family. One that wasn't bigoted against me for being a ferret. Then, late in our fourth season together, the rats came. A small group, maybe a dozen, but Lefty was all alone, and Erin and I didn't know how to fight yet. So Lefty told us to run.

We ran out the back door. Erin tripped and fell, hurting his leg so Vina picked him up to run. I was right behind her when the arrow hit her between the shoulder blades", he sniffed and wiped his eyes, "She was dead before she hit the ground. Lefty grabbed Erin and ran into the brush where we hid. Those rats ate her, burned the den. Left us homeless again", he looked up at Byrony, "Vina was a lot like you. Kind, gentle, wouldn't hurt a fly. She was a wonderful mother to Erin, and a good step-mother to me."

He was laughing, and laughing hard, "Look at me! Haha! C-crying just like the spoiled brat I was back then. Being faced by another angry group intent on wringing my neck, Hahaha, and the only reason they aren't doing just that is the fact that you're standing in the way! Haha!"

He slowly settled down and regained his composure, "I'm not going to ask you to forgive me, because I know you can't", he looked at Bryony specifically, "I'm just asking that you don't hate me, for being a stupid child, for making a foolish choice which killed someone who didn't deserve it in a million seasons."

Byrony surprised him by smiling gently. She then leaned forwards and kissed him on the forehead, "Did you forget? I raised you from a babe and taught you as well as I could. I thought you died to save me on that rock. I could never hate you Veil", she slipped her arms around his neck and hugged him gently, " You are my son and I love you."

The ferret was, needless to say, dumbstruck. So much so that he couldn't move. He simply sat there, his jaw open and working up and down like a fish out of water, until finally it sunk in and he hugged her back, but only with his good left arm. That was still sufficient for him to stand up and completely lift her from the ground with a surprised, and very un-lady-like shout, "Veil! Put me down right now!"

The ferret turned and plopped her on the bed before stepping back, a wide smile on his face, "I'm so relieved! I thought you hated me for what I'd done."

Then the hare spoke up again, "Well I can't say I haven't had my reservations about you old boy. But if The Abbess here is willing to forgive you, then by jolly I will too!"

He clapped Red soundly on the back, drawing a low groan of pain from the ferret.

"Oh dear! That's jolly well my fault old bean. No hard feelings wot?"

Redclaw gave the hare a very angry look, "Y'know? I seem to recall you kicking me in the head all those seasons ago. Knocked me out cold", he smacked the hare on the back just as hard as he was and smiled, "Thanks for that. If you hadn't knocked me out I might've done something even more stupid."

The hare laughed loudly, "Ha ha! No problem old chap. Happy to help."

It was then that they heard a loud, "Hmph!"

Turning towards the door they saw Sister Withe standing there, footpaw tapping with her arms crossed, and an angry look about her face, "So I suppose you're just going to forgive him again eh? Just let him come back and stay again, just because he says he sorry?"

Byrony shook her head, "No, Withe. I'm simply listening to him, and telling him I forgive him", she patted Red…Veil's, paw, "If he is to stay he's going to have to convince more than just me. Meriam, Bella, Sister Myrtle, and yourself. He's already earned the trust of Skipper and his clan just by association with Erin. And I'm sure the Spriggans will back him for knowing Mr. Dewclaw, and by extension The Foremole. Not to mention Samuel and Elizabeth Fieldmouse, whom he helped in their time's of need."

The abbess stood to her full height, "I think he truly has changed for the better."

Veil stood and lifted his good paw, "Sister Withe, I understand your concern. I was a horrible little monster. But my time outside these walls has taught me the error of my ways", he looked at Byrony, "That being said, I don't plan on staying long."

Byrony gave him a confused look and said, "What?"

Veil smiled and settled his good paw on her shoulder, "I can't, it wouldn't feel right. This place just isn't my world anymore", he walked over to the window and looked out at the sprawling trees, "Out there is where I'm needed. I'm sure it will be many seasons before I decide to even try and come back."

He looked back at the small group, at Byrony, "I truly do appreciate everything you've done for me mother, I really do, but my work is still not done. My friends and I will stay only for a few days, just until I get back to full strength", he looked over at Withe, "If you do not wish to treat me I understand. My friends will be able to look after my wounds."

Withe was silent for a moment before saying, "Far be it from me to turn out an injured beast, weather I agree with them or not", she pointed at the ferret, "But don't think this means I'll forgive you. My trust is not so easily repaired."

Veil nodded, "Of course not", he then sat down on his bed and laid down on his side, wincing as it put pressure on his bad shoulder, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to cut this short, but I'm very tired. May we continue this discussion later?"

Byrony nodded, "Of course", she then turned to Sunflash, Jodd, and Skipper and waved them out of the room, leaving just Sister Withe with Veil. The mouse walked up behind him and said, "Hold still I have to check this", she peeled back the once white fabric and said, "Looks like you'll be leaving us in about two weeks", she unraveled the bandage and replaced the pad and herbs, before binding it with a fresh wrap, "There you go."

Veil sat up and tested his shoulder, hissing immediately as it flared with pain. When it subsided he asked, "So how long till I can leave the abbey?"

Sister Withe gave him a look, "Did you not hear me? I said two weeks, so I meant two weeks. That bandage will need daily changing and it would be horribly inconvenient to try and do that in the wild", she picked up another wrap and said, "If you insist on moving about , then bind your arm to your chest with this, to keep your shoulder still."

Veil took a deep breath and let it out slow, "Fine", he held out his paw, "Show me how it's done, so that I can alert my comrades to the delay."

Sister Withe snorted as she began to bind his arm, "Delay? Do you have somewhere you need to be?"

Veil nodded, "We need to leave this region before the snow falls, as we've no solid shelter to protect us thru winter. We have yet to attempt a winter here, but I feel it would end with most of us dead."

Withe nodded, "Well I hope you get lucky", she finished the bind and said, "There. That will hold for a few hours. Would you like some help finishing to dress?"

Veil shook his head and easily pulled the white tunic over his head, sliding his free arm into the appropriate sleeve. He reached down and quickly slipped the sandals onto his footpaws. He looked up at the Sister, but she'd left, so he left the room as well, closing the door behind him. As he descended the stairs he felt suddenly self-conscious, for he knew his blood red paw stuck out against the white of his new shirt.

When he entered The Great Hall breakfast was almost over, most having left or were busy taking dishes to the kitchen. He spotted he group sitting at one end of the table, relaxing and laughing with several otters. Veil plopped down next to Dewclaw who did a double take as he noticed the empty sleeve, "Great Seasons! She cut your arm off!"

Veil chuckled, "No. It's tied to my chest to keep it still."

The other ferret let out a relieved sigh as the others let out a chuckle, "Oh good. So how long 'til we leave?"

Veil sighed and rubbed his face, "Two weeks, maybe a little more", he poured himself a glass of water and took a drink.

Dewclaw shook his head, "Two weeks? I thought you weren't welcome here?"

Veil shrugged, "Sister Withe has agreed to treat me. And who knows, I may patch things up here. Either way We're still leaving once I'm back to normal, provided winter comes late."

The others nodded in agreement before introducing their leader to their otter companions…